Manos.. gone bad

I signed up for a drop spindle class. Yes, that's right. I am now attempting to join the spinning ranks. My first class was this past Tuesday. I arrived early, eager to begin my newest endeavor. This wonderful lady, Kate, was leading the class. She hands us our spindle and some top. It was a bit awkward and I did a meager attempt at creating yarn. Kate was oh so encouraging, telling me that my spindle was looking wonderful. But, isn't that what teachers are supposed to say? But, as I peeked around the room, lo and behold, mine didn't look too shabby. Then again, I had never done anything like this before. I was in awe how just a simple spinning motion could create yarn. I mean, I can create yarn.

I left the class with a bit of the top and intentions of practicing some more at home. After many, many hours, I was able to accomplish this......

Yes, it does look like some Manos gone bad, but I'm proud of it none the less.

I returned today for my first "spin" at the wheel. I have yet to take a picture of my wheel endeavor, but trust me... it looks just a bit better. Not too much better, just a wee bit better than the above. I am on my way. Down the slippery slope I go.

My Pal.... She's the greatest!

The final package came from my SP9. It seems that she is this very nice lady, Diane, who hails from Pennsylvania. It seemed that the packages became more special with each and every one. The last package contained The Shoalwater Shawl, another pattern by one of my all time favorite designer, Evelyn Clark. Diane couldn't decide what color merino lace yarn to send with it, so she sent both: a dramatic black and a intriguing cranberry. She left the choice up to me and both colors are fabulous.

She also included a very special scarf that she made just for me. Anyone can go and buy things and send, but to take time and create something for someone else is so special. She made an adorable lace scarf from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" from beautiful Opal Mosaic yarn in a fabulous black with the subtle hint of purple. Oh, so lovely. It will be cherished always, for I know that it came directly from the heart.

But, Diane and I have GOT to be soul sisters. When I received the first package, I had the most horrendous chapped lips. And what did her next package contain? None other than some very soothing lip balm. I was in dire need of a darning needle. I found this out while attempting to sew the seam on all those clogs. I was shopping in a LYS this week and I had a darning needle on my list, but I forgot to buy one. But.... What did this last package contain? You got it! A darning needle set in that cute little Chibi container! Again, she nailed it! How does she do it? It is downright eerie!

Ene's Shawl

I finished this quite sometime ago, and it was gifted to my mother. I was visiting her in Florida when it was completed, and my sister helped me block it. I didn't have my camera with me, so I didn't get to take a picture of it.

My Mom had the shawl with her when she visited at Christmas, so I seized the opportunity to take a picture of it....



Yes, it did come out rather large. That is an oversized chair that it is draped upon. I had 20 houseguests for the holidays, so please, forgive the clutter.

Obligatory Stats:
Pattern: Ene's Scarf
Designer: Nancy Bush in "Scarf Style"
Size: 95" x 40"
Yarn: Henry's Attic Superwash Kona (gobs and gobs and gobs of it)
Needles: Addi Turbo Size 9

Yikes.... I've been tagged!

Tag, I'm it. I have been tagged by Gigi . I have never been tagged before, so I am taking this as an honor.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rules clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

SIX WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I am deathly afraid of heights. It doesn't matter whether it is the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, or the top of the Empire State Building, or the top of a 6 ft ladder. I immediately go into a panic attack with just the thought of being up high. The kids have gotten many a kick of scaring the begeezus out of mom when in a "high-altitude" situation.

2. I have OCD. I become OBSESSIVE with everything that I do. I can NOT do anything half-way. I have to do everything 150%, or I don't do it all. Sometimes that is a good thing, but at other times, it is a curse.

3. I love challenges. Do not even try to tell me that something can't be done. I will rise to any challenge. I am like Schwartz in "A Christmas Story" with his tongue on the flag pole. I triple dog dare you!

4. I am a chicken. I can not stand to watch scary movies. I will be needing to check the closet and under the bed, and sleep with the lights on for weeks.

5. I love to sing. I did not say that I could sing; I just love to! I sing anywhere and everywhere, much to my family's dismay. The kids would always ask, "What did you do with the money?". I would answer, "What money?". "The money Grandma gave you for singing lessons. Ha Ha Ha." Kids. You gotta love them.

6. It is ironic that as a child, I passed out at the sight of blood. As an adult, I chose to be a Physician Assistant.

So, tag. You're it... Bonnie, Mari, Becka, Cynthia, Bettina, and Kelly D