Earth Day Post

Yes I know that Earth Day was yesterday. In honor of Earth Day we watched the 11th Hour that we got from Netflix. Have you seen this movie? Truly powerful and it really makes one think about how we (every single one of us) is contributing to the global warming crisis and how we as humans have GOT to change the way we think about how we fit into the seamlessness of the earth. We are NOT separate from nature, we are a part of it and I think that so many people just forget that. We aren't here to rule nature, we are here to be a part of it - a positive part of it, not a destructive part of it.

If you are interested in supporting a more earth friendly way of life, check out this movie. I was kind of expecting it to be a bit extreme and graphic at the beginning (which I don't like because I just can't take it) but it wasn't. It was very practical and informative. I mean, some of the things we do as a species are graphic and unacceptable and it definitely addresses some of those issues - but not with too many of the graphic images that just give me total nightmares.

I am endlessly amazed and unimpressed with how people treat each other, people who are "different" from themselves, nature and the world around them. Think about what amazing examples our "leaders" could be if they would do the right thing. What would happen if Exxon/Mobil teamed up with the US leaders to decrease the procurement of oil and turn to producing renewable energy? That ONE action could drastically change the course of how we view non-renewable energy and pollution. We have got to change the way we view the world and not be so ridiculously hung up on consumerism, money and greed. Let's get back to living within the means that the earth so graciously provides for us.

All of this brings me back to the topic of this blog - knitting. By doing something as simple as knitting with natural fiber we are promoting sustainability and renewable resources. So, this morning, I put together a table about the benefits of natural fiber. Who has other things that contribute to this table? Well, I can't get the actual "table" to cut and paste so I'll just make a list. This table is actually going to become a part of the secret that everyone is guessing about. So, the table is a clue! Send me your additions or thoughts!!

Why buy natural fibers?

Natural fibers have differing properties. Not all natural fibers have all the properties listed below. Examples of some natural fibers are alpaca, llama, yak, cashmere, vicuna, wool, bamboo, cotton, hemp and corn. However, all natural fibers are naturally renewable and are naturally biodegradable if they do not have chemical additives. The blend of natural fiber you choose in your yarn will be based on the type of project you are working on and the individual properties you are interested in having.

Natural Fibers
Renewable resource
Made from natural resources and not chemicals
Keep you both warmer and cooler
Wick moisture away from the body
Naturally fire retardant
Cause less allergies and sensitivities because it is usually the chemical additives that cause allergies and not the fiber itself
Generally require natural care such as handwashing because they do not contain chemical additives
Can have an organic designation
Naturally biodegradable
Cause less water pollution
Have natural elasticity and memory

Synthetic Fibers
Non-renewable resource
Made from synthetic materials and petroleum products
No insulating factors
Hold moisture against the body because they are non-absorptive
Burn, hold heat against the body and cause severe burns
Cause more allergies and sensitivities due to the chemicals added during production
Are usually wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, stain-proof or moth proof due to chemical additives
Can never have an organic designation
Not biodegradable
Pollute water sources due to chemical disposal and run-off
Are not naturally elastic and have no memory unless they have a synthetic component such as nylon added

I have knitting to post!!!

Actually, that's a lie. I don't have knitting to post. I have crochet to post. I have been working on some squares for the blanket I am making my dad out of yarn from his alpacas. Here's what they look like so far.

I like these projects because they are extreemly portable, pretty darn quick, and each one teaches me about a new stitch. So, 7 down, 56 more to go!!!

On another note, we have discovered downloadable movies from Netflix. Anyone else out there tried those?! They are great!!! Since we have no tv right now (and are totally missing out on what is going on with American Idol) we decided to try Netflix movies on the laptop. It's perfect! We drag the laptop to the bedroom, prop it up on a few pillows and lie back and watch the show. Thank goodness for our wireless DSL set up! YAY!

The alpacas got sheared yesterday, which I am sure they are none too happy about since it went down to freaking freazing here in freaking April!! I gotta try to get out there this weekend and snap some pictures of them in all their nudeness.

BTW - Remember when I posted about when Harmony was born? Remember her??

Well, shearing teaches one a great many things. Yesterday, shearing taught us that SHE is actually a HE!!!! Oh well, he is still cute as the dickens don't ya think?? We have a miniature horse due any minute now. I can't wait! This was her last baby:

She was SO CUTE! Unfortunately, she met an untimely demise so we are hoping that things go better on this go around.

Yarn Harlot

Yes, I know. You have all been ANXIOUSLY awaiting my news from the Yarn Harlot event - yes??? Well, maybe not but we had a blast! First we went to brunch at American Roadhouse. It was me, the warlock, ESC, Hockeymom, Chicken Goddess, Meg, Laura, Jane, Allen, Claudia, Megan, Diana and a couple of others that I'm not sure I remember their names! So that was fun. And I met Debbie once I finally figured out who she was! Sorry Debbie! And I saw Melissa and met Kelley! I'm sorry, I don't know everyone's blogs so if you can fill in some blanks here - leave a comment!

Then we headed over to stand in line. Luckily, we got there early so we were some of the first crazies in line. We stood around and talked and laughed and had just a grand old time!

Then, we went in for the knit it. So much fun! There was a raffle and I won a $25 gift certificate for Knitch! Woo hoo! Then, Stephanie came out and she was hilarious, as always.

Then the same group and plus a few more went to Atkins Park for a beer and some lunch. Then it was back to Knitch for the signing.

Thanks to everyone's advice, we DID bring her a yarn bowl and she loved it! We brought her this one:

She loved it!!!!

All in all it was a great day. I had several folks come up to me and ask about bowls and we even added one to the raffle! So that was fun. Several people recognized the "Warlock" and one woman even came up to him and asked if she could have her picture taken with him!!! Sheeesh - you know THAT went straight to his ego...........Haha!

OK - I know, I know, you need more clues!

The next clues are visual. We have turned THIS:

Into THIS:

And THIS:

Into THIS:

And THIS:

Into THIS:

Hmmmmm.......I wonder why?????? You can still send in guesses until April 30th. So if you haven't sent in a few guesses (don't forget the most accurate AND the most outrageous are getting prezzies!) go ahead and send some in.

Also look for Knit Witch to have a face lift soon! We are getting ready to install an honest to goodness SHOPPING CART since we have hit the big time and all - haha!!!! Woooooo hooooooo!

Short and Sweet

I've been tagged by Jane for the latest blog meme:

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules.
3. Share a 6 word philosophy of life
4. Tag 3 other people

My philosophy?

Live, love and laugh too much!!

I tag karmaandkismet, calicoknits and superchicken

Oh, and here's a pic of the latest spinning. I'm almost done with the second bobbin and ready to ply! This is 60% alpaca/30% merino/10% bamboo. More later.....................

Sunday

If anyone coming to Harlot on Sunday wants a yarn bowl let me know and I will bring it with me. That way you can save $10 on shipping! YAY!

Gettin' Ready for the Harlot

In an amazing feat of amazingness I actually have an FO to show you. I figured I better get on the stick and knit up a chemo hat for the Harlot event on Sunday. Now, I had to do it quickly so I decided to crochet it. I was a little limited in the yarn I could use because most of my yarn is currently, ummmm, well........it ain't here, though it's not missing. Even though that isn't in red - it's still a clue!




So, I started my little crochet hat and it just was continuously not going as planned. So, it's a chemo hat for a child rather than an adult. Having worked in pediatric medicine for the past 7 years, I happen to know for a fact that those are in large demand too - unfortunatley. So, I give you "Harlot Hat". I am going to start another one so that hopefully I have two to bring to the event. Maybe the next one will even fit an adult!

I'm sad because I technically do not even have a knitting project in process to take with me to the darn event! Ugh. I sure am missing having a WIP but right now, life is just craziness (but the GOOD kind of craziness, not the BAD kind). I guess I can be crocheting another hat! We are so excited about going and I think Mr. Man is even more excited than me! He loves these knitting gals and he always has such a good time. We are picking up Sandy and will be down there nice and early to enjoy the day. Mimosas anyone???

We were planning to bring the Harlot a yarn bowl but I imagine she does not want to lug around all kinds of stuff she gets from people (especially fragile stuff). Hmmmm.....maybe I can get a mail to address from Jaimie the wonder publicist. Thoughts?