Hands in Delight

Maryland Sheep and Wool 2013

handsindelight — Sun, 05 May 2013 02:31:33 +0000

I was so afraid that I would not make it to MDSW this year. I have been totally consumed with a project for work – literally worked 85 hours this week – and I was not sure if I could get away for a few hours of yarn paradise. Not to mention, I am so tired and was not sure if I could even walk around to my favorite vendors. Fortunately, everything fell into place, and I was able to spend a couple of hours shopping for some more yummy yarn goodness.

As usual, I blew right through my budget. In fact, I almost spent twice as much as I had planned to spend. But, it was so worth it! I have lots to add to my stash, including:

* Minuet by Dancing Leaf Farm, 2480 yards of superfine alpaca lace yarn
* Hip Hop by Dancing Leaf Farm, 792 yards of merino/cashmere/nylon fingering, Crocus colorway
* Bamboo by Creatively Dyed Yarns, 1000 yards of bamboo lace, Sand colorway
* Sunna by Spirit Train Fiberworks, 1050 yards of merino/cashmere/silk fingering, Smashed Raspberries colorway
* Glenhaven Cashmerino Fingering by Three Irish Girls, 740 yards of merino/cashmere/nylon, Golden Afternoon colorway
* Homage by Shalimar Yarns, 400 yards of merino/cashmere/silk, Byzantium colorway

Well, I guess it’s back to my “stash buster’s” diet. I did work my way through several skeins since last year’s MDSW, so I don’t feel that guilty.

Goodness, I do love the first weekend in May!!!! Happy 40th Anniversary MDSW! Here’s to 40 more!

Happy Stitching!

There’s nothing like working with yummy yarn

handsindelight — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:49:52 +0000

For the past week, I have been turning that yummy yarn that I bought from Creatively Dyed Yarns at last year’s Maryland Sheep & Wool (MDSW) into a fun and comfy sweater that I can show off at this year’s MDSW. I have been super stressed and had some extra time on my hands since we traveled by car to Florida (from Virginia!) for the funeral of a close family member. Honestly, this yarn has kept me sane over the past week. I am so pleased with my progress too….as I posted a couple of weeks ago, this yarn will be a sweater someday – and, hopefully, sooner rather than later since MDSW is less than one month away. Can’t wait! I already have my wish list in mind.

Happy Stitching!

Lady Violet Shawl Revealed….Finally!

handsindelight — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:16:27 +0000

Inspired by my favorite charater on Downton Abbey, the ”Lady Violet” shawl is finally done and ready for primetime! This project took a year to complete, but it was definitely worth every stitch. I love the pattern (an old find from Bernat) and the feel of this incredible yarn by Roman Hills. Of course, this is their The Dowager Countess colorway from their Downton Abbey collection.

Happy Stitching!

Someday, This Yarn Will Be a Sweater…..

handsindelight — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:19:26 +0000

Yes, someday this gorgeous yarn will be a sweater. I bought this last year at Maryland Sheep & Wool and I had envisioned wearing it at this year’s festival. Sigh….there’s still time, I know. But, last night, just as I was about to get started winding the first skein, I had a moment of lucidity for a new design that is now itching to escape my brain and become a reality. Hopefully, it will work up fast and all of the math will fall into place….boy, would I love to play with this yarn soon.

Wondering what pattern I have in mind? Take a peak. Isn’t it nice to work on other designers’ patterns?!? It’s like a relaxing break from the intensity of designing. Certainly, both can be enjoyable in there own way. Maybe, I will work on both simultaneously this weekend.

Happy Stitching!

A Treasure Trove of Needlework

handsindelight — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:17:26 +0000

Today, I found a true treasure trove of needlework. My mom is remodeling my old childhood home and we are in the process of clearing out my grandparents things, both of whom have long gone on to heaven. My parents, knowing how sentimental I am, gave me my grandmother’s hope chest. You know, the kind that women would receive when they got married and keep filled with their cherished items for decades to come. Well, guess what I found….my dad’s baby clothes from the 1940′s. Several of the items were handmade by my grandmother. I couldn’t believe it! There were hand knit and crochet booties and bonnets; a goreous knit sweater; 6 hand smocked and embroidered outfits; and the most adorable hand embroidered bids. I couldn’t wait to share……honestly, these items brought tears to my eyes. I feel so blessed to have in my hands things that my grandmother made while she waited for her baby boy to be born.

I always imagine where the items that I spend hours (sometimes months) making will end up generations from now. I hope my granddaughter will love needlework as much as I do and cherish her great-great grandmother’s items as well as mine.

Happy Stitching! Enjoy the eye-candy!

This Is a Yarn Binge

handsindelight — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:21:00 +0000

Yes….I’ve fallen off the wagon. Most of you know that I have been on a serious yarn diet since last year’s Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. The plan was to make tons of projects using all of the yummy yarn goodness that I already have in my stash until Maryland Sheep and Wool 2013. Well, I didn’t quite make it. Yes, I have been busy playing with yarn from my stash. In fact, I found a lovely skein of Louet Gems in my stash and quickly fell in love while knitting a sample stockinette stitch scarf for my knitting class. A few rows in, I decided to buy some more (just in case, right?)….then, after a few moments searching the internet, I found a lot (or two!) of mill ends of Louet Gems in varying weights. I couldn’t resist. I had never bought mill ends before and it seemed like a great deal at %50 off the retail price. So, now the fun begins. My plan is to use these to make sample swatches and small projects.

Happy Stitching!

Keep Calm and Carry Yarn

handsindelight — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 04:07:31 +0000

Keep Calm and Carry Yarn – this has truly become my motto. In fact, you will rarely find me without a ball of yarn along with a hook or needles in my purse. And, if my purse does not have these items, then a project bag is surely close by. I have been tempted to buy my one of these great posters made and sold by jenniegee on etsy. I think it would be a great addition to my craft room, although I rarely play with yarn in it. I do keep my yarn “organized” in my craft room. And, I wind all of my skeins and do my blocking in there, so perhaps I should put this on my wishlist for my special Valentine. What do you think?!?

Well, this week, I have been preparing for a knitting class that I am teaching next week. I have prepared some sample swatches for the students to touch and feel, and I am making a scarf in stockinette stitch as a classroom example. I love mindless knitting. It is so therapeutic and I am always amazed at how quickly projects like these can fly off my needles. On the other hand, my poor crochet Lady Violet shawl is 80% done, but I keep putting it down for a breather. The pattern is quite involved and making all of the strips can get tedious. I do hope I finish before this season of Downton Abbey ends, though.

Happy Stitching! Don’t forget your yarn!

Christ Is Among Us

handsindelight — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 19:50:31 +0000

It is so easy for Christians to get discouraged these days. To be honest, I find myself getting discouraged a lot – it seems as if we have lost battle after battle in this new age, “do whatever feels good” time in which we are living. In fact, I often find myself meditating on the life of the early Christians – when the penalty for practicing one’s faith was death. But, I am so happy to report that my soul has been renewed and encouraged over the past few weeks. I have been sick lately (spent 5 days in the hospital) and I can not tell you how full my heart is from the outpouring of love that I have felt from those around me. Yes, my friends and family have been phenomenal. However, it is the kindness of absolute strangers that has shaken me to my core. And, I can only come to the conclusion that Christ is among us. There is no doubt that He is still here fighting along side us, drying our tears, and even working miracles.

Today, although I am supposed to be resting at home and recuperating, I had a deep yearning to get to Mass. I had to be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. But, I was not well. I pushed myself to get ready and by the time we arrived at our parish, I was exhausted. I sent my family in ahead of me while I sat in the car to get my bearings. With only a few minutes before Mass would begin, I pushed myself to get out of the car and to walk inside. When I got to the narthex, I almost passed out. And, sure enough, someone was there to catch me. I barely recognized the face at first, but it was my friend and she walked me in side. It was almost is if Christ knew how desperately I wanted to be in His presence and He sent her to help me at the very moment I needed it.

Well, it seemed as if we were walking miles. When we stepped inside the Sanctuary, I saw my family seated near the front and I thought to myself, “Can I make it that far?” My friend whispered in my ear, “The Father has us now.” Those words touched my heart like you would not believe and I thought about the woman who had to touch the hem of His garment as we slowly made it to the pew.

I am so grateful for each person who has shown me Christ through them. And, I pray, that I am able to show others Christ through my actions.

Happy Stitching! God Bless!

I am thankful for…….

handsindelight — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:07:04 +0000

Crochet, knitting, quilting and all things needlework. Of course, I am thankful for my family and friends, but I would like to say a special thank you for the needle arts too. Not only does needlework bring incredible joy and beauty into my life, it serves as my artistic outlet and helps me find peace in the midst of chaos. Thank you Heavenly Father for all stitches, big and small. Thank you, too, for all of the wonderful friends that I have made through our mutual love of needlework.

Happy Stitching! Happy Thanksgiving!

Designing Off the Cuff

handsindelight — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 23:29:09 +0000

I have been working on a fun, little Tunisian crochet project – designing a hat inspired by the Premium Cable scarf pattern by Sharon Silverman. I have taken sort of a freestyle approach and have let my hook talk to me as I stitch. Normally, I plan out my designs, working out all of the math first on graph paper. Of course, the freestyle approach is risky. Quite frankly, it could be disastrous in the end, but it is so liberating to just let the creative process take shape as you go along. Luckily for me, I am happy with how it is turning out so far and I love the yarn, Mirabella by Tess’ Designer Yarns (an angora/merino blend). Best of all, this is for just me and there are no worries nor any pressure with this one.

Happy Stitching!