Autumn Knitting

Fall leaves and yarn were made for each other. Why am I knitting baby stuff? For those of you who don't already know, the Simplestead Team is expecting a little addition to the family on March 8, 2013. Lucky for me, I am a knitter and can spend the entire Fall and Winter making things for my little one. I found this adorable pattern called the Pebble Vest on Ravely (look me up here). The buttons where from the flea market I just went to and are smoky pearl. Ah, knitting is bliss, especially with results like this. What are you knitting or if you could learn to knit, what would you make?

The Spinning Continues

Sorry folks, it's been a long time since our last post. We have had a few ups and downs earlier this year and we are still moving toward a more self sustainable lifestyle (we just haven't had much time to blog about it).

But I wanted to share how good I am getting at spinning all this angora wool! I am quite proud. I am actually getting large enough skeins where I can finally start making knitted items. I also found the secret to spinning pure angora yarn - a really lightweight drop spindle. The tension is perfect and does not break the fiber while spinning. I tried spinning it on a larger drop spindle with not much luck.

Weekending: Wood Rack and Fire Pit

Jake whipped up a handy wood stand for the back patio today. He used some lumber we salvaged from my Dad's move a few weeks back. It's large enough to hold a supply of logs and the apple wood we use to feed the angora rabbits.

We also finally busted out the screened fire pit Dad gave us for Christmas. I can't wait to christen this baby on a spring night with a nice cold hard cider in my hand. Friends are welcome to stop by so we can enjoy a nice fire amongst urban sprawl.