tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147998692024-03-07T15:37:11.906-08:00Chronicles of the Knitting/Spinning HussyKnitting, spinning, and ranting - that's pretty much my life...Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-88943244517168922352010-05-09T17:20:00.000-07:002010-05-10T07:02:17.485-07:00Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Hubby is a Shriner and in the Clown Unit. His clown name is Cookie and his costume and makeup are still a work in progress, but are coming along nicely. This past weekend he participated in his first parade in Mission, KS and he had a ball! So far, he has learned to tie balloon animals, parade, and work on his make up. Being a clown is not easy or always comfortable, but it is something that speaks to Mike's heart.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">As always, I must apologize for my lack of photography skills. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469431296731669202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic64eV-O_2WbfDq2u6_5J2PDdn_y6YwhZ1FaI01-zikUX_It5wACBo7iLO28HN-yvqwb5KGvlelqQ6NfQ0LzEBt7-XExiTBF9WqiQgBDkTNuhcB_fO_igb_Ya8fQto7d_UOiFF/s400/knitting+pics+021.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469431589890618914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDw6zGCDczY3zKe0aUBvvUWdktxHkGWGQRe2TpTAuqQub1oraWTZoJnDpKzYZbo12AJinO2fOCo3iBw4UHd9GUp7AVG5_QwLmuxWdUGEvaQb7xcBJCV6yMvUdrwu9VIOrYisg/s400/knitting+pics+022.jpg" /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">My Cookie may be spelled a little differently, but you get the idea.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">I am going to try to start posting more frequently again, and as you can easily see this is a knit-free post as I did not want to take anything away from the first clown posting. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Way to go, Cookie, I am very proud of you!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-26585078461291649342010-02-21T14:42:00.000-08:002010-02-21T17:02:08.441-08:00Winter, Winter Go Away<span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Winter, winter go away. Please let spring come back to stay...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">As a dyed-in-the-wool (pun intended) knitter, you would think that knitting while the snow fell, and fell, and fell some more would be the time of year I live for - NOT SO MUCH! <strong>Real</strong> knitters knit all year long - rain or shine and heat or cold.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I have been been knitting away, and even taking a picture or two, but my conspicuous lack of posting has not gone unnoticed, albeit by some folks <strong>that do not update their Ravelry profiles</strong> I might add.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I made a </span><a href="http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/dolls8.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Little Miss Valentine</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> for the little girl next door, and in time for Valentine's Day no less. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture. You will just have to trust me that it came out exactly like the pattern picture - although some folk's LMV dolls seem to stray from that standard. Yikes, that is another story in and of itself.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">In December, I knit the </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41041711"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Drifted Pearls</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> from the Rowan Lima yarn. The Lima is a chainette yarn. I was a bit nervous to work with it at first, but it knits up like a dream, and it is incredibly soft. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440835351024233394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVM13yH7Xxxvs-aRT8yMAnGOxermTMjN1g8_Hx1mHEUlq3_iANRpw2ahj1Eyjr4MUH5_7-FfjkMlb9wmTHKCQnhZm2wVezDBKhSdNlKxOkcrF2uGAf_onDMvnmz_ZXTBo5OYS/s400/knitting+pics+005.jpg" /><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">In December, I also knit a </span><a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-patterns-nashua-handknits/webs-knitting-patterns-nashua-handknits-daylily/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Scoop Neck Cardigan</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> by Nashua in the green </span><a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-nashua/webs-knitting-yarns-nashua-daylily/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Daylily yarn</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">. I wore this to a dance I went to in December. I added one black snap at the top corner where the right front crosses the left, and this was my mother's suggestion as that little point wanted to flop forward. Also, this sweater has two very cool, but really expensive, buttons that are black lacquer and leaf-shaped. I have never in my life bought buttons that cost $7.95 A PIECE! However, I had my little frequent flyer card filled at the knitting shop and got the pair for free, well sort of...</span></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 346px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440835894276245730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyxAICBdFK5BcKL60Ak6q5L4hqdQITymGMcya2kTXqn6-KmyaCpbGdm_slBre9zsC9Mkffug2dpQ4NwmcbN-FPM3yFs9Kco-FSjdlNEBGAzuAMhVHTy2aZnQQUyvjQFrBhSAs/s400/knitting+pics+008.jpg" /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">In January, I knit the </span><a href="http://www.cogknition.org/patterns/red_herring_scarf/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Red Herring scarf</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> for Mike out of </span><a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/E2AB2957-FA64-4734-9962-53AA2A644DBD/productID/7C379B21-3FBC-4569-B630-FB860A15BA39/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=feeds&utm_campaign=froogle"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Plymouth's Dream Baby</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> in a solid azure blue that looks like a soft gray in certain light. This yarn is wonderful to knit with, super soft, but I did end up "killing the yarn" as this pattern (even with the moss stitch edge) has a propensity to curl. The iron did the trick, and Mike has worn this several times. This pattern was not hard, but knitting a 60+ inch scarf in fingering weight yarn is daunting, plus the fact that this was the fourth of fifth incarnation of a scarf for the hubs made me curse it the entire time I was knitting it...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMF1q9xR3i6PaHj73Tfu5Tih1YU0GQSmP9kG8zkB6SL1iNXvi50M_20rkTXUx1vMF9q8ZY7rijIc60udiC8IdqIYokv4cPuvZsO_Z7Kh0A_i_mndZttpJMNp4UntzDiQbUI-0/s1600-h/knitting+pics+006.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440836489399204530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMF1q9xR3i6PaHj73Tfu5Tih1YU0GQSmP9kG8zkB6SL1iNXvi50M_20rkTXUx1vMF9q8ZY7rijIc60udiC8IdqIYokv4cPuvZsO_Z7Kh0A_i_mndZttpJMNp4UntzDiQbUI-0/s400/knitting+pics+006.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7D0Mkx_pGqJydrFKrrTJ0CeMFc-hpJ2j3DCprE2K1TJfPlwMcptaWwN180iilbCvKpnJUam3LOFwDnKIn7iN5Jw4em3EAImAenwvr5xd0Ke87xNYs7Fbb2P8ZIxVzqJCVl6R/s1600-h/knitting+pics+007.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440836882478708658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7D0Mkx_pGqJydrFKrrTJ0CeMFc-hpJ2j3DCprE2K1TJfPlwMcptaWwN180iilbCvKpnJUam3LOFwDnKIn7iN5Jw4em3EAImAenwvr5xd0Ke87xNYs7Fbb2P8ZIxVzqJCVl6R/s400/knitting+pics+007.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I am currently knitting the Lace Panel sweater by Plymouth. Encore Worsted is the recommended yarn, and I had enough Encore that is almost identical in color to the pattern pic. I am about one-third finished, and this is the photo from the supplier. This sweater is supposed to be somewhat close-fitting, but Encore is not really the best choice for a fitted, next to the skin sort of pattern. Once this is finished, I plan to tackle two baby blankets for a raffle, but likely not consecutively though. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440841389436546386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BjTbNG8p7tRK7crE1sdYv4ouvakTQkqwbQuTUdlHd0xO_w8D2F1JV8DWpQRuk1GV8zUpuGTJuVuuUehGl5D83ycwjUOr1in3IrQDOwMVoJYD7PMyyazZ1foOaeHCFjeKomc_/s400/lace+panel+sweater.jpg" /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I have been very busy as of late with the two jobs, Mike's favorite uncle who is terminal and 100 or so miles away, and we have been taking </span><a href="http://www.americanballroom.net/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">dance lessons</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> on Sunday afternoons. We are now working on 40s swing for an upcoming dance in March. We are not arrogant enough to say that we are good dancers, our goal is just simply not to embarrass ourselves and to have a good time. </span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-86491751252268208602009-12-05T11:40:00.000-08:002009-12-05T12:26:20.661-08:00The First Holiday Rant of 2009...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2PbUBMBpgRvpWkKUWFBNVSI17eXQr1WMprBSAe9LMjJZcHGIMh-OSw2kAxhZQ9STBTWxTn5QWk5QKEsYPtQVQcjw5P0q9KwBMt3jiasxfF9-PazAueLW6HiyBqDZ0tz-IkOI/s1600-h/holly1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411846762821144898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2PbUBMBpgRvpWkKUWFBNVSI17eXQr1WMprBSAe9LMjJZcHGIMh-OSw2kAxhZQ9STBTWxTn5QWk5QKEsYPtQVQcjw5P0q9KwBMt3jiasxfF9-PazAueLW6HiyBqDZ0tz-IkOI/s400/holly1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If everyone is behaving themselves and practicing courtesy and kindness, holiday shopping (not to mention everyday shopping) can be a little challenging, but not unbearable. However, I have just gotten home from a four hour pushing and shoving match that has led me to the first of my holiday rants, and it brings me to the conclusion that some of you may need to be smacked...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If you are a repeat offender in any/all of the following categories, please present yourself for the aforementioned holiday smack:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;"></span></div><ol><li><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If it NEVER crosses your lips in shopping lines or other congested situations to say, "After you, ma'am/sir", <span style="color:#33cc00;">you need to be smacked</span>.</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If you NEVER give up your seat or your place in line so that someone standing right behind you who is injured or physically handicapped can be helped sooner, and then complain about how long you have been in line, <span style="color:#33cc00;">you need to be smacked</span>.</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If you are a pushy/impatient driver who uses your horn like a weapon while driving or in parking lots without even considering that a lot of people are out and about, and that only your schedule matters, <span style="color:#33cc00;">you need to be smacked</span>.</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If you bring a child/children to a store/restaurant/any public location and allow them to scream, run, whine, and annoy people for the entire time you are shopping instead of going home, you need to be smacked. No excuses here - my sister has THREE kids, and she has left many places because her children were not behaving. NO ONE loves your children as much as you and your family do. Do NOT inflict these little angels on the general population. If you have a publically ill-behaved child/children and you cannot afford a sitter, you cannot afford to be away from home. Stay home until they can behave or until you can afford the aforementioned sitter. Otherwise, <span style="color:#33cc00;">you, AND possibly your child/children, need to be smacked</span>.</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">If you throw trash OF ANY KIND on the ground in parking lots, sidewalks, or roads, someone has to pick that up. Be an adult, PICK THAT UP; otherwise, <span style="color:#33cc00;">you need to be smacked</span>, and then forced to pick the item up. </span></li></ol><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">In the spirit of the season, I will set aside some time for volunteering purposes. I will be happy to serve as the Smack Commisioner in my area. </span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 118px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411846086557910162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZoHr0zE0_P_dePMXpzJBo90_SBpqB0YGeNVGS7tK8q1uDDZG3Eh2jMYSZ8UCetGe4j_i9P612M7v4jCvGlz2UAFO_hOg7Di3w5hmf1xPi8PCx9U1r6RrYFuirH2iGRwFNSxR/s400/holly1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#003300;"></span></div></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-29989617397789876272009-11-19T08:59:00.000-08:002009-11-19T09:39:45.372-08:00Bigger Than a Bread Box...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">My new toy <strong>is</strong> bigger than a bread box. In fact, it might be bigger than eight bread boxes. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I used to keep my yarn stash in two </span><a href="http://www.sterilite.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">Sterilite</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"> multi-drawer bins stacked in tower fashion in a closet, but since the move that monstrosity had to be out in full view of the downstairs living room. While the bins were functional, they were also a little slim on the pretty. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Hubby and I had seen a wood and glass cabinet at </span><a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/home/index.jsp"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">World's Market</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"> that we thought might work, but I kept protesting that I did not want to spend the money. Then, luckily enough, it went on sale <strong>and</strong> I got to use one of the Entertainment book coupons as well for a grand total of $150 off the total amount.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#336666;">My entire stash fits in the cabinet with room to spare! While I was putting my fiber away, possibly a mistake to do this in front of hubby, he mentioned that the collection behind glass looks like a "little tiny yarn store." Mike collects movies, so he understands the concept as it relates to collections that <strong><em>I may have more than I need, but less than I want...</em></strong></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Now keep in mind that my photography skills are lacking, but here is a pic of what hubby has loving termed "the yarn vault".<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405865717299555938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcWTSPgWFiuKXV-XcFFn4w7DGygI5P46GwPhpI4dDiRakn3e8neUCwov9pNJ9KIjoptecwWrabCHhyphenhyphenZXT1iwITXBEcfM0Ul4818Ds_wtw_oTlARTm_vVBmj2A733IZYIWC6wZ/s400/knitting+pics+001.jpg" /> Both of the glass doors slide open, and there is a shelf below that holds me entire knitting library, such as it is. The "vault" also lives upstairs instead of downstairs for better access to light. </span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I am still in the process of moving things around, so the errant cords you see around the vault will not be there for long. However, Mike attached the cabinet to the wall so it would not topple over, and this is where it will stay permanently. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I did finish the Alan Dart bat in time for Halloween, although just barely, and here is a better late than never picture of Prince Vladamir.</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405867510022899826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYo8oEtZX3inHxVd0nTSnCfS3BWdhC8qvDv-aGpQbINSjK3p6Og0TG5t2RTwQbyUHOiZ1pcbbOMQnQKpLfiovyxMg7v51dNFWevZGsAW8pZVRyDFsqW1fb6v8NX5jaBToT4yj/s400/knitting+pics+003.jpg" /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I am working on the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drifted-pearls"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">Drifted Pearls</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"> scarf which is too involved to be called just a scarf, but it is really going to be beautiful when finished. Have I mentioned that there are four types of cables, baubles, and applied I-cord??? I am using the Rowan </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-lima"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">Lima</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">, and it is wonderful to knit with. I had read that it was splitty, but it really isn't even with blunt-tipped needles. To me, splitty just means you have to <strong>pay attention</strong>, and then it's fine. The Lima is a chainette yarn, which I have never worked with before, but even with the Russian join it did fine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Off to knit!</span><br /></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-68805081848446104572009-10-05T17:34:00.001-07:002009-10-05T17:55:59.668-07:00Mitten Smitten? Uh, no.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiMytbZEJPFS2QWMYO8FaFnk_VXJmJQIiuFMnTsWb_i5oeA9f9fzNP0TXlNc9gyoEWlKzMH_x38XfMpP48YpEOTLa37yVXAcJ7kacPEBdQdJYpks7G8ubSTbhIMp4Vb3sNMOP/s1600-h/christmas+knitting+020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389283131025671170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiMytbZEJPFS2QWMYO8FaFnk_VXJmJQIiuFMnTsWb_i5oeA9f9fzNP0TXlNc9gyoEWlKzMH_x38XfMpP48YpEOTLa37yVXAcJ7kacPEBdQdJYpks7G8ubSTbhIMp4Vb3sNMOP/s400/christmas+knitting+020.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I have finished both pairs of </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peekaboo"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">Peekaboo Mittens</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">. They were both knit in Encore worsted weight by Plymouth. They came out as per the pattern, but they just really lack any pizazz.</span> </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">This project will not likely start the beginning of a mitten knittin' craze. Admittedly, they do not take long and the pattern is not tough, but they just don't do much for me. Paired with the Twisted Vine Scarves in the matching color the mittens will make a nice gift, but this pattern will not be one </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">that I plan to repeat. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Maybe I will like the mittens better tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am THE Grinch today. I am agitated with everything and everyone. In fact, I could hunt bear with a switch. Let's hope that tomorrow is a better day... </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">p.s. Notice the "embiggen" feature now works with my pics.</span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-60107814761421641562009-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:002009-09-20T16:34:41.793-07:00The Great Scarf Project of 2009 is Complete!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaf6d7Vp9VoWbwkMGlDcWkzsAegt2lDycLnLc6DTGt6agsZVVJa-58haeh5kaXpP6bI3sNY4OT0mVbrsJHTNdJKjAuSVni4Qo1W3wSOALiE6ghocrS53AmVovHBVVpsPW4qT3/s1600-h/vampirebat.jpg"></a> <div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">As my previous posts have told you, I had taken on a mammoth project of knitting ten scarves, or more precisely ten </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-vine-neckwarmer"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Twisted Vine Neck Warmers </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">for some friends and the ladies in my office for Christmas gifts. All of the scarves were knit with Plymouth Encore as not all of the gift recipients are fiber folks, and I feared what they might do to them in my absence...</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">I made two in ivory, which I did not think I would like at all because I thought they would be boring to knit, as well as to wear; however, I stand corrected, and boredom gave way to simplicity which really accented the details of the lace and cables. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#003333;"></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383684334700607858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTuAIn3GTMwQUlZA240iyJXcrTuoTLS5YjXc0AjYdi3JW9lUJ7eWJYn0_-zYU2MC-PcwCm-Xqb52LAFs8SIPNi-2f6pWvOSGQ-nJCDHxuaZgEXNBSxRLeRZydi5jyOxCqvvlV/s400/christmas+knitting+017.jpg" /><br />Here is the group of ten, yep TEN, in all their multicolored glory.<br /></span></p><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383683592442078082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDUhaO8tpUsUDSzPL6tS2Ci8ANKUat-tSnrfHli1Hq9Z7P4fdZ_2C9fNWOAeLzOiWtwZbtLH1cjoYckYgZ0UhE0-If99FpMMdyRJNe20LEh1I4PTd6guJ0f0fl52Fb5kNA7kx/s400/christmas+knitting+016.jpg" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#003333;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">In truth, I would really like one for myself, but not today.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">I am now working on some (don't ask my how many) bookmarks, and I hope to be finished with them by mid-week. According to my knitting progress calendar, I am supposed to knit two pairs of </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peekaboo"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">mittens</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">, and then Christmas will be done. Also, I am going to try to incorporate the same large center cable that is in the neck warmers into the mittens.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">I will admit, a certain vampire bat has capured my attention as of late...</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">MUST STAY ON TRACK, MUST STAY ON TRACK!<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic53ms72GR1Xypcz7aoVbBOVWUCcXn6vzIHBzlJVueG6_mStkHHY68Jcp2FQRaCKkZH5DqH86N0ODgQ7AfPpPZuv92MMxA_YxHSBkfnglcL8VjVS43luPlVYjMyyXD9ppgmuLN/s1600-h/vampirebat.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 154px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383688297892109010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic53ms72GR1Xypcz7aoVbBOVWUCcXn6vzIHBzlJVueG6_mStkHHY68Jcp2FQRaCKkZH5DqH86N0ODgQ7AfPpPZuv92MMxA_YxHSBkfnglcL8VjVS43luPlVYjMyyXD9ppgmuLN/s400/vampirebat.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#003333;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#003333;"></span></span></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;">However, a certain </span><a href="http://www.nashuaknits.com/default.aspx?tabid=180&bookid=NHK38"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">sweater</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#003300;">(Scoop Neck Cardigan)</span><span style="color:#003333;"> is shouting, "ME NEXT, ME NEXT!"</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003333;"></span></div></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-58286120985595623832009-08-29T18:46:00.000-07:002009-08-29T18:47:39.379-07:00Still Plugging AwaySecret Christmas projects are still underway and coming along nicely.<br /><br /> Hubby saw the stack and asked if I needed a tax number to open a shop.Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-456016167568498232009-08-01T07:40:00.000-07:002009-08-01T07:41:43.992-07:00It's Not That I'm Not Knitting...I have steadily been working on Christmas, as well as other gifts, and there is nothing postable at this time because the intended gift targets may look at my blog now and again. <br /><br />TTFN!Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-42498506060499272332009-07-10T11:28:00.000-07:002009-07-10T13:16:14.461-07:00Here Comes the Stole, All Knit in White...<div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">The following is the wedding song for the </span><a href="http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/h35.shtm"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Scotch Thistle Lace Stole</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">that I knit with the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sandnes-garn-lanett"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Lanett by Sandnes Garn</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Here comes the stole,<br />All knit in white,<br />Sweetly, serenely in soft glowing light.<br />Lovely to see, this was knit by me<br />Sweet little stitches for all eternity.</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">New knitting rule: Whoever knits the </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">bridal stole </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><span style="color:#000066;">gets to pick the </span></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><span style="color:#000066;">music for the ceremony!<br /></span><br /></div></span></em></strong><div align="center"><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></div><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356900956921824418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5Kt7R5hKSwF8LWMthpOpBxAV5qpqDPcNVGJjuqfnhV7xCaLqLHGRJrXWGRPem2pjnZQjNth1hsYy5KzUDOy5Q2s202h7ks478SkxcnBXbrQ9L-1Xn1QtIwGKcGrJh3K2yDFs/s400/Mellissa+with+Stole+(2).jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I was worried that the fingering weight might make the stole a bit too heavy, but in looking at the pics I think it came out just fine. The Lanett is a very soft, washable wool that comes in wide variety of color choices, and lent itself well to lace. I would not hesitate to make another lace project with it. In fact, there <em><strong>may</strong></em> be a little Lanett in my stash right now just waiting its turn in the gift queue...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356901227300000418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCf2h2We7PtKBzuZnzBKLicfcygfZZxZHtiTELMWH1q0lU-X0TzDBhgxm1aNeD61_NdCWu9soxYWH3ulB-8MgDqa3aexY6aiw5gI0l_oce89C7nR0UcBV91LGNSWWrjyky7S9_/s400/Mellissa+with+stole+Back.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">You can see the thistle leaves and buds in this pic, and the color went well with her dress. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Congratulations to Mellissa and Mike. I wish you much happiness. Be good to each other, and that stole!<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I am still plugging away on the </span><a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/twinings-stole-p-68.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Twinings Lace stole</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"> for DMS, and I have only had to lay on the floor and kick my legs once in the past week. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I may have to work on a something a little less intense than lace, <strong>yes concurrently</strong>, and that might be the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-vine-neckwarmer"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Twisted Vine Neck Warmer</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"> as it appears to be short and sweet. I have not decided on a fiber for this yet, but I am considering the Malabrigo worsted. </span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-37184681616607902142009-06-14T10:35:00.000-07:002009-06-14T10:47:37.962-07:00We Have A Graduate And A Mouse!!!<div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Thanks to everyone for the gifts, cards, and phone calls when Mike graduated from hair school this week. Mike was really touched and pleased that you guys thought of him. Also, thank you to everyone who let Mike do their hair while he was in school, and especially the </span><a href="http://www.angelchrys.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;">Great Enabler </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">who went above and beyond and allowed herself to be a model at his new shop, as well as one of his school clients. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is the proud graduate with diploma and congratulatory balloon.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347239064157095986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfSuTADV6XuVKj1tu9HHbpGbjZvvs5l9lgK6RutCrERic4vlaBlwEFK6is_4Orv2BEDmTiMOkzM9iTPOGeQ95NTgR0J7waTsH-r8N0L3npZRsnPPxWPmYk1JHwCCgmp8ge9JV/s400/christmas+knitting+013.jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">This was one tough year, and Mike and both appreciate everything you guys did. Once again, thank you from us both. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">On the knitting front, I have finished the <a href="http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/h35.shtm"><span style="color:#33ccff;">Scotch Thistle Lace Stole</span></a>, and it will be blocking today, and photos will follow. In a break from lace, I knit a toy from one Debi Birkin's patterns, and it is </span><a href="http://www.debibirkin.co.uk/#/patterns/4533208148"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;">Margot the Mouse Ballerina</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">. I made her from stash yarns, and they were likely Encore or Vanna's Choice, but unsure. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347239947679824162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC-jUP-21Pkdke5d6lb0C9yWdKsfWYZx306siHsF1-I0-1Jj6J7jwHovGs7OcicIvDwaZvdgwDR7SYWitDIgPwR3afYhB0PE82uIuiWl_YB6JTthOxtn1qw4339Bvm9E6oYAz/s400/christmas+knitting+014.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Margot is very cute, and I will bring her to knitting on Wednesday evening. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000099;">TTFN!</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-38975472919644038252009-05-06T15:51:00.001-07:002009-05-06T16:06:03.273-07:00Meet Willa and Floyd<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here are Willa and Floyd. As you might have guessed, Willa is a country witch, so she prefers to be on a first name basis only. She is currently looking for a good used broom with not too many miles on it, but realizes she may have to wait until fall to find a good deal. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Willa has curly hair that was baked on dowel rods. I realized after I started sewing on and trimming her curls that I must be a bit of a masochist in that I took an Alan Dart pattern and voluntarily made it HARDER!!! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I am still contemplating whether to knit her a very loose knit shawl, maybe like on size #17 needles so it looks kind old and tattered. or maybe a neck scarf as I am not crazy about the place where the neck joins the top of her blouse.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332849106744931330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eE8Bvb4mOOoI18Pb0bPNb5hrSyPzihKXT4YrJBYhAl3rNrfR-m-2_KmhjtbhU14IcoKdgh4ZJPEILyRkhqmDH8_3s3usWAx0A4yM9wEmblhmTpMjjOsuvlV6Fxzvjb6-Kiy1/s400/christmas+knitting+007.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">This was knit entirely from Plymouth Encore. Her bloomers are a deep red instead of white, and the rest is pretty much in traditional Halloween colorway. If I made another one, which I doubt, I would make her in rusts and mossy greens with some brown so that she could be a kitchen witch. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Unfortunately, pictures do not do her justice. She refused to sit still and behave.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332849798739923010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZswhTK87lkIXrsoSiEIQjDmHCbl4ZcJJH_rGdPip2BPrRaH3wnxzWh0uI223v1oHru1BG1GlK2iQ62TaCIGVjJr7VUwDA3Hdtk3DVacyL6bMDaEVkJG_mgWcM67MPEmBvei4M/s400/christmas+knitting+008.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Also, I gave her some bangs with the curls I trimmed off to soften her face a little bit. Floyd is a typical cat, and will look anywhere but at the camera when it is time for a picture. </span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-74692397196493920352009-05-04T19:42:00.000-07:002009-05-04T19:55:07.717-07:00Knitting from the Heart...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Short post, one pic, lots of caring from two needles and some yarn. Five years ago this October, my dad passed away, and someone gave me a very nice bookmark at the funeral in a card. At the time, it seemed like a nice gift, but nothing really more than a kind thought. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Since my dad died, I have used that bookmark many times, and I have found particular comfort when I use it because for some strange reason it reminds me of the way I want to remember my dad. I can't explain it, and it is probably just the wierdness of me, but now everytime I have a friend who experiences the loss of a loved one, I give them a bookmark inside of a card. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">There are two projects in this photo. The tiny project on the left is a pair of hearts knit for someone I do not know well, but her mother just passed away, and a group of knitters are sending a box of knitted hearts in different colors to let her know that her friends are thinking of her.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The long red strip is one of my infamous book marks. My friend should probably take up reading reference volumes as this one came out a little on the large side with blocking. Woops...</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332166278850355874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntc-3uSZWwzTxCmBbg_ocfw_SEZ7kgzg-ucl5L6gTHHZDF9VJwG5cuKrcjnIpfeZdT_pIfoANCffvpRgW0mLj8HhJhju9VrAL7kWpLYsxeynsg1PwEWOgU6W8h5SHMT06xN1t/s400/christmas+knitting+006.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">From hands to yarn, from finish to start, a gift from the hands is a gift from the heart.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-25219115690592306442009-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:002009-04-27T19:17:43.301-07:00Loopy Loot!!!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">We came, we saw, we kicked some... Who am I kidding? We hid in our room a lot because the loud girls scared us. Also, there were not enough tables and chairs, and I was silly enough to bring a complex pattern that needed a table and concentration.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">However, the Loopy giftbag was very nice. We also got to go to Loopy Central, and I was so overwhelmed that I could not shop. I wish now that I had bought several things that I looked at, but I was just too unnerved to push through to the other side. I brought $200 for yarn purchases, and only spent $20.08 because of the mass hysteria. I could not even think about what I wanted because I felt too crowded, pushed, and shoved. The only thing I bought was something that could not be shipped, and it is a sock peacock. There are six wooden holders for mini socks on the handmade wooden peacock. It is pretty cool when you see it all socked up!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I did not take any pictures at the fling as I was too agitated because of the constant hysteria and not enough chairs and tables. Mom has read the TLE blog and there apparently will be a quiet room for knitting/spinning next year, and that is VERY appealing to me. I will have to take time to read it myself. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Mom and I did have a nice time together, and even with all of the craziness I would still go back with her if she wanted to go next year. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Now, for the loot:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329555343546400914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid73RssT34x9sbOuZmShk61SSJWTab9Wtvu7Wt1tqCTwMIYQ0SYAuhHJuDYCRWnQy1dRw4D79ajuOZ5B159Z4bP4bqlr1MlX3gIhPREVMutbmO0TKDfl0nze28Hs_zqXsH4IUC/s400/christmas+knitting+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">At the top, the oblong gray tube is a Namaste bag that opens from both ends with an exterior zippered pouch with an adjustable strap. From left to right, just below the bag there are two Loopy Ewe temporary tattoos, my Loopy Ewe ID tag/zippered bag, TLE pin, TLE Spring Fling mug in a color that matches the bag, the wooden sock peacock.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">On the next row, the Schaefer (Nichole) yarn that came in the bag, Highland Fling Socks pattern, and the Nicholetta sock pattern by Laura Nelkin. Also, I also got a sort of short-lived or possibly disposable red Loopy shopping bag that is somewhere between a dental bib and go green sort of material. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I met someone whose Ravelry name is "PlazaJen", and she is a sweetheart! She also teaches classes at The Studio. I met probably a dozen other nice girls, but unfortunately I do not remember their names or where they live. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">In my next post, I will show pics of the Boudelaire socks. I did not get a chance to meet Cookie in person, but I saw her several times. I did not realize until I got there that she was the author of that pattern. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Anne Hanson is a lovely person, and a very kind teacher. I would gladly take a class with her again if it were offered, but next time I would take a much more advanced class. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Oh yea, Mom also bough me a red Loopy Ewe hooded sweatshirt. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Willa and Floyd are nearing the finish line as well. Their pics will come later.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">TTFN!</span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-7177556363098481612009-04-22T11:10:00.000-07:002009-04-22T11:42:02.721-07:00The Victims of Knitting...<div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I have often photographed and posted pictures of my finished knitted items, although a few do sneak under the wire, but not often do I post my intended targets of said knits. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">The Irish Hiking Scarf. This was made for a friend of mine (Mike) who lives in Columbia. I also made a scarf for his girlfriend (Kathy), but she prefers not be photographed. He really isn't a sour puss, but I will admit he looks like he has a date with the hangman in this pic...</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327583322221667426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYv-n63uIZjbQbaZn5kJfP2MemWjYLRtb06B5raHhqqu5TKeL4rdE2iuvexxifTp25KkSOTjWxUZ14XlJVI2UXE1VCjJV8Y6bquWDSNqbLaWbSQnEri_uzsJ6vZc4iJiAxDr0z/s400/cusack+in+scarf.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">The Lucy Bag. This was made for a friend's granddaughter who is 12-years-old. She sent me the kindest thank you note telling me that she loved the bag, and that her friends would like one "two". I don't know if the friends were requesting two each, or if they liked the purse also. Either way, I am not asking any questions, and intend to play dumb. I am generous not stupid.</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327583599716660434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHTUTnX5Ky2b_94eufsq4Fox8_kUfnxTTifn55-1gYskIyLD4UoNiJH2CYA3DNLUh-CuxxiThSFlKqysY0nWqSMUKgqFJfvEOlue9bt22BHcUV58-vMLMy0112Vb6qXxKyoiI/s400/karli'e+purse-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">The Bajeejee. Since working at a hospital, I have found that <strong>many</strong> people have fond little nicknames for anatomical bits and pieces. My friend (her granddaughter is the one with the Lucy bag) is having a complete hysterectomy and SPARC sling procedure, and she is no exception to the nicknaming convention. She has the same off-beat sense of humor that I do, and so I made her something that takes pictures to explain. However, I have used her anatomical reference to name the project that will forever more be known as "The Bajeejee". </span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327583818668958978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmW45t3ugUiyG76s-BajEYJPnrCExDsjJYVqMH5NEkE7CGeGAphrmgzm6VuU37ayoyw_EWrJbTel-7HJrDn-iMc6HLU3RbB28PvcSII_E5-mBMGVN_YU9JGFU1fBOS8fLTuw6/s400/christmas+knitting+003.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span> </div><div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I must say, I was very proud of the results of "The Bajeejee". This project gave me quite an education. Not only do the fallopian tubes have the fimbriated ends, but I also learned how to do a cerclage - albeit in yarn, but still! You never know, I could be called in to assist in surgery at any given moment - hush, it could happen!<br /></span><div></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327584059382761074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAA3xiHJP6o1WvOPfSdZRQ-LgqbPj_GE_8GcdeE021ZX1nmXa9FyOYOXcO9yTK9FshFWk9zyP3ZDptLaH-v8sTndO0s4vjRU-J0hnnd4WDWssGy4o1D1rOmOnBeth-Uu8EZ2P/s400/christmas+knitting+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><div></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">NOTE: My mother does not endorse the poor taste of knitting or photographing "The Bajeejee", nor does she use the F-word. However, after she comes back from spending this coming weekend with me in St. Louis for the Loopy Spring Fling she might...<br /><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span> </div></div></div></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-44159024171980091032009-03-15T19:16:00.001-07:002009-03-15T19:35:50.197-07:00Treats for the Sweet<span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">For Easter, I have knit a collection of sweets for my two nieces, ages 8 and 5. This collection includes the center two cupcakes (pattern from </span><a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/photos/knit/index.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Little Cotton Rabbits</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">), and the pastries include the jelly rolls, doughnuts, strawberry jam tarts, and chocolate fingers (pattern from </span><a href="http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/jiffyknits.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Jean Greenhowe's Jiffyknits</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">). Each girl will get one of each so as it is FAIR to everyone lest the balance be upset.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">These sweets were really a lot of fun to knit, and they were very quick on and off the needles. They were knit with Lion's Brand Vanna's Choice, and a little bit of Plymouth Encore.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313604466914431890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVB8Xr10L6w5tcSfWmaU8ba7OWn0VdYwsafVVmzzwwlGbVAmMNDElDuKOjqxbWnUyu4Ylsf0Xj5_zMxcwhmrvIx2WBng61TdiuC8CNuo0gIomA_Mc_9Wsg0XD3X_qCXLuSVRq/s400/christmas+knitting+002.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I am going to make a cupcake for myself to sit on my desk, but it will include the beads that look like sugar sprinkles, but mine will be chocolate with sprinkles (beads). </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">The tiny nephew will get something too, but the details of that project are still being worked out. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-5481467104230943022009-03-10T19:09:00.000-07:002009-03-10T19:21:29.165-07:00Think PINK!!!<div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I finished the Lucy bag, and it came out better than expected. Admittedly, I am not such a fan of the color pink, but once felted this bag was double cute. The gals at the yarn shop told me that the Galway variegated pink would look like marble when felted, and it certainly did. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">As I mentioned previously, I had enough yarn left over to knit a little accessory purse, and I put a button on it to match the Lucy bag. I tried to get up close, but the button was somewhat shiny and reflected too much light, so this was as close as I could get. It actually reads, "Girl Power", and it is an exact match to the pink with green accents.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311747590953007442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiB7zJnducY5WZ4OzJFY0xUYU4L2JCr8AoeMpjUFQY4p3rsoBUBGj1E9LRQza-fOYVa_yvbr1foF_sNIljj0toOwyofy7p_2xKX0v8ru1TSgg5m5poqCic2NadbEO6MjMJXea0/s400/christmas+knitting.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;">This Lucy bag is the smallest version on the pattern, but knit in worsted to give it a little extra size. I will definitely knit one of these for myself - probably not in pink though...</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;">As an aside, hubby never really has too much to say about the knitting because it just isn't his thing, but he told me he really liked this bag and thought it would be a hit!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330099;"></span> </p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-39456741867430398342009-03-07T19:22:00.000-08:002009-03-07T19:54:51.668-08:00The Fighting Irish are Fighting No More!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I have finished both the leprechauns, AKA </span><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/36"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Lucky Fellows by Alan Dart</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">. The colors I used more closely resemble the pattern in Simply Knitting as opposed to Mr. Dart's second version on his own website. While these little guys don't look like they would be tough to complete, they are <strong>labor intensive</strong>. There were knit with a conglomeration of things in my stash, but mostly Plymouth Encore. Mom gave me the red for the beards/hair, and I think that was a Hobby Lobby fun fur thing - thanks, Mom. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310658850835179810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pB2MkCdtKdhZpQA5RebErG7gkVjk_Jq8Toe8CnXd7V0Q1lUiTlgyUToIDVSd4vjnAZD1dGJp910qw1LGS23BzcK0TyIq9vDBoou95NUEmg1gCQDuyUlHifbLFqo_zrQ9ocHf/s400/christmas+knitting+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">As a gift for a friend's granddaughter, I have also completed the Lucy bag, and with the left over yarn made a little tiny purse for incidentals. This was knit in a Galway variegated colorway made up of Pepto pink/hot fuschia pink/white, and it is in the wash attempting to felt for the second time. Yes, of course, I know how to felt. It seems that the bag is unaware of the felting process - not me. I used Plymouth Galway as it is supposed to be a "great felter and not furry" because of no mohair; however, I fear that the meaning of "<em><strong>great</strong>"</em> has been expanded to include the description of "<strong><em>very little</em></strong>"...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">This is a pre-felted picture, but after the first time in the wash, it does not look that much different. I have upped the agitation level, and sent it through in a second attempt. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310659036887703906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCXOJziQrj-K_8aJnDohIJz1l47-WUK97tcoclGA_4IMa5eZ2Kic5VLWCQdR8t0-tRFPG0wSNn7s4eBB_0IkUawNpXjAkcHtcRtnh8o93L_8xXoNGlwl8R81C7hwo-bGMe4EH/s400/christmas+knitting+023.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">I am now working on Easter projects for the nieces, and Natty wants to help with the little pastries so badly that they have had to be stowed away in a ziplock bag. This will include a collection of pastries from the Jean Greenhowe book, </span><a href="http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/jiffyknits.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Jiffyknits</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">. I was originally only going to make them for my youngest of the two nieces, and make something else for the older, but I have been informed by their mother that that will never do. Since my older niece has appointed herself to be the Commissioner of Fair, she is getting a set as well so that war does not break out in their home. The nephew, however, will get something else entirely, and I am hoping the Commissioner will let that infraction slide...</span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-30017713524152871652009-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:002009-02-28T19:59:56.243-08:00Down With The Little People!!!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">The cursed little people in question are the leprechauns that I have been attempting to complete - for what seems like eternity. The assembly process of these little devils is quite complex (even for my taste), and I am feeling somewhat, no wait, openly hostile towards them. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">This is likely due to the fact that I am making two at once, and I do realize that this is a mistake of my own doing. I will say they are going to be double cute, but I have grown weary of them none the less. The assembly process is winding down, and the project has been grounded to home assembly so as not to lose any of the pieces.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">In the interim, I have been working on the Lucy Bag for a friend's granddaughter. So far, this pattern seems pretty easy, although I am questioning some of the verbage at the post-felting point. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I will try to post pics this weekend of the little Irish men sometime tomorrow if possible, and I leave you with a final and heart felt thought.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">DOWN WITH THE LITTLE PEOPLE!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#336666;"></span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-32377630001192778372009-02-20T15:58:00.000-08:002009-02-20T16:12:46.385-08:00Valentine's Party at the Chu's<div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">The Friday night before Valentine's Day (aka Valentine's Eve), I went to my sister's house so that I could do Valentine's Day crafts with her girls, and so we could all have pizza together. We forgot to take pictures of the pink and red yarn octopi that we made, but I did get a picture of everyone with their red yarn Valentine's wig on. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">We even made a wig for Max, who was somewhat less than thrilled, but still a pretty good sport...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034745949137858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnAUnzQUCa8dR9q7wAz0-gVluxI6WgtEkm64gQYajAWNv_5xn-CuRhEihGd5XVmGkQ4snq71F-JwR3K8knZ6QtMt5_L7sXPRVfzDaclPShaTaiVRuZ2pEiLfzHP6trLZ0eYPc/s400/wigparty.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">The only thing I have to knit on the leprechauns are one last arm and the two top hats. I am having trouble finding the little plastic pots that are sold as pots for gold around St. Patrick's Day. I have found a fairly large size, but the size I am looking for is about the size of a small apple - anyone seen any of those of late?</span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-31028279948910177982009-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:002009-02-16T17:14:58.972-08:00007 Versus Dr. Zaius<span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">The aformentioned "object" is the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/presto-chango"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Presto Chango sweater</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">, and was knit in Wild Horse Fantasy in a color called FA-99. Don't you wish the yarn companies would give you names rather than numbers??? There is something so off-putting about just having a number.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">At any rate, the color is a pretty true cinnamon. I made the 6 month size, and it came out to gauge, but this is a VERY generous 6 month size as you can see - but I guess that means more wear time for the kid. This was knit for a friend's new baby named Guy who was born 12/26/2008.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303566010889194034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnLeoJHaxcdiGTU2BzL4wnvf8xTVHr1YgVM50-0tdgxkZaWmyxsM1TUBycZh1r3RNOHmynGJp-bWYL6BHWqmMcb-YoPjypNxvozBGyvftnLWlNZAKBIvrkoSOkvz0A4rdqzzN/s400/Guy+in+Sweater.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Natty voluntarily tried on this sweater, but I neglected to get a pic. Guy's mother, not wanting her cat to be outdone, considered trying the sweater on one of her cats (Dr. Zaius), but opted for just a photo of him near the sweater lest he remove an arm for the indignity...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303566137114650002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MXIPCx3PuyBDutbP_OWLyHvzQh1eXqon1jCdgwHt-qMwjpTVlWzA64-2ONo3eKU0-U2oYmYyzwHkTpCWN01UruKrohqnWqE2-2jRstHJf4UldE4XFY5F1z12z7oQlRcX7_nI/s400/Zaius+in+Sweater.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Is it just me, or does Guy have the same look on his face that Dr. Zaius has about trying on the sweater?</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I am working on the leprechauns - yes two of them. I can explain. It's just that Mike never is really excited about my knitting, and when he said he would like to have one I lost my head and started making one for his station at school, and one or my office. I should have thought this through a little more carefully as these are hands down some of the fussiest items on the planet. In fact, this leprechaun thing is a whole lot like work, which is not what I had planned for myself at all!</span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-77189552077523935552009-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:002009-02-08T13:52:35.349-08:00OO7 Knits Again...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I am nearly finished with a, er, uh, an object - yea that's it, an OBJECT. This is a gift for a friend, and she sometimes reads my blog - no clues or pics until the gift has been received. She doesn't even know I am making anything for her, and that is why I am knitting/blogging in 007 mode. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I can't decide what my next project will be. I usually know three projects in advance what I will be making next, but after my last nine projects being for other people I am a little giddy at the prospect of knitting something for myself...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I am trying NOT to knit socks between now and the end of April as I am going to the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling with my mom. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Some of the things I am considering in the meantime are: </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hococo-the-lemur"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Hococo the Lemur - Alan Dart</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"><span style="color:#9999ff;">Jack Frost</span> <span style="color:#9999ff;">- Alan Dart</span> - no picture available yet as it was published in Simply Knitting.</span><br /><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/36"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Leprechaun- Alan Dart</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/24"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Witch and Cat - Alan Dart</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> - I am thinking in orange and black with some sparkles worked in somehow...</span><br /><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/26"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Dickensian Party Mice - Alan Dart</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/14"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Mr. and Mrs. Christmas - Alan Dart</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.alandart.co.uk/products/product/13"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Initial Imps - Alan Dart</span></a><br /><a href="http://mochimochiland.com/shop/items/peptotums_c.php"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Pepto & Tums - Mochimochi</span></a><span style="color:#333399;"> - maybe just Tums</span><br /><a href="http://mochimochiland.com/shop/items/boo.php"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#9999ff;">Boo - Mochimochi</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I also could finish the clothes for my Prairie Harze, but they might still be hibernating through winter...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I will leave you with my most recent and favorite quote that I have discovered:</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#660000;"><strong>Excuse me, I have work to do.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#660000;"><strong>Evil plots do not make themselves...</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#660000;"></span></strong></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-32226398497145941472009-01-28T14:57:00.000-08:002009-01-29T05:13:12.240-08:00Don't You Hate It When...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Don't you hate it when somebody posts pictures of you on their blog that you trusted them with??? Okay, I am the guilty party, but in a shameless plug for a dog sweater that started out in a book, and ended up on the needles to be something totally different that I designed myself I am posting some pictures that a friend entrusted me with.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The sweater is for my friend Carol's Chihuahua who is full grown and weighs less than three pounds. He came from an abusive home, and Carol and her hubby rescued him. He is so tiny and the cold is a real problem for him. He has a couple of little shirts, but doesn't care for them so much because he cannot tolerate things being pulled over his head because of the former abuse. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmmm</span>. Abused and cold, that's all a knitter ever needs to hear to get the needles humming. This little sweater is only about seven inches long from cast on to cast off. It was knit with Lion Brand/Vanna's Choice Baby in the Goldfish colorway. It really is a dusty salmon color, and is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cushiony</span> and soft. The body of the sweater is in seed stitch so that it does not stretch out and get too big, and the edges have a three stitch garter rim. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296484244302280658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv38-R51FHv1QCJyTl0XeMhqkSMcZOH8eE0efhf0R2mciN8c9tb8v_VS4k9JC8I2RBpcUlKfhLij_4-BhVj69yxbwOjbjWuqBi_EEEL7bwNNrWTBSuH2GMolnFTGcaJJ3NFx4/s400/Picture+012.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Here is my friend Carol holding him. I crocheted (believe it or not) two little fastener loops and attached two black buttons. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296485662436604610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-gpLxxMrn6miiYkRIiKRGPw-5_hpS1696vy_wJfTOZrUeeu1BBeIBfDWB54JaVzFg8Q1KZpTFyUmZZ993AzjsQmiCE5KJlx8OLOhifZe2ap-2HbgPJMT5YhqS_Ngco4Xyvi8/s400/Picture+014.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chihuahua's</span> name is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Uno</span>, and apparently he runs the house. He is still pretty timid, but is working through his issues. Carol told me that he acted like he liked his new sweater because he marched around with it on, and snuggled down in it.<br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Carol and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Uno</span>, thanks for being such good sports and indulging me with photos!</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-5521763095829416362009-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:002009-01-24T05:34:04.499-08:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Two more finished projects for 2009, and I believe that makes eight! Truly, I am not a production knitter, but more of a process knitter (unlike DM), not that you would know it by my recent progress so far this year...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I tried the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/dark-horse-yarns-fantasy"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;">Fantasty yarn by Dark Horse Yarns</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">. It feels soft to the hands, but not quite as soft to the neck. Also, in a total of four skeins, two of each color used below, there was at least one knot in each skein of yarn. They were easy enough to untie, but still an annoyance. Also, the yarn was the tiniest bit splitty, but that could have been me as I was trying to really get these two scarves behind me and in the mail, and was knitting at the speed of light. There were also unprocessed bits of hard plastic (for lack of a better way to put it) that were similar to broom straws here and there, and the joins of the yarn that looked as if the ends had been glued together in some sort of a twist. I tried pulling out the glued areas planning to give the yarn a new twist, and luckily enough all those spots pulled out without too much trouble, and required only a minumum of work to smooth down the areas in question. The yarn was affordably-priced, and appropriate for a gift to non-fiber/non-knitting friends, but not as good as I had expected. It is softer than the value-priced Encore, but disappointingly the quality is not nearly as high as I think this yarn may be inclined to pill quickly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">The first scarf is knit with the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/irish-hiking-scarf"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;">Irish Hiking Scarf</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"> pattern which I got from Ravely. This pattern is super simple to follow, and the results are far more impressive than the amount of work it takes to complete this project. As mentioned above, this was knit with the Fantasy yarn, and measures 70 inches as it was made with the intention of being tied with the </span><a href="http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-european_loop.html"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;">European Loop</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"> method. This scarf is really a deep crimson red, and not the cherry red as the picture shows. The friend who this was knit for fancies himself a cross between James Bond and JFK, and requested a color that 007 would wear. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294724449470360370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqSqpQ0AYFQOUdFbAG84f2u7OT7nLbu1GSi_Sr6yk6B92-0YfSzMk9MBF3ZpIpDeJmTQWcnUO_OEv4Q5HeE8x-987W_-YKXaAyTMZtNSgI6xJw-k7V514215UyEvo_v9wEjOe/s400/christmas+knitting+020.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">The second scarf is the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basketweave-scarf-3"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#66cccc;">Basketweave Scarf </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">by Ann Budd. I am aware that she is practically knitting royalty, but I did not enjoy knitting this scarf. While the instructions were not difficult, they were extremely tedious, and made me want to set the pattern on fire a number of times. This scarf was also knit with Fantasy, is allegedly reversible, and measures 70 inches as well. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294724626525509602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUytlnXVK4jBepAwwA2nJPZc-KgzusvgxJZv9Ev1j11W4dwtRsQqJOFu_Sl7PpzLM-SQqLBGNaPP5XTZJZ92XDPFNMtHXhNZbS15dG5sisH7ABYDv0FwHo9u5HV7SQBS1xxHi/s400/christmas+knitting+019.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">To be honest, the Irish Hiking Scarf is far more impressive than the Basketweave Scarf, but that is just my impression. I have not really knit a lot of scarves before, and now I know why - they are as boring as boring can be. I would possibly make the the Irish Hiking Scarf again, but not the Basketweave. It was just too boring, and I had to rip it out too many times because the boredom lulled me into making mistakes. As mentioned above, it wasn't hard, just tedious because of the 18 row pattern repeat, and BORING! </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">I am happy to mail these scarves off to the friends to whom they will soon belong; wear them in good health, Mike and Kathy! </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;"></span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-75891945466211503092009-01-18T19:05:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:40:56.081-08:00Shhhhh. You Must Be Vewy, Vewy Qwuiet...<span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I am working on a project for two friends that live out of town, but peek in on the blog now and again so I don't want to give any of the details away. I have one of the two items finished, and the second item is about one-fourth finished. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">I will be mailing them by this coming weekend or shortly thereafter if things go as planned, and I will post pics once the package has been received. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#333399;">In the meantime, mum's the word.</span>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14799869.post-10834942014337632912009-01-10T15:24:00.000-08:002009-01-10T18:22:21.013-08:00Little Star Bag<span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">The bag was knit in the star stitch, and with the Debbie Mumm Traditions Yarn (Pine Needle Green colorway) that </span><a href="http://christy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">The Great Enabler</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"> gave me in one of our knitting group's stash swaps. I made two panels so that the stars would be going the right direction, seamed at the bottom and both sides, and finished off with several rows of garter stitch to keep the top edge from rolling. For what seemed like an eternity, I made a six stitch I-cord for the handle, and then a three stitch I-cord for the fastening loop. The button is something I got at Hobby Lobby several years ago.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">I had originally considered lining the bag, but have decided against it as I have so many other irons in the knitting fire. Also, the star fabric is fairly dense, and I do not intend to carry anything in it that will poke through the knitted fabric. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;">I know this bag is no big whoop, but it is the first thing that I have ever designed and knit, and I thought it was post-worthy. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color:#666600;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289812686087998178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdUHeXZAcnM5MTbjwLFHmQ6gcq1kVI7oNPivkRnLPDnlVzSqc65sOl0_QMdQBVH_WkRJxRopbBu840XO43h0qEG8AAnE9_AUJmFoUnNGOZp5c4IrIgjdmJFXTgJqGybH9i96u/s400/christmas+knitting+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />A shot that is a little bit closer so that you can see the detail in the button, as well as the star stitch.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289813092145740226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMf8a-VZp5ObnMZR7TCrD4T0hZ-fdx2ZV4xU1mjrwIPdL0xaHtvcDWiYbAjh91h9GZOS85fI6gFUCiA80igtja0NTuYgJ_2A9whQHIlgbVbgozkHvQ4lF9z7Jt-PKyslbKLHa/s400/christmas+knitting+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06597575212834965517noreply@blogger.com6