yarn shop girl

Sad News

2011-11-26T14:44:00.003-05:00

Yes it has been far too long again.

My beautiful shining light, the love of my life, the most amazing person that anyone could have had the privilege of knowing, flew away to heaven on January 30th 2011. I have a most broken heart. I will miss my Claire all the days of my life.

what can i say?

2009-01-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

ummmm, okay,well,uh,so, hello. 2009 allready and lots to catch up on. i think i'll take baby steps though and go slow. on my mind lately is the upcoming back surgery for little one. i've been putting it off for far too long and it's time to get it done.

some blog break!

2008-01-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

JUNE?!? wow how time flies! well it's the start of a new year and with that, resolutions. I am going to try to blog once a week. there i said it. wish me luck.

unintended blog break

2007-06-30T23:14:00.000-04:00

i always have good intentions about blogging regularly but somehow life just flashes by......... I did manage to get my etsy shop up yesterday, finally, woooohoooo!!

www.taraspins.etsy.com

i still can't figure out how to put the link in the sidebar so any help will be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

Fabric love

2007-06-01T18:14:00.000-04:00

oh superbuzzy how I love thee!!!!!! these fabrics are way too cute. I've been making Little One some shirts for the summer and wanted something different, these fit the bill. I'm having so much fun!

Thank you SP10!!!

2007-05-25T22:25:00.001-04:00

Wow Pal! I must say that you hit the nail on the head as far as knowing what I like!The sock pattern and yarn are perfect, perfect I say!! Love the notebook and the chews, oh the chews.....................gone already.

Drive By Blogging

2007-05-16T09:25:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to check in. Lots going on around here! The shop is moving to bigger digs, MUCH bigger! The new space is just up the road a piece,is bright and airy and is over 3 times bigger. I am more than excited!!

my sockret pal rocks!!

2007-05-02T15:11:00.000-04:00

Thank You Malin in Sweden!!! I must say that was an awesome package! I looooove the socks, they are so beautiful! The bag is great, the yarn is fabulous and the candy, welllllllll, the candy is nirvana! My very all time favorite. Thank you so much Malin that was the best package ever!!

a few of my favorite things

2007-04-05T07:31:00.000-04:00

Shae took this picture of herself and Gracie. I think it says it all!

Holy Mother

2007-03-28T20:57:00.000-04:00

Our Lady Of Guadalupe in seed beads!! this was a gift for my friend Nancy for her last 3 birthdays. Yes it took me foooorever. It is more beautiful than I imagined. It's a pouch made with delica beads, lapis lazuli,moonstone, 22 and 24 k gold beads . I used an Ann Paxton design. These pictures don't capture the true colors or feel of this piece. I'm very pleased with the results!

making beads

2007-03-26T23:07:00.000-04:00

Molten glass is fun! I took a lampwork bead class in Saratoga with some friends and I am addicted! There is so much to learn about this medium that it could take a lifetime of doing. I had a magical weekend, learning, going to a bead shop, a knitting shop, eating Thai food and going back to Nancy's house for a fabulous dinner made by her fabulous hubby! A respite and a refuge. Waking up to homemade cinnamon buns was icing on the cake.Life is good.

secret pal 10 questionaire

2007-03-08T15:53:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love natural fibers

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don't like acrylic

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have several knitting bags with different projects in them
so each bag holds a few and then I have the rest displayed in old ceramic canisters

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I've been knitting since I was about 10, my Grandmother taught me

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
advanced, but there is always more to learn!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
no

5. What's your favorite scent?
rose, patchouli,lilac,lavender

6. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Y.E.S.!!!!

Favorite candy?
it's a Swedish candy,dark chocolate covered marzipan! But dark chocolate is always good!! I also love "bottle caps" they're hard to find

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Sew,quilt,bead

Do you spin?
I'd have to say that spinning is my favorite thing to do

8. What kind of music do you like?
Folk

Can your computer/stereo play MP3s?
I dont't know :{

9. What's your favorite color(s)?
green,purple,orange , a really like all colors!

Any colors you just can't stand?
I don't like bright colors mixed with black, on their own they are fine

10. What is your family situation?
married 21 years, 2 daughters 19 and 8 . my 8 year old has Rett syndrome and is now in a wheelchair. Please read more about Rett at one of the web sites posted at the top of my blog.

Do you have any pets?
2 cats and 2 dogs

Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
all of the above

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I love designing and making kid stuff

13. What are you knitting right now?
2 sweaters, 3 pairs of socks, a bag

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
absolutely!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
circs

Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
any , I like unusual or vintage knitting items

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yes both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I refuse to answer on the grounds that it might incriminate me

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Easter or Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
vintage knitting stuff, small wooden boxes

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
anything old or vintage, funky and funny having to do with knitting

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
spinoff, knitters,knits

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I love learning new ways of doing things!

22. Are you a sock knitter?
yes

What are your foot measurements?
9.5 x 9.5

23. When is your birthday?
March 31

more noro love

2007-03-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

I can't get enough of noro! it's probably just a phase ,the need for color this time of year. I just started a new sweater for little one out of gorgeous steadfast fibers. I'm gonna try to submit the pattern so I probably shouldn't show it yet. Let's just say that it is colorful and fun!!

It's all in the bag

2007-03-03T22:53:00.000-05:00

I made these bags for my "pals" I hope they like them! I used some Kaffe Fassett fabric and lined them with a quilted fabric to give them more stability. My friend and I have been making these bags for the shop I hope to get them in my etsy shop when it gets going.

a little sewing

2007-02-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

I picked up this fabric at Purl an have been fondling it ever since. I think it will be a messenger bag. I'll embellish it with those felt flowers and some beading. FUN!!!!

Sweater of many colors

2007-02-24T23:06:00.000-05:00

Little one's sweater of many colors! She needed a sweater that would be comfortable for her to wear in her wheelchair, that meant short. I'm in Noro love! The colors are bright and happy and go with everything she wears. It took me 8 days from design to completion, not bad for pokey me.

Little One

2007-02-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

more socks for the shop! I haven't posted in a while but i have been busy! little one was sick again. we have to be so careful about respiratory stuff because she gets pneumonia so easily. so it's been a few sleepless nights and lots of prayers. i designed a sweater for her to wear in her wheelchair, i'll post pics and particulars tomorrow.

Thanks to my pals!!!

2007-01-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting to have some pictures to post to thank my pals for their awesome packages but I don't know when that will be so .....

Thank you secret pal 9!!!!! My pal was the wonderful splinderella, how lucky I am! She spoiled me with fiber, yarn, chocolates , a beautiful wooden box, a great red suede journal and more. Thank you so much! I had a great time with this swap.

Thank you sockret pal! I received a package from the loopy ewe from my pal. It had 2 skeins of Claudia handpaints, a cute little book to keep track of things like needle inventory, favorite yarns etc., and some chocolate kisses. I can't wait to start a pair of socks for myself with that bee-u-tee-ful yarn!!!Thank you my pal!

Quick post

2006-12-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

it's been busy around here! here are some earrings that I made for the shop, so much fun!!

Tack!

2006-11-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

I recieved my sockret pal package the other day , and boy what a package it is! It came all the way from Sweden, my favorite place on earth!Here's what was in the box , all wrapped up and looking so pretty
a ball of trekking in purples,love it
a ball of red yarn perfect for socks for little one
2 addi turbos also perfect for the socks
a needle gauge for the addis, I needed that
dark chocolate , can you say nirvana?
3 gorgeous stitch markers
2 knitted stars, they'll be on the tree
2 packages of chocolate sprinkles(I think)
Cocoa butter lotion ,just perfect for this time of year
Thank you so much my pal you're "the bomb"!
Tack sa mycket!

late post

2006-11-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

I was having some trouble uploading these pics when my fabulous secretpal9 package arrived. I have a great pal! She sent some awesome fiber to spin,silk hankies,merino in a beautiful color and linen(flax)!!!! Dark chocolate truffles in a felted bowl made just for me just sweetened the deal! Thank you Pal!

more fo's

2006-10-28T01:16:00.000-04:00

Just another pair of socks for the shop.
Rhinebeck was great as always! Saturday was beautiful, perfect weather for the festival. It was definetely more crowded than in years past. My little one hasn't been feeling very well lately, there's been trips to the hospital and doctors but she's a trooper! She seems to be on the mend.

A meme from Shelby

2006-10-16T16:35:00.000-04:00

List your favorite:

Actor - Paul Newman
Actress -Julia Roberts ,she has been a great supporter of Rett Syndrome funding
Animal - Cat
Band -Van Morrison
Book -I like non fiction
Bubble Bath - lavender
Candy - It's actually a candy I had in Sweden I can't remember the name but its dark chocolate covered marzipan
Color -green,purple,orange, autumn colors
Drink- it's called a "20 below"
Flower -lily of the valley
Food - Swedish
Lip Balm -kiehl's
Lotion -rose or patchouli
Movie -wizard of oz
Place-home
Song - Brown Eyed Girl
TV Show - right now it's Nip Tuck
Yarn-frog tree alpaca
Vacation Spot - Sweden! I'll be going back in June 2007

Secret Pal 9 questions

2006-10-02T21:56:00.000-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love natural fibers. I don’t really like knitting with straight cotton. I don’t like to wear acrylic, it makes me sweat!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have them displayed in old counter canisters, you know the kind that were made to hold flour and sugar.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting since I was about 8 years old. My grandmother taught me. I considered myself an intermediate knitter but I was told that I’m an experienced knitter so I’ll go with that!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Putting one together at amazon

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I love natural scents like rose, lavender, lilac, patchouli. I’m not into sweet or sugary scents

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I can eat dark chocolate for breakfast lunch and dinner! My favorite non-chocolate candy is something called “bottle caps”

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Spinning is my first love. I enjoy beading, jewelry making , dyeing and sewing

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Van Morrison is my fav. I also like the new folk music like Keb Mo ,Lucy Kaplansy, Eric Bibb, etc.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like earthy colors. Browns, greens, rust reds. I also like purples. I am not fond of black and yellow or black and red or pretty much any bright color mixed with just black.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married with 2 girls, 18 and 8. My youngest has Rett syndrome. We have 2 cats and 2 dogs.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Hats and mittens sometimes scarves

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Kids stuff

13. What are you knitting right now?
Too many projects!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yup

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I usually use circulars for most projects. I love vintage and old knitting stuff!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yup

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Wow….about 8 years old

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas Eve

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Small wooden boxes

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Regia Canadian colors are very hard to find around here.
I get Spinoff , Knits, and Knitters magazines

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Always!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes. Toe to heel 9.5 inches. Around at the ball of my foot 9.5 inches.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
March 31

2006-10-01T17:02:00.000-04:00

Another FO. Knitting pure and simple neck down v neck. I used Madil Iceland I really love the color. The felted flower pin was made by my friend Nancy,she calls them "humbugs".

2006-09-30T22:39:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd start to post some finished projects. This was done in Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran. I used a silver creek classic pattern.

sockret pal questions

2006-09-26T21:42:00.000-04:00

I started knitting with my grandmother when I was about 8 years old
I consider myself an intermediate knitter
I wear a size 9 (US) shoe my foot is verrry wide
My favorite colors are greens and purples I also like earthy colors
I like both variegated and solid colors
I love to knit with natural fibers but I’m not too fond of straight cotton
My favorite yarn vendor is Frog Tree Alpaca they are a great company
My dislikes are few…I’m not a fan of red and black together or any other bright color with black. Acrylic makes me sweat (not good)
I use all types of knitting tools! My favorites are my Grandmas vintage needles! I really love old knitting stuff!
I don’t have a wish list yet but I’ll be making one at amazon
I Love sweet! Dark chocolate is my very favorite
I have no true allergies but don’t like cigarette smoke
My favorite scents are mostly natural, rose,patchouli,lavender, anything “woodsy”
I do collect small wooden boxes any shape but must be made of wood
My birthday is March 31
I love to spin!! I’ve been spinning for 15 years and it is my favorite thing to do!
I also like to dye I’ve done both natural and chemical dyeing

My little angel

2006-09-16T14:23:00.000-04:00

This is my little one , she has Rett syndrome. She is pure joy, love and light! I am truly blessed to know her. For more info on Rett's go here http://www.rettsyndrome.org/

long summer.....

2006-09-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

It certainly has been awhile since I've checked in! Summer has been long and busy AND my computer died. Today is a new day and I plan on posting some fun stuff!

2006-06-21T21:46:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to post to this blog and nothing shows up.....so this is a test........

where are my posts?

2006-06-21T21:46:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to post to this blog and nothing shows up.....so this is a test........

The Graduate!

2006-06-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

my baby..................

They're Heeeeeere

2006-05-03T00:11:00.001-04:00

My socks have arrived! Thank you Jessie in San Francisco! They're great! Jessie wrote in her note that they will remind me of waves lapping at my ankles , which is so awesome because we just got back from San Francisco visiting my Uncle! And the Pacific ocean (my hubby is from Guam and couldn't wait to get in the water) Thanks Alison for putting together such a fun event!

Socks are sent!

2006-05-03T00:11:00.000-04:00

That was fun! These are now on their way to their new home far from Connecticut. I knit them on size 1 addi's. 2 socks on one circular (except for the heel)with Lorna's Lace's sock in the "sand ridge" color. Can't wait for sockapaloooza 4!

2006-02-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

I have picked out the yarn for my sockapaloooza pal! Lorna's laces shepherd sock in the color "sand ridge". I'm not usually a blue person but after checking out my pals blog I think she will like it. I have to go knit on the "orange sweater from hell" It's really not that bad it's just taking forever. I have one more sleeve to finish then I can frog the bottom and re knit it with slits ( to accommodate my ample booty)

2006-01-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

Tonight was our first "Knit Knite" at the shop. It was very nice. Barb brought her spinning wheel and spun some pretty funky stuff! I seem to have sooooo many WIP's that I feel stuck. I keep trying to finish things but then a new yarn or pattern comes along and..........

I've done it!

2006-01-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

I have finally entered "blogdom"!

I have alot to learn!

2006-01-15T20:11:00.000-05:00

I am really good with fiber, two sticks and some string and pretty much anything I can actually manipulate with my hands.The computer however is a challenge!