A Week in the "Frog Pond"

Things have improved this week.  Not so many knitting disasters.  However, I did spend the weekend in the "Frog Pond".

You probably remember this disaster from my last post.  It was my version of "Cabled Embrace", which ended up not fitting (not to mention the crooked buttons).

Here it is again, in the frogging (ripping out) stage.  Even the most experienced knitters spend time frogging.  I was told early on in my knitting endeavors, that ripping out, was an important knitting skill.  You may feel upset at the time wasted on the project, but recognizing the need to start anew, and taking the steps to move forward is what can truly make you an expert!  Remember, it is not "time wasted", it is time learning how to make your knits fit perfectly.  I have certainly spent plenty of time learning this important lesson.

Now, completely frogged and the yarn re-rolled, the project is back on the needles for a new start, and a new size.

30 minutes later, it is well on its way to being the perfect fitting vest, that I will wear for years to come.  The previous version would have quickly found its way into the donate pile, as I would never have worn it.

Speaking of the donate pile . . . DON'T donate any of your handknit sweaters.  They can always be frogged, and the yarn knit into another sweater that you will just LOVE.  This can also be done with sweaters found and purchased second-hand at thrift shops.  This is the perfect way to get that cashmere or angora yarn that you have been wishing to knit with.  Yarn is much too expensive to cast off to those more creative minded than yourself.

My "Laura Leaves Tank" is finally finished.  I ran out of yarn 2 times. 

Although it was frustrating to have to keep calling Knit Unique in Logan, UT, they were wonderful to quickly ship me more!  You can read more about this project on Ravelry.

I'm still just "in love" with this leafy stitch.  I'm planning to make another for my daughter in dark, rich purple.  However, this time I'll use Fyberspates-Scrumptious again.  I didn't like this heavier weight yarn, as much, although it is really pretty, it is a little thicker than I prefer.

This is the original, and it has a finer feel.

Isn't "Chocolate Chip" growing up?  He is 18 months old now, and was sheared for the first time this past Spring.  His fleece is "Grade 1", and produced the softest, chocolate colored yarn.

Here it is.  So soft and beautiful.  I can't wait to get it on my knitting needles.  If you are interested, it is available in a 250 yard worsted weight, hank for $17.00.

This is Butterscotch Pudding.  He too has "Grade 1" fleece, in a soft biege color.  It is available too, in a 250 yard worsted weight hank for $17.00.

This is Melvin.  He is the self-proclaimed "King" of our herd.

 . . . and Spud.  Their fleece was combined to create the following "Grade 3" cream colored yarn.

This hank is my NEXT GIVE-AWAY.  To win, all you have to do, is comment on this post.  Tell me what you would like to knit out of it.  It is 250 yards of worsted weight, 100% alpaca yarn. A commenter will be chosen as the "WINNER" on October 15.  However, if you are not the winner, this yarn is available for $15.00 per hank.

This is Waffles.  His fleece produced a "Grade #2" caramel colored yarn.

It is available for $15.00 per hank.

This is Apple Jack.  He is our little trouble-maker.  Quite a rowdy litle alpaca, who can muscle his way into eating all of the treats.

His fleece produced a "Grade 4" yarn, and like the others, it is available for $13.00 per hank.

This is the rest of our herd.  The Mommas and our new little crea.  Cocoa and Licorice's fleece were combined and made into rug yarn.  We are planning a few rugs for Christmas gifts for our friends.  If you look closely, you can see Oreo Cookie in the middle there.  He was born in May.  Hasn't he grown, almost as big as his Mom.  He won't be sheered until next year.  Cocoa is expecting to deliver in November.  Our herd continues to grow!  Happy Knitting . . .