Enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle on the Canadian Prairies it is possible to take a 5 mile horseback ride and not meet a single neighbor. Privacy and freedom of movement not enjoyed by much of
the population any more! Against this backdrop I spin, dye and knit various fibers, always eyeing that pet Llama and scheming...
CLICK on his sidebar pic about half way down the page and read about his first haircut!
CLICK on the second Llama pic for the story of his latest shearing!
CLICK on Caulisheep for pics from our farm
CLICK on "What addiction?" pic for Clara Parke's article on interesting ways to hide yarn!
CLICK on "CLASSIC POSTS" in Category Archives for the Best of the Lazy Knitter
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My original watercolors of Spinning Wheels, Spindles and Fiber Tools are now available as 4 x 5" blank note cards and mini-cards! In sets of 4 at my Etsy Shop
Click the pic for Clara Parke's article on how to hide your stash...
I Love My Llama
Click on this pic and read about his haircut!
Click on this pic for photos from our farm
Why I Love Wool
DID YOU KNOW? Unlike synthetic fibers, wool is fire retardant. Up until recently, the blankets firefighters used to rescue people from burning buildings were made of tightly woven wool. This is because wool will only burn if it is held on a flame and immediately stops burning if the flame is removed. Synthetics only need to be exposed to high heat before they combust (they don't even need an open flame) and will continue to burn even after being removed from the heat source. This makes synthetics HIGHLY DANGEROUS for infant bedding and clothing (if they're around smokers) because burning synthetics will actually melt right onto skin and continue to burn even after the flame has gone out.
Wool can be stretched up to 1/3 longer than it's resting length and still snap back into shape!
Wool is a 100% renewable resource that does not require chemicals or consumable energy to produce!
Superwash wool can be machine washed and dried without worry, making it easy care - perfect for infant wear & blankets!
With all the advances in sheep breeds (like Merino and Blue Face Leicester) plus the greater availability of specialty fibers like Alpaca, the days of "scratchy" wool are over!
Books I Recommend
Lovely children's books! All the illustrations are made of felted wool! Unique gifts!!
Chronicles of the Lazy Knitter: Criss-Cross Friday Freebie
Criss-Cross Friday Freebie
It's been a while since I've come across a free sock pattern I really liked. I tend to be a bit of a formula sock knitter, toe-up being my "thing" so any vanilla-type sock patterns I see I generally adapt to my preferred method. I'm not likely to save the pattern and even less likely to post it. Occasionally I will purchase sock patterns that really WOW me - though I have yet to cast one on (too many WIPs I think) so it takes something pretty spectacular for me to post a free sock pattern.
I think today's Criss Cross socks from - surprise! - Berroco are an outstanding and refreshing change from their usual parade of (admittedly gorgeous) tops, sweaters and accessories. I think what I like best about this design is it's knit with simple stitches in a solid color - 2 BIG plus-es in my opinion because you won't spend your time knitting them feverishly glued to a chart and probably any gorgeous sock yarn in your stash will work except self-striping yarns. In fact I think it's the perfect opportunity to showcase that "really special" skein you've been hoarding. This all-over pattern just begs to be made into a pair of wear-them-in-the-house socks. How about breaking out a skein of 100% alpaca or some never-knit-this-cashmere-blend-into-socks skein?? Just think... cold hardwood floors in winter and then let your imagination take you through your stash..... Cheers!
5/15/2010 9:13 PM
Doris wrote:
Oh beware of 100% Alpaca for socks. A friend made gloves out of the same and they did not hold up. I had made a few pairs of Alpaca/wool blend and they held up well. Warmest socks we ever had. Reply to this
5/17/2010 11:47 AM
Gloria Patre wrote:
For everyday socks Doris I agree with you completely! I was thinking of alpaca for something you put on when you put your feet up to watch tv or read a good book! LOL! Reply to this
Oh beware of 100% Alpaca for socks. A friend made gloves out of the same and they did not hold up. I had made a few pairs of Alpaca/wool blend and they held up well. Warmest socks we ever had.
Reply to this
For everyday socks Doris I agree with you completely! I was thinking of alpaca for something you put on when you put your feet up to watch tv or read a good book! LOL!
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