Blogging-that means every day...Right?

Well, with all that's been going on, I've been neglecting my little blog a lot. Sorry Thistle Knits...I promise to do better now...like today. I've been knitting a lot and my little class of knitters at school is progressing by leaps and bounds! Yea Norcross Knitters! Yesterday they learned how to read a pattern. Amazed they were that one could just follow those abbreviations and shaping would take place and the long skinny scarf shapes could transform into hats and sweaters and the like! I love it. They're a great group-even if I did catch Marge dozing off during the reading of our Very Easy Very Vogue pattern.(two skeins easy)
Now that I have my computer back and can download pics (oh joy! I am in cyber heaven again)I'll show you what I've been up to...this is not everything I've done..but some. By the way, the pink Angora sweater did get sold to little Gaby's mom...right off my desk at school. I can't wait to see her in it.I've had numerous admirers of the baby set done in Kaffe Fassett's new yarn...geeze, almost wish I were young enough to have a baby so I could use it.........uhhhhhh, I didn't mean that, really, I don't wish that at all. Been there, done that-I'm a Nana-that's good enough.
Going to the Highland Games today...men in kilts-ahhhhhh.

A LOVELY LITTLE WHEEL

Here is a nice pic of the very thing that has inspired my additional obsession of wanting to spin. Isn't she beautiful?
This is the Ashford Elizabeth Spinning Wheel. I've read favorable and unfavorable reviews about this pretty little wheel-but it just feels like it will be right for me. I am determined to learn...once I get the wheel-this one or whatever one I do end up getting. I suppose I should go give one a "try" at the LYS.
Also hoping to see the spinners at the Highland Games this weekend...maybe have a little sit down chat with them and check out their thoughts!

KNITTER GONE BERSERK!

Where does it end? I am addicted to knitting, yarn, needles and all of that ilk but that isn't enough! Oh no, not nearly enough. I've started checking out (in this order) Drop Spindles, Roving, Fleece and now, even Spinning Wheels. I've watched all the You Tube Videos on Spinning with both the Spindle and the Wheel (wheel is much, much cooler IMHO) I've actually found a wheel (Ashford Elizabeth...OMG it's gorgeous...not to mention the great price) that I want...no, not want, MUST HAVE...COVET (in a really good way though). I know I can do it! I have spun rooms full of yarn in my dreams..day and otherwise. I can feel the roving slip through my fingers as it winds around that wheel and makes beautifully twisted strands of knitting stuff!
I need more hours in the day!

October Projects

So long since I posted that I nearly forgot the password...but here I am. It's Oct. 1 and in the works are still the lovely Wedding Ring shawls of Alpaca...coming right along on those-the green one is at the second level stage right now and I am also halfway through the Autumn colors one-on the decrease side... and soon to be added will be an Aran Sweater for Tommy from Ireland....Connolly pattern. It's lovely and I can't wait to get my hands on the yarn for it! I know it's going to smell heavenly...Aran wool does. I am especially anxious ot get to all those nice cables and pattern stitches and feel the weight of it as it progresses.
Looking foreward to the Southeastern Fiber Festival in a few weeks. I am planning on getting some nice yarns for the stash- might even get another project from Elaine. I'd love to get some wool that I don't have-like maybe some Bison or Camel...even if it's only enough for a scarf or hat. Seriously considering Addi Turbo's this month...I need some cable needles that are smooth. The other alternative would be the set from KnitPicks..I have some of theirs and I like the nickle base and the weight is really good..points are really sharp for lace knitting too!
The Knitting Group at school is going right along as well. They're all learning and seem to be picking up on the cast on and knit stitch very well...just a few who don't quite have it, but as I say...it will click and then they'll be off and running. Some are especially good at it...Marge, Maria, Laurie...and Eve, Marla, Ann and Robert are coming right on too. It's a good group and we are having a great time.
That's about it for now. Hope to have the new MAC soon and then I'll be ready to post some pics!

It's About Time I Posted

So much going on these days with school back in session and my knitting group starting! They're doing well-our second meeting was held last Friday and they all learned to cast on, so we are well on our way!
A lot going on at home as well. Andy, my youngest, is leaving Tuesday for Bogota Colombia for about a year and a half-to soak up the culture and teach English. I will miss him but I know he'll have the best time and it will be good for him to be exposed to others. It's his first time out of the country and the first time flying too!! I'm a bit jealous...wish I were going too!!!

I'm knitting on the KAL and working on several shawls made in laceweight yarn. Gorgeous stuff! Still no computer at home so I can't post pics yet....take my word for it, they are "to die for" gorgeous!!! I'll be making a lot more of them...very easy! Knitted on the largest sock in the world at the Knitting Guild meeting. Want to go to the Lily Chin workshop but am on a waiting list for the one I want to go to...waaaaaahhhhhh. Maybe someone will have to drop out...although I wouldn't want anyone to miss the opportunity if they can help it (I just want to go too!!!)
Southeastern Fiber Festival is coming up soon and I will go to that too...my sister is going with me so we can pick out some yummy yarns to make things for her!
Well, that's all the time I have for today. Hope to post again soon.
Happy Knittng Y'all!

NORCROSS KNITTERS

Norcross Elementary has the most wonderful new Principal-Dr. Dora Hill!!! After four years of pure H.E.double Hockey Sticks (when was the last time you heard that one? LOL) we now have a lovely woman who encourages her staff, goes out of her way to make things pleasant and peaceful and is a pure gem to work for! But let me tell you what else she has done. I went to her yesterday and asked if a group of us teachers and staff could perhaps use the Media Center one day a week for a knitting class I wanted to offer. She not only said yes, she said put a notice in the mailboxes at school, invite all the staff to join and then she commissioned me to knit something for her!!! She said she'd be happy to have us there for an hour or so once a week and she'd be sure the AC/Heat would be on in the MC for us!!!! So now, I introduce THE NORCROSS KNITTERS CLUB. So far I have about 10 people interested in joining the beginners knitting class, some experienced knitters who want to hone skills and work on long forgotten projects, a couple of crocheters (always good to learn another skill too if you don't know how....I do so there will be lots of help for them too) and hopefully we will all become better friends and co-workers! I'll be working on the handout with supply list, etc. today. It should prove to be a lot of fun!!

Gone Forever Or What????

I know, I know, I've been away for awhile but without computer and access to my photo file I am just not the same person! Hope I will have it back soon...still being repaired. I am thinking I might as well get a new one at this rate!
Anyway, went to the AKG meeting on Thursday and actually got to work on the the largest sock in the world-now being knit. It's awesome. I did my bit and signed the book...what fun!
Also bought some new sock yarn but am making a baby sweater and cap from it. Is it ever going to be darling! Sooooo not the traditional baby colors, but that is what makes it great. It's called Regia(Design Line-Kaffe Fassett) Partie colorway. Really nice Autumn colors. It was a bit pricey for my pocketbook right now, but I had to have it you know. Only takes 2 balls though to make the sweater and cap, so that's not too bad.
I'm here in SC as my Mom is in the hospital. It's difficult being away from Tommy-I miss him but I guess the break won't hurt either of us...not like I'm 1000 miles away or anything. I'm just here for a few days and only 2 hours away. Should be back home on Monday night though.
I loved knitting up the new sock yarn I got from KP...very nice yarn indeed. I made socks for Shannen.
I have a swap I'm doing with another lady from Wearables on Wet Canvas, but can't say right now as to what I will be sending her...she might read the blog!! Anyway, it's cute and I hope she will like it!!!
That's about it from here. I'm packing up my knitting bag and then off to the hospital to sit for the day...Thank God for the knitting that will keep me occupied for the long hours!