I've got a lot to show you!

Summer is here! Lets celebrate!

Yesterday was the perfect day for me. Home alone, dogs by my feet, no cleaning or other stuff to do, but a visit to the library (the post office as well, I was late sending off the books). Anyway, the temperatures were exactly as I like them, with a little stir in the air. Heaven! The doggies tired at my feet, as I was sitting on the balcony, knitting and now and again, looking at the wet ugly roving hanging off the laundry stand. I had some fresh brewed tea and the phone within reach, with knitting in my hands. Does that sound like a vacation day to you? Well it is for me. And ... Let me tell you that wet roving looks nothing like dry roving! At first I thought I've ruined it, but after a day in the sun, plus a steady breeze the roving buffed up and surprised the hell out of me! Both are Corriedale, 4 oz each. The one on top was actually the second one I dyed. I put black and fire red with a dash of yellow in the pot and stirred. In came the (not pre-soaked) roving, gently pushed under. I don't know if you can see that there are some really dark, black places and some lighter ones. I ADORE almost solid colors. This will be a joy to spin. The color is nothing I would choose if I'm on the lookout to buy painted roving, but since I'm dabbling, it's O.K. I'm thinking this might be a pair of socks, with black heels and toes some day.

Below was my first try, but I put the roving in first and sprinkled some color on. Let's say the outcome is exactly as I wanted (but I'm lying). ;o) This will be interesting to spin. Can't wait to see how this turns out. Since my fear, that I had screwed this up, was not confirmed, I will continue to cook up some other colors. I've still got some white roving, possible Corriedale as well in my box. It's also the perfect weather for dyeing.


Isn't my "Golden Rod" BFL single lovely? I'm loving it of course, such nice colors. It's waiting for it's mate, so they can entangle tightly to become gorgeous yarn. It's a full bobbin with over 3oz. I've got big plans for it! ;o)

# 31-40

and

# 32-40
I like both of these squares. And the best part? Only 8 more to go! Yeah!

And now, I do apologize for being such a baby and getting all whiny about this cardigan. After finishing up the squares for this week, I decided to suck it up and be a grown up. The left front was already at the armhole, so I finished that too. Now there are 2 sleeves left. They are 3/4 sleeves, that's good news. I will finish this as soon as possible, so I can enjoy knitting again. The stitch pattern is already imprinted on my brain. I can do it in my sleep, but I hope not. Although that would be kind of nice, waking up one morning to find it done. ;o) The third skein of the Louet yarn was flawless, no knots or weird parts whatsoever.

edited: I've updated the Readers Gallery. New Sakura shawl to be seen!