tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33697650641050507762024-03-13T21:06:21.688-05:00Expressionist KnitsInfrequent updates on science and craftPCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-34422268438697740572008-09-30T14:33:00.003-05:002008-09-30T14:38:15.999-05:00The cutest mushroom you'll ever seeLast week I told you about my discovery of the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/">purlbee</a> blog. Their <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/toadstool-babyrattle/">Toadstool Baby Rattle</a> was too cute for me to resist and seemed to be an excellent use for leftover sock yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79KFZy0JYobTOrAVXRCJBP9x_NcHScpF0a8cijwJszaEuEg0MMS2JkNvN_MDOPXLnhtjP54QzaRcsy9-ypd7x3Lu4fylZEiH_apLK3JZEzwICz9A_SWM9NdpQvpthYn3-5AXI9GKLXFc/s1600-h/toadstool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79KFZy0JYobTOrAVXRCJBP9x_NcHScpF0a8cijwJszaEuEg0MMS2JkNvN_MDOPXLnhtjP54QzaRcsy9-ypd7x3Lu4fylZEiH_apLK3JZEzwICz9A_SWM9NdpQvpthYn3-5AXI9GKLXFc/s200/toadstool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251900577243163330" border="0" /></a><br />I was able to finish this cute little thing with a few hours of knitting. Being at that age when everyone I know is procreating, it's great to have a fast baby project in my repertoire. I already know which adorable little lady will be receiving this gift.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-51953146059821809492008-09-23T21:36:00.004-05:002008-09-23T21:55:45.698-05:00. . . And We're BackSo many things have been happening in my life lately. I recently moved from Cleveland to San Jose. I will be starting a new job next week. I'm trying to make new friends and enjoying seeing old ones.<br /><br />Instead of putting up pictures of all the things I have knit in the last year, I'm just going to talk about my latest finished object. If you really care about the other stuff, just head over to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/expressionist">Ravelry</a>.<br /><br />For some reason, I have been feeling like knitting for other people lately. I decided to knit this shawl for my aunt whose birthday is this month.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kv_bxd76V_qFj4isMDGF9nO-Hf7TIeFdDd2WW60fS4WIfG-7Chl1aWr8EHKUfGpIoMRSoEFQb7SMgK4ehOI1SYVHG7hfiSbXb8UWPRE0lSvpC89eozj93lDOb3wbeO6xPjKvGjSjN4A/s1600-h/angellace2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kv_bxd76V_qFj4isMDGF9nO-Hf7TIeFdDd2WW60fS4WIfG-7Chl1aWr8EHKUfGpIoMRSoEFQb7SMgK4ehOI1SYVHG7hfiSbXb8UWPRE0lSvpC89eozj93lDOb3wbeO6xPjKvGjSjN4A/s200/angellace2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249414702994171346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbolp-ml_fvOLimPoqszX6Trg4GNDr0mczCWM7NV0j0DgTfYZ0vesXFXmliJsJjmp7s1EiAHcOmDgPHypAWEImn2X8LweV3vbRZPrF_75OlDuKnikQ4htCHJ8KYIjubwncveFm2OuGs8/s1600-h/angellace_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbolp-ml_fvOLimPoqszX6Trg4GNDr0mczCWM7NV0j0DgTfYZ0vesXFXmliJsJjmp7s1EiAHcOmDgPHypAWEImn2X8LweV3vbRZPrF_75OlDuKnikQ4htCHJ8KYIjubwncveFm2OuGs8/s200/angellace_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249414541082614114" border="0" /></a><br />Pattern: Angel Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark<br />Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss in Burgundy<br />Needles: size 5<br />Modifications: I knit only 11 repeats of the lace pattern before the edging because I only had 440 yards of yarn<br />Finished Size: 57 inches across and 26 inches long<br /><br />I apologize for the bathroom shots. My photographer recently started law school, which means I hardly see him anymore.<br /><br />I love <a href="http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/">Evelyn Clark</a>'s shawls. Her construction methods are very satisfying and the end result is beautiful. Previously, I knit the Shetland Triangle shawl from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrap-Style-Innovative-Traditional-Inspirational/dp/1931499918%3FSubscriptionId%3D1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1931499918">Wrap Style</a> and I recently got the patterns for the <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/s2018.html">Angel Lace Shawl</a> and the <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/s2010.html">Leaf Lace Shawl</a>. I then got Evelyn's book <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/B_lacetriangles.html">Knitting Lace Triangles</a>. It's a great resource for combining lace patterns to create your own shawl. I'm really excited about trying this book out soon.<br /><br />I recently discovered the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/">Purl Soho blog</a>. They have some really cute patterns and great tuorials on their site. I definitely want to make the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/mary-jane-slippers/">Mary Jane Slippers</a> and the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/toadstool-babyrattle/">Toadstool Baby Rattle</a>. They are both adorable!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-53758631752399524672008-06-27T07:39:00.002-05:002008-06-27T07:41:35.334-05:00Where'd you go?I know the banner above says "infrequent updates", but this <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index">Lost</a>-like hiatus has been kind of ridiculous. What can I say? Life and work got in the way. This post is just to say that I will be back to blogging soon and I have a lot to talk about.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-21187214894442840482007-09-26T22:36:00.000-05:002007-09-27T12:12:10.387-05:00I Knew I Loved You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWmayEQTYtIKbhTyGJKdP5-NN5yuG0FUMxGOw5W3Cy_WbFknjV3lP4qfBTgOSSzeIsLEYgdYnmUEC6INTJpT4sh9p0Bhee5AcMsy-W8dHpljxbJ0Zhfbkvn7bbvh43ilt4ra88lYcsMs/s1600-h/WarmShawlText.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWmayEQTYtIKbhTyGJKdP5-NN5yuG0FUMxGOw5W3Cy_WbFknjV3lP4qfBTgOSSzeIsLEYgdYnmUEC6INTJpT4sh9p0Bhee5AcMsy-W8dHpljxbJ0Zhfbkvn7bbvh43ilt4ra88lYcsMs/s200/WarmShawlText.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114704641194576242" border="0" /></a>I usually am not the sort of person who runs out to buy the latest book as soon as it comes out. Quite the contrary, I'm usually the one who flips through the book at the bookstore, borrows my friend's copy and checks out finished projects on the web before I hand over my hard earned money to own a book. However, as soon as I heard that Veronik Avery had a book coming out, I had to have it. I have only knit one of her patterns before (Polka Purl Dots from Interweave Knits Spring 2004), but I love every design of hers that I have seen. I got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Classic-Style-Inspired-Fashions/dp/158479576X">Knitting Classic Style</a> a couple of weeks ago, but here is the review.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfSaqDVAtAEU690vBrObG-yNvPH9iuUXzjhV2Guk26dw90G6eGsNOv2UzE-P5Qn4tz827m1BXOOHc5v5VI3ZeATE6NQ8XUPMPVfddHLrDGFVYHbBG8orLAkJH5tqiE9a0JvNxXqefhiY/s1600-h/WarmShawlPicture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfSaqDVAtAEU690vBrObG-yNvPH9iuUXzjhV2Guk26dw90G6eGsNOv2UzE-P5Qn4tz827m1BXOOHc5v5VI3ZeATE6NQ8XUPMPVfddHLrDGFVYHbBG8orLAkJH5tqiE9a0JvNxXqefhiY/s200/WarmShawlPicture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114704928957385090" border="0" /></a><br />This book is beautifully produced. It has gorgeous pictures that display the knits beautifully. It was edited by Melanie Falick and is beautifully organized like Interweave Knits (my favorite mag!). You can see the layout of the pages in the picture above.<br /><br /><br />The pattern above is for the warm shawl pictured to the right. It is knit in my favorite yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk. It is easy to knit, but the results are stunning.<br /><br /><br />The three patterns below are among my favorites. From top to bottom: Bias Shell, Latvian Fingerless Mitts, and Layered Skater's Top. These patterns are classic, but modern at the same time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYKSVYEvuHuPN6Q2arBiX3q1mR_QefVIZ5SEgi32P3nwJfQFGwEy_m2chsE_ikHYzJTi09_o-NEH7EK4w_Xd2kZBFN-ujlOVWOEqaLNjb6Hkw8gXBQQ17uGM_gaPOKeWcWJte4BQ82YU/s1600-h/BiasTank.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYKSVYEvuHuPN6Q2arBiX3q1mR_QefVIZ5SEgi32P3nwJfQFGwEy_m2chsE_ikHYzJTi09_o-NEH7EK4w_Xd2kZBFN-ujlOVWOEqaLNjb6Hkw8gXBQQ17uGM_gaPOKeWcWJte4BQ82YU/s200/BiasTank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114705508777970146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKa3WvOtWcvrhgsntfXpa9TxIXdvuhwp49dmNE2yG4xLh1ra5z-h1sEKfYqLjdv7ilu1cKC6VZKJkod3rQ2AOTNRx54KVqjrWc-DiFfIvdYNoukmdnhktdGDyBeqFIVkkALhAA9r0wRc/s1600-h/VA_gloves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKa3WvOtWcvrhgsntfXpa9TxIXdvuhwp49dmNE2yG4xLh1ra5z-h1sEKfYqLjdv7ilu1cKC6VZKJkod3rQ2AOTNRx54KVqjrWc-DiFfIvdYNoukmdnhktdGDyBeqFIVkkALhAA9r0wRc/s200/VA_gloves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114705504483002834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBc4Idht1AnMLSp1H2nWKH7qZPGW2GwXC0vZ3P1cA81ChdVZZxUfmEvom0HMyZCP9jsc0wqKdkxTm-ExPn_VgADSe_wt58fBSmjeB_A3ocjLy-rghchAiuyx6ipKsdvgTFLzE4vp1fTA/s1600-h/Skater_shirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBc4Idht1AnMLSp1H2nWKH7qZPGW2GwXC0vZ3P1cA81ChdVZZxUfmEvom0HMyZCP9jsc0wqKdkxTm-ExPn_VgADSe_wt58fBSmjeB_A3ocjLy-rghchAiuyx6ipKsdvgTFLzE4vp1fTA/s200/Skater_shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114705504483002818" border="0" /></a><br />I really like that there are patterns for men that come in smaller sizes. DNA is a small man and in this sexy vest below actually comes in a 34" size that would fit him perfectly. The men's patterns in this book are also masculine and in styles that a real man would wear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-C3OwmEpj1YfFu_0eG446FqMoGYkn4A2AUvV5AHcHRZUwg7eQu5Pjx07XOJrux9KHmeSg3-ktbRimGuIhLhJbMXUKjAEhgR1J5ty_FaLQquEpBD9_YfqZF_y6YNQazq5z6qszXG3WNc/s1600-h/ArgyleVest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-C3OwmEpj1YfFu_0eG446FqMoGYkn4A2AUvV5AHcHRZUwg7eQu5Pjx07XOJrux9KHmeSg3-ktbRimGuIhLhJbMXUKjAEhgR1J5ty_FaLQquEpBD9_YfqZF_y6YNQazq5z6qszXG3WNc/s200/ArgyleVest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114706376361363954" border="0" /></a><br />I am really impressed with this book. It was worth every penny!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-79732128576528336332007-09-08T08:29:00.000-05:002007-09-08T08:49:00.166-05:00Come UndoneThis week my favorite <a href="http://www.stashandburn.com/">podcasters</a> and I were on the same track. There are times when, despite high hopes, knitting just does not work out. Maybe you looked at the cute blonde 90-pound model and thought, “It looks cute on her. I bet it’ll look cute on me, even though I’m not blonde, 90 pounds or six feet tall.” Please, tell me this has happened to you before and that I’m not the only one. Jenny and Nicole offer several good suggestions for these disappointing projects including giving them away and felting them.<br /><br />Early on in my knitting career, I knit several projects like this and they sort of lay around while I waited to grow a foot taller and lose 30 pounds. Somehow, these two things have not happened. So, I’ve decided to accept my body and knit sweaters that are more flattering on ME. This decision has lead to quite a bit of ripping lately.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEClVkfIZIhUG1tdbjAPn6KlFpIpJ3j7vDTEY5GnWkzifpTi5OVNfEglwNyD6ttDrXK9_tEr_hV46xAJg0_I62m13iglWWXC38URc3GhooKG7jXS7rk_Tc0UfpmsOL_qQTb27F34Jn5gA/s1600-h/Cleo_front"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEClVkfIZIhUG1tdbjAPn6KlFpIpJ3j7vDTEY5GnWkzifpTi5OVNfEglwNyD6ttDrXK9_tEr_hV46xAJg0_I62m13iglWWXC38URc3GhooKG7jXS7rk_Tc0UfpmsOL_qQTb27F34Jn5gA/s320/Cleo_front" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107826280944845842" border="0" /></a><br />Back in 2003, I knit this lovely number called <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTcleo.html">Cleo</a> from Knitty magazine in Tahki Cotton Classic. It looks great on <a href="http://www.indigirl.com/blog/">Amy</a> (the designer), but really didn’t work out so well for me. So, this yarn has been repurposed and will become a lacy yoga mat bag for my friend Katarina with whom I did yoga in grad school.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdHALnNW4hka2WMUCGQn3UfCy6wa7GfY35xd25CyGuc_6QH7o6SkwLCsBvWJ99tp0PJ4CVjHYKH-TIInW1A_ZLTSTGOfbI_hXo1FQ1qiR2pzGBwi7utgwoGIfRgNqejyZyYZouOwUU8/s1600-h/yogabag1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdHALnNW4hka2WMUCGQn3UfCy6wa7GfY35xd25CyGuc_6QH7o6SkwLCsBvWJ99tp0PJ4CVjHYKH-TIInW1A_ZLTSTGOfbI_hXo1FQ1qiR2pzGBwi7utgwoGIfRgNqejyZyYZouOwUU8/s320/yogabag1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107829283126985778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9qZAIl1ASZkF90Cx6t7FWjLwYXjUfXcsv_MlRIBkgpTyLYcGX16RFW-ZSjdZS4q9d-2Cj15No9dIxYI-S7isOglzxr1Ga8gDyP8WYEFQl-TsNvmYwQokp8JkEOsb2bu8JsrO1qz-WsE/s1600-h/lace-edged+tank+front"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9qZAIl1ASZkF90Cx6t7FWjLwYXjUfXcsv_MlRIBkgpTyLYcGX16RFW-ZSjdZS4q9d-2Cj15No9dIxYI-S7isOglzxr1Ga8gDyP8WYEFQl-TsNvmYwQokp8JkEOsb2bu8JsrO1qz-WsE/s320/lace-edged+tank+front" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107826285239813154" border="0" /></a><br />I also have ripped the first sweater that I knit without a pattern. It’s not fancy and it probably wasn’t too smart to knit a summer tank in aran weight cotton, but at the time I thought it was so cute. Then it got stretched out and I never wore it. I’m still deciding what to do with this Rowan’s All Season’s Cotton.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomB0sB2s6ARImrWxpSlPHF_jXDeDa5WR1tj8eIr5iDn4oUDfMNue6IT36in1qz2JpmMA9I9WEdC6h6sswcgeBzoelPvRRewrBUXlX__RM5sYLhPy0u4QzL7K92QsGHXX4R2X80LtQFwc/s1600-h/ASC_Blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomB0sB2s6ARImrWxpSlPHF_jXDeDa5WR1tj8eIr5iDn4oUDfMNue6IT36in1qz2JpmMA9I9WEdC6h6sswcgeBzoelPvRRewrBUXlX__RM5sYLhPy0u4QzL7K92QsGHXX4R2X80LtQFwc/s320/ASC_Blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107829287421953090" border="0" /></a><br />I gave away a top knit from Rowan's R2 Paper to <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> (Sorry, no pic!). The next project to be ripped is Pia from Rowan 35.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5LM8RmRlMEZGKf5s6-fdsxf5agP7xVrU40UArPuoEX_7QJz5kNmwdIxQb2VKndgjzZOsRakr2pQaHWnMtIWzf_hc0Drt8hiK4Ym8czGvBvK2lhyl9FDiUxNK6Sglb2S_xwshaJjzdzQ/s1600-h/Pia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5LM8RmRlMEZGKf5s6-fdsxf5agP7xVrU40UArPuoEX_7QJz5kNmwdIxQb2VKndgjzZOsRakr2pQaHWnMtIWzf_hc0Drt8hiK4Ym8czGvBvK2lhyl9FDiUxNK6Sglb2S_xwshaJjzdzQ/s320/Pia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107829291716920402" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-19642903545387895292007-08-18T12:46:00.001-05:002007-08-18T22:38:00.648-05:00Perfect Little SecretToday, there will be three confessions.<br /><br />Confession #1: Every time I'm about to finish a project, I have a little panic attack. These are the thoughts that run through my head: "Oh no! It's going to be too small!"; "No, no! It's going to be too big!"; "What if I didn't notice that I completely messed up the stitch pattern one inch into it and find out I have to rip the whole thing back?"; "What if it makes me look seven months pregnant?"(I wouldn't want my mother-in-law to get her hopes up!). This scenario is exactly what happened when I was about to finish the Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style. (OK, not the pregnant part of it!) It turns out that I didn't need to worry. It fits me perfectly. I love this pattern. The collar is knit with short rows to bring up the neck so that you can fold it back. How cool!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM7HZzG7XfkRGtosdafjR2EDCPdGyym2uPZMO-7B0EdRrZzHghRswUBq7aCKfBk2UrzgdgZ3uVDzPqknhG_GVNanAW00gzsO1I8vpu4SxCaJo8SiKEfD1Lpsyfbiv2lVPFSaeBA5A9dI/s1600-h/RetroReduxShrug_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM7HZzG7XfkRGtosdafjR2EDCPdGyym2uPZMO-7B0EdRrZzHghRswUBq7aCKfBk2UrzgdgZ3uVDzPqknhG_GVNanAW00gzsO1I8vpu4SxCaJo8SiKEfD1Lpsyfbiv2lVPFSaeBA5A9dI/s320/RetroReduxShrug_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100106957698581458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu2n3MHwBG4_9yeDaGlAzE01ZFMHBX5vmmBI1p17FL0pEaU7syp4sQRiwISzGvZq1UYOPG2fVRZuRZXtsyDXbnHg0Y4YsQq1kUyRpMlp-mOEhMvCbdkS14mr-a5Z4WVo-TksckOVjKVo/s1600-h/RetroReduxShrug_back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu2n3MHwBG4_9yeDaGlAzE01ZFMHBX5vmmBI1p17FL0pEaU7syp4sQRiwISzGvZq1UYOPG2fVRZuRZXtsyDXbnHg0Y4YsQq1kUyRpMlp-mOEhMvCbdkS14mr-a5Z4WVo-TksckOVjKVo/s320/RetroReduxShrug_back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100106961993548770" border="0" /></a><br />Vital Stats:<br />Pattern: Retro Redux Shrug by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark from <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Lace_Style/default.asp">Lace Style</a><br />Yarn: GGH Bali, 2 balls<br />Needles: 7, 8, 9, and 10<br />Modifications: I cast on for the medium size, but knit the length for the small size.<br /><br />Confession #2: Even though I have been knitting for almost 8 years, I have never knit intarsia. To be honest, I was a little scared. All that twisting of yarns and keeping them from tangling! Well, my oldest friend just told me she's having a baby and I decided to knit a baby version of the Mod-on-Mod Afghan from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1581808410/wkmn">Yarnplay</a> for her. So, now I have finally conquered intarsia. It really isn't that bad. I think the two squares I have so far look pretty good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6-Z0RI-CyxltzFudJw3yA1PNHJxZVzzvGauRmkAqI4VGV2N6CUSq0TONegrU3zl0nplmCI8BYoDxCJZQLKSJPkYkNGlbCBPPEO23FGFF_PdNXNI3aeZ5jKzxtBpYa0EYIiVqjKjh4WM/s1600-h/ModOnMod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6-Z0RI-CyxltzFudJw3yA1PNHJxZVzzvGauRmkAqI4VGV2N6CUSq0TONegrU3zl0nplmCI8BYoDxCJZQLKSJPkYkNGlbCBPPEO23FGFF_PdNXNI3aeZ5jKzxtBpYa0EYIiVqjKjh4WM/s320/ModOnMod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100107245461390322" border="0" /></a><br />Confession #3: When I started a blog, I was terrified that I would never be able to come up with creative titles for my posts. So, I copied the producers of one of my favorite TV shows, <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/index.html">Grey's Anatomy</a>. Every episode is named after a song title. This strategy seemed like a brilliant idea at the time (although not ALL of my titles have been from songs). Recently on the Grey's Anatomy <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/downloads?pn=dl">podcast</a>, the producers admitted that it was really difficult to come up with song titles after a while. I have noticed a similar problem. I know that eventually I will fall off the wagon. So, I'm going to have a little contest. The first person to e-mail me after the next time I fail to use a song title for a blog post will receive a prize that is yet to be determined. Yes, this a ploy to get you to read my blog regularly!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><div class="pattern_source"> </div>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-34519036633216418882007-08-10T21:35:00.000-05:002007-08-10T22:03:35.478-05:00Enough is Enough<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGR_e8fegq1XNPIasFo-F4DSJ8lisPUKiiKzjHoIu5sRQw1DALGLI0tH0uBmw0XfYFgoy6uD4SNIwUK1BtSDiuy_XR3Nf3x5QwD4Ab7S2EHNLR9VATbp4bqM9MsL_P1jS3c02wKVcLgY/s1600-h/icarus_close-up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGR_e8fegq1XNPIasFo-F4DSJ8lisPUKiiKzjHoIu5sRQw1DALGLI0tH0uBmw0XfYFgoy6uD4SNIwUK1BtSDiuy_XR3Nf3x5QwD4Ab7S2EHNLR9VATbp4bqM9MsL_P1jS3c02wKVcLgY/s320/icarus_close-up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097272476339804610" border="0" /></a>I have felt really bad that my mother's shawl, which was supposed to be finished for her birthday on June 26th, has been lying around in a shameful unblocked state. First I completely underestimated how long it would take me to finish this shawl. Just because I finished a Shetland Triangle in sport weight yarn on size 6 needles in two weeks, does not mean I can finish and Icarus in lace weight yarn on size 3 needles in four weeks! Sheesh! Then I spent a while trying to figure out how I was going to block it in my impaired state. Luckily, my mother is one of those kind, generous and patient mothers who is thrilled that I am knitting her something, no matter when she gets it. I'm so fortunate!<br /><br />I'm still hobbling around because of my ankle, so I got DNA to help me soak the shawl in Eucalan and squeeze out the excess water. Then we pinned it to the bed and let it dry.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeDI2YvsKm5gZpzGSLGmNEuf5obh47jYWCuIxf9qC8MtTpqDB72MGl8CVH1yZlTQITQbqYg8qzZ_0lT7ssOUzIt0gubm5AZ34yvs2rAFIolEn-ezri2Ab4yr9Shr4v54jtA85kHYlV2w/s1600-h/Icarus_full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeDI2YvsKm5gZpzGSLGmNEuf5obh47jYWCuIxf9qC8MtTpqDB72MGl8CVH1yZlTQITQbqYg8qzZ_0lT7ssOUzIt0gubm5AZ34yvs2rAFIolEn-ezri2Ab4yr9Shr4v54jtA85kHYlV2w/s320/Icarus_full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097270290201450898" border="0" /></a>Vital stats:<br />Pattern: Icarus by Miriam Felton from Interweave Knits Summer 2006<br />Yarn: JaggerSpun Zephyr, 2-1 oz. balls<br />Color: Basil<br />Needles: size 3<br />Modifications: I'll pretend that I intentionally substituted purls for the knits between the yarnovers on the "feather" part of the shawl.<br /><br />This shawl should be flying it's way to my mother in NC tomorrow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v9ozYQXMWxdpAVHJ-K0vev9fZPa_j9idd7o__saxoTqcT-opvmZfMOJPFfg436_9ieu_RLtB8D18brVGlxxRFSZlnsg8xaGHPCEdX2exE6_SU0HZcojJJ1AJTZ2hOAzMgxWJQ3GB_VM/s1600-h/Icarus_modeled.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v9ozYQXMWxdpAVHJ-K0vev9fZPa_j9idd7o__saxoTqcT-opvmZfMOJPFfg436_9ieu_RLtB8D18brVGlxxRFSZlnsg8xaGHPCEdX2exE6_SU0HZcojJJ1AJTZ2hOAzMgxWJQ3GB_VM/s320/Icarus_modeled.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097270294496418210" border="0" /></a>I have to admit that I like it so much I was almost tempted to keep it. I guess I'll just have to knit one for myself next year.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-20281975505629741662007-08-04T06:27:00.000-05:002007-08-05T14:21:20.175-05:00I Need All the Friends I Can GetLast weekend <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> invited DNA and me over to her house for bratwursts and beer! Who can say no to that on a lovely summer afternoon? She was kind enough to snap a picture of me in Sophie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcsX3ofM3iAVJa5xojGsdxAlpYyyIjXbHRN54Wi9UD77YRmL067WL4r8_gC4cVT3SRytylE1MOUcMvMY57ozHlNUEogYlr1s6cmNzQRXNhTJY89zejfPI86x-l0Aq5WivP341SMFnypM/s1600-h/Sophie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcsX3ofM3iAVJa5xojGsdxAlpYyyIjXbHRN54Wi9UD77YRmL067WL4r8_gC4cVT3SRytylE1MOUcMvMY57ozHlNUEogYlr1s6cmNzQRXNhTJY89zejfPI86x-l0Aq5WivP341SMFnypM/s320/Sophie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094821317029140802" border="0" /></a>Vital stats:<br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/PATTsophie.html">Sophie</a> from Knitty<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.artfibers.com/yarnproduct.php?pd=6121&fb=4&np=2&cs=1">Phyz</a> from <a href="http://www.artfibers.com/">ArtFibers</a><br />Color: 13<br />Needles: size 7 and 9 circular Denise needles<br />Modifications: My gauge didn't quite work out. Even though I was trying to knit the 34" size, I ended up with a top that was 31". The waist shaping as written in the pattern didn't quite seem to work out, so I changed them so that I decreased 4 stitches every 8 rows 3 times, then I knit 12 rows before decreasing 4 stitches every 8 rows 3 times. Although the <a href="http://robindodge.livejournal.com/21023.html">designer</a> didn't see a point in knitting the top without the cutout at the neck, I thought I would probably like it better with the collar intact. The Phyz yarn is extremely stretchy when knit up, so I'm pretty happy with the fit of the top. I'm looking forward to wearing it to the <a href="http://www.silversunpickups.com/">Silversun Pickups</a> concert on Tuesday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKd95FUrxj27gO_buiIOy1WAL0KPRVprScI9mjoXE2YeP55MvLTAbFO5Z291NcSRWXiLPvp7xZzLWCaA_jKzkOvgLf2hdtuGgBbx71QvdJZ6HxPqHJJyGqvNZWhnkExeg0WenQWZyHNM/s1600-h/AshwithSandJ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKd95FUrxj27gO_buiIOy1WAL0KPRVprScI9mjoXE2YeP55MvLTAbFO5Z291NcSRWXiLPvp7xZzLWCaA_jKzkOvgLf2hdtuGgBbx71QvdJZ6HxPqHJJyGqvNZWhnkExeg0WenQWZyHNM/s320/AshwithSandJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094822931936844114" border="0" /></a>I'd like to thank Laura for tagging me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. Any kind things she said about me apply to her two-fold. Laura was a very good friend to me when I had moved to a new job in a new city where I didn't know a soul. I'm lucky to call her a friend! Here is a picture of Laura's cute kids playing with DNA.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-800624513230674632007-07-29T10:23:00.000-05:002007-07-29T10:33:16.601-05:00The Long and Winding RoadGentle readers, I apologize for my absence in the last few weeks. I have a very good reason, I assure you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts-SEpUtdFB8HMBsYQ9LKfGKK3ffPmY9xTKAcQ2I262dX3t_pxU5AaeIO_wHoWeEieibOg2Ssz9sdrtoYW03-aiGhRHS770IoMCrBzV81zHS4LVMILV2v9-4_88YtCmX9yjDo0hYIp64/s1600-h/bigboot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts-SEpUtdFB8HMBsYQ9LKfGKK3ffPmY9xTKAcQ2I262dX3t_pxU5AaeIO_wHoWeEieibOg2Ssz9sdrtoYW03-aiGhRHS770IoMCrBzV81zHS4LVMILV2v9-4_88YtCmX9yjDo0hYIp64/s400/bigboot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092642076392954066" border="0" /></a><br />Three weeks ago, I fell down the stairs in my building and sprained my ankle. I haven't felt much like blogging. But, being forced to stay at home has given me the opportunity to get a lot of knitting done. I have finished the Icarus shawl! unfortunately, I've been unable to block because of the the crutches I have to use to get around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXSyxfW_Cs1HqvnN5Bmzvt2xEgzm4tMao4ft5BastPnkaorutSbg1x0aWz8Yjl8G_SKjLGry88YMr-91EiPuFXQCLsJxqRc02vpq_G-7ui-OJYDuGww4SLzDh12l-eoBmkTG2Tk79sF4/s1600-h/icarus_finished.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXSyxfW_Cs1HqvnN5Bmzvt2xEgzm4tMao4ft5BastPnkaorutSbg1x0aWz8Yjl8G_SKjLGry88YMr-91EiPuFXQCLsJxqRc02vpq_G-7ui-OJYDuGww4SLzDh12l-eoBmkTG2Tk79sF4/s400/icarus_finished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092642080687921378" border="0" /></a><br />I have also finished the Sophie top. Photos to come soon!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-23544436998644026342007-07-14T08:07:00.000-05:002007-07-14T08:20:01.578-05:00At LastIt seems like every few months some major publication has to come out with an article about how knitting isn't just for grandmas anymore. Duh!<br /><br />Finally, The New York Times has an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/12/fashion/12NEEDLES.html?em&ex=1184472000&en=e11438c6dc424b1a&ei=5087%0A">article</a> that really understands the desire of crafters to create unique and functional items. It makes the astute observation that not only are DIYers inspired by high fashion (see Marc Jacobs designs in Vogue Knitting), but that major designers are inspired by independent artists as well. It also mentions that individual craftspeople, including those on Etsy, are likely to lead the cutting edge of fashion.<br /><br />Please read the article and leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you guys think!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-82151896957844996312007-06-21T21:44:00.000-05:002007-07-14T16:29:45.333-05:00I Left my Heart in San Francisco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAeHOQXiopch4FZXzfJZz2TZqfaHV7ErzbdS5nApATiskYi7YcC9nTEdzrQ9flQ8511PhxuRQrN-Vde_P3lbBUIK6732TUSrXeCw6coKyE4iYGOPa3m6iTMH-iRiEJv2lCNVHqEISYh4/s1600-h/GoldenGate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAeHOQXiopch4FZXzfJZz2TZqfaHV7ErzbdS5nApATiskYi7YcC9nTEdzrQ9flQ8511PhxuRQrN-Vde_P3lbBUIK6732TUSrXeCw6coKyE4iYGOPa3m6iTMH-iRiEJv2lCNVHqEISYh4/s400/GoldenGate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078714793026682450" border="0" /></a><br />I had a wonderful vacation in San Francisco and got to visit my most favorite yarn store in the world, <a href="http://www.artfibers.com/">Artfibers</a>. I went there with my friend Stephanie who started knitting about two years ago. We had a blast!<br /><br />I was so distracted by all the lovely yarn that I had total camnesia and don't have a single picture of the store. Bad blogger!<br /><br />I helped Stephanie pick out some yarn for the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/PATTbroadstreet.html">Broad Street Mittens</a> from Knitty, or, as Stephanie calls them, glittens. Then I got the very talented <a href="http://www.kirakdesigns.com/">Kira</a> to help me pick out some Phyz for <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/PATTsophie.html">Sophie</a> from the new <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/">Knitty</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNPTXtQ-R9CIITPHMeoXpo4MmUpQWy3QTJvnlafThZGXavvpPEiOiw0CxO3KLliKwti1IsoCj_7l7kNRRLuAQtkJBSS2odKVZFZ6oTB78ov3ULbteQpuzH3BXrpwC37ns9-tOtRsBG4k/s1600-h/Phys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNPTXtQ-R9CIITPHMeoXpo4MmUpQWy3QTJvnlafThZGXavvpPEiOiw0CxO3KLliKwti1IsoCj_7l7kNRRLuAQtkJBSS2odKVZFZ6oTB78ov3ULbteQpuzH3BXrpwC37ns9-tOtRsBG4k/s400/Phys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078714797321649762" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-39361844967503539292007-06-10T19:33:00.000-05:002007-06-10T23:21:38.332-05:00Wrapped around Your Finger<a href="http://knitspot.com/">Anne</a> posted a <a href="http://knitspot.com/?p=412">quiz</a> that lets you figure out which finger you are. It turns out that I am a pinky! This result makes sense because I'm short. And, it made me happy because for some irrational reason I was really hoping I was a pinky.<br /><br /><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="350"><tbody><tr><td bg="" style="color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" align="center"><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:14;color:black;" ><br /><strong>You Are a Pinky</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img src="http://images.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/finger-5.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />You are fiercely independent, and possibly downright weird.<br /><br />A great communicator, you can get along with almost anyone.<br /><br />You are kind and sympathetic. You support all your friends - and love them for who they are.<br /><br /><br /><br />You get along well with: The Ring Finger<br /><br /><br /><br />Stay away from: The Thumb<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/">What Finger Are You?</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I will be going on vacation Wednesday, so you probably won't be hearing from me for a while. I leave you with a shot of the chevron sock with yarn dyed with KoolAid to stripe. I'm totally addicted to this sock! (It has grown three inches since I took this picture yesterday.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePcs1OYymdEfTXvGEn2l4kmWzvanc0NDhpq3Xl5sdPtjePIkulZIGxXHhOnb-KFNXCRWc2viMhh9uweW9XpD8WvVFF8SKJoV6mY8jgBGUl-JhNIi661G4xwFKpjsRiDr34ViE1Sqo9vs/s1600-h/KooAidChevron1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePcs1OYymdEfTXvGEn2l4kmWzvanc0NDhpq3Xl5sdPtjePIkulZIGxXHhOnb-KFNXCRWc2viMhh9uweW9XpD8WvVFF8SKJoV6mY8jgBGUl-JhNIi661G4xwFKpjsRiDr34ViE1Sqo9vs/s400/KooAidChevron1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074600356091035202" border="0" /></a><br />E.T.A. My friends will attest to the fact that I AM downright weird!<br /><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-48473715819876492562007-06-04T20:28:00.000-05:002007-06-06T21:57:34.364-05:00Manic MondaySo, what do you do when you should work on Memorial Day, but you don't want to because everyone else has a holiday? You do 7 loads of laundry while dyeing self-striping yarn with KoolAid!<br /><br />Step-by-step directions for KoolAid dyeing:<br /><br />1. I used <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Bare+-+Merino+Wool+Fingering+Weight_YD5420102.html">Bare Merino Wool Fingering Weight</a> yarn from <a href="http://knitpicks.com/">Knitpicks</a>. First I used the needles I was going to knit my socks to knit one row with the undyed yarn. Then I measured the length of the piece of yarn that it took to knit that row. (My length was 26 inches.)<br /><br />2. I decided that I wanted to use three colors and have each color span two rows. So, I placed two dining chairs 156 inches apart and wound all the yarn around them while avoiding feline marauders. The yarn then soaked in luke warm water and a glug (yes, that is an exact quantity!) of vinegar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_fChCuo1gRGvWSDnZJV0mXTvqlrY6kTgQpbCZyZ57J3xcyZ5ggbfuXLS83VQZV67-b8IYimF8YFo7u0hyphenhyphenyB_NUamOJJDMsvSbKAHV710MITJKh_EJNZkhevemKlWnXZf0PWNpsNaZ1k/s1600-h/Chairs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_fChCuo1gRGvWSDnZJV0mXTvqlrY6kTgQpbCZyZ57J3xcyZ5ggbfuXLS83VQZV67-b8IYimF8YFo7u0hyphenhyphenyB_NUamOJJDMsvSbKAHV710MITJKh_EJNZkhevemKlWnXZf0PWNpsNaZ1k/s400/Chairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072397454480014802" border="0" /></a><br />3. I then mixed up my three colors of KoolAid. The three jars below contain (from left to right): 4 packets Orange plus 1/2 packet Black Cherry, 4 packets Lemon-Lime plus 1/2 packet Black Cherry, 2 packets Black Cherry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOAP1hSiXCRMkT6RCsLw_7vEQHv7V-fEpfwB0jMWB_8UHqx2Fw-N0JG3TH5Vk3upSRFN-sbM_6JiMPYBNLTl8fhZsCqjpv8Z1T1H2FFv8EQQ7F4dMBwCQmbbMZQBimrRNgS0tp0-_eiE/s1600-h/KoolAidDyes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOAP1hSiXCRMkT6RCsLw_7vEQHv7V-fEpfwB0jMWB_8UHqx2Fw-N0JG3TH5Vk3upSRFN-sbM_6JiMPYBNLTl8fhZsCqjpv8Z1T1H2FFv8EQQ7F4dMBwCQmbbMZQBimrRNgS0tp0-_eiE/s400/KoolAidDyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072397458774982114" border="0" /></a><br />4. These jars were placed in a big pot that I filled up about halfway with water on the stove (next to my treasured Chantal tea kettle). The yarn was marked off in thirds and each third was placed in a jar. The water was brought to a boil and simmered until the yarn soaked up all the dye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8dNwlxdstggwvG5-2w4-dHCQKFL4caRj9xT-qb7yHR9Ba804YjqDeEJWqylYhB_mfd_PQvZpOx2mxMBv4R58lFUcQYO-hsfKlIMx1AgwXA4RlBK1o8_Zmlu24lXm4NkyJTWE43pdHRY/s1600-h/YarnOnStove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8dNwlxdstggwvG5-2w4-dHCQKFL4caRj9xT-qb7yHR9Ba804YjqDeEJWqylYhB_mfd_PQvZpOx2mxMBv4R58lFUcQYO-hsfKlIMx1AgwXA4RlBK1o8_Zmlu24lXm4NkyJTWE43pdHRY/s400/YarnOnStove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072397463069949426" border="0" /></a><br />5. After the yarn cooled, it was rinsed and dried on a wooden rack.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9PIcfu0_pcxjBla-p8zCEjhfcJ43TJLs8LzbfSJyWubA_w1eNuwiqEZsrmzGqCMIJC_mq_XWK5SQeUU9Yu0DbzrQrD-1L7C02ssP9ECtkkMk25pyH-8c6Ex_5kqQFj_u8PGQT_lOyko/s1600-h/YarnDrying.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9PIcfu0_pcxjBla-p8zCEjhfcJ43TJLs8LzbfSJyWubA_w1eNuwiqEZsrmzGqCMIJC_mq_XWK5SQeUU9Yu0DbzrQrD-1L7C02ssP9ECtkkMk25pyH-8c6Ex_5kqQFj_u8PGQT_lOyko/s400/YarnDrying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072397467364916738" border="0" /></a>Then I placed the yarn around a couple chairs again and got completely dizzy while winding it all into a ball.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhHtvPgOFwMLwGrA5TRrhyoGRymYHGOne1FlL7ust8zkAEiPYel9ZC0Oa1F_B3Qi5OkbZe5fuhSKc9dO0GNwGd820PeJA23U8Qth5XQkBUXBRJBVvbO_qYGt5HcJWUUo-WDLB0pUCndQ/s1600-h/KoolAidStriping.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhHtvPgOFwMLwGrA5TRrhyoGRymYHGOne1FlL7ust8zkAEiPYel9ZC0Oa1F_B3Qi5OkbZe5fuhSKc9dO0GNwGd820PeJA23U8Qth5XQkBUXBRJBVvbO_qYGt5HcJWUUo-WDLB0pUCndQ/s400/KoolAidStriping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072397467364916754" border="0" /></a><br />I'm liking the way this yarn looks in the chevron pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0477693-4051137?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;amp;amp;qid=1181008803&sr=8-1">Sensational Knitted Socks</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObLEFrD3vaKZrNBGL1ptH9H1bkDMNUEM-2tXIiffr7SLJPWQXoH4vIkzfwKU-FhKHfhVtdRNsWIfjwlc7O0cFyDETqzlzpJzoNOrgl8S4vdS229-Y2dDO1NByip3yzqJzbByPEcYy4pY/s1600-h/ChevronSocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObLEFrD3vaKZrNBGL1ptH9H1bkDMNUEM-2tXIiffr7SLJPWQXoH4vIkzfwKU-FhKHfhVtdRNsWIfjwlc7O0cFyDETqzlzpJzoNOrgl8S4vdS229-Y2dDO1NByip3yzqJzbByPEcYy4pY/s400/ChevronSocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072398545401708066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Awo0n2nbCLUNQf4mDhEcbKHBGaZTjUPpA8rHZ_O1RiCYfyFjQIPlzsTn9N4XbLMVHWk5oOGGqx36eY5JBv7FumPhbFNGkPiznq4FWAPJOwgqP_EblbPYxPwO8V43TOx1_V5s8xUUvg/s1600-h/SensationalSocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Awo0n2nbCLUNQf4mDhEcbKHBGaZTjUPpA8rHZ_O1RiCYfyFjQIPlzsTn9N4XbLMVHWk5oOGGqx36eY5JBv7FumPhbFNGkPiznq4FWAPJOwgqP_EblbPYxPwO8V43TOx1_V5s8xUUvg/s400/SensationalSocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072398549696675378" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-57737695502448635862007-06-03T19:42:00.000-05:002007-06-03T20:06:17.383-05:00Razzle Dazzle RoseThe things I bought at the Great Lakes Fiber Show:<br /><br />1. Beautifully-made cherry shawl pin from <a href="http://www.knittingnotionsonline.com/">Knitting Notions</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJIB8VOXlc8YZbGIdjgcingj7rzcjXAfqjvBYKhhveBQvANHL4_l-F4oyNaatEc8_3QuMAYh2Y5M0W6BfzVECzakzqm1GQ1cunK3TINOKWEYu6rAxAuJUnCw4KFRw9f189P3Fq7illl0/s1600-h/ShawlPin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJIB8VOXlc8YZbGIdjgcingj7rzcjXAfqjvBYKhhveBQvANHL4_l-F4oyNaatEc8_3QuMAYh2Y5M0W6BfzVECzakzqm1GQ1cunK3TINOKWEYu6rAxAuJUnCw4KFRw9f189P3Fq7illl0/s400/ShawlPin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072008705139805730" border="0" /></a><br />2. Two gorgeous skeins of <a href="http://www.briarrosefibers.net/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BRF&Category_Code=FSP">Sea Pearl</a> in lovely shades of rose and coral from <a href="http://www.briarrosefibers.net/">Briar Rose Fibers</a> that will be used to knit the <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/?p=278">Casino</a> shawl by <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/">Anne</a> of Knitspot, whom I got to meet at the show.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKClbw-F2i_pKSfwo2DDX0O1e6KIKQ-M-Uh4fuwgrhshhsor6UJgvUqnev74UxS3rFRWwo0GsmrXTINvFK-O3bCln20dmKXdH2Fd4pFQbLtKFf1IdtkEDlk_GVJIbQPNPvayinOz5iCE/s1600-h/SeaPearl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKClbw-F2i_pKSfwo2DDX0O1e6KIKQ-M-Uh4fuwgrhshhsor6UJgvUqnev74UxS3rFRWwo0GsmrXTINvFK-O3bCln20dmKXdH2Fd4pFQbLtKFf1IdtkEDlk_GVJIbQPNPvayinOz5iCE/s400/SeaPearl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072008709434773042" border="0" /></a> Chris of Briar Rose was incredibly nice and I also bought some lovely hand-made buttons from her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAH615Lst0PaW00f5Lxz7dwboauK3r1Zx6z33VPNvHDP8ubTxqRZ31Wz8wI1bw1n1gv5yL5DQwdVcivPs5Wj8kVysB_j2Ifw_UGVbgfxScHA33i5Xp00pF8RG-Jip7iZjQdsL_3Sg6Hw/s1600-h/BRbuttons.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAH615Lst0PaW00f5Lxz7dwboauK3r1Zx6z33VPNvHDP8ubTxqRZ31Wz8wI1bw1n1gv5yL5DQwdVcivPs5Wj8kVysB_j2Ifw_UGVbgfxScHA33i5Xp00pF8RG-Jip7iZjQdsL_3Sg6Hw/s400/BRbuttons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072008713729740370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3. Three 1 oz. balls of Zephyr in Basil from <a href="http://www.ursulasalcove.com/">Ursula's Alcove</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L7FqCoWOE8BaEplBuZC0HxWetvd0Oix0O3Wd5tt9WLT-L4sjiB1JowlXOmBluZd6gTbiILtO-JnyVl-2Zgi07ETEQuoy23tXBWxXy2bnfLH0RTIz0MsKPVXGJJUm1pFgkQf99skFCLc/s1600-h/Zephyr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L7FqCoWOE8BaEplBuZC0HxWetvd0Oix0O3Wd5tt9WLT-L4sjiB1JowlXOmBluZd6gTbiILtO-JnyVl-2Zgi07ETEQuoy23tXBWxXy2bnfLH0RTIz0MsKPVXGJJUm1pFgkQf99skFCLc/s400/Zephyr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072008709434773058" border="0" /></a><br />The zephyr is already being used to knit an <a href="http://mimknits.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=195">Icarus</a> shawl for my mom's birthday, which is at the end of the month.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqK7SvkKU2Eq2GPsBmrTTgLKh44GU4sEZCl5c4RXNyi3Y4BjLjbMGonk9s9W_ycsjqonJpVUadBmoAKX6YSdTIYzRvX-Pmyv4gXoX0pbQ7da-uD65qufOrCWno5Pg0HgW9vMAnDUcqI/s1600-h/IcarusBeginnings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqK7SvkKU2Eq2GPsBmrTTgLKh44GU4sEZCl5c4RXNyi3Y4BjLjbMGonk9s9W_ycsjqonJpVUadBmoAKX6YSdTIYzRvX-Pmyv4gXoX0pbQ7da-uD65qufOrCWno5Pg0HgW9vMAnDUcqI/s400/IcarusBeginnings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072008713729740386" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-46237469323878548122007-05-29T22:29:00.000-05:002007-05-29T22:51:18.167-05:00Everybody Else is Doing It …Because <a href="http://www.claudiasblog.net/">everybody</a> <a href="http://brainylady.blogspot.com/">else</a> is posting pictures of cute woolly animals, I decided I had to show pictures of the adorable fur-bearing creatures that I saw at the <a href="http://www.lovellservices.com/GLFS/index.htm">Great Lakes Fiber Show</a> on Sunday.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ppRKrR8EzzWSFtYzVFPN5jDOrAT_2gSGtrkUDvChyphenhyphenf6CbZMnjDQeCnhWBqBkoGm1CIJ0xvVSHZ0uDBtJxl6dWVUjRtHzRR74VXSOHF-N74aKrjF4iu4z3PG46xi0kQ-a9YvbZhIR4w/s1600-h/Sheep_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ppRKrR8EzzWSFtYzVFPN5jDOrAT_2gSGtrkUDvChyphenhyphenf6CbZMnjDQeCnhWBqBkoGm1CIJ0xvVSHZ0uDBtJxl6dWVUjRtHzRR74VXSOHF-N74aKrjF4iu4z3PG46xi0kQ-a9YvbZhIR4w/s400/Sheep_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070192827326795170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" > Sheep milling around with goats.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUARqiPBZp_hUQ81hYZUMGkQjhLwgs3UjIWHx-USeXJDzBlQv5tIG38Ylq8Vv-HI1HkDXEgmiKueVU1fcRzXH-13mHP7NQIUF8iik80_3QmGaR6LO_AxkruLwSw050KcX_3b1gqTkJ9s/s1600-h/Goat_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUARqiPBZp_hUQ81hYZUMGkQjhLwgs3UjIWHx-USeXJDzBlQv5tIG38Ylq8Vv-HI1HkDXEgmiKueVU1fcRzXH-13mHP7NQIUF8iik80_3QmGaR6LO_AxkruLwSw050KcX_3b1gqTkJ9s/s400/Goat_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070192831621762482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Goats are cuter than you would think!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviIe9TkVm3NmlszsbygNOewz-UBD3aeQFczPRah6D-YaEZPXxH90OoSnWUoSxg1XUT_ObhA_wXOOjqghCT0pByXuLzrDPS4n8w3N7hTrrVTackTJfNh3AYEUQMgQsJNbu5L5eFOX_nxE/s1600-h/Alpaca_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviIe9TkVm3NmlszsbygNOewz-UBD3aeQFczPRah6D-YaEZPXxH90OoSnWUoSxg1XUT_ObhA_wXOOjqghCT0pByXuLzrDPS4n8w3N7hTrrVTackTJfNh3AYEUQMgQsJNbu5L5eFOX_nxE/s400/Alpaca_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070192840211697106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Alpacas make funny noises.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR16t7LxK32k6X2n5u76C7FYZw5TNrMuMmTQa0JywbW7Xlr1cvxDvDEi1nlMjOGSL3ghM_GdWdssta2wZuzoJHJPwU2rg7hPu0S2gjBq5seQO-2Gve3gac5RF9GxhoXWhImEDruTj-3-U/s1600-h/Alpacas_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR16t7LxK32k6X2n5u76C7FYZw5TNrMuMmTQa0JywbW7Xlr1cvxDvDEi1nlMjOGSL3ghM_GdWdssta2wZuzoJHJPwU2rg7hPu0S2gjBq5seQO-2Gve3gac5RF9GxhoXWhImEDruTj-3-U/s400/Alpacas_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070192844506664418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Here he is with his friends.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCGW5jI6mtFLSe0lgeYV7ZzsUY-3K4Ywa5rAGaMZ6RwczvvIIrzC6blgV9YUeH8rUpe23-rCPbLM59uCXDS08wP16Gm5yW_wAhZ38IdvTNbDBNP6L2YeoF-RlNF1vxJdvsJbUDqcaBjE/s1600-h/ShornAlpaca_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCGW5jI6mtFLSe0lgeYV7ZzsUY-3K4Ywa5rAGaMZ6RwczvvIIrzC6blgV9YUeH8rUpe23-rCPbLM59uCXDS08wP16Gm5yW_wAhZ38IdvTNbDBNP6L2YeoF-RlNF1vxJdvsJbUDqcaBjE/s400/ShornAlpaca_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070192835916729794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >This guy was so funny because he was shorn everywhere except on his head, legs and rump.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I promised you guys some knitting progress, so here it is. The back of Salina is almost done!<br /></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicz-yV8Irx24_4xmdjww0PT-jNp6_tLPgTQhJYmkFMI-vcumXuRIvQt6pe-kAhk-oPn8vlwRu1nyBFxn9ElerlUU65D8lpiV85n7py2FkVzs1f7mJLnYpruE6gv7gI6fZjENEtt5yMAUo/s1600-h/Salina_Back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicz-yV8Irx24_4xmdjww0PT-jNp6_tLPgTQhJYmkFMI-vcumXuRIvQt6pe-kAhk-oPn8vlwRu1nyBFxn9ElerlUU65D8lpiV85n7py2FkVzs1f7mJLnYpruE6gv7gI6fZjENEtt5yMAUo/s400/Salina_Back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070193089319800322" border="0" /></a>This is what happened five seconds after I took that picture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9ewM1m6sgnjnxlGVKdkizu76qUvDvVGs4lMiwWQwjJzaOeVm0UA3rp0scgfm9vtQICEKoFnvyRpsRZdl0frwoCsaGefQPyy0YYeR1cMJI_IuSytWCvmj8p1o2hp5dCzxuR_MltucnS4/s1600-h/SalinaAndKobe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9ewM1m6sgnjnxlGVKdkizu76qUvDvVGs4lMiwWQwjJzaOeVm0UA3rp0scgfm9vtQICEKoFnvyRpsRZdl0frwoCsaGefQPyy0YYeR1cMJI_IuSytWCvmj8p1o2hp5dCzxuR_MltucnS4/s400/SalinaAndKobe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070193085024833010" border="0" /></a>Stay tuned to find out what I bought at the Fiber Show.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkZ5afVX_cFRrZ2MSiqGJqWHGTZdemcCURsxDCVraLCfjTAGdkLJtjZsTq7xdTGszt2C6pcwjNPtPOHwDqHaWB09nH16J3_4rraH9Yv-iONtUEqyDDL0bfLbePqKF7rKFuek41fqZNXg/s1600-h/IHeartSheep_GLFF07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkZ5afVX_cFRrZ2MSiqGJqWHGTZdemcCURsxDCVraLCfjTAGdkLJtjZsTq7xdTGszt2C6pcwjNPtPOHwDqHaWB09nH16J3_4rraH9Yv-iONtUEqyDDL0bfLbePqKF7rKFuek41fqZNXg/s400/IHeartSheep_GLFF07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070193089319800338" border="0" /> </a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Where can I get this bumper sticker?</span><br /></div></div></div>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-36475068516421618042007-05-21T22:45:00.000-05:002007-05-21T21:57:07.487-05:00Memes AwayBecause <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> and <a href="http://molecularknitting.com/">Brenda</a> both tagged me for the 7 random things meme, I decided it was time for me to post my first meme.<br /><br />Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog.<br /><br />1. I call myself a feminist.<br /><br />2. Although I was born in India and moved to Canada when I was 5, if you ask me where I'm from I'll answer "Chapel Hill, North Carolina". I lived in Chapel Hill for 18 years, so it's basically where I grew up.<br /><br />3. I am still friends with my best friend from when I was 10 years old. Many people find that amazing! In fact, she was visiting Cleveland this weekend and we visited the <a href="http://www.rockhall.com/">Rock and Roll Hall</a> of Fame.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkGdYxcAX4c91WCfokAd3Auf2cwJ4za7CI1rtuBXnCCi5oX2DwE2wp7bzzlIsitk3YXVJmcoU1hY57dqKQ33J12FZsJHPIHXVGRckSt9bw81B9YsKRibKeRq-2V08AzY9iQR46akgmns/s1600-h/MarathonerAtRockHall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkGdYxcAX4c91WCfokAd3Auf2cwJ4za7CI1rtuBXnCCi5oX2DwE2wp7bzzlIsitk3YXVJmcoU1hY57dqKQ33J12FZsJHPIHXVGRckSt9bw81B9YsKRibKeRq-2V08AzY9iQR46akgmns/s400/MarathonerAtRockHall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067210874482855298" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cleveland marathoner in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</span><br /></span></span></div><br />4. I could eat eggplant everyday and be perfectly happy.<br /><br />5. My favorite city is San Francisco.<br /><br />6. I am an avid fan of French Christmas carols, and spend a solid three weeks in December wandering around the house singing in French while DNA looks at me like I've lost my mind.<br /><br />7. I shook hands with Bill Clinton before he became president when I was too young to even vote.<br /><br />The seven bloggers I'm tagging are: <a href="http://www.claudiasblog.net/">Claudia</a>, <a href="http://haphazardknitter.blogspot.com/">Gray La Gran</a>, <a href="http://jstrizzy.typepad.com/blog/">JStrizzy</a>, <a href="http://lifeincleveland.blogspot.com/">Jeanne</a>, <a href="http://pinkurocks.typepad.com/pinku/">Pinku</a>, <a href="http://slightlyobsessed.blogspot.com">Melinda</a>, and <a href="http://taitaiknits.typepad.com/taitai_knits/">Amy</a>.<br /><br />And just so you know that I am still knitting, here is a finished Unst sock. Hopefully, you will see some more knitting progress soon (like this weekend).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvYe6__bXx4Ao3b2NDdt6EAk5NnrPOPqVLeYBrQ-9EITyVOMwA7shf2McwfoDwDb58nXC1VqBchG8npurYLmA0XTEL0h2NY24bBREx5wuEZrjVbBoTcWL1YnGRw28POiCiK6cJqFX7s/s1600-h/Unst1sock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFvYe6__bXx4Ao3b2NDdt6EAk5NnrPOPqVLeYBrQ-9EITyVOMwA7shf2McwfoDwDb58nXC1VqBchG8npurYLmA0XTEL0h2NY24bBREx5wuEZrjVbBoTcWL1YnGRw28POiCiK6cJqFX7s/s400/Unst1sock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067210878777822610" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-40956076862788615792007-05-17T07:09:00.000-05:002007-05-17T07:18:50.024-05:00Thank youNow that I’ve found my camera cable, look at all of the goodies that <a href="http://molecularknitting.com/">Brenda</a> sent me for winning a contest on her blog!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-XV0-vmvmtkMWoAdR7PgKcrr8Rs2kg0744KAwLWn7ZQHxTNnNBeWVq5pcJUAZnJhsAbMH0rdL15Gq2qBbLxmq0mrOdybe9Y6e38FIBGYqBViD2z9ikuXBxuI45hOURCwITFXjRcEfRk/s1600-h/California+treats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-XV0-vmvmtkMWoAdR7PgKcrr8Rs2kg0744KAwLWn7ZQHxTNnNBeWVq5pcJUAZnJhsAbMH0rdL15Gq2qBbLxmq0mrOdybe9Y6e38FIBGYqBViD2z9ikuXBxuI45hOURCwITFXjRcEfRk/s400/California+treats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065501816801463634" border="0" /></a><br />She sent yummy California treats, including Ghirardelli chocolate. The caramel peanut popcorn was devoured 5 seconds after this photo was taken. The leopard print package contains lovely lemongrass soap made by <a href="http://knittingphilistine.blogspot.com/">the Knitting Philistine</a> that you can buy at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5068641">her etsy shop</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWW0TjODjrZfWjpsyFmvircT8w6-bSld1Jn0acrMiaSI2fOujAzG7fty8ZRFsETof_ZRW7wvSzexjgSFdLWVVv81e6PsV5ovPzVlFIDbLbChGPNY7cuHiPhyphenhyphen0agAe1KjS7upI7Ntbk04/s1600-h/BrendaSheepyCard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWW0TjODjrZfWjpsyFmvircT8w6-bSld1Jn0acrMiaSI2fOujAzG7fty8ZRFsETof_ZRW7wvSzexjgSFdLWVVv81e6PsV5ovPzVlFIDbLbChGPNY7cuHiPhyphenhyphen0agAe1KjS7upI7Ntbk04/s400/BrendaSheepyCard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065501821096430946" border="0" /></a><br />Brenda even included an adorable little card with a sheep on it. But of course, you guys come here to look at yarn. So, here is the beautiful Anne in Jane Addams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumz3iTH7dOPEULGo158M1Fe4RTcpXH30pHOvwaL_aIBPtCD3-HvIj_Py5rTCJM7UxznZubPcET-EVqjeoJ2cQzU6qLsowuLJ7dJktOBmdCejFisORQ3zaOTbG31fsAYxy1JC6_eutiIQ/s1600-h/AnneFromBrenda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumz3iTH7dOPEULGo158M1Fe4RTcpXH30pHOvwaL_aIBPtCD3-HvIj_Py5rTCJM7UxznZubPcET-EVqjeoJ2cQzU6qLsowuLJ7dJktOBmdCejFisORQ3zaOTbG31fsAYxy1JC6_eutiIQ/s400/AnneFromBrenda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065501825391398258" border="0" /></a>Thanks Brenda!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-10563623355727740872007-05-16T20:28:00.000-05:002007-05-16T20:32:52.427-05:00Comme d'habitudeI would love to show you the delightful things that I got from the most generous <a href="http://molecularknitting.com/">Brenda</a> in the mail today. However, I can't seem to to find the little cable that hooks up my camera to my computer. Doh!<br /><br />Every morning I run around my apartment looking for the various things I need during the day: keys, wallet, phone, etc. Every morning DNA runs around the apartment mocking me exclaiming, "Where's my head?"<br /><br />OK, so I really do fit the stereotype of the absent-minded scientist!<br /><br />Hopefully, there will be pictures tomorrow (when I find my head).PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-59359987103063327502007-04-30T15:29:00.000-05:002007-04-30T15:39:00.979-05:00The Way We EatThere is a little-known piece of legislation called the Farm Bill that is coming up for discussion in Congress this year. It controls which crops are subsidized, the cost of food and school lunches, among other important issues relating to the food supply in our country. You can find two very informative articles about it <a href="http://www.culinate.com/read/opinion/Farm+Bill+matters">here</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?ei=5090&en=e8328c69f0b3f4be&ex=1334894400&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all">here</a>. If you would like to see our government move towards a policy that encourages agriculture to match a healthy diet, please contact your senators and representative and ask them to reform the Farm Bill. <a href="http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/campaigns/agriculture/index_html/?searchterm=farm%20bill">Oxfam</a> has made it easy to get in touch with your representatives.<br /><br />(I will now get off my soapbox. Thanks for listening!)PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-60282321502663369442007-04-29T21:09:00.000-05:002007-04-29T21:39:39.428-05:00I Got It BadYesterday, several members of the East Side Stitch N' Bitch drove over to Broadview Heights to <a href="http://www.softnsassy.net/">Soft N Sassy</a> for the <a href="http://www.cidermoon.com/">Cider Moon</a> trunk show.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11F3QgiDn9unCdkxzH_AphK6vm_WrMwMsjB4-bt4QLtUpL7YKvlSCMVg4OU0awTM9e6ujo39wB2zsqXVSLglXmD7bQtjU9MLSkq67Mjsq9GT2QUGCDseYM5B_D4kme4-cKR3FWSiAvPg/s1600-h/CiderMoon_glacier.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11F3QgiDn9unCdkxzH_AphK6vm_WrMwMsjB4-bt4QLtUpL7YKvlSCMVg4OU0awTM9e6ujo39wB2zsqXVSLglXmD7bQtjU9MLSkq67Mjsq9GT2QUGCDseYM5B_D4kme4-cKR3FWSiAvPg/s400/CiderMoon_glacier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059039661189072642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHfdPOa_KBehyjfx_0kqCGfJarP_Cvv7GewD0i9dZvgNnKzjS2dn0pfix6yG8GaU5Ex4eIIsplzHf4Sw9_OLVskjWa2qWkapZUgTGRBEXxicTKvQlz9KpBrlziBCT1IhAvKmEGfft94k/s1600-h/CiderMoon_icicle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHfdPOa_KBehyjfx_0kqCGfJarP_Cvv7GewD0i9dZvgNnKzjS2dn0pfix6yG8GaU5Ex4eIIsplzHf4Sw9_OLVskjWa2qWkapZUgTGRBEXxicTKvQlz9KpBrlziBCT1IhAvKmEGfft94k/s400/CiderMoon_icicle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059039665484039954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCHrV-RRsNaU0p61tjwEXyTviW5aZfL9OrPyNu9EyD-FqLRrEsCUYETvhThoO9MrcKTplrIspxkl3br9gc-HFa5KZi-EXZYkE-7tzutSFFJWRHnxmKzjhfAHF7420mwsXFLoj_SzTUuM/s1600-h/CiderMoon_banana.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCHrV-RRsNaU0p61tjwEXyTviW5aZfL9OrPyNu9EyD-FqLRrEsCUYETvhThoO9MrcKTplrIspxkl3br9gc-HFa5KZi-EXZYkE-7tzutSFFJWRHnxmKzjhfAHF7420mwsXFLoj_SzTUuM/s400/CiderMoon_banana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059039656894105330" border="0" /></a><br />The yarn was absolutely amazing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4DtgkeXQNU002FfER-9fVCypiurS7WOhdY73hB-A_lq14fvrLRO73V_9XfUdMlJu3lvk36rsbLKBHpchb2FCY-Sv5w-eBwWbOOwrWH4fWilow3p3hwWmAsqFEWLZoGVMJg18AF6kk5A/s1600-h/ClevelandBloggers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4DtgkeXQNU002FfER-9fVCypiurS7WOhdY73hB-A_lq14fvrLRO73V_9XfUdMlJu3lvk36rsbLKBHpchb2FCY-Sv5w-eBwWbOOwrWH4fWilow3p3hwWmAsqFEWLZoGVMJg18AF6kk5A/s400/ClevelandBloggers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059041001218869058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://lifeincleveland.blogspot.com/">Jeanne</a>, <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> and I found several skeins that had to come home with us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_38g38B8cAq4DGbyoKUgBxj_Qw-P3EXclsmSuVB51SUFWP20A77TzMfix75Mwna4aQW2Rhs4bY3cRDi_VYstV1RZMVq_CrMzaVdUMsv3CODA36POlSa5WJc1Bf9ht5IKVe5i7Hlb3e0/s1600-h/FrenchQuarterLunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_38g38B8cAq4DGbyoKUgBxj_Qw-P3EXclsmSuVB51SUFWP20A77TzMfix75Mwna4aQW2Rhs4bY3cRDi_VYstV1RZMVq_CrMzaVdUMsv3CODA36POlSa5WJc1Bf9ht5IKVe5i7Hlb3e0/s400/FrenchQuarterLunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059042852349773650" border="0" /></a><br />We then had a wonderful lunch at the French Quarter Café down the street…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWRWQYSIAuGxT_krdZgk5h2OzkYIBjhQmlrm1IXo6jLOd_hlaybwDIL55Do3oVWujY10p1k7Ahl4trd307jdI_g2mSCMWaQkzDLL66KRgixOrZ0bncJIj9JFxjiIOl-LOaLQZvLYSOYo/s1600-h/CiderMoon_Joyce'sHaul.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWRWQYSIAuGxT_krdZgk5h2OzkYIBjhQmlrm1IXo6jLOd_hlaybwDIL55Do3oVWujY10p1k7Ahl4trd307jdI_g2mSCMWaQkzDLL66KRgixOrZ0bncJIj9JFxjiIOl-LOaLQZvLYSOYo/s400/CiderMoon_Joyce'sHaul.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059039665484039970" border="0" /></a>… where Joyce showed off her newly wound yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix-B9rWqfLmnPJ05mi7pPkcUb9Q-W6-kug8j06fPG4KYz9gFSV8C5k47DQszkQEk_HfpTGDEN_TgIl76WpKRCEh2Cz9ZNwykTvKTYf3fRNpaYBE-jB772qrWWsxytUuR6aZR_GjIO8kU/s1600-h/CiderMoonSkeins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix-B9rWqfLmnPJ05mi7pPkcUb9Q-W6-kug8j06fPG4KYz9gFSV8C5k47DQszkQEk_HfpTGDEN_TgIl76WpKRCEh2Cz9ZNwykTvKTYf3fRNpaYBE-jB772qrWWsxytUuR6aZR_GjIO8kU/s400/CiderMoonSkeins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059039669779007282" border="0" /></a><br />These are the yarns I decided I couldn't live without. I think I'm in love!<br />From left to right: Pistachio, Prickly Pear and Sweet Potato Pie. (Notice that I bought yarns that are all named after food!)PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-91834331709780499702007-04-14T21:43:00.000-05:002007-04-14T21:52:14.228-05:00Antidote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa5cxIj76q76pq0483Q7nUK4gxKoPcGKFMUx5xnt3MHyHv7cgoyE5kos7oQ0j2kKjZ7hEswNvvK1ZYMnkh154C09hCOeNU01hSqJuoPfosLQsCyuF-tkxpZTMSoVt4B8eWFiQTnLWOSc/s1600-h/salinasleeve.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa5cxIj76q76pq0483Q7nUK4gxKoPcGKFMUx5xnt3MHyHv7cgoyE5kos7oQ0j2kKjZ7hEswNvvK1ZYMnkh154C09hCOeNU01hSqJuoPfosLQsCyuF-tkxpZTMSoVt4B8eWFiQTnLWOSc/s400/salinasleeve.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053482003497343746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Take one and a half feet of snow that we got last weekend, four hours of Quentin Tarantino <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266697/">flicks</a>, and some beautiful Rowan <a href="http://theknittinggarden.com/ro-feltedtweed.htm">yarn</a> that I bought myself for my birthday, and you get almost an entire sleeve of <a href="http://theknittinggarden.com/patterns/ro-vintagestyle/salina.htm">Salina</a>.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-83018995937053540302007-04-08T08:25:00.000-05:002007-04-08T14:07:05.491-05:00Here, there and everywhereLast weekend, there were amazing knitters all over Cleveland.<br /><br />On Saturday, <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">the Yarn Harlot</a> was at <a href="http://www.josephbeth.com/Default.aspx?StoreId=3&TabIndex=0&Tabid=1&p=y">Joseph-Beth</a>. <a href="http://lifeincleveland.blogspot.com/">Other</a> <a href="http://knitspot.com/">bloggers</a> have already talked about how smart, funny and nice she is, but let me add that she is incredibly perceptive about how knitters think and live. What really struck me was that we can all relate to her stories about knitters. How is it that, through our craft, we have so much in common?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja81PvM4jkNtOWsidb03bw1LvmheNkosU9Kdr3954JW5ci5LSmyohyphenhyphenAATzwVomuJ5O79UWBnS8eTE8TxspH0PtBa8Ri0vRc3fDrgySvg20JpACe4FjsENNxxnTp6FA_c9f3kQH-iSyEzc/s1600-h/yarnharlot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja81PvM4jkNtOWsidb03bw1LvmheNkosU9Kdr3954JW5ci5LSmyohyphenhyphenAATzwVomuJ5O79UWBnS8eTE8TxspH0PtBa8Ri0vRc3fDrgySvg20JpACe4FjsENNxxnTp6FA_c9f3kQH-iSyEzc/s400/yarnharlot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051049402558435458" border="0" /></a><br />The next amazing knitter I met was <a href="http://www.modeknit.com/blog/">Annie Modesitt</a>, who gave a talk and signed books at <a href="http://www.finepoints.com/">Fine Points</a>. She was unbelievably down-to-earth, gracious and funny. She told the story of how she learned to knit and how she learned to own her knitting. Annie also did a demonstration of cabling without a cable needle. During the demonstration, she complimented me on the vest I had knit. My head got so big I couldn't get out the door. Here is a picture of me looking incredible dorky with Annie, who is incredibly beautiful.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLWgbvjEENK-2viWB_bN9RFCxqVvy2GJ3EwqC_yJ8aoa3eOeFrZCttKbqVDiEHTJ1NL1jokLiD4lNY-jgBOF4l564cBXefZv8SCucDlNyYsfggKMhkKle9eqQIQYeW30Qv3gflqukubU/s1600-h/anniemode.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLWgbvjEENK-2viWB_bN9RFCxqVvy2GJ3EwqC_yJ8aoa3eOeFrZCttKbqVDiEHTJ1NL1jokLiD4lNY-jgBOF4l564cBXefZv8SCucDlNyYsfggKMhkKle9eqQIQYeW30Qv3gflqukubU/s400/anniemode.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051049398263468146" border="0" /></a><br />On knitting progress, the quick and simple cardigan continues. There is no picture because it still looks like a big brown blob. The Unst socks, pictured below, are continuing too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3or_7IYavRy2i-pWW0pKp-5TL38aVa-79Y-ldqK-XF_5-KnavXNzQPu0Hzt9fRy3qkhqhsqbUPII1duQd2SbAfxqhvv5xiaPsCWXf3zunrQMx4hN0C8d_E6eul1Hd8QrO-zjcRY0MX1Y/s1600-h/unst2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3or_7IYavRy2i-pWW0pKp-5TL38aVa-79Y-ldqK-XF_5-KnavXNzQPu0Hzt9fRy3qkhqhsqbUPII1duQd2SbAfxqhvv5xiaPsCWXf3zunrQMx4hN0C8d_E6eul1Hd8QrO-zjcRY0MX1Y/s400/unst2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051049406853402770" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-73089412290390829022007-03-28T19:15:00.000-05:002007-03-28T19:35:40.827-05:00Seven YearsAlthough <a href="http://taitaiknits.typepad.com/">some</a> might believe that I am a conscientious knitter who never has projects that have been thrown into a dark closet in disgust, I am in fact as fallible as the next knitter. Today I'm going to confess a deep dark secret. The following project has remained unfinished for seven years!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8_RCJztVCFl7L7iegORC6yuCiBm0W7T2pjp0ABGCKqYWvwfMz1EnbtOYOpo_GOtgD2RPv1JYJJVk35KgItTc3zXflyJtSU1MJnNrqZoaDa_a4omtXD0U4Oa5CNNYTfWjpSsmpa5TcyQ/s1600-h/sevenyears.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8_RCJztVCFl7L7iegORC6yuCiBm0W7T2pjp0ABGCKqYWvwfMz1EnbtOYOpo_GOtgD2RPv1JYJJVk35KgItTc3zXflyJtSU1MJnNrqZoaDa_a4omtXD0U4Oa5CNNYTfWjpSsmpa5TcyQ/s400/sevenyears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047137628258541074" border="0" /></a><br />I recently went to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465551/">Notes on a Scandal</a> and a <a href="http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/flipbook.php?id=2529&page=6">sweater</a> worn by Cate Blanchett's character reminded me of my sweater.* I decided it had been lying around long enough! It's time for me to finish it!<br /><br />The sweater is from this book compiled by <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/index.html">Kristin Nicholas</a> for <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/home.php">Classic Elite Yarns</a> in 1998.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf007tgqGD_S7KzcZ1v5Kr5XurNNWzTvw9IqAFHv3oEtAmlwgxfl54HCt2JyIGhqTpEkIygCKGqMKAGJyyMQkCpXqWEkCE4Nud0vypVHhwm6qWu-zpL3KLMALUdi-O8oiasu56Vl6mFRI/s1600-h/knittingthenewclassics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf007tgqGD_S7KzcZ1v5Kr5XurNNWzTvw9IqAFHv3oEtAmlwgxfl54HCt2JyIGhqTpEkIygCKGqMKAGJyyMQkCpXqWEkCE4Nud0vypVHhwm6qWu-zpL3KLMALUdi-O8oiasu56Vl6mFRI/s400/knittingthenewclassics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047137632553508386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The pattern is called "Quick & Simple". I guess I didn't find it all that quick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiPWE_NxG-Is84twRTs5AC2w73DUkPiE0w6PlArW8ty9IOrPLzjU_I8x6eSkpI5wkPV4ox6GESflogLitlSi-IDHWXNob4LK666vlkz3z0DsF0dC2w3MI2GQw77quZTvYd-wCelomNCI/s1600-h/quickandsimple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiPWE_NxG-Is84twRTs5AC2w73DUkPiE0w6PlArW8ty9IOrPLzjU_I8x6eSkpI5wkPV4ox6GESflogLitlSi-IDHWXNob4LK666vlkz3z0DsF0dC2w3MI2GQw77quZTvYd-wCelomNCI/s400/quickandsimple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047137636848475698" border="0" /></a><br />* The fingerless gloves worn by her character in the movie also inspired me to knit Fetching. Monkey see, monkey do!<br />Incidentally, the movie was really amazing. I highly recommend it.PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-36209593370290471002007-03-25T22:22:00.000-05:002007-03-25T22:43:46.448-05:00Turn it outAfter the <a href="http://expressionistknits.blogspot.com/2007/03/walking-on-sunshine.html">interminable socks</a>, I needed to knit something that would be done in a hurry. Enter: <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html">Fetching</a>! I finished one of these in almost one night. They've been perfect for the warm weather we've been having here this weekend. The only problem I have with them is that the cuffs are rolling. I hope that some gentle steam blocking will fix that problem.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQbZ0NXidt5IzxvjXD0DDg-JSa5m70IqH3n3duHPFVFuLvXsId2wQrDi2xQYQKCWsz-JArY5ct_-WbySOO07-MAoQRJ-dhjmEaKaJYqM6QZwSRbNXJjPpa1lVfFcETTBorFA3Wj_YMIw/s1600-h/fetching.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQbZ0NXidt5IzxvjXD0DDg-JSa5m70IqH3n3duHPFVFuLvXsId2wQrDi2xQYQKCWsz-JArY5ct_-WbySOO07-MAoQRJ-dhjmEaKaJYqM6QZwSRbNXJjPpa1lVfFcETTBorFA3Wj_YMIw/s400/fetching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046069629817391186" border="0" /></a><br />Vital stats:<br />Pattern: Fetching from Knitty<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Andean+Silk_YD5420126.html">Andean Silk</a> from Knitpicks<br />Color: Bluebell<br />Needles: two size 6 circular AddiTurbo's<br />Modifications: I knit only 16 rounds before the final set of cable turns because I have small hands and did not want to run out of yarn.<br /><br />Of course, the next thing I did was to cast on for another sock. After conferring with my <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">sock knitting expert</a>, I decided to start a pattern from Nancy Bush's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Road-Nancy-Bush/dp/1883010918/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3806143-0151023?ie=UTF8&s=books&amp;qid=1174880475&sr=8-1">Knitting on the Road</a>. Although, I've had this book for a while, this will be the first pattern I have knit out of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkSacBwVSfuNqHEuv_7QEzCmY2k9vwKWsNyFKL6AlqhhjyUFZAL_39TyGlUFO65t_N2_wtUcP9rMyF3DVx03q2l1RvC4dN4Y04Nl_3yzuaHlIcl9-nTXs19_6gzTFKeI7DxZlCJK8d2Q/s1600-h/unst1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkSacBwVSfuNqHEuv_7QEzCmY2k9vwKWsNyFKL6AlqhhjyUFZAL_39TyGlUFO65t_N2_wtUcP9rMyF3DVx03q2l1RvC4dN4Y04Nl_3yzuaHlIcl9-nTXs19_6gzTFKeI7DxZlCJK8d2Q/s400/unst1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046073490992990306" border="0" /></a>PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369765064105050776.post-78050511403910474302007-03-18T20:09:00.000-05:002007-03-18T20:50:50.298-05:003D<div style="text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago, <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> treated us to a <a href="http://lauraknitting.blogspot.com/2007/03/story-of-ugly-sweater.html">graphical representation of knitting happiness</a>. Unfortunately, I felt that her graph could have been a little more mathematically rigorous.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRk0eOWj6EAog3Q0tK5fmdRETdeKw_c6-cS-4zItQ_rBuHGy2ok1RB8U9fDdqPuB5LZuiwCbBU0Woakyzlrho7jBWl-fKscwNzSHc3iVnVW_fbGhX_eXVMmOWeg1EINWU4j54M8nlzurA/s1600-h/Knitting+Happiness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRk0eOWj6EAog3Q0tK5fmdRETdeKw_c6-cS-4zItQ_rBuHGy2ok1RB8U9fDdqPuB5LZuiwCbBU0Woakyzlrho7jBWl-fKscwNzSHc3iVnVW_fbGhX_eXVMmOWeg1EINWU4j54M8nlzurA/s400/Knitting+Happiness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043446842428164914" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Click on the graph for a bigger picture. </span><br /></div> </div><br />As you can see, the graph has two axes that represent knitting pleasure and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">knitterly</span> frustration, respectively. The z-axis is a combination of these two quantities. Knitting pleasure is a combination of variables, including how nice the yarn is, how much fun is the stitch pattern and how cool is the finished item. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knitterly</span> frustration is also a combination of variables, including mistakes in the pattern, annoying yarn and boring knitting. The exact equation for me is z=2x/y because I'm usually just happy to be knitting and can often overlook the frustrations.<br /><br />I put a number of recently completed projects on the graph to demonstrate some of the above ideas. For example, the Clapotis was almost the perfect project. I loved the yarn, the stitch pattern and I wear the finished item all the time. My vest from Jaeger was really fun to knit and I wear it a lot, but the yarn was only OK, so it falls a little short on knitting pleasure. The Jaywalkers were made with great yarn and fit really well, but the stitch pattern got a bit boring and they took forever to finish. Finally, knitterly frustration is so high with Reynolds Gypsy (it splits like a mofo!) that no amount of knitting pleasure can overcome it and any project registers low on the knitting happiness scale.<br /><br />These are just my opinions and I'm sure that the equation for knitting happiness is different for every knitter. Stay tuned for some knitting happiness from me later this week!PCRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07381675801663763204noreply@blogger.com4