Episode 15: Playing Catch Up

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!  I'd like to welcome any new viewers we have. 
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 15:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Atlantic Current Socks, yeah!

Diagonal Ribbed cowl by Mel Clark 

WIPs: 

Yowza Weigh-it Shawl 4 by Susan B. Anderson, color Night Lights
Lina hat by Johanna of Joko Knits, using Koigu in a beautiful variegated green 
the dropped stitch cowl, finished but don't like it so I'm frogging it to do again with fewer stitches. 
Evolution shawl by Rachel Henry for the Fiber Factor and Skacel Collection. I'm on section 6a out of 6c. Alpaca Sox in Wasabi.

Stalking - Long-tail Triangle Shawl by Kimberly Perkins, to use my Cat Mountain Fusion 800 yarn with.
Celtic Myths shawl by Asita Krebs, my knit group Spinners with Altitude is looking to do a KAL for this in the new year.

Acquisitions - fiber from Into the Whirled, fabric 

Spinning Projects -
WIP: same cormo, can't wait to spin up some of my new fiber!

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Binding my table runner, my Dec mystery blocks 
My Quilt notebook which tracks most of what I've made.  Do you have something like this?

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching:  Yarnder Woman, Melinda in Perth, Australia.  She's doing a Color Affection/multi-color shawl KAL in 2016, and I keep wanting to cast on the Echoes of Color by Joji Locatelli.  Knit ALL the things!
Finally bought our own Catan board game, can't wait to get it out.
Tried to do a virtual knit night but couldn't get Google Hangout to work correctly.  We're going to try again soon.  Check the Ravelry thread for more info.  Come join us!
We are handy!  Replaced the heating element in our oven all by ourselves.  Thanks YouTube.  Thanksgiving with the CA family was wonderful.  Do you write a Christmas letter?  Or just send cards?  Nothing?

Thanks for watching!

Episode 14: Take that, depression!

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!  I'd like to welcome any new viewers we have.  Tell your friends!
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 14:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: none

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, still slogging away
Plain garter stitch shawl in some TLC Heathers acrylic.  
Diagonal Ribbed cowl by Mel Clark in a lovely green baby alpaca, not sure who for.  Really wanted to make the dropped stitch cowl but I couldn't find the yarn I wanted to use with it.  
Evolution shawl by Rachel Henry for the Fiber Factor and Skacel Collection.  Started as a KAL last November and obviously stalled out.  Picked it back up at 5a and I'm on section 5b out of 6c.  Also in an alpaca yarn, Alpaca Sox in Wasabi.

Stalking - cowls.  Looking for fast, easy projects to use up some of my single skeins.  
Favs - Ombra cowl, Mavis, and Nennir. 

Acquisitions - Lorna's laces sportmate in Sassy Stripe, Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted in La Regina, and KFI Luxury Collection Luxury Silk Sport in color LSS-07. 

Spinning Projects -
WIP: same cormo, 

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Binding my Waves of Glory quilt 

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Dinner out last night with some friends.  We meet once a month for dinner to ensure we're staying in touch.  I've had a really good week, with stable energy levels.  Maybe because I pampered myself?  Boots at Lane Bryant AND a massage!  Take that, depression!
Knit group on Saturday, which I actually made.  I've missed the past few weeks.  Met some new people and everything!
Watching:  Amy Beth of the Fat Squirrel podcast.  So funny!  Hellllooooo, and shenanigans!
Tried to do a virtual knit night last week but couldn't get Google Hangout to work correctly.  We're going to try again this Friday night at 5:30pm MST.  Come join us!

Thanks for watching!

Episode 13: Lucky for Me!

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 13:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Bronco Swirl hat by Mandie Harrington for the mother-in-law

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, still slogging away
Plain garter stitch shawl in some TLC Heathers acrylic.  

Stalking - KALs, projects for DCSPigskinParty2015, there's some great ideas out there.  Checking things out while watching the games.  Go Broncos!

Spinning Projects -
WIP: same cormo, no progress

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
block 4 of a mystery block of the month quilt.  Two blocks each month, using reproduction fabrics, which I love. First Thursday Mystery at Ruth's Stitchery
My Waves of Glory quilt came back from the quilter.  It was quilted by Nikki Rainey at Nana's Quilt Cottage in Old Colorado City, and it's beautiful.  Now I just need to snip all the extra threads and bind it.
New acquisitions -- beautiful fabrics from Moda Simply Colorful II, V and Co.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Love the color coded cables for the Knitter's Pride products (I have the Karbonz interchangeables).  So much more fun than black.
Watching:  Diane of the Suburban Stitcher podcast.  Broncos lost last week, but we're still sitting ok.  We play Chiefs here this Sunday and we're gonna win!

Spent the last week in Phoenix with my sister and family and had a great time.  Hopefully made some good memories with my nieces and they remember us next time we see them.  So lucky to have such great family.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 12: Short and Sweet

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 12:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Bronco Barley hat by Tin Can Knits for my father-in-law, I think

WIPs: 
Bronco Swirl hat by Mandie Harrington for the mother-in-law
Atlantic Current Socks, still slogging away
Plain garter stitch shawl in some TLC Heathers acrylic.  

New acquisitions -- Sock ruler. some dpns
Stalking - hats for fall

Spinning Projects -
WIP: one bobbin down, whole bag of fiber left

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
block 3 of a mystery block of the month quilt.  Two blocks each month, using reproduction fabrics, which I love. First Thursday Mystery at Ruth's Stitchery

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  I'll be busy next week, that's why I wanted to get this episode in, even if it is short.  
Watching:  Kemper of the Junkyarn podcast, I've been catching up on back episodes and really enjoying it.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 11: Scaredy Cat is Too Cute!

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
Here are the show notes for Episode 11:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Hermione's Everyday Socks for my mom
Scaredy Cat, October Interception for DCS Pigskin Party, made with hand-dyed, handspun yarn.  Just needs eyes and a nose, but I'm calling it done.

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, took to the football game with me, 
Tivoli Eileen Tee by Coralie Meslin of Tahki Stacy Charles, my swatch lied! Using Tahki yarns Sedona, 90/10 wool/silk, in the Kiwi color way.  Maybe 2 more rows done?
Plain garter stitch shawl in some TLC Heathers acrylic.  I ran out of yarn and it's not quite big enough, so edging will be in a coordinating color.

New acquisitions -- see my new yarns!
Stalking - Echoes of Color by Joji Locatelli

Spinning Projects -
WIP: fiber may be Cormo?

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
blocks 1 and 2 of a mystery block of the month quilt.  Two blocks each month, using reproduction fabrics, which I love. First Thursday Mystery at Ruth's Stitchery

In the Garden: 
put away the hoses, waiting for the first freeze, which is late this year

In the Beeyard - time to put the entrance reducers on and prep for winter
Refine beeswax to make some homemade lip balm.

Off Topic:  Habitat for Humanity build was good, went to the AFA vs WYO game, where WYO lost horribly.  Reading Hinds Feet in High Places, which is very applicable to my journey through therapy.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 10: Fall Came Too Fast

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
Here are the show notes for Episode 10:  

On The Road: missed the September ride with the gang to Pagosa Springs

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: none
WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, working up the leg, 
Vanilla socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156, need to start the heel
Tivoli Eileen Tee by Coralie Meslin of Tahki Stacy Charles, my swatch lied! Using Tahki yarns Sedona, 90/10 wool/silk, in the Kiwi color way.
Plain garter stitch shawl in some TLC Heathers acrylic
I am ready for the DCS Pigskin Party 2015!

Spinning Projects -
WIP: some unknown white fiber, lots of neps but VERY bouncy

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
no sewing because my room was in use by the niece!

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: 
starting the fall cleanup already.  Hubby trimmed the hedges and family cleaned up the front yard.

In the Beeyard - time to pull the honey supers and rent the extractor for the weekend

Off Topic:  will be volunteering for Habitat for Humanity build this weekend

Thanks for watching!

Episode 9: Hops for Everyone!

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
Here are the show notes for Episode 9:  

In the Mug: n/a

On The Road: planning a September ride with the gang

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - starting at 
FO's: none

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, working up the leg, increased.
Vanilla socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156
Tivoli Eileen Tee by Coralie Meslin of Tahki Stacy Charles, had to do math based on my gauge swatch.  Using Tahki yarns Sedona, 90/10 wool/silk, in the Kiwi color way.

I have caked up all the yarn in prep for cast-ons for the DCS Pigskin Party 2015!

Spinning Projects -
WIP: some unknown white fiber, lots of neps but VERY bouncy

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 
Currently sewing my kaleidoscope quilt borders, set on point with sashing is done

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: starting at 
Harvested my Centennial hops! Dried and bagged.

In the Beeyard - starting at 
How I got into beekeeping.

Off Topic:  My yarn acquisitions.  Yarn along the Rockies 2015.  
Thanks to everyone who introduced themselves in the Ravelry group!

Thanks for watching!

Episode 8: UFOs and WIPs

Thanks for coming back to watch My High Plains Life!
Here are the show notes for Episode 8:  

In the Mug: n/a

On The Road: n/a

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - starting at 2:10
FO's: none, but I'm going to FROG my Seeta mitts.  They just weren't working.

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, I'm DONE turning the heel! working up the leg, increased.
Vanilla socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156
Stopping myself from buying and casting on the Yowza Weigh-it shawl 4.
Started Aug 1 the Brooklyn Tweed KAL for the My Sister's Knitter KAL group
I will be working on my Seraphine shawl
I have caked up all the yarn in prep for cast-ons!

Spinning Projects -
WIP: done spinning thick/thin singles on my drop spindle but now I need to find a coordinating fiber to ply with.  Any suggestions?

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 14:20
working on my scrappy Chain of Friendship quilt by Sally Schneider. top done but wondering if I need a border. Thoughts?
Currently sewing my kaleidoscope quilt blocks, 16 of 18 done

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: starting at 
What's blooming - peppermint, hops, anise hyssop, blue blazes

In the Beeyard - starting at 20:15

Off Topic:  We have a Ravelry group!  Come join us at My High Plains Life Podcast group!
I also have a Periscope account now, also DaniGirlCO.  Why am I not on iTunes?  Can't get it to load, even using feedburner RSS feed.  Advice?

Thanks for watching!

Episode 7: Some Summer Knitting

Here are the show notes for Episode 7:  

In the Mug: n/a

On The Road: An out and back to Pine for lunch, got caught in a little rain. Pack your rain gear!

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - starting at 6:45
FO's: My Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters'; I've sewn the front together, sleeves, seamed the sides and wove in ends.

WIPs: 
Atlantic Current Socks, I'm still turning the heel
Vanilla socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156
I want to cast on all the shawls!
Starting Aug 1 the Brooklyn Tweed KAL for the My Sister's Knitter KAL group
Knit any pattern from the Wool People, BT or Jared Flood pattern lines 
I will be working on my Seraphine shawl

Spinning Projects -
FO: chain plyed my Loop bump for Tour de Fleece
WIP: 
spinning thick/thin on my drop spindle for Tour de Fleece 2015, team spindlers!

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 18:40
Waves of Glory quilt back done
tablerunner to match placemats finished
working on my scrappy Chain of Friendship quilt by Sally Schneider

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: starting at 23:00
What's blooming - catmint, hops, anise hyssop, blue blazes

In the Beeyard - starting at 25:40

Queen Fiona's hive is doing ?
S&J hive is good.  
Got stung twice, once on each hand, and they swelled so much I couldn't knit (GASP!)

Off Topic: Tea House Knits talked about dealing with depression also in her latest episode
We have a Ravelry group!  Come join us at My High Plains Life Podcast group!

Thanks for watching!

Episode 6: A Little Off Topic

Here are the show notes for Episode 6:  

In the Mug: Irish Breakfast Tea with cream and honey

On The Road: n/a

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - starting at 1:10
FO's: The New Bittersweet Cowl by Megan Goodacre, using my own handspun

WIPs: The Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters'; I've completed the neck border, need to sew front together then I start the armholes.
Atlantic Current Socks, I'm still turning the heel
Vanilla socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156

Spinning Projects -
FO: Falkland wool, which is merino wool sourced from the Falkland Islands.

WIP: singles from my Loop bump are done, now I've started chain plying it, which is my first time to do this method of achieving a three-ply
spinning thick/thin on my drop spindle for Tour de Fleece 2015, team spindlers!

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 13:50
Waves of Glory quilt top done, borders and all
placemats are up to the point where all 8 just need the binding sewed down, hot pad made

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: starting at 16:05
trimmed the tree, pulled some weeds
What's blooming - penstemon, catmint, hops, 

In the Beeyard - starting at 16:40

Queen Fiona's hive is doing ?
S&J hive is good.  
Another cutout that didn't work.  Would have caused structural damage to get to the hive, they were entering under a deck going in between the joists of the house.  All they need is a tiny entrance and a void and they will move in.  Be preventative.

Off Topic:
My grandmother died and we went home for the funeral last weekend.  
My heart also goes out to Wink's friends and family, author of A Creative Being blog.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 5: The Queens are Laying

Here are the show notes for Episode 5:  The Queens are Laying

In the Mug: Duncan Donuts coffee with LOTS of creamer, just like my Dad!

On The Road:
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb was this weekend.  Cool to watch the Victory stunt team, but unfortunately the Victory Project 156 bike was a DNF due to crash damage.

Victory Project 156 Racing

On the Needles:
Knitting Projects - starting at 7:40
WIPs: The Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters'; I've attached the shoulder seams using mattress stitch (my first time!)
Atlantic Current Socks, I'm ready to turn the heel
Started a new pair of toe-up socks in Zitron Trekking XXL color way 156

Spinning Projects -
FO: Spanish Sunrise singles, dyed by me, BFL (Blue Faced Leicester) 

From this hand-dyed braid of fiber . . .

To this beautiful hand-spun single yarn

WIP: still spinning singles from my Loop bump




Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 13:30
Waves of Glory quilt top is all pieced, just need to top stitch the curves down

Gone to the Dogs: n/a

In the Garden: starting at 15:15
What's blooming - penstemon, penstemon, penstemon.  And catmint.

In the Beeyard - starting at 18:45

Queen Fiona's hive is doing good.  She's not only alive, but I saw her!  There were eggs and larva.
S&J hive is also good.  Didn't see the queen, but I did see larva, which means the queen didn't get hurt during the move.

REALLY need to cut the weeds down again!

Two hive cutouts that didn't work out. In one, the bees had left, in the next I think they hired an exterminator.  I'm doing another cutout today though, hopefully with a new beekeeping friend.
Beeyard visit with the local group.  Walked through hive inspections, powdered sugar roll for mite check, and created a nucleus hive.

Off Topic:
Been a busy, tiring week.  Sleeping a lot.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 4: Hot Enough to Melt Wax

Here are the show notes for Episode 4:

In the Glass: Coffee with creamer for that hit of caffeine I need.

On The Road:
Yamaha Silverado stock leather seat for sale if anyone knows anybody

On the Needles:
Knitting Projects - starting at 2:42
FO - The Vanilla Ornament socks
WIP - Atlantic Current socks
both in Gynx yarns

Spinning Projects -
FO - Lemon scones merino 2-ply
currently spinning singles from my Loop bump

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - nothing this week

In the Garden: starting at 11:50
Hops progress
What's blooming: catmint, May Night salvia, something else that's purple

In the Beeyard - starting at 13:02

Update on swarmed hive - no news
Friends delivered their hive to me as they were nervous beekeeping in their neighborhood after their hive swarmed.  So now I'm back up to two hives!  
Created a recycled item solar wax melter to filter and refine the lovely gold beeswax I've got in a bucket.

Off Topic:  
I participated in the neighborhood garage sale this weekend, so I'm a little behind schedule.  Trying to minimize the clutter and get the closet down to manageable levels.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 3: Not Much Knitting

Here are the show notes for Episode 3:

In the Mug: Tea, because it's been another rainy week.  Earl Grey with some of my own honey.

On the Needles:
Knitting Projects - starting at 1:50
FO - Drift by TinCanKnits, in Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine in color way 13 (teal).  LOVE the yarn.
The Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters

Spinning Projects -
currently still spinning singles from my Loop bump, but check out my cool 3D printed bobbin, free plan from Thingiverse

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 9:20
workshop on Waves of Glory by Annette Ornelas, Southwind Designs
another UFO, double wedding ring table runner by Carolyn McCormick

In the Garden: starting at 15:50
Trellising my Centennial hops along top of fence now, and Jackmanjii clematis is blooming.
Also blooming - Nepeta Walker Low catmint 

In the Beeyard - starting at 18:00

new Queen Fiona?  why swarming is bad for beekeepers, but good for nature
small (5 11/16"), medium (6 5/8"), deep (9 5/8") supers 
Thanks for watching!

Episode 2: More of my Hobbies

A big thank you to everyone who watched my first episode and to those who gave feedback.  I'm enjoying myself, and hopefully you'll enjoy it too.

Here are the show notes for Episode 2:

My other hobbies -  yes, I'm a schizophrenic hobbyist.  I do a little bit of a lot of things.

In the Glass: Diet Dr Pepper.  I'm addicted!

On The Road:
Motorcycling!  started on a Kawasaki vulcan 900, now onto my Victory Kingpin Low
Definitely take the MSF Beginner's Safety Course.  
Learn how to pick up a dropped bike 

On the Needles:
Knitting Projects - starting at 9:06
The Sunburst shawl by Helen Stewart
The Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters'

Spinning Projects -
FO my pretty blue 3 ply, spun on my Tiger's Eye drop spindle from KSInspirations
currently spinning singles from my Loop bump

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - starting at 13:10
Quilted placemats

Gone to the Dogs: starting at 17:12
Dog park etiquette
     - vaccinated
     - preferably fixed
     - pick up your poop!
     - manners - no jumping, biting, growling, etc.
     - let dogs meet off leash so they don't feel trapped

In the Garden: starting at 21:06
Trellising my hops and Jackmanjii clematis (Centennial hops for home brewing!)
Rhubarb out my ears!  Some of my favorite things to do with my "pie plant" is to make buttermilk rhubarb cake, and rhubarb compote

In the Beeyard - starting at 26:00

Queen Elena's hive has swarmed!  This is what the queen swarm cells look like.  I found them on the bottom of the frames, and several showed that they had already been released.  Hoping it recovers.

Taking care of hive equipment is A LOT of work!
Cleaning, painting, going through the frames, cutting weeds down around the hives.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 1: Getting to Know You

My new endeavor . . . a video blog!  My intention is to post updates once a week.  I'm hoping to use this as part of my therapy and recovery.

Here are the show notes for Episode 1:

Knitting Projects -
The Eden Prairie shawl by Nancy Whitman
This was my inspiration photo for the color story, based on a Prairie style stained glass window

The Crossover Top by Patons, using Universal Yarn Inc. Cotton Supreme Splash in Calm Waters'
Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder
Atlantic Current Socks by Melissa Sibley

Spinning Projects -
FO my Colorado Sunset
currently spinning singles from my Loop bump

A Rough Shooter's Handbook by Guy N. Smith for training gun dogs and beyond basic obedience.

The Backyard Beekeeper is a great starting guide for raising your own bees.

Thanks for watching!