My Newest Addiction

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have become quite addicted to Ravelry. Almost to the point of forgetting about doing anything else productive.

What makes Ravelry so addictive you might ask? Well, it's a multi-layered answer. Of course there is the patterns database where there are literally thousands of free knitting and crochet patterns to choose from, and then there are the patterns that are created and sold right there on Ravelry! Normally I wouldn't really go for bought patterns, but when you see patters for things Herbivore and The Bee Keeper's Quilt for $6 or under? Yeah, I'm all over that stuff.

Herbivore by Stephen West

Speaking of those two patterns, it brings me to the next feature that I absolutely adore. My queue. Just as it sounds, it's a place where I can queue up all the projects I want to make and have them in one, pretty organized space. Once I get enough yarn for the project, Herbivore will definitely be on my knitting needles. 

Then there are the groups and forums! One in particular has stolen my heart. It's called the Karma Yarn Swap. The premise is fairly simple. You swap yarn, notions, patterns, finished objects, ect. It's amazing! I've already participated in a few swaps, resulting in one of my sashes finding a new and loving home! I also love everything that I've gotten in return for the swaps so far! 

Thinks like this: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

And This: Hand Painted Fleece Basic Sock

And this: Cherry Tree Hil Supersock Select

They're all so amazing! I have already finished a project with the alpaca yarn, and am currently working on something with the handpainted yarn. Once I find the camera, I'll post pictures so you all can see! 

This Week In Craft Land

My new workspace! I'm in love

Alrighty, time to show you inquisitive people what's been going on this week! There's quite a few projects that were warped (and finally finished), some great buys to help me later down the road, and some other projects as well! Well, what are you waiting for, come check it out!

Alright, first up, is a sash I wove with silk bamboo. I love how this piece turned out, and this is one I think I'm putting up in my Etsy store. Not sure though. Colors are Black/Burgundy/White. One of my favorite patterns to be sure.

Yeah, I definitely like this sash. The tassels on it are the longest I've done to date, and they're so cool. I will definitely have to make more like this. Although, I'll do different colors to keep it fun and fresh.  ^_^

Next, time for something I've never made before, and as such, makes me extremely proud that I could. I made a bag! And it's one that I sewed together all by myself! Hehe

Speaking of Sewing; I'm making a tunic with the help of Mistress Sine. It's going to be the same fabric as the bag above (in fact the bag is made from the scraps left over from the tunic) and some trim I've made! So, there's the trim I made to go around the collar and (if I calculated take-up correctly) the cuffs of the tunic. 

You can't really see the pattern 100% clearly, but I still really like it. I can't wait until it's on the tunic and ready to be shown off!

Now for something I've wanted for months. Like, around the time I joined the SCA. A ball winder. These little contraptions are amazing, and this makes some projects sooo much easier! Having a huge skein of yarn that I want to do something with is great, but when I need to seperate it out into smaller balls for other projects, things got annoying. This way, I can always have the amount of yarn I need, when I need it! Mwahaha! +_+

Oh, did I mention that I'm spinning? No? Well I am. And it's awesome. I recently recieved some wool/mohair that can be spun, and I'm thuroughly enjoying it. I love the colors, even though Etienne doesn't. hehe. It's a seafoam/peach mix, and I think it's going to make great yarn. Even better, now that I have a ball winder, I can put it into a center pull skein when I'm done spinning it! How awesome is that!?

Temptation Tuesday: Green With Envy

Edit: Oops! I accidentally forgot to hit Publish instead of saving this as a draft. ^_^;; Here it is a few hours late.

Eek! I almost forgot about TT! However, I shall prevail! This week I'm going green with my TT picks. Check them out! All of these items are from my Etsy Treasury list, Green With Envy. To see the rest of my treasury, click here!

If you love handmade leather journals like it do, Kreativlink is the shop for you! I want pretty much everything they have to sell. Man I need to win the lottery. *sigh*

Next is this beautiful lampwork bead keychain thing. I could so see myself using something like this for a Kumihimo weight. Stunning and simple. Check out DaisygatorDesigns for more beautiful items!

Now, now. What do we have here? Something I have decided I am going to make a bazillion of once I get a loom. These woven bags are awesome! Simple, stunning and the effect of a woven bag is hard to beat. Yeah, I am so jealous of The1919 for their woven items.

Finally is something I had to include. Hand-dyed, hand-spun yarn. I ADORE these colors. The teals, greens and sages are perfection. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find where Debland makes their fantastic yarns and........maybe add to my stash some more. Or just drool over their HUGE collection of yarns.