New Alpaca -- Baby Boy

We just added a new baby boy alpaca to our herd. He was born on Friday the 13th and he is jet black. Not a white spot on him. Thus, it was suggested we name him "Jason".

All of our alpacas are named for "food", so "Jason" wasn't a option.  We had many good suggestions, such as:  Moon Pie, Pepsi Cola, Licorice Nibs (he is the son of "Licorice Whip"), Ding Dong, Coffee Bean, and Peppercorn.

The sun is shining brightly on him here, which makes him look brown, but he is actually quite black. We put the favorite of the suggested names (Pepsi Cola, and Peppercorn) on Facebook for a random vote, and Peppercorn won by a landslide.

The other alpacas were curious about this little guy too.  Butterscotch was craning his neck over the fence for a better look.

Nola wanted a little ride on Melvin too.

Since Nola was visiting for the weekend, we decided it was her turn to make the "3 year-old" trip to Build-a-Bear.

She made a darling little bunny, with a princess dress and high heels. Her name is "Carrot". She was so excited and completely worn out afterwards. She fell asleep in the Food Court at the Mall, while eating her Hot-Dog-on-a-stick. So, Grandpa had to carry her to the car, and I had to carry "Carrot" and her corn dog.

We also had a "Grandpa's Campout", with all of our little grandkids. It was such fun! We set up the tent in the backyard.

We had corn dogs and Cheetos for dinner (poor Nola, she had two corndogs that day)and we played fishing for treats.

We took crazy pictures with props.

And even their "Build-a-Bears" were invited, but "NO PARENTS ALLOWED". Here is Giggles, Shaggy, Sparky, Carrot, and Munard (Mustard).

Even the baby of the group spent the entire night in the tent. We hope to do it again next year, when Hayden can join in on the fun. She was still too little to be away from her Mom all night.

But since this is a knitting blog, perhaps I should show you what I have been working on.

This is the beginnings of "Drew", which I am knitting as a Christmas gift for my Dad.  Sorry Dad if you actually read this Blog, I guess I blew the surprise. 

This is a modified rib stitch, which completely destroys a knitting rhythm.  The "purl through the back loop" stitches cause me to look everytime.  Thus, I have been working on "Drew" for a full 2 weeks now, and I don't even have the back finished.

Four weeks is usually the maximum time I spend knitting a sweater, but this one is going to take a bit longer. Especially since I will be adding sleeves. However, I am really excited that I found the most perfect buttons for this sweater at the Mountainman Rendezvous. The are custom made of deer horn and metal. They look truly masculine, and will be the perfect addition to this sweater. Keep watching, as I'll likely post several times before this sweater is actually finished.

While browsing Facebook the other day, I came upon this hillarious picture. It was posted by the daughter of one of the ladies in the picture. It dates back to the late 1980's, and was taken at a "50's" party. Can you guess which one is me? You guessed it . . . I'm the one on the left. It has been many years since then, but I still see these ladies occassionally. Fun times!

I'm looking forward to my knitting group's Annual Witch Knit, which is fast approaching. We'll be enjoying a Fall Supper and admiring each other's Witch Get-Ups, while knitting away. I've been trying out some new recipes for the evening, so I'll try to remember to take some pictures of the food, as well as the Witches who attend.

In the meantime . . . Happy Knitting!

Autumn Begins

Fall has arrived. The kids have all returned to school, and our garden is producing vegetables with a vengence. We have beets ready for pickling, green beans ready for freezing, and more squash, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes that 2 people could possibly eat.

We just returned from our annual trek to the Ft. Bridger Mountainman Rendezvous.  It was a great time, like usual (even with the rain), and I was able to finally finish the "Hayden" sweater and bonnet.  Watch for the pattern on Ravelry.com.  It should be published in the next few weeks.

Hayden was the perfect little model, even though it was 97 degrees when we took these pictures.

The sweater and bonnet were knit from Caron - Simply Soft (worsted) in the color Watermelon (#9604).

I received 3 skeins of this yarn from a friend. Although it is plenty warm, I thought the color was perfect for this little munchkin.

The sweater and bonnet will really keep her warm, once the weather starts to cool.  She is such a little cutie.

The change in the season has started me thinking about Christmas gift knitting.  I already have two projects on the needles, and going strong.  The first is:  "Peabody" by Leila Raabe (BT Fall 11).  I plan to knit a variation of this pattern, changing it into a cardigan.  The second is:  The "Drew Sweater Vest" by Marlaina "Marly" Bird.  This pattern will also be altered, to add long sleeves.  I found the most masculine, handmade buttons at the Mountainman Rendezvous, which will be the perfect addition. The buttons are made of deer horn and silver. They are going to be perfect.

The Christmas gift sweaters are coming along, but like usual, I have set the knitting projects for me aside. I hope I'll get back to my "Junonia" skirt at some point. However, like most knitters I have many unfinished projects just sitting on the needles, waiting for my return.

Fall brings the reuniting of my knitting group. We'll be meeting again this week, and I can't wait to see what everyone has been working on. I need to gather my Witch Costume together for our annual "Witch Knit" in October, along with practicing some new recipes for our Autumn Supper. I hope this change of season finds you knitting away . . . . Happy Knitting!