tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90900986633720336522024-03-12T23:58:29.554-05:00irishelf knitsDianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-33789460217933836482011-10-05T17:29:00.020-05:002011-10-05T17:29:00.656-05:00Fall Love & a RecipeI love fall. Actually, I love all the seasons, but right now I'm really love fall. The air is pleasantly cool and crisp, the leaves are turning bright red and orange, and its still sunny when I get out of work. What's not to love? <br />
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The new season also has me contemplating all the warm, hearty food that I was skipping in the summer. I started to crave something hot for breakfast to counter the chilly mornings. My autumnal food craving inspired me to experiment with one of Robert's and my favorite breakfast foods, steel cut oatmeal, and combine it with a fall classic, apples. The result is simply delicious.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee_7HLdL2DI/TopnGiX8XuI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/R2TAdpsxNbE/s1600/DSCN2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee_7HLdL2DI/TopnGiX8XuI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/R2TAdpsxNbE/s400/DSCN2932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal<br />
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4 cups apple juice<br />
1 cup steel cut oatmeal aka Irish oatmeal (I use Country Choice Organic)<br />
2 tbs cinnamon (you can add more or less depending on your preferences)<br />
2 small to medium apples cut into small chunks<br />
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In a medium sauce pan bring the apple juice to apple a boil.<br />
Slowly stir the oatmeal into the apple juice. Continue to stir and allow the mixture to boil until its thickened a bit, about 5 minutes.<br />
Stir in the apples and cinnamon.<br />
Lower the heat to medium and allow the oatmeal to simmer, while stirring occasionally, until it reaches the consistency you desire, approximately 30 minutes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNuuEvn6tNw/TopnC4wFbII/AAAAAAAAFjM/KTmxa5fkY7E/s1600/DSCN2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNuuEvn6tNw/TopnC4wFbII/AAAAAAAAFjM/KTmxa5fkY7E/s320/DSCN2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oatmeal right after I stirred in the apples and cinnamon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The oatmeal freezes and refrigerates well. It will last several days in the fridge. I highly recommend making this over the weekend and refrigerating it in serving sized containers so that all you have do each morning is microwave and enjoy.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-18754722851300934172011-10-01T20:33:00.000-05:002011-10-01T20:33:28.338-05:00Gettin Ready for the Cold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> One of my coworkers claims that if squirrels have bushy tails early in the season we will have an especially cold winter. He claims that the tales are looking extra fluffy this fall and thus I am preparing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTq2viAD8XA/Tmu7ON9MzGI/AAAAAAAAFFM/tlnT-6MMtSA/s1600/DSCN2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTq2viAD8XA/Tmu7ON9MzGI/AAAAAAAAFFM/tlnT-6MMtSA/s320/DSCN2899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Bavarian Tulip Mittens from last year's fall Interweave Knits are ready<br />
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Scarf in Old Shale pattern using my handspun underway.<br />
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Ok maybe I'm not entirely convinced by that squirrel tails can predict the weather, but its as good a reason as any to knit.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-83130138425583680112011-07-16T15:34:00.000-05:002011-07-16T15:34:08.338-05:00FO: Sewing Machine CoverMy sewing machine and I don't always get along. When I first got it for my birthday a few years ago, I had to send it back because the stitch selector didn't work. And then for a long time we were good, for the most part at least. More recently, the feed wasn't working, and Robert and I spent a whole evening poking around inside the bobbin area. I dusted it, and it still didn't work. Robert dusted it, still didn't work. I was looking into repair shops while Robert dusted the inside again and viola it worked. Yea, my machine was that dusty. It was then that I realized I'd have to buy or make a cover.<br />
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After procrastinating for a respectable amount of time, I looked around at patterns on the internet and bought fabric. Using<a href="http://chezlarsson.typepad.com/myblog/2008/10/sewing-machine-cover-how-to.html"> this</a> and <a href="http://patches.typepad.com/notes_from_the_patch/2010/11/tutorial-tuesday-32-sewing-machine-cozy.html">this</a> tutorial as my guidelines I made this:<br />
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My version doesn't have a pocket, but I did a lining inside and then used double folded bias around the edge. Isn't it adorable? Can you tell those are little birds kissing? Here's a close up so you can really appreciate the cuteness:<br />
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Now I can leave my sewing machine sitting on my desk, ready to use, and not have to worry about it getting super dusty again. And it's so darn cute it makes me happy to look at it. Maybe it'll make me sew more, but then I'd have to remove the cover.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-38490478119885432402011-07-10T18:10:00.000-05:002011-07-10T18:10:11.477-05:00Tour de Fleece Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I have a wheel now I decided it would be fun to participate in Ravelry's Tour de Fleece, which is a spinning event that coincides with the the Tour de France. And it just happened to start at the same time as my vacation so I did lots of spinning this past week. Here's one very full bobbin of merino/silk, and I have another well under way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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I also spun in the car on my Bosworth on the way to and from the Cape. It didn't even make me motion sick, which knitting and reading sometimes do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5_607tEsNI/ThoemSkU_5I/AAAAAAAAE9w/Jw1b6VIIbFQ/s1600/DSCN2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5_607tEsNI/ThoemSkU_5I/AAAAAAAAE9w/Jw1b6VIIbFQ/s320/DSCN2867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I enjoyed my vacation week in Cape Cod tremendously, but its back to work for me now. Besides I had to come home to get this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rR2xS9yeCdE/ThoeftjCckI/AAAAAAAAE9s/V9QFcVpu2Xc/s1600/DSCN2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rR2xS9yeCdE/ThoeftjCckI/AAAAAAAAE9s/V9QFcVpu2Xc/s320/DSCN2864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Its a Gripping Yarns Rose spindle in East Indian Rosewood. It's beautiful and so delicate. It's smaller than I thought it would be, but since I've never seen a supported style spindle in person I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. I also love the little sample of merino/silk she included from Corgi Hill Farm. Now I just have to learn how to use it or maybe I'll just continue to admire it.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-27207102507703185752011-06-28T08:00:00.001-05:002011-06-28T08:00:06.573-05:00Spinning Tuesday: Bells of Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q492JrrzFc/Te6iLmDCkgI/AAAAAAAAE7U/MKcue7N69nw/s1600/DSCN2858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--q492JrrzFc/Te6iLmDCkgI/AAAAAAAAE7U/MKcue7N69nw/s320/DSCN2858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So after sitting around for weeks, I finally washed my green BFL from Corgi Hill Farm. Isn't it pretty? Spun and plied on Lendrum. I have about 300 yards of DK to Worsted Weight yarn.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-52782536053089906872011-05-24T08:08:00.001-05:002011-05-24T08:08:00.623-05:00Another New ToyI just go these:<br />
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Yep, those are hand carders, which I found used on etsy. They're quite old, and at first they turned my wool brown because the teeth were rusty. But I've now worked enough greasy wool through them that the rust has been cleaned out. Now, I get fluffy white rolags like you see above.<br />
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The motivation to buy carders was that I finally decided to do something with this:<br />
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That is a whole bunch of wool I was given by an acquaintance with sheep. He gave it to me a year ago, and I just let it sit around because the thought of processing 3 fleeces was kinda scary. But now that I have my wheel it actually seems doable, and I'm having experimenting with preparing my own fibers. <br />
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Its definitely a different spinning experience, and I've been practicing long draw drafting. My earlier attempts at long draw weren't all that great. It just didn't work well with the fiber I was using. However, this fleece is suited to woolen spinning with its short downy fibers, and I've been having a lot more success with long draw. It's a good think I figured out how to spin this stuff because I have a lot more to do.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-799457145730755132011-05-20T10:25:00.030-05:002011-05-20T10:25:00.295-05:00FO Friday: AnnisI have something to admit. I am not a process knitter. Of course I enjoy the process of knitting, but mainly I knit because I want the finished thing not just for the sake of knitting itself. Annis, however, is one of the exceptions. Recently, I had a hunger for lace. For whatever reason I really wanted to do a whole bunch of yarn overs and decreases just because it is so fascinating to see them grow into the pattern as you knit. So I searched through my stash, matched yarn with a pattern, and cast on.<br />
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To satisfy my lace craving I picked <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTannis.php">Annis</a> from Knitty 2010 and used Dye Dreams Panda Sox in Seashore, which I bought at the CT Sheep and Wool Festival last year. I loved the pattern, its simple and pretty. But this was my first time doing nups and at first they were a giant pain. After some research though I started knitting them very loose on the right side and then used a smaller needle to knit the stitches together on the wrong side. This made the nups so much easier, and while they're not perfect I think they look pretty good for my first experience with them.<br />
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As typical with lace, it took a good blocking to open it up and make the shawl really shine. Now its lovely and drapey. I think the bamboo in the yarn helps with drape and makes it shiney. These photos don't really do the color just. In the sun, the color ranges from deep turquoise to blue and has lovely sheen. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't really need another shawl, but I do love it. It should be perfect for all those cool spring and summer evenings I'm waiting for.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-63600153282615181582011-05-18T16:56:00.000-05:002011-05-18T16:56:01.882-05:00WIP WednesdayFirst, an update on something posted before:<br />
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<div><span id="goog_1854254097"></span><span id="goog_1854254098"></span></div><div>The Corgi Hill BFL is plied. I decided to go for a basic 2 ply, and it looks lovely on the bobbin at least. Of course it still needs to be skeined and washed but the spinning at least is done.<br />
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I also casted on a new projects recently. (Don't worry, I've finished stuff too but that's for another day) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pDz26YLXJY/TdQ6utuQqXI/AAAAAAAAE68/lYOum-POFrM/s1600/DSCN2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pDz26YLXJY/TdQ6utuQqXI/AAAAAAAAE68/lYOum-POFrM/s320/DSCN2855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The beginnings of a the Beautiful Baby Sweater from 101 Luxury One Skein Wonders, which will be going to one of my co-workers who's having a baby towards the end of the summer.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-2799152667382769512011-05-13T10:04:00.032-05:002011-05-13T13:11:47.718-05:00FO Friday: Mother's Day Nutkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Like so many parents, my mom and dad are hard to shop for. Fortunately, my mom can usually be pleased with one of my knits. So when I realized that Mother's Day was approaching back in April I offered to give my mom any of the projects that I was working on at the time or to make something else for her. When I mentioned I had a pair of socks on the needles she made her decision very quickly.<br />
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These are the socks she choose, <a href="http://www.knitzi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=245">Nutkins</a> made with Dream in Color Smooshy in Beach Fog. As many have said Smooshy is a lovely yarn. The colors are vibrant and the yarn is smooth and springy. It even holds up well after wearing and washing. It's just perfect for socks in my opinion. The pattern was great too, though I decided to do my regular heel rather than the short row heel called for. I'm a little sad to give them away, but of course my mom deserves them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdrFqqzceu0/Tb1005LjCzI/AAAAAAAAE5g/OTaF3Yb9NUA/s1600/DSCN2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdrFqqzceu0/Tb1005LjCzI/AAAAAAAAE5g/OTaF3Yb9NUA/s320/DSCN2827.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-19112058723214292282011-05-04T11:30:00.002-05:002011-05-04T11:30:00.963-05:00WIP Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwvzenWwVig/TcCFK_6bUWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/7xHOlDqUCLs/s1600/DSCN2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwvzenWwVig/TcCFK_6bUWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/7xHOlDqUCLs/s320/DSCN2842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/half-granny-square-shawl">half granny square shawl</a> using Plymouth Zino. I lost the tag so I'm not sure what color this is, but it looks nice in the pattern.<br />
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Two bobbins of corgi hill farm BFL. I'm still trying to decide if I want to navajo ply them or just do a 2 ply. We shall see...Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-75888236262298933592011-04-27T17:06:00.000-05:002011-04-27T17:06:05.762-05:00WIP WednesdayMy latest projects...<div><br />
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</div><div>A diamond rain vest in Knitpicks Comfy for my sister. The back is already done so just the front to do.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2X93OJExLs/TbiPb33bB2I/AAAAAAAAE5A/SwAmkL63fJ0/s1600/DSCN2817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2X93OJExLs/TbiPb33bB2I/AAAAAAAAE5A/SwAmkL63fJ0/s320/DSCN2817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Nutkin Socks in Dream in Color Smooshy. They hardly count as a WIP since all I need to do is close up the toe on this sock and then weave in the ends. Yay progress!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-31573173154248804022011-04-25T20:51:00.000-05:002011-04-25T20:51:38.624-05:00My New ToyThis year I got my birthday present early. <br />
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Its my very own spinning wheel! A Lendrum double treadle that I found used on Ravelry. The former owner is moving across the country so my family and Robert all chipped in so that I could give it a new home. <br />
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I have to say I am in love. In the two weeks since I got it I've managed to spin a lot of fiber. First, there's the 4 ounces of Romeny that I spun the very first weekend I had it. Its now 120 yards of plush 2 ply aran weight yarn. Its feels soft and squishy and I plan to knit it into a ribbed hat.<br />
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There's also the alpaca/silk I bought at Rhinebeck last fall. Its now 260 yards of DK weight 2 ply. The loose blend of the fibers gives the finished yarn a tweedy look, which I love.<br />
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I also learned how to Navajo ply on it and made 2 mini skeins to practice<br />
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On the wheel now is Corgi Hill Farms BFL in Bells of Ireland. The BFL is very nice to spin. The long fibers make it easy to draft, and its pretty soft.<br />
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This picture was taken Friday, and that bobbin is almost full now. If I keep this up I'll be plying by the end of the week. Good thing the Sheep & Wool Festival is this weekend :)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-67460736893764398192010-11-30T20:28:00.000-05:002010-11-30T20:28:28.699-05:00Comfort and JoyI have been a bad blogger of late. It turns out that working full time eats up a lot of free time. My job is very busy, so I have no spare day time to blog. This is complicated by the fact that I've been doing holiday knitting recently. So much of knitting can't even be shared right now.<br />
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But tonight I did a little something for myself. I wound up 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces Greenline Worsted in Ysolda Red. I plan for these to become a hat and mittens. The colorway is a bright, bright red. This little phone photo (my camera is dead of course) doesn't even come close to portraying the glorious, almost neon, red of this colorway. But I have Christmas carols stuck in my head and this colorway makes me feel cheery so I had to share anyway.<br />
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Hopefully, my camera batteries will charge quickly and then I can share a better in progress shot soon. I hope everyone else if enjoying the holiday season and finding their own little bits of joy.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-17646200359671150902010-10-31T08:53:00.000-05:002010-10-31T08:53:19.895-05:00Happy Halloween!Yikes it's been so long since I've updated. Working seriously cuts into my blogging and internet time but I've still been enjoying lots of fiber related goodness. Like I went to Rhinebeck for the first time, and it was awesome! I only did a day trip on Sunday and can now understand why people go for the weekend. There is so much going on that I just couldn't get to everything. I walked around all the vendors and animals but I missed out on the events since I was so busy fondling yarn and fiber. <br />
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I did get lots of goodies. The one I'm most excited about is my new Bosworth spindle made of Tasamanian Rose Myrtle. It weighs 26 grams and spins beautifully. In the picture its wearing some baby camel fiber, another Rhinebeck goodie.<br />
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I also went to the Stitches yesterday. I didn't sign up for any classes since they filled up so quickly but I wandered around the market place for awhile. I loved the Miss Babs booth and simply could not resist getting some of their lovely spinning fiber. I picked a wool, bamboo, and silk blend in their 'Up up and away' colorway. <br />
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And tomorrow marks the beginning of Knit a Sweater Month! Rather than start a new project I'm pledging to finish my current sweater project before November is over. I have a pretty serious head start so maybe I'll actually succeed. Below are the fronts of the Minimalist Cardigan from the Fall 2007 IK. They're coming along nicely and the back is already done.<br />
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I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca. What is truly amazing is that I bought this yarn to make this sweater probably two years ago. How often does a knitter buy yarn for a project, get distracted by other things for a long ass time, and then actually use the yarn for the intended project? This is a first for me at least.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-40095014617154774732010-10-13T09:52:00.000-05:002010-10-13T09:52:14.924-05:00A Perfect MorningThere is no better way to spend a chilly October morning then sipping a hot cup of coffee and reading about yarn. Well, maybe it'd be a tinsy bit better if I was actually knitting but this is great too. I'm enjoying one of my last days of unemployment by reading Clara Parkes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Yarn-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/0307352161?ie=UTF8&tag=irishelfknits-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Knitter's Book of Yarn</a>. <div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Yarn-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/0307352161?ie=UTF8&tag=irishelfknits-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn" height="320" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0307352161&tag=irishelfknits-20" width="264" /></a></div><div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=irishelfknits-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307352161" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div><br />
</div><div>I picked this up from the library recently since I've heard so many great things about Clara Parkes books (btw the Hartford library has a surprisingly decent collection of knitting books). I've read the first two chapters <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=irishelfknits-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307352161" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />and have to agree that is book is pack full of useful and interesting information. Clara Parkes clearly knows her stuff. For each fiber she discusses its properties, what sort of projects it's good for, and advice for what to look for in yarn. There is also lots of great information about some smaller yarn companies and farms.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As a beginner spinner I find the fiber information incredibly useful because she discusses things like how much twist a particular fiber needs. Angora, for example, needs lots of twist to keep its short downy fibers together. And apparently many commercial yarns skimp on the twist to save money which is part of why angora yarns shed so much.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This book makes me desperately want to fondle yarn so I have to break every now and then to wind yarn into cakes for a new project and to ply some singles I finished last week. This is a corri cross from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fiberstory">Fiber Story</a> in play room. I spun the singles on my Spindlewood mini and am using my Kundert to ply.</div></div><div><br />
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</div><div>So far I'm pretty impress with myself. The singles are much more consistent than my last yarn. I fumbled a bit with the plying at first but I've settled into a grove now and its progressing nicely. The finished yarn will be fingerweight-ish and I have a lot of it. Four ounces apparently makes a lot of fingering weight yarn. But it'll be perfect for a lace scarf or shawl. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Also since this yarn is almost done, I won't feel guilty about buying more fiber Sunday at Rhinebeck. Total win!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-25705173558971736052010-10-08T10:35:00.000-05:002010-10-08T10:35:01.187-05:00Project Round Up<a href="http://ohsewcrafty.typepad.com/">OhSewCrafty</a> recently posted that rather than making a Rhinebeck sweater she's challenging herself to finish WIPs she has laying around. Recently, I've been really tempted to start <a href="http://twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/75-fall-2009-patterns/418-audrey-in-unst-by-gudrun-johnston">Audrey in Unst</a> with some beautiful alpaca yarn my brother got me from Peru. But I've been inspired by my fellow blogger to instead focus on finishing some of my projects before I start a new one.<br />
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First up, I have an FO! I finished sewing down the cowl and weaving in the ends of my Somewhat Cowl last night. Its currently drying on my bed, yay!<br />
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I'm also contuneing to knit away on the Earl Grey Socks. The first one is done, and I started the second yesterday. I'm already 3 inches or so into it since I only worked on it during knitting group last night.<br />
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I even dug out a project that had been hiding in the stash bin for quiet sometime. These are <a href="http://subliminalrabbit.blogspot.com/2008/12/bellas-mittens-updated-pattern.html">Bella's Mittens</a> by Subliminal Rabbit. Yes I know, they're from the Twilight movies, and yes I did like the Twilight books, and yes that does makes me either a huge dork or a 15 year old girl. What of it? These mittens are going to super cozy and cute and perfect for my walk to work this winter. I just dug them out last after knitting but I've completed another dozen rounds so they shouldn't take too long.<br />
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Also I just want to say how happy I am with the response to the jojo cowl. Its already been faved 99 times and queued 25. Thanks everyone, I'm glad that people like it!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-80822243624119913672010-10-04T12:37:00.002-05:002010-10-06T08:02:17.413-05:00jojo cowl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Almost two years ago my mom gave me a single skein of Knitpicks Imagination. I liked the colors but had no idea what to do with a single skein of fingering weight yarn. It sat around for a long time while I waited for inspiration. Then finally it came to me, a cute little cowl to help keep the chill away. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I pulled out the stitch dictionary, experimented, and I eventually settled on a stretchy slanted rib, which</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> also makes it easy to loop around twice for days when you need a little snuggle. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I really like the way this simple stitch helps break up the colors and creates a rainbow zigzag on mine. It also looks great on the wrong side.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Its so simple and quick that I decided I'd share. It only took me a couple nights to complete so its a great way to use up small skeins of fingering weight yarn. With the holidays coming up it's make a great little gift too.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Materials</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">1 skein Knitpicks Imagination in Gingerbread House</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">size 4 16" or 24" inch circular needle</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Cast on 160 stitches</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Row 1: Knit all</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Row 2: yo, K2tog to end</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 7 inches. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Knit one row.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Loosely bind off, block if you want, and enjoy!</span></span></div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-50123695945973596172010-09-25T14:42:00.000-05:002010-09-25T14:42:36.968-05:00Pipes in the Valley!Today was Hartford's 9th Annual Pipes in the Valley, their Celtic music festival. Despite the heat it was so much fun. There was all sorts of cool stuff there. <br />
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Like Highland cows, which are the cutest cows ever. Their long coats are adorable but with the temperature hitting 90 today I felt pretty bad for them.<br />
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There was an itty bitty owl from a bird rescue place. I forget the name, but these little guys are native to Connecticut, how cute!<br />
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Robbie bought me pretty new earrings<br />
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There was music. That's the Red Hot Chili Pipers accompanied by local pipers. It was definitely cool hearing covers of rock songs with bag pipes.<br />
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Of course, I knit during the show. I brought my latest sock project along. My friend Katie won VIP tickets so we got to hang out in the 'VIP Garden' and drink free Ten Penny Ale, yum!<br />
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Ah, there's nothing like ice cold beer and knitting on a hot day. Now its time to cool down and hope I didn't get sunburned.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-71335318605552167842010-09-20T08:52:00.000-05:002010-09-20T08:52:42.547-05:00One of Those DaysEver have one of those days that just starts out with things going wrong?<br />
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This morning I opened the fridge for my usual morning orange juice. While shuffling things around to get to my oj, a jar of pickled eggplant antipasto fell and the plastic cap snapped. Pickled eggplant splattered all over the fridge and kitchen floor. Then I almost broke a wine glass while loading it into the dishwasher. Not a promising start to the day. <br />
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I'm changing plans for the day. If I start cutting out the pattern for a new skirt or peeling sweet potatoes for dinner I'll probably just cut my finger off. Instead, I'm going to make a cup of tea and work on this pretty little thing.<br />
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This is my first <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2007/08/30/earl_grey.html">Earl Grey sock</a> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee in brown Cherry Tree Hill Supersock. I started these on Friday and I'm already on the 3rd repeat of the cable pattern. I usually find guy socks to be very slow. All that plain stockinette or rib just seems to take forever, but these socks feel like they're going quickly. The little cable panels keeps things interesting, and the stockinette makes this a fast knit. <br />
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Now hopefully I'll manage not to break anything else before my much needed yoga class tonight. Maybe I should put my tea in a metal mug just to be safe.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-47105294131916038892010-09-15T10:00:00.004-05:002010-09-15T10:00:03.274-05:00Sweater Bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TI56XtBJuRI/AAAAAAAAEzM/PS_GA6qmgU0/s1600/DSCN2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TI56XtBJuRI/AAAAAAAAEzM/PS_GA6qmgU0/s400/DSCN2740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</span></span></div>Fall, the time to get sweaters ready to wear again.</span></span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-89270369883317476672010-09-13T15:00:00.005-05:002010-09-13T15:00:00.110-05:00FO: Orange you Wicked?Robert commented recently that I seem to be in a finishing mood with my projects. Maybe its having finished law school and the bar but he's right. For whatever reason I feel compelled to wind up knitting projects that have been lingering around.<br />
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One example is my new Wicked, which I choose to model staring majestically out my window because well my I just look tired or my eyes are closed in all the photos where you can see my face...<br />
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Hmm, I really need to work on self protraits. But I just discovered the timer function on my camera and I consider this an improvement over past efforts. Here's another shot that shows the color more accurately:<br />
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I started this one last fall because 1) I felt this lovely orange malabrigo deserved better than sitting in the huge plastic tub of yarn in my closet and 2) my apartment was getting chilly and a new cozy sweater sounded perfect. I made good progress at first but then it languished when I became distracted by Christmas knitting. <br />
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Its little different from my pink wicked. I love my pink wicked but with its wide neck that doesn't like to stay on both shoulders it seems rather 80s-tastic to me. I avoided that this time by going down a needle size, and the tighter gauge did just the trick. The neck stays where it should, though does threaten to show off my bra straps. I also decided to not do the twisted rib pattern. This is mostly because I didn't really want two sweaters that were the same, but also because it annoys me that the numbers in the pattern don't match up at the bottom. This results in the twisted rib pattern not coming out quite right unless you have the foresight to count your stitches and adjust them accordingly. I was feeling much too lazy for even this little bit of extra counting and math so I just did plain 2x2 rib instead. I also did short sleeves since I had only three skeins of yarn. I could have made the sleeves a little longer since I still have a half ball left, but I'm happy with the sleeves so I decided not to bother.<br />
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Overall, I'm very pleased. Its finally getting cool enough for me to wear this now. This is a great addition to my sweater wardrobe for days when its a little chilly but I don't need a full sweater. Plus it's so bright that not even the horrible Hartford drivers can miss me.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-59328294607317379782010-09-08T14:50:00.000-05:002010-09-08T14:50:14.837-05:00yoga and knittingIt's yoga month! This probably doesn't mean much to a lot of people. I've been doing yoga pretty regularly for about a year now. In celebration of my yoga-versy and yoga month I've put together a list of poses that I think are great for knitters or really anyone who spends lots of time sitting. These are all pretty simple poses, if you do yoga you've probably seen them before. For those of you don't do yoga, give some of these poses a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how much better they can make you feel.<br />
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Note: Just to be clear I'm not a yoga instructor. I've included links yo yogajournal.com to show how the poses should be done, but the best way to learn how to properly do a pose is to attend a class. Also don't do anything to hurt yourself. I'm certainly not as stretchy as the yoga journal models, and don't expect yourself to be, just do what feels comfortable for you. Of course, enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/486">Bound Angle/Cobbler's Pose</a>- Feeling a little stiff in your hips and pelvis? I love this pose because it helps stretch out these areas after a long day of sitting. One of my favorite things to do is lay down while in this pose to let my hips gently relax.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478">Standing Forward Bend</a>- I love how this pose stretches the back. It's also very refreshing since it helps send fresh rush of blood to your head. I do this pose all the time, whenever I feel I could use a little refreshment.<br />
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Modified Half Moon- This is great for stretching your side and arms, but I could only find the description for a more difficult version. Here's what I recommend you do: Stand or sit up straight. Raise your hands above your head and gently clasp your right wrist with your left hand. Lean your upper body to the left. You should feel a stretch in your right side. Hold for a few breathes. Straighten you upper body, and then repeat for the other side.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2468">Cat</a> to <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2467">Cow Stretch</a>- Inhale into cow pose and exhale into cat pose. The combination of these two poses gently flexes your spine and opens your chest.<br />
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If you'd like to learn more yoga poses and get some suggested routines I'd suggest you look at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Yoga-Illustrated-Guide-Meditations/dp/B0007MTTEE?ie=UTF8&tag=irishelfknits-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Essential Yoga</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=irishelfknits-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0007MTTEE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's a great book with very clear descriptions of poses and the benefits of each. If you're interested in DVDs check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Beginners-Barbara-Benagh/dp/B000H8RVSO?ie=UTF8&tag=irishelfknits-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Yoga for Beginners</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=irishelfknits-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000H8RVSO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for some great intro level routines. Barbarba Benagh gives clear descriptions of each pose and how to move into it, which is great for anyone starting out. Shiva Rea's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shiva-Rea-Flow-Yoga-Beginners/dp/B0014CSNDY?ie=UTF8&tag=irishelfknits-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Flow Yoga for Beginners</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=irishelfknits-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0014CSNDY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is also good for anyone who knows some basics but is still looking for beginner level stuff.<br />
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Enjoy!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-73729431570217050222010-09-01T13:31:00.000-05:002010-09-01T13:31:22.084-05:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TH6Yc_PYd5I/AAAAAAAAEyE/4rdYau4I_9E/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TH6Yc_PYd5I/AAAAAAAAEyE/4rdYau4I_9E/s320/IMAG0094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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That is the view from my bedroom in my pretty new apartment. I could do without the creepy brick building in the foreground but I do like that we can see the capital through the trees. And well, the apartment is beautiful so I'll deal with the creepy building next door. <br />
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I've been so busy settling into the new place that my knitting has been suffering. I have no new FOs but I have been making some progress. First up, my somewhat cowl:<br />
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It has a sleeve- it almost has two. Soon I'll be working on the neckline and then it'll be done. I tired it on after finishing the body and I'm much happier with the fit. Reknitting is always painful but worth it. As long as I don't slack off I'll pretty new sweater for the fall.<br />
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Second, I have a cardigan going for my sister. This is my first bottom up sweater and I have about 6 inches of the body done.<br />
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It has been sadly neglected because during the move it got stuffed in a bag and then I forgot about it. But I dug it out today for pictures and hopefully having it within view again will help motivate me to work on it. I promised my poor sister this sweater years ago so I really need to stop procrastinating on it.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-81946527495282582682010-08-28T08:28:00.000-05:002010-08-28T08:28:22.121-05:00Happy Birthday Mom!Remember that mysterious wordless Wednesday post back in June? Well, it has been given to its new owner and I can finally share what it was.<br />
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A shawl for my wonderful mom who just had her birthday this week. I made it using my handspun merino and Cascade EcoWool. My mom admired this roving when we bought it at the Connecticut Sheep and Wool Festival. She liked the bright and cheerful colors. So I decided that she would have to be the recipient of whatever I made with it. <br />
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Having so little yarn I knew I had to combine it with another yarn to make anything substantial. Looking around, I was inspired by <a href="http://emileeknits.wordpress.com/my-free-patterns/self-published-designs/handspun-showcase-shawl/">Emilee's Handspun Showcase Shawl</a> to make one for my mother. The simpleness of the pattern also made it perfect bar knitting, and I was quickly able to finish it.<br />
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It's still much too hot to need a wool shawl right now, but my mom loved it and I was pleased as punch that she liked it.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090098663372033652.post-39256481278060802912010-08-18T09:35:00.000-05:002010-08-18T09:35:17.611-05:00Crochet- The Solution of Many Problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TGvuMPvoIwI/AAAAAAAAEx4/tygbLDr-rAs/s1600/IMAG0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob5PnmTaze0/TGvuMPvoIwI/AAAAAAAAEx4/tygbLDr-rAs/s320/IMAG0045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Shortly after the bar exam Robert and I went to Cape Cod for a week. It was wonderful. We slept in, grilled, rode a sea doo, swam, watched movies, and spent lazy days doing nothing at all. But I poorly planned my knitting for this trip. In my post-bar haze I brought only two projects, both of which soon needed a change in needle size and forgot to bring extra needles. <br />
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As soon as I realized my mistake I tired to think of new projects with cheap supplies so that I buy everything at the nearest craft store if the need arose. Crochet creeped into mind. Plastic hooks and cotton are plentiful at all craft store. I looked at patterns, queued potholders on Ravelry, and thought about whether Joann's or AC Moore was closer. I was ready if the unthinkable should occur.<br />
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My worrying was unfounded. I had to go home for two days mid week and grabbed the required needles then. But it was too late- I wanted to crochet. I packed my hooks and bought three balls of Sugar n' Cream- in white, ecru, and natural twist. I told myself this did not count as stash because I was using it right away and I could even give away the final project.<br />
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It had been a while since I had crocheted- almost a year actually. I had to look up how to do the stitches and had a few false starts. But for the remainder of our vacation I had no fear of running out of projects.<br />
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The square ones are the <a href="http://butzelkuh.wordpress.com/topflappen/">Topflappen by Eva W.</a> and the round one is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spiral-hotpad">Spiral Hotpad from Carol's Crochet</a>. Crochet goes so quickly that I had two of these done before we even returned home. I even have enough yarn left to make another one or two. <br />
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I consider them a success- they are simple, quick, and look nice. I've decided that all those people who I feel deserve a Christmas present but I never know what to give will be receiving crochet potholders this year. Yet another problem solved with crochet. I wish all life problem's has such delightfully simple and enjoyable solutions.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05931077938505403740noreply@blogger.com0