Man Fiber Sooooo Nice!

My latest gift from the Punk Rock Gift Exchange. One beautiful Mega Hank of Fearless Fiber Sock Yarn.

My sneaky pal is raising the bar. This time she/he sent some "man yarn" direct from the source. Oh this is Bones. He is the latest addition to our home. It fits the PRGE theme sort of and it's getting closer to Halloween.

I love the Fearless Fiber. Not only is the name cool but the fiber is soo soft and I cant wait to cast on.

Thanks Prue

SP11 Thank you

My first box from SP 11 arrived today. I was completely surprised. Victorian Lace Today. I've been looking at this lace book every time I go to the book store. And two skeins of alpaca silk yarn from Blue Sky alpaca. mmmm nice

The plot thickens. I know that my SP is reading my blog and it shows by what was sent.
Thank you So much!

If you haven't seen the book I recommend it just for the beautiful pictures. What a great coffee table book as well as a wonderful knitting book. The patterns also give multiple yarn substitutions for each project.

Just some pretty color for you to enjoy that happens to be growing just outside the gate.

No knitting today, I went to the fabric store. :)

Secret Pal time is here and the PRGE so I wanted to go pick up some cool fabric. I have a few ideas to try out for some gifts that need to go out soon. Not too much info but here are some pictures of the fabric.

I wanted so much more but maybe after payday. :P

Have you seen such a cute pattern?

So Mr. Twisted colors huh?

Halloween is coming and the place had lots of fun fabric like this.

This grows on me the more I look at it.

Subtle yet pretty.

Makes you dizzy but it will be amazing when constructed into the right project.

It's hard to see this very well but it's pink fabric with black dyed pattern. $2.99 a yard what a deal!

These two are beautiful faded from light to dark print.

Is your mind wondering, "what is this guy going to sew with all this fabric?" Wait and see... :)

The Twisteds go to see the Yarn Harlot

We have been planning this for some time to go see the Yarn Harlot. The knitting groups we belong to have been all a buzz for weeks and the carpooling and such. I tried to add to the day a little so I had planned to attend the Fiber Festival at La Petite Knitterie Carolyn from All things Strings and Bree from OC Pub knitters joined us in our car and we met Gaby Chris and Megann at the yarn shop. Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio was presenting her hand painted yarns and you know we love to support the LYS and one of our favorite hand dyers.

Most of the group couldn't leave without something pretty. We bought 6 hanks of fingering weight alpaca to make some socks for the relatives who live in the colder climates.

3 of the Indian Paintbrush and 3 Laguna Canyon.

Some coffee for the caffeine fans and we were off to the L.A. county library.

Mrs Twisted, Bree and Carolyn posing in front of the library

It was much larger than I had expected. I live in Orange County and it was our first time here.

There were about 230 people there and the venue was beautiful. As I walked in I saw Laura from A Mano Yarn Center. We met up with the wonderful ladies from the UCI S&B group the we knit with on Thursdays. Total there were 11 of us and two that Gaby had invited also made the trek.

The talk was very entertaining and inspiring to all of us in the room. After the hour and a half of laughs and stories she signed and posed for pictures with all who would stand in line.

Mrs Twisted made a sign for the event that caught her eye from the stage.

I guess she had good eyes lol

She even posed with us after signing her books for us.

Mrs. Twisted, Yarn Harlot, Me and Bree all glowing in the fun of the event.

Here is Megann AKA Crafty Pancakes with the Yarn Harlot

This is Gaby taking her turn. She was so genuine and kind to meet with us all.

We had plans after the talk to go to another yarn shop in Santa Monica but the line moved so slowly we scraped the second shop and went straight to Border Grill for Dinner in Santa Monica.

Dinner was just the Wednesday night group and Carolyn who was riding with us. We had a wonderful day and it just got better when we arrived home to find two boxes on the door step.

Wool Girl Sock club and Punk Rock Gift Exchange.

I'll post pics of them soon. The Wool girl yarn is soooooo pretty

Pay it forward update....

Do you ever get the feeling that you want to help the world to be a better place but you cant reach far enough? I posted my pay it forward and was thrilled to see so many eager souls step up to pass the good will forward. I was troubled to hear that one of the wonderful ladies who took the torch and posted it was rewarded with zero comments. Either she doesn't have a lot of traffic across her blog or maybe it has just run it's course. I know statistically you would run out of people but I wouldn't think we ran out of givers yet. Let me say this, if you were thinking he ( me) already has too many commenters and I wont get picked and you still want to pay it forward please go to her blog and I'm sure you will restore her faith in humanity. Besides she is a wonderful and bright young lady who just graduated with her MBA on the cusp of life. Engaged to the love of her life and ready to conquer the world. http://littledevilworks.blogspot.com/
Wish I had pixie dust to make everything all better, cure world hunger, end life threatening diseases, end hate and greed but I know that's not realistic at least at this point in my life. We must live with the limits of life and do what we can to extend them when we can.
Have a wonderful Friday The weekend is almost here.

The Twisteds go to a Knitting Guild

Monday night we attended a meeting of The High Tide Purlers Knitting Guild of Laguna Beach. May I first say how much I love the location. We're on the 3rd floor of the Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Laguna Beach. Nice open room with multiple sliding glass doors that open towards the Pacific Ocean letting the sea air waft into the room. Not many places like this! This picture was from the balcony just off the room. 68 deg and beautiful....

Close to 35 people there to enjoy the pre-meeting knitting and chatting. Very nice group of ladies that were very accepting and were happy to see a "Man" knitter in the midst. Megann, AKA Crafty Pancakes was also there for her first night, we had 4 of our Pub Knitters there representing the younger set. Our friend Gabby from the Wednesday night Pub Knitters was giving a presentation on how to use the Internet to expand your knitting experience. She had her lap top there to show everyone Ravelry and when the topic of sock clubs and Internet buying she looked over and called me the enabler. *Blush* I was put on the spot a little but what can I say, I love to buy yarn.

What a nice group of ladies who just loved to share. I will probably begin the Master Knitters program in October just to add some structure to my growth and keep me from just skipping around from project to project. I do like order in my life even though I like to cause disorder in others minds. I don't like to be predictable but I prefer to know my path but not afraid to take a few detours along the way.

Here are a few bad pictures of the group. Sorry for the blurry pics I was a little quick with the shutter I think.

All and All it was a great night with lots of friendly ladies.

Loving the simple things that we missed.

A few rambling thoughts....

It's wonderful to be HOME. Both Mrs. Twisted and I lived in homes in the past and you really take a lot for granted until you do without simple things living in an apartment. This is the first weekend of just relaxation since the move. I spent a week in Mexico on business and Mrs Twisted went back east. Well the simple things we did may seem a little surprising to some. We lived in a quiet apartment complex for the first few months and it slowly got to the point where it was hard to eat in our kitchen/dinning table. Kids playing outside and the loud neighbors. It came down to sitting in front of the TV and drowning out the noise of everyone with fans and TV. I never realized how much we were driven out of our place just to get away from the noise. We now enjoy our meals in peace and quiet in our "Home". I can cook again and create wonderful meals knowing that we can enjoy the time. OK here is one, We washed the cars today. I know that sounds crazy but imagine not having to go to a drive through car wash but using a bucket and sponge. I know it's small but it all adds up. We relaxed at the pool today after the car washing and enjoyed the sun, did some knitting and floated in the water. Heaven to just relax and enjoy the time together with no feelings of we need to go somewhere to get away from this iratation. We chose to take a walk in the late afternoon. We weren't able to safely walk in our former neighborhood and to be honest it was depressing. We're living in a suburban residential neighborhood now. We discussed walking and thought why not start slow and work up the distance over time. A mile and a half today and we'll add another block each week or so. When we came back we relaxed on the balcony and felt the cool ocean breeze washing over us. The sun easing into the evening hours. We have our own washer and dryer again so we can do a load of laundry anytime we want... I love it. Dinner was lemon pepper pasta with albacore. mmmm No left overs tonight. Not looking for the rest of the week but I know it's only 5 days till the Yarn Harlot comes to town. Oh the lace shawl is on the mends. :)

Heartbreaks and light bulbs

For those of you who are self taught you may have a bit more sympathy. Mrs. Twisted realized that she was doing Yarn Overs incorrectly. She has always had some issues with lace and this may have been a contributing factor. After completing a pie wedge and a half we looked on Ravelry to see other completed projects and she was heartbroken to notice the difference in their projects. The absence of the lacy scallops was obvious and we looked at the yarn over techniques and according to the Knitting answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe ( Our go-to-knitting-bible). She was flying along and the pattern of mostly garter stitch but if it's not correct she can't just let it go. A tearful ripping and a moment of silence as she re-wound the yarn. Good news she has already cast on before I could finish this post. She was happy that the light bulb came on before she finished the whole shawl.

In other knitting news...

Monday we are planning to attend a new group of knitters, High Tide Purlers Knitting Guild of Laguna Beach California. Our friend Gabby is a member and is also giving a presentation at this months meeting. A group of these ladies are going through the Knitting Guild Association Masters Program and I was interested in this myself.

Guest Blogger: Mrs. Twisted takes a trip back East to attend a wedding

Hi everyone – it's guest blogger time again! I just wanted to thank our wonderful friend Gabby, who is one of the nicest, most generous knitters I know! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! A few weeks back - before the big move and the flying to Boston for a wedding craziness that has been my life for the last month – Gabby brought the most beautiful sock yarn to Pub Knitters group in Dana Point. It’s a special edition Lorna’s Laces in Rainforest color way. It has the most gorgeous shades of purple, turquoise blue and apple green (my current favorite color combo!). I’m not ashamed to say I about swooned over that yarn. Well, Gabby being Gabby, couldn't help but notice how I loved it and she gifted it to me last night. I’m flabbergasted that she would give such a gorgeous yarn away, but I’m so happy she did! It’s just stunning and I’m eagerly searching for THE pattern. It has to be just right, the pattern that shows off the colors to perfection. I know this is a bit weird, but I have a theory about hand painted sock yarns. Each hank wants to be something special. I’ll swatch it many times before I finally decide which pattern is the right one. I can never seem to say – oh, Monkey Socks – I’ll do those in the awesome sock yarn I got from wherever. The patterns don’t speak to me so much as the yarn does. The yarn knows what it wants to be and it’s my job to figure out what it wants. Does anybody else feel this way?

Ok, well, I have to say – visiting New England sure did put me in the mood to knit! The long hot sticky California summer did not help my stash reduction plans at all this year. The minute I got off the plane, I was thinking about beautiful aran sweaters to wear out “leaf peeping”. Not like I would be there when the leaves were worth peeping at, but still. There is just something about the cool crisp nights and warm sunny days of early fall back home. The fantasy of knitting and wearing beautiful sweaters to keep you warm and toasty – AHHHH! I felt a little wistful boarding the plane to come home. I will knit that fabulous aran sweater one day. Even though I know I’ll probably only wear it when I visit Vermont or Massachusetts when it’s cold. I’ll even pose for a picture with a maple tree flaming with gorgeous color in that sweater. Someday I will…..”sigh”.

I leave you with this photo of the sun setting in my sister’s yard in Vermont on the night of my niece’s wedding. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

Flash Your Stash Entry

After moving in I set up the yarn and sorted it somewhat by fiber type. This was prompted by my secret pal hostess having a flash your stash event.

OK Christine here is my entry into your Flash your stash contest.

Behold the wall of Yarn. We used to have this on display in our living room but now it's in the craft room just off the living room and still visible from the living room.

Upper left is Malabrigo
next lower shelf on left is Manos Del Uruguay and three hanks of Brown Sheep left over from a felting project.
Next lower shelf on left is a mix of wool and wool blends and some alpaca. Notice the Whale of a skeins from lobster Pot on the right side of this shelf. So nice... ( the Pink/orange and Aqua hanks)
Next Lower Shelf on the left is Diekeito wool that is hidden in the back (16 balls only two showing) Debbie Bliss Soho, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino Berroco Pure Merino and more and more Cashmerino
Next Lower Shelf on the left is a few cones of yarn, some Shaffer yarn, and bags (12 balls or more) of yarn including Karabella 8 and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino.
The bottom left shelf has the periodicals and the remnants in the pink boxes.

The right side goes like this...
Top Right Shelf is Silk Blends.
Next lower shelf on the right is pure silk.
below that are the knitting books that would fit on the shelf
below that is pure cashmere and one ball of qiviuk
below that is only sock yarn. Yes thats all sock yarn.
Bottom shelf on the right is Blue Heron Rayon Metalic and similar yarns and on the right is 16 or so balls of Royal Bamboo.

Scattergories

I saw this on a bunch of blogs and had a few spare minutes

SCATTERGORIES ... and it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules:

* Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.

* They MUST be real places, names, things ... NOTHING made up!

* If you can't think of anything, skip it.

* You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

* If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers!


My name: Jerry


1. Famous Singer/Band: Jackie Wilson, James Hunter, Jimmy Thackery, Joan Jett, John Waite, Joey Ramone. I could go on and on here

2. Four letter word: Jerk

3. Street: Jasmine

4. Color: Jade Green

5. Gifts/Presents: Jump Rope

6. Vehicle: Jaguar

7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Junk??? lol

8. Boy Name: John

9. Girl Name: Juliette

10. Movie Title: Jaws, Jerry Maguire, The Jungle Book (1967 version)

11. Drink: Jack Daniels (not a drinker and never even tried it but it was the only answer I could come up with

12. Occupation: Jeweller

13. Celebrity: Johnny Carson

14. Magazine: Journal of Addictive Diseases

15. U.S. City: Jacksonville

16. Pro Sports Teams: Jets

17. Fruit: Jakfruit

18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Jack hammers in the street?

19. Something You Throw Away: junk

20. Things You Shout: Jumanji!

21. Cartoon Character: Jane Jetson

Another Swap Questionnaire.. Yes I'm a Punk Rocker too.

I just joined the Punk Rock Gift Exchange.


First time with this group and it should be fun. Half secret and half open exchange.


I hope this gives a little insight to my swap partner with just a few of their questions.....

1. Why are you punk?

To me I think it’s a frame of mind that is similar to the hippies and greasers of earlier generations all the way back to the revolution of our country. Question authority and have an informed opinion. Don’t be afraid to be different and stand alone in your beliefs but keep an open mind to others. You can be a fan of Punk rock music without being a hoodlum or having an evil soul. I applaud the individuals who champion the rights that this country was founded on and will even defend the rights of those who I may not agree with but still have the right to do so in a world where freedom is growing harder to come by. Political disobedience is not an excuse to express hatred towards fellow man. Dislike the action not the man behind the action. OK I just stepped down from my soap box. I love the Music of the time and remember laying in bed at night to listen to Rodney on the Rock just to hear the latest new bands before they hit the progressive radio stations and now you hear them as back ground in commercials. 30 years ago they couldn't get air play and now it's almost normal to hear the Clash or the Ramones songs on TV commercials.

2. What are your five favorite things? (these don't have to be knit related)

• The warmth of inner happiness when you give an unexpected gift to someone who truly deserves and appreciates it.
• The feeling of satisfaction when you accomplish some task that you have been working on for a long time with lots of effort like the first time you play a song on your guitar and it just feels right or when you complete a sock or sweater that you were ready to give up on.
• The radiant glow that shines from my lovers eyes just before we kiss.
• Hearing the excitement in my children’s ( late teens) voices as they discover something in life that makes you reflect back to when you yourself shared the same experience.
• Sharing a beautiful sunset or the reflection of the moon as it shines on the ocean in the arms of the lady I love.
  
  Ok if you mean physical things?
  
• My guitars because they help me express my self in ways I have yet to explore fully.
• My knitting needles because I love the tools used to create. Besides how can you not love H&S needles?
• My music, I love to hear new music and to grow my collection of eclectic groups.
• A great book that keeps me turning the pages.
• Discovering new yarns
  
  3. What are your three favorite things that you have made with knitting/crochet?
  
• The felted purse that I made for my daughter. My first project
• My guitar neck sleeve ( my first design)
• My first pair of socks because it told me that I can make socks.
  
  4. What five things would you love to see in a swap box someday?
  
• Concert tickets to a local club.
• A CD of a band that is yet unknown and sounds like they are on the brink of making it
• Something that tugs at my heart in a good way
• Cool concert Tee (Black of course)
• An inspiring book of patterns or techniques.
  
  5. What are your three favorite yarns? What are your three least favorite yarns?
  
• Cashmere, Silk and blended varieties from Posh , Mama Llama and Capistrano Fiber Arts
• Acrylic, fun fur, anything that I wouldn’t wear next to my skin.
  
  6. What are your five favorite delicacies?
  
• See’s Dark Chocolate truffles. I usually stand in line and pick a box of the ones I love instead of the assortment.
• White Chocolate Chip Raspberry Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory
• Crème Brûlée
• Coco’s Harvest Pie
• My own Jello Pudding Cake
  
  7. What are your three favorite guilty pleasures?
  
• The Beach Boys Music
• Shopping with my wife on Super bowl Sunday instead of football. (we tape it so we can watch the commercials) Yes I really love to shop and not really shop for me.
• Reading the store checkers at the supermarket and being first in line when they open a new register not really a guilty pleasure but I do love the sport of it.
  
  8. What are the five things you look forward to every week?
  
• Friday night relaxation.
• Knitting with my group(s)
• Watching the weekly netflix movies on either Saturday or Sunday morning
• The probability of a yarn crawl
  
  
  9. What do you collect?
  Yarn
  Needles
  CDs
  Memories
  
  
  10. When is your birthday?
  10/05/1959 Yes I’m old and make old man sounds when I get up once in a while. Don’t laugh, you time is coming sooner than you think.
  
  11. Do you have any wishlists?
  Amazon on the sidebar
  
  12. What would you like your pal to know that is not covered here?
  Read my blog and you will see the other side of me and realize that it’s ok to be different. If you think you know me by this list of questions, think again. I temper my thoughts a little on my blog out of respect to some of the extraordinary ladies who read my ramblings because I feel I should. (I know it's mostly ladies who knit and read knit blogs) I remain true to my self but there are certain things I would rather not to discuss here because it is a Craft/Music blog.
  

New Sock Yarn soon From Mama Llama

I just heard from a good source that Mama Llama is hand dying Seacell sock yarn and it will be available from Woolgirl very soon. Can't wait! Some of the pictures that I saw had a multi purple that will be coming this way as soon as it's available.

I never saw any offical rules so I'm expanding the rules a little bit.

I am stretching the limits of the Pay it forward to 12 random people who respond to the original post by Sunday 8/26/07 . I have a special project in mind and will begin in the fall so you won't be waiting 365 days to get a smile in the mail from me. Don't be put off by the 10 that are already signed up because it's 12 random. Just remember that the goal is to create a better world by sharing a hand made gift to someone who in turn makes three more people smile. Please pay it forward even if you don't get picked by me.

Moving, more yarn and Mexico

We are officially residents of a different town in Orange County and the unpacking is going slow but sure. It was like a sigh of relief when the last box was set down and we knew it was over. My two brothers were a huge help and my older brother by 4 1/2 years kept me honest by not using the old age card as we lifted and hauled the heavy bulky stuff. The recovery is being aided by anti-inflammatories and otc pain meds. Being old sucks and moving while your old sucks more.

On Saturday I met the postal lady as she brought up a package. I think it's a good omen when your first mail at a new address is a sock club delivery. I waited till the day was done to open it and was it ever worth it. This is the first shipment of the Yarn Tree Sock club. I will elaborate later and show picks. The yarn is not normal fiber or colorway and the dyer is amazing. There was a custom project bag with the shipment and a Britney cable needle included with the first sock. She is including a DVD of the making of the sock to assist and inspire as well. This just raised the bar for all future sock clubs. Pictures of the shipment are coming on Friday.

I'm once again down here in Mexico to manage a couple projects for the week and it was 124F today as I was heading back to the hotel. Can't wait to drive back to the coastal climate of South Eastern Orange County.

Pay it forward

Moving tends to do certain things to people. While packing away all our treasures and pictures I found myself pondering about my life, to reminisce about all the experiences we shared and also reflecting on what the future has in store.

Lately, I've been feeling very philanthropic and was really moved by this idea.
I found this on Mary Lynn's Blog and thought it was another way to give someone an unexpected smile when they least expect it. It’s based on the movie with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey in it called ‘Pay It Forward’.



Here's how it goes:

I promise I will send a handmade gift to 3 random people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I will contact you off line. ( I'm also going to add sock yarn, not a requirement for those following my lead just my little Twist)

This isn't a huge gift, just a little something to lift your spirits. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

This is a just a way to make the world a little happier or at least the knitting world.

Here are the results of the blog contest.

All the players listed and then we cut them in to little hat size slips.

We did the drawing and processed it through "You Tube"

Here are the results if you have dial up or the You Tube isn't working.

First prize on the top right and 2nd on the bottom right. Congrats to you both!

Here are the entries without names so everyone can enjoy.

Design a colorway for the Twisted Kitster...
1. color - lilac type - almost solid, slight variation of the color.
2. name - Stratocaster.
3. Picture - I wish I had one. hmmmm... the color of your purplebirthday cake.

Did I get everything? That was fun!
******

How about a semi-solid dark (forest) green, varying a bit to slightly lighter green? I don't know what to call it, though.

I'm really not sure why, but I've been finding semi-solids very appealing lately.
*******
okay, no picture, sorry but I think it should be self stripping with about 5 shades of blue, starting with a really turquoise, then a blue/green, pale blue, darker (royal?) blue and finally and indigo. I think it would be great but then again I am all about blue! As for a name... perhaps "blue hues" ( if you feel like rhyming) or just "basic blue"

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I saw you post yesterday about yout color way of hand-dyed yarn..Here is the anwer!
If you SEE Lime and Violet's woolporn shop They have crazy yarn name!
I was think about if i have a yarn dyeing company..I will name it inspiration of our life base on lifestyle, culture and art! (Even music! I saw lot of pic about your guitar!..I can see that you like music!)


Example of music theme:

1.Yarn Name : "Teddy Boys" - I was thinking about 50's style of boys cool looks with
tuxedo and creepers. Also hair up style!
2. Color: Black, dark blue and brown
3. Type: Variegated
4. Pictuer fo inspiration of the color : http://www.fott.ru/lads.jpg


1. "Rockabillies" - Like Elvis..James Dean style . leather jacket
2. Right pink(Bubble cum color), black white, baby blue
3. Variegated
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherryvalance/133753231/


1. "Mod" -1960's style Beatles,Hippie, The Zombies, birght colors and drug
2. Bright yellow, flourescence green and pink and orange
3. Variegated
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/piratebettie/726615855/


1. "Jamaican Faver" (Rastafarian)- 70's Freedom, "Bob Marly"
2. Yellow, green , red
3. Variegated
4. http://www.bodycandy.com/mas_assets/mid/BUCK-107.jpg


1."Acid Jazz" - 1980's DJs jazz club, Cocktail
2. Blue tons, night light( lighr orange), Violet
3. Variegated
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachbardon/466063666/


I wish i can win!

Thanks!

********************
Here's my contest entry!
lime green robin egg blue and chocolate verigated MAYBE but I think self striping would be neat too.
Name: Twisted Dreams
No pics sorry.
I couldn't find anything I could use.
********************************

Ok, you reminded me to enter, thank goodness, cuz my brain is falling out lately!!
color: variegated black, red, purple, bluecolor
name: Twisted Bruisepicture: think of the nastiest bruise you ever got dancing in the pit :)
love you guys,

************************************

Well... knowing you and your color preferences I have to say that your signature colorway should be a range of blues and purples.

I thought of a specific color then realised it was a favorite Crayola color of mine so... I went looking for a list of all the colors so I could give you specific shades :)

This would be a HIGHLY verigated colorway with very short transistions and perhaps some speckles...

midnight blue
denim
blue
cornflower
periwinkle
blue violet
plum
violet
purple mountains majesty
wisteria

What do you think?

As for a name... I think you should have 'twisted' in the name so I propose: TWISTED BLUES

****************************

Okay, even though I'm going to risk sounding stupid, I'll give an idea for a color.
What about autumn leaves: with strands of brown, husky orange, and deep gold? I know Mrs. Twisted is from Massachusetts and there is nothing we east coasters miss more than the amazing color of the leaves.

******************************

Here's my idea for your personal colorway:
"Burn in Hell" (one of my favorite Twisted Sister songs) made up of red, orange and yellow:
flame colors. Good luck!

**********************************

Every shade of red or blonde that Bette Midler's hairhas been, over the years. An emphasis on tomato red,vermilion, mango, strawberry blonde?
********************************

I actually have two colorway ideas, both hot rod inspired.#1: For my first choice I have to go with a recent fave hot rod I saw at Glendale Cruise Night. (I posted the pic on the blog a while back, but here it is again.)
I've taken the colors from the AWESOME detailing seen here. Man, I love this car.
1. Color(s) and type: Black with some turquoise, red and grey.2. Color name: Big Daddy Twist, or Twisted Big Daddy, or some such derivation.* * *#2: The second is a semi-solid purple called Purple Metalflake. Kinda silly, but it would be an easier colorway to do.Rock on

************************************
Greetings Twisteds :-)
So, here's my entry to your contest. I think your colorway should be bright and bold, but gender neutral, I see something in various shades of a colour, as opposed to multiple colours. When I think of you, I think of Southern California, which makes me think of ocean and blue skies - so maybe shades of blue. (Gotta have some teal in it because, well, teal is just a great colour !) And it could be called, ummm, Twisted Waters? Lame, I know - naming colours is definitely not a strong suit of mine :-)
Hugs to you both!

******************************************

Here's my idea for a colorway, maybe it's sort of stupid, but I was thinking bright, primary red, yellow, and blue and you could call it Bozo the Clown.Good luck with the new colors!

************************************

My idea would be for a deep purple and forest green/dark emerald, to be named "Wild Iris," as in this picture here:http://www.alaska.net/ ~akshots/scene/flower.jpg.Variegated, perhaps with some cream in it?

********************************************

So I'm thinking the color would have to have purple in it, and black for your dark side, and probibly acid green for the punkrock side of it. As for a name, I'd call it Twisted Stitches or something of the sort. Sorry for no pics, I just came up with the right now, and with a chance at all that yarn I couldn't pass up the chance.

**************************************

Thanks to all the participants and the inspiring ideas. We had so much fun !

Mr. & Mrs Twisted

Rules refinement

OK after many e-mail inquirys, the winner will have choice of the Noro yarn. Fun how, we can just change the rules mid stream because their really arent any rules. I'm just going with the flow here. I thought 10 skeins of blue based was better than 9 skeins or Red based Silk Garden but the color is improtant. No other swaps or exchanges are being intertained.

Come back in about 4 or 5 hours to see the results.

Incredible generosity is bestowed on Mr Twisted.

People are wonderful and I feel so lucky to know such generous knitters. Wednesday night we normally knit with the Orange County PubKnitters. A few weeks ago I met a wonderful lady on Ravelry and after a few messages back and forth she was inquiring about local knit groups. Well the Summer location is just a few miles from her house while it's almost 30 for us. Well, she decided to attend and we all hit it off very well. Megann, AKA Crafty Pancakes on Ravelry brought me a gift after just knitting with us one week. She gifted me a beautiful Purpleheart wood Drop spindle. She says she only used it for a short while and didn't like it, I think it's brand new. Well, she has a spinning wheel now and thought she would pass it on to someone who would enjoy it. What can I say, It's stunning! It came with a mahogany case and laser engraved cap. What a work of art and she was so sweet to gift it to me. Thank you Megann! Someday soon I will have to spin some nice yarn and dye it in the Twisted colorway just for you.

Here is the 2nd place consolation prize

After purging the yarn we discovered that we had too much for just one gift so we split it and thought why not share with the lovely participants of our game.

1. 9 skeins of Noro Silk Garden in colorway 84
   
2. 2 balls of Lana Gatto 100% cashmere 82 yards each in colorway white
   
3. 2 hanks of Steadfast Sedona wool/mohair hand dyed 190 yards each monochromatic orange
   
4. 2 hanks of Classic Alpaca 100% superfine alpaca 110 yards each in a slate with red purple blue undertones.
   
5. 3 hanks of Lorna's Laces Shephard sock 215 yards each in Carrot colorway
   
6. 3 balls of Regia Bamboo Color sock yarn 200m each in a mixed blue colorway
   
7. 3 balls of Noro Kuryon 100m each in colorway 152
   
8. 1 skein of Mama Llama yarns Original sock yarn 425 yards in colorway Vino.
   
   I'm shipping a hank of the indie dyed yarn to promote some of my favorite fiber artist. Please follow the link and enjoy some of the nicest yarns available. I would have given the squish Mama Llama but we love it too much and it makes the nicest couch socks for us. The 1st place also had La Petite Knitterie Hand paints sock yarn hand dyed by Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio. Sorry no Posh yarn in this give-a-way either. Maybe next time. No I don't get compensated for this I just want these wonderful people to prosper and continue to produce the beautiful yarns for years to come. Thank your Lori and Catherine for the work you do to produce such beautiful yarn.

Stay tuned to see who gets what....

I know I'm cruel too.

I will post all the entries but I will leave the names off so you don't have to worry. You know what one was yours and for those of you who didn't play? I hope to see you next time.

Good morning and have a wonderful day.

And the Winner is.... Not yet but here are the spoils

We went a purging and here are the winners take of the contest. I'm still taking the picture and listing the 2nd prize. Yes you heard right their is a second prize. No the drawing hasn't happened yet. You can see the drawing tomorrow night around 7:00-8:30 but to keep you all on the edge of your seats here is a pic and the list of the 1st place prize. as promised Casmere and Noro and more. Lots of hand dyed and even some hand spun hand dyed, indie yanrs too.

1. 4 hanks of Classic Elite Yarns Miracle 50/50 Alpaca Tencel 108 yards each in a copper color.
   


2. 2 hanks of Blue Sky Alpaca 100% alpaca 109 yards each Black colorway
   


3. 2 hanks of Jade Sapphire 6 ply Mongolian Cashmere 150 yards each Sterling colorway.
   


4. 1 hank of hand dyed "Yarns To Dye for"merino/cashmere 123 yards blue purple pink
   


5. 5 hanks of Noro Cash Iroha silk 100 yards each in Denim
   


6. Vintage Lorna's Laces hand dyed Shepard Worsted 225 yards in a light blue green yellow. This is the Lorna's Laces before it was sold, while it was still a hand dyed yarn.
   


7. 10 hanks of Noro Silk Garden 110 yards each Colorway 232
   


8. 2 hanks of Louet Gems 100% merino sock yarn 185 yards each in Burgundy colorway
   


9. 1 Fleece Artist Sea Wool sock yarn 350 meters in bronze colorway.
   


10. 1 hank of hand spun wool 110 yards hand dyed in Lilac
    


11. one hank of hand dyed merino/cashmere boucle from one of our friends who hand spins and hand dyes in a beautiful monochomatic teal color
    


12. One skein of Mama Llama yarns original sock yarn 425 yards in Angelika colorway. My favorite colorway of Catherine Kerth.
    


13. 2 hanks of La Petite Knitterie Hand paints sock yarn hand dyed by Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio in a peach colorway
    

Ok I need to take the picture of the 2nd prize now and list the yarns so if your awake and have me on blog lines enjoy.

Bet we have more entries next time..... Oh the 2nd prize is almost as much as the 1st prize

Contest almost over

About 4 hours to go. tic tic tic
We pulled a bunch of sock yarn yarn to go into the give-away Tuesday night. I think some Seawool is in the pile. A whole bag of Noro is in too. Don't be the one who forgets. The odds are pretty good even now at the proverbial 11th hour...

I'll post the winners name tommorow night. and have a You-Tube of the drawing

tick tick tick time is running out

Is this too intimidating? I've had almost a hundred hits and a micro fraction respond to the offer. Well the hat is going to be pretty empty to draw from for the give away later this week. The odds are pretty good if you are on the list. I know, I know you still have two days. Thank you to the ones who have entered because I received some pretty inspirational submissions. OK all you lurkers, there are no wrong answers here. Nobody will see your entry but me unless you win and then who cares because you have yarn coming to make it better. Oh if you were wondering this contest is also open to foreign readers too. I will even pay the oversees shipping too.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

It's that time again. Here is the latest secret pal info.


1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Silks and Silk/Cashmere Blends, luxury sock yarns, hand dyed yarns. I love the indie spinners and dyers. Please no arylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a Namaste bag that holds all my tools just fine.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Almost two years. Budding intermediate

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes on the sidebar

5. What's your favorite scent?
Freshly dyed yarn.
"I love the smell of yarn in the morning, it smells like victory"

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Dark Chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Drop Spindle, Dye

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes I love local bands, Punk and various rock.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Purple and Deep Rich colors. No yellow orange brown

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Loving wife, two teenagers living out of state, no pets

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Not in so Ca but I have plans for some when I travel. No ponchos

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
My own designs

13. What are you knitting right now?
Mitered Rug Squares, Flickering Flames Skirt for my DW

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes Please.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project. I have Addi Turbos and Knit Picks in all sizes and rosewood & ebony straights.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes & Yes

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My mitered square rug is my LTP 10 months

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Any time off from work that I can spend at the beach

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn, Music, Guitars

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
See wish list

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Lace and alternative cast on cast off techniques

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I wear a narrow b width in man’s US size 15

23. When is your birthday?
10/05

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
TwistedKnitster

What Does the New Twisted Knitster colorway look like? Moving soon and I don't want to take it all with me Yarn Give-away

With so much going on lately I have moved the blogjeopardy game to late in the year and in it's place I'm going to do something simple and helpful to me. I'm having a one year blogiversary/moving giveaway and I don't-want-to-pack-all-the-yarn game. Very simple - I need a name and color combination for the Twisted Knitster yarn. No limits no restrictions, I want all suggestions. the winner will be chosen at random so you don't have to worry about your comments or color recommendations. single color solid or multi-shade, multi-color self stripping etc. I will have a sock version and a garment (DK-Worsted Weight) version too. You may be asking why? Well I want to creat a colorway that will become something that I will include with all my swaps from here on out. Anyone who comments with their suggestion will get an entry into the contest. The winner is random and I may or may not use the suggestions for my color way. If you can be shade specific, that's great. i.e. rose pink and cream, rather than pink and white. I need a little inspiration. Mrs. Twisted and I have a few ideas, but I want to hear yours! OK, while I do love the comments on the blog and feel free to vent but I have a special e-mail address to use for your submission. This makes it easier for you to include pictures and not to tip your color combo or style to another entrant.

twistedbloggame@sbcglobal.net

1. Color(s) and type (solid, variegated, etc.)
2. Color Name But helpful(Optional)
3. Picture, again not required, but you know a picture is worth a thousand words. Hey you can even use crayons or colored pencils on paper.

The entrants names will be tossed into a hat and the winner drawn by Mrs. Twisted. The process will be shown on You-Tube so nobody thinks it's fixed. Submissions will end Thursday 8-9-2007 @ 7:00 PM PST. Winners will be announced Friday night.

Oh yes the prize. Hmmm ..... well I will go into that on Friday but if you know me then you will know that it's going to be fun and probably excessive (silk cashmere etc). I may throw in a few items specifically for the winner if I know them or can gleam some info from their blog.

Only one entry per person and good luck.

Let the Games begin