Episode 59: Goodbye to 2020

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.

I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 59:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

WIPs:
Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  Took the heel setup out and am just going to do an afterthought heel.
Blueberry Waffle socks no longer for Brian.  Heel doesn't fit over his foot, even with a 72 stitch count.  Maybe for his dad?

Walk on the Moon going in fits and starts, although there's plenty of dog hair knitted in.  Did a cool little no turn, work right side row twice thing.

Stalking:  patterns that use Advent mini skeins

Acquisitions - $120 gift card at Ewe & Me, so shopping in the new year is on!

Spinning Projects -

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects -  PPQG learning how to do things via Zoom.  I volunteered to do Membership again this year.  Hoping somebody wants to help out.  Hoping we can meet in person again.

Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week. 
Earth, Wind, Fire and Time - top, with borders, complete, back pieced, need to find a longarmer and pick quilting design.

Hexis - am I done with one block?  started flower hexis in small batches.

Doing the APQ UFO Challenge for 2021 in hopes of finishing off things that have been languishing for YEARS.
Looking to purchase a new sewing machine.  My Viking Interlude 435 is 16 years old and I'm jealous of my mom's with all the bells and whistles.  Want something with more throat space, but under $2000.  No embroidery, just quilting.  Top of list is a Janome.

On Paper:

Visited my MIL at a crop retreat and had so much fun.  It inspired me to go through my scrapbooking and card making supplies.  I sorted and organized, and made sure everything had it's own place.  Had so much fun organizing I went through some of my knitting things and sorted them out too.  Sorted shelves of books and magazines.  Bag for Goodwill when I can.

Decided to make Christmas cards this year.  I haven't sent out cards in years, and this year I decided to make them, too.  Joy in the process.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching/Listening: Vlogmas from some of my favorite podcasts; Stitching the High Notes, Corner of Craft, Stranded, Suburban Stitcher.  Board games with family - Sequence and Rummikube.

I was #1 seed going into winners bracket in Fantasy Football, and got knocked out immediately.  Josh Allen is continuing to play well and it's just so good to see someone from my school doing well.  You know, not from the SEC.  

Craftsy membership for ridiculous price.  Do it.

Purchased New Year's Eve dinner from local restaurant.  Have sparking wine chilling and will be in bed by 9.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 55: Catching Up

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 55:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Syncopation Socks.   Socks for Brian.

Quick Ombre Hat in Merino/Alpaca for Brian or his dad.  This thing is WARM.  Knit up so quick.

2019 Christmas Socks for me.  Yarn by Holly Press Fibers in Christmas Blizzard.  Knitting for the Stranded Dyeworks Festive Sock-a-long.

Magical Thinking by Casapinka.  Love it. Yarn, pattern, stitches.  I made the large size, but I could have even made it bigger and been happy.

WIPs:
Prayer Shawl #5 in Lion Brand Homespun on K hook.

1898 Hat with modifications for Brian.  Doing a latvian braid and plaid pattern, but he requested "ear flaps."

Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  She asked and how could I say no?

Stalking:  winter hats

Acquisitions - sock yarn because the nieces have made requests

Spinning Projects - "A Cornfield" art batt from Spinning Mermaid Fibers.  Plied the singles with coordinating threads.  
Dark brown alpaca, undyed unknown fiber, trying to clear off my bobbins.
Blue singles plied together

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Project bags for some friends.
Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week.
Beading more stitch markers, winter and holiday themes.

In the Garden:  

In the Beeyard - 

Off Topic:  Traveled to Vegas for a wedding.  Hosted the knit group Holiday party.  Phoenix for Christmas, Nashville just because, and Croatia is ON!  Bought a treadmill and have been cleaning out the basement.  We need our recycling to come every week vs every other.
Watching/Listening: Prodigal Son

Thanks for watching!

Episode 37: New Year, New Knitting!

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 37:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

WIPs:
Silver cardigan by Kristiina Temin for one of my nieces.  Using a very bright pink and orange yarn by Lorna's Laces Sportmate.  Had to rip out and go down needle size, still managed to run out of yarn.  Looking for a pink to match.

Brian's socks were my Christmas Eve/Day cast on, had to rip out the heels and add a little bit of length to the foot.  I'm getting pretty good at this frogging thing.

Vanilla Bean Wonder Woman socks in a self-striping color way.  More frogging.

Stalking:  Stripey socks.  Wanted to go beyond vanilla but not too patterned.

Acquisitions -  fabric! POM POMS!!!

Spinning Projects - n/a

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - The sewing kit for the nieces was a hit and we made several simple stitched ornaments.  Also have a quilt-in-progress I worked on with my mom over holidays.  Got a lot of progress made, although I'll probably have enough blocks for 3 quilts when I'm all done.
Jo's Little Women club is no more, so decided to join the Prairie Woman Sewing Circle (?) club instead.  Uses reproduction fabrics, and looks like it will be fun with interesting projects.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - Need to order my bees for next spring.  Vandalism run rampant.

Off Topic:  My Christmas card for the Yarnderwoman flat swap was returned for not enough postage, so I had to resend and fill out a customs form.  Really?!?  
I normally don't do resolutions.  I am starting this year as I mean to continue.  Went to prayer shawl meeting, knit group, going to quilt class tomorrow, and I'm podcasting!  
Part of this is house cleaning.  Ugh.  Trying to just do a small bit every day for the deep clean, and rotate through the regular stuff weekly.  It's amazing how stuff builds up when you've been in a house 11 years.  Also using this as an opportunity to organize and get rid of stuff.  
Watching:  

Thanks for watching!

Episode 36: Are You Ready for Christmas?

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 36:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

Agleam by Lisa Mutch.  Absolutely love it.  Using Knitting Fever KFI Silk Sport.  Extended the pattern and had to redo bind off FOUR times because I kept losing at yarn chicken.  For Mom?

Vanilla socks for Christmas 2017.  Used Zitron Unisono for toes/heels/cuffs and knit them TAAT to get equal length out of the Gynx Yarns sock in Ornaments color way that I actually bought in 2014.  Love it! Realized there's no nylon in Unisono.

Primavera socks that I've been knitting for years.  Literally.  Realized these also have no nylon in the Panda Toes yarn by Crazy Monkey.  Thought the cuff wasn't going to fit since there's no shaping, so I went ahead and made them longer.  Then when I was trying them on for photos realized they would have been fine.  Ugh.

WIPs:
Silver cardigan by Kristiina Temin for one of my nieces.  Using a very bright pink and orange yarn by Lorna's Laces Sportmate.  Again, don't think I'm getting the right size, it's going to be too big.  Probably something to do with me going up a needle size.

Brian's socks will be my Christmas Eve cast on, unless I get a little ancy.  Asked him if he would wear hand knit socks if I took the time to make them.  Gave him a few choices and let him pick the yarn.  All wound up and ready to go.

Stalking:  Cardigans for kids (A), the Little Rhun, My Honey, to make with a purple cotton yarn I have.  Very large urge to cast on another sweater for me though.

Acquisitions -  waiting for Christmas

Spinning Projects - n/a

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - Put together the sewing kit and have some materials for simple stitched ornaments.  Also have a quilt-in-progress I'll be taking to work on with my mom.  Fabric is already cut out, pattern ready, just need to start sewing.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - Need to order my bees for next spring.  Nobody ships anymore!  I'll have to go pick them up.

Off Topic:  Received my Christmas card for the Yarnderwoman flat swap, and put mine in the mail.  Hope they like it!  Made up a Movie Night basket for my local fire station.  It was so fun.  Not ready for Christmas at all.  Still don't have presents for everyone.  Fighting off depression is harder when you're not feeling well.
Watching:  Rick Steves' Europe.  Broncos have won two games in a row!

Thanks for watching!
SaveSave

Episode 35: A Blocking Party

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back!  Hello new viewers!  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 35:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Campside shawl by Alicia Plummer. Using Classic Elite Yarns Soft Linen in a beautiful blue color.  Finished the edging in a blue/grey.  Still need to block.

WIPs:
Agleam by Lisa Mutch.  Absolutely love it.  Using Knitting Fever KFI Silk Sport that I got on sale at LYS, not normally my colors but it's growing on me.  Extending the pattern so I can use all the yarn.

Vanilla socks for Christmas 2017.  I've never knit socks so quickly before.  Using Zitron Unisono for toes/heels/cuffs and knit them TAAT to get equal length out of the Gynx Yarns sock in Ornaments color way that I actually bought in 2014.  Love it!

Stalking:  Cardigans for kids (A), the Little Rhun, My Honey, to make with a purple cotton yarn I have.  Very large urge to cast on another sweater for me though.

Acquisitions -  Went birthday shopping on Small Business Saturday and I got myself a sweater quantity!  Malabrigo Rios in Lettuce, 1900 yds, all they had.  And maybe some more.  Gifted a beautiful romney yarn from a knit group friend.

Spinning Projects - n/a

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - wanting to do some sewing with my nieces over Christmas.  Putting together a little sewing kit, some easy ornaments for them to stitch, and maybe start a doll's blanket?  I've been looking up ideas for sewing with children, and it talks about motor skills and coordination a lot, but not so much the attention span thing.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - Need to order my bees for next spring.  Don't want to rely on catching an early swarm.  Get on it already!  PPBA also offers packages for sale.

Off Topic:  Doing another dinner out with the ladies tomorrow.   I have my Christmas card for the flat swap, just need to gather the other stuff so I can put in mail.  Working around my depression.
Watching:  All the podcasts doing Vlogmas!  Thought about doing it too, but we'll be traveling and it looks like a lot of work!  Am having a blast watching everyone open their Advent calendars, especially the yarny ones.  Broncos are not having a good season, but I'm still cheering them on.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 34: Sweater Weather

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back!  Hello new viewers!  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 34:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  n/a


WIPs:
Celestarium by Audrey Nickels.  Using a local yarn from Spruce Dragon called Twinkle in the Midnight Blue II color way.  Using different colored beads for the different magnitudes of the stars.  Started before the eclipse.  About 60% finished.

Campside shawl by Alicia Plummer. Using Classic Elite Yarns Soft Linen in a beautiful blue color.  Easy knit, very potato chippy without getting bored.

AF Beer Mitt by Toby Roxane Barna.  Using some leftovers in acrylic/wool blend.  Didn't get it finished in time for the AF vs Army football game, so it's hibernating now. 

Stalking:  Cozy Cabled Hooded Cardigan, other cardigans, Agleam by Lisa Mutch.  Grace cardigan by Ririko.  Portage by Melissa Schaschwary.

Acquisitions -  Discovered I don't have a large enough sweater quantity of yarn to match up with some of my fav patterns.  Oh well, have to go shopping!

Spinning Projects - finished plying my Into the Whirled, cheviot, in Fathom color way.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - n/a

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  Bought another recorder for my niece so that we all have one!  Great dinner out with the ladies.  Brought up the question of how did you become a feminist?  How did your mother show you?  I'm doing the flat card swap in the YarnderWoman group.  Any suggestions?  Also, Rhinebeck FOMO.  
Watching:  Stranded podcast with Amy.  She's such a great dyer!  

Thanks for watching!

Episode 29: Stalled on Sweaters

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back!
Hello Donna and Becky, new viewers!  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 29:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Hermione Hearts Ron for my niece out of Kollage Happiness Worsted.  Already gifted so I don't have it to show you.  
Fusion 800 shawl from Cat Mountain Fusion 800 yarn.  Discovered I don't like mohair.

WIPs: 

Kiama cardigan out of my handspan.  From Norah Gaughn.  US size 9 needles.  Over half done, ran out of handspan.  Ordered more fiber, but had to go with Ashland Bay merino roving in Sage, because I couldn't find the Ashford Fibres merino/silk blend in sage.    UPDATE: colors don't match
Transverse cardigan by Ann Weaver out of Cascade Eco+.  Size 8 needles.  Adjusted pattern slightly so I could do sleeves in the round vs flat.  Right sleeve finished, right front finished, left front started and joined to back.

Stalking - On the Spice Market by Melanie Berg, already bought the kit.

Acquisitions - kit for Spice Market in a lovely color way, going to do a KAL with my knit group, Blue Sky Alpacas (Worsted Hand Dyed- 2001 Dungaree Blue)

Spinning Projects -

none,

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
got my block of the month quilt back from the quilters, need to trim it up and make binding

In the Garden: Nothing.

In the Beeyard - 
nothing

Off Topic:  
Watching:  Periscoping Sisters with sisters Debby Reece and Amy Meeks.  Starting from the beginning and loving it.
New roof installed.  Recorder for my niece for Christmas.  Love you sis!
Thanksgiving was really good.  95th birthday party for Mr. HPL grandma, so saw a lot of family.  Still thinking about making some Christmas cards to send out.  Missed my last few therapy sessions.  Am I stalling out?  Depression or procrastination?

Thanks for watching!

Episode 28: It's Snowing!

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back!
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram, Periscope and Ravelry.
Here are the show notes for Episode 28:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Man Thing hat for Mr. HPL, in Malabrigo Rios in Pearl Ten color way.  Hubby calls it purple, even though it's a dark grey.  Added to my PigskinParty2016 end zone thread.

WIPs: 

Kiama cardigan out of my handspan.  From Berrocco, which means Norah Gaughn.  US size 9 needles.  Over half done, ran out of handspan.  Ordered more fiber, but it's not the same.  Had to go with Ashland Bay merino roving in Sage, because I couldn't find the Ashford Fibres merino/silk blend in sage.  Ashford had other color ways I could find online, but not the Sage.  I did an internet search, looked on Webs, Paradise Fibers, etc.
Transverse cardigan by Ann Weaver out of Cascade Eco+, actually swatched for this.  Size 8 needles.  Adjusted pattern slightly so I could do sleeves in the round vs flat.  Right sleeve finished, front/back started.
Blueberry waffle socks out of Opal in summer colors.  I'm going to frog out the heel because I don't like the way it fits.

Stalking - Hermione Hearts Ron for my niece who loves Harry Potter

Acquisitions - some batiks for strip swap, neutrals for hexis, ordered lavender yarn, accidentally got worsted vs dk

Spinning Projects -

none, I'm waiting for the fiber to come in.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Working on the binding for my double wedding quilt table runner, cut on the bias. 

In the Garden: Nothing.

In the Beeyard - 
nothing

Off Topic:  
Watching: Grocery Girls are back!  It's only been a little while while Traci was on vacation, but I've missed them!
Waiting on getting the new roof installed.  We're back on the list, had materials delivered but snow is getting in the way.  From 80 degrees F to snow!
Thanksgiving is next week!  So soon!  Thinking about making some Christmas cards to send out.
Visited Phoenix again to spend time with the family and had a great time.  I think it helps with my depression, not just seeing the nieces and my sister but being placed into their schedule.  I do better with a schedule, and I know that.  That's one of my therapy goals, establishing and keeping to my own schedule.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 16: Hello New Year!

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 16:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's: Lina hat by Johanna of Joko Knits, using Koigu in a beautiful variegated green 

WIPs: 

Yowza Weigh-it Shawl 4 by Susan B. Anderson, color Night Lights
vanilla socks, 

Stalking - TinCanKnits 12 Days of Christmas free patterns, can't wait to cast on Liatris or Sitka Spruce

Acquisitions - yarn for Christmas, including Pashmina from Madelinetosh! maybe for the Celtic Myths shawl by Asita Krebs?

Spinning Projects -
WIP: Moscow Mule color way of super wash Targhee from ITW

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Started the quilt for my cousin Nicole and her fiancé, fishing themed, designed layout myself, trying to do a block or two each day.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching:  Junkyarn podcast with Kemper, did the Christmas card swap.  Sent mine out but my swap partner was sick so haven't gotten their card yet.
It's the end of another year, and I can't believe time has flown so fast.  Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  What are yours? Would you like to learn something new?  What are you ready to let go off in 2016?

Thanks for watching!

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!