The Ladybug Hat

is live on Ravelry!

If you're wondering why my nails are blue

it's not an oxygen problem, it's the results of persistently forgetting to put my gloves on while we dyed with indigo!

3 fellow Ravelers came over to my house today and we dyed up a storm as I showed them the basics of natural dyeing; here's what I ended up with at the end:

and look, my sheep have emerged and the bunnies are emerging now!

Let it be known...

That having spun 3 ply Dorset sock yarn and some 2 ply too,

(both photos are of the 3 ply)

and having dyed some yarn in carrot tops and plantain leaves, and some more in black bean water (photos to come soon) and mordanted up a storm for some dyeing this weekend.

And having cast on the first of Tirtze's long-promised slippers

I have also swatched

and cast on (with a proper tubular cast on no less) my sweater!

All this amidst the joy and chaos which have been the start of the Fall 2009 term for the Ravelry Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup, in which I am now Hufflepuff Head of House and Herbology Assistant Professor. Plus a secret project in progress for someone.

CMOT Dibbler Swap

Yes, over at the Ankh-Morpork Knitters' Guild on Ravelry, we held a CMOT Dibbler themed mini swap (and if you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's all related to Terry Pratchett's series of Discworld books, internationally beloved and snorted about).  My gift from my upstream:

Yes, you see it right:  rat-onna-stick and meat-inna-bun-onna-stick (cleverly disguised as two pairs of home-decorated size 7 knitting needles); meat-inna-bun stitch markers; and some finishing needles.

The funniest thing was that I joked to Jeffrey that there was no way Kayla would ever want to borrow the rat knitting needles; instead of the expected reaction, though, what we got from her was cooing over all of it with an insistence that I have to make a robe for one of the rats and turn it into The Grim Squeaker (aka The Death of Rats, another Discworld character).

Beach babies and a Yarnapalooza

We're back from a few days at Bethany Beach, where we hung out on the sea shore, ate ice cream, rode bikes, walked, and generally chilled out.  A great and wet time was had by all.

Meanwhile, Sachy has left for Camp Simcha.  He'll be back in 2 weeks.

We came back to find this:

Something like 10 pounds of yarn for charity afghans, courtesy of Ravelry member XenaBob!  I've already told Robin M. who coordinates the charity afghan group here, and I'll be distributing the yarn to everyone who is working on granny squares for the blankets.  Thanks again, XB!

Patterns up on Ravelry

The response for the two sock patterns has been huge and gratifying.  I hope everyone who does try knitting the patterns enjoys them.  Please know that both patterns are now available as free downloads on Ravelry as well as being available here.

Fiber Optic Socks on Ravelry

Which Way is Which Socks on Ravelry

These are the exact same patterns I've been sending people, it's just that if you're a Ravelry member you can download them yourself there now or at any time rather than waiting for me to send you an email with attachments.

I'm always happy to send the files, too, though, whether or not you're a Ravelry member.  I just wanted to be able to offer people this option.