Episode 2: What We Grow

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Episode 2: Part 1, What We're Making and Part 2, What We Grow on You Tube

Howdy

What we are wearing:

- Joy: Western Sky Knits Starshower cowl
- Stephanie: Noro Taiyo Sock Hitchhiker shawl

News:

- Check out the Fiber & Dice Podcast, and vote for Sushi Go! in the Fat Cat Knits spin along!

Fiber Talk

What we are knitting/spinning:

- Joy:
Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief out of handspun (by Stephanie) Two If By Hand polwarth/silk blend in "Roommate Agreement" (above)
Shibui Baby Hat and Socks out of Miss Babs Kilimanjaro in "Celebration"



- Stephanie:
Two If By Hand grab bag handspun (above)
Handspun Fish Lips Kish Heel Socks
Miss Babs Soul Food Astonish Top by Katy Banks from Golden Morning

What we acquired:

- Joy:
Madelinetosh Dandelion in "Tart"

- Stephanie:
Malabrigo Nube in Plomo and Natural

What is next:

- Joy:
Strand Hill Cardigan by Keya Kuhn out of Madtosh Dandelion

-Stephanie:
Limepop Sweater by Terri Kruse out of Knit Picks Swish

What We Grow

Resources:

Aggie Horticulture Website from Texas A&M
Includes lots of pdf guides to growing all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and nuts

Month-By-Month Gardening in Texas



The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!

Mother's Day Musing: Finding Fulfillment in Life through Making

Sounds philosophical and cerebral, doesn't it?  But it really isn't.  Please humor me for a few minutes. 

I'm pretty new to knitting, but I'm going to guess that finding fulfillment in knitting--or any hobby, for that matter--is why most of us keep doing it.  Okay, that and squooshing soft, beautiful yarn.  And then buying and hoarding it. 

But I digress.

Knitting brings joy to the knitter AND the recipient of the knitted goody.  (At least, we hope!)  For me, making something with my hands for someone else is the only genuine way of showing someone how much I care. 

I admit that my sentiments aren't shared by everyone; they're a by-product of my upbringing.  My mom has always been a maker.  She bakes cookies, cakes, and quick breads and sews.  She gives her goodies away to people who are in need, having a bad day, or celebrating something great.  Maybe that's why I feel it's more genuine to make something than to buy something. 

My mommy and me

Whatever the reason, a lot of you out there feel the same way. 

So what's the point of my rambling?  Simply to encourage you to keep making for others.  Make for your family, your friends, and for strangers.  Not just because it makes you feel good, but also because it's a sincere form of showing love and caring to others. 

I've recently started knitting baby hats and socks for a mission outreach at my church that's aimed toward moms who are unexpectedly expecting or who have hit hard times.  I don't think you have to be a religious person to understand the necessity and value of showing love and caring to total strangers.  It's what separates us from the beasts in the wild.

Shibui baby hat and socks from Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders

So, please keep making.  Make for your family, your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors, and total strangers.  And please share your making with me in the comments below!

Happy Mother's Day, makers!

Knitting: Handspun Fish Lips Kiss Socks

Lately, everyone seems wild about the Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox Therapist. I am working on my first pair, and so far find it a wonderful method for knitting handspun socks. The main reason is that you can knit them in your own custom gauge, and don't have to fuss too much about the actual weight of your handspun sock yarn. I have had a little trouble keeping track of my cardboard foot - thanks to my 9 month old who likes to chew on it... and I am pretty sure my lines are a little off, but here's hoping that my socks turn out ok!




















I am almost to the heel portion, and am happy that I can customize it a little for my high arch... at least that is what I am hoping! The patterning is a simple garter rib (Row 1: K3, P2/ Row 2: K) that I will carry up the length of the sock - super mindless sock knitting!

This was also my first time spinning for socks, and my method was very crude: spin as thin and possible and chain ply carefully. I used a mixed breed wool supplied by my dear friend Dawn of Daybreak Dyeworks, and when spinning for socks you really need a coarse hard-wearing wool or a wool blend that includes nylon or other synthetic fiber that will add strength.



I am using the top two hanks in this photo for my socks, the future of the bottom two is still to be determined - maybe more socks. Overall I have really enjoyed the process of knitting socks with my handspun. They are nice and dense and springy, and they feel wonderful when I try them on. I can't wait for them to be finished!

Have you joined the Fish Lips Kiss Heel fan club? Have you knit handspun socks?