Christmas 2010

I have to say it was one of the nicest Christmases (so far). We got to spend time with family and friends, although more time with friends would be nice. We didn't go overboard with extravagant gifts, but just enough useful ones. And while that might sound like we gave and received socks (although I did get two pairs of Smartwool socks...) we also ended up with 3 pounds of Peet's Holiday Blend which will keep the holidays going well into 2011.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Another Mushroom

So quick and easy to make! And they look so festive on the tree. Here's where you can find the tutorial.

Christmas Mushroom

Argh! I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the mushroom I made as a surprise...oh, well. I plan on making more since it took about 10 minutes to make. I keep seeing those little red and white mushrooms as Christmas tree decorations, and I don't know what their connection to the holiday is. Are they like the pickle, and just a manufactured tradition?

Angry Bird for Kelly

While I wish she'd never told me to get the iPhone app, I thought that this Angry Bird would be a cute gift for Kelly. Obsessively Stitching has this great tutorial, and also tutorials for the pig and blue birds. I also like the Christmas tree ornaments; if I only had more time...

I used felt for my Angry Bird instead of fleece, and hand-stitched it. Next time I will try doing some of the sewing by maching. I'd also use wool felt instead of cheesy craft felt.

Convertible Mittens for Kelly

Pair, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Love these! They are so cute, I want a pair for myself.

Kelly's hands have been cold on her walk to and from school, so I found a pattern for converitable mittens. This way her hands stay warm, but she can still use her iPod Touch.

The pattern gauge was larger than my yarn's gauge, so I used the medium size for my guide. I also traced Kelly's hand on paper so I could see if the size of the mitten was right.

These match Oso's sweater, so they can be coordinated when they go out together. I still have some yarn, so there may be a Christmas stocking for Oso...

It almost makes me wish we had a Wii...

Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders

Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders
by Judith Durant

What a great idea! I have so many sock yarns (61 skeins, the last time I checked) and don't really want to make that many socks. Some of them I bought to make shawls, but even that is a bit excessive. This book has so many great ideas and projects, and best of all, the Barnes & Noble edition I picked up has 5 additional patterns! OK, maybe that's overkill.

I am looking forward to making some wristwarmers, gloves and fingerless mittens as well as scarves and shawls. The baby sweaters are lovely and sock yarns are perfect since they are washable. However, I don't know if I'll be able to part with my yarns, and I don't know of any babies small enough for these sweaters. Doesn't hurt to be prepared!

This book is not on Ravelry...yet.

***** - 5 stars for the projects based on the photos. :-)

Easy Bulky Cowl

Cowl, originally uploaded by toadncat.

I picked up this yarn (Nashua Handknits Sitar) on our trip to Ventura because its colors reminded me of the ocean and islands we had visited. I've been wanting a loose cowl to wear tucked inside the neck of a jacket or coat that I could pin up the excess. Sitar reminds me of CPY Musique in texture and sheen. I’ll have to take a look and compare.

Love the way the colors worked in this cowl! The yarn is very soft and I look forward to wearing it.

Help with Spray Painting

Spray Paint Trigger

I use spray paint for little projects around the house like repainting the outdoor furniture. My latest project is painting the front door. I haven't picked a color for the door itself, but there is a window in the door that is framed by a plastic molding.

Over time, the molding has discolored to a dingy yellow (the door faces west and gets a lot of late afternoon sun all summer). Enter the Krylon plastic-covering spray paint. Now, holding the button down on the can makes my index finger and wrist ache after just a few minutes. And I usually end up with paint all over the hand holding the can, so when I saw a trigger that attaches to the can allowing you to use all of your fingers and hand to press the button, I had to get one.

I found this one (see photo) at the local ACE Hardware store. The best $5.00 I've spent in awhile (not including eggnog lattes)!

Thank You Notes



Thank You Notes, uploaded to Flickr.

I never can find thank you notes that I like, so I've taken to making my own. These use A6 folded cards from Paper Source in "Paper Bag" and thank you stickers. I added scrapbook paper to the front. I like to use the smaller sheets from the stack books, less to trim, less to waste. Pay no attention to the clutter in the background.

If a man plays the saxophone in the woods, and no one is around...

There is a man who plays his saxophone in the woods at the on-ramp from northbound Bascom Avenue to southbound 880. He stands in the trees with his music stand and sax and plays. Today he was walking to the "grove" with a bag that I can only guess contains the music stand, music, and sax. He played there for nearly two hours (we drove by on our way to and from lunch and to and from the Humane Society). And then he packed up and walked away. Does he live in the apartments nearby? Does he practice in the intersection because no one will complain about the noise? You can barely hear the music if you are stopped at the light with your windows down.

In other news, a college-age woman was dancing on the corner of Moorpark and Winchester yesterday afternoon. She went through an entire routine, then took a bow to clapping and honking. And then she started anew. Who knew artists surround us?

It's going to be a Cowl Christmas

Cashmere Island Cowl, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Another cowl, this one is made out of Noro Cashmere Island, which I hear is now discontinued. The pattern is Beech Wood [click to see on Ravelry].

Love the way the colors worked out and loved working the pattern. It had a nice rhythm to it. However, I'm not sure the slip stitch rows really show up well with this yarn.

More Holiday Knitting

Marnies cowl, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Well, I promise to take a better photo. This is right after I had woven in the ends. It's still waiting to be blocked, and the color is not quite right. BUT other than THAT, I'm pleased with the project. :-0

Hambly Screen Printing

Had fun at their Halloween open house last night! The studios were open to the public with discounts on their products plus crafts, face painting, Canon camera and printer demos, and studio tours. Made a very cute Halloween card and got ideas for things to do with Hambly products that aren't just for scrapbooking. Met Mr. Hambly himself!! Quite a few people were there to take part in the fun, and lots of kids in costume.

They are going to have a similar open house for Christmas, so keep track via their blog or on Facebook! An added bonus: they have lots of tutorials on their blog, too.

Stashbusting and Getting Started on Holiday Knitting

Wrapped up the test version of the Noble Cowl in Karabella Merino Superwash. The pattern is very nice -- could be feathers or could be the tips of fir branches. The Merino Superwash is a bit heavier than was called for, and two skeins only allowed me to complete 1 1/2 pattern repeats, but it is a good first attempt. This yarn was originally intended to be a hat, but it makes a lovely washable cowl. I like the way the model in the photo has the cowl pinned to one side. It helps to keep it snug and provides a place for a nice pin.

Halloween Crow

Halloween Crow, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Maybe we a little strange, but my family loves crows. My dad feeds several families of crows every day. Crows are social, family-oriented and smart.

Anyway, at the Alameda Antiques Market one of the booths had crows with paper hats decorated with tinsel, so I decided to make a Halloween party crow for my mom as a get-well present (she just had surgery for cataracts).

Who wouldn't feel better with a festive crow? BTW, his eyes light up RED!

Stash Buster, Part 2

Stash Buster, originally uploaded by toadncat.

From the Vampire Knits book, I present "Palm Readers"! I used Plymouth Boku, which is not super-soft, but I like the subtle shading. And there was even some yarn leftover. I'm trying to think of projects for all of the multi-colored worsted yarns ends that I've accumulated...

I'm not sure if these will end up in the archives or as a gift. But I'm on my way to start my holiday knitting. :-)

Starry Night Fingerless Mittens

I love Manos del Uruguay! And I was so excited when the silk blend came out, but I don't really want a whole sweater of it. So a little bit goes a long way. This pattern from Churchmouse Yarns & Tea is quick and easy and looks like a million bucks.

My mittens have only 4 purl ridges but I did put in another 3 knit rows so my mittens come pretty far down on my wrists. I like the way the purl stitches frame the thumb gusset; it is the most elegant way to make a thumb.

The yarn has a subtle sheen and the Stellar colorway looks like a velvety blue sky with golden stars. Ah!

Anacapa Scarf

Love the yarn, love the pattern. Has a lovely rhythm to the knitting that is similar to knitting lace. The yarn is quite beautiful, too. I had to buy a third ball to complete, but it was from the same dyelot! I bought the original yarn on our trip to Ventura and the Channel Islands. Finally found a pattern that I felt worked with the yarn. "Wave Scarf" from 60 Quick Knits. The colors remind me of the colors of the ocean and the islands.

New Knitting Books!

So many new knitting books are coming out! It's very exciting, but certainly the field of knitting has changed in the past 8 years...

60 Quick Knits
Great resource for quick projects using just a few skeins of Cascade 220 (or similar worsted weight yarn). The patterns are for scarves, hats, and gloves -- things that take one or two skeins of Cascade 220. A couple of the projects are whimsical mittens and hats for kids. The projects make great winter gifts for men, women, and children.

Knitting 24/7 by Veronik Avery
I've been looking at this book for awhile..it features 30 patterns organized by AM, PM, and Weekend. Most of the projects are small -- socks, scarves, and gloves -- but there are also larger projects: a sweater, skirt, and vest.

The designs feature some colorwork, stitch texture, and lace. None are very radical or avant-garde, just lots of tasteful, classic knits.

Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller
When I first saw this book, I was skeptical. Were they serious? But the patterns are pretty nice. Although it has ties to the Twilight phenomena and popular vampire culture, the patterns themselves are pretty tame. Lots of lace & romance with a few fun projects suitable for Halloween, including a child's sweater with intarsia fangs and a werewolf hat.

Knit & Wrap by Nathalie Mornu
Yum! This book feature 25 patterns for capelets, cowls and neckwraps. I like it because it has patterns for small quanitites of super bulky yarn. I love super bulky yarn, but it make super bulky sweaters and tends to be expensive and available only in small balls/skeins.

I'm really looking forward to making the shrug with the owl cables...there are also patterns for lighter weight yarns such as Kidsilk Haze. And patterns for yarn from Patons and Caron as well as Rowan. All in all, it has a nice range of smaller projects suitable for gifts.

07.27.10 : danisoul's wish tree

07.27.10 : danisoul's wish tree, originally uploaded by PJ Taylor Photo.

Feed your faith and your fears will starve. Just need to keep this in mind.

Quilt & Craft Show

I went to San Mateo last week with Lara to the semi-annual Quilt & Craft Show. Sadly, it seems to get smaller every time. It mostly focuses on quilting, but there are a few booths that feature yarn, stamping or card making.

A couple of years ago, I got a starter kit for rug hooking and loved it! But now I have to go online for supplies.

I've been working on a design using felt and embroidery, and this time Bird Brain Designs of Kelseyville, CA was there. They specialize in felting with wool roving, embroidery, and wool felt fabric. So now I have the materials to try out some prototypes...

Costanoa

We had such a nice time at Costanoa! The weather was perfect, although a little chilly for camping, so it's a good thing we stayed in the lodge. I would love to go back when it's warmer and try the tent cabins or wood cabins. It looks like fun! The General Store has lots of "necessities" for camping and gourmet versions of the usual camping treats.

The restaurant had yummy food; we ate dinner and breakfast there twice. And the only TV is in the bar. We sat by the outdoor fireplace at the lodge and talked with other guests. We did not try the hot tub; heard it was nice, but it was a chilly dash from the lodge to the hot tub! Did not try the horseback riding either, but I'd like to try it the next time.

We also visited the marine lab in Santa Cruz. It's small, but interesting and many groups share the facilities for a variety of research projects.

Silk Cardigan is Done!

Finally finished up the short-sleeved silk cardigan. It was a pretty quick knit, but I had some projects for the shop to work on at the same time. I'm pretty happy with it...it could be a little longer and the fit under the arms is a little off...but I love the godets below the waist.

The Ella Rae Shibu was lovely to work with. It was not too stiff, and the slubs give the finished fabric a tweedy look.

I ended up getting buttons at the new Joanns in south San Jose...it's hard to find good buttons, and these were nice and a good value. I needed 10 of them, and finding that quantity is also challenging.

Creativity enriches you

Creativity is separate from the real world for you. But it’s a magical world in which you like to immerse yourself. When you’re involved in it, you get the wonderful sensation that there are no limits, that anything is possible. What you are really looking for is harmony — you want to feel you are a part of what you create. Planting flowers, writing poetry, embroidery or putting together a photo album, these are all suited to your sort of quiet creativity. You want to fall in love with what you create. You also think of creativity as a part of you in which you can take refuge and feel protected. As the psychoanalyst D Anzieu explained, creativity acts as an ‘encouraging parent — loving, enriching and supportive’. You would love to use your creativity to retreat into a world that is kind and reassuring. For you, being creative means having the chance to become one with what you create, bathe in the glory of it and allow yourself to be taken over by it. This is why you seem more suited to the sort of creativity that calls for gentleness, subtlety, harmony and patience.

Vintage Crochet Doilies

I want some! So many great ideas of things to make with them. A cocktail dress, a table runner, bangles and headbands, just do a search and get inspired!

Not Really a Craft

This might belong on my reading blog, but here are my finds from the Alameda Antiques Market yesterday. "Lassie's Day in the Sun" is hilarious! Who knew that Lassie's days were so full of activity! The people around her would be lost if she ever took a vacation.

The illustrations in the French magazines are lovely renditions of 1950s fashion and interior design.

Non-attachment

It seems as if you have been worrying about your future for a long time. You could be tired of running around on the same mental circuits as you try to make something different from the life you have. But fighting against the resistance is tiring, so try to let go of the attachment that you have to your long-term goals. You may be totally surprised by what happens once your mind is freed from the limits of your own expectations.

An Afternoon with Sharon

I took another class about knitting with hand-dyed yarns. This time it was taught by Sharon McMahon of Three Irish Girls at Bobbin's Nest. It was very entertaining and informative. I'm looking forward to trying some new techniques with my hand-dyed and handpainted yarns.

And we got a swag bag, plus I bought more yarn, of course...couldn't leave it there...not after seeing it all week at the office!

Believe

Although the overall outlook may be good, you still might have to face your own shadow before you can fully engage the potential that's all around you. This isn't about any one specific deal or a single decision you are required to make today. Your attitude can be directly impacted by your thoughts; if you believe that you are a success, then you are. Put your legendary intensity to work and make it happen now.

Finished Nova Scotia!

I’m guessing that the finished (but the blocking) shawl/scarf is about the same size as Annis by Susanna IC for knitty.com, and used about the same amount of yarn. I have between 160 and 200 yards of yarn left over.

After a light blocking, it's about 70 inches long and 12.5 inches tall. I soaked it, then pressed it in a towel to remove most of the water. I laid it on another towel on a table and shaped it (no pinning). The points are not super sharp, but overall it is mostly blocked. :-)

I really liked the "Russian bind off." It went quick and looks really nice and finished. Overall I'm pleased with this project, it's just a little smaller than I expected.

Decision Time

I've finished with the pattern portion of my Twilight Shawl in Suri Blue. Issues:

1. It is a little scarf-like because I used laceweight yarn on size 7 needles
2. I have some yarn left that I could use to make it larger
3. Should I make it larger?

I want to live here...

...in Happy Doodle Land.

Nova Scotia Shawl

Finally started a knitting project for myself, the Twilight Shawl from KnitCircus Issue 10 out of Fleece Artist Suri Blue (colorway Nova Scotia). But I do have another commission project I need to start...the Mesh Laying Tank from Knitting 24/7 out of Misti Alpace Tonos Pima Silk. Yum!

Lobster Pot Shalom Completed!

Lobster Pot Shalom, originally uploaded by toadncat.

This was an almost instant gratification project. It took about a week and a half to make and I am very pleased. The shaping makes the sweater look very polished.

Lobster Pot Shalom

After working on the Citron with over 700 stitches of lace yarn, I need a chunky project that will be quick. Shalom is just that project. The yarn comes from Frances' destash -- if the sweater turns out well, she'll get the yarn back.

I love how the shading of the hand-dyed yarn looks like watercolor. There are two shades of blue; Frances originally intended to make a turtleneck shell with the color one color and the body another color.

Finished, At Last!

Finally finished the Citron out of the Wabi Sabi Lush Lace in "Bark" that I started shortly after Stitches. It only took two months. But those two extra repeats created a bunch of stitches! Toward the end, each row took a half an hour to knit. It's a lot of stockinette, but the finished shawl is so soft, light and lovely.

Evolution of a Hedgehog

Testing a Flickr slideshow:

Button for Blue Jeans Cardi

Button for Blue Jeans Cardi, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Yay! Not only did I find a button for this cardigan (finally) but I also sewed it on. The wood is lightweight, but yet the button is big enough so that is doesn't slip out of the buttonhole and it provides a nice accent.
And did I mention that I found the button at Bobbin's Nest Studio? ;-)

Little Anne Bronte

I've been reading "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" and really enjoying it! While it isn't as dramatic as "Jane Eyre" or "Wuthering Heights," it makes up for that by being a realistic story of an abusive husband and the lengths his wife goes to escape from him. Helen is a bit of a goody-goody, but still likable. You can empathize with her fears for her son. Her husband is a philandering, alcoholic, controlling man who can be charming if he wants to be. But most of the time he can't be bothered to control any of his behavior. He also has a sadistic streak a mile wide where Helen is concerned.

Why has Anne Bronte been so overlooked? I guess it's because her sisters' books are so emotional and dramatic. Also, the subject matter of "The Tenant" is scandalous for the time it was written. I also plan to read "Agnes Gray." I think Anne was the most practical and down-to-earth of the Brontes. She worked as a governess to supplement the family's income even though she didn't enjoy the work much more than Charlotte or Emily did.

Bright Star

I'm finally watching "Bright Star" but only in fits and starts on my iPhone, so it could take awhile. The costumes are beautiful! I'm also reading the book ( I finally got my act together and returned the copy with no pages 1-36). Taken together, they help put a human face on a historical character.

You may also notice on my shelf "The Brontes Went To Woolworth's" -- another Bronte related book. It is whimsical and wacky, with more in common with "I Capture the Castle" perhaps than "Jane Eyre." The Brontes do make an appearance at a table turning in Yorkshire. Spooky!

More Reading, Less Knitting

Taking a break from 19th century British books, I've been reading "The Anglo Files," a hilarious, but unflattering picture of the British. I guess I'm also taking a break from my obsession with Canada to indulge my obsession with England.

On the other hand, I have *finally* reached the final ruffle part of the Citron shawl. It should only take another month to finish (I hope not).

Bronte-a-thon

It's supposed to be a Bronte-along, but since I was planning on reading some of their works anyway, and there is such a wealth of "fan fiction" available, it's gotten a little out of hand.

So far, I have read:

• Emily's Ghost
• The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte
• The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte (I guess she had a lot of secrets...)
• Jane Eyre (the graphic novelization)

I am currently reading "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." I have also started watching "Wuthering Heights" (the Masterpiece Classic version that was on a couple of weeks ago). It differs slightly from the book and I'm finding it difficult to follow.

The Magic Nesting Doll

One of my favorite things to do at my dad's aunt and uncle's house was play with a nesting doll from Russia. I think most children love nesting dolls -- the way they all fit together, the way you can hide them inside each other, the shiny texture, etc. So when I saw a set of blank dolls I picked it up.

I didn't know how I would decorate them. Should I try a traditional doll? I have seen sets of animals or characters from books such as The Wizard of Oz...Then I saw the book, The Magic Nesting Doll by Jacqueline K. Ogburn and illustrated by Laurel Long. The story is about a girl whose grandmother gives her a set of magic nesting dolls that help her save the prince from an evil vizier.

So I painted the set of dolls based on the dolls in the story. But there were only 4 dolls in the story, and the set I had contained 5 dolls. The fifth doll I painted to look like my cat, Maggie, just because. I sketched the designs on the wooden dolls with a pencil, then colored in the designs with acrylic paint. Any outlining that was needed I used a fine point paint pen to draw in the lines.

Sewing Memories

This is my first sewing book:

And this is my favorite project from it:

The fabrics and fashions look a bit dated, but the projects are still applicable today. They are simple, yet teach valuable skills that can be transferred to more advanced projects.

Stitches Swag

From front to back:

Jewel Fiber Designs, 50/50 Merino & Silk, "Taffy"

Wool Candy, Meringue Merino, "Berry Compote"

Pigeonroof Studios, Aphrodite Lace, "Pumpkin"

Three Irish Girls, Adorn Sock, "Kate"

Wool Candy, Meringue Merino, "Swamp Monster"

Kit to make Ysolda's Damson from Dye Dreams, Classy Sox, "Azure"

Now, technically, the Wool Candy, Pigeonroof and Three Irish Girls aren't Stitches West yarn because I bought them at Bobbin's Nest Studio, but it was at their annual Stitches Afterparty, so it still counts.

Signs of Spring

The Japanese maple is starting to unfurl its leaves,


and the amaryllis is blooming:

Stitches West 2010

I made it through the market without buying any yarn! I did pick up a pattern at Coco Knits, though. It is so tempting when they have garments made up from all the patterns and you can try them on.

My tips for surviving Stitches:

1. Start at the back of the market floor and work your way to the door at the front.
2. Go for more than one day. One to look, one to buy. Or go have some lunch, take a break, then see if you really have to have the yarn you loved.
3. Have a general idea of what you want to buy. Sock yarn? For a specific project? For a gift? Know how much yardage you'll need and what weight.
4. I tend to skip the shop booths...I'm more interested in the smaller producers or those like Brooks Farm that only display at shows. The rest I can find online.
5. Wear comfy shoes.
6. Bring water and a snack. The food in the market area is limited, and the lines can be long.
7. If you go with friends, set a place to meet. You will inevitably get separated and it is fun to compare notes after browsing on your own.

And have fun!

Channel Islands National Park

I didn't even know you could go out to the Channel Islands off the California coast, and here they are a national park!

We had a perfect day for our trip, sunny but not too hot. While the others went kayaking to see the caves around the coast of Santa Cruz, I hiked up to Caverns Point for a panoramic view of the California coast and Anacapa Island.

We even saw some dolphins (common and Risso's) on the boat ride over. I saw one of the island foxes and a pair of ravens. I heard a meadow lark, but did not spot it. Most of the time, I was the only person around; others from the boat hiked to Potato Point or up Scorpion Canyon. So peaceful!

Loop in Philadelphia

The third shop I visited in Phila was Loop on South Street. After seeing the shops, I thought they were all much smaller than shops in the Bay Area, but now I wonder...

Some shops here are small, too. I'm not a very good judge of size...Anyway, Loop was clean and bright and full of enticing yarns. The colors really jumped off the shelves. I only picked up some Spud & Chloe Fine and some Louet Gems fingering to make the Matroyska gloves in last year's Knitty.com.

Next door is Loop's sister shop, Spool, which was full of lovely fabrics.

Emma on PBS

Is it wrong to enjoy the "new" Emma that's on Masterpiece Classic? I like the version with Kate Beckinsale, too, but this new one is so bright and shiny and NEW. The costumes and colors are almost saturated, and the look is very now. No matter how hard they try to be historically accurate, costume dramas always seem to pick up some attributes of the time they are made. Well, the more Jane Austen, the better. Each one has a slightly different take on the text, and is enjoyable. And is not like any of the other stuff on TV.

Reading

Been reading more than knitting or other crafting...mostly some "young readers" books, but they've been very enjoyable. If I could only finish those three books lingering at the top of my Shelfari reading list...

1. Recently finished: Oracles of Delphi Keep - this started slow but now I can't wait for the next installment. Can two orphans and their friends in England keep World War II from destroying the world?
2. Recently finished: McCarthy's Bar - fun read about an Englishman trying to find his inner Irishman. Lots of humor, some a bit mean-spirited.
3. Zipped through: The Lost Art of Gratitude - I love Alexander McCall Smith. His books always have good insight into human nature and are a pleasure to read.
4. Zipped through: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey - Another great series for young readers...this was the second installment.
5. Zipped through: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat - so cute! Loved it! The bad guys get their just desserts and the rodents save the day. This is also the start of a series.

Is it amaryllis yet?

Lara gave me an amaryllis bulb for Christmas, and I've been watching it carefully to see if it was showing any signs of life. I thought it was pushing up through the moss a little more, and sure enough, there's a little sprout. Hurrah!

Yarn and Gallery

The second store I visited in Philadelphia was Nangellini on South Street. It is in a more residential area than commercial, although there is a Whole Foods nearby. The store is a split-level shop with hand-knit items and artwork for sale in the front part. The back upstairs part is where most of the yarns are hiding.

I would describe this shop and its contents as "funky". There is a wide variety of textures, fibers, and colors. Nangellini also carries some Kraemer and Plymouth yarns (local PA yarns) as well as Claudia Hand Paint and J Knits. There is even some J Knits hand-dyed roving. I also picked up a "custom blend" of mohair and a metallic.