New Year's Resolution 2008

Read directions ... what a boring resolution, but when it comes to knitting it definitely is important. I have a sock for my daughter that has elf toes since I assumed the toe was 2" long but the pattern called for 3.5" for the toe. Since these socks are rainbow striped the elf toes look even worse! Now I'll have to tear it out and redo the toe so it will fit. I HATE to rip out knitting...hours wasted!!!

Now on to goals for 2008 - I want to try Fair Isle (stranded) knitting this year. I've found a hat pattern (Fake Isle Hat) that is supposed to be a good beginning project. I also found a mitten pattern (Corazon) to try too. These patterns are on Ravelry and they are FREE. I need a new hat, my daughter "stole" my koolaid hat project. I can always use a pair of mittens in the frozen tundra here in northern Michigan!

Hey - have a VERY safe and prosperous NEW YEAR!

Camo socks for DH

Camo socks for DH
Originally uploaded by bellavitafarm

Finally finished, just in time for Christmas the Camo socks made using the Vintage Sock pattern, Yarrow. I dyed this semi-solid green using sock weight yarn, but only did 166 yds. which ran a bit short to complete the sock. I dyed some more yarn to match in a solid color to finish off the toe section.

Countdown to Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun at my house. I finished up last minute shopping yesterday, now if I could only fit another day in between now and Christmas. I need to finish knitting at least three more projects. One project has been moved until after Christmas. I'm giving the yarn and promising the socks will be knit AFTER Christmas. Another project is still on my spinning wheel and who knows when that will be finished?

My neighbor called to find out when we should get together to exchange gifts and I haven't got hers wrapped yet. Egads...I need to get on the ball here.

Our family at Bella Vita Farm & Fiber want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

I Shoulda Known...

You Are Mince Pie

Admit it, this isn't the first time that someone has called you "beefy"

What Holiday Food Are You?

fresh_dyepot

fresh_dyepot
Originally uploaded by bellavitafarm

These are the latest dyeing projects for semi solid sock yarn. From top left clockwise, mauve pink in fingering weight, carribean blue in sock weight, camo green in sock weight and coral in fingering weight. All yarns are 100% superwash merino.

Coral Hedgerow socks

Coral Hedgerow socks
Originally uploaded by bellavitafarm

I dyed this superwash Merino fingering weight for a pair of Hedgerow socks. I'm really happy with the way the colors turned out. The sock is knitting up beautifully.

Dyeing can't get more natural than this!

Dyeing can't get more natural than this!
Originally uploaded by bellavitafarm

Mother nature doing some of her dyeing. The pokeberry bush berries burst onto the snow, dyeing the snow a beautiful red violet. I prefer to dye inside during this kind of weather!