tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84845898935383065092024-02-19T10:45:31.233-08:00It's a Process, KnitterIt's like a knit club where we'll talk about knitting, properties of knitting. Without the sad or demented part.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-89115376440089033852016-02-21T20:29:00.003-08:002016-02-21T20:29:42.254-08:00Things I Know Now About Baby Sweaters, Randomly1. Baby sweaters are oddly satisfying to knit and a great thing to accumulate in your box of future gifts. You know, just in case. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current favourite baby sweater is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flax" target="_blank">Flax by Tincanknits</a></td></tr>
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2. I know it takes time to build both a baby and a baby sweater and it is only rarely that either one surprises you with its immediate and unexpected arrival. So it is best to be prepared ahead of time.<br />
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3. Some parents are reluctant to specify the gender of their baby; if they know at all. So I am prepared and make them in all 3 genders: solid, variegated and striped.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XA14nMstzc-X3tvBQ-RtRT4ejMxrS2ibVAS8pUkXIeaMnY7uzogwJUqiV5snTtjb0i91Ih3X9Rtb710-ip6lXghB6ns9qRIKh86Ze1wpYCUluW3ZWERwF-xur1H5-BFIDIas23iDU1y6/s1600/purple+flax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XA14nMstzc-X3tvBQ-RtRT4ejMxrS2ibVAS8pUkXIeaMnY7uzogwJUqiV5snTtjb0i91Ih3X9Rtb710-ip6lXghB6ns9qRIKh86Ze1wpYCUluW3ZWERwF-xur1H5-BFIDIas23iDU1y6/s320/purple+flax.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB6GSfl5Fvlbpvlq_bnybeFnb8MxqLMhyphenhyphenKu_wwnAsuQofc1VwYJvsUdfnGkYSQQmI_kDEQcaeoc3P0gnuDspzU6yRaL7OyIcHvnm5vzK9sdoQyZ2wfbVvVQ-UHW9whGq3EPLMhWBXpeg0/s1600/autumn+flax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB6GSfl5Fvlbpvlq_bnybeFnb8MxqLMhyphenhyphenKu_wwnAsuQofc1VwYJvsUdfnGkYSQQmI_kDEQcaeoc3P0gnuDspzU6yRaL7OyIcHvnm5vzK9sdoQyZ2wfbVvVQ-UHW9whGq3EPLMhWBXpeg0/s320/autumn+flax.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is now finished!</td></tr>
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4. I try to have at least 3 baby sweaters made and ready for immediate gifting at all times. <br />
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5. I'm pretty sure I need some new friends because they all proclaim they are done having babies.<br />
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6. Due to my friends reluctance to give me someone to knit for and my own children's insistence at being NOT babies and having their father's ridiculously long arms I've resorted to gifting baby sweaters to neighbours, co-workers, grandchildren of co-workers and assorted strangers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange you glad it's another Flax?</td></tr>
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7. Recipients very rarely understand or acknowledge the gift as being hand made without being told. I honestly can't tell if that is compliment or not. In my specific case this may or may not be the result of a new parent being presented a gift from an essential stranger.<br />
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8. Yes, it is highly self absorbed to make direct and prolonged eye contact with the new parent while telling them<em> repeatedly</em> that the gift was hand made. By me. With my own hands. And it took a long time. On small needles. And I did that because I like you/ live near you/ work with you or someone you know/ have only just met you and see that you have an infant. <br />
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9. And unless the new parents have a "maker" somewhere in their family tree they still won't really understand. And that's O.K. Either learn to not take it personally or buy commercially made gifts. Get over yourself- you've just made a sweater. They made the baby. Between the two yours really is the lesser accomplishment. <br />
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9.5. Unless you gifted a full Fair Isle sweater and then you <em>totally</em> win! Double win if it is in sticky Shetland wool! Triple win if you worked your colour work with both hands and had more than 2 colours per row.<br />
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10. But, seriously, if you did that then you need to question your life choices and your understanding of how babies work. (Spoiler alert: at some point this kid will squirt poop so far up its own back that their shoulder blades will be squishy. #the struggleisreal.) Baby sweaters should be as washable as the baby. Babies are complex enough creatures to figure out- we do not need to level up on difficulty with elaborate washing instructions. <br />
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11. Babies are ALWAYS knit-worthy... even if their parents aren't. <br />
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It's a process, Knitter!<br />
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-5910107326515397132014-03-08T14:07:00.001-08:002014-03-08T14:07:43.792-08:00February was better... sorta<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc_4s41KH0A1gWGcanOpmla2IS3u9pOZWBDLrYZxUKJ0hUz15JX3GUc9iyQmBCAGjIDd30qo0RQyBg5FtBG32JyZoOhRJW2nMag61-7Ou3gMaA1moryltOpc4earLwCqvBPaW5FbYB_eh/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc_4s41KH0A1gWGcanOpmla2IS3u9pOZWBDLrYZxUKJ0hUz15JX3GUc9iyQmBCAGjIDd30qo0RQyBg5FtBG32JyZoOhRJW2nMag61-7Ou3gMaA1moryltOpc4earLwCqvBPaW5FbYB_eh/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Grease is the Word socks<br />
made with <a href="https://biscottecie.com/boutique/index.php?_a=product&product_id=485" target="_blank">Biscotte & Cie Felix</a> , in Brillantine</td></tr>
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I told you all about my goal to NOT buy yarn until I had completed 58 workouts. Well, that plan is not quite as motivating as I had hoped. You can see by the calendar posted above that I did <em>better</em> on the workout front in February than January (200% better!) But it was still pretty weak tea as far as effort goes. <br />
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As it turns out being no where near my goal didn't stop me from purchasing 660 yd of lovely alpaca worsted weight yarn while in Ottawa last month. It wasn't a free-for-all shop session. I was controlled. I stayed focused by only choosing yarn with a specific project in mind. This cowl has come to the top of my knitting queue these days. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPrff_5BCf6W0-Xf3IFFBiNWaShvFK0Xp9OZUDYPVKrCNtHd0Su8nzxEIDtBU25M4Rm422jMeYc6lpS7MHungmDKQIflxv2Ynk8fOkRV0uX_WIhX5InjTnCq0G1ioJZZjkQDW578j7U3l/s1600/HiltonField2_small_best_fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPrff_5BCf6W0-Xf3IFFBiNWaShvFK0Xp9OZUDYPVKrCNtHd0Su8nzxEIDtBU25M4Rm422jMeYc6lpS7MHungmDKQIflxv2Ynk8fOkRV0uX_WIhX5InjTnCq0G1ioJZZjkQDW578j7U3l/s1600/HiltonField2_small_best_fit.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine this in black, turquoise and red!<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hilton-field-cowl" target="_blank">Hilton Field Cowl by Kate Gagnon Osborn</a><br />
Picture courtesy of Interweave LLC<br />
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I have also started a pair of plain vanilla Valentine socks for my husband. Nothing says "I Love You" like knitting a pair of cashmere blend socks for someone who has giant feet. That's commitment folks. I have finished the first sock and have already turned the heel on the second- so he might even get them before March is through. (<em>Just in time for it to get warmer you say. Ba Humbug, I retort. Haven't you heard? Winter is never going away this year</em>.) These are being made with a lovely rogue skein of Hazel Knits <a href="http://www.hazelknits.com/entice-mcn-fingering-weight/" target="_blank">Entice MCN</a>.<br />
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Here's an new addictive knit: Linden Mittens by Jane Richmond. I love this new mitten pattern! I could, and likely will, knit these mittens over and over again! And as you can tell I also have a deep affection for self striping yarn too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVln9gU2hqrghPHd0AlzGGK7Gc7fe9o9uX5xXMfReDrbZ_Z_g3MmD7u9yRL18v26su9bYc2hqXtoqRZQKW7MTXYhVU_kjsejQwL7BAseGlxCOcsMTSw2AUPe4Cu3ahGR7gy3NObBmE380/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVln9gU2hqrghPHd0AlzGGK7Gc7fe9o9uX5xXMfReDrbZ_Z_g3MmD7u9yRL18v26su9bYc2hqXtoqRZQKW7MTXYhVU_kjsejQwL7BAseGlxCOcsMTSw2AUPe4Cu3ahGR7gy3NObBmE380/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost matching mittens.<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/linden-mittens" target="_blank">Linden Mitten by Jane Richmond</a><br />
made with <a href="http://shop.selfstriping.com/" target="_blank">String Theory Colorworks Momentum Self- Striping</a><br />
in Megallanica</td></tr>
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Well, I had better put more effort into destashing because it seems like not buying yarn is not working so well. Although I am trying very hard to be mindful of what I am buying and to plan projects from stash first. I destashed 2,320 yards in February so I figure that I am still ahead in the game. <br />
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March will be another issue as I <em>may</em> have looked at (<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">and maybe purchased</span></em>) sock yarn on the Webs website yesterday... this will only be a problem if I can't accomplish 46 workouts by the end of the month. <br />
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That's doable, right?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-26335976783417013952014-01-26T15:50:00.001-08:002014-01-26T15:50:56.792-08:00A New Year and New Goals for 2014<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz4DA-LpBt2vvUngLqhFdr9ptSzD_EFfXcWLenqCGlJrLkdFVOms9wt6KtSBMuh9QvTv0M_UzYFxhu6TqQQdARpdOipKb_2-UcXlOLcpGiHS26qtI8iQlcLign4RcusJrZMB0NSTkwapB/s1600/calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz4DA-LpBt2vvUngLqhFdr9ptSzD_EFfXcWLenqCGlJrLkdFVOms9wt6KtSBMuh9QvTv0M_UzYFxhu6TqQQdARpdOipKb_2-UcXlOLcpGiHS26qtI8iQlcLign4RcusJrZMB0NSTkwapB/s1600/calendar.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had better get my act together!</td></tr>
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Firstly, Happy New Year, albeit about 26 days late but the sentiment still applies Did you accomplish all your knitting goals of 2013 before the end of the year? I did alright.<br />
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Last year was a great year for knitting for me. I completed 30 projects! I made 11 hats, 8 "pairs"* of mitts, 5 baby sweaters, 2 pairs of socks, 1 big batch of knitted facecloths, and 3 child or adult sweaters. Totaling just about 9,000 yards of yarn knit. Not too shabby. Finishing the year I have 4 unfinished WIP.<br />
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My last year's goal of finishing 5 big and 5 small projects was more than achieved. So yeah me! Yes, I totally count socks as a big project even though the result is actually quite small.<br />
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I actively put myself out of my comfort zone by trying some more complex projects than I have completed in the past. I tried- and loved- stranded colour work. I tried- and hated- intricate lace with beading especially as a knit-along project. <em>We'll call that one a draw.</em> <br />
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My favourite project was definitely my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/snowfling-mitts" target="_blank">LH and RH Snowfling Mittens.</a> The knitting of these mittens was fun but the <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2013/08/the-left-hand-knowing-what-right-hand.html" target="_blank">games we've played</a> afterwards have been so much better! I have big plans for 2014 on this front!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEILcrTSJc5iatPjK0u1ehDwrBA-f_bERycM-idCeOsnzUf_DYC6-4imZr__X7WDUWrsGM3iwbjmnufnXkBLT_CY_Ucs2YxzdfirXTEhsf0caFFWje5LJM2oXa0W9JL6BjsT-qZz7I_gD/s1600/IMGP1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEILcrTSJc5iatPjK0u1ehDwrBA-f_bERycM-idCeOsnzUf_DYC6-4imZr__X7WDUWrsGM3iwbjmnufnXkBLT_CY_Ucs2YxzdfirXTEhsf0caFFWje5LJM2oXa0W9JL6BjsT-qZz7I_gD/s1600/IMGP1604.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RH Mitten and me goofing around at<br />
California Adventure Park this summer.</td></tr>
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My least successful project was Georgia's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/boathouse-mini" target="_blank">Dream in Lime</a>. The sweater is lovely and so was the yarn. I even enjoyed the knitting. Putting it all together resulted in a very stretchy sweater that will <em><u>never</u></em> fit G properly. EVER! I really don't believe in ripping projects but I am still seriously contemplating it for this project. The yarn is too lovely- and eye searing- to waste. I keep trying to talk myself out of it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_NnKoCIO0fhV5Ww-dHC8ZAYGDYLXncLbTSC-aK0NYLWhn7ph_NvlKTzr0E_n7Nty5tYX_WqW2VBFOcC27E-v7xLFufhxnN7BR10llNd2ZwOam72Z3iBS933uGv_8XYLvcx7dZ848E5KH/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_NnKoCIO0fhV5Ww-dHC8ZAYGDYLXncLbTSC-aK0NYLWhn7ph_NvlKTzr0E_n7Nty5tYX_WqW2VBFOcC27E-v7xLFufhxnN7BR10llNd2ZwOam72Z3iBS933uGv_8XYLvcx7dZ848E5KH/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still haven't decided what to do with this.</td></tr>
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I seriously thought about how to set goals for 2014. I have a few specific things that I would like to complete in 2014: <br />
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<li>a sweater for each member of my immediate family. (This is a pretty big goal and will involve me deciding what to do with G's sweater above.) </li>
<li>I have one specific UFO that only needs sleeves- my <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2013/04/but-for-yarn-overs.html" target="_blank">Early Evening Cardigan</a>. </li>
<li>I would also like to knit a new pair* of mittens for my sister; and </li>
<li>a couple of pairs of socks for myself.</li>
</ul>
My issue for 2013 and a go-forward goal for 2014 will be to slow the stash acquisition! I bought A LOT of yarn last year. Seriously! About 6 years worth. Now, some of that was vacation yarn shopping, a small portion was yarn clubs, and the rest was out of control on-line shopping. I need to get my act together and actually use the yarn I have. Although I will have to buy yarn for Scott's sweater.<br />
<br />
So that brings me to my ultimate to-fer goal for 2014: <strong><span style="color: red;">I aspire to not buy any yarn until I have completed 50** + 8*** workouts</span><span style="color: red;">.</span><span style="color: red;"> I will work from my stash until then.</span></strong><br />
<br />
For those of you thinking- what does that have to do with knitting? Well, admittedly, not much. I do, however, need to work on balance of my activities and working out more will join in well with other life goals for the year. If I hustle I could be shopping again in 10 weeks or if I continue as I have gone so far it could be more than 8 months. Either way I am not lacking for projects- or yarn- until then. <br />
<br />
What are your goals for 2014?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Footnotes:</u></strong><br />
<em>* For me a "pair" of mittens is not necessarily a set of two. In the circumstances of anyone playing my LH vs. RH games a pair is typically only one mitt from their designated side.</em> <br />
**<em>Full disclosure- this goal was originally going to be 100 workouts but with the calendar above it is easy to see that this could take me YEARS. So I have brought it down to a still-difficult-but-achievable-if-I-just-get-off-my-ass number.</em><br />
<em>***More full disclosure I have already cheated and bought 780 yards of yarn this past weekend while travelling; thus the extra +8 workouts as penance.</em>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-62411190526165814012013-11-17T09:42:00.001-08:002013-11-17T09:43:55.509-08:00The good stuff
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQlqmK9CLF6YSTGk7BcZio7vcrr0ORnhL2IotspK87ANF9NWhzUeiOESZOlU452e55t26faPkMt4cS73uJThQpTQ9cuD9tph2r-IluB9CAR6_JQxCrxC-4vNYPiI-NGFAxGqz8dgPh4Iv/s1600/IMG_00000301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQlqmK9CLF6YSTGk7BcZio7vcrr0ORnhL2IotspK87ANF9NWhzUeiOESZOlU452e55t26faPkMt4cS73uJThQpTQ9cuD9tph2r-IluB9CAR6_JQxCrxC-4vNYPiI-NGFAxGqz8dgPh4Iv/s400/IMG_00000301.jpg" width="400" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shelves at Purl Sho, New York City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETC4Ri76WwWL9RqcUl2tUDSXUtcEQMBQfdyDQ_YekSy-mQuAiii94ddtlvAF9BXgrZqbGY5aqsl0FhY7r3-qBcCDzy1XkEkRs-vZy90LHptZjP0JcYLyXhJUWX14as-1pI4ah4gHu2A23/s1600/IMG_00000388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETC4Ri76WwWL9RqcUl2tUDSXUtcEQMBQfdyDQ_YekSy-mQuAiii94ddtlvAF9BXgrZqbGY5aqsl0FhY7r3-qBcCDzy1XkEkRs-vZy90LHptZjP0JcYLyXhJUWX14as-1pI4ah4gHu2A23/s400/IMG_00000388.jpg" width="400" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shelves of The Yarn Company in New York City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've done a fair bit of travelling over the last couple of years and one of the things that I <em>love</em> to do is to find a LYS and to see what they have to offer. On-line shopping is fine but nothing compares to being able to hold the yarn in your own hands and see the colour yourself!<br />
<br />
The discovery of a new LYS is somewhat of a gambit. Sometimes you find a small selection of novelty and cotton dish cloth yarns with some plastic needles on a round rack. Sometimes you find a treasure trove of exclusive colourways or yarns you've only ever seen on-line or in magazines. Usually it is somewhere in between. <br />
<br />
The joy of a good yarn store is to broaden your horizons and to inspire you with different colours or textures. A good yarn store doesn't have to be a big place. After all, you can fit a lot of yarn into a small space if you have to! My idea of a good yarn store is one with a large selection of a variety of yarns and in a variety of colours. You can so often tell the colour preferences of the yarn shop owner by what is displayed about the store. A good store, in my humble opinion, offers a broad palette of colour options. <br />
<br />
While in New York City last week I visited 3 of the best yarn stores I have ever seen!<br />
<br />
I had only planned to visit one store while in New York and I had chose <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a>, top picture above. It was a bright and colourful store. Now that is an impressive colour palette! I loved the atmosphere and the way the yarn was displayed. It was like jumping into a impressionistic picture of colour. You had to step back to see the big picture but the close-up view was a happy blur. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I bought some gorgeous worsted weight wool made by the <a href="https://www.swansislandcompany.com/catalog/yarn" target="_blank">Swans Island Yarn Company</a>. A Maine company with a <a href="https://www.swansislandcompany.com/about/our_story" target="_blank">commitment to high quality.</a> I also bought some yarn to make <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2008/11/26/whits-knits-simple-pleasures-hat.html" target="_blank">the Simple Pleasures Hat.</a> This is a hat , presumably, designed by someone who works at Purl Soho. I thought that was a good keepsake of the trip. I loved that they offered to wind all of the wool that I bought for me immediately. <br />
<br />
I hadn't expected to have the time to find any more stores but my travels brought us near enough to the iconic <a href="http://www.theyarncompany.com/" target="_blank">The Yarn Company</a>, that it would have been foolish to have walked on by without a quick peek inside. This store is now run by a brother-sister team and this famous yarn shop is full of exclusive colourways and unique yarn. One of the owners asked if I wanted a tour and then proceeded to show me, shelf by shelf, what her store had that others did not. What I saw was a commitment to independent dyers, designers and specialty yarn. The selection of "the good stuff" was almost overwhelming. The owners personally knew and had collaborated with many big name knitwear designers and had the yarn selection to support that. I tried to buy exclusives only but walked away with a small bag of treasures all the same.<br />
<br />
My last store visited was a complete fluke but a very happy one! I popped out of a restaurant and was waiting for the rest of my party to come out of a small shop next door when my husband spotted a sign that said <a href="http://www.annieandco.com/" target="_blank">Annie & Co Knitting and needlepoint</a>. I skipped down the street and was mesmerized by the impressive colour selection of Madelinetosh yarns. This was a very cozy and welcoming store. You got the impression that the staff would sit you right down and chat with you, if given the option. I didn't walk away from that store empty handed either.<br />
<br />
Yarn is such a tactile pleasure and one that so many people do not fully appreciate until you have the choice between a soft scarf and one made of scratchy wool at your neck. <br />
<br />
In one of the stores one of my friends, who doesn't knit, whispered quietly to my husband "Did you know that yarn was so expensive?" <br />
<br />
My husband replied wryly "Did you expect her to like the cheap stuff?"<br />
<br />
The friend, holding a tiny skein of 100% cashmere in his hand with his eyebrows to the sky at the price said "No wonder she says nothing at all about your comic book collection. She's in no position to complain."<br />
<br />
My husband smiled slyly and said "Exactly. You'd better find a seat, she could be a while."<br />
<br />
It's a process, knitter!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-37615903453100883692013-10-19T10:57:00.004-07:002013-10-19T10:57:56.841-07:00FO and WIPs- The Good StuffI have been making good progress on my projects of late. I have a great stack of FO to show off! You can see that I have been focusing on smaller items lately.<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHswAwrGsRFksYUXBRXpfUFvrrIgkGkBc5d8dKG8-hbD-Xdmz5kc9ZwbLSs5oBkp-3bwHFThRVgX_rC9OJarIGWCCzieJD4VFZTguUqhhFz8crBr7CZIyLc-6DA4hWXycSXbxs1yAMhmC/s1600/3q+works.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHswAwrGsRFksYUXBRXpfUFvrrIgkGkBc5d8dKG8-hbD-Xdmz5kc9ZwbLSs5oBkp-3bwHFThRVgX_rC9OJarIGWCCzieJD4VFZTguUqhhFz8crBr7CZIyLc-6DA4hWXycSXbxs1yAMhmC/s400/3q+works.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: Frukttradgard, Cabled Canuk, Squall Hat<br />
Middle row: Cascade baby, Dream in Lime, Tangerine Sunnyside<br />
Bottom row: Emperor's New Socks, Knotty Baby Hat, DK socks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of these items are gifts for specific people. Some are future gifts for special people. Babies are definitely special people!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulzlen2sWOigZGixkfhVoHBd2l7GfV8xGv2J7-OaEP-OGvx8OPqV3eMkjYDRW2HCmnLAqWsD43sFRYiTvcYyj0TLkOxDApOcrqB1gaeSHgSEJO9ZnLkPvKzzxUSwCeB8RFM4rqQyrMiaB/s1600/brody+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulzlen2sWOigZGixkfhVoHBd2l7GfV8xGv2J7-OaEP-OGvx8OPqV3eMkjYDRW2HCmnLAqWsD43sFRYiTvcYyj0TLkOxDApOcrqB1gaeSHgSEJO9ZnLkPvKzzxUSwCeB8RFM4rqQyrMiaB/s400/brody+gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were for Brody. His mother likes monkeys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRG-fLIRKEXSIrfb_8_vs4FtzwOZpvfw5ujcw8jPurUi_Qi5It58zryp4iqJfzwepmdoLYG5aADjBhyphenhyphengQoaY-VgWnalNsCEvOY7qhVtReoT1dWr1EJs3GDAALqQS6CkLsRkQKf5PLBQyt/s1600/ziyah+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRG-fLIRKEXSIrfb_8_vs4FtzwOZpvfw5ujcw8jPurUi_Qi5It58zryp4iqJfzwepmdoLYG5aADjBhyphenhyphengQoaY-VgWnalNsCEvOY7qhVtReoT1dWr1EJs3GDAALqQS6CkLsRkQKf5PLBQyt/s400/ziyah+sweater.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ziyah was also gifted with an extra special sweater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Georgia's Dream in Lime is a bit of a conundrum. Georgia picked the yarn and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boathouse-mini" target="_blank">Boathouse Mini</a> pattern. Both are lovely but only the colour suited Georgia. As you can see below the combination of a disproportionally wide sweater, a boatneck neckline and very stretchy fabric combine to make an unwearable sweater.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_NnKoCIO0fhV5Ww-dHC8ZAYGDYLXncLbTSC-aK0NYLWhn7ph_NvlKTzr0E_n7Nty5tYX_WqW2VBFOcC27E-v7xLFufhxnN7BR10llNd2ZwOam72Z3iBS933uGv_8XYLvcx7dZ848E5KH/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_NnKoCIO0fhV5Ww-dHC8ZAYGDYLXncLbTSC-aK0NYLWhn7ph_NvlKTzr0E_n7Nty5tYX_WqW2VBFOcC27E-v7xLFufhxnN7BR10llNd2ZwOam72Z3iBS933uGv_8XYLvcx7dZ848E5KH/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I need to fix this but I am not just sure how. I have a couple of ideas... Plan A: I am contemplating ripping out or cutting off the neckline and knitting a more fitted yoke upwards from there. Short rows will be involved and I will be completely winging it. The thought of cutting the sweater is giving me the shakes. <br />
<br />
Plan B involves leaving the neckline intact and picking up stitches on the inside of the collar and making rectangular inserts that will come up over her shoulders and help the sweater stay in place. This is the much easier plan; however I am concerned that the stretchy fabric will still fall off her shoulders.<br />
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Plan C- and I <em>REALLY</em> don't like this plan- is to rip it all and start over. Sigh. The yarn is too nice to waste. <br />
<br />
Anyone have any suggestions?<br />
<br />
I have one WIP to show you. <br />
<br />
I told you about the mystery lace shawl project with beads, right? It is going fairly well but I am <em>WAY</em> behind schedule. (<em>Had I really expected to be able to stay on track with this one</em>?) I am only mid way through Clue #2 with the last clue, #4, coming out on Tuesday. Here is my progress so far:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTshxrdwOB_NnO0EtywyN8SGtRQCA9jtHI24Mu-OdwpinhblFvaFdMJunw3x1m0eYgGY4VBQVdw0s1M9Mj7ZQMADpmAp3d6wH5ZqFuIy_b_1CEReHCrFn9Y73y5tt2uJlxKaeSXWlN859y/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTshxrdwOB_NnO0EtywyN8SGtRQCA9jtHI24Mu-OdwpinhblFvaFdMJunw3x1m0eYgGY4VBQVdw0s1M9Mj7ZQMADpmAp3d6wH5ZqFuIy_b_1CEReHCrFn9Y73y5tt2uJlxKaeSXWlN859y/s320/IMG_0834.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like it so far.</td></tr>
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I finished Clue #1 twice. I frogged my first attempt because I was using lace weight yarn and was making way too many mistakes due to the fine gauge. (<em>Note to self: stop buying lace weight yarn- I do not like knitting with this</em>!) So I restarted with some fingering weight, Tanis Fiber Arts, Blue Label in the Dove colourway, from my stash. The yarn is gray with hints of pink, purple and blue. It is hard to tell in these pictures but the beads are both silver and a muted purple- so I think it works well all together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbybwB3JEuEGmQNQUYE_5574MxIKtyCS3EfWtOl7J5y84-6P4J3_qH5cAqCY6Ry-uDQyYpLFmLtUf5mTxZRbt-0oXrXk-w0phV9sVd8jRREVaQDuGddUdt9Dq0bL9OGn-4GdWRZ_MYLtxd/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbybwB3JEuEGmQNQUYE_5574MxIKtyCS3EfWtOl7J5y84-6P4J3_qH5cAqCY6Ry-uDQyYpLFmLtUf5mTxZRbt-0oXrXk-w0phV9sVd8jRREVaQDuGddUdt9Dq0bL9OGn-4GdWRZ_MYLtxd/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I like the beads in the yarn. They add a very subtle sparkle that I think is pretty. I'm still on the fence on whether I am enjoying the making lace. Beading is a lot more simple than I had expected. I am enjoying the results but this seems like very fussy work.<br />
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I'll continue and see what the final project looks like. It's a process, Knitter.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-52925331763084114872013-09-22T09:59:00.003-07:002013-09-22T09:59:40.430-07:00The season is changing and so is my mindThe season is starting to change and that, for me, means that snow and cold weather is coming. Probably sooner rather than later. Autumn is my favourite time of year and colder weather gives me lots of excuses (as if I needed any) to wear my warm and woolies. <br />
<br />
I have so many projects on my mind right now. I am days away from starting a mystery lace shawl KAL. I'm excited about it BUT it is easy to mentally put aside a project where you don't know the end result. I am going to try to keep up with the clues but knitting 800 yds of lace in a month may be a little much for me. I just need to get <strong>started</strong> before I get completely distracted with other things.<br />
<br />
I had also promised to knit Finn a sweater. His project is technically first in the queue. We finally have the right yarn and have found the picture of the skull he wants- the skull from The Punisher. The real problem is that if I make this Scott will want one too. <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2XyGHJFFqXX4ThqlO3nhL_5UqxE91q_aIK40ss1sNVSG2dREZ3GBNg4OLRZ0FG150qKGo9EJSwM8e_YTFwI-lPB_lmOTDW6TPdQj1pS5FgKQy-8QOVNVJ_GR7UlX0k9iygJiB1fT_9FI/s1600/PunisherSkull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_285452="null" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2XyGHJFFqXX4ThqlO3nhL_5UqxE91q_aIK40ss1sNVSG2dREZ3GBNg4OLRZ0FG150qKGo9EJSwM8e_YTFwI-lPB_lmOTDW6TPdQj1pS5FgKQy-8QOVNVJ_GR7UlX0k9iygJiB1fT_9FI/s320/PunisherSkull.jpg" vsa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I just need to make a chart for this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So what else is on my mind and in my queue:<br />
<ol>
<li>Cabled Canuck by Tanis Lavallee. I belong to Tanis' Year in Colour yarn club. I just received my September yarn and it is gorgeous! She provides yarn, in this case her Orange Label Cashmere/Silk Worsted (<em>yummy!</em>) and the pattern. The pattern she sent is also a lovely cabled hat but I like this one better. This hat is going to look absolutely gorgeous in the Mosaic colourway.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_TP3xmsabU2r9Ctn4RJc-cQeb6dqPpzlgAniIRq6l8bD3-RjtV4-_fTKVJ6VsJdaW-lebESh6jXvN057IJjjqAE8S4p-qmNtKc9yiNcUa5hNEbfSL6jkyAlOlU7zVuv1elNrE8lNkVMs/s1600/cabled+canuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_TP3xmsabU2r9Ctn4RJc-cQeb6dqPpzlgAniIRq6l8bD3-RjtV4-_fTKVJ6VsJdaW-lebESh6jXvN057IJjjqAE8S4p-qmNtKc9yiNcUa5hNEbfSL6jkyAlOlU7zVuv1elNrE8lNkVMs/s320/cabled+canuck.jpg" vsa="true" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Tanis Lavallee of <br />
Tanis Fiber Arts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
2. The Lonely Tree Shawl by Silia Bo Bilivia. I really like this worsted weight shawl. I imagine it wrapped around my neck in a bold, yet subdued colour that accents my grey winter coat. It also could be one of those shawls that works well wrapped around or on top of your seasonal coat. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrnTcGPFwgsa2BJTshyphenhyphenxbbJKThaq-AC0pGbDtdTL2jBf7HrG5Z1sOLmT6mSFBozbTNFo_coPpsPVhLjoE1_W2x8hA2xxKXtxEI7QqDsAOTYZfUk-oOyNNYEKONvVfdf8388R5rY206-U7/s1600/The+lonley+tree+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_285452="null" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrnTcGPFwgsa2BJTshyphenhyphenxbbJKThaq-AC0pGbDtdTL2jBf7HrG5Z1sOLmT6mSFBozbTNFo_coPpsPVhLjoE1_W2x8hA2xxKXtxEI7QqDsAOTYZfUk-oOyNNYEKONvVfdf8388R5rY206-U7/s320/The+lonley+tree+shawl.jpg" vsa="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Silivia Bo Bilivia</td></tr>
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3. Love Potion by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne. This woman designs fabulous cardigans. (She also designed my Early Evening Cardigan, known to the rest of the world as the Miss Marple Cardigan.) This looks like the kind of cardigan you could live in. Warm and snugly yet stylish and chic. I like the detail of the icord for contrast. (<em>That being said right now when I am not in the throws of knitting 2 miles of attached icord.)</em> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Nadia Cretin- Lechenne.</td></tr>
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4. Trellis by Lili Comme Tout. If I were inclined to knit a fingering weight cardigan right now, which I might be, this is the one I would make. I <em>may</em> have already ordered a sweater's worth of Hazel Knits, Entice yarn in their new Halloween colourway BooKnits (<em>a Gothic dark purple); </em>but that may just be a unseemly rumour that is being spread by my husband. I love the lace detail on the front. I love the simplicity of the design. A really dark purple seems to be my colour focus this fall. It is a good neutral for me and not too far away from my favourite blacks and greys. I'm already imagining knitting this and have decided that I will knit this as a faux cardigan- it won't really open although I will add the buttons. I think that I would wear this piece closed so as to better show off the lace detail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGj8s0Q5HvFIqYZ0YhmZjEhRjOF3xLdLc4GCXi1IDVjLzbP47S-K408On9yEtfSq7Z1WzL2ZXLjTrg_ss5s_CIiUwtFVVJpEH8BBg-yMpWpXrRdh1AXhAYgx8hU932kybD0dAaenZRNLS/s1600/trellis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_285452="null" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGj8s0Q5HvFIqYZ0YhmZjEhRjOF3xLdLc4GCXi1IDVjLzbP47S-K408On9yEtfSq7Z1WzL2ZXLjTrg_ss5s_CIiUwtFVVJpEH8BBg-yMpWpXrRdh1AXhAYgx8hU932kybD0dAaenZRNLS/s320/trellis.jpg" vsa="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Lili Comme Tout.<br />
(BTW: I love her play on words.)</td></tr>
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Just one more and because mittens are never too far from my mind...<br />
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5. Warm Hearted Mittens by Rose Hiver. I am fascinated by stranded colour work right now. I found that I really enjoyed my first pair and I am anxious to do more. As above I <em>may</em> have bought a shit load of fingering and DK weight yarns to make mittens this winter. Those who can see my stash on Ravelry- not my husband!- can see that I am becoming a bit of a hoarder for this type of yarn. I definitely see another pair of colour work mittens in my future; maybe these ones. LOVE them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Rose Hiver. <br />
Pattern can be found in newest issue of Knitty, Fall 2013, for FREE!</td></tr>
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So what are you knitting these days?Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-73399933570815772212013-09-13T04:49:00.004-07:002013-09-14T08:26:32.696-07:00It's the little thingsI have been listening to knitting podcasts lately. I don't have many friends that knit and I enjoy listening to other people chat about their projects and what's in their queue on Ravelry. I am currently listening to: <a href="http://www.doubleknit.net/" target="_blank">The Doubleknit Podcast,</a> <a href="http://www.stashandburn.com/" target="_blank">Stash and Burn</a>, and <a href="http://nevernotknitting.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Never Not Knitting</a>.<br />
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Here's my problem with listening to these podcasts: stifling my knitter's envy when they discuss their finished objects (FO). Especially while listening to the Doubleknit twins, Jessica and Erin. OMG they are both so prolific! This is not an actual transcript but this is what <strong><u>I</u></strong> hear when they talk about what they have finished. <br />
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<strong>Erin</strong>: So what have you finished since we last podcast?<br />
<strong>Jessica</strong>: Well...not much. I've been in a bit of a funk lately. So I knit a charity hat, a pair of socks, some fingerless mitts for a friend, and finished a shawl that I've had on the needles for a long time. Oh, yeah, I finished that blanket I was working on. Oh wait a minute...and that sweater. And started a new one... But that's nothing to your list. (<em>they both laugh</em>) What have you finished?<br />
<strong>Erin</strong>: Well, I've had a good month. I finished 2 pairs of socks, 7 dishcloths for Christmas gifts, 2 charity hats, a swap gift, a test knit that I can't talk about, a sweater for my daughter and a sweater for me. Oh, and I started and finished a blanket! And a Rebecca Danger monster for a kid's birthday gift. <br />
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Please tell me that I am not alone in saying "Holy Shit!" That is a lot of knitting! Add me into that imaginary conversation and we would say:<br />
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<strong>Erin & Jessica</strong>: So, Jen, what have you finish in the last 2 weeks?<br />
<strong>Jen:</strong> A hat... for a tiny baby.<br />
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I know that it is not fair to compare between knitters. Some are fast, some are slow. Some have an isolated time to knit (me) and others have all the time in the world. It took me a while but I have finally clued into the secret to having a longer list of FOs to brag about in a month... work on little things in large gauge. And knit whenever you can, even if it is for just a few stitches at a time.<br />
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A dishcloth doesn't need to be made on 2.5mm needles. Let's crank that up to 4mm needles and get this party started! Are you considering making a fingering weight long sleeved tunic? No, thank you. I'll make a DK weight scarf instead, thanks. <br />
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I <em>am</em> adding a few items to the gift basket. Albeit very, very slowly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmwOnzFCFl0ht8n7szWVNsgmHBHGmuyN_kdO9P8SqxPGg_hHQR3MhnEa7Mi0r9iG1nE4vNejOqFH7Uyk4Jnk4HguJLjR3SURgx2YxSWN_Fd_E_Ao24mLK0HNv9sdp8OgBF9SUlo2pLqTA/s1600/IMG_0716%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmwOnzFCFl0ht8n7szWVNsgmHBHGmuyN_kdO9P8SqxPGg_hHQR3MhnEa7Mi0r9iG1nE4vNejOqFH7Uyk4Jnk4HguJLjR3SURgx2YxSWN_Fd_E_Ao24mLK0HNv9sdp8OgBF9SUlo2pLqTA/s320/IMG_0716%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the actual FO & WIP list for the last month or so. Not so bad.<br />
Clockwise from left: Stripy Vanilla socks, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squall-hat" target="_blank">Squall Hat</a> (purple),<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frukttradgard" target="_blank">Frukttradgard</a> beret, 2 dishcloths,<br />
rainbow <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knotty-baby-hat" target="_blank">Knotty Baby Hat</a>.</td></tr>
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So what's next for me: In October I am planning on doing a mystery KAL for a <em><u>lace</u></em> shawl that will have over 1000 beads. WOW! That just screams speed knitting doesn't it? Oh, have I mentioned that not only have I never tried lace but I've never beaded before either. I'm jumping into the deep end with this one.<br />
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I'm not sure October is going to be the month that allows me to join the ranks of the elite knitting circle just quite yet. <br />
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But it's a process, Knitter.<br />
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-7743781892138424762013-08-08T07:47:00.003-07:002013-08-08T07:47:53.081-07:00So what'cha been doing? Me, I've been knitting!<div style="text-align: center;">
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I know that I have been away for a while but I have certainly been busy knitting. I have a stack of FOs to prove it. Some of these things I can talk about and others are gifts for pending babies of friends. For now I leave you with this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYlQ6EUU9477n2wgmajJL_rkGCydyEs1OaUpRR_hvpAdjRmDGBQcu55AS9I9qbnIcrX1jo1eDKHW9cX7ZfK-1ryJ-jkWO4Olua2l8MQcwlstE8sEQ0zR4lFLIYfjalU6DOIitHKZeAEas/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYlQ6EUU9477n2wgmajJL_rkGCydyEs1OaUpRR_hvpAdjRmDGBQcu55AS9I9qbnIcrX1jo1eDKHW9cX7ZfK-1ryJ-jkWO4Olua2l8MQcwlstE8sEQ0zR4lFLIYfjalU6DOIitHKZeAEas/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stack of FO for 2Q 2013!</td></tr>
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There is something so very satisfying about knitting for babies. The idea of a new little person wrapped in a handmade knit made of super soft wool makes me want to smile. I also love that these projects finish up so quickly. They make me feel like quite the speedy knitter.<br />
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This is another item that was not quite ready to be included in the photo above. I washed it and blocked it this morning. As you can see Howard was in a helpful mood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORhkkLhhZYz6OAlJ_hCa8cFB7U0CZ2tOs1vUpoVEY6_FOcnYRa1OfSrCxkaH9DicBbNpvX_JK3lWQQ6hlkcjh0jfg2xm9aCRr-Jbk2Xq5fVQ58Ol3NpOiqh5P8ZwafAs_sWy182Kwm0De/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORhkkLhhZYz6OAlJ_hCa8cFB7U0CZ2tOs1vUpoVEY6_FOcnYRa1OfSrCxkaH9DicBbNpvX_JK3lWQQ6hlkcjh0jfg2xm9aCRr-Jbk2Xq5fVQ58Ol3NpOiqh5P8ZwafAs_sWy182Kwm0De/s320/image.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howard is "helping" me block a new project.</td></tr>
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I also may have acquired some new wool. This is some of it below. I was thrilled to get some rogue skeins from the Hazel Knit annual sale. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAla2IpSKm_o2QeakM-wgv3r0jYy1Z6aHgZM_WFsaq-wecCiII2z3ESGHo8rIucM6vq7n4qaCyKxxt24eZ91couLvikbC7kWx2wckII1MjDgOVsgn-w7fguH7nuYvEHpuIJqQlbGhjF_T/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAla2IpSKm_o2QeakM-wgv3r0jYy1Z6aHgZM_WFsaq-wecCiII2z3ESGHo8rIucM6vq7n4qaCyKxxt24eZ91couLvikbC7kWx2wckII1MjDgOVsgn-w7fguH7nuYvEHpuIJqQlbGhjF_T/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly acquired stash on bottom from left to right:<br />
Madeline Tosh DK in depth, <br />
and 5 skeins of Hazel Knits in an assortment of<br />
artisan sock, entice, divine, and DK Lively.<br />
And the cake on top is Tanis Fiber Arts Red Label, in Papaya, <br />
a club colour for July. </td></tr>
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I do not have a plan, yet, for 3/5th of the Hazel Knits wool but I am thinking of a "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief" target="_blank">The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief</a>" by Orange Flower with the DK Lively above, in Cherry Fizz. Like this, except red:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir45840R7qxiX6n9yuygShHrnAGpFzEL2bOr1m0PzGON6CiA6YIew72XhCzMZn_QeMOMAD4GOO7PokGMXl8Sg5OrbUGo6fehePzW-YK06EvMnGOlXBfX9LOw-wxnrpJtpyqHwN9Tqcenut/s1600/The+age+of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir45840R7qxiX6n9yuygShHrnAGpFzEL2bOr1m0PzGON6CiA6YIew72XhCzMZn_QeMOMAD4GOO7PokGMXl8Sg5OrbUGo6fehePzW-YK06EvMnGOlXBfX9LOw-wxnrpJtpyqHwN9Tqcenut/s320/The+age+of.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of: sketchbook on Ravelry.</td></tr>
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The Madeline Tosh DK is a for a sweater for Finn. This is the third batch of wool that I have ordered for his Royal Highness and have finally got it right- to both of our satisfaction. The first time I had the wrong colour. The second time I had the right colour and swatched for my project and found that it was the complete wrong gauge. Crap! Third time is the charm! My fingers are crossed.<br />
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Until this recent bout of yarn purchasing I had been doing very well on working primarily from the stash. But my second quarter stats are not all that bad. <br />
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<strong>2Q 2013 Stats</strong><br />
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Stash: 66,935 yd<br />
Traded/sold/given away (to date): 19,096 yd<br />
FO: 4<br />
WIP: 6Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-9323439348674929692013-08-04T09:15:00.002-07:002013-08-04T09:15:27.035-07:00The Left Hand knowing what the Right Hand is doingIt started with a knitter wanting to make a nice pair of mittens for her sister for her birthday. <br />
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But then it became a <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2013/04/the-birthday-mitten.html" target="_blank">story</a>. (<em>A Tale of Two Mittens?)</em> There was drama and tears.<br />
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Now it is a war. <br />
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I post a picture of completed LH Mitten in my backyard. She immediately counters with RH mitten at Mossiac Stadium. Okay. Point RH.<br />
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So that's how it's going to be. Alright. <strong>Game on</strong>.<br />
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She posts pictures of RH mitten at California Adventure Park in Anaheim. I post pictures of LH mitten in her house doing naughty things. She gets points for travel and I get points for creativity. And for touching her stuff. Draw.<br />
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Both mittens called a draw and went for lunch. They were hungry.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB0aPY1z19eM6k60iJTMVyAifHMpGiKrAf04FHTYwKBMd1Ik6vPf9wEwDjc0OOdkuJ3D5Kw1H7ZmC7nioN8NMD65eon850ag16xmpS9xOSk3kU0mRnmS4xMr4WL8qzc6iyW5bYxGM6Fzk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB0aPY1z19eM6k60iJTMVyAifHMpGiKrAf04FHTYwKBMd1Ik6vPf9wEwDjc0OOdkuJ3D5Kw1H7ZmC7nioN8NMD65eon850ag16xmpS9xOSk3kU0mRnmS4xMr4WL8qzc6iyW5bYxGM6Fzk/s320/image.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!</td></tr>
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It was a brief and peaceful détente. And then that silly RH mitten snuck into my van and left me a present... and a rude note. (See<a href="http://www.thevirdenenabeler.blogspot.ca/2013/06/knock-knock-mother.html" target="_blank"> here for explanation</a>.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheAGp2Z7Ov_dPM7c3e99JVlK92wxwQaKhvu4mh6auLHg_f9qTKlrjZDZaoBjVOD2ZSKyy7QaPB3eoad9uudzk2_VP99w26kj_He3DM3JYxxR8RI-kJVMatAqILFEKjce8tBtzk_Wj8G3m/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheAGp2Z7Ov_dPM7c3e99JVlK92wxwQaKhvu4mh6auLHg_f9qTKlrjZDZaoBjVOD2ZSKyy7QaPB3eoad9uudzk2_VP99w26kj_He3DM3JYxxR8RI-kJVMatAqILFEKjce8tBtzk_Wj8G3m/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveUzNbZsdGRM5FL_els_j-bD9YdOYKfB0dTRCO9-l1gDhk8kWqHW5ARIyoKVISirtAEBvh_E-mhZumABtlQ8LVe4LpJ2xvg4LVXyY60mjSlh3urmDmTsH6ipAMSiSWcxdX5rQnMDycpBy/s1024/Virden-20130628-00319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgveUzNbZsdGRM5FL_els_j-bD9YdOYKfB0dTRCO9-l1gDhk8kWqHW5ARIyoKVISirtAEBvh_E-mhZumABtlQ8LVe4LpJ2xvg4LVXyY60mjSlh3urmDmTsH6ipAMSiSWcxdX5rQnMDycpBy/s320/Virden-20130628-00319.jpg" width="320" xya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knock, Knock Mother Fucker, Indeed.</td></tr>
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<br />
She gets extra points for sneakiness AND a hilarious literary reference. In my book that <em>always</em> gets bonus points.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hmmm, how is a LH to respond? Any suggestions?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about this? <br />
If for no other reason than I was the only<br />
person in all of San Diego, in July, <br />
wearing a wool mitten.</td></tr>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-50181579612704794672013-06-12T20:09:00.002-07:002013-06-12T20:09:39.626-07:00Thank You Denise But it is Time to Move OnI have been knitting my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/caramel" target="_blank">Deep and Unrelenting Caramel</a> for what seems to me about 5 months now. In reality it has only been 2 months but it seems <em>soooo</em> much longer. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5BRxlx0LOhS32R5R6LWIzy6riVIOb6rV1_W_u551acMSI2diiqA_-wZ6VKokwB4QvMDPwM3hZDEY7jkJhgvi1SnXqyp6D2sbYf24roMQOv8EULcljp6IaCoKLVqXi4z3e6eV09uOJ00V/s1600/image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5BRxlx0LOhS32R5R6LWIzy6riVIOb6rV1_W_u551acMSI2diiqA_-wZ6VKokwB4QvMDPwM3hZDEY7jkJhgvi1SnXqyp6D2sbYf24roMQOv8EULcljp6IaCoKLVqXi4z3e6eV09uOJ00V/s320/image_medium2.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might this be my first sweater <br />
that fits me properly? <br />
So far so good.</td></tr>
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And why does it seem like it is taking forever? This top-down open cardigan is knit in one piece, which makes for some very long rows. I've separated for the sleeves and now I am well under each arm but each row is still taking me about 20-30 minutes to knit. Yes, you read that correct... 20 to 30 minutes PER ROW. <em>OMG this sweater is going to take forever to knit!</em><br />
<br />
Part of the problem is that I am a slow knitter and I don't have a lot of time to knit each day; I consider myself lucky if I get 30 minutes a day to devote to knitting. And, as I said, the rows are very long. (I'm a thrower not a picker.) But I think that this is only part of my issue. I think I really need to change needles.<br />
<br />
Let me explain:<br />
<br />
When I first started knitting I bought the best set of needles that I could both find and afford. I didn't have much choice at my LYS but I was very happy with my purchase of a set of plastic circular Denise Interchangeable Needles. I recall that they cost me about $75. I have used these needles over and over again for many years now. And until now I have never had any complaint.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJVQXTYpCOuEYH7fHhlmKKJh5JBR0_b8rsnVJ7XG4swlay7TFXLlcoyx7T5IXn5HxBpjnF0YDcKUjONvVrSyJKGdUNJkTyBGLbjFN5SQgI2UJU4YDBs4obxEaLFXXg02SaNt7bQrfI-jb/s1600/pink-kit-081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJVQXTYpCOuEYH7fHhlmKKJh5JBR0_b8rsnVJ7XG4swlay7TFXLlcoyx7T5IXn5HxBpjnF0YDcKUjONvVrSyJKGdUNJkTyBGLbjFN5SQgI2UJU4YDBs4obxEaLFXXg02SaNt7bQrfI-jb/s320/pink-kit-081.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.knitdenise.com/pages/about-denise#knitting" target="_blank">Denise Interchangeable</a></td></tr>
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I'm not sure when it started but I recently started noticing things that I didn't like about these same needles that I had used a hundred times before: the flexibility and dullness of the tips and my current issue- the thickness and stickiness of the cord.<br />
<br />
I think that plastic needles are absolutely fabulous for a new knitter. They do exactly what you need them to do: hold your stitches in place very securely as you fumble your way around the needles. At some point along the way I transitioned from needing my stitches held where I left them to wanting them to slip and slide along faster.<br />
<br />
One of my favourite Canadian knit bloggers, <a href="http://www.misocraftyknits.com/" target="_blank">Miso Crafty Knits</a>, did a series of reviews of needles recently. (H<a href="http://www.misocraftyknits.com/2013/04/knitterly-things-signature-needle-arts.html" target="_blank">ere</a>, <a href="http://www.misocraftyknits.com/2013/03/knitterly-things-denise-interchangeable.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.misocraftyknits.com/2013/03/knitterly-things-knit-picks-options.html" target="_blank">here</a>) I found her reviews very thorough and thoughtful and this really got me thinking about what needles I use and why. <br />
<br />
So today I made the leap. I splurged and bought myself a new set of addi-turbo click Lace-Long tips. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEoiteh8IftaEGrYJ5g_Jc_Ra3fls_KRnErpxvEzNBY6jO_R397ExuLVeL84NUfSU9ArnVrCbDW3rdLLsRjwEDJtXkQOAR0Fn7XOhzEfNBktwFxOl7Wlj4WmHCTEo30OeKGvpGCy-25ct/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEoiteh8IftaEGrYJ5g_Jc_Ra3fls_KRnErpxvEzNBY6jO_R397ExuLVeL84NUfSU9ArnVrCbDW3rdLLsRjwEDJtXkQOAR0Fn7XOhzEfNBktwFxOl7Wlj4WmHCTEo30OeKGvpGCy-25ct/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OOOH, aren't they pretty?</td></tr>
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<br />
They are circular interchangeable needles with long, sharp tips. The cords come in a variety of sizes and are of small diameter, even as compared to the smallest needles in the set. The cords are also very flexible. I am very happy with my purchase!<br />
<br />
Now let's see if they help me move any faster on my sweater!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybxGQms4fFIyxery-phgN7yiwY6I4tEh4__y7NRk_z5Y7osvWfr6e446Li3J42-ywPDN8oAnCHjfcKldMfhztXsNx1WW9NmZ2yW9_QEGCg4uapWqDQjqkUykwBJ7VXlXMWreHNMqpvqP7/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybxGQms4fFIyxery-phgN7yiwY6I4tEh4__y7NRk_z5Y7osvWfr6e446Li3J42-ywPDN8oAnCHjfcKldMfhztXsNx1WW9NmZ2yW9_QEGCg4uapWqDQjqkUykwBJ7VXlXMWreHNMqpvqP7/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The changing of the guard.</td></tr>
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It's a process, knitter.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-57067289371607632972013-05-26T09:50:00.001-07:002013-05-26T09:50:15.869-07:00A bad case of quickly changing knitting prioritiesI've been planning my next <strike>hundred</strike> couple projects even though a have a few (<em>only 5</em>) projects on the needles already. I have found a <strike>hundred</strike> few new projects that really excite me and I am ... ahem, sorry, I seem to have a bad case of queue-itis (<em>it is so a word</em>) right now. <br />
<br />
Apparently, I am not one to have my queue set in stone. I would think that I would be a seasonal knitter. Coming into the summer months I am trying to look at smaller projects, like socks and mittens, but my attention keeps coming back to the sweaters. The voice in my head whispers that I could quite realistically have one or maybe two of the items on my queue done before fall. I am trying to be assertive when I tell her to shut up and to focus on our current WIP but still my eyes wander.<br />
<br />
If I want to have my knitting priorities to be set in stone I had REALLY better stop looking at new knitting publications and on Ravelry. <br />
Here's what's on my mind and in my queue these days:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/component/content/article/130-shop/spring-summer-2013-patterns/1416-pont-neuf-by-emily-wessel" target="_blank">Pont Neuf, design by Emily Wessel and found in Twist Collective Spring/Summer 2013</a>. I LOVE this sweater!! I am not usually one to choose such a fitted and feminine sweater (<em>never mind the buttons, eek</em>) but this one is gorgeous. You had me at the lace front panel and my heart was stuck at the 3/4 length sleeves. I love the cheeky and peek lace. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8t9Qy-66lFqQU5Uea9eUmOb5LLXPNTIh7vBSSe-l0PKOvOOAS1f1AXn_7cXfS9VZ7HXzJArqMrit1GrDBip9TRIcErS4HGP_s4ktmKE0w7MPJRShHdu8Ub8XaEj28Ko99KBfSzTaxXlJ/s1600/pontneuf_220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8t9Qy-66lFqQU5Uea9eUmOb5LLXPNTIh7vBSSe-l0PKOvOOAS1f1AXn_7cXfS9VZ7HXzJArqMrit1GrDBip9TRIcErS4HGP_s4ktmKE0w7MPJRShHdu8Ub8XaEj28Ko99KBfSzTaxXlJ/s1600/pontneuf_220.jpg" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Twist collective spring/summer 2013</td></tr>
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<br />
2. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/robin-14" target="_blank">Robin, design by Josee Paquin, published in UandIKnit and downloadable on Ravelry</a> . This is much more my style. I could wear this with everything I own! It is a loose fitting and comfortable sweatshirt style sweater with details that allow you to hint at some shape underneath. I love the ballet neckline and the scoop in the back that will cover my bottom. I am also really drawn to stripes right now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy8mcygarZ2vBiwb9YuJhRRC7_EELCsNcwPRlZz4-zzoh5Q-GLQmeEfs_0CrebaZINuUG2lUTsZhjFZvQaeN4pfpZ30dx7hvKvnWQ9vSVqwbNgjJhCjHVDQ4hUYlqGgakQkvF4_C1JXJY/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy8mcygarZ2vBiwb9YuJhRRC7_EELCsNcwPRlZz4-zzoh5Q-GLQmeEfs_0CrebaZINuUG2lUTsZhjFZvQaeN4pfpZ30dx7hvKvnWQ9vSVqwbNgjJhCjHVDQ4hUYlqGgakQkvF4_C1JXJY/s320/Robin.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Josee Paquin, Ravelry</td></tr>
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3. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/humboldt-raglan" target="_blank">Humbolt Raglan, design by Alexandra Virgiel and found in Knitscene Spring 2013</a>. Again much more my style. This is a simple sweater with a lovely lace detailing on the front that allows for that flirty peek of lace camisole beneath. I have bought the yarn already for this one already as it immediately jumped to the head of my queue right after I bought this magazine. I bought Berroco Vintage, DK, in a hot pink. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nAq5wZLNXTp4OYt9gpIHlsuveWZeVVGGg_wb8rJa6qITlQs2j-e3cYHKyACtpNAyv2gaHwRyP6i2o6kRN26hKg1JYs4hjW4ApzJjLl4IaymVqpD1B5iicnniXiN2m_mexpPxWGNoXEJw/s1600/knitscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nAq5wZLNXTp4OYt9gpIHlsuveWZeVVGGg_wb8rJa6qITlQs2j-e3cYHKyACtpNAyv2gaHwRyP6i2o6kRN26hKg1JYs4hjW4ApzJjLl4IaymVqpD1B5iicnniXiN2m_mexpPxWGNoXEJw/s320/knitscene.jpg" width="213" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Knitscene Magazine</td></tr>
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and just one more: </div>
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4. Maybe this will be the next <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2013/04/the-birthday-mitten.html" target="_blank">Birthday Mitten</a> for my sister. These are the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/how-cold-is-it" target="_blank">How Cold Is It? mittens, designed by Drunk Girl Designs</a> and available on Ravelry and on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150591678/how-cold-is-it-blue-white-humorous?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">here on Etsy.com</a>. These are fabulous, hilarious, and crude. Just like me... and my sister. So perfect all around. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYQG_1vlkURTcy1iI8G8VVqh0rkn7FfEb4TR3FecNufJced3rH80IIyvQhnn8IMtpaF0dUcQapuES5q7x6Io2p-lyUG4XtbLmKOLu4TDVTYo6Qn70Hi4w48PYJpGi8bvO2rMIUr7DtHzv/s1600/how+cold+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYQG_1vlkURTcy1iI8G8VVqh0rkn7FfEb4TR3FecNufJced3rH80IIyvQhnn8IMtpaF0dUcQapuES5q7x6Io2p-lyUG4XtbLmKOLu4TDVTYo6Qn70Hi4w48PYJpGi8bvO2rMIUr7DtHzv/s320/how+cold+2.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Drunk Girls Designs</td></tr>
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What's in your queue right now? Are you a seasonal knitter?</div>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-55645950749788849382013-04-14T10:02:00.001-07:002013-04-14T10:02:17.143-07:00But for the yarn-overs...A while back (November , I believe) I told you about a cardigan that I have been working on. The Lady Marple sweater or as I call it my <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/11/early-evening-cardigan.html" target="_blank">Early Evening Cardigan</a>. When it is complete it should look like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3cytC_LtO0csCRWnJgCThouscRTxllurOuLh9ROaODBsP3Ahyphenhyphents1RFKWJkJ7_gWnHv6YSwfIwh0UNHKdI1fBi2BRHqpxrmgjAnov-3O2md9baHqyC0DraH2EsBxXZhV8u_Lf8M0ZOvhA/s1600/Miss+marple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3cytC_LtO0csCRWnJgCThouscRTxllurOuLh9ROaODBsP3Ahyphenhyphents1RFKWJkJ7_gWnHv6YSwfIwh0UNHKdI1fBi2BRHqpxrmgjAnov-3O2md9baHqyC0DraH2EsBxXZhV8u_Lf8M0ZOvhA/s320/Miss+marple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lady-marple" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc3300;">Lady Marple Sweater</span></a>, by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne <br />
Picture © Nadia Crétin-Léchenne</td></tr>
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Mine currently looks like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MNGoHBS3M5xRphsM09kevtqTfQGDFByfHQ79LUBqr3FzlXX0I_UUL_xh4BiCvbGhcAc3oSob08nX4wln3aQNQ8yq_3oayeCfO6WX50SfQBPOpqU8im2adqL9-fizHiu396f0CHICeoCm/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MNGoHBS3M5xRphsM09kevtqTfQGDFByfHQ79LUBqr3FzlXX0I_UUL_xh4BiCvbGhcAc3oSob08nX4wln3aQNQ8yq_3oayeCfO6WX50SfQBPOpqU8im2adqL9-fizHiu396f0CHICeoCm/s320/image.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe a blocking will help...</td></tr>
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The body of this sweater went together quite quickly. I actually knit all of this in less than 2 weeks. I was starting to think that I could be one of those knitters that slams out a whole adult sized sweater in less than a month. (Provided I use worsted weight wool, larger needles and have a lot of time to sit and knit.) I looked at this body and thought to myself that I had only 2 sleeves and a button band and collar left to go! Oh baby, home stretch! Right?</div>
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Right? So why didn't I continue on my hot streak and just finish? Because something wasn't right. But I couldn't quite put my finger on it right away.<br />
<br />
I started looking at my sweater and comparing it to those Ravelry completed by other knitters. I liked theirs better but could not figure out why mine seemed... lacking. <br />
<br />
Was it the colour or yarn? No, I still liked both. Although I was a little nervous now about this yarn pilling under the arms after having read some reviews. I was concerned but it wasn't a deal breaker.<br />
<br />
Was it the waist shaping? No, I don't think so. I ultimately decide to put in waist shaping despite the knowledge that my own shape has none. I figured that it really was slight shaping and maybe it would help me look like I have a shape. No big deal.<br />
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It was the cables. Specifically the yarn overs. Look at the pictures at the very top of this blog. Her sweater has beautiful cables with big open peeky holes. Mine have to be stretched to be seen. EXCEPT over a couple of rows, notably the left breast, where I must have forgotten what I was doing and completed a proper yarn over, completely by accident. Crap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnGa8gCsl3h-UrO7nOmBjjB0K_eMlTLAJtFwgI3gFc_kQ1QoBnuNYV1wk2CCJs5WADqAquL49y9NMWDApKdjIheo10XR8KgzwWIj5YwTHbmpEVrVpWi1bL_VnvWQGgREdhQnOPzAd45TG/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnGa8gCsl3h-UrO7nOmBjjB0K_eMlTLAJtFwgI3gFc_kQ1QoBnuNYV1wk2CCJs5WADqAquL49y9NMWDApKdjIheo10XR8KgzwWIj5YwTHbmpEVrVpWi1bL_VnvWQGgREdhQnOPzAd45TG/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I have put a white sheet of paper under the cables as contrast <br />
so that you can see how open my yarn over are NOT!</td></tr>
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So, what do I do now? Well, I am blocking it now but shy of physically opening and stretching each yarn over individually they are going to stay as they are right now. The cables still look nice but just not as I had wanted them to look.<br />
<br />
As I have discussed <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/08/im-process-knitter-and-that-is-okay.html" target="_blank">time</a> and <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-joy-of-practically-matching-socks.html" target="_blank">time</a> again I am a process knitter and, as such, I <i><u>really</u></i> do not see myself ripping this whole sweater to start again. And if I am not prepared to rip it back then I have to be happy with it as it is now. But in my mind it isn't the same sweater. ARGG!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Please leave me a comment to tell me what YOU would do?</strong></span><br />
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In the mean time, I think I may take this an oppotunity to start a new sweater... while the jury is out. <br />
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-14032493730612103762013-04-10T16:10:00.003-07:002013-04-10T17:13:43.118-07:00The Birthday Mitten<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gather'round y'all. It's time for another story. This is the story of ...<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">The Birthday Mitten</span></em></strong>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35pcVGSsB6-xg-zt6TJFCXISm51mdn2tQ-TWJ2RkMl9W0cdj8usW1a_wKqmxk_IUOjv8u7-pgS2YgZ4dDHl_og4lc5QCwTyil3gZcUU38vvCeKq6-4SHyeLH3qfCFrOQUSDr8ayvkxBqQ/s1600/SAM_2173_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35pcVGSsB6-xg-zt6TJFCXISm51mdn2tQ-TWJ2RkMl9W0cdj8usW1a_wKqmxk_IUOjv8u7-pgS2YgZ4dDHl_og4lc5QCwTyil3gZcUU38vvCeKq6-4SHyeLH3qfCFrOQUSDr8ayvkxBqQ/s320/SAM_2173_medium2.jpg" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">RH: top of hand</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_CoGt8gUrjMIDrg6m-IgewW7QpVc-i-OHdB5yTsxMjZC98GVW2yhLfd7tT2cWtqk7hQJGTkVnLD9Ra7XPk5ehK3FkrIFss1qd7uV68vrAvlUvDE7ZF-m99xnNNsIHLU64-ZoYunBuJnu/s1600/inside+mitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_CoGt8gUrjMIDrg6m-IgewW7QpVc-i-OHdB5yTsxMjZC98GVW2yhLfd7tT2cWtqk7hQJGTkVnLD9Ra7XPk5ehK3FkrIFss1qd7uV68vrAvlUvDE7ZF-m99xnNNsIHLU64-ZoYunBuJnu/s320/inside+mitt.jpg" width="179" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">RH: palm side</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Behold Heather's birthday mitten. This is a </span><a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/snowfling_kits.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snowfling Mitts, designed by Tanis Lavallee</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I love this pattern!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is a family joke that I have an odd way of routinely forgetting my sister's birthday. Well, not the birth-DAY, per se, that I almost always remember. What I forget is whether I have sent a gift or card to congratulate or celebrate the occasion. <em>That</em> I often forget. And it is for this reason that Heather may get one or as many as three birthday cards and/or gifts from me anytime during the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My process is that I buy gifts throughout the year. If I am out shopping in August and see a perfect gift for my sister's March birthday I typically buy it right away. My problem is sometimes I tuck the item away in my box of future gifts to be pulled out in time for her special day and sometimes I am too excited and send the item in the mail right away. My challenge is to remembering what I did with the item or remembering that I bought it in the first place. A smart person would write this stuff down but alas...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My sister has benefited greatly from my forgetfulness on this front for several years now. Having an early March birthday I have often bought her an extra special Christmas gift and called it a joint Christmas-Birthday gift. I gently remind her that she will not get another gift from me in March. (<em>At this she smiles knowingly.)</em> And then I'll send her a card with a cheque in March. And another one in June; for this one I'll be panicking and full of apology that I had forgot the whole thing in March. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My sister always reminds me, after the second or third gift or card, that I had sent the other items. She calls me a dumbass, I agree, I say that I am going to write this stuff down better next year, she scoffs and we laugh about it all. Typical sister stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With all the background above you can perhaps understand why I was so amused that my sister had occasion to forget MY birthday last year. <em>(Ahem, I'm a December birthday, in case you care.) </em>It was a benchmark birthday for me too. But we had a busy Christmas season where we did not get to see each other throughout the holidays and, in fact, my family had gone away for 2 weeks. So it was deep into January before I had even noticed that she hadn't wished me happy birthday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No way was I going to remind her! This was too good of an opportunity. I was going to wait for her to remember and have this as ammunition to tease her- <em><strong>forever</strong></em>- that she had forgotten my birthday. At least I forget by sending too many gifts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I called her in late January to ask her what her eldest son would like for his birthday when it suddenly pops into her brain that she had forgotten MY birthday. Our conversation went something like this:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Heather</em>: ... You could probably send Q some cash, if you wanted, he is saving up for a...OMG! I forgot <span style="font-size: large;">to send you A</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">BIRTHDAY CARD! I FORGOT YOUR 40TH BIRTHDAY! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Me:</em> So cash for Q? Yeah, I can do that. And I know.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Heather:</em> Did you hear me? I forgot to send you a birthday card. I'm so sorry!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Me:</em> That's okay. Your birthday is coming up soon. As payback I'll forget your birthday on purpose this year.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Heather</em>: Don't you do that every year?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Me:</em> Funny. I do NOT do that on purpose. Just for that you are getting a bag of rocks for your birthday this year! I'm going to write it down too. Better yet, I'll send you a bag of rocks and only ONE of the mittens that I made for you!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Heather</em>: (<em>laughing</em>) Sure, send the rocks, I'll use them in my garden. And I'm not worried about the mitten. You'll just forget and send me the second one in June anyways.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Touche. But with that simple silly conversation it was settled. This year she was getting one mitten- and one mitten only. I sensed a birthday tradition in the making here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I quickly found a pattern that looked fun, ordered the kit and away I went. The knitting part was easy. It is <em>easy</em> to only knit one mitten- the tough part is making a pair of anything! So it was ready in time for her birthday but I carried it around for a few extra days just to tease her a while longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had her card, with a cheque which was the real gift, and her mitten all ready to go. (I left the rocks out.) I went to the post office and bought an Express Post envelope for $11. We, unfortunately, live in different cities but I wanted her to get the package quickly. I bought the envelope and was filling out the address portion when I got distracted by a conversation beside me. I double checked that the addresses were written correct and popped it in the mail. Satisfied that Heather would not be so smug this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I giddily sent my sister a taunting text about watching her mail the next day. That I hoped it would be cold that week as she would soon have something to keep her warm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I should have just kept my big mouth closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The next day I went to pick up my mail. I was absently wondering if Heather had gotten her package yet. I giggled to myself imagining her reaction to her one mitten. I was chuckling when I opened my post office box and saw an Express post envelope. I got excited for a moment. MAIL! I love getting mail! But that looks just like... <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>the envelope I sent my sister yesterday</strong>! </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">FFS! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, of course, it was. CRAP! I had accidentally put my own address in the TO spot (thankyouverymuch Canada Post for putting that conveniently in the spot where the rest of the world puts their FROM addresses) and Heather's in the FROM. I was cussing as I spend <em>another</em> $11 to buy <em>another</em> Express Post envelope to resend the package. This time I paid very close attention to the addresses. Lesson learned.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I texted my sister to tell her to not to bother checking her mail that day. I told her that I had accidentally sent the package to myself. She howled laughing. I could hear her crying through her snorts of laughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I guess I had the last laugh because she didn't laugh so hard the next day when she got only one beautiful right handed mitten in the mail the next day! She called right away to thank me and to exclaim over her one beautiful mitten.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Heather: </em>I love it! But I thought you were joking about only sending one.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Me</em>: Nope. Enjoy that one. It is too expensive to send them in the mail.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Heather</em>: They are a lot less expensive to send if you don't send them to yourself first!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Me:</em> Be nice. See if I send you 2 or 3 more birthday presents this year!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Heather: (howling again)</em> They'll certainly be easier to keep track of if you send them to yourself every time first!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia;"><em>Me:</em> Fuck off.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">And <strong>that,</strong> right there folks<strong>,</strong> is why my sister is going to get only one birthday mitten per year for the rest of her life. Only right handed ones too.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's a process, Knitter.</span>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-28897454055651406382013-04-08T09:59:00.004-07:002013-04-08T09:59:40.946-07:00Knitting Infinity<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've actually finished quite a few projects so far this year. Yeah, me! My focus in Q1 has been small projects- they make me feel like a super fast and productive knitter. I have finished my Guernsey Wrap, 2 baby sweaters, 3 hats and 1.5 colourwork mittens*. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZKT5JyB1IxlWUrX69J8H7VbOQfAjPl24Qpbo_auAwDJwXzqofLVAcHQFhlvFR8wZ9AlMDvJHaUnw79qEO6oTj3fgV-FC92pTOxHDsSFTi5cMhEKNMwRnUKUyQzW5PzoDNmytDMHjhzm6/s1600/FO+2013-+1Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZKT5JyB1IxlWUrX69J8H7VbOQfAjPl24Qpbo_auAwDJwXzqofLVAcHQFhlvFR8wZ9AlMDvJHaUnw79qEO6oTj3fgV-FC92pTOxHDsSFTi5cMhEKNMwRnUKUyQzW5PzoDNmytDMHjhzm6/s320/FO+2013-+1Q.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FO 2013, 1Q</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have several friends or family members who are having babies this year and I wanted to make them something special. I enjoy sending a handmade gift, when I can. I also don't mind knitting a few baby sweaters to tuck away for a later date. Rather than having to knit under a deadline because in my limited experience that doesn't end well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKri-CZzTHubEMzDX5gcY_v7V91yEuGnuF-jsjladTiHRbTkz2Ku8tSc2oy4BIcHzlnSP2ART8yrYDjOY_L-whd4xsltevpjCrZUd3dauzvsYMrMOsrqoAB3WqOdZW3YeLooxZoSBg4Xl-/s1600/Baby+sweaters+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKri-CZzTHubEMzDX5gcY_v7V91yEuGnuF-jsjladTiHRbTkz2Ku8tSc2oy4BIcHzlnSP2ART8yrYDjOY_L-whd4xsltevpjCrZUd3dauzvsYMrMOsrqoAB3WqOdZW3YeLooxZoSBg4Xl-/s320/Baby+sweaters+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In addition to the ones above I also started a lovely baby sweater for the new baby of a past co-worker. I chose to knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/05-babys-hooded-sweater" target="_blank">Baby's Hooded Sweater</a>, by Debbie Bliss, from the Fall Winter 2012 Debbie Bliss Magazine. The sweater looked to be an easy enough knit but looked fancy because of the cables. I also thought that a cabled sweater would fit longer than a regular sweater seeing that the cables would give the sweater some significant stretch. I planned to make this sweater without the hood to save time and yardage.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU5wEzPISoWOvjdrpL0T-V2qOPMKBrOrzSKjNrXAm2-xVwqkpZPBTkgu62wupOPLfe31459AKqZgwxDU5B7TYKrs02l-rewyyeaKN2LJLGwgqw4F8JdLRsVItS8pxTlXvyheuT-l0CZEc/s1600/d6086de322f98f66cc694f32ea284557_M_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU5wEzPISoWOvjdrpL0T-V2qOPMKBrOrzSKjNrXAm2-xVwqkpZPBTkgu62wupOPLfe31459AKqZgwxDU5B7TYKrs02l-rewyyeaKN2LJLGwgqw4F8JdLRsVItS8pxTlXvyheuT-l0CZEc/s320/d6086de322f98f66cc694f32ea284557_M_medium.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture copyright and courtesy of Debbie Bliss Magazine</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In early March I finally got around to selecting yarn and had fussed around a long time trying to pick a fairly gender neutral colour from my stash. I ended up selecting a colourway called Cove, in Madeline Tosh Sport. This is a lovely neutral colour that reminds me of rocky shoreline along a clear water lake. Think shades of brown with hints of blue and green. It isn't a classic baby sweater colour but I've always enjoyed non-classic choices, especially for babies. I thought that it would work well for either gender with a cute little pair of jeans.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></div>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NTjjKMP_MPvPYlCErYKTR_fCu4ECUVWcLaS9pKJLvebL3HJWA66RQOEWczC2StOZvNM3S0rosMuYo501-wMwx_Qc_nKneTo2o-LZ7dYtA8CLt4siJdYlCtMgARmt2M0YfagubLk7rs1V/s1600/SAM_2109_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NTjjKMP_MPvPYlCErYKTR_fCu4ECUVWcLaS9pKJLvebL3HJWA66RQOEWczC2StOZvNM3S0rosMuYo501-wMwx_Qc_nKneTo2o-LZ7dYtA8CLt4siJdYlCtMgARmt2M0YfagubLk7rs1V/s320/SAM_2109_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madeline Tosh Sport, in Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of deadlines... I thought the baby was due in late March, early April and figured that I was doing well to have cast on by March 8th. Well, of course their beautiful baby girl was born on March 9th. <em>(Of course she was!)</em> I hadn't even finished the cuff of the first sleeve and had lost my cable needle twice so far. Crap. </span></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have knit what seems like 100 hours on this little sweater and have completed one sleeve, started the second and the full back. This is one of those infinity knitting projects that can drive a girl to drink caffeinated beverages so that she can stay up later for <em>JUST ONE MORE REPEAT</em>. You know the type: you knit for 2 hours, measure and have 3" of knitting complete. Ok, Good. You knit for another 2 hours, measure and find that you <em>still </em> have 3" of knitting complete. WHAT?! ARGGG! You can stretch and pull but the cables shrink right back up to 3" no matter how you tug. (You just wait... this little shrinky dink 6-9 month sweater is going to be a size 4T once I have it wet blocked!)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am the first to admit that I am process knitter but there must be a small amount of product knitter tucked inside me I needed to feel like I was making progress at something!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Oh well, back to my infinity knitting. This project is not going to make no progress without me... or, wait a minute, maybe it will. :) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's a process, Knitter! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Yarn details: Q1 2013</strong></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">FO: 7</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">WIP: 6</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yardage: 58,049</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yardage traded, sold or given away (to date): 17,676**</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">FOOTNOTE:</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">* I'll tell this story soon.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** I have recently given away a large bit of stash (7,658 Yards) of Bernat Satin Solids and Red Heart Soft Touch yarns. This is deep stash stuff and yarn that I am, clearly, never going to use. I donated all of this yarn to one of the Seniors home in my town. I hope many grandchildren or great-grandchild benefit from this gift. </span></div>
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Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-8211943980132607232013-04-06T06:16:00.001-07:002013-04-07T08:24:36.349-07:00Um, I slipped? So much for destashing.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT_sT9LoTelZDFXERz2kOLpLhrJ-Q7h95yGx3awNjRSRoPrQpORMxhEct4iNWXEGVbLnGhzH9iaB7dPkSZlL8CKdwijO4Xxi9urCIDVCmdMbn-55KrX5dKJypAW-HhueIr4I8coNjTdIZ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT_sT9LoTelZDFXERz2kOLpLhrJ-Q7h95yGx3awNjRSRoPrQpORMxhEct4iNWXEGVbLnGhzH9iaB7dPkSZlL8CKdwijO4Xxi9urCIDVCmdMbn-55KrX5dKJypAW-HhueIr4I8coNjTdIZ/s400/image.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back off and get your own sandwich!</td></tr>
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In my own defence, it is not MY fault that Knit Picks had a sale. (Eeeeeeeeeee!) And who am I to turn down such a delicious selection of affordable yarn? And all of the above yarn cost only $100, including shipping! So<i> back off and get your own sandwich!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>I'll be back soon to tell you what I plan to make with this haul and to show you the stack of knits I have made this winter.<br />
<br />
Until then, you can enjoy the above pre-recorded picture of my new yarn. Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-12907563352051892212013-01-16T20:13:00.000-08:002013-01-16T20:13:00.542-08:00In SUPPORT of Winter v.2.0<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We get a whole lot of winter around these parts and
typically that means snow, cold, short days, and a whole lot of layers to stay
warm. Last year we had a very mild winter with very little snow. That’s why,
with the return to normal seasonal weather, so many people are complaining. We
turned into wussies very quickly. For shame!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyO6ekNGBA6rkA7NPSGk_EN6e927DHJZolVoX_yCnVvdXWXpGx0br-lp8yuj1iJx3V3Wp4xEx4ug4X9JQQJy8-Xkj7aPvsn7tBw8QfG-dd6ANN13wDyQ3tKKO2vLJ9rzmVaBsgg6tMFTa/s1600/SAM_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyO6ekNGBA6rkA7NPSGk_EN6e927DHJZolVoX_yCnVvdXWXpGx0br-lp8yuj1iJx3V3Wp4xEx4ug4X9JQQJy8-Xkj7aPvsn7tBw8QfG-dd6ANN13wDyQ3tKKO2vLJ9rzmVaBsgg6tMFTa/s320/SAM_2089.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Help, my eyes are frozen open!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what is a girl and her good Canadian family to do when
the nights are long and cold? Go outside anyways? Yes, of course, but what
else? Knit? Great idea! And what should I be knitting.... things to keep us
warm when we go outside. The problem is that I have 5 people to knit winter
woollies for (including myself) and I cannot possibly knit fast enough to keep
everyone warm on the same year or before items get discarded, out grown or lost.
This is a serious problem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I get an idea to knit my kids simple mittens. But after knitting 3
full pairs someone mentions that “they are awfully thin, Mom. And cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And make your hands all sore and chapped when
they get wet. And maybe<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> I lost
one at school or in the van butitsnotmyfault.” </span>The last part was said as
a mumble under the breath hoping that I wouldn’t hear.<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>So no
one wears the mittens. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGBj6nQIBbQy_RnRDbRtViKTmxBbkfbhVDQmdcNiB3agSLnJU5JN3KzSQ5mcpoQzoEvSM1rmzAQh15E88Q2QJgvz7l5QP6qkm2vq6oPJZ9VunLepblDRqTdqObwk5r8za2gTdjBkyTg-K/s1600/mittens+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGBj6nQIBbQy_RnRDbRtViKTmxBbkfbhVDQmdcNiB3agSLnJU5JN3KzSQ5mcpoQzoEvSM1rmzAQh15E88Q2QJgvz7l5QP6qkm2vq6oPJZ9VunLepblDRqTdqObwk5r8za2gTdjBkyTg-K/s400/mittens+collage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I get a brainwave and buy polar fleece to line the newly
knit gloves. I test my tiny brain on making my own fabric mitten as a liner in reverse and
sew it together. Really, how hard this can be, I say to myself. Pretty darn
hard, as it turns out, for the girl who doesn't sew! Mitts are now lined, albeit a little lumpy, but the kids won't wear them now because they are too small. Crap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Repeat this process with hats. To pretty much the same success. (The hats in the picture below are admittedly decorative hats and not really one ones for really keeping warm but you get the idea.) </span></div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai3s1R0XtiBp2XGLfh9Ff-C9fguoC7D8VR29rmmNHwL10F8kvx-JAaeYGCWMIbPc-AKxhqRV2dAwK_9DXpuugd-fjCPYz0sIr51gocEoVpqbRKcz2qPThpgjCPIPAx3xN_SxhKSExsuAq/s400/hats+and+Cowl+collage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: <a href="http://ravel.me/jacflash/88rxl" target="_blank">Rustling Leaves Beret</a>, <a href="http://ravel.me/jacflash/cbtm" target="_blank">Cowled by Thy Mane</a>, <a href="http://ravel.me/jacflash/qzo5p" target="_blank">Propello Hat for Hannah</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai3s1R0XtiBp2XGLfh9Ff-C9fguoC7D8VR29rmmNHwL10F8kvx-JAaeYGCWMIbPc-AKxhqRV2dAwK_9DXpuugd-fjCPYz0sIr51gocEoVpqbRKcz2qPThpgjCPIPAx3xN_SxhKSExsuAq/s1600/hats+and+Cowl+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I give up! I will have children wrapped in warm non-knitted items! I only care that they are warm and dry. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Really what I have come to realize is that sometimes knitting for kids is like shoveling the driveway while it is still snowing</span>... usually a lot of work for nothing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'll save the good stuff for me.</span>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-65864343300575219982013-01-11T17:52:00.003-08:002013-01-14T06:46:43.641-08:00UPDATED: It's all about the math<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever had one of those projects where you start off with pure excitement and by two thirds through you are counting the rows or repeats until you can be done with this project FOREVER? As a process knitter I don’t typically suffer with this. But my current project, a <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=30" target="_blank">Guernsey Wrap</a>, designed by Jared Flood, is challenging even my patience to knit for knitting’s sake. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ldo7uNS2IGdwc7WRR6yYH4v6V3r6aPRJcMsMmVN-Iiu79axTyy7k2ZWJu8H02Yow-od1ja-e0-fXx4cf-Iyn15FokZgf9ntY_ZpFAl-dYRUtfnI08MYX3PXWw3bg_kQZNT60wo_6U30/s1600/SAM_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ldo7uNS2IGdwc7WRR6yYH4v6V3r6aPRJcMsMmVN-Iiu79axTyy7k2ZWJu8H02Yow-od1ja-e0-fXx4cf-Iyn15FokZgf9ntY_ZpFAl-dYRUtfnI08MYX3PXWw3bg_kQZNT60wo_6U30/s320/SAM_2085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit with Brooklyn Tweed <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1" target="_blank">Shelter</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am really excited about this project. In no small part because it is nearly impossible* for me to screw up the sizing of a long rectangular wrap. This one's mine, bitches!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But in the mean time I am nearly 3 feet into a future 5+ foot wrap. I’m going to say it out loud: two feet of knitting can be a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So because I am the sort to do math for fun and I'm a glass-half-full kinda gal I start trying to find ways to make it feel like I am nearly done while staying positive about the project. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here we go...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;"><em>I have 10,266 stitches left.</em></span> How, exactly, is that supposed to make me feel like I am making progress? It kinda makes me want to cry and hide this UFO under my bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay positive.<em> <span style="color: red;">I have finished 267 rows of a 444 row project.</span></em> No! No! No!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breathe.<em> (insert forced smile.) <span style="color: red;">I have another 177 rows to go</span></em>. Ug. Not helping.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">I have 9.5 repeats to go.</span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting better... 9.5 is less than 177 but I still know it takes 18 rows per repeat. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep trying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">I am 60% complete</span>.</i> We have a winner!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm not lying to myself. These are all the exact same amount of truth. Isn't it human nature to make a daunting task seem a little more achievable by breaking it down into pieces that your brain can comprehend. </span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ravelry certainly got it right when they allowed project process to be tracked in percentage complete instead of repeats, rows or even, God forbid, stitches. I think that there were would be far fewer people willing to start an afghan or a pair of fine gauge socks if you were told right off the bat that you had somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 stitches ahead of you. </span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I offer the following motivational poster... </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZid0xh3EIv830R7WWgj9Wc2ig0GoYcBdJ-qSqo-nUSkbaVZUzWDHfd0J8TW-PDjCGgLto-PdtuaDYhXaSI8uoAi3qf-CaJ_Cl8B4fpakz8XIptNGgddBzcebVBwgfn3M5W8-30lBotkdY/s1600/Percentages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZid0xh3EIv830R7WWgj9Wc2ig0GoYcBdJ-qSqo-nUSkbaVZUzWDHfd0J8TW-PDjCGgLto-PdtuaDYhXaSI8uoAi3qf-CaJ_Cl8B4fpakz8XIptNGgddBzcebVBwgfn3M5W8-30lBotkdY/s640/Percentages.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I have a winter storm heading my way. Which will give me a perfect opportunity to snuggle down and knit for as much of the weekend as I will be allowed. (*<em>Beam</em>*) Don’t worry about me...I <s>only have another 177 rows to go</s><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><s style="text-line-through: double;">9.5 repeats</s> am 60% complete and raring to get finished!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<u>Footnote:</u><br />
* I am aware that I am tempting fate by putting that thought into print but I am feeling pretty confident** here. Even in my early knitting years I could pull off a square-ish dishcloth or a rectangular scarf.<br />
<br />
** Oh Crap! I'd better do an extra repeat just to be sure. <br />
<br />
<strong>UPDATE:</strong> With all the snowing and blowing on Friday I thought I was going to have a weekend to knit until I got bored with it. It cleared up Saturday and we were back to business as usual. All weekend I only managed to finish 522 stitches/ 9 rows/ 0.5 repeat. That makes me 62% complete. Le Sigh.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-59176413319498099422013-01-08T19:32:00.002-08:002013-01-08T19:32:38.923-08:00Happy New Year, resolutions and other nonsenseHappy New Year Everyone! I hope every one's holiday season was merry and bright. I know that mine was, thank you for asking.<br />
<br />
2012 was a very good year for me for Finished Objects (FO). Well, this is the first year that I have really both kept track and tried to finish more than the occasional project. So yeah me!<br />
<em></em><br />
My favourite completed projects for 2012 was my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/vergennes-pullover" target="_blank">Vergennes Sweater</a>, my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/sonias-shawl" target="_blank">Stripes A Plenty Shawl</a> and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/owlet" target="_blank">Baby Owlet</a> sweater. I had originally knit the Vergennes for myself but, as is my habit, I knit it in the wrong size. So my sister was the lucky recipient of a gorgeous sweater- just her size! I <em><u>will</u></em> reknit that project someday- for me next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizes84K7WcYCg6pHVHnauR4AMKys1976vCUneHqIkvj1pF0UKencFXOvYsMY5ntrPyTF1jzTf49ooOR7GYrlH8JSg-IjxMSqaQ7sqWV_smdsBd8bfAt0qrJfWzcaLgbVRzJfwdViiA4Ew0/s1600/SAM_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizes84K7WcYCg6pHVHnauR4AMKys1976vCUneHqIkvj1pF0UKencFXOvYsMY5ntrPyTF1jzTf49ooOR7GYrlH8JSg-IjxMSqaQ7sqWV_smdsBd8bfAt0qrJfWzcaLgbVRzJfwdViiA4Ew0/s400/SAM_1843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
For the first time I also knit a few shawls. I don't typically wear them but I really like the idea of a shawl. I'm going to keep trying and see where this goes. One of my favourite podcasts calls them "socially acceptable blankets" and that makes me smile. <br />
<em></em><br />
<em>So what about the stash, you ask?</em><br />
<br />
My ill conceived yarn diet worked about as well as... any other diet for me. Poorly. It wasn't all bad. I still have a rockin' stash and I can honestly say that growth has slowed near the end of the year. I am trying harder to make fewer purchases and plan projects from the yarn I already have. Yarn appreciation is going to be my theme for 2013.<br />
<br />
In 2012 I was fortunate to be part of 2 different yarn clubs and that was both fantastic and part of the yarn acquisition problem. The Rocking Sock Club sent me 2 patterns and 1 skein of yarn every second month and SweetGeorgia Yarns Sock Club sent one skein every month. The great part of this was that I got yarny surprises in the mail all year. It was like Christmas all year round.<br />
<br />
In January 2012 I had it figured that I would have a new FO each month and that I would knit up these new kits lickedy split. Um, right. I didn't even make one month before reality told me to smarten up and get real. And everything after that just piled up as single skein projects that were not getting finished. <br />
<br />
<em>So, no clubs for me in 2013?</em><br />
<br />
Well, no. I am just going to try a different club and only one this year. This year I chose a yarn club that had more shaded solids as colours (ones I am <em>way</em> more likely to use) and had a variety of yarn types. It won't just be socks and that might help me actually complete the projects in a more timely fashion. (Say within three years of receipt.)<br />
<br />
I'm still kind of on the fence about yarn clubs. I loved getting the packages but there were just too many that were not to my taste over the ones that were fabulous. Fundamentally I am too much of a control freak to get too many more years of lovely yarns that I know that I will never knit. I am not so committed to this craft that I will knit yarn that I don't love.<br />
<br />
I did some trading, which worked out very well. I was lucky enough to have found someone within one club who loved the kits that I didn't and didn't like the ones that I loved. But now I have TWO kits to knit when I hadn't even finished the first one.<br />
<br />
<em>So, what's up for me in 2013?(Hmmm, could this be a sneaky resolution?)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
In 2013 I would like to complete at least 5 big projects and 5 smaller ones. I think that this is reasonable and achievable. Specific projects that I would like to knit: a Tumeric sweater for myself, to try colourwork in a pair of mittens/socks/or hat and I would like to knit at least 2 baby sweaters as gifts. Finn would also like me to knit him a sweater with skulls.<br />
<br />
By only being in one club this year I am limiting regular in-coming yarn. I have several projects planned for 2013 and I already have the yarn on hand for many of them. I'm going to try to stay focused.<br />
<br />
<em>For the record let me show you my digits...</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em><strong>2012</strong></em><br />
<strong><em>FO- </em></strong> 23<br />
<strong><em>WIP at end of year -</em></strong> 3<br />
<em><strong>Yardage at end of 2011- 26,504</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Yardage at end of 2012- 64,511*</strong></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-45455127815317419612012-11-30T08:47:00.003-08:002012-11-30T08:49:03.811-08:00Never Not Knitting PodcastI am a bit excited today. Yeah, it's Friday and whatnot, but this is even better.<br />
<br />
My funny<a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/09/the-curse-of-red-sweaters-part-1.html" target="_blank"> </a>story about my <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/09/the-curse-of-red-sweaters-part-1.html" target="_blank">Comedy of Errors Sweater</a>, aka Napoli Sweater, is featured on Alana Dakos' <a href="http://nevernotknitting.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-never-not-knitting-podcast-episode.html" target="_blank">podcast #68 of Never Not Knitting</a>!<br />
<br />
I have enjoyed Alana's podcast for a few years now. She started out as a frequent knitter talking about her own projects, knitting product reviews and injecting her own funny knitting stories. Then she started adding funny and interesting stories from her listeners from around the world. In the last few years she has branched out to running her own knitwear design company and has self published, with friend and co-author <a href="http://knitbot.com/" target="_blank">Hannah Fettig</a>, the very popular <a href="https://www.coastalknits.com/" target="_blank">Coastal Knits</a> books. Alana has recently self-published a new children's book called "<em><a href="https://anniecanknit.com/" target="_blank">Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf</a></em>"; it is an adorable story about a little girl and her effort to learn to knit.<br />
<br />
Alana always puts together an entertaining podcast full of knitting stories and now my story, read by me, is being featured on this month's episode! Check it out! <br />
<br />
Have you ever heard your own voice on tape and been surprised at what you sound like to others? Um, yeah! Kind of surreal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So I have been very busy knitting up some Christmas gifts so I have not been posting much as I don't want to ruin the surprises. <a href="http://itsaprocessknitter.blogspot.ca/2012/10/a-pre-christmas-panic-attack.html" target="_blank">My previous hysteria</a> over Christmas knitting has lessened. I am almost feeling Zen about the whole thing now. What will be will be, as such. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
But I can show you one really cute thing that I have knit recently. </div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlyPk_EDn6TacYF8-bn9Cmu6Ngftbtv3BCcBb8B2jPRfB5ZZ_NSVDAT7VSd0tHLJHvMFJXLLkFE1F0ZY6uAJRxtWCr4ua4ceQKtHo9afw7akxdWAhksN6Dr8bZS6qI9sKk-6-s6U8tuWt/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlyPk_EDn6TacYF8-bn9Cmu6Ngftbtv3BCcBb8B2jPRfB5ZZ_NSVDAT7VSd0tHLJHvMFJXLLkFE1F0ZY6uAJRxtWCr4ua4ceQKtHo9afw7akxdWAhksN6Dr8bZS6qI9sKk-6-s6U8tuWt/s320/bunny.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd like to introduce you to: Mr. Bunnyman Blankstare.<br />
He doesn't say much.<br />
pattern is: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snowball-buddies" target="_blank">Snowball Buddies, by Susan Claudio Designs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had no stuffing at home when it was time to fill this little guy's body and I found myself at a dollar store buying a full sized pillow and cutting it open at home for the filling. I needed a palm full of stuffing and now have enough stuffing for an army of these little guys. <br />
<br />
Which, if I am not careful, will ruin my new found Zen-like calm and bring me right back to hysterical as I control myself from the idea that I can make 87 more of these before Christmas!Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-16850946188781763412012-11-12T08:51:00.002-08:002012-11-12T08:53:53.295-08:00Early Evening CardiganI am in love with a cardigan. <br />
<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3cytC_LtO0csCRWnJgCThouscRTxllurOuLh9ROaODBsP3Ahyphenhyphents1RFKWJkJ7_gWnHv6YSwfIwh0UNHKdI1fBi2BRHqpxrmgjAnov-3O2md9baHqyC0DraH2EsBxXZhV8u_Lf8M0ZOvhA/s1600/Miss+marple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3cytC_LtO0csCRWnJgCThouscRTxllurOuLh9ROaODBsP3Ahyphenhyphents1RFKWJkJ7_gWnHv6YSwfIwh0UNHKdI1fBi2BRHqpxrmgjAnov-3O2md9baHqyC0DraH2EsBxXZhV8u_Lf8M0ZOvhA/s400/Miss+marple.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lady-marple" target="_blank">Lady Marple Sweater</a>, by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne <br />
<div class="copyright" id="copyright_notice">
Picture © Nadia Crétin-Léchenne </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started knitting this sweater for myself this weekend and I want to nothing else except knit it. This is an exceptionally brilliant pattern knit in one piece from the bottom up. I am hoping that mine looks as cute and functional as the one pictured above by the author/designer. Mine will be a dark chocolate brown with robin's egg blue edging. <br />
<br />
The best part of this sweater... I am knitting it with stashed yarn! I just need to make one sweater a month for the next XX months and I will have this whole stash-issue under control. (Let's stop with the crazy talk and just focus on knitting <em>one</em> sweater at a time.)<br />
<br />
I am just under the arms with only a weekend's work. It is a "quick" knit but I have also done a lot of sitting around this weekend due to all the snow that arrived. A new sweater project is the perfect way to spend a snowbound weekend.<br />
<br />
I am calling this my Early Evening cardigan because my kids and I watched all of the Twilight movies this weekend while I was knitting. Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-87367927753820125592012-11-05T19:42:00.000-08:002012-11-05T19:42:03.749-08:00The Inevitable Binge after a Diet DeclarationSigh. Yeah, that didn't last long. <br />
<br />
I should know better, really, I should. While I was at it I should have said I was on a eating diet too. Then I would have immediately made myself a container of brownies, ate 2 candy bars and called it day. It is the way I typically react to any sort of resolution without moderation. In a word... poorly.<br />
<br />
I told my eldest daughter about my proposed yarn diet right after I wrote my last blog and she was all "Whoa, Mom, how are YOU going to do that for more than a year!" I was a little hurt. I told her about determination and stick-to-it-ness and appreciating the things you have. Blah blah blah. I should go buy her a new ipod or something because clearly I am teaching my children nothing here.<br />
<br />
There is no after-school special being modelled on my life here, people.<br />
<br />
I started well enough. I am a list maker. So I made a list of the projects in my queue where I already had the yarn. I made sub-lists of the projects that I would make for myself and those I would make for future gifts. I figured that this would go better if I had a plan. My plan was to knit with my stashed yarn and to stay away from my favourite on-line yarn shops until I had built up some momentum.<br />
<br />
Then I found a new project that I absolutely loved on Ravelry! I wanted to make it in the same yarn as the original, because it was far more lovely than anything I have ever seen. But I wasn't allowing myself to shop on-line. I convinced myself that it wasn't really buying yarn if I acquired it from someone else's "will trade or sell" stash from Ravelry. I wasn't shopping. I was doing another knitter a favour by taking that unwanted gem off their hands! For money! <br />
<br />
That was my slippery slope. <br />
<br />
Last week I had occasion to go into my nearest big city and I just happened to find myself at my favourite LYS yarn and accidentally(?) found myself buying 3,271 yards of yarn. I bought all of this yarn like I had nothing else at home waiting to be knit and with the attitude that this amount of yarn was totally going to be all knit up before Christmas. It was just a few hats and 4 pairs of socks. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF WOMAN! AND STOP IT! </em></strong><br />
<br />
I was, and am, fooling no one. And it is best that I reboot the whole thing before I end up owning a yarn shop to spite myself. I am not going to beat myself up about this but I do need to smarten up and get ahold of this issue.<br />
<br />
So I am going to revise my goals to be much more simple and reasonable.<br />
<br />
<strong><strike>THE YARN DIET RULZ</strike> <span style="color: red;">Project: YARN CONSUMPTION AND APPRECIATION</span></strong><br />
<ol>
<li>I am going to try to knit from my stash until <strong><em><strike>October 31,
2013</strike><span style="color: red;"> December 31, 2012.</span></em></strong>
<li>I am going to use stashed yarn for all projects from now until deadline.
<li>I am in one yarn club right now (it ends November 2012) but that will be the
only yarn coming in. Incoming club yarn will be added to the stash totals.
<li>I will accept yarn or yarn club memberships as gifts. <strike><em>Hint, Hint</em>.
(Is it sad that I am already planning loopholes to my rules.)</strike> Those totals will
be added to the stash.
<li><strike>I would like to have under 52,500 yards by deadline. (That is 11%
consumption. Which admittedly may be a pretty high goal.)</strike> <span style="color: red;">I am going to see how much yardage I can use between now and then.
No other goals.</span>
<li><strike>Selling and trading yarn is allowed and will be documented accordingly.</strike> <span style="color: red;">I am striking this because I know that I have no intention of selling or trading any yarn between now and the end of the year.</span>
<li>I will report monthly. </li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
So as of November 1, 2012 my stats are as follows:<br />
<strong>WIP</strong>: 4 <br />
<strong>Total Yardage:</strong> 61,588 yards<br />
<br />
We'll see how this goes. How many times do I need to remind myself... it's a process, knitter.<br />
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-37228305929919180082012-10-16T15:39:00.004-07:002012-10-17T07:52:58.612-07:00Yarn Diet. Yep, I'm Going Cold Sheep.I need to get something off my chest. <br />
<br />
Are you ready?<br />
<br />
I have a pretty good yarn stash. But it is at risk of turning into a good yarn collection unless I do something about it... and soon.<br />
<br />
I have bought a lot of yarn over the last year and have, at last count, 63 items in my Ravelry queue. I have, probably, enough yarn on hand to make at least 25 (UPDATE: 32 actually, if I count socks I had planned) of the items in the queue and more than a few more items that I haven't even found yet.<br />
<br />
My "problem" is that I am so excited by certain projects that I rush out and by the yarn right away. I panic and start to worry that I can always do that project later but that I <em>must</em> buy the pattern and yarn RIGHT NOW before either gets discontinued/removed/lost/sold out etc. I generally tuck both the pattern and the yarn away quickly and promise to do "that project next". But it never seems to happen that way. I suppose I am a total magpie and I am always attracted to the next shiny object.<br />
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZWhL7VSTxXv-CanBjTd2yp8AMc6_Dg-fCI-fCZmXhSizmBN36FSdaDCCtQpVQ4fwwjzWY7tBdmb5edikeS8qVbulRE9CFXgNfDHu5skq-8PmCetjZ2nbPQv0t1XTU3ZdpvUFwyHLnOha/s1600/thCAYGM6FJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZWhL7VSTxXv-CanBjTd2yp8AMc6_Dg-fCI-fCZmXhSizmBN36FSdaDCCtQpVQ4fwwjzWY7tBdmb5edikeS8qVbulRE9CFXgNfDHu5skq-8PmCetjZ2nbPQv0t1XTU3ZdpvUFwyHLnOha/s200/thCAYGM6FJ.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture courtesy of: <a href="http://www.planetpurl.com/">www.planetpurl.com</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And it is getting a little out of control. So I need to do something radical (well, for me)... I need to go on a yarn diet. I need to use the fabulous yarn that I have and get to work on the projects I have planned already. <br />
<br />
So, a yarn diet it is. I figured that I had better do this publicly and put it out there of what I have and the rules. This will also serve as a reminder to myself to be appreciative of the yarn that I have in hand already.<br />
<br />
THE YARN DIET RULZ:<br />
<ol>
<li>I am going to try to knit from my stash until <strong><em>October 31, 2013</em></strong>.</li>
<li>I am going to use stashed yarn for all projects from now until deadline.
<li>I am in one yarn club right now (it ends November 2012) but that will be the only yarn coming in. Incoming club yarn will be added to the stash totals.
<li>I will accept yarn or yarn club memberships as gifts. <em>Hint, Hint</em>. (Is it sad that I am already planning loopholes to my rules.) Those totals will be added to the stash.
<li>I would like to have under 52,500 yards by deadline. (That is 11% consumption. Which admittedly may be a pretty high goal.)
<li>Selling and trading yarn is allowed and will be documented accordingly.
<li>I will report monthly. </li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamTrj-4Bp8eIBWfMWwL3nnDvI4Oh5Mt0-hkwpC4aZeis5TSuIzRA-LXdsJeTHiNtc54BCSm3U9JRGcYpUigqFvFw8fSMYQjZJJCw7m8Rvr7GWeC3jzFHRPI8-CAmoQ11U3nzygsbZJ2-o/s1600/SAM_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamTrj-4Bp8eIBWfMWwL3nnDvI4Oh5Mt0-hkwpC4aZeis5TSuIzRA-LXdsJeTHiNtc54BCSm3U9JRGcYpUigqFvFw8fSMYQjZJJCw7m8Rvr7GWeC3jzFHRPI8-CAmoQ11U3nzygsbZJ2-o/s320/SAM_1898.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the whole stash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X8wgZaFl3-KY0AVD4R1rBcj0StkKJn3K_RwXVUx9USfSK_vMrsQ9C2nwLxdQgzbdwbJMTt1j23VBQEVpbmU-Wh3TRbTXIOusoTjgtRCkAIw_Qo-c_cdJm3JHFkGYvuc7Xok7y7fHwvm3/s1600/SAM_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X8wgZaFl3-KY0AVD4R1rBcj0StkKJn3K_RwXVUx9USfSK_vMrsQ9C2nwLxdQgzbdwbJMTt1j23VBQEVpbmU-Wh3TRbTXIOusoTjgtRCkAIw_Qo-c_cdJm3JHFkGYvuc7Xok7y7fHwvm3/s320/SAM_1893.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the part of the stash that is accounted<br />
for planned projects.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />As of today my counts are as follows: </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong>WIP</strong>: 4 </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong>Total yardage</strong>: 58,419 yards </div>
<strong>Items in Stash:</strong> 91Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-29884013184350924492012-10-09T11:58:00.002-07:002012-10-09T11:58:15.900-07:00A pre-Christmas panic attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Breathe deep. Keep calm.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I CAN see the calendar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Head between your knees.</em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do know that it is only early October. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Bring paper bag to face. </em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't seem to get Christmas off my mind right now. And I may be getting a little panicky about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Go to your happy place.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems ridiculously early but Christmas is front and centre in my brain right now. And the really odd thing is that I have sooooo many other favourite holidays that come first! (Halloween, Black Friday, Yarn Sale day etc.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My recent panic attacks might have to do with a list that I made for myself of potential Christmas gift ideas for friends and family members. I make one every year. Typically this list includes things to buy for my loved ones. But this one is a little different than in previous years. This one has a list of only <u>knitted</u> items next to each name.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
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It started simple, with my immediate family: my husband and my kids. That's 4 people right there and they all want sweaters! I add my parents, my in-laws and I am feeling a little light headed now. Then I add my sister, her husband and their two sons that are both over 6 feet tall and my sister in law. Bubbles of hysterical laughter escape as I frantically look back and forth between my list and the calendar. </div>
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From here it snowballs... badly. I add our best friends, my counsin's kids, a good friend with a benchmark birthday and my grandparents. I have drool frothing at my lips when I start thinking that I could pound out 6, maybe 8, of these really cute <a href="http://www.knitsimplemag.com/node/256#14" target="_blank">little stuffed apples</a> for teacher gifts.</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BM4rhM0qYfjbD91iLYSTMsczJydMYQjke8WFCXCbfg1JMCTiL1gnfWzLqnuhirXwNEQzWrvMXoKE23MJ6m-4yjjRPY_p3vRuOMUQ0XJu81MdDfQ8fL1WjTJulbRZS9CwIeTKqAi_648c/s1600/apples" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BM4rhM0qYfjbD91iLYSTMsczJydMYQjke8WFCXCbfg1JMCTiL1gnfWzLqnuhirXwNEQzWrvMXoKE23MJ6m-4yjjRPY_p3vRuOMUQ0XJu81MdDfQ8fL1WjTJulbRZS9CwIeTKqAi_648c/s1600/apples" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Knit Simple, Holiday 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I need to go through my stash!</div>
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I need to get to the yarn store!</div>
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I need a sharp rap to the head... because it would take a fleet of about 5 professional knitters working full-time between now and Christmas to make this list happen! It's so ridiculous that I should be laughing about it instead of hyperventilating. </div>
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I do know that I can't possibly make something for everyone in my family between now and Christmas. So I wonder why I am spending time worrying about this. This may have been doable, maybe, if I had started in January- of last year- and had budgeted a couple of small projects a month. But even then I doubt it. </div>
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Seriously, it is a really big list. </div>
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This might have something to do with the fact that I have finished more projects this year than I have in the previous 4 years combined. I think that I have recently jumped a skill level which has allowed me to hit a groove. As a result I have churned out some really nice projects this year. I have made a combination of small and big items. I think this recent productivity has made me <strike>insane</strike> cocky. </div>
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Each month I review the newest knitting magazines and on-line patterns and the list gets a little bit longer. And I find myself saying "Oh, that lace scarf would be so nice for my sister-in-law. I think I have the necessary 1500 yards of lace weight in my stash!" Or I remember that my friend has always hinted that he'd like a pair of warm cabled mitts and LOOK at that pattern, right there for the very same!</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnihkbCCNZsUSZZhj6dAs3cCO8LVRUk5vL-AMx0aXH42Coypo8xOf4s0utbxIwncQgCU2tNG6FmJt5FSD5bA89w8ndhuIqMwcPs-yCkAyGicrUzqrT46tv54Ftkq5HuGEsnxdW9WRHCz2I/s1600/mitts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnihkbCCNZsUSZZhj6dAs3cCO8LVRUk5vL-AMx0aXH42Coypo8xOf4s0utbxIwncQgCU2tNG6FmJt5FSD5bA89w8ndhuIqMwcPs-yCkAyGicrUzqrT46tv54Ftkq5HuGEsnxdW9WRHCz2I/s200/mitts.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=65" target="_blank">Flint Cabled Mittens</a>,<br />
Brooklyn Tweed, in Shelter</td></tr>
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Never mind the trouble I get while on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login" target="_blank">Ravelry.</a> I currently have 62 items in my queue and those are only the items for me.</div>
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So why am I torturing myself? It is simple really. As much as I am a process knitter I really like to make handmade gifts. I like being able to show someone that I care about them enough to have spent tens of hours making something just for them. </div>
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I am trying to understand this better but just because I can make something doesn't mean that I should. Not every gifts needs to be handmade. Something that I think is beautiful may not look the same to another. And not everyone values a handmade gift. This is a lesson that I have learned the hard way. Some people really do like store gifts better. Or cash. This is okay.</div>
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A gift, when given, should be more about the person receiving and less about the hang ups of the giver.</div>
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My rational brain knows that I should calmly put down my list and walk away. I should pick the <em>few</em> items that I can reasonably accomplish between now and Christmas and focus on those. </div>
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That sounds like a great idea but my knitting brain is still in panic mode.</div>
<br />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-29340846091404196142012-09-30T17:53:00.001-07:002012-09-30T17:53:34.267-07:00Owls, Afterthoughts, Stripes and Other Concerns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished the most adorable sweater this week. I haven't blocked it yet or finished with the buttons and adornment (we'll call this 99% finished) but I cannot resist showing you now. This sweater will be Christmas gift and I could not be more pleased in how it turned out. Yeah me! I feel like my knitting mojo might be back.</div>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizes84K7WcYCg6pHVHnauR4AMKys1976vCUneHqIkvj1pF0UKencFXOvYsMY5ntrPyTF1jzTf49ooOR7GYrlH8JSg-IjxMSqaQ7sqWV_smdsBd8bfAt0qrJfWzcaLgbVRzJfwdViiA4Ew0/s1600/SAM_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizes84K7WcYCg6pHVHnauR4AMKys1976vCUneHqIkvj1pF0UKencFXOvYsMY5ntrPyTF1jzTf49ooOR7GYrlH8JSg-IjxMSqaQ7sqWV_smdsBd8bfAt0qrJfWzcaLgbVRzJfwdViiA4Ew0/s400/SAM_1843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owlet sweater, size 2 years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-uBGnDqVwINP7Aetmae6ZmXASgEeK1uXYrzgT3fljj8i2Oyq57mptM_alcu4rg3qf0zJ3YHafi6G7h_RTcmlN8e7izYG9CBXzZ_MM9X8j8yLEhrC2ut9wLTQRFBGktbwq0finFh9wlAf/s1600/SAM_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-uBGnDqVwINP7Aetmae6ZmXASgEeK1uXYrzgT3fljj8i2Oyq57mptM_alcu4rg3qf0zJ3YHafi6G7h_RTcmlN8e7izYG9CBXzZ_MM9X8j8yLEhrC2ut9wLTQRFBGktbwq0finFh9wlAf/s400/SAM_1844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owls!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Owlet sweater was so easy to knit and finished so well. It was knit with fairly big needles too so it seemed to knit up quickly. I really like how the simple cable repeats really look like little owls. The pattern calls for two buttons to be added to each owl, total 32 buttons. But I think that is going to be too much. I have been searching around on Ravelry for ideas on how other knitter have finished the sweater. There are lots of choices- people are so creative. I know how I want to finish it I just need to purchase a few minor notions first. Don't worry I will post the final finished project.</div>
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I bought this pattern in adult sizes too and keep wondering if I could pull off a sweater with a parliament of owls on the yoke. I think the adult version is a more fitted sweater too. I'll have to give this some more thought.</div>
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I have finished the body of one of Olivia's birthday socks. Her birthday is next weekend and it is unlikely that I can get them both finished that quickly but I'll try. I am trying something different with her socks. I am making hers with an afterthought heel. I have never tried that before but have read good things about this heel making process. We'll see how this works out.</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnVSp0TrZOz5H1c77cduw4zelMP3FUi8HZUi5VvjbCcZ9NFkQhFGZuATuGl3TkQrZtTsm80tTg5bk1IbVMufXcAKwYtZdEcXtF5rCOGrRt910VRS_ceqmwOUoqzXwf8JQJqgbflsiVFl-/s1600/SAM_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnVSp0TrZOz5H1c77cduw4zelMP3FUi8HZUi5VvjbCcZ9NFkQhFGZuATuGl3TkQrZtTsm80tTg5bk1IbVMufXcAKwYtZdEcXtF5rCOGrRt910VRS_ceqmwOUoqzXwf8JQJqgbflsiVFl-/s400/SAM_1837.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue line will become a heel...<br />
if I ever find the courage to rip it out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
I did end up starting a project for myself. I tried to pick something easy that I could pick up and put down. I picked the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sonias-shawl" target="_blank">Sonia's Shawl</a> pattern. However, I neglected to factor in how addictive stripes are to knit. "Just one more row" becomes "just one more stripe" and then "just one more repeat". And next thing I know it is midnight and I can barely keep my eyes open.</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlnHNf2k-WL_bjhV9LD0RZJGkx38ewcc-dT4E_zhj9dmTSWcVyB7Xd0L7Ct2HdB34uYDQ7UZcLCD69tR9VMPSJoSnoSWsiDDk0kj9mUgT0BPqQkbbVfqH7AblrthuGEKpPKY6vCB9XOhW/s1600/SAM_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlnHNf2k-WL_bjhV9LD0RZJGkx38ewcc-dT4E_zhj9dmTSWcVyB7Xd0L7Ct2HdB34uYDQ7UZcLCD69tR9VMPSJoSnoSWsiDDk0kj9mUgT0BPqQkbbVfqH7AblrthuGEKpPKY6vCB9XOhW/s400/SAM_1846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The navy yarn is Hand Maiden, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/handmaiden-fine-yarn-casbah-sock" target="_blank">Cashba Sock</a> yarn (gorgeous!) <br />
the colourful yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/kauni-wool-8-2-effektgarn">Kauni Wool 8/2 Effektgarn </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
The Cashba yarn is so soft and lovely to knit with. The Kauni is a fingering weight wool with very long colour repeats in rainbow colours. I bought it special for a project just like this. I may love the colours of the Kauni but it feels like I am knitting with gardening twine. I had a striping shawl in mind but knew that I needed something very soft to pair with the very coarse wool. </div>
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I am hoping that the finished product will still be soft and warm. I am also hoping that the Kauni soften with washing and wearing. I don't mind scratchy yarn against the skin so I am sure it will be fine. Aren't those famous last words? I guess all I can say right now is : to be continued...</div>
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<strong>So you can see what I have on the needle:</strong></div>
<li><em>Olivia's birthday socks </em> (October) - 50% done
<li>Stripy shawl for me. ~10% done
<li><em><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/queen-of-diamonds" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc3300;">Queen of Diamonds Scarf</span></a></em>- on-going- self made scarf pattern. </li>
<br />
<strong>Not Yet on the needles but will be very very soon:</strong><br />
<li>Finn's birthday sweater- I have swatched and have a most excellent plan. Finn approves. I will hopefully cast on this week.</li>
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<br /><strong>FROGGED</strong>:</div>
<li><em>Mystery Xmas gift #2</em>- I ripped it without remorse. </li>
</li>
</li>
Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484589893538306509.post-43773102764694165352012-09-16T14:32:00.000-07:002012-09-16T14:32:00.438-07:00Concerns of the WeekI finished G's birthday socks and I am excited to report that they match. Each other. Really. I enjoyed knitting these and they seemed to go pretty quick. Nothing like little feet, eh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIyS3QUsqpZTjZloGUGkRzQJLInGmVwhIN-IVjN9q66hIOQ-0sXZlHZ80B5iMGrV_WpymmEBNavimj7phU1l0td7A_qe0gCT-s1S9IuKkHkK2RU8bhxFSupiD7F_9gJy8olArMC1QLXeW/s1600/SAM_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIyS3QUsqpZTjZloGUGkRzQJLInGmVwhIN-IVjN9q66hIOQ-0sXZlHZ80B5iMGrV_WpymmEBNavimj7phU1l0td7A_qe0gCT-s1S9IuKkHkK2RU8bhxFSupiD7F_9gJy8olArMC1QLXeW/s320/SAM_1794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am tending to keep a sock project on the needles right now so that I can take a small project with me where ever I go. I knit an entire heel flap <u>and</u> the heel turn in a meeting last week. It was a really long meeting!<br />
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXhKmGqmbwid13bsO2zaCFug85cwKtzg8BGMJUrdEL7hGEYQ-_QsD7kcWaZCy1CMRvqa0lLA-w1WT3dblyrQicjceWhkFznz4co7cYP0pYI44f_J43mOAwefHwCoCtuWSQPkJ7HvsKbpr/s1600/SAM_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXhKmGqmbwid13bsO2zaCFug85cwKtzg8BGMJUrdEL7hGEYQ-_QsD7kcWaZCy1CMRvqa0lLA-w1WT3dblyrQicjceWhkFznz4co7cYP0pYI44f_J43mOAwefHwCoCtuWSQPkJ7HvsKbpr/s320/SAM_1799.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday G!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am also contemplating casting on a sweater for myself. I am trying to wait until after I have finished a few more of these small projects but I may not be able to wait. Of course, the sweater is not the one in my queue below but one of many that I have ready and tucked away. I am really enjoying knitting smaller projects right now- like baby sweaters. They make me feel like a super fast knitter.<br />
<br />
<strong>What's on my needles right now:</strong> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-zjFy51EKelkgHIGi4x1WrtJuWIf66u3-2hyV6YcaZeyRN8z3X0fnN7sGhkw_SfvfqpKm0l74ysITpGX2C14z-7Hx_9ZweQFQQgmDI5TtTQgas3O4agkOmK4whKJEHJIUxuc0DX02YPV/s1600/SAM_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-zjFy51EKelkgHIGi4x1WrtJuWIf66u3-2hyV6YcaZeyRN8z3X0fnN7sGhkw_SfvfqpKm0l74ysITpGX2C14z-7Hx_9ZweQFQQgmDI5TtTQgas3O4agkOmK4whKJEHJIUxuc0DX02YPV/s320/SAM_1800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_D7VhpIZkUc_3ASwn5p0jv6_Df8ltBx7vkBaqwWDFNayOfmaineAzoQfkS4RHmFbedLnik-41BHG_4W24PmHLos_SskDdBNUnjhDQT5QfprSoKeJMKmOgCWJPWicaHSqK6XYom7AgGBW/s1600/SAM_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_D7VhpIZkUc_3ASwn5p0jv6_Df8ltBx7vkBaqwWDFNayOfmaineAzoQfkS4RHmFbedLnik-41BHG_4W24PmHLos_SskDdBNUnjhDQT5QfprSoKeJMKmOgCWJPWicaHSqK6XYom7AgGBW/s320/SAM_1801.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div>
Above from top<br />
1)<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owlet-2" target="_blank">Baby Owlet Sweater</a>,<br />
in Cascade 220 Heathers<br />
2) Olivia's socks. SweetGeorgia Yarns<br />
Tough Love Sock, in Spring Garden<br />
It doesn't look like it yet but I do have a plan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li> <em>Baby sweater for sister-in-law's friend</em>- Christmas 2012
<li><em>Olivia's birthday socks </em> (October)
<li><em>Mystery Xmas gift #2</em>- I am still leaning towards ripping this project out. Still pending...
</li>
<li><em><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jacflash/queen-of-diamonds" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc3300;">Queen of Diamonds
Scarf</span></a></em>- on-going- self made scarf pattern. </li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>My
queue:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><em>Finn's birthday sweater</em> (December)
- This idea is coming together. I just need to do a little more planning.
<li><em>Baby sweater</em> for friend due March 2013
<li><em>Baby sweater</em> for family 2013 </li>
<li><em>Mystery Xmas gift #1</em>- part 3?
<li><em>Phoenix Rising Vergennes Sweater #2</em>- this will be my second try at
this sweater. I gave the first one to my sister. The first looked really good
and I loved the yarn but I was unhappy with the final size. I have already
swatched and I am ready to cast on!
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
<img height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_D7VhpIZkUc_3ASwn5p0jv6_Df8ltBx7vkBaqwWDFNayOfmaineAzoQfkS4RHmFbedLnik-41BHG_4W24PmHLos_SskDdBNUnjhDQT5QfprSoKeJMKmOgCWJPWicaHSqK6XYom7AgGBW/s320/SAM_1801.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 502px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1072px;" width="96" />Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272063274150921831noreply@blogger.com0