Felting

I am working on my first ever 100% wool felted piece. This is a picture of the "sole" of a knitted slipper I will be felting. Next to it is the about the size of the slipper I need once all is said and done and felted.

I'm a little weary.. will the wool really shrink up that much? I did felt a test swatch and the wool did felt pretty well and shrink, but still... I have this fear that all this knitting will go to waste if the slipper does not end up fitting. It will really have to shrink up significantly to get it wearable. At this point I am continuing to work on it but will probably felt it and find out for sure before making the mate. If worst comes to worst I guess I can always use a giant felted slipper as a remote control cozy?? (lol)

Jello Poke Cake

For all my fellow sweet-toothers out there I had to make a post about my new fav cake: Jello Poke Cake!

I tried it for the first time at a picnic last weekend and knew it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. To make this cake you simply prepare and bake the cake mix of your choice per package directions. After the cake is baked, use a fork or skewers to poke holes all over the cake. Pour hot jello mix into the holes (powder mix + hot water- do not add the 2 cups of cold water). Then let set for about 4 hours and finally, add your frosting!

I recommend this recipe if you are interested in making one. For my cake I used white cake mix, cherry jello, and strawberry frosting. Triple yum. Can't wait to try a lemon one or maybe a rainbow confetti mix next time!

Felting Experiment

I want to try making a pair felted slippers. locking fibers=increased durability, right?So I made some test swatches yesterday and tried felting them to see how well the wool felts and amount of shrinkage. It looks like the pieces shrink up more vertically than horizontally. I lost about an inch vertically and maybe 1/2 an inch horizontally. The wool is mystery wool, I got it from a kit a while back. Its not the most premo stuff, but I do like the colorway. So I've started making the first slipper.

Knit Neck Scarf Trio

Yay! Three knit neck scarves completed! All using different yarns:

Cotton/Wool blend (yellow)- soft cotton with a nice wool stretchiness.

Alpaca/Mohair (brown)- baby alpaca and super kid mohair make a very organic, soft, fuzzy scarf. Great stretch too.

Silk/Wool (aqua)- very luxurious texture with softness, silky sheen, and stretch.

It's been a treat experimenting with boutique yarns. I love them all! These will make fabulous gifts too.

Hairball scarf update #2

Okay just had to do another update before I call it a night here:

Got another 4" knitted up this evening so I'm happy for that! Can't stop talking about this mohair. It's just been show and tell non-stop to whoever will listen. "Look, look," I say..."This yarn looks like my mom's hair!"

Maybe sometime I'll try knitting the mohair alone for a real delicate, lightweight fabric scarf...mmmm, possibilities. I know at some point I need to give felting another try too. I found a pattern for felted knit slippers that looks delightful. So much- so much!

I need to call it a night.

Hairball scarf update

Okay it's day 3 of the "hairball scarf." Hairball, is an all inclusive term meaning baby alpaca, super kid mohair, and silk. All the fibers used in this scarf came from baby animals! I am going a little slower with great care in knitting it up out of respect!

It's coming out really nice...can't wait to try on the finish product.

Weekend Update

It has been a good weekend so far! Woke up to an etsy sale on Friday!! Sold one of my favorite items- a black crochet lace bracelet with a red rose. Also sent a free gift with this order- one of my new crochet flower rings. These rings are my newest items, available for sale at my etsy shop. They are a perfect fit for springtime.

Also been up to more neck scarf knitting. Made a trip up to Jessica Knits in North Scottsdale this afternoon to pick up some gourmet yarns. We're talking- super kid mohair& silk, alpaca, and linen yarns. Adorable shop, very boutique-y. I was in the area so thought I'd check it out.

I ended up with a bag of goodies. Most notably these: Rowan kidsilk haze (70% super kid mohair, 30% silk) and Blue Sky Alpaca Melange 100% baby alpaca.

So when you combine baby alpaca and baby goat you get..... THIS! The two yarns come out to about a sport weight feel and are knitting up beautifully so far. The kidsilk haze gives the scarf a very organic, soft fuzzy feel. Best of all, it just looks like a ball of my mom's hair.