Marnie, speak! Good girl.

While at Stitches, I got myself some lovely light sage green merino/silk blend roving. I bought it from the Angora Cottage booth. The first day, they had a sale and I got this roving for a great price.

I've been spinning it up on my 0.9 oz spindle, working the singles into about a fingering/DK weight with hopes of having a light worsted when I'm done.

I am finally feeling comfortable spinning slightly thicker weight yarns. I'm not sure I could do a big chunky yarn yet, but it's getting better each time I try.

Let me tell you, though, I've been acquiring roving at a pace I can't imagine ever catching up to with my lovely little hand spindles. Janel of both Spindilicity and Cameleon Colorworks fame, sent me 3 gorgeous servings of her hand dyed roving.

I got two of the Merino/Silk dyed in colorway "Catalina".

This was the same colorway I used for this pattern.

And then there's this:

The colorway is Indian Wedding and the fiber is Merino/Tencel. I'm not sure why I've been so drawn to warm tones lately, but this color is decadent. I've never spun a Tencel blend before, so we'll have to see how that goes, but if it's anything like spinning a silk blend, I think I'll like it.

And if that's not enough roving to add to the bunch, I'm awaiting an order I just placed with Amy for some of her Almost Solid Series roving.

I've changed my blog address from
http://marniemaclean.com/words/words.html to the more standard:
http://marniemaclean.com/words
Moveable type just doesn't really like that word.html bit and I decided it was time to sort it out and getting it working properly.
Let me know if you experience any problems with the new URL.

It's my little blog's birthday, and she's two! Only 19 more years until she can drink, and I can take her out for a margarita.

So what has happened around here since my last anniversary? Catch a year in review, after the bump.

So, the second N2JW has been progressing at a speed that would make most glaciers honk in frustration at my pace. I mean, this baby has been taking forever.

At Blogher, I knew nobody. This is not like Stitches was. I traveled with my mother, and met a great deal of friends while there. Further, in the world of knit bloggers, I'm like a C list star. I ain't no Yarn Harlot, but people have stumbled upon me on occasion. For comparison's sake, I'd put myself at about a Carrot Top. At Blogher, I had my normal anonymity, which is fine, but it does mean that I have to make the horrifying step of socializing without any safety net. Let me see if I can find a good knitting analogy here. That would be like my saying that I was going to use the most slippery needles on earth, and knit a complex lace shawl with 600 stitches per row, in mohair, with no life line. And if that doesn't scare you, I would ask you to shoosh, because I don't want to hear it.

So how does an introvert of my neurotic level adapt? She knits. She knits like a fiend and the results; a finished pair of N2JW socks done lickity split. In fact, I was so sad to be done, I toyed with the idea of knitting a third sock, because the only other knitting project I brought is too complex to allow me to knit while paying attention to things around me.

But Blogher was great. If my battery in my camera hadn't been dead (duh) I would have pictures to prove it. The panel on which I was asked to speak was called "Is the next Martha Stewart a blogger?" and was moderated by Maggie Mason. If you ever meet her, please, stop her and beg her for insight. She did a brilliant job moderating and imparted so much level headed wisdom and kindness. I feel like she could done the panel solo and would not have left a single question unanswered.

My fellow panelists were (in alphabetical order for lack of a better option):
Andrea Scher: Despite her proclamation that she was nervous, Andrea brought a warmth and spirit to the group. She lives by the motto that things should be "Fun and Easy" which are words to live by if ever there were any. Hearing about how she came to an understanding that she needed help with her business and how it really liberated her to do what was most satisfying for her, was wonderful. I think we can all take a page from her book, there.

Gayla Trail: A true perfectionist, Gayla really drove home how important it was to impart your own values in what you do. No aspect of her business is done halfway and she gives a great deal of thought to everything she associates herself with. I really respect her sense of principal and dedication.

Pim Techamuanvivit: Like a sparkly ray of sunshine. Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. She seemed to have a little slice of experience in every bit of media and an air of confidence to pull it all together. She offered wonderful pearls of wisdom for expanding one's reach and did it all with a beaming smile.

I felt like a girl among women on the panel but wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Next post: pattern notes for N2JWs.

Today, my humble blog turns three years old. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be a part of this knitting community. I love that I can bounce ideas off of people, stay in touch with family, and, of course, post copious pictures of my cute doggies. Every year, I seem to make more friends and learn more. And if it weren't for this here blog, I don't think I'd have have learned to spin.

What have I done this past year? Oh so very much. I couldn't possibly name everything, but a few memorable moments include...

• Two of my designs were published in a hilarious book.

• I went to India, twice.


• I knit some peppy socks


• I was on a panel at Blogher '06


• Leo and Panda moved up to Portland Oregon, while I stayed in LA alone for a month.


• My friend Julia, and I went on a road trip to move me to Oregon.


• I bought a Schacht Matchless spinning wheel and named him El Matchador. Thanks to Janice for the heads up.


• I've been spinning ever since.


• Leo got a design I created tattooed on his arm


• I asked you all to measure your legs for me.


• I was in two more episodes of Knitty Gritty.


• I got my tattoo touched up


• I offered two new free patterns called Lake Park hat and gloves.


• Spent our first New Year's Eve in Portland and made friends.


I knit a sweater just for me

• I helped launch Julia's Create Along


• I released the pattern, Bellocq, through Stitch Diva Studios






• WE GOT A PUPPY!


• The puppy showed excellent taste in spinning supplies


• I published a pattern in Knitty.


• Heck, just the other day, we had dinner at a restaurant founded by a real Wanker (click the images below if you don't believe me.)

There was so much more that happened, it was hard to narrow it down.
Here's to another great year ahead, and hopefully many more.

Well, Thea had her last puppy agility class. The last two classes were the best classes she'd had. Instead of focusing on one obstacle and then getting back in line (waaaaay boring for a Cattle Dog mix) we actually worked a series of obstacles for each turn. Thea loved it. I think that being able to chain the obstacles, keeps her from over thinking it. It's just fun.

I'm not saying she was perfect, but she did a pretty darn good job for a 6 month old.

We're taking a short hiatus from school so that Thea can get spayed, but it was enough fun for both of us that I plan to sign us up for more.

I'm going to miss her classmates, some of whom you can see below.

In unrelated news, I'm thinking about redesigning the ol' website. My last redesign was in 2005 and while I like it fine, I've been thinking about a little change. I've done a couple of very simple sketches.

I think I want to go back to having a clean white background and simple graphics. I'm playing around now and will see if I can come up with something that makes me happy.

A year ago today, Julia and I were in the redwoods on our way from LA to Portland, Oregon.
I had just spent a month away from Panda and Leo, who'd moved up to Portland to start his new job.

After a couple weeks at Julia's house, and much planning we hit the road for our scenic and spinny adventure. There is no event quite like a road trip to get one past the "close acquaintance" stage right to friend. It's hard not to bust out laughing as we regale ourselves and anyone else who will listen, with stories from our adventures.

I'll forever hold a warm space in my heart for the Ravenwood, even though there was no running water when we awoke.

And I still remember the gorgeous fog over the ocean, surrounded by redwoods. Who wouldn't bust out into full dorkatude?

We nearly skipped Crater Lake, after some set backs and delays, but we made it and it's as breathtaking as everyone says it is.

And best of all, I have been able to live in beautiful Portland, Oregon. I love it up here, though I miss all my friends in LA. Julia makes for a great road trip companion and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I've been doing a bit more than my usual reading and all of it has been good, so I thought I'd share my recommendations.

On the nightstand

...Savoring

Recently finished

Woah, I was wondering why I hadn't really been getting any comments lately and suddenly it occurred to me to check my junk comments folder.

Well, there you guys all are.

If you commented recently and didn't hear back from me, that is probably why. I'm going through the loads of junk to pull you guys out.

Marnie Talks now has a new look and name.

It's a work in progress, so expect it to evolve, but I'm happy with the basic concept.

Press refresh if you still see the old design.
If you have a very old or very new browser, things might fall apart a bit, and I'm sorry for that, but I think it should look fine in most browsers.

Let me know if you see any issues, and I'll do my best to fix it.

Old blog design

New blog design

For over two weeks, two of my 3 feeds have not been updating in Bloglines, despite repeatedly contacting them for support. Google Reader would show updates and my feedburner feed that uses my primary feed, was updating in Bloglines (that's the 3rd feed) but the two directly out of my blog, were not updating.

I was sad.

I missed you guys.

So to any of you who haven't been by since before the election, welcome back. Sorry for the backlog.

To those of you who have had no problem getting my feed, well, here are a couple of shots from Thea's first trip to the beach back on April 29, 2007, for my your enjoyment.

Aww, puppy.

I've redesigned the site and in the process, I've moved the blog to http://marniemaclean.com/blog. I'll no longer be updating the blog here, so I hope you'll join me at the new location. If you subscribe through an RSS aggregator, you can get the new feed here. In honor of the redesign, I'm running a little promo on all my self published patterns. Check out the new blog for details.

While at Stitches, I got myself some lovely light sage green merino/silk blend roving. I bought it from the Angora Cottage booth. The first day, they had a sale and I got this roving for a great price.

I've been spinning it up on my 0.9 oz spindle, working the singles into about a fingering/DK weight with hopes of having a light worsted when I'm done.

I am finally feeling comfortable spinning slightly thicker weight yarns. I'm not sure I could do a big chunky yarn yet, but it's getting better each time I try.

Let me tell you, though, I've been acquiring roving at a pace I can't imagine ever catching up to with my lovely little hand spindles. Janel of both Spindilicity and Cameleon Colorworks fame, sent me 3 gorgeous servings of her hand dyed roving.

I got two of the Merino/Silk dyed in colorway "Catalina".

This was the same colorway I used for this pattern.

And then there's this:

The colorway is Indian Wedding and the fiber is Merino/Tencel. I'm not sure why I've been so drawn to warm tones lately, but this color is decadent. I've never spun a Tencel blend before, so we'll have to see how that goes, but if it's anything like spinning a silk blend, I think I'll like it.

And if that's not enough roving to add to the bunch, I'm awaiting an order I just placed with Amy for some of her Almost Solid Series roving.

I've changed my blog address from
http://marniemaclean.com/words/words.html to the more standard:
http://marniemaclean.com/words
Moveable type just doesn't really like that word.html bit and I decided it was time to sort it out and getting it working properly.
Let me know if you experience any problems with the new URL.

It's my little blog's birthday, and she's two! Only 19 more years until she can drink, and I can take her out for a margarita.

So what has happened around here since my last anniversary? Catch a year in review, after the bump.

So, the second N2JW has been progressing at a speed that would make most glaciers honk in frustration at my pace. I mean, this baby has been taking forever.

At Blogher, I knew nobody. This is not like Stitches was. I traveled with my mother, and met a great deal of friends while there. Further, in the world of knit bloggers, I'm like a C list star. I ain't no Yarn Harlot, but people have stumbled upon me on occasion. For comparison's sake, I'd put myself at about a Carrot Top. At Blogher, I had my normal anonymity, which is fine, but it does mean that I have to make the horrifying step of socializing without any safety net. Let me see if I can find a good knitting analogy here. That would be like my saying that I was going to use the most slippery needles on earth, and knit a complex lace shawl with 600 stitches per row, in mohair, with no life line. And if that doesn't scare you, I would ask you to shoosh, because I don't want to hear it.

So how does an introvert of my neurotic level adapt? She knits. She knits like a fiend and the results; a finished pair of N2JW socks done lickity split. In fact, I was so sad to be done, I toyed with the idea of knitting a third sock, because the only other knitting project I brought is too complex to allow me to knit while paying attention to things around me.

But Blogher was great. If my battery in my camera hadn't been dead (duh) I would have pictures to prove it. The panel on which I was asked to speak was called "Is the next Martha Stewart a blogger?" and was moderated by Maggie Mason. If you ever meet her, please, stop her and beg her for insight. She did a brilliant job moderating and imparted so much level headed wisdom and kindness. I feel like she could done the panel solo and would not have left a single question unanswered.

My fellow panelists were (in alphabetical order for lack of a better option):
Andrea Scher: Despite her proclamation that she was nervous, Andrea brought a warmth and spirit to the group. She lives by the motto that things should be "Fun and Easy" which are words to live by if ever there were any. Hearing about how she came to an understanding that she needed help with her business and how it really liberated her to do what was most satisfying for her, was wonderful. I think we can all take a page from her book, there.

Gayla Trail: A true perfectionist, Gayla really drove home how important it was to impart your own values in what you do. No aspect of her business is done halfway and she gives a great deal of thought to everything she associates herself with. I really respect her sense of principal and dedication.

Pim Techamuanvivit: Like a sparkly ray of sunshine. Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. She seemed to have a little slice of experience in every bit of media and an air of confidence to pull it all together. She offered wonderful pearls of wisdom for expanding one's reach and did it all with a beaming smile.

I felt like a girl among women on the panel but wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Next post: pattern notes for N2JWs.

Today, my humble blog turns three years old. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be a part of this knitting community. I love that I can bounce ideas off of people, stay in touch with family, and, of course, post copious pictures of my cute doggies. Every year, I seem to make more friends and learn more. And if it weren't for this here blog, I don't think I'd have have learned to spin.

What have I done this past year? Oh so very much. I couldn't possibly name everything, but a few memorable moments include...

• Two of my designs were published in a hilarious book.

• I went to India, twice.


• I knit some peppy socks


• I was on a panel at Blogher '06


• Leo and Panda moved up to Portland Oregon, while I stayed in LA alone for a month.


• My friend Julia, and I went on a road trip to move me to Oregon.


• I bought a Schacht Matchless spinning wheel and named him El Matchador. Thanks to Janice for the heads up.


• I've been spinning ever since.


• Leo got a design I created tattooed on his arm


• I asked you all to measure your legs for me.


• I was in two more episodes of Knitty Gritty.


• I got my tattoo touched up


• I offered two new free patterns called Lake Park hat and gloves.


• Spent our first New Year's Eve in Portland and made friends.


I knit a sweater just for me

• I helped launch Julia's Create Along


• I released the pattern, Bellocq, through Stitch Diva Studios






• WE GOT A PUPPY!


• The puppy showed excellent taste in spinning supplies


• I published a pattern in Knitty.


• Heck, just the other day, we had dinner at a restaurant founded by a real Wanker (click the images below if you don't believe me.)

There was so much more that happened, it was hard to narrow it down.
Here's to another great year ahead, and hopefully many more.

Well, Thea had her last puppy agility class. The last two classes were the best classes she'd had. Instead of focusing on one obstacle and then getting back in line (waaaaay boring for a Cattle Dog mix) we actually worked a series of obstacles for each turn. Thea loved it. I think that being able to chain the obstacles, keeps her from over thinking it. It's just fun.

I'm not saying she was perfect, but she did a pretty darn good job for a 6 month old.

We're taking a short hiatus from school so that Thea can get spayed, but it was enough fun for both of us that I plan to sign us up for more.

I'm going to miss her classmates, some of whom you can see below.

In unrelated news, I'm thinking about redesigning the ol' website. My last redesign was in 2005 and while I like it fine, I've been thinking about a little change. I've done a couple of very simple sketches.

I think I want to go back to having a clean white background and simple graphics. I'm playing around now and will see if I can come up with something that makes me happy.

Woah, I was wondering why I hadn't really been getting any comments lately and suddenly it occurred to me to check my junk comments folder.

Well, there you guys all are.

If you commented recently and didn't hear back from me, that is probably why. I'm going through the loads of junk to pull you guys out.

A year ago today, Julia and I were in the redwoods on our way from LA to Portland, Oregon.
I had just spent a month away from Panda and Leo, who'd moved up to Portland to start his new job.

After a couple weeks at Julia's house, and much planning we hit the road for our scenic and spinny adventure. There is no event quite like a road trip to get one past the "close acquaintance" stage right to friend. It's hard not to bust out laughing as we regale ourselves and anyone else who will listen, with stories from our adventures.

I'll forever hold a warm space in my heart for the Ravenwood, even though there was no running water when we awoke.

And I still remember the gorgeous fog over the ocean, surrounded by redwoods. Who wouldn't bust out into full dorkatude?

We nearly skipped Crater Lake, after some set backs and delays, but we made it and it's as breathtaking as everyone says it is.

And best of all, I have been able to live in beautiful Portland, Oregon. I love it up here, though I miss all my friends in LA. Julia makes for a great road trip companion and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I've been doing a bit more than my usual reading and all of it has been good, so I thought I'd share my recommendations.

On the nightstand

...Savoring

Recently finished

Marnie Talks now has a new look and name.

It's a work in progress, so expect it to evolve, but I'm happy with the basic concept.

Press refresh if you still see the old design.
If you have a very old or very new browser, things might fall apart a bit, and I'm sorry for that, but I think it should look fine in most browsers.

Let me know if you see any issues, and I'll do my best to fix it.

Old blog design

New blog design

For over two weeks, two of my 3 feeds have not been updating in Bloglines, despite repeatedly contacting them for support. Google Reader would show updates and my feedburner feed that uses my primary feed, was updating in Bloglines (that's the 3rd feed) but the two directly out of my blog, were not updating.

I was sad.

I missed you guys.

So to any of you who haven't been by since before the election, welcome back. Sorry for the backlog.

To those of you who have had no problem getting my feed, well, here are a couple of shots from Thea's first trip to the beach back on April 29, 2007, for my your enjoyment.

Aww, puppy.

Thanks for stopping by the new blog. I'll keep the old blog up, so all the old links still work, but anything I had there is also over here, so I hope you'll stay, subscribe to the RSS feed and, of course, leave comments if you feel so inclined.

Since you're here, you may have noticed the new look. Over the past few months, I've been taking some courses; one on designing for mobile and another on developing for mobile. There was a big focus in something called, responsive web design, which is any design whose layout adapts to the screen width and device. If you narrow and widen your browser screen (I'm assuming you're on a desktop), you'll be able to see the design reflow accordingly. If you are viewing this on a tablet or phone, hopefully, the design is easy to read without zooming in and panning. That's the idea, at least, and hopefully, I'll be able to continually tweak the design to make it better.

In honor of the redesign, I'm offering 20% off of everything in my ravelry shop, using the promo code, redesign13. Just use it when you get to the ravelry checkout. This doesn't apply to Twist or Stitch Diva patterns, since I do not sell those directly.

We're doing some other sprucing up around here. Leo installed some rain gutters on our fence and filled them with strawberries, lettuces, and other veggies.

I'm pretty excited to see how this works out. We've already made a few salads from the lettuces and the strawberries are high enough that Darwin has not been able to decimate those. The ones on the ground, though, we have to watch like a hawk. He doesn't care if they are green, he will eat ALL THE STRAWBERRIES, which I suppose is decimating times ten, but you knew what I meant.

The plum tree we planted soon after we moved in, is now big enough to bear fruit and we're seeing lots and lots of baby plums.

We've got tons of other veggies and herbs growing in our raised beds and other little garden patches throughout the yard and a couple other young fruit trees that should be bearing fruit in a couple years. We have pretty much no idea what we're doing but each year, that becomes ever so slightly less so.

Anyway, thanks again for stopping by the new site and the new blog. If there's anything wonky that you think I should know about, feel free to use the contact link to let me know.