Designer spotlight

This was going to be a post about my adventures at TNNA  in Long Beach, but it makes no sense telling you what I saw at this tradeshow, without first explaining why I was there.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with TNNA, it is the National NeedleArts Association which is a trade association for professionals in knitting, needlework, and stitching.  Each year they have two trade shows for members and it is huge! For our purposes, I'll only discuss the knitting side of things.  If you are a yarn store owner, a TNNA tradeshow is the perfect venue to go check out what's new in the industry, place orders with vendors, meet designers, etc. 

So lets get back to why I was there.  My dear friend Laura is a very talented designer and a member of TNNA.  She graciously asked me to attend with her so she could meet with yarn companies, show them her patterns, and hopefully gather enough interest from them to possibly design some patterns in their yarn.   It's really a win/win situation.

One of the items I was wearing on the 2nd day we attended was a pair of socks that she designed that I failed to post about when I finished them in November.  I'm going to remedy that problem right now because this is a pattern I definitely would like to show off!

 Pattern:  Candy Wrappers by Laura Patterson of Fiber Dreams

Yarn:  Socks that Rock Lightweight in Rose Quartz

Needles:  24" circular 2.25 mm (US 1) and 2.5 mm (US 1.5) 

Modifications: I cast on with the 2.25 mm needles to work the ribbing and then switched to the 2.5 mm needles to knit the rest of the sock.  I didn't do this because of any problem wit

h the pattern, but because I was too lazy to swatch & realized when I completed the ribbing that I better go up a bit in needle size if these were going to fit.

I also added an extra 1/2 repeat of the pattern on the leg because I'm somewhat strange and always like my socks a bit longer than any pattern I've ever knit.  It seemed like a good idea at the time until I figured out that I had to shift my stitches on the needles to work the heel flap in the pattern stitch.  It took some math skills on my part to make it work, but I think I executed it fine.  

Notes:  The cabling technique in this pattern is beautiful and very unique and something I've never ran across before.  I was unable to figure out how to do it without a cable needle, but when I knit this pattern again, my goal is to figure it out.   That is, unless someone does it for me first, which would be wonderful.

I don't recall ever knitting this type of toe decrease before, especially since I usually knit all my socks toe-up, but it's so pretty I felt it needed its own close-up.  At TNNA I got compliments left and right every time someone saw these.  In fact, the VP of Brown Sheep Company was practically gushing over them and said if they weren't on my feet she'd steal them.  The glint in her eye at one point led me to believe that she may indeed be serious.

As can be the case with some patterns, you have to be careful as to what yarn type and colorway you choose, so that the stitch pattern doesn't get "lost".  I think this skein of Socks That Rock showed off the pattern very well, and I was very lucky to win this skein in a blog contest awhile ago from Tiennie Knits.  

The pattern is written top-down (cuff to toe), on dpn's, but I found it extremely easy to modify it for two circular needles.  Dare I say that it would be just as easy using the Magic Loop?  

Now if this fabulous sock isn't enough of a designer spotlight, I'll tease you a bit here by showing you her current design that I'm test-knitting.  It's called the Garden Party Shawl, and with all the beautiful flower and leaf motifs, I can definitely see why.  Some of you may remember her last design, Pacific Islands, which can be knit into a shawl or a scarf.  It got quite a bit of attention when Wendy Johnson (Wendy Knits) test-knit it for Laura, and the pattern went flying out of Laura's online store.  I suspect the Garden Party Shawl will too ...  once it's available.

Are you really only 31? I feel so old.

Happy Birthday baby sister (who's not quite a "baby" anymore).  Not only is she one of my sisters, but even if she weren't, I would like to think that we still would be close friends.   

My sister is a very talented artist and a delicious baker, so last year she combined the two and started making one-of-a-kind cakes.  I'm always amazed at the fantastic confections she creates and I hope that someday I'll be lucky enough to be the recipient of one of her cakes. 

Last year on her birthday I let her choose one of four fabulous gifts, but this year I figured it out all by myself.  Since her favorite color is green, and since I know she doesn't have any for herself, I decided to treat her to some hand knit socks.  Unfortunately, they didn't get complete in time to make it in her mailbox for today, but they are going in the mail on Monday (along with the delayed socks I knit for her daughter's December birthday).  Do we see a horrible trend here or what?

A Twinkle in the Congo

Pattern:  Twinkle Toes by Cookie A.

Yarn:  Cider Moon Glacier in Congo 

Needles:  3.5mm (US 4) 24" KnitPicks circulars

Pattern Notes: This is definitely a great pattern to try if you are intimidated by other patterns written by here.  Since it's knit with DK weight yarn, it knits up fairly quickly, but still introduces you to Cookie's fabulous design work.  I knit these two at a time on 2 circular needles, and cast on using Judy's magic cast-on (of course).  I knit 5 pattern repeats before starting the instep increases, but I should have only knit 4.  In the heel section, I used the yarn over method that Cookie demonstrated on the Knitty Gritty episode instead of wrapping the stitches as written in the directions.  I knit 6 pattern repeats on the leg which makes them a bit long, but hopefully she prefers a longer leg like I do.  I used the sewn cast-off for the very first time and I'm wondering why I never tried it before.  Brilliant. 

 

Yarn Notes:  It's super soft, squishy, the color variation is beautiful, and it smells great.  The downside is that in Sept 2007, the Cider Moon blog said that due to a legal matter, they've stopped doing business.  It's such a shame because I'm not one to typically purchase DK weight yarn, but I really think this is one I'd purchase again.  Hopefully whatever the issue is, it will be resolved soon.

Final Thoughts:  While I'm pleased overall with how these turned out, I'm afraid they may be a tad too big for her.  Then again, she could just wear them around the house as big slouchy socks, right?

Thanks to all of you for your comments on my last post.  I'm still trying to sort through all the emails and read each of your blogs, so bear with me while I try to catch up this week.  

Holiday Charity Knits?

Do you charity knit for the holidays?

Last year I participated in Knit Unto Others, which is hosted yearly by Carole & Margene. The concept is to charity knit during the last two weeks of November. At the end of the month, you send them an email stating what you knit & where you donated it to, and your name is entered into a drawing to win a prize from either Carole or Margene. Last year, I did win a prize from Margene, but honestly, just knowing that someones head was kept warm because of hats I knit, was gift enough.One of the charities I'll be knitting for again this year is Christmas Knits to help One at a Time Ministries, and Lynda just reminded me on her blog post that it's that time of year again. I'm sure there's a hat pattern or two I've been wanting to try that would be perfect for this charity. How about you?
On the health front, my doctor asked me to try some medication for the FMS and after being on it for 2 weeks, my pain levels have dropped by about 40%. YEAH! I've had a "bad" day here & there, but my overall daily pain is much improved. I've had no side effects from the medication (that I've noticed) so that's great, and DH has especially noticed a change in me since he can now give me a squeeze now & then without me screeching in pain.

The other good thing is that the NutriSystem diet is working. My body resisted for the first 10 days though, but now that it knows I'm sticking with it and not cheating, it finally gave up some pounds and as of today, day 15, I've lost 5.5 pounds. Some of the food is great and some of it is not so great, but I'm sorting through it so I can customize my next order. The best part is that I'm not ever hungry. That is definitely a first for me. I've never been on a diet where I haven't been completely miserable, and honestly it barely feels like I'm on a diet right now.

In actual knitting project news, there is actually quite a bit going on.

Recently Completed:

• Cable Wave Scarf (my own design)
  
• Thuja anklets originally knit for DH are now Thuja anklets for me
• Exact same hat as I knit last year for my nephew, but now in a larger size
• Practice baby booties from Cat Bordhi's latest book
  

In process:

• Fiber Trends Felted Clogs
• Glittens for sister are in the process of being reknitted in a larger size
• Candy Wrappers socks have been started, frogged and re-started
• Hat for charity
• Tangled Yoke (still needs to be blocked)

After seeing this list, I think it's time to buckle down and get things blocked, felted, and photographed. Sheesh.

Jillian shared this on her blog and I'm passing along to all of you as well. There's a Veterans Day yarn sale going on over at Sonny & Shear. Use the coupon code VETERAN to save 20% off of your yarn purchases now through November 17, 2007 and all orders over $40 have free shipping. There are a lot of wonderful things that are unfortunately sold out, but I did snag some Lorna's Laces & Dream in Color. How could I not?

My first test knit

My dear friend Laura designed her first lace shawl project, and she honored my request to test knit it for her (along with some other very talented knitters). I'd like to present you with my attempt at her pattern, the South Seas Stole:

click photo to enlarge

Pattern: South Seas Stole by Laura (to be released soon)
Source: Fiber Dreams and Ravelry
Yarn: Laceweight Mystery Yarn -- nylon blend?
Beads: 8/0 Marble Marine Green T1207
Needles: Knit Picks Options Harmony size 5 US

This is the very first time I've ever test knit for someone and hopefully I'll be able to do it again in the future because it was so fun! There were a few bugs here and there, but those have all been worked out and the final pattern is amazing. Actually, the entire design is amazing. I would go on & on about all the details, but I'll save that for Laura to do when she releases the pattern in a few days.


I loved adding the beads to the stole and I even made a mistake and added extra beads in a section that I wasn't supposed to. It's alright though because you'd never know unless I told you. The needles, oh those needles! I can most definitely recommend the new Knit Picks Harmony needles for lace knitting. In the past I've used the new Addi Turbo Lace needles, but these Harmony needles score a perfect 10 in my opinion.

I had a heck of a time getting the colors to show correctly since I'm obviously in desperate need of a photography class, but it's a beautiful blue/green colorway that has very subtle variegations throughout the yarn. Although I'm not sure what the yarn is, I will say that it wasn't very cooperative when it came to stretching for blocking or the points that should be prominent on the edges of the shawl. Regardless, it did come out very nice and I'm hoping DH has a dress-up Christmas party this year so I can wear it.

Look at this beautiful skein of yarn I received from Tiennie. Of course, how can anyone ever not want Socks That Rock? She held a blog contest (as she frequently does) and all I had to do was leave a comment (which I love to do) and she randomly drew a name. The colorway is Rose Quartz and I'm already dreaming of what pattern will be worthy. Thank you so much Tiennie!

Drunk Blue Bees

I think it's about time for a post regarding an FO, and although I wish it were the Tangled Yoke, I'm still yet to block it so you'll have to settle for socks.

Drunk Blue Bees

click photo for bigger

Pattern: Drunken Bees by Domesticat
Pattern Source: Ravelry or Domesticrafts
Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock in Midnight, 2 skeins
Needles: (2) KnitPicks Circular 24" size 2.25 mm
Notes: The pattern is definitely not written for a beginning sock knitter since you need to be pretty familiar with the basic construction of a sock. Thankfully I've knit enough socks now that step-by-step instructions aren't always needed anymore, and for the most part I've figured out how to substitute the heels and toes I want as well as convert patterns cuff to toe or toe to cuff.

Pattern Comments: If you're experienced in knitting socks this would be a wonderful pattern to knit that will not only hold your attention while you knit it, but give you a beautiful sock in the end. It reminded me a bit of the Cookie A patterns that you can purchase, except this one was free. Had the designer given detailed instructions in multiple sizes, she could've easily charged money for this pattern and deserved it!

Yarn Comments: This yarn was even better than I expected and I'm excited to get off my yarn diet in a few days so I can purchase more. This particular colorway reminds me of the STR shaded solid colorways that Blue Moon Fiber Artisans so beautifully dye, and the yarn itself is soft, spongy and has a beautiful twist. Just in case you're tempted to try some, I think The Loopy Ewe may have some in stock. Maybe.

Bad Blogger

I can tell when I've been a "bad blogger" and haven't posted for awhile because I had to log in to blogger to write this post. Can I use a family visit last week as an excuse? Today I thought I'd share with you all the projects (I'm willing to admit) I have on my needles.

I've realized that since I'm going to freezing cold southern Idaho for a week in December, I may need some real winter knit-wear. So, I decided to design a scarf for myself. This is the Cable Wave Scarf and I'm using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Prairie Fire although I've also test knit it in Malabrigo Worsted. I've *got* to add more of that to my stash!

My sister's birthday is in December and she requested a pair of fingerless gloves that convert to mittens. The pattern I'm using is Urban Necessity from MagKnits Sept. 2005, but honestly I'm not in love with all the yarn end weaving that this project entails. I do love the Cascade 220 superwash wool though so that definitely helps. I must admit though that after trying these on multiple times, I think I need to rip these back and make them larger. Drat.

I'm unsure why I was so excited to cast on for these Diamond Waffle Socks when I saw them in the last Knitty issue, but I think I cast-on in haste because I've not liked knitting these at all. I thought they'd be perfect for DH, but I've not liked the yarn (Cherry Tree Hill Supersock) nor the pattern and once I completed knitting the heel, I disliked the particular heel in the pattern, ripped them back, and threw them across the room. They've been sitting in time out ever since. Normally I love CTH Supersock, so that's odd, but maybe it's a bad combination of yarn and pattern. Regardless, since I've already done so much work on them, I'm going to pick them back up soon and maybe DH will have them in time for Christmas.

Tangled Yoke is completely knit and ready to be blocked. This is the first cardigan I've knit for myself (or anyone else for that matter), so I'm excited to almost have it finished. I suppose I should also be concerned about getting buttons too. Hopefully the next photo of this will be me wearing it.

I've had the Drunken Bees socks in my queue ever since the day I saw the pattern on Domesticraft's blog site. Finally I received the perfect yarn (Shibui Sock) and cast on. Can I just tell you that both the pattern and the yarn are exceeding my expectations. I'm in love!


I'm test knitting Laura's South Seas Stole and loving every minute of it. In fact, all the above mentioned projects have been sitting in limbo since I cast on for the stole. I already had the yarn in my stash which I coincidentally purchased from Laura a few months ago. I'm not sure what the yarn is comprised of, but it has very little, if any stretch to it, so I'm suspecting there is no wool. Maybe an Acrylic blend? I have no clue, but the finished fabric is beautiful. Finding the correct sized beads though that complemented the color was quite tricky though and luckily I've discovered (after 2 other stores failed to "wow" me) a wonderful store right by my house called Brea Bead Works.

I've knit the entire length of the stole and am now working on the border, but have discovered I'm running out of yarn. Hopefully Laura has more I can sneak away from her while I distract her with a German beer and deli sandwich from Mattern's deli.

Thanks again for everyone's comments. If I didn't get to yours or your blogs recently, I'm sincerely sorry. My sister's family was here visiting last week and my fibro wasn't cooperating, so computer time was limited. Since this big desktop system won't fit on my bed or my comfy knitting chair, I think it may be appropriate to start researching laptop computers.

I'm Twisted

I know why this is called the Twisted Flower sock ... you have to be a bit "twisted" to attempt it! After much anticipation (mainly by me), I'd like to present:

Twisted Flowering Eggplants
(click photo for bigger)

Pattern: Twisted Flower by Cookie A.
Source: Cookie A Knitwear Designs
Yarn: Louet Gems Pearl in Eggplant
Needles: Knit Picks 24" circular size 1.5 US (2.5mm)
Notes: The only modification I did to this pattern was to knit it on two circular needles. I didn't attempt for a moment to convert this to toe-up, but I feel fairly confident that if I knit this again, I could convert it successfully.


WHEW! This pattern was by far the most time-consuming as far as sock patterns go, but look at the results! I've decided to be selfish and keep these for myself. I love the yarn, the color, the pattern and the fit. How often does *that* happen?

The pattern is worth every single penny and more, but ssshhhh, don't tell Cookie. I'd hate to see her pattern prices jump up because of that comment. The yarn was less desirable though. Although I've previously loved knitting with it and only had minor problems with yarn slubs and knots, these skeins were horrible! I think I had 12 ends on each sock to weave in ... ICK! I'm hoping it was just a fluke because I really do like the yarn (and there's more in my stash).

If you decide to purchase this beautiful pattern, a couple of things I would suggest:

• Pointy-tipped needles -- this makes cabling that much easier
• Chart reading experience -- trust me on this one
  
• Solid color sock yarn -- to show off the beauty of the pattern
• Experience in cabling without a cable needle -- really, you'll thank me later
• Full concentration while knitting -- I wasn't able to successful watch television without ripping back
• Complete trust in the pattern -- everything about it is brilliant.
  

September Sock A Month 4 KAL socks are complete ... what's up next? I think maybe something plain and simple!

Getting there is half the fun?

I'm actually leaving it up to Laura to write about our driving adventures to see the Yarn Harlot on Saturday, but I'll give you the quickie-version.

I live approximately 30 miles south of Los Angeles and for those of you who've been to California before, I only live about 8 miles north of Disneyland. I now understand why I live closer to the latter ... it's easier to get there!

Not only did we run into some unexpected traffic (although with Los Angeles, why was I thinking there *wouldn't* be traffic?), but we also thought we had missed our exit, and tried to create our own route which led to its own adventures through Chinatown and such. Luckily, the Yarn Gods must have been smiling on us, because we eventually ended up in a parking garage that we thought might be *close* to our destination and as we exited the garage, you'll never believe what was directly across the street from us ... the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The exact location we were looking for. Now, I won't bore you with the details of trying to go home, but let me just say... never a dull moment.

As anyone who has ever written a blog post has stated, attending a Yarn Harlot event is definitely worth the drive, the time, the babysitting expense, whatever. Yes, her books are funny, but listening to her speak made me think I was at the Improv watching a stand-up comedy routine. People around me had tears streaming down there face because they were laughing so hard! The only thing missing were the hot looking waiters serving drinks!

I met a lot of wonderful knitters and it was also real treat to finally get to meet Jillian who not only frequently leaves me some very nice comments here at my little ol' blog, but has been a huge help and support in helping me cope and understand fibromyalgia.

I must definitely give a HUGE thanks to Lynda, who let Laura & I join her group so we could get in to see the Yarn Harlot on Saturday. I was on the first page of the waiting list, but when Lynda offered her few extra tickets to join her group, I jumped at the chance. If you want to read and see all the wonderful photos of the Harlots visit to Los Angeles, the Lynda has a wonderful blog post about it. She even has a photo of me (YIKES)

And where is the photo of me with the Harlot? Hmmmm.... I was so damn excited just to meet her and have her sign my books, that I completely forgot. I'd blame it on blond roots, except at my age, they are gray now. And the most pathetic thing? The camera was hanging from my wrist! I got photos of Laura with her, but none of me. I did however, remember to take a photo of my California State dishcloth that I made for her, and she photographed me with it, which you can see on her blog post.

So what's it like to be on the Yarn Harlot's blog? Absolutely Surreal!!

GP's & FO's

Most of the time I seem to share my GP (Guilty Pleasure) of purchasing yarn, but today, it's something completely different.



Go ahead & click on it, take the tour, and sign up for your free account. I did and believe me, I may sleep better knowing everything is a bit more organized now.

One other Guilty Pleasures will be happening on Saturday. I'm going to see the Yarn Harlot! Obviously I will provide photos and details on that next week.

Finished Objects!

Pattern: Shedir by Jenna Wilson
Source: Knitty.com Fall 2004
Yarn: Rowan Calmer colorway 492 (1 skein)
Needles: Addi Turbo (2) 24" circular needles size US 2 (2.75 mm)

Comments: I originally attempted knitting this with size US 3 needles, but halfway through I was running out of yarn, so I frogged it and cast on again with my size 2 addi turbo needles instead. I didn't love working all the cables with the less pointy Addi turbo because frankly I believe the Knit Picks pointy tips are better for this, but what did help with all that cabling was knowing how to cable without a cable needle. I love the finished hat, but I don't think I'd knit this again since my hands ached with all the cabling and I was stressed most of the time knitting it that I was going to run out of yarn. Speaking of the yarn .. it is FABULOUS! If it were less expensive, my stash would be filled with every colorway.


Pattern: Garterlac Dishcloth by Dave
Source: Criminy Jickets
Yarn: Peaches & Creme Ombre in Raspberry Swirls
Needles: Knit Picks Options size 7 US

Notes: Once I figured out how the triangles and squares fit together, and what order they were worked, this knit up very quickly. This was my first attempt at entrelac, and I liked it so much, I'm knitting more! Thanks for a great pattern Dave. I predict that I'll be including these in many Christmas packages this year, and I also predict many will end up in my kitchen too!

I found out through Judy's blog that if you purchase Cat Bordhi's latest book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, you might want a set of stitch markers that utilize the letters A through H. Since I DID end up purchasing the book because of Judy's subtle blog-post coaxing, (although I'm still waiting for Amazon to ship it) I obviously also needed a set of these stitch markers. Of course Judy had the solution by giving the link to J.L. Yarnworks Etsy shop, where she sells the very thing, but upon doing a further search I fell in love with the stitch markers and row counting bracelet at Hide and Sheep's Etsy store, so I placed a custom order with her.

My order arrived very promptly from Hide & Sheep and not only is their customer service fantastic, but the items I ordered were even better than I expected. Everything arrived in its own tin and not only is the quality of the work outstanding, but no detail was overlooked. I especially love that on the bracelet, there is a small "hook" to hold stitchmarkers. She has quite a large variety of stitchmarkers and bracelets and she even does custom orders, so you should really check her out.
One last very important thing, if you'd like to be entered in a drawing to win some fabulous prizes, please go to Noolie Knits and donate to the Light the Night walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All the details are in this blog post and although last year she raised $1,218, this year she's only raised $555 thus far and there are only 17 days remaining. Please let us help her exceed last years number!

Swan Lake De-Mystified

Shall I say last, but not least, ... or are there still a few of you knitting this?

(click for bigger)

Pattern: Swan Lake by Melanie Gibbons
KAL: Mystery Stole 3 (Yahoo Groups)
Source: Pink Lemon Twist (pattern to be released soon to anyone not in the KAL)
Yarn: Baruffa Cashwool; colorway 11 (black)
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace circular Size 3 (3.25 mm)
Finished Dimensions: 60" x 17"


I love that I decided to jump in with both feet and join this KAL. I've never done anything like this before because frankly, I'm a control freak. I want to know what, when, where and how with what I'm knitting, so this was a complete change for me.


There are a few things I would do differently if I were to knit this again:

• Pay attention to the blocking instructions. For those of you who have knit and blocked this stole, you'll notice in the photos that I obviously blocked this incorrectly. I forgot to make the points on the wing side. Please don't remind me though, I'm hoping I forget about it so I don't feel the need to re-block it.

• Use a different yarn. I like the yarn, but I don't love it. I wish I would've chosen a wool/silk blend (like the yarn she recommended) because I think I would've liked the drape better.

• Use a size 4 (3.5mm) or 5 (3.75mm) knitting needle. Although I think the Addi Turbo Lace needles are amazingly perfect for lace knitting, the size 3 (3.25mm) needles I used didn't create a fabric that was the overall size I wanted.
  

• Include the beads. Since I didn't know what the beads would look like in the stole, and since I was afraid it may look tacky, I wimped out and didn't include them. If I were to only change one thing about my stole, it would be to add the beads.

Overall, I'm quite happy with my Swan Lake Stole and I'm looking forward to wearing it on my cruise next month for our four year anniversary. I'll try to get modeled shots of it then.


Also, look what came in the mail! It's my Loopy Ewe order! (click for bigger)

From Left to Right:

• Panda Cotton in College Prep (freebie)
• Louet Gems Pearl in Burgandy
• All Things Heather Sock in Raspberry
• Regia Design Line Kaffe Fassett in Mirage Storm
• ShiBuiKnits Sock in Midnight
• Addi Turbo Lace needles (to add to my growing collection)

This is the second time I've ordered All Things Heather and I'm still in love with it! The photo of the Kaffe Fassett yarn from Regia does not do it justice because this colorway is stunning! Also, if you get the chance to order ShiBuiKnits Sock, definitely do! It's a smooshy, squishy delight, and the color is stunning. This was my 6th order, so I'm now a Loopy Groupie. This is a great thing since now I should be getting notified before she does her sneak-ups. Maybe now I can get my hands on that Wollmeise. I'm coveting the Granatapfel and Gewitterhimmel colorways.

Tuesday This 'n That

Labor Day was fairly uneventful around here, since it's honestly too hot to do anything. If you read any blogs from others Californians, then you already know that we're having an extreme heat wave. For example, last night at 7pm it was 90 degree INSIDE my home and I'd had the air conditioner on since 8am that morning. In addition to the hot weather though, my health has taken a turn for the worse and in addition to my normal Fibromyalgia symptoms, I'm battling the return of all my Epstein-Barr Virus symptoms. Supposedly it has returned because my immune system sucks, so I'm attempting to remedy that with a 30-day trial for what I hope to be "miracle" vitamins.

Laura recently asked me about the sock I was designing to see if it were complete. I'm on the verge of posting about it, but not today, so here's a sneak-preview photo.


Wendy wrote a post last month regarding this light tent. I'm feeling tempted into purchasing it. Although my photos are alright, I would love for them to better. Also, with this tent, maybe my photo assistants wouldn't steal my props. Currently I photograph everything outside by placing a few sheets of white tissue paper on my backyard patio or walkway, and I keep it from blowing away with a few rocks stolen from the base of my water fountain. Unfortunately, my golden retrievers think they are my photo assistants and just for giggles they like to steal the rocks off the tissue paper when I setup between photos.

All setup and ready for it's picture

Kya nonchalantly standing near the photo setup acting all innocent

The little thief stealing the rock from the bottom left corner

The yarn in the photos was recently acquired from Jenny of the Stash & Burn podcast. She was doing a de-stash and I decided to pick up these two skeins of Lamb's Pride Worsted in the Prairie Fire colorway. I'm considering using this yarn to make a scarf for the Red Scarf Project. They've changed the guidelines this year to sending in a maximum of five scarves and they need to be received by October 15th, but they are also recommending no mohair scarves. There is 15% mohair in this yarn, so do you think it would be alright to use this, or should I find something else?