It just so happens.

It just so happens that the week of February 21-25 I was in Toronto, and that I was there the weekend before and after those dates. It just so happens that I like to walk and although a fair distance, from where I was staying, I walked to Kensington Market. It just so happens as I was aimlessly wandering around, I came upon Lettuce Knits. It just so happens that the Yarn Harlot was not shopping for yarn there, that day. I just so happens that I can't have every thing my way.

It just so happens that two skeins of lovely purple Koigu followed me out of the store that day.

It just so happens that later that week I made a deliberate visit to Romni Wools. It just so happens that I found myself in their basement surrounded by discounted and discontinued balls of wool. It just so happens that Mission Falls has closed their door and Romni has put the remaining Mission Falls stock in their basement. It just so happens that enough 136 merino superwash for a sweater and one ball of sock yarn followed me out of the store.

It just so happens that yarn bought while on holiday doesn't count as stash.

So, it just so happens that I have not cheated on my yarn diet. It just so happens that I know you'll all agree with me on this.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

The continuing saga

I'm begining to think that I'm a very bad blogger....no wait I probably am a very bad blogger. Oh well.....ignoring my blog....ignoring my kids.....just another of my own little quirks.

So where was I? Oh yes In Aukland, NZ and headed to Rotorua, NZ

This was my first experience with hostel living. I soon discovered that the rooms are small and it's like living in a co-ed dorm (which isn't all bad considering my run in with a guy in a towel)

Rotorua is home to a large aboriginal population called the Maori. As such there are many touristy things to do in the area based on their culture. New Zealand is even considered a bi cultural country. So without furthur ado here are a few pix I took while there.



I went to a Maori ceremony and feast cooked in the traditional way called a Hangi. What you see here is a Maori challenge of peace.



Got to go 65 metres below sea level while caving.



This is Nigel, he was my guide for my white water rafting adventure.



Visited a geothermal spa called Hell's Gates. Had the most wonderful mud bath....you haven't lived until you've had a mud bath.



And since you asked.....yes I did partake in the night life of Rotorua. Although soon after I took this the grumpy security guard told me to get down off the bench.

Now where is the knitting and the stash enhancement you ask.....it is coming...trust me it IS coming.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Reports from Down Under...part one

Since Kathy asked.....

My journey Down Under was like no other experience I've ever had. I don't want to say that it was a once in a lifetime event as I plan on returning to my beloved Australia in the not so distant future. I also plan to continue to enjoy life to the fullest and have many more amazing adventures.

First stop Aukland, New Zealand. My aunt lives there and I wanted to spend time visiting her. I didn't see much of the city as much of my time was spent with my aunt. This is something that I've been meaning to do for a long time.

Our first stop was the Sky Tower. The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. I took quite a lot of photos of the city from the top of this tower including (what I've been told are really scary) these two.

Afterwards, while taking photos of the tower from the outside, I started up a conversation with a total stranger. You will find that this is normal for me and something that I do frequently. Turns out this guy, Matt, is from the same city that I am.

Aukland is a great city and deserved more of my time, but since I did not have the luxury to be a casual tourist, I could not afford more than three days. In that time I did some bush walking, ocean swimming, sight seeing and some wandering around the city on my own.

What is New Zealand without a sheep picture???

Next time.....Rotorua, New Zealand

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

The Pacific

Kia Ora (translation-hello)
Guess where I am......hahahaha....Aukland NZ. I am having a wonderful time and want this vacation to last forever. I suppose everyone says that about their vacations.

Today I swam in the ocean. Now for those not living anywhere near a coast you might understand what a special event this is for me. I grew up on the East Coast of Canada and have lived on the West Coast and have spent many an hour swimming in the ocean. Some may think that the events of today wouldn't mean anything to me.

If you thought that, you couldn't be more wrong. Today I went swimming in the Pacific from the other side. This water was special, this water belonged to New Zealand and the Kiwis were gracious enough to share their little slice of heaven with me.

I swam, I floated and turned all pruney. I parked myself on my towel to let the sun dry me off and then I fell asleep.

Yeah...big mistake.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

There are times in life when I lack the words to describe how I feel. This is one of those times.

Tomorrow I will embark on a journey of discovery. I am going through the air, across the country and over the ocean. I am going by myself. Bringing someone with me would only defeat the purpose of the trip.

I want see new lands and meet new people. I want to breathe in the ocean air from the New Zealand side of the Pacific and listen to the music of her people. I want to embrace Australia as my own and feel her earth under my feet.

To experience all that travel has to offer and hear the stories of the people is something I long to do. So tomorrow I start down the road, hopefully to a better understanding of the world around me and possible of myself.

Pictures will be taken and socks will be knit. Friendships will be renewed and created. Memories that last a lifetime will be made.

And if I'm very lucky, when I get home, I won't find that the kids have taken over the house with DH cowering in a corner.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Celebrating the big 2-0-0

Here it is, the first day of 2010 and I have reached blog post 200. I can't believe that I've actually had 200 things to say....(you in the back...quit your snickering). I've shared bits and pieces of my life with you and still you keep coming back. I've let you in on my good days, my bad days and my embarrassing days. Hmmm maybe it's my posts about my public humiliation that keep you coming back. Or the returnees could be those looking for ways to hide various types of stash and hoping I have the answer. (Hint...that coke can on your bedside table isn't fooling anyone).

Here's to looking forward to spending time with all of you throughout the next 200 posts. As for the new year, there are those who would take the time today and reflect on last year as well as make their New Year's resolutions. I shall do neither. I am looking forward to the new year as I have planned many adventures for myself over the next 365 days.

The first is my trip. It will begin in New Zealand then on to Australia. Yes, I am just a touch crazy to be doing this but what a trip it will be. I'll get to visit friends and family, see new places, eat new foods, meet new people, take plenty of pictures and above all else, have the time of my life.

I have consulted travel books and websites for things to see and do. I have contacted friends to arrange times to visit. I have booked flights to bring me to and from this adventure. I have checked out multiple sites of places to stay and how to get around while I'm there. Now all I have to do is make some firm decisions and wait for my holiday to begin.

In case you don't recognize me, I'll be the giddy one bouncing off the walls.

Whatever your plans are for this year, be good to each other and to yourself. Dance like no one is watching, Love like you never have before and Knit like there is no tomorrow.

Until next time,
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Pure Pleasure

While I am a little late in reporting this, I can't go without giving you the rundown of a most fabulous weekend.

The weekend started with DH driving me to Ogdensburg, NY. He had his misgivings about leaving a car in the parking lot at Wal-Mart for a whole weekend. I understand this, but it did make things a little complicated, at the border, when he went into a long tirade explaining the situation, to the customs guy. Sure enough, Customs Guy needed to be enlightened about all things woolly happening in his own state.

Me: I'm going to Rhinebeck.

CG: blank stare

Me: The Duchess County Wool and Sheep Festival

CG: Where's that?

Me: Across the river from Kingston

CG: Are you here to catch the bus at the Wal-Mart parking lot?

It turns out that a carload of Canuck ladies went through before me and had explained the situation to another CG who then passed on his little understanding of this weekend.

In his own humorous way, as I got on the bus, DH told me not to socialize too much. Funny man! He knew exactly what would happen. A bus full of ladies (and one token husband) tends to socialize...a lot. Some of us had never been to Rhinebeck and we were eager with anticipation. Others were returnees and were excited because they knew what was in store for them. In my own little corner the conversation went from husbands to work, kids, quilting and pole dancing. You can't say the the topics of conversation on a bus trip aren't varied and interesting. LOL

As mentioned before, the phone in my room did not work so I couldn't get a hold of Mad Mad. Bummer!!! But hopefully I would be able to run into her at the Ravelry meet up on the Fair Grounds.

At the meet up I circled the group, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of Mad Mad. No!!! I can't see her anywhere. I can't identify her from the vast crown of ravelers gathered. I was ready to yell, at the top of my lungs "Hey Mad Mad" because I'm not above embarrassing myself in public. But then I was distracted by a couple of ladies who came up to me and went gaga over the Noro sweater I was wearing. While it might be a little vain, I think that at one point I did start strutting around because of the many compliments I received about that sweater.

But wait....I have her cell number. I raced to the pay phones only to discover they didn't accept coins for long distant calls. I tried to get the call billed to my home phone but when DH answered he didn't hear the recording of my name so all I heard him say was "sorry I need some confirmation". Despite me yelling into the phone "Just say yes" (although I suspect he couldn't hear me at all) he hung up. So I called collect and told DH to call Mad Mad to tell her to meet me at the First Aid station. At that time I didn't realize there were more than one First Aid station. Confused yet? You should have been one of the ladies in the line up to the washroom housed next to the phones listening to my conversations. I am, if nothing else, amusing to total strangers.

I think that a trip to Boston (I think she lives somewhere around there) is in order. If I'm ever going to meet this elusive blogger.

Pictures????? Of course I took pictures......traveling sock mojo with Bob

a kangaroo

a lemur

sheep shearing

a sheep to shawl competition

a way to use up stash if I ever need a place to live

the spinning wheel of my dreams (it is so on my want list),

This is the Big Sock started at the Sock Summit and yes I did knit on it

If I weren't traveling on a bus I would have found a way (excuse) to bring these little guys

home with me...

.......or maybe this one

My favorite event???? Aside from the shopping????? The leaping Llamas competition. I'd go back next year just to see that again.

Speaking of shopping, yes, I did pick up a few things. Not as much as I'd like as I have a MAJOR trip planned in a few months...but that's a topic for another post.

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

At least they can't confiscate these

I'll admit it...now that I've finally gotten onboard the information highway, IN THE FAST LANE, I'm addicted to YouTube. In my defence, while there are some crazy and wacked out people out there who think that a video of themselves ranting is publish worthy, there are some very usefull things thing on that site.

It has been almost 8 years since 911 and there is still talk of what we can and can't bring on a plane. Can I knit on the plane is the question on every knitter's lips as they plan a trip. Will they allow my teeny tiny sock needles? Will they allow my innocent circulars? Would bamboo or plastic needles be acceptable over metal needles?

Such questions weigh heavily on us but I have the answer. A quick trip around you tube land provided me with a solution. FINGER KNITTING!

1. you always have your fingers with you
2. the "I'm paid to rummage through your stuff" people can't take them from you
3. you always have the correct size of fingers
4. You can use and weight of yarn
5. you'll never drop one and be forced to start looking for it in the most cramped space possible (the economy section)
6. you'll never have to say to the person seated next to you "excuse me, could you look under your seat, I dropped my finger and I think that it rolled your way"

Finger knitting is easy and very fast to learn. My kids have been known to take an odd/partial/scrap ball and finger knit on a car trip. I've even been able to calm the "I'm bored" monster with a ball of yarn. I've even had the strangest conversation with my 8 year old DS as he was rummaging through my sock yarn scraps. He figured that since they were scraps, they were fair game so I had to go into the whole "there are different levels and categories of scraps" speech. He either understood or realized that mom will wig out if he touches the sock yarn. Regardless, materials for my sock yarn blanket are safe once again.

I taught kids how to finger knit and for awhile all three of them were addicted to finger knitting. This is something I embraced, something I encouraged and perhaps I even pushed on them until one day it occured to me:

What am I going to do with all these??????

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

Have Sheep, must Travel

Me: Woolworth what are you doing in my suitcase?
WW: I bought a book.

Me: OK, but what are you doing in my suitcase?

WW: I bought a book!

Me: I understand, you bought a book. But why did you get my suitcase out and why are you sitting in it?

WW: I have to go see Denise.

Me: Denise?

WW: I want her to sign my book.

Me:(clarity has come upon me) Oh I see. You do know that Denise lives very far away.

WW: That's okay. I have to ask her something very important.

Me: Why don't you ask me, it would save you a very long journey.

WW: No, it's something that I can only ask her.

Me: OK, but you'll have to wait a bit before I can get you and the book to her for the question and the signing.

WW: I can wait.

Me: I'm glad that you are showing such patience.

WW: So next week then?

Me: Not next week or even next month.

WW: So when?

Me: Before you know it.

WW: When is that?

Me: Forget what I said about you having patience. Why are you so anxious to meet Denise?

WW: Denise? I don't want to meet Denise. I want her to introduce me to LuLu.

Me: Lulu? This has just been about meeting Lulu?

WW: Yup.

Me: Figures!

Until next time

Yours in Yarn,

The Fibreholic

On the Road to Rhinebeck

I've made a decision.

Many of you will not be surprised, in the least, by this decision.

It is in no way life altering or the answer to world peace.

I've decided, that each year, I should take some kind of yarn/knitting/stash enhancement trip.

This year's S.E.X.(y) trip is none other than a visit to New York's famous wool and sheep festival in Rhinebeck.Ever since I've moved to the area, I've been wanting to go, so the trip has been on my TO DO list for some time. When Mad Mad wrote about her trip to Rhinebeck last year, I knew that it was time to go.

Now for me, planning a trip is actually part of the fun of actually going on the trip. So the earlier I get to plan and the more I get to plan, the more fun I'll have with my pre-trip. Please don't get me wrong, when I eventually go to a place I've been known to throw out the planning/schedule out the window and follow my nose to the great unknown. I've seen some neat things and encountered some amazing people this way.

For the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Festival, there is little to plan out. Show up and take in all there is to offer: book signings, fleece auction, livestock show etc.....and lots of shopping!!!! But there were a few things that I had to consider: how to get there and where to stay. Rhinebeck is several hours away and I didn't want to waste all that valuable knitting time by driving myself there. Also since people didn't start to discuss sharing rides to Rhinebeck, on Ravelry, until the beginning of September, I didn't want to wait until then to firm up any plans.

In February, I attended the local Spin-In and wouldn't you know it, my answer was there. A member of a spinning guild from NY was there trying to get additional people to sign up for their bus trip to Rhinebeck. I jumped on the offer faster than you can say "cashmere is my friend". The group has also booked a block of rooms in a nearby motel so I was able to get a reduced rate as well.

Since that trip is nicely wrapped up with a ribbon and a tag that says TO: The Fibreholic, I tried to sneak in a second S.E.X.(y) trip. DH wants to go away for a weekend, for our 20th anniversary. Yes, Virginia, I have been married for almost 20 years. Well, it just so happens that the Sock Summit is happening around that time....heh heh heh.

Sigh....DH caught on and has put his foot down and has declared that we are not going anywhere near Oregon during that time. There was something about how the trip was supposed to be about us and spending time together. ARRRGGGGHHH how that man can be unreasonable!!!!!! I'll just have to make sure that the route we take, to where ever we go has yarny/wooly type shops along the way.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Has any one seen my free time?

Hi everyone

Yes it's me, the Fibreholic. I know it's been awhile and I know that my postings have been very sporadic as of late. But I do have a very good excuse.

There I was at the end of July, minding my own business, playing video games doing something very important when the teen tells me that there is a message on the phone. Since she wants to log back on I need to listen to the message to get the dial tone back. (Yes the Fibreholic is still living in the dark ages and has to put up with dial up)

Long story short, because you all know that I don't like to go on and on and drag out a story to its bitter end, I've been working full time for almost three months. I won't go into the gory details of this job, but it will do until I get a full time position traveling the world as a writer for the Lonely Planet publications.

So in the meantime, I now have the money to buy the fibre I want BUT I now lack the free time, I used to have, to enjoy it. So if anyone reading this, has any spare free time they don't know what to do with...just send it my way....PLEASE!

THE SOCK PATTERN

It seems that there was an interest in the pattern I used for my free sock yarn. So here it is:

The stitch pattern requires a multiple of 4 stitches.

Round 1, 3 and 5 - Knit
Round 2 and 4 - *K1, slip 3 with yarn in front (holding yarn loosely) repeat from *
Round 6 - *K2, insert needle under the long loose strands of 2 previous rounds and knit the next stitch, K3; repeat from * end K1 instead of K3.

NOW YOU WILL HAVE TO FUDGE A BIT AND SLIDE THE STITCHES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ROUND OVER A BIT. Before Starting round 8 slide the first 2 stitches of the round over to the right hand needle and start the round.

Round 7, 9 AND 11- Knit
Round 8 and 10 - *K1, slip 3 with yarn in front (holding yarn loosely) repeat from *

Round 12 - *K2, insert needle under the long loose strands of 2 previous rounds and knit the next stitch, K3; repeat from * end K1 instead of K3.

REMEMBER THOSE 2 STITCHES YOU PUT ON THE RIGHT HAND NEEDLE? SLIDE THEM BACK TO THE LEFT HAND NEEDLE AND START ROUND 1.

This stitch pattern was developed for flat knitting. This is why I have you moving over the beginning of the round in the stitch pattern.

So is this clear as mud???? Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

The seven rules of yarn acquisition

1. Make your yarn purchases while on vacation. You'll be able to justify them as souvenirs.
2. Even better, while on vacation, without your DH. If he must come along, distract him with a computer store or food.
   
3. Use cash whenever possible, it eliminates the paper trail.
   
4. When packing for the holiday, pack only the essentials to leave as much room in your suitcase, as you can, for the trip home.
5. When packing for the trip home, layer your suitcase. Yarn goes on the bottom, then clothes with the gifts for the kiddies on top.
6. Distract family with gifts and bring suitcase to your room.
7. Unpack the next day, when no one is around.

50/50 Alpaca/Merino bought from WEBS


one ball of 3ply fingering that I won, three skeins of Noro Transitions that were so cheap, you'd think they were stolen


A full bag of Ella rae bought from a place that was selling their yarn in full bags. In their booth they had a fenced off area and had it piled high with the full bags. According to one staff member, a lady actually jumped into the pile and wallowed amongst the fibres. They weren't pleased as she destroyed many labels. some people have no respect.


Of course there was sock yarn purchases. According to Tink, this doesn't count at all for stash. I did get another ball of sock yarn, but there is a story behind that which deserves its own blog post.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

You did.....WHAT???

ME: I've been invited to go to Chicago for STITCHES MIDWEST and stay at a complete stranger's house.

General response: WHAT??? Are you crazy? You don't know anything about this person. This person could be a serial killer. Your children need their mother.

Complete Stranger: I've met someone on the Internet and invited her to come to STITCHES and stay at our house .

General response: WHAT??? You did what??? You don't know anything about this person. She could be a crazy homicidal maniac.

You get the picture. From both camps we had people looking for ways to lock us up for our own protection for clearly we had lost it and gone loopy with this hair brained plan.

Funny thing is, the only person who didn't say anything about this plan was my DH. He may have thought it, but did not say word regarding the state of my sanity.

Thursday the 21st, the sock and I headed off to Chicago for our latest adventure. Kathy met me at the airport and we headed off to her place for lunch. On our way we told each other of the secret plots to have us committed because of the plan.

Kathy( after lunch): Look, all kinds of knives lying around and no one got stabbed.

A STITCHES event.

It's hard to describe. Maybe this is the place that good knitters go when they die. Aisle after aisle of yarn, needles, books and knitting gadgets, it was enough to make even the hardest hearted knitter cry. There was even an underlying scent of vinegar from all the hand dyed skeins. More than once Kathy caught me smelling skeins of wool.

I did my best to purchase only the yarns that are not locally available. However when you find Noro Transitions at 1/3 of the price you can get it locally, you just have to go for it.

I did take classes, one on the Estonian Patent stitch with Merike Saarniit and math for knitters with Edie Eckman. Both very informative and both very useful. I can't wait to impress everyone in the near future.

The sock was overwhelmed by the whole thing and was very emotional when I told it where we were going and who we would see. I was able to calm the sock down by starting to knit the heel. The sock did okay and managed not to embarrass me despite being severely star struck.



Merike Saarniit, queen of the Estonian Patent Stitch.



Edie Eckman, simplifying math for knitter's everywhere.

Stay tuned for more from my Chicago adventure.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic

Countdown to Chicago

WOOT WOOT!!!

I'm so excited, I could almost burst, but that would be messy, so I won't.

This August I'm heading to Chicago, for the first time. Technically, I have been there before as I ran from one gate to another to catch a plane home.

This time I will be landing, getting off the plane and exiting the airport. Unless civil war breaks out in Canada and it ceases to be a country so I'll be forced to live at O'Hare until stability returns to my homeland. Hmmm....I'd better develop some carpentry skills before I go.

I know what you are thinking.....I watch far to many movies.

Actually the reason for my visit is none other than Stitches Midwest. (So you can understand the bursting.)

I will be taking a couple of classes, pushing my way through lines to get knitting celebs to hold my sock, eating authentic Chicago deep dish pizza, seeing the local sights, and shopping. Yes, there will be shopping, lots of shopping.

Best of all, I am guaranteed (hopefully), not to have an embarrassing encounter similar to the one MadMad had at the butterfly exhibit.

While I have no proof, I'm guessing that at a convention such as Stitches, people bond over yarn.

Me: Felted Tweed?
stranger that I've been stalking: Why yes it is.
Me: I just love your sweater.
Stranger: Oh thank you, it took me forever to knit it.
Me: Where can I find the pattern?
Stranger: It started off as a commercial pattern but then I totally changed it. Let me tell you all about my modifications.....

Somehow I don't see anyone wearing wool in Chicago in August. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking that it's still stinky hot, in August, in Chicago. And finishing a fabulous wool sweater just in time for Stitches, so you can show it off is ....well.... is either insane or down right brilliant. I can't decide.

In any case, I'm off to knit something fabulous in the hopes of getting my very own stalkers at this event.

Until next time
Yours in Yarn,
The Fibreholic