Fresh From the Cauldron, LLC.

FFtC Facebook Contest Entries

2012-01-31T21:07:00.009-05:00

Here are the amazing pics that were submitted to the Fresh From the Cauldron Facebook contest. The poll will open tomorrow and voting is open to the public. The poll will be listed here on the blog. Voting closes on February 6th. Winner gets their choice of one skein in any colorway. Happy Voting!

"Bella, Edward and the Great Wolf"

"A Little Wedding Sparkle"

"The Caribbean in the Canyon"

" 'Fall' For Me"

"Sense and Sensibility and Fonzie"

"We're Going Sailing"

"The Bean!"

"Edward Riding Jacob"

"Calm Before the 40+MPH Wind Gusts"

"San Francisco, Gateway to the Underworld"

"Alcide Visits the State Capitol Building"

"There is No Place as Exotic as a Child's Imagination"

"Remembering the Unsinkables"

2012-01-22T09:22:00.003-05:00

FFtC is hosting a new contest. Details can be found on the FFtC Facebook page. Post a picture of something you made exclusively with FFtC yarn, or a pic of a skein, for a chance to win a free skein in the colorway of your choice!

2012-01-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

Next shop update: January 23rd sometime between 3-5pm EST

2012-01-10T17:50:00.002-05:00

2012-01-10T17:30:00.006-05:00

2011-11-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

Shop Update scheduled for 1-1:30pm EDT 11-12-11.

Time Capsule

2011-11-10T22:12:00.008-05:00

Here's a look at past clubs and their respective colorways:

All Roads Lead to Rome

Inspired by the HBO series "Rome"

Mark Antony
Titus Pullo
Gaia
Servilia of the Junii
Gaius Octavian Ceasar
Lucius Vorenus
Eirene
Niobe
Julius Ceasar
Atia of the Julii

Socks of the Bard

Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare

Hamlet
Titus Andronicus
Macbeth
Midsummer Night's Dream
Othello
Merchant of Venice

Time Machine

Inspired by famous/notorious historical figures

Marie Antoinette
Ghengis Khan
Ezebet Bathory
Al Capone
Alexander the Great
Da Vinci
Elizabeth I
Bonnie Parker
Emperor Nero

Horrors of History; Torture Through the Ages

Inspired by historical torture devices, all OOAKs

The Halifax Gibbet
The Iron Maiden
The Rack
The Iron Boot
The Pear of Anguish
The Garrotte
Herectic's Fork
The Judas Pyramid
The Brazen Bull
The Scold's Bridel

The Home Stretch

2011-11-10T19:16:00.003-05:00

Blargh.... I have five more skeins left to dye for the Gradients update and my feet feel like bloody stumps. :P

Tomorrow will be a very long day re-skeining 50 hanks. Joy. This would never have been possible if not for Rae. Thank beer that she is here to help! Therefore... This update brought to you by the goddess Rae.

I'm very curious to see what the response will be to the gradients version of "PtRR". For those of you not familiar with this colorway (BWAHAHAHHAH!) "Painting the Roses Red" originally debuted as a graduate. Here is an awesome example of how it knits up.

photo credits: Hrvdmnky on Ravelry.

Gradients Progress

2011-11-04T12:08:00.006-04:00

I am finally able to start dyeing the gradients. I've been sick for the past week (compliments of my children, or as Gherkin would say, "belly fruit"). Because it was sinus and bronchial related, I abstained from dyeing as the chemical fumes would only exacerbate things. :/ Anyway, I have "Legion, For We Are Many" and"Jack-o-Lantern" dyeing up today. Originally, these colorways debuted as graduated, but I'm trying my hand at making a gradient version of them for the first November update. Gradients differ from graduates in the way that they are dyed and will therefore knit up differently. Also, the gradients are twin skeins in sock weight so that they can worked up as two matching pairs of projects, or combined and alternated to make a larger project. Below are two examples in other gradient colorways.

Here is an example of "Calypso", photo rights: LauraB on Ravelry:

And here is an example of "Darkness Falls", photo rights: Deianara-Crush on Ravelry

Mitts for Susan!

2011-10-31T12:41:00.002-04:00

Mitts for Susan
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

I was honored to have been commissioned to make a custom pair of fingerless mitts for cast member Susan Slaughter of the hit TV show "Ghost Hunters, International." Check out the recent episodes and let me know if you spot the mitts! :)

Black Orchid

2011-10-31T12:38:00.004-04:00

Black Orchid
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New Colorway inspired by the song of the same name by Blue October. This colorway is a gradient

Into the Ocean

2011-10-31T12:38:00.003-04:00

Into the Ocean
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New Colorway inspired by the song of the same name by Blue October. This colorway is a gradient

Heroes & Villains

2011-10-31T12:37:00.002-04:00

Heroes & Villains
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New Colorway. Bold and bright hues of violet and lime for this new edition of the Flotsam & Jetsam series

You'll Get Sand In Your Clam Basket (aka Clam Basket)

2011-10-31T12:36:00.002-04:00

You'll Get Sand In Your Clam Basket (aka Clam Basket)
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New Colorway! This colorway was created by Rae! Inspired by her words of advance on why NOT to have sex on the beach ;)

Ugly Side

2011-10-31T12:35:00.002-04:00

Ugly Side
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New Colorway: Ugly Side

Inspired by the Blue October song of the same name.

Happy Happy Joy Joy Self-Striping Colorway

2011-10-31T12:33:00.002-04:00

HHJJ
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New colorway:

Happy Happy Joy Joy. Inspired by the iconic cartoon: "Ren & Stimpy".

The Springwood Slasher (SS) MCN Sock

2011-10-31T12:31:00.002-04:00

The Springwood Slasher (SS) MCN Sock
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

New colorway!

"The Springwood Slasher" is the new Halloween colorway for 2011. Inspired by the character Freddy Krueger's sweater, it's a self-striping colorway in murky shades of olive and blood red.

Face Lift!

2011-10-31T12:07:00.004-04:00

Hi All,

So... in an act of procrastination and because I am riddled with the plague (thank you, offspring), I decided to revamp the blog. I am so crap at maintaining this thing, but I think if I can get Rae to help, then maybe this will change. ;)

I added some pages to the top. Not all pages are there yet; there will be more over time. But at this point, some basic and helpful info can be accessed more easily. Be sure to drop a comment and let me know what you think of the changes and what you would like to see added.

This year has been very very busy. My Mythos series took up a big part of the year with 1,250+ skeins dyed for the "armfuls" and "samplers". It was a great success thanks to all of my loyal clientele. I just finished the last batch and mailed them out last week.

Two other major events for Cauldron were the launch of the new shop and the addition of Rae to the FFtC team. FFtC is no longer on Etsy and has it's very own website. I am very happy with the new site. There are a few bugs that needed to be worked out and it's still not perfect, but on the whole, I think it's a success. And having Rae on the payroll to help out now has been a godsend. The shop's productivity has increased significantly and this would not have been able to happen without her.

Additionally, I was able carry out a successful club that was inspired by one of my all-time favorite movies: "The Princess Bride". The club was called "Inconceivable," and consisted of 8 colorways inspired by characters from the film dyed on the silk sock base, as well as coordinating patterns.

This summer, Dreaming Pickle Pot (a collab group consisting of the indie dyers: Dreams in Fiber, Gherkin's Bucket, and FFtC) launched our first annual club: Every Decade Has a Diva. Each installment is inspired by a historical figure that defied convention and thus acquired a form of "diva" status. The club started with 1900-1909 and will continue each year with three decades showcased at a time in chronological order. Our next installment will pick up where we left off with the '30s-'50s in July 2012. More info on this can be found on the In the Works page.

Gradients were also introduced this year. This is a new base/technique that features 2 matching skeins of fingering weight yarn that are dyed to progress from one hue to the next with no repeats. The next shop update will feature all gradients. The date of the next update is still TBD.

Finally, there have been several new colorways (excluding club colorways) that debuted this year. All of these colorways have been added to production and will become regular staples.

knitting

2011-02-17T13:58:00.001-05:00

knitting
Originally uploaded by squib stitcher

What's Happenin'?

2011-01-25T20:53:00.005-05:00

Lots of new, crazy and exciting things taking place for FFtC. :)

I am in the process of developing a new colorway series based on Greek Mythology and legends. As of now, there will be ten colorways to debut over the next couple of months on various fiber content bases and weights. The new series is called "Mythos". Five of the ten colorways have been created thus far:

Poseidon (Ποσειδῶν)

Medusa (Μέδουσα)

Ares (Άρης)

Hades (ᾍδης)

Artemis (Άρτεμις)

Additionally, I am working on two clubs. Taboo is a collaboration club with indie dyers Gherkin's Bucket, Dreamsinfiber, and myself. It is a yarn club featuring colorways and swag of mature content. FFtC is providing the February shipment. Sign-ups are closed for this club, but we will host a new club this summer called Every Decade Has a Diva. This second collaboration will be a 3 month club that features colorways inspired by women from each decade starting in the 1900s. It will renew itself at a date TBA to pick up with decades 1930-1950s.

The second club for 2011 is Inconceivable. This club is inspired by the classic film and novel, "The Princess Bride." Sign-ups will begin in March on the FFtC Ravelry group and an RNG will be run to draw spots as there is limited space available.

Furthermore, check the Etsy shop on the weekends for updates. Updates are random and unannounced to promote fairness. New colorways have debuted recently, and many old favorites (i.e. some vamp colorways) will be making a reappearance! You can catch a peak at some new colorways in my sold items on the Etsy shop, or on my Flickr.

Etsy Reopening

2009-08-18T20:22:00.005-04:00

Here are two new graduated colorways that will be debuting in October for my Etsy reopening:

Legion-For We Are Many (Inspired by the film "The Exorcist") and Jack O' Lantern

Also arriving in October:

* Aspen & Oak (self striping)

* Shunnnnnnn the Non-Believer

* various potlucks

* Indian Summer

* Malice (encore)

* Lemon Cookies (encore)

This and That

2009-08-10T08:38:00.007-04:00

Sorry that it's been so long since I've updated. I've been quite the busy bee! :) Currently, FFtC is busy dyeing away at club colorways. The two clubs running now are Vamp Sock Club 2009 (VSC term 1) and The Wizard of OZ yarn club. VSC has two months left and OZ runs through January 2010.

Because of the clubs, I have had my Etsy shop in vacation mode. However, I plan to reopen with new stock and new colorways this October! :D All the Twilight and True Blood inspired colorways will continue to be on temporary moratorium though until January first for club exclusivity. Anyone interested in a custom order for any of those yarns should PM me on my Etsy shop in January. Certain colorways will not be available though for order, those being the club exclusives: "The Volturi," "Debbie Pelt," and all Interview with the Vampire and Underworld inspired colorways.

Some additional exciting news is that I am in the planning stages of introducing a new series: "We're All Mad Here" (WAMH). This series is an Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass theme. Each colorway will be dyed on its prototype base and offered for general retail, and custom order, starting early next year. There will be some new and exciting bases and dye techniques offered for this series. I am also in talks with some pattern designers to develop WAMH inspired knitting and crochet designs that will compliment the colorways. These patterns will be offered as a yarn/pattern combo kit for a limited time on my Etsy when the new series debuts and then all patterns can be acquired from the designers, themselves.

New bases that are/will become regular options for the shop include: MCN (in lace, fingering, and worsted weight), silk camel, 50/50 silk merino in worsted weight, and some new alpaca blends in various weights. I will also be introducing some new dye techniques for WAMH including self-striping and graduated colorways.

Aside from WAMH, I have a new Twilight colorway to introduce in January after the vamp yarn moratorium. The Meadow will be available for custom order starting 1-1-10.

And I have 3 Twilight fanfic inspired colorways that will be offered in October for custom order. "Wide Awake" is inspired by the artwork from Angstgoddess's epic twifanfic. "Malice" was inspired by Landscapes, and a general fanfic theme colorway: "Lemon Cookies."

Wide Awake:

On a personal note, I have completed a few more FOs.

And I just returned from a 2 week trip to the UK which was amazing! I have 400+ pics on my Flickr page if you all would like to check them out. :D Here is a little highlight:

Happy Anniversary!!

2009-04-10T16:12:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's been a year already since I first started Fresh From the Cauldron! April 7th was the official one-year anniversary on Etsy ^_^ A lot has transpired since then; I've seen the successful conclusion of my first two clubs; Socks of the Bard, and Time Machine. I've also calculated that I've made an average of 150+ colorways in just one year. Craaaaazy! I think the Cauldron's greatest success has been the recent additions of the vampire-inspired colorways for the True Blood and Twilight Series. Now it's time to get ready for the launch of two new clubs; The OZ yarn club and Vamp Sock Club both launch next month. It's going to be exciting and challenging pulling everything together and seeing what everyone thinks of/makes with their new colorways. This picture was taken by a Ravelry friend and client named Ani. She brought two hanks of my Forks colorway to the actual town. How cool is that!! All photo credits belong to her. I'm just borrowing her pic. ^_^

in keeping with progress...

2009-03-15T19:27:00.005-04:00

My all time favorite story now is called "Wide Awake" by Angstgoddess003. She.is.a.literary.genius.yo. No really! Her Twi-inspired fanfic has become quite the cult classic where twilight fanfiction is concerned. The character development is amazing, the story: haunting and gripping--I just can't say enough good things about it. And pst... those in the know could tell you that this story is where all the cookie & unicorn references come from. yes... unicorns are our friends, peeps ;)

With that being said, I made the Bella Mittens by Subliminal Rabbit with the malabrigo worsted that Maylin sent as a project. I call this project: "Hood up, Head Down Mitts" in keeping with a fave phrase from the fic. And why yes, of course those are white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.... ;D

johnny sex hair hat for the win! ^_^

2009-03-15T18:19:00.007-04:00

so yeah, here is one of my latest favoritest FOs. :) This is my "Johnny Sex Hair Hat." I wear it ridiculously often especially for living in a putrid hot climate.... N-E-wayz I digress.... It was inspired by the pretteh pictured here:

mmm.... RPattz.... ;) In the Twi-fanfic "I Love L.A." by feathersmmm, her character Grace refers to her character Rob as Johnny Sex Hair... oh the lulz... So when it came time to name this WIP, (and cuz it's a hat too, yo...) I thought this quirky name would so work ;)

The yarn is the bomb diggidy! This is the single ply merinocean handspun from Gherkin's Bucket in the "Supermassive Black Hole" colorway... SQUEE! XD My first time working with handspun too, and it was so loverly ^_^ I made the Verity Hat by Ysolda Teague. It's a slouchy beret pattern that is a fun, fast and easy knit. I found the most adorable pewter filigree button to accent it, as well!

Cripes! Where Have I been?!

2009-03-15T17:37:00.011-04:00

So yeah, I have been very naughty (busy really) and have neglected my blog... :( Bad Squib!!! >:P But in an effort to recap the last couple months here are some updates. The holidays were very busy with the swappin. Not only did I do a Christmas swap with Skeinqueen7 (see previous post), but I also did Christmas swaps with Dreamsinfiber, Maylin, and Emil. Of course I'm a dunce and did not get pics of all my swaps. ::sigh:: But here are a few that I did.

In addition to Xmas swaps, I also helped moderate and participate in the Love Bites Valentines Vampire Swap 2009 on Ravelry. We had over 50 members sign up internationally!! All in all, I think it was a success :) There are also pics listed here of the parcel I sent to my swap recipient, and the one I received in turn.

This pic is of the amazing package I received from Maylin in France, yo! For our Xmas swap/True Blood vamp swap. There were so many amazing goodies inside!!! And since we are both hardcore Twilight fans as well, She was sure to include some also Twilight items, too! Here's what I got:

2 hanks of the Opal Harry Potter sock yarn in the Ron (luv ron!!) and Dumbledore colorways,
two super soft and squooshy hanks of Malabrigo worsted (hooray! My first Malabrigo!)
Lavender wands that Maylin made herself, that when you rub in your hands, releases the scent (I stuck them in with my stash!)
audio books
music
the pattern for the Bella Mittens by Subliminal Rabbit
friggin espresso from Italy!! no, srsly!!! (ZOMG!!!!)
Freesia scented soap and honey/olive scented soap from Greece
Russian Earl Grey tea
dried mango yummies
and three hanks of her own hand-dyed colorways!! Friggin' gorgeous and luxurious I might add; "Claudine", "Bill", and her amazing lace in her vampire blood colorway.... LOVE
Dood yo, I so gots spoiledz!!!! ^_^

I also got a phat package from Erica that had the most amazing collection of books. I have already used the Creepy Cute Crochet book to make the Nosferatu!! ^_^ She also sent 2 hanks of malabrigo sock yarn in the most gorgeous red that are destined to become the "Hoor Hose" using the "Zum Dirndl" pattern by yarnissima. There was a lavender sachet, as well, and another hank of pretty variegated sock yarn, and some stitch markers. Oh! and she also knitted me a set of the most adorable HP house colors Xmas ornaments!! There was more, but I can't remember right now. Bottom line; she spoiled me too!! :D

And then Emil sent me a lovely package from Finland that included samples of Finnish yarn, a cute little owl purse, the most beautiful pair of fair isle fingerless mitts, and some Finnish candy!!! Oh, and an adorable lil Santa ornament!! ^_^

And here is pic of all the cool goodies I received from my swap sender in the Love Bites Swap. :) I got a hank of Maylin's gorgeous Merino tencel in the "Forks" colorways!! Yay!!, the most delish whole bean coffee, the most awesomest lip gloss that I LURVE, some rad tunage, some yummies, and necklaces, and other little bits and bobs of cool!

And Finally, here is a pic of the package I sent to my swap recipient in Finland for the Love Bites swap. I was a doofus and forgot to take pics before sending everything out, so photo credits go to my recipient!! ^_^ I think it's so cute, too--she named the dragon, "Lars" and the Nosferatu "Bruce" hehe... I also made her some nice thick "Bella Mittens" --and FYI: "Lohikåårme" is Finnish for dragon. ;)

Yay, vampy awesome yarnie goodness!!! :D

2008-12-08T19:24:00.004-05:00

So.... Today I got my package from the amazing Miss Chrissy and it was chuck full of awesome! :D She was able to score a luscious custom OOAK skein of The Fabulous Miss Krysten's (aka Gherkin) 2-ply handspun in a sinfully vicious vampy red, called "Velvet Pulse." Srsly you guys, this is some gorgeous stuff, and sooooooo soft!! It's my very first handspun too, so it's that much more special! ^_^ And since it was a joint effort from two buds, I'm beyond squeeness! ;) I also got some sinfully yum lip gloss with a Twilight theme-- Edward! ;) and an adorable handmade bracelet that her sister made for me in Edward colors!!! LOVE! --hasn't left my wrist folks, I plan to be buried with it! ;) I got a vampire stitch marker, and bookmark, some soaks, and a Twilight magnet, too! The magnet and stitch marker were hidden in a mystery ball. I'd never heard of this concept before, and it is frickin adoramous! ^_^ (unwind, unwind, unwind, SURPRISE! ) I'm so excited about all my new goodies, now!! :D Thanks so much, Chrissy!

coming Soon: New Colorways

2008-11-07T13:37:00.006-05:00

I will be debuting a new limited series, soon: Twilight. Each colorway will be inspired by characters/locales from the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer.

New limited colorways!

2008-11-03T18:58:00.009-05:00

I will be releasing a couple hanks of my new Silver Sock base in two True Blood series colorways. Quantities are very limited, and I'm not sure when I'll get more of the base in stock. The two colorways to be released are "Fangtasia" and "Lafayette." I will be releasing these hanks to my Etsy shop over the next couple days. Below are pics of each of the respective colorways:

New limited colorways!

2008-11-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

You can find new FFTC colorways at the Sip & Knit! These colorways are exclusive, shop-colorways and are only available in limited quantities at the Sip & Knit LYS. Click on the linked text for shop info. Please feel free to contact Ms. Doni at the shop for further details! :)

true blood funnies!!!

2008-10-21T16:51:00.002-04:00

Anyone who watches HBO's series True Blood (based on Charlaine Harris' "Sookie Stackhouse" novels, has got to check out Cleoland. Her recaps of the episodes are complete hilarity! As an avid fan, (more like fan-atic, to be completely honest) these have me ROFL each time I read them! ^_^ Enjoy!: Cleoland

shop update

2008-10-13T13:48:00.003-04:00

New True Blood colorways will list tomorrow!!

I will be listing

2 hanks of "Pam" in the silk sock base (anyone know her last name?)

1 hank of "Alcide Herveaux" in the silk sock base

3 hanks of "Eric Northman" in the silk sock base. (2 have now been reserved; one left until the end of the month!)

1 hank OOAK surprise colorway. ;)

Please convo me/comment here if you would like to have one reserved, would like a custom order in any of the past listed True Blood colorways, and/or would like one or more of these colorways on the 100% merino lace weight. The merino lace is 1000 yds at $22 per skein plus shipping.

shop update

2008-10-07T16:57:00.001-04:00

I will be listing tomorrow these colorways sometime between noon and 2 pm EDT:

2 sets of the "Hagrid's Pumpkin Patch" colorway
1 hank of "Sookie Stackhouse"
1 hank of "Sam Merlotte"
1 hank of "Bill Compton"

Shop update: new colorways coming soon

2008-10-03T12:17:00.002-04:00

Coming in the next few days to the shop:

2 hanks of the "Hagrid's Pumpkin Patch" colorway in the SW Sock base.
1 hank custom order of "Hagrid's Pumpkin Patch" for Skeinqueen7.
1 hank custom order of "A Little Priest" for Jhankie.
1 hank:"The Brazen Bull" colorway from the "Horrors of History..." series.
1 hank:"The Judas Pyramid" colorway from the "Horrors of History..." series.

Coming in the next couple weeks:

1 hank of "Sookie Stackhouse" in the Merino/silk base
1 hank of "Bill Compton" in the Merino/silk base
1 hank of "Sam Merlotte" in the Meirno/silk base

New Colorway

2008-09-30T13:26:00.001-04:00

The "Cherry Streusel" colorway has been listed to my Etsy shop. :)

New Colorway

2008-09-29T18:15:00.001-04:00

One hank of "Cherry Streusel" will debut tomorrow on my shop. :)

shop update

2008-09-26T14:31:00.005-04:00

AS POSTED ON RAVELRY:

Ok, hi everybody-- sorry about the product hiatus of late; things have been busy (and continue to be) on both a personal and business level. My DH had been on a business trip since July 18th and has returned home recently for a brief 2-3 weeks. So unfortunately, I do not foresee many shop updates

in the immediate future.

I can say with some certainty that it appears that the "All Hallows

Eve" sock kits were a success. I look forward very much to seeing what everyone makes with them. It was also a treat for me to make the little notion pouches; I had been an avid quilter before starting FFtC, and it was a "warm fuzzy" to revisit my sewing machine. ;)

Here's a look at the upcoming events for FFtC:

I have invoiced the "Socks of the Bard" and "Time Machine" club members today for their October shipments. It's time to get the ball rolling on the next set of colorways, already! :)
I have recently filled all outstanding custom order requests, so if you have made a custom order please check my Etsy shop or convo me with further questions.
I have 4 more colorways to release for the limited series: "Horrors of History: Torture Through the Ages." I want to get these out fairly soon in time for October, so keep an eye out if you are interested. Again, these colorways are 1 hank, OOAKs and they'll be listed unannounced, first-come-first-serve. Still to be released are: "Scold's Bridel," "Brazen Bull," Heretic's Fork," and "Judas Pyramid."

I will be adding two new original colorways to the shop soon. These are "Cherry Streusel" (gearing up for fall yummies!), and "Hagrid's Pumpkin Patch." The latter will be a primary/complimentary combo so that there will be a majority of yardage in the rich pumpkin colors, and a mini hank in the contrasting dark greens used for contrasting heels and toes, or whatever. Please convo me if you are interested in either colorway as I only plan to make one of each as I normally do. :)
And for the big announcement-- I have TWO NEW ORIGINAL LIMITED SERIES TO DEBUT!!!

"The Feminine Mystique" will be a set of nine self-striping colorways based on female traits/wiles. ;) Colorways will be "Flirtatious," "Virtuous," Dignified," "Romantic," etc. Unless I receive requests for theses, I only plan to make one of each, so grab them quick! ;) I will post again when they are ready.
"True Blood"--this one I'm over the moon about! :) I've recently started watching the new HBO series based on the "Southern Vampire" series by Charlaine Harris, and reading the "Sookie Stackhouse" books, too, and I am HOOKED! I actually read both of the first two books in a 30 hour marathon read last week!! I will be releasing colorways inspired by the characters from this mythology in the merino/silk base and lace weights. So there will be approximately 440 yds of fingering weight yarn per character in the merino silk. I'm still working on the lace weight stats. I, myself, am planning to make a "Shetland Triangle" shawl in the "Sookie Stackhouse" colorway in the merino/silk as a knit-along with my friend Chrissy, who is also test knitting the colorway. I also want to make an "Icarus Shawl" with the "Bill Compton" colorway in lace weight. Again, I will base yarn production on interest for these colorways. Here's a picture collage of the first colorway, "Sookie Stackhouse":

2008-09-25T14:21:00.000-04:00

Birthday Swap box Arrived!...

2008-08-20T19:57:00.003-04:00

My buddy Erica and I agreed months ago that it would a lot of fun to make birthday swap packages for each other. Our birthdays are exactly one week apart, and we met on Ravelry, so we thought that it would be tons of fun to knit a pair of socks for each other and throw in some other goodies! This is what she sent me-- and look, they're all wrapped to look like HP owl-post! Squee!

My purdy socks. This is her original pattern and she used the Sunshine yarns soft sock yarn in the "Green With Envy" colorway:
"101 One Skein Wonders" book:
Some groovy stitchmarkers:
A handknit felted Hufflepuff bowl, 1 hank of Dreamsinfiber sock yarn in the "Ghoulish Goodies" colorway, 1 hank of Sunshine Yarns soft sock yarn in the "Hedwig" colorway:
And a bunch of other goodies include piggy bowl (because I LURVE piggies), an Iowa shot glass with none other than pigs on it, a hilarious book about... well... weird stuff people think about, a lavender sachet, some charms, and a Sock Soak mini. :D

Back to School Blues...

2008-08-20T19:35:00.003-04:00

2008-08-09T15:21:00.005-04:00

2008-08-09T14:32:00.005-04:00

Coming Soon: New Colorways

2008-07-26T23:14:00.002-04:00

Coming to the shop soon, three new "On Broadway" colorways.

"All That Jazz" (Chicago)
"Memory" (CATS)
"Les Misèrables"

"We're Going on a Gore Hunt..."

2008-07-17T17:50:00.006-04:00

What do "The Halifax Gibbet," "The Rack," and "The Iron Maiden" all have in common?-- They'd all make gruesomely great colorways for Halloween!

"Horrors of History: Torture Through the Ages" --A special, limited edition of One-of-Kind colorways for Halloween. Each colorway will only be made into one skein of superwash sock yarn. That means 10 hanks; 1 each, inspired by historical devices of the macabre. Grab the gorey goods while the gettin's good! ;) Each hank will be listed unannounced, at random intervals, on my Etsy shop.

Coming Soon

2008-07-13T14:17:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone :) Just a quick heads-up about some upcoming shop events. I will be dyeing a new batch of colorways over the weekend of July 18th. I plan to post those hanks on my Etsy shop on Tuesday, the July 22nd. All the customs orders that I have received will be filled in that order, as well.

Just so that everyone knows, if you see a colorway that you like, that is not currently listed for sale, please let me know and I will be more than happy to do a custom dye job! I encourage custom orders; I typically do not list more than one hank of any given colorway at a time unless there have been requests for it, so I prefer to receive a custom order. :)

Also, I am now taking orders for Halloween sock kits!! Please email me at jenpyg@aol.com or leave me a personal message on Ravelry (I'm squibstitcher) if you are interested. Listed below are the details of the kits:

"All Hallows Eve Sock Kits":

I'm planning on listing these reserved kits on October 1st. If I receive enough feedback requesting to move it up (that that's too late) I'm sure I can get them out by Mid. September.
Please email/Ravelry message me letting me know which fall colorway(s) that you would like you kit(s) built around. I.e. an "Ichabod Crane kit," a "Harvest Moon kit," etc.
I'm taking orders now and PayPal payment is due when you check out at my Etsy shop.
Your kit(s) will be reserved in your name on my Etsy shop.
Please contact me if you would like to know the color schemes of each colorway.
Kits include 400 yards of sock yarn, a set of themed stitch markers, an original pattern with limited exclusivity, and a "surprise" that is both cute and functional!
Price per kit is $35 USD for the U.S. and Canada, and it includes priority USPS shipping. $40 per kit for international orders to cover additional shipping costs.
Discount for multiple orders; after the first kit, each additional kit is 15% off and a reduced shipping rate.
Please message me if you have any allergies or sensitivity to fragrances.
The available colorways for the kits include:

"Pennywise" inspired by the iconic character from the Steven King novel, "It."
"Ichabod Crane" inspired by the lead character from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
"Harvest Moon"
"Appalachian Autumnals" think: fall leaves in the Smokey Mountains.

Shop update: new colorways coming soon

2008-07-01T19:49:00.005-04:00

Ginormous order has kept me a busy dyeing bee! I've got custome orders going out and some new colorways coming to the shop Thursday, July 3! Colorways to come:

Tooms (Inspired by the classic villain from the X-Files series)
St. Maarten
St. Thomas
Music Sets My Soul on Fire
Scarlet O'Hara
Fruit Basket
Wicked

--coming soon: "Secret Garden" & "Tellico"

2008-06-15T13:02:00.005-04:00

My Piggy Punky Pouch!

2008-06-03T15:57:00.004-04:00

Here are some pics courtesy of Punkypurls, of my new custom Punky Pouch! Ms. Heather just finished mine, and it's on its way! I'm so excited to use it and show it off. I think it turned out awesome :D I encourage everyone to convo Heather for their own custom order, or purchase a ready made version from her Etsy shop!

Oooooh!... More Internash mail! :D

2008-05-28T12:24:00.005-04:00

Lookey what the postperson brought me today! I got more international mail! I don't know why I find it so exciting, I just find it to be super cool... The adoramous piggy fabric will soon be transformed into a custom Punky Pouch! Yay! So after traveling all the way from Taipei, these poor little piggies can't rest their little hooves, yet-- they're off to Washington state, now ;) The Russian nesting dolls fabric, creepy folk-goats fabric, and the trippy moles & 'shrooms fabric will most likely be made into throw pillows for my craft room. :)

Squee!, Sweet...

2008-05-28T10:21:00.004-04:00

I found this very exciting the other day. I received my first package from the UK! I had ordered this adorable little purse on Etsy from Saysie as a notions pouch. It's too cute. It was made with the cute Japanese fabric that is really popular now, in a folk-nursery theme. I was just all giddy to receive a package marked "Royal Mail!" Now all I need is to get another one with the Hogwarts Crest on the letterhead... ;)

Finally, I decided it was time to update pics of my sock stash. I think the last time I did this, I had maybe a fraction of fun fiber-goodness. ;) I probably should've waited a little longer-- I have STR "Chapman Springs", Purlsoup's "Thriller", and three hanks from Dreamsinfber on the way.

In Need of a Good Laugh?!

2008-05-28T08:51:00.004-04:00

OMG, i just found these links curtesy of a fellow Raveler's "about me" section. I almost sprayed my monitor and keyboard with coffee-- these are hilarious! All fiber-enthusiasts should appreciate; but steer clear of fluids while you surf....

2008-05-26T16:14:00.005-04:00

shop update: new colorways coming soon

2008-05-23T20:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, 4 new colorways will be added to the shop, tomorrow. I've got new bases and wanted to give 'em a whirl. I have 2 merino/bamboo, and 2 Kona superwashes:

The Scooby Doobies, From the Laff-a-Lympics part of the Saturday Morning Cartoon Series. --Kona Superwash 2 ply fingering weight.
Thebes of Egypt from the Globe Trekker series --merino/bamboo 3 ply fingering wt.
The Burrow, (Harry Potter inspired) from the Flotsam & Jetsam series --Kona superwash 2 ply fingering wt.
Queen Mab from the Once Upon a Time series --merino/bamboo 3 ply fingering wt.

*All skeins are 400 yds/each. They'll be listed on my Etsy shop by 2 pm EDT 5-24-08

2008-05-17T16:18:00.004-04:00

2008-05-17T12:02:00.001-04:00

Shop Update:

3 new colorways will be posted to my Etsy shop tomorrow, May 18th. First come-first serve...

Shop update: new colorways coming soon

2008-05-15T13:24:00.004-04:00

Okay folks, you asked for it, so you're gonna get it! (And then, some!) ;) I have 2 new cones of base yarn on the way and some fun new colorways to go with them! Below is a list of colorways that I will be adding to the shop soon. (Can't really say how soon because I will be leaving for the Caribbean soon for a week--rest assured, yarn, needles, and idea notebook will be in tow! ;P)

And some groovy new news; I've "Mastered the Black!". Yep, I've discovered the secret to getting "true-black" on the colorways without muddiness! Yay! On another note, there are still 5 colorways available at my Etsy shop that are part of the "All Roads Lead to Rome" series.

One last thing, go to the right sidebar of the blog and vote in the OZ poll. Some of you have shown interest in a "Wizard of Oz" theme. Please vote as to whether you want this for next year's sock club (with cool swag!), or as a general shop series that would introduce new colorways here and there over time. Thanks!

Fraggle Rock (Saturday Morning Cartoon Series)
Jem and the Holograms (Saturday Morning Cartoon Series)
Raspberry Cobbler (Raid the Fridge Series)
Optimus Prime (Saturday Morning Cartoon Series)
Rapunzel (Once Upon a Time Series)
Morgan le Fey (Once Upon a Time Series)
Queen Mab (Once Upon a Time Series)
Harry Potter: The Burrow (Flotsam and Jetsam Series)

Sock and Yarn Clubs

2008-05-15T13:12:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. Let's see, my husband has been traveling globally since the end of March, we've had lots of birthdays, and most recently I live in Palm Bay which is at the heart of all the crazy Central Florida wildfires. The closest fire to me was about a half mile, and my sister's house was one of three-five on her street that were spared. You could see 50 ft flames from her backyard. These fires have even made the 3rd page of USA Today newspaper and a mention on CNN.

But anyway, I digress, back to the good stuff! :) My first sock and yarn clubs are well underway. I have closed signups as of May 10th and we have 7 crafters on-board. This season's themes are "Socks or the Bard" (Shakespearean inspired sock yarn colorways), and the "Time Machine yarn club" (various weights and textures based on notorious and famous historical figures from around the globe throughout time). I have also just finished dyeing up the first batches, so the colorways for both clubs, for the June installment, are ready for shipment. Just a reminder to participants, I will be sending out PayPal invoices this Saturday, May 16, 2008 and will thus need your email if I do not already have it. Thanks! :) I'm pleased as punch with how the new colorways have turned out. I look forward to hearing everyones' responses and finding out what you all decide to create with your new yarnie goodies! ;)

Swatch-tastic!

2008-04-22T15:53:00.004-04:00

Here's a quick couple pics of the test swatches Erica whipped up for me of the "Wicked" and "Wallachia" colorways from my On Broadway series, and Globe Trekker series. Love it!!

I've got a big order coming, so I hope to post the All Roads Lead to Rome series in its entirety on the shop, soon! Also, sock club sign ups will start in the next couple weeks. More info on the details of the sock clubs in the next post.

Update: I've also added a pic of the sock project Aquaknits is working on with the "Strawberry Shortcake" colorway. It's turning out super cute! :)

shop update

2008-04-18T19:44:00.004-04:00

Well, things have been busy in the world of "selling yarn". I received 2300 yds of fingering weight yarn yesterday and dyed it all! :D I made 5 new colorways:

Leigha: A custom colorway for a Raveler in shades of bright and pale pinks and springy grass greens.
Poisoned Apple: Originally intended for the shop, but couldn't stand to part with it ;) It's a lot like wicked but with one color change-- It's Black, hot pink, cherry red, and lime It's from the Once Upon a Time Series and based on the tale of "Snow White."
Boys of Summer: currently for sale at my Etsy shop. Surfer-themed with oceanic blue, and sunset colors.
Hansel & Gretel: based on the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale. Dark forest greens, woodsy browns, bright golds and flecks of red. Sold today to Zyd! (She also bought Little Mermaid).
Little Red Riding Hood: Also based on the macabre Grimm Brothers' tales. This one has dark forest greens and deep, rich, reds. Sold to Dreamsinfiber, and special order requested by Zyd.

I will be adding new colorways soon as well, in varying weights this time. Here's the scoop on the future hues:

Odysseus Sails: From the "Globe Trekker" series. Based on the adventures of King Odysseus from Homer's "The Odyssey."
The Frog Prince: Brother's Grimm colorway from the "Once Upon a Time Series."
Snow Queen: Han's Christian Andersen tale from the "Once Upon a Time Series."
Pompeii: From the "Globe Trekker" series.
Atia of the Julii: first colorway in the new "All Roads Lead to Rome" series.
Rumpelstilzchen: Custom request for Zyd.
Morgan Le Fey: From the "Once Upon a Time Series"

Good Grief, Charlie Brown!

2008-04-16T20:06:00.003-04:00

Well, I just realized that I'd been so busy with dying yarn, test knitting and making swaps, that I haven't posted any of my recent WIPs or FOs! :/ So, here's the 411: I finished my "Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes" socks with my Sunshine Yarns in the corresponding colorway. I used the pattern "Mad Color Weave", by Tina Lorin. I also whipped up a pair of socks for little Zach with some scrap yarn today. It's the "Toddler Socks" pattern by Bonnie Franz. Additionally, I worked up a couple test knits (more info in May), and began the birthday swap for Dreamsinfiber. Above is a photo collage of the WWW socks and Zach's pair.

Inspiration is a beautiful thing!

2008-04-14T08:21:00.004-04:00

So... I was flipping through the channels the other night trying to find something interesting to watch, when I happened to see that HBO was re-airing one of my favorite series-- ROME. I loved that show! Of course, when it originally aired, I had yet to discover the joy of hand-painting my own yarn. But this time... my eyes have been opened to a world of possibility.

The series' rich and vivid colors (and characters), have inspired me to introduce a new line of colorways: the "All Roads Lead to Rome" series. I have 10 exciting colorways in mind (so far) for what is sure to be a batch of bright, bold, and vibrant hues. I plan to only make 1 hank per colorway, so if there is a character that catches your eye or intrigue, grab it fast! In the event that there are requests prior to dying, for the same colorway, by more than one person, I can arrange to make accommodations to fill everyones needs. However, once the dying process has begun, and the yarns are posted for sale on my Etsy shop, that will be the only chance to acquire these colorways. These yarns will be Superwash Merino/nylon blend sock yarn at 462 yds per hank.

I anticipate these new colorways to be ready by the middle/end of May. Please let me know if you have a favorite character, not listed, that you would like to see dyed up. Also, please let me know if you would like a different weight other than fingering. Here is the initial list of character colorways:

Julius Caesar
Gaius Octavian
Mark Antony
Atia of the Julii
Servilia of the Junii
Lucius Vorenus
Niobe
Titus Pullo
Eirene
Gaia

Coming Soon: New Colorways

2008-04-13T20:44:00.002-04:00

I have ordered more stock and I have some exciting new colorways coming soon to my Etsy shop!

From the Globe Trekker Series:

Pompeii
Odysseus Sails

From the Once Upon a Time Series:

Little Red Riding Hood
Hansel and Gretel
The Poisoned Apple (Snow White)

From the Saturday Morning Cartoon Series:

X-Men's Night Crawler
Fraggle Rock

From the Flotsam & Jetsam Series:

Boys of Summer ( surf & sun in honor of the coming summer)

2008-04-10T16:52:00.004-04:00

Etsy

2008-04-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

I'm open! my shop is now open at Etsy.com! Come check it out-- Fresh From the Cauldron here are a few pics to give you an idea of what you'll find; the new colorways are ready!

Wallachia

2008-04-05T17:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, so here's one for me! I wanted to try out a new base yarn of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Silk to compare textures. The other night I was watching the show "Cities of the Underworld," and they aired an episode on Wallachia. Wallachia is where Prince Vlad the Impaler made his home. This is an excerpt from Wikipedia:

Vladislav II (c. 1390--December 1447), known as Vlad Dracul ("Vlad the Dragon"), was a voivode (duke) of Wallachia. He reigned from 1436 to 1442, and again from 1443 to 1447. He was the father of ...Vlad Tepes.... All four of his sons at one time or the other would rule Wallachia. Vlad Tepes would go on to become one of the most notorious rulers in history, and the inspiration for the novel "Dracula," by Bram Stoker.

So this colorway was inspired by the landscape and lore of the Dracula legend. I originally envisioned an earthy brown colorway with hints and flecks of blood red to only suggest the region's gruesome past, but the end result was a pleasant surprise. When I went to heat set the dye, the red "bled" over the yarn and created an entirely new color scheme. The final product is 462 yards of deep rich tones in varying shades of red and dark brown.

One might say that this colorway is more of a depiction of a post-massacre Wallachia at the height of Tepes' rule, as opposed to the current, subtle, mountain terrain with a secret and vicious past...

Maharaja test knit

2008-04-05T17:42:00.003-04:00

here are a few pics that Bindifry graciously supplied to show the progress of her knitted work with the colorway "Maharaja." This colorway is from my exclusive line of hand dyed yarns called "Fresh From the Cauldron" and part of the colorway series: "Globe Trekker". All yarns in this series will showcase colorways inspired by the cultures and landscapes of various locales around the globe. "Maharaja" is based on the the rich colors of India, especially those found in the gorgeous Sari clothing worn by the women there.

Fresh From the Cauldron--update:

2008-03-30T17:38:00.004-04:00

Coming soon:

I will be offering four new colorways for sale in the next couple weeks! These exciting new hand-dyed yarns are all 462 yds of fingering weight superwash wool, and are each a part of the various Fresh From the Cauldron original colorway series. I will be making the following yarns:

"Strawberry Shortcake" from the Saturday Morning Cartoon Series
"Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid" from the Once Upon a Time Series
"Wicked" from the On Broadway series
"Ginger Kitties" from the Flotsam and Jetsam series, inspired by my three favorite fictional cats: Crookshanks, Garfield, and Azriel

*If multiple requests are received for the same colorway(s), I will make arrangements to make a "batch" of that/those colorway(s). Yarns will be listed at $20 USD + shipping each

To see things in a different light

2008-03-28T23:11:00.003-04:00

The pun was definitely intended in this title. ;) I wound the four "Fresh From the Cauldron" cakes today at Lambyknits' house, and she graciously offered to take some pictures with her wonderful camera. The natural lighting, and high resolution produced stunning results that showcased each colorway beautifully! Thank you so much Shawna for all your help, and just for being a great friend! :)

New Colorways are ready!

2008-03-28T10:35:00.004-04:00

Pygstitches introduces its new line of hand-dyed yarn called

"Fresh From the Cauldron"!

Here are the new pics of the first four colorways of my hand-dyed yarn. I plan to open an Etsy store soon. Meanwhile, please send all requests and inquiries to Jenpyg@aol.com

I plan to make colorways based on various themes or series. Two of the series are featured here with these four colorways. These hanks were custom ordered by Bindifry and will ship out tomorrow!

New original colorway series:

"Globe Trekker" --colorways inspired by various locations and or cultures around the world
"Raid the Fridge" --colorways inspired by food or beverage
"Saturday Morning cartoons" --colorways inspired by famous cartoon characters
"On Broadway"-- colorways inspired by famous plays and their characters and scenes
"Once Upon a Time" --colorways inspired by whimsical fantasy and fairytales
"Flotsam & Jetsam" --for the random, uncharacterized colorway. i.e. semi-solids, custom requested, and HP colorways

Pictures:

"Dublin Black" from the "Globe Trekker" series

"Crazy Curry" from the "Raid the Fridge" Series
"Gooey, Caramel Fudge Sundae" from the "Raid the Fridge" Series
"Maharaja" from the "Globe Trekker" series

*All of these also fall under the "Flotsam & Jetsam" series, because they were custom requested colorways, as well.

2008-03-26T12:35:00.004-04:00

In the Words of Napolean Dynamite: "Heck, Yes!"

2008-03-26T12:12:00.004-04:00

Okay, so recently I was able to talk my husband into letting me convert our never-needed guest room into my "Craft Room Extroardinare" ;) Besides, the project is mutually beneficial as it gets my stuff centralized into one area as opposed to "infecting" the whole house, here and there. I have been working on it in spurts and raided my 7 year old's room for shelving (tee-hee). I snagged his fabulous bookcase (which is normally empty anyway, because all his crap is normally strewn all over his floor) and it's a perfect place to store and display all my yummy yarnie goodness. :) I have all fingering weights and sock yarns on the top shelf, sport/dk weights and novelty yarns on the second, worsted aran a bulky on the bottom two. All of my craft books and patterns are on the very top (which you can't see yet). When I have the room completely finished, I'll post some more pics.

Ginevra Molly Weasley

2008-03-18T14:30:00.003-04:00

Pattern: "Simply Ginny Socks", by Anna Peck

Cast On: 3/14/08

Cast Off: 3/17/08

The Big Tease

2008-03-16T15:43:00.002-04:00

Here is a sneak-peak at the "Simply Ginny Socks," designed by Anna Peck.

Cast on: 3/14/08

Mocha Latte Lace

2008-03-15T12:13:00.003-04:00

Here are the finished pics of Kim's "Uzume" footies. I haven't gotten them to her yet, because my little one has been very sick, he has croup. Hopefully I can meet with her sometime next week. I hope she likes them. I was supposed to make her 2 pairs from this colorway, but I guess all the yarn-overs in the pattern hogged a lot of yarn, so there's not quite enough. So instead, I ordered some pretty plum tweed to make her some cabled ankle socks. I think she'll like them; purple's her favorite color.

My Sox--so far

2008-03-10T15:07:00.001-04:00

Bellatrix socks are done.

2008-03-09T17:35:00.004-04:00

Here are the final pics of my Bellatrix socks. Now I'll just be concentrating on finishing Kim's Uzumes. Official stats:

Title: "Bellatrix at the Department of Mysteries"

Cast on: 3/2/08

Cast off: 3/8/08

Pattern: "Bellatrix", by Gigi Silva-a.k.a "Monkey Toes"

Modifications: Size 1.5 circs for cuff and instep, size 2 for sl1/k1 reinforced heel, size 1 for leg.

One down, one to go

2008-03-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

I'm 75% done with this project. After Bellatrix, I still need to finish Kim's Uzume socks and then I will be working on some projects for my Ravelry groups. Luckily, some of the projects will fill requirements for multiple groups. I want to make Anna Peck's "Simply Ginny!" socks in either Sweet Sheep Sweet Sock "Pink Cherries" or Claudia Hand-painted's "Peppermint Mocha", and from there, probably Monkey Toes' "Nagini" socks in Knit Pick's "Leprechaun."

Quote of the Day- 3/7/08

2008-03-07T20:27:00.002-05:00

Wizard Quote:

"Hermione was the last person to do anything against the rules, and here she was, pretending she had, to get them out of trouble. It was if Snape had started handing out sweets."

--Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling, chapter 10

Quote of the Day- 3/6/08

2008-03-06T17:28:00.002-05:00

Wizard Quote:

"One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books."

--Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling. Chapter 12

my stash

2008-03-05T12:33:00.001-05:00

Quote of the Day- 3/5/08

2008-03-05T09:44:00.002-05:00

I'm posting a quote today based on my current WIP:

Wizard Quote:

"'Potter, you cannot win against me!' she cried. He could hear her moving to the right, trying to get a clear shot of him. He backed around the statue away from her, crouching behind the centaur's legs, his head level with the house-elf's. 'I was and am the Dark Lord's most loyal servant, I learned the Dark Arts from him, and I know spells of such power that you, pathetic little boy, can never hope to compete'--- "

--Bellatrix Lestrange

---Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix, by J.K. Rowling, ch. 36, p. 811

update on: "Bellatrix at the Department of Mysteries" socks

2008-03-05T09:37:00.003-05:00

"The woman stepped forward, away from her fellows, and pulled off her hood. Azkaban had hollowed Bellatrix Lestrange's face, making it gaunt and skull-like, but it was alive with a feverish, fanatical glow."

--Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix, chapter 35, p. 783

WIPs

2008-03-04T13:15:00.004-05:00

I've got two pairs of socks on the needles right now. One is the Uzume pattern by Monkey Toes, being modified into ankle socks (in the CTH "java" colorway), and knit up for my friend Kim. The other is a pair of Bellatrix socks by Monkey Toes, I'm knitting up for myself. The Uzume is fairly tedious and slow going, where in stark contrast, the Bellatrix is knitting up like a dream! I've been wanting to do this pair in this colorway ever since I saw the yarn and the pattern. I originally wanted to use this yarn for my Monkeys, but I had trouble with pooling and gauge, so I used the CTH "earth" instead. I'm glad I did, because I think that this colorway and pattern are the perfect match, now!

Quote of the Day- 3/4/08

2008-03-04T13:06:00.002-05:00

Wizard Quote:

Hermione: "All we'd need would be some Polyjuice Potion."

"What's that?" said Ron and Harry together.

"Snape mentioned it in class a few weeks ago--"

"D'you think we've got nothing better to do in Potions than to listen to Snape?" muttered Ron.

--Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, Chapter 9

Muggle Quote:

"We must use time creatively."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

For sale via PayPal

2008-03-03T15:01:00.005-05:00

Here are a list of yarns I am currently destashing. They are also listed on Ravelry. Please contact me via email if you are interested: jenpyg@aol.com photos of all yarns for sale can be emailed upon request, and viewed here at Flickr.

Fantasy Yarns Cashmere, Luxury Aran, 3 skeins in pink: $10.00 USD and free U.S. shipping
Lion Brand Homespun in "Tudor" 1 skein for $3.00 USD and free shipping in the U.S.
Lion Brand Incredible 1 skein $3.00 USD and free U.S. shipping
Lion Brand Magic Stripes 1 skein: 1 skein in Denim (no label) $6.00 + free U.S. shipping
Lion Brand Pound of Love in Deinim 110, 1 skein; $5.00+ shipping
Plymouth Encore Worsted 1 skein in Green 1231; $7.00 + free U.S. shipping
Plymouth Sockotta Sock Yarn Euro Stripe Effect 1 skein in dye lot 59; email me for more info.
Red Heart Ltd. Tiki 2 skeins in "Aruba" $7.00 for both and free U.S. shipping
Grignasco Seiutilla 2 skeins in lavender and yellow $10.00 for both and free U.S. shipping
Sirdar Snuggly Babycare DK 2 skeins in "340 Nectarine" $10.00 for both and free U.S. shipping
Wildflower DK in cream 1 skein $4.00 and free U.S. shipping

Quote of the Day- 3/3/08

2008-03-03T14:55:00.002-05:00

Wizard Quote:

"Don't talk to me," Ron said quietly to Harry and Hermione...

"Why not?" said Hermione in surprise.

"Because I want to fix that in my memory forever," said Ron, his eyes closed and an uplifted expression on his face. "Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret..."

--Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, Chapter 13

Muggle Quote:

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

--Albert Einstein 1879-1955

Dude, check out my stash...

2008-03-03T12:25:00.005-05:00

Haha! --Actually, this is only my sock yarn to date. I have a ton of heavier weights in my craft room, and 9 new sock weight hanks on the way!

In the pic:

Cherry Tree Hill: "Orange Marmalade" (dk wt), Earth, Water, Blueberry Hill
sport weight lime and lavender; can't remember the manufacturer
Bernat Baby fingering pink, yellow, and white.
Fingering weight orange
Dale Babby Ull: green, gold, burgundy
Grignasco Seiutilla in lavender/yellow
Austerman Step: "Whiskey"
Red Heart Luster Sheen: Autumn
Lion brand magic stipes: 3
Sockotta
Lorna's Laces: Bee Stripe
Woolgirl
Fleece Artist
Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Union Center knits
Zen String
Knit Picks: SHimmer, Gossamer, Alpaca Cloud
Fortissima Socka
Sweet Sheep Sweet Sock
Sunshine Yarns: Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes

Coming Soon:

Knit Picks Essential Tweed in Russet (2)
Claudia Hand Painted in Pink Posies (2)
Ruby Saphire (1)
Koigu (1)
Faery Fiber in "The Boy Who Lived" (1)
Faery Fiber in "Ron" (1)
Cosmic Fiber's "The Dark Defender" (1)

Quote of the Day- 3/2/08

2008-03-02T13:02:00.003-05:00

Muggle Quote:

"Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wizard Quote:

"Sir Frank Frasier (in the Golden Bow) says that in religion the man depends on God, but in magic the man depends on himself, which allows us to measure the capacity of man and magic becomes an ideal existence...magic is a very important part of literature and that's why it's always going to be there."

---J.K. Rowling

Quote of the Day- 3/1/08

2008-03-01T14:35:00.003-05:00

Wizard Quote:

"I don't mean to be rude--" he began, in a tone that threatened rudeness in every syllable.

"--yet, sadly, accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often," Dumbledore finished the sentence gravely. "Best to say nothing at all, my dear man."

--Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, Chapter 3

Muggle Quote:

"Living is easy with your eyes closed...." --John Lennon 1940-1980

Batter Up!

2008-03-01T14:19:00.003-05:00

Ok, here's the first installment of "Where in the World Are Pyg's Needles?" Obviously, this location is a no-brainer; a ball-park. The photo was taken at West Oaks Park, where my little one plays machine-pitch little league baseball. :) On the needles: Uzume by Monkey Toes knit up with CTH- "java"

Are those angels' trumpets I hear?

2008-02-29T13:03:00.004-05:00

Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes,

by Sunshine Yarns

I swear I can faintly hear the sound of angels trumpeting amidst my euphoria for my new FANTABULOUS yarnie greatness! (... all of a sudden feel the urge to hyperventilate...)

Quote of the Day- 2/29/08

2008-02-29T12:15:00.002-05:00

"Mad-Eye Moody?" said George thoughtfully, spreading marmalade on his toast, "Isn't he that nutter --"

"Your father thinks very highly of Mad-Eye Moody," said Mrs. Weasley sternly.

" Yeah, well, Dad collects plugs, doesn't he?" said Fred quietly as Mrs. Weasley left the room. "Birds of a feather..."

--Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling p. 161

Fire & Water: harnessing the elements

2008-02-28T16:56:00.003-05:00

Here are the finished pics of my Fawkes socks. It was a tumultuous struggle, but I think I came out on top! The pattern was easy enough; but the yardage scared me to death, all for not. I actually get to walk away with several leftover yards! How's that for irony! I'm pleased, however, with the end result. I would have liked to have added a repeat or two of the lace pattern to each sock, rather than have the leftover yarn, but... on the other hand, I completed a pair of socks in only 4 freakin' days! hah! ;)

Isn't it pretty!

2008-02-28T14:26:00.003-05:00

Just got my new Sweet Sheep, Sweet Sock yarn today! (squeal!) I think it's so pretty! This is destined to become "Simply Ginny Socks" if all goes well!....

Quote of the Day- 2/28/08

2008-02-28T10:53:00.003-05:00

"It is our choices, (Harry), that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

--"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", by J.K. Rowling, p.333

2008-02-28T10:42:00.006-05:00

Fawkes Socks and new arrivals

2008-02-25T14:06:00.006-05:00

I cast on some Fawkes socks yesterday and I'm about ready to start the heel on the first sock already! Woo-hoo! The colorway is a lot prettier in person; photos don't do it justice. At first I wasn't crazy about the texture, (it's no supersock merino, thats for sure), but I'm warming up to it. The stitch definition is a little better in this sock.

Additionally, I received 2 of my recent Ravelry yarn orders. I have 2 hanks of Lorna's Laces in the Bee Stripe colorway for making some rad Hufflepuff socks, and a hank of CTH supersock merino in the water colorway, because I just can't get enough of this amazing yarn and it was a killer-sweet deal!

*update: I have finished all but the toe of the first Fawkes sock and am half-way done with the leg of the second. I hope to turn the heel first thing tomorrow :)

Merope's Monkeys are done!

2008-02-24T14:16:00.003-05:00

I finished My "Merope's Monkeys" last night and plan to start my Fawkes socks, now. I'm very happy with how they turned out; the only thing that flustered me was the short row heel on the second sock, but I worked it out. The Fawkes socks are part of a HP KAL on Ravelry, and will also be posted on SSEC to be counted toward the Mama Monkey KAL for the month of February. That KAL is for Charity in her memory.

"Merope's Monkeys"

2008-02-19T22:20:00.006-05:00

That's what I'm calling my current work in progress (WIP). They're the monkey sock pattern by Cookie A. and I'm working them up with CTH's supersock merino in the earth colorway. I'm about halfway done with the first sock and "pleased as punch" with how they're turning out. I named them after Voldemort's mother in the Harry Potter series because of the rich, yet morose tones. Many glorious thanks to LambyKnits for all her help showing me how to knit socks on circs, and how to do short row! She's a swell gal! ;)

**update** I have officially finished the first sock and am working on its mate :) 2/20-10:45 pm

More yarn?....bring It on!

2008-02-19T22:10:00.003-05:00

These are 2 new colorways from Cherry Tree Hill that I have added to my stash. The first picture is a cake for Kim's 2 pairs of socks, and she "paid" me with the other cake that I plan to use for some socks for myself. The colors aren't listed on the labels, so I'm pretty sure they're Java and Blueberry Hill. Let me know if you know their "true identities" :)