tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9833467412626469412024-03-22T00:37:26.720-04:00Knitting With My Eyes Closed ...I have created 3 other Blogs thinking I would only need one; but I love to knit. I find it relaxes me so much that when following an easy pattern, my brain becomes hynotized and my eyelids close. Hence the title of this Blog. I am now at the point where I need a separate showcase for my needlework to share what I have created with others. Hope you enjoy "Knitting With My Eyes Closed..."heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-2971723308287113572012-04-12T16:59:00.017-04:002012-04-12T20:30:44.182-04:00New Creations, Knitting and Otherwise...<div><div><div><div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">I HAVE been knitting!<em> I just haven't been photographing and posting to this Blog.</em> In many cases, I knitted and mailed things before taking pictures, which wasn't the smartest thing to do. Seems like my life has been a blur of sorts since the heavy holidays of last year. With life in general taking a course all on its own, and the earth changes (or perhaps I should say, <em><strong>the solar changes</strong></em>) affecting my body I guess I should be glad I am still standing right side up.<br /><br />Any how; Enough with the excuses and On With the Show! I have always baked, but seldom took pictures of the finished product. This time I am sharing a photo of some Bacon biscuits. I found the recipe online; made it a few times and liked the outcome after 'tweeking' it a bit. What I found out was:<em> using a good maple-flavored bacon is key.</em> All maple-flavored bacon is not created equal. Oscar Mayer is out! Very little maple flavor or scent in it at all. I don't know if you can find it in your stores, but Colonial Maple-flavored bacon is the best.<br /><br />I've 'adopted' this adorable little baby boy born last October named Jordin. His grandmother asked me to knit a sweater for him before he was born because she could not find anything in the stores to her liking. I agreed and once I met him, I was smitten and have not been able to stop knitting for him since. He's so precious and has the largest most beautiful eyes! So for time to time you will be seeing baby things for Jordin. It's a good thing his mother likes my knitting! One thing about it, he'll have things not found in stores.<br /><br />Now for the pictures...</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5x9EOFIKzYf9ez1OlBqjA3rvyI8_zIn0_eRVtUgQDytgwXoZBba2qz__gABEyOAh_DrRfij1FjB59clu9Qk7RAuJ2SVBtfvSevJTUPFrr1iKbvQkeuiRZJlqhsbrkiM-pkI48SmItlg/s1600/Jordin.jpg"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45J_sDlndYpQFDM2VVT4yAEH1W8zrwowA_MuQqmpRAjnqIf49FEits1Z7eo0lUzBimmwXCVDz96vsx2o_WldqrNtRVG4-KtHSO5WOtiqmNdchGUrxCds5ZmKIQ94bosd2ZZ3Voeefiag/s1600/DSCN2142.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 345px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730630749242518066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45J_sDlndYpQFDM2VVT4yAEH1W8zrwowA_MuQqmpRAjnqIf49FEits1Z7eo0lUzBimmwXCVDz96vsx2o_WldqrNtRVG4-KtHSO5WOtiqmNdchGUrxCds5ZmKIQ94bosd2ZZ3Voeefiag/s400/DSCN2142.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here is Jordin's jacket and hat. I thought the colors reflected an African color scheme of Kinte-Cloth.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN173t6hRKBmrWQ-VjH3hppvd4E2hj39aVvLMZ9RXW4OGp6faofkziB4vIFxvOcSl-t1dzqfSf-l63ekW4F_TSsxBMA3wOXew848JeATW5UBLCkLnk-wbgoBAmvCN7ZAZAXOw_oIoHww/s1600/DSCN2152.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 350px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730630776374585058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN173t6hRKBmrWQ-VjH3hppvd4E2hj39aVvLMZ9RXW4OGp6faofkziB4vIFxvOcSl-t1dzqfSf-l63ekW4F_TSsxBMA3wOXew848JeATW5UBLCkLnk-wbgoBAmvCN7ZAZAXOw_oIoHww/s400/DSCN2152.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here is another sweater and hat for Jordin. The cap is crocheted. He looks quite dapper in it too!</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubizt8dWfp-yXn3E24XNoKrX5Kbdn-vUTLKWVlckwGZKmiZzCFxosRo42VZ0QA3QFRqdCK2mWjoPpdPW-iB2dgozT9B0hIkqJ21fI_TnSbXSVQJgdnhdP0aaQXqNKeIQsrwLclMBq1i0/s1600/DSCN2177.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 344px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730630813709077186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubizt8dWfp-yXn3E24XNoKrX5Kbdn-vUTLKWVlckwGZKmiZzCFxosRo42VZ0QA3QFRqdCK2mWjoPpdPW-iB2dgozT9B0hIkqJ21fI_TnSbXSVQJgdnhdP0aaQXqNKeIQsrwLclMBq1i0/s400/DSCN2177.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Jordin needed better washcloths. The ones available in stores for babies are a joke as far as I am concerned. They are extremely thin and plain old flimsy; plus they are too small. When a baby is a month old, they are fine, but as a baby grows you need a cloth with more substance, and regular washcloths might be too rough for baby's skin. Plus Jordin's Mom, Tanisha needed larger bibs. Store-bought ones were too flimsy for my taste so I knitted a few samples for her approval.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5x9EOFIKzYf9ez1OlBqjA3rvyI8_zIn0_eRVtUgQDytgwXoZBba2qz__gABEyOAh_DrRfij1FjB59clu9Qk7RAuJ2SVBtfvSevJTUPFrr1iKbvQkeuiRZJlqhsbrkiM-pkI48SmItlg/s1600/Jordin.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 352px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730630843441931874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5x9EOFIKzYf9ez1OlBqjA3rvyI8_zIn0_eRVtUgQDytgwXoZBba2qz__gABEyOAh_DrRfij1FjB59clu9Qk7RAuJ2SVBtfvSevJTUPFrr1iKbvQkeuiRZJlqhsbrkiM-pkI48SmItlg/s400/Jordin.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here is Jordin! Isn't he Cute? Now who could resist that face!!</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTFV56U_hc0F78uQ9p7BEXMx_V872kubWapnxL5lsa664J_duS0cVMZOWHZk-Y6bb0bYjLyiV94ikVNuvgFbGZfyXpBEOblZYu-P3L3sFepgedIFnfapTvcfjPkeIRAxf6MEOvUJDXMw/s1600/photo3.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 348px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730630874313520242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTFV56U_hc0F78uQ9p7BEXMx_V872kubWapnxL5lsa664J_duS0cVMZOWHZk-Y6bb0bYjLyiV94ikVNuvgFbGZfyXpBEOblZYu-P3L3sFepgedIFnfapTvcfjPkeIRAxf6MEOvUJDXMw/s400/photo3.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here I am holding Jordin. His mother wanted me to have a picture of him modeling his sweater and cap and neither one of us had a chance to pose.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRh_5yMJNRfEA_r1LlCSGSeMRcWtqyxmxXYQpEmmZi7X0h-HkXCAAXvr9k3J9fcs_YUpquLSZFLyR6MH5X-jOXYFdQdyp2-idbckzK0cxn_iw-Lb2p3te5WizE7WkC-nBGoz_e9XUwTc/s1600/DSCN2168.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 344px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730631745143993810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRh_5yMJNRfEA_r1LlCSGSeMRcWtqyxmxXYQpEmmZi7X0h-HkXCAAXvr9k3J9fcs_YUpquLSZFLyR6MH5X-jOXYFdQdyp2-idbckzK0cxn_iw-Lb2p3te5WizE7WkC-nBGoz_e9XUwTc/s400/DSCN2168.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">This is a Child's Felted Purse I experimented with recently. It came out well so I have to find a little girl to give it to. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_g35FDx4A9BMtGBNNf_U3LqcWVLCDk1UYW8GAd9nYq3k_dD2ryLRAeg8q5L8qVSsXY1L0BLkzHXHh4Wuq84yD_XhQk2xJ5iFrP2AeTYEGuqOiJkjReOzGdzDnPxlOvaymSN59aXokU/s1600/DSCN2170.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 352px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730631749385550578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_g35FDx4A9BMtGBNNf_U3LqcWVLCDk1UYW8GAd9nYq3k_dD2ryLRAeg8q5L8qVSsXY1L0BLkzHXHh4Wuq84yD_XhQk2xJ5iFrP2AeTYEGuqOiJkjReOzGdzDnPxlOvaymSN59aXokU/s400/DSCN2170.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Same purse........</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQZKVJkVKOvb5YfOZpASVcH22ydbkYlig1IB2Y_w7OJt88t2JByO80bNTGCwfl7_sdnmkfniEMk6VKsLxkj2NDrOtFV7N1pa75N9nvmfqdzAQu9yzGc4vGJyYFbrB5AiyGv4k__FVcxI/s1600/DSCN2148.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(238, 203, 173);"><img style="width: 345px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730631754394433106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQZKVJkVKOvb5YfOZpASVcH22ydbkYlig1IB2Y_w7OJt88t2JByO80bNTGCwfl7_sdnmkfniEMk6VKsLxkj2NDrOtFV7N1pa75N9nvmfqdzAQu9yzGc4vGJyYFbrB5AiyGv4k__FVcxI/s400/DSCN2148.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">I knitted this for the grandaughter of a friend of mine. I don't know if she will be able to wear it. When I planned it, it was for Fall/Winter last year, but I was late in getting it finished and after I mailed it, the weather in her location totally flipped and they started getting high temperatures for the majority of the winter with little or no snow (didn't most of us?). Oh well; I tried....</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeuXFBSk-GvcHXGS8kArUArjvGigdzhvv3-ytEsQ25lMV_d7kk6uYluT9vU0OC-_Qimaek511oGR4D8i-o-BZBrkHRJYvmOCWLWqXEftRpA14wivmEjKNTFpTaYyXronLKhXzpghWRlw/s1600/DSCN2158.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 344px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730631760742387314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeuXFBSk-GvcHXGS8kArUArjvGigdzhvv3-ytEsQ25lMV_d7kk6uYluT9vU0OC-_Qimaek511oGR4D8i-o-BZBrkHRJYvmOCWLWqXEftRpA14wivmEjKNTFpTaYyXronLKhXzpghWRlw/s400/DSCN2158.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here are the Bacon Biscuits. The reddish bits are the bacon; the green bits are green onions, and the darker yellow bits are cheddar cheese...</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlU_D_CYlvC-jyWysPGjo1hl5fP4jv7R9vHF_F-4dIpIFitBh1qqZwqDxv295OUya3Fo72oWF0UcdNpHMeVXUN40iygf6wyzEm2cLuhQp4Mvp86Ho0EYvnJGE7F-pPqH6Oc2SdGXod48/s1600/DSCN2163.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730631769563772210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlU_D_CYlvC-jyWysPGjo1hl5fP4jv7R9vHF_F-4dIpIFitBh1qqZwqDxv295OUya3Fo72oWF0UcdNpHMeVXUN40iygf6wyzEm2cLuhQp4Mvp86Ho0EYvnJGE7F-pPqH6Oc2SdGXod48/s400/DSCN2163.JPG" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Here is a photo of the recipe so you can see the ingredients....</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);"> </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 191, 255);">Hope you enjoyed your visit and take care until I post again. Hopefully it will be a lot sooner next time!</span></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-12983501719121021262011-10-31T19:46:00.008-04:002011-10-31T20:20:04.016-04:00A Few More Baby Things.....<span style="color:#ffffff;">I am never away from my needles for more than a few days. It harmonizes my spiritual energy to knit. Some people drink, take drugs <em>or heavens knows what;</em> but I have to wick my pent-up energy off by creating something and giving it away. Rare is the time when I am paid to knit for someone.<br /><br />Here are my latest creations....... I knitted a few other things <em>(for adults this time), </em>but gave them away before I had a chance to take photos.<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjnBoFzQw_Cngg9c2on0yNBodTztmxtIpFVz1Wip9NbnOm4ODvhlCD6RdvCbI5XRBP-KRIaLfaumM_j_9A6PqESuBzR1gxIUEnysPqyPArA5mwpqS02PuROhIdSalwWTIcmeIBHlSOkM/s1600/DSCN1728.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808065196910994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjnBoFzQw_Cngg9c2on0yNBodTztmxtIpFVz1Wip9NbnOm4ODvhlCD6RdvCbI5XRBP-KRIaLfaumM_j_9A6PqESuBzR1gxIUEnysPqyPArA5mwpqS02PuROhIdSalwWTIcmeIBHlSOkM/s400/DSCN1728.JPG" /></a><br />This Receiving Blanket, Sweater and Hat went to a precious little girl in September<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tiO7wH9RoDmBJegImTgFoacnWsiDgJIRyedtf73twAdFZjg1fw8bpLRzgOgqxqbnpSHQBLKJMD7mBM5KpJh3FVUpCS_kzWciowEB5iVnuMugyYys72o5aaEAKDsFYRKMG1hj5Cn-2LA/s1600/DSCN1744.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808070927499730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tiO7wH9RoDmBJegImTgFoacnWsiDgJIRyedtf73twAdFZjg1fw8bpLRzgOgqxqbnpSHQBLKJMD7mBM5KpJh3FVUpCS_kzWciowEB5iVnuMugyYys72o5aaEAKDsFYRKMG1hj5Cn-2LA/s400/DSCN1744.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This; believe it or not, is a Baby Cocoon. You put the newborn inside and it comes up to their chest to keep legs and chest warm<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDOl6TQCDVeu8ZNho1OeFMOak8N9tSO7Z7OvzPyWFIfch_OHo76eACrliI-KQVAYNSDR3stncgYqRrKsq2055Wa4wPvtrRLFKbTnW1aKS3ChBhcgbUNFKROpgfE6lyKyJK3-HixwHifM/s1600/DSCN1762.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808075282447858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDOl6TQCDVeu8ZNho1OeFMOak8N9tSO7Z7OvzPyWFIfch_OHo76eACrliI-KQVAYNSDR3stncgYqRrKsq2055Wa4wPvtrRLFKbTnW1aKS3ChBhcgbUNFKROpgfE6lyKyJK3-HixwHifM/s400/DSCN1762.JPG" /></a><br />Here is a larger view of the Receiving Blanket<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvQXYMJhhUAkbqOtm__7z198GK_T9fBgT3qn_kZMutj5FV9Gdh_lef23t8DhP7T6oCQoa4UrYAnByzsZLcdobjrO0kgsVQQLFdLdPUtwdjsM4NEa8T6KY1dKrtIztnaURYwcNfdp0z64/s1600/DSCN1770.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808083546269922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvQXYMJhhUAkbqOtm__7z198GK_T9fBgT3qn_kZMutj5FV9Gdh_lef23t8DhP7T6oCQoa4UrYAnByzsZLcdobjrO0kgsVQQLFdLdPUtwdjsM4NEa8T6KY1dKrtIztnaURYwcNfdp0z64/s400/DSCN1770.JPG" /></a><br />Some Booties and a few Baby Washcloths<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHHyKozqM1hDHJ9QZFOXk8YG8mXTiUTq8CfJ1tWzZ3TmEGDxidv9Ep9so6VYLsH2VcW_qLqE4x2iHObC5KKUX1vy0QF9DotzRL_MEmvByelfaRZqL_j6MCd__tLKbNsNZA-PzCZ9iCy4/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808089018088306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHHyKozqM1hDHJ9QZFOXk8YG8mXTiUTq8CfJ1tWzZ3TmEGDxidv9Ep9so6VYLsH2VcW_qLqE4x2iHObC5KKUX1vy0QF9DotzRL_MEmvByelfaRZqL_j6MCd__tLKbNsNZA-PzCZ9iCy4/s400/DSCN1772.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A Toddler Sweater<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaCKZRczKKsRB6RSs6eLxfsgg6E8T7ThLm_fWrnhVOj7NhGl_VUi6aeIcmvegynMvbzqTCBFFLLtMh5CZ0eXWBL0irjkFTjMD7GXfD4eQtpFpLyConIb80epl4oLyruu1FWJdSh6otXs/s1600/DSCN1885.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669808166483409970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaCKZRczKKsRB6RSs6eLxfsgg6E8T7ThLm_fWrnhVOj7NhGl_VUi6aeIcmvegynMvbzqTCBFFLLtMh5CZ0eXWBL0irjkFTjMD7GXfD4eQtpFpLyConIb80epl4oLyruu1FWJdSh6otXs/s400/DSCN1885.JPG" /></a><br />A Car Seat Blanket, warm Sweater and Beret for a precious little boy born in October.heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-70839572525790637212011-06-29T18:13:00.004-04:002011-06-29T18:46:32.575-04:00All Done!!<span style="color:#ffffff;">On my last post, I showed a picture of a lace scarf I had on my needles.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MpNh-28QQ3PpXR5puFM0zZFCOAWlh_OlJq-V9T4VmqUqTnWQD1zSoApTTwYyhe_ftAGy2Z5MyWNQj5KVAJLeVYM_dhzSfU3PIpVT1gJd2lEoXIM4hYIdvEt2anOYfOsg2mwap1eF8Bw/s1600/DSCN1415.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623769184890801666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MpNh-28QQ3PpXR5puFM0zZFCOAWlh_OlJq-V9T4VmqUqTnWQD1zSoApTTwYyhe_ftAGy2Z5MyWNQj5KVAJLeVYM_dhzSfU3PIpVT1gJd2lEoXIM4hYIdvEt2anOYfOsg2mwap1eF8Bw/s400/DSCN1415.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Well; I have finished and here is a slideshow showing the scarf as it is being blocked, with final results. The name of the pattern is the Meandering Vines Shawl, but I chose to reduce the number of stitches and make a scarf instead. The pattern is pretty easy if you create a printed worksheet to help you keep track of your rows. I did have to re-do or compensate for times I wasn't paying attention (Ouch!); but I won't hesitate to make another one, this time in a solid color. For those who might want to try their hand making one, here is the link to the .pdf file online.</span> <a href="http://www.artqualia.com/patterns/Meandering%20Vines%20Shawl.pdf">http://www.artqualia.com/patterns/Meandering%20Vines%20Shawl.pdf</a> </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I used 52 stitches to make my scarf, and after blocking it is approximately 11 inches wide; quite wide enough for a scarf, and I used Noro sockweight yarn. One of these days, I will get up enough nerve to actually use a lace-weight yarn.<br /><br /><br /></span><embed height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="400" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fchickentoes8%2Falbumid%2F5623766564808025633%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-60851241025036461762011-06-01T12:03:00.015-04:002011-06-01T16:44:51.515-04:00It's That Time Again!<span style="color:#cccccc;">My Goodness, it's been a long time since I have posted to this Blog! Time just seems to whiz by so quickly these days and "life" has been getting in everybody's way over the past 12 or more months. I have knitted some hats and scarves for the winter season as gifts, but forgot to take photos beforehand; so can't share those with you here. Hopefully, I won't do that too often. If you don't take photos of what you have done, you tend to think you haven't done anything; and if you are a knitter or do any type of creative work you begin to feel a little guilty.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">For years now I have admired lace knitting but knew I lacked patience to knuckle down and follow the oft-times intricate patterns that create such beauty. So I put lace-knitting on my "to do" list knowing it would take a much more mature aspect of myself to stick with it. The younger me did not want to be bothered. <em>The younger me wanted instant results.</em> The "younger me" has now disappeared into the background realizing that her time has passed and the more mature aspect of herself is now spreading her wings to see what she is capable of doing.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">This year is supposed to be (for me) a Number Three Personal Year in the ancient science of Numerology. That means among other things, I am supposed to blossom in 'creative' ways. If you have talents; or would like to obtain abilities to create, the number three encourages, and is there to support you.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">I wanted to get back into drawing with charcoal. Since a child I have always been drawn to painting or trying to express on paper what I see through my eyes. I have not perfected my skills and I always envy those who do such marvelous work. I enjoy writing too. I've started a few stories; one of which I found a little to painful to continue, and another which if I keep it up will be a journal of the tremendous earth changes we are all experiencing. I have titled it "The Ascension Chronicles."<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">Knit-wise; I finally allowed myself to tackle lace! I am only beginning, and so far I am loving what I have been able to create. I am of course careful to choose the very simple patterns; ones that don't have 40 rows of intricate instructions.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">Though extremely beautiful those will have to wait until..... <em>who knows.</em> I don't want to frustrate myself. I only want to try and see what I can produce using simple patterns, large needles and more expensive yarns than I have used in the past.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">My local yarn shop had a sale and in I went to see what bargains I could harvest. A master knitter gave advice of purchasing individual skeins of yarn and 'working with it' to see how it will knit up using the needles you plan to use and the basic stitches. You will get a good idea how the finished fabric will drape. When buying the more expensive yarns this is a very good idea. Before investing $80 to knit a sweater or $20 or $40 to knit a scarf and hat, it is better to buy one skein and knit a sample swatch. If you don't like it, you can choose another option and not feel bummed.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">I purchased some skeins of Noro sock yarn. Noro yarn is made in Japan and is always variegated with a variety of colors in each skein. It is also in their finer gauge line composed of thin to thick strands woven into each skein. You never know when the strand of yarn you are knitting with will become as thin as sewing thread, or thicken up to bulky. The exciting thing about this yarn, and <em>the only exciting thing about this yarn in my opinion</em> is the mixture of colors. As you knit, the colors unexpectedly change, and you never know until your fabric is done exactly how it is going to look. You know the shape of the finished piece beforehand, but you won't know how the colors will look until it is done.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">I am including pictures below. That's half the fun isn't it??? Two scarves are knitted using the Noro yarn, and the third scarf was knitted using Chroma yarn from Knitpicks' online store. I wanted to try that yarn as well. The Chroma was Ok; but the true excitement for me was the unpredictability of the Noro.<br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">So here goes..... Enjoy!</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngC-qZqdadTg8bwdAU_bzjoLiwtvBhR3PmJmXqpBIB2u_hwNlYMOYo237y9pZ26wLB4qwfALkEH2uR2fdDQ5vFfAGaBGtG043VWzIEBmf1q4LEfUxNSLOh_boUny44FIPhTcO3Ewy0Ic/s1600/DSCN1375.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313115253273698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngC-qZqdadTg8bwdAU_bzjoLiwtvBhR3PmJmXqpBIB2u_hwNlYMOYo237y9pZ26wLB4qwfALkEH2uR2fdDQ5vFfAGaBGtG043VWzIEBmf1q4LEfUxNSLOh_boUny44FIPhTcO3Ewy0Ic/s320/DSCN1375.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br />Here is the scarf knitted using Chroma Fingering yarn. It is 70% wool, and 30% nylon. Comes in a nice 396 yard pull skein so I didn't have to wind it into a ball before using it, and in knitting this scarf no running out of yarn and having to attach a new one. A nice price too..... $8.99 per skein.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfLPDjxA3CXbAVOCezkbOU5BhUvgnWon3UzV0sQjgrfTRQ8erf9HdYFX6caT6adRZnmLUE870ctaHEuz-2l8_kcd-Otd96NRY2HOHhujVZgiL-octHqz64K5LpbHPnghFRXYCk3KdjMo/s1600/DSCN1378.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313117382659250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfLPDjxA3CXbAVOCezkbOU5BhUvgnWon3UzV0sQjgrfTRQ8erf9HdYFX6caT6adRZnmLUE870ctaHEuz-2l8_kcd-Otd96NRY2HOHhujVZgiL-octHqz64K5LpbHPnghFRXYCk3KdjMo/s320/DSCN1378.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br />You can see the subtle change in shades of orange. I photographed all of these pictures while the scarves were pinned to my interlocking Blocking Mats. You get 9 to a box and they come in mighty handy when blocking your knitting. They are made of some type of rubbery material so they take pins with no problem and are 3/8 of an inch thick. For those who don't knit, you must block (or stretch) your fabric and spread it apart see the lace pattern in all its glory.<br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">I purchased the Mats at Knitpicks.</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMWZL5V03_UJMhJy0yeaClXtaI-j2LW-1LTp3wm_QAsfn6Py1ctdLPYWeq-M8GflQ5eTDCTfLXky4Dt8MKIBjjFz56xvmPfM0tTxs55Br-R4IEmm3IX_QL_xGcotEqOp58eyPSoeS3fs/s1600/DSCN1393.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313127914046658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMWZL5V03_UJMhJy0yeaClXtaI-j2LW-1LTp3wm_QAsfn6Py1ctdLPYWeq-M8GflQ5eTDCTfLXky4Dt8MKIBjjFz56xvmPfM0tTxs55Br-R4IEmm3IX_QL_xGcotEqOp58eyPSoeS3fs/s320/DSCN1393.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">Here is a scarf knitted using one of the skeins of Noro yarn. Noro comes in different weights, but this particular variety was 70% wool, 30% nylon and contained 459 yards; again no need to change skeins while knitting this. Noro is not inexpensive. I got this yarn on sale for $10 per skein. Normally it would cost $19.<br />You can see a better picture of the pattern below. Can you see what I meant about the variety of colors in each skein? No two skeins are alike. They might have the same colors, but how they will 'arrange' themselves as you knit is a pretty good mystery and not revealed beforehand.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321GZBbMKGnX074MQhJFIDnd4xYQpOCmV8um12rWt3D6wjscj714KmJvK_6YPu61_I-SOesb6B0BMQuF08qF0w2p3xe4lpNkI-SEFfStutVzpcCvLYOK_usdB6b2SCR7MhuL7sUNq6LU/s1600/DSCN1396.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313121624944322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg321GZBbMKGnX074MQhJFIDnd4xYQpOCmV8um12rWt3D6wjscj714KmJvK_6YPu61_I-SOesb6B0BMQuF08qF0w2p3xe4lpNkI-SEFfStutVzpcCvLYOK_usdB6b2SCR7MhuL7sUNq6LU/s320/DSCN1396.JPG" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">Here is my final lace scarf knitted using Noro. The photo shows what the scarf looked like after knitting it, but before blocking it to show off the lace pattern.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mU9lsrJEWbWdDymvhXOrMG8Ur0StBaWxKauSkQryYITbwLSna1sN3Y_xsxr2PQq6VKR3VD9M8KTfDijR_bEUvcckBElNgr07vvASK87mNVb2zqLdxSWqnhKrhO8EBO8Wsk8DnJxpKnk/s1600/DSCN1381.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313127003808594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mU9lsrJEWbWdDymvhXOrMG8Ur0StBaWxKauSkQryYITbwLSna1sN3Y_xsxr2PQq6VKR3VD9M8KTfDijR_bEUvcckBElNgr07vvASK87mNVb2zqLdxSWqnhKrhO8EBO8Wsk8DnJxpKnk/s320/DSCN1381.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br />Here is a close-up and you can see I have started using the straight pins to stretch the knitted fabric to the blocking boards.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57c_Wgh3VMzLkveu2yWfzNoQkm9EgBEKUDDJO4vsvQybpUxfwmBY_Mh23xl_HzVmADuYrRXQvCoVYKsYsaHT0QYBwO3uHGeFhePpBWt7TrBZp4BTXKkt4iT-RJKJAEKR_rbGZ1Bbpg1Q/s1600/DSCN1380.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313506255610178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57c_Wgh3VMzLkveu2yWfzNoQkm9EgBEKUDDJO4vsvQybpUxfwmBY_Mh23xl_HzVmADuYrRXQvCoVYKsYsaHT0QYBwO3uHGeFhePpBWt7TrBZp4BTXKkt4iT-RJKJAEKR_rbGZ1Bbpg1Q/s320/DSCN1380.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br />Here's are better views of the same scarf in different stages of the blocking process:<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60m9XhtzOs7ZENLVNfq92Q_v7Ws_ITDB074Pn18_fOlGdj4hWUXYcOQDBZJ9zaFo0jBdcUWu7Lt_azwhVxWiHDcJtY4_9TFN4RkhRoK6HsFfWh0zmIraW5-I3oQKqsC_TZZCJsg8KFM/s1600/DSCN1382.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313504335666738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv60m9XhtzOs7ZENLVNfq92Q_v7Ws_ITDB074Pn18_fOlGdj4hWUXYcOQDBZJ9zaFo0jBdcUWu7Lt_azwhVxWiHDcJtY4_9TFN4RkhRoK6HsFfWh0zmIraW5-I3oQKqsC_TZZCJsg8KFM/s320/DSCN1382.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d4mVydH-k8GZ_8jFS8Y2pmH0KBD_XdjP6X595Rh3wXAwdBxr6gc4UIkTU7DwT-jQSONjcDeEzmSRlyhhOhDHGp7ekivMWNnQHZFF3UEjQHgJ6oMetYGFgm8xXOVWdMiWwbkK0DERFGw/s1600/DSCN1388.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313518120140322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d4mVydH-k8GZ_8jFS8Y2pmH0KBD_XdjP6X595Rh3wXAwdBxr6gc4UIkTU7DwT-jQSONjcDeEzmSRlyhhOhDHGp7ekivMWNnQHZFF3UEjQHgJ6oMetYGFgm8xXOVWdMiWwbkK0DERFGw/s320/DSCN1388.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pYDxEVPtTmztIZj3bfEAROTEp4RDYBc0kgvWWY2yltaQVNhUjC4z5DeLXgKNQ0S0l8aePeMyni4544gqzY8hplJzDxbxmC4GEtYMyl5w58IcUchcD19033uUnEJ2Q_naz46qcxrcxZE/s1600/DSCN1384.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313516154057890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pYDxEVPtTmztIZj3bfEAROTEp4RDYBc0kgvWWY2yltaQVNhUjC4z5DeLXgKNQ0S0l8aePeMyni4544gqzY8hplJzDxbxmC4GEtYMyl5w58IcUchcD19033uUnEJ2Q_naz46qcxrcxZE/s320/DSCN1384.JPG" /></span></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7s8YOf1YTUcvHngfzhyphenhyphenMM3baDlLPXbhcxhh6Scv-VgZPUaZbHzMTkbWsJR0BALpAj6CnjrmVneMVMt4F_Q90vpswwcMr7f63gx3gFwthCP9bz9D0p9SE-IPp_3v7XEVPhnn4i8WMnJg/s1600/DSCN1392.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313518380425570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7s8YOf1YTUcvHngfzhyphenhyphenMM3baDlLPXbhcxhh6Scv-VgZPUaZbHzMTkbWsJR0BALpAj6CnjrmVneMVMt4F_Q90vpswwcMr7f63gx3gFwthCP9bz9D0p9SE-IPp_3v7XEVPhnn4i8WMnJg/s320/DSCN1392.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br />Scarves folded and finished........<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55svwyXL_-_uJy-_eXwxuyx_JBsVMxucXxS9XOAtCvafFPnpJH11OAQd2eR0NGSBwvyTutihrJwDRUEfotBhTLRbyrE-1JNFohyphenhyphen6e-Ll9deHE0GnX0UvT8KHoyq3O4DjqPCr1Ho9fNEE/s1600/DSCN1407.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 318px; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313794281807378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55svwyXL_-_uJy-_eXwxuyx_JBsVMxucXxS9XOAtCvafFPnpJH11OAQd2eR0NGSBwvyTutihrJwDRUEfotBhTLRbyrE-1JNFohyphenhyphen6e-Ll9deHE0GnX0UvT8KHoyq3O4DjqPCr1Ho9fNEE/s320/DSCN1407.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToYXIhXrncGr-Wl0seK5mmAty0GSlfEarKBH5R7fS2b8DDZO3aLmWt8VGCTF34dAPeGz7tSwqB9z6DhNvh-OW6eK31Cy3SK4fwfJndI3MqIw8l-gTe3j-s7HhaaO4b2GvZBDTLA7pSVw/s1600/DSCN1409.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313797988038834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToYXIhXrncGr-Wl0seK5mmAty0GSlfEarKBH5R7fS2b8DDZO3aLmWt8VGCTF34dAPeGz7tSwqB9z6DhNvh-OW6eK31Cy3SK4fwfJndI3MqIw8l-gTe3j-s7HhaaO4b2GvZBDTLA7pSVw/s320/DSCN1409.JPG" /></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">Here is another lace scarf I have started below<em> (yes; I'm hooked).</em> It too will look different after it is blocked. The orange scarf is going to an organization in California that supports women who were living in an abusive domestic relationship and decided to leave. Each woman is presented with a handmade scarf. We were told that many of these women have never been given a gift before; and to be given something by someone who doesn't even know them gives them hope and lets them know that <strong><em>there is love out there;</em></strong> <em>and the world is not all bad.......<br /><br /><br /></em></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEtLl3vKD_KljkqSKGJQUdA7ToN3-1Y-xfwmY8cyHMqUCX5o8N-bCF9hlr58w3cMXYGtIxOV7iRzGQbSHtuP9VMf49yeUJ7EP97HF2UCFWlfp_oOn9fKwZi5_u9f0ChNTU8e0Z4GYl3A/s1600/DSCN1415.JPG"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613313795753416594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEtLl3vKD_KljkqSKGJQUdA7ToN3-1Y-xfwmY8cyHMqUCX5o8N-bCF9hlr58w3cMXYGtIxOV7iRzGQbSHtuP9VMf49yeUJ7EP97HF2UCFWlfp_oOn9fKwZi5_u9f0ChNTU8e0Z4GYl3A/s320/DSCN1415.JPG" /></em></span></a></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;">One scarf will be sent to my aunt in Baltimore who will present it to a dear friend of hers for her love, kindness and support when it was needed. She also has recently lost her husband to that all-too-common Alzheimer's. Something I can relate to....<br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">The other scarf is not assigned to anyone and will sit waiting for a home.<br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">I guess you could say I am on a scarf tangent these days because I just placed an order for 4 more skeins of Noro. I found a great bargain online at 'Webs - The Yarn Store.' They have hundreds of yarn brands and colors for sale and there is <strong>ALWAYS</strong> yarn on sale for you to have fun with; they ship Priority (standard)for a cheap price so you can get your yarn a little quicker.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">They do have an actual physical store/warehouse which I refuse to drive to. It's close to a few hours away and I know if I ever went inside, I would need a lunch because I would be in there so long walking up and down feeling this and that, and being totally mesmerized; then realizing I don't have enough money to buy everything I see. How does one whittle down your selection to an armful after browsing thru thousands of skeins? That's like walking thru a room of diamonds covered from floor to ceiling and only coming out with 3 or 4...</span></div></div><br /></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-14573838781939366602010-10-22T03:37:00.009-04:002010-10-22T05:07:32.105-04:00My Latest Fiber Work Collection....<span style="color:#99ffff;">Is it possible to have the summer whiz right by you, yet feel as if it was a long number of weeks? I know it sounds crazy, but that's the way it seems to me. Here I am back in Autumn and finding myself with this unreal knitting<strong> "To Do"</strong> list. Each year I always say that I am going to have a leisurely knitting year; take time to concentrate on upgrading my skills and maybe get around to knitting that complicated lace scarf or shawl. It never seems to happen. "Life" gets in the way (either mine of someone else that I care about) and suddenly with zeal and gusto, I am knitting for someone else. I did try a few new things these past months, and I am sharing them with you. </span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">For some reason I wanted to try 'felted soap.'<em> <strong>Well...</strong> it was interesting and fun;</em> but I don't like the way the wool interacts with the soap once it is done, so these wonderfully colored bars will remain as 'decoration pieces.' They'll be on display somewhere to brighten up a dull corner.</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">I had this need to experiment with felted wool, so I knitted some coasters using colorful wool (Brown Sheep) and I am pleased with that outcome. I kept a few, and sent some to grace the home of my Uncle and his Lady friend Geri in California. I don't know if she's using them, (they are a bit bright) but I use mine to put my cups on in the living room. They are particularly good in the warm, humid times of the year when everything seems to sweat so much; and they protect your tables from cups that are too hot.</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">I saw this adorable pattern for a Neck Warmer online and was excited to knit it up. I liked it so much I am on my third one. My aunt Monica doesn't know it, but she is getting one of these bad boys to wear this winter. She commutes using public transportation every week and needs to be wrapped warmly. What I like about this neck warmer is it is a unisex design. The author of the pattern photographed it being worn on a woman; but I used John as my model, and he wants one to wear this winter as well. He wants two: one in a camouflage yarn, and one in a dark blue.</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">I'm an Aunt now to a cute little 9 month old baby girl; so I knitted her a sweater for the cold weather with hats and mittens to follow.... and eventually a crib blanket will be made.</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffff66;">So here are the photos:</span></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM2OG0upciPRt4wFvcM9jAfsxB8x6YL9kNAQwfyXj_VU3DcMzHqKwldnGSViNnytWMZtxk3hxHfGS8oKTzJoe_VF2cmPx-1RKK53ecUkhvSynPhjrYcDkLkVJrxpb2FAC7T3DRlOPrsw/s1600/DSCN0794.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530779357802987682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM2OG0upciPRt4wFvcM9jAfsxB8x6YL9kNAQwfyXj_VU3DcMzHqKwldnGSViNnytWMZtxk3hxHfGS8oKTzJoe_VF2cmPx-1RKK53ecUkhvSynPhjrYcDkLkVJrxpb2FAC7T3DRlOPrsw/s320/DSCN0794.JPG" /></a><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">Here are the Felted Bars of soap...</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBrFLnAqQEEIAogShzEp0tCftA1htw034wWUODL3PEyMUG0_kMB_nrGOU-zwkSAvWkt8aDinoHYcmjzb2lTbaUQ6UX2zlVY8gX0kIbvfQGtP6iBBU4fTOMdAUi1PYLx0-4dNIBSkqSuo/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG"><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;"></span></strong></a></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">And the Felted Coasters</span></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBrFLnAqQEEIAogShzEp0tCftA1htw034wWUODL3PEyMUG0_kMB_nrGOU-zwkSAvWkt8aDinoHYcmjzb2lTbaUQ6UX2zlVY8gX0kIbvfQGtP6iBBU4fTOMdAUi1PYLx0-4dNIBSkqSuo/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530780296256280802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBrFLnAqQEEIAogShzEp0tCftA1htw034wWUODL3PEyMUG0_kMB_nrGOU-zwkSAvWkt8aDinoHYcmjzb2lTbaUQ6UX2zlVY8gX0kIbvfQGtP6iBBU4fTOMdAUi1PYLx0-4dNIBSkqSuo/s320/DSCN0781.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">Here is the Sweater for my niece....<br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxvws6yCeoxqzPORlQUaelh3m24sMgEQYxKzbzYuKILVChI1rsd8aJDBdL1oSfJfbFzgORBDLulOL-CVFeM8VYDsdj3yvbkjb9w7iKG6mNfoMgRM1iIR7gvVi2xSfYHvETmXkQ3aeAjI/s1600/DSCN0928.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781235682214754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxvws6yCeoxqzPORlQUaelh3m24sMgEQYxKzbzYuKILVChI1rsd8aJDBdL1oSfJfbFzgORBDLulOL-CVFeM8VYDsdj3yvbkjb9w7iKG6mNfoMgRM1iIR7gvVi2xSfYHvETmXkQ3aeAjI/s320/DSCN0928.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">Oops! I forgot I knitted dishcloths! These went to my Uncle's home as well...</span></strong></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sN9iNO2M1_zJDwX4ocfcmLb5nPORTbdENg0U4n8WPtb7ouHxdJ1BGrKBSTmGZZVjYYfXJmOczXIf00Ga0jDkhEszqiat1D4lGFFWSP_B9LtfIhmRNOw7ecnKC2dgqg7CjODGk2Tr0xA/s1600/DSCN0782.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781407966994002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sN9iNO2M1_zJDwX4ocfcmLb5nPORTbdENg0U4n8WPtb7ouHxdJ1BGrKBSTmGZZVjYYfXJmOczXIf00Ga0jDkhEszqiat1D4lGFFWSP_B9LtfIhmRNOw7ecnKC2dgqg7CjODGk2Tr0xA/s320/DSCN0782.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">I found out my Uncle likes using the dishcloths in the shower, so I knitted him a few and added some bars of handmade soap. <strong><em>No...</em></strong> I didn't make them; but it has crossed my mind more than a few times over the years!<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aE8QkKYQlr1IorWOsl7bBWw8GMQb5pN6SSgDJuPpLixy8Rh4NEph6IMFv6B3OZkK5IOlpJZgbz51O0PdinhqR-o6MRtb1u1aGJ4egvjqOU-KUFYUq3Boe2Eo9PISEFr10XqtiGukdWg/s1600/DSCN0788.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781414717555282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aE8QkKYQlr1IorWOsl7bBWw8GMQb5pN6SSgDJuPpLixy8Rh4NEph6IMFv6B3OZkK5IOlpJZgbz51O0PdinhqR-o6MRtb1u1aGJ4egvjqOU-KUFYUq3Boe2Eo9PISEFr10XqtiGukdWg/s320/DSCN0788.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">Here is the Neck Warmer.......<br /></span></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ICS2PkBSiv8qxztlHzBRGQZ9qcCSpVWgoMWLDpJN9C4R9Jb0b_I9SWqqcGQGEeFExrNCVtOt9pccPw4E0wlkkMaPuahxHaDYWKhGphhhyZJdu9d9TbYbqhaLlWNHIy2b2McUtk1s_GY/s1600/DSCN1055.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781244937695954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ICS2PkBSiv8qxztlHzBRGQZ9qcCSpVWgoMWLDpJN9C4R9Jb0b_I9SWqqcGQGEeFExrNCVtOt9pccPw4E0wlkkMaPuahxHaDYWKhGphhhyZJdu9d9TbYbqhaLlWNHIy2b2McUtk1s_GY/s320/DSCN1055.JPG" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffff99;">A back view.....</span><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx2qh2IZMf1fysHQYdhHA5hMoJ_LFiZYe3ySZm0offOMQn_gjR07CkCWKuGkuqdKDTM0KgIqI-WUAM7NnbBMn_QLQrWcb8vw4-eIen1uExHzY6fT-9QgPnqmWzSg1uvnZxr9sxISBURs/s1600/DSCN1053.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781408980011186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx2qh2IZMf1fysHQYdhHA5hMoJ_LFiZYe3ySZm0offOMQn_gjR07CkCWKuGkuqdKDTM0KgIqI-WUAM7NnbBMn_QLQrWcb8vw4-eIen1uExHzY6fT-9QgPnqmWzSg1uvnZxr9sxISBURs/s320/DSCN1053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">This pattern designed by Madeline Tosh, is a free download and can be found here:</span></div><div><a href="http://www.madelinetosh.com/patterns-honey-cowl.html">http://www.madelinetosh.com/patterns-honey-cowl.html</a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">The pattern is called the Honey Cowl. It is shown in two sizes. I opted for the short version</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTegdFQP2DMr4MuqKTMrqcXta0UX8UK-GrDcmmSL2Zf3j08ATIBzp5f8HuNKwtyiNWJRBB8-cqIAz_azJlHc38zOpTC3pcSxg_ebzE6hRguhJuaFFBmeOtOxJEDSL0ZY-O0IxME71sQzQ/s1600/DSCN1054.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530781244067069218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTegdFQP2DMr4MuqKTMrqcXta0UX8UK-GrDcmmSL2Zf3j08ATIBzp5f8HuNKwtyiNWJRBB8-cqIAz_azJlHc38zOpTC3pcSxg_ebzE6hRguhJuaFFBmeOtOxJEDSL0ZY-O0IxME71sQzQ/s320/DSCN1054.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">Ms Tosh has other free knit patterns and they can be found here:</span></div><div><a href="http://www.madelinetosh.com/patterns-all.html">http://www.madelinetosh.com/patterns-all.html</a></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-88517463269387040492010-06-28T02:34:00.013-04:002010-06-28T04:58:18.447-04:00Tried Something New This Time....<span style="color:#33ffff;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is a very short posting this month. The online charity group to which I belong presented members with two opportunities to help others in June. I chose to create some items which will be sent to the northern Canadian territory and given to new Inuit mothers. </span><br /></span><div><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33ffff;">Inuits used to be widely known as Eskimos, and yes; these were the same people who used to live in igloos. In modern times, they choose to be called Inuits, and the 'western world' has required them to live in permanent communities now instead of living in three different residences as the seasons changed. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33ffff;">I didn't know much about the Inuits except for a few documentaries looked at over the years, but in writing this post I went to Google and tried to gather good sources of information and visuals so that you will have some idea of how life goes in the land of the Inuits.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">I found one source on Wikipedia. Here is the link:</span> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">,</span> <span style="color:#ffff66;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">but I</span> </span><span style="color:#33ffff;">found an even better source from a man named John Tyman. Mr Tyman actually lived with an Inuit family for a while and got to know first hand about Inuit life. There are two links I would like you to look at that I think you will find very much informative. The first one gives a short bio and can be found here:</span> </span><a href="http://www.johntyman.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">http://www.johntyman.com/</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">, </span><span style="color:#33ffff;">but the real knitty gritty visuals can be found here:<br /></span></span><a href="http://www.johntyman.com/arctic/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">http://www.johntyman.com/arctic/</span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33ffff;">Have a look; I don't think you will be disappointed. As I looked at the captions under the photos, I realized that like most indigenous peoples who shift into living the 'westernized' way of life; there are always the same problems. I felt like I was looking at what has occur ed with the Native Americans in the United States. The same bad habits of drinking excessive sugary drinks, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption is causing health problems such as diabetes and domestic violence. Children being made to attend school and trained for jobs that are non-existent in their corner of the world causes youths to become bored, and you know what happens when youths have very little to do. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33ffff;">Trash is now a big problem because very little of their waste is biodegradable and just like in the so-called modern world, disposable diapers now litter back yards and waste dumps where they will sit for thousands of years.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#33ffff;">Enough of my yammering...... on with photos of what I have knitted.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmP_cqiyCwvaERdoluI___w5dGeLswoWq-P2oxkWhz8QE6oA3zMUjOiLC6aS-ah9_K-W1l2m00coo612DOlqYHoP3RJXQf5uezA9GYKWGRiwUfNQaH_ZYjT-XX77pMqJKMY46qIJ9Om3I/s1600/Inuit+Mode+of+Travel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487736633106412130" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmP_cqiyCwvaERdoluI___w5dGeLswoWq-P2oxkWhz8QE6oA3zMUjOiLC6aS-ah9_K-W1l2m00coo612DOlqYHoP3RJXQf5uezA9GYKWGRiwUfNQaH_ZYjT-XX77pMqJKMY46qIJ9Om3I/s320/Inuit+Mode+of+Travel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#99ff99;">The most widely used method of transportation, especially in the winter months is the dogsled. Snowmobiles are also used after the snow has melted, and some have all-terrain vehicles.</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX6OlS1t4YS8ST2_LXDzuH9iOS1iHi13cOlX8dvqVXbNh8VtQUdOjncT6Y5Eu2rriI_FDTyQoiQvK0z1tZvMC0Ypnfi-IU68ao0vgF-_NVfdSf7nktGo37iwXS0kX2MqxQ4Vo6CUW1ak/s1600/Mother+and+Baby.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff99ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487736637693483554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX6OlS1t4YS8ST2_LXDzuH9iOS1iHi13cOlX8dvqVXbNh8VtQUdOjncT6Y5Eu2rriI_FDTyQoiQvK0z1tZvMC0Ypnfi-IU68ao0vgF-_NVfdSf7nktGo37iwXS0kX2MqxQ4Vo6CUW1ak/s320/Mother+and+Baby.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#66ff99;">Here is a photo of an Inuit mother and baby.</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnzfcpCU0zysYelvWH7FpkZYVlbsc8wLHe25WaIt3FAa62WXs6oMfxLH31JqAYdmVZy6f3lyGoP_p68XBoRc8y_YWJeFfQWa7f9NE2GxGXR3zpXmzAwRlRamfmBVkS6R-XXX-RdKJo_Q/s1600/DSCN0428.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487736621757357986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnzfcpCU0zysYelvWH7FpkZYVlbsc8wLHe25WaIt3FAa62WXs6oMfxLH31JqAYdmVZy6f3lyGoP_p68XBoRc8y_YWJeFfQWa7f9NE2GxGXR3zpXmzAwRlRamfmBVkS6R-XXX-RdKJo_Q/s320/DSCN0428.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here is an overview of what I've knitted. As you can see, there is a sweater, hat with earflaps, a pair of socks and mittens. The sack-shaped article is a baby Cocoon. Rather than putting a blanket around a baby and trying to keep the legs and arms wrapped up snuggly, you simply insert baby in the sack and that's it.</span></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij184r2mphlLj_YmXH0IMAeCDzSmM8gA1su5cx5hbrrEP_Ims4YNksE4BHkQFvYZisSMWMm0Jgb7fS9FSeS7UPh9cdxnyiBX0RzZKXFEhrd7gG0lHpSqYSW0sKALWqH774EPPvy1uJZ0o/s1600/DSCN0431.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487736624403240194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij184r2mphlLj_YmXH0IMAeCDzSmM8gA1su5cx5hbrrEP_Ims4YNksE4BHkQFvYZisSMWMm0Jgb7fS9FSeS7UPh9cdxnyiBX0RzZKXFEhrd7gG0lHpSqYSW0sKALWqH774EPPvy1uJZ0o/s320/DSCN0431.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here is a close-up of the sweater. As you can see, I have used my old batwinged baby sweater pattern, but I gave it a collar for warmth and embellished the collar and one side of the sweater with little 'nubbies' for decoration and to keep me from getting bored. </span></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-UxkfyWbUCtMgNLzByk6_SKcLkktyF-pJbJjqhaVrTQxc5ojbgHob2Mi3IqUqrgMXDt0aFcc0p9NaB4mvUzvmWtAZlWFFShc__-ivKWKxgjtUboPdbLsY6rZB3qnCDvawKXV0U4vesk/s1600/DSCN0432.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487736627426071634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-UxkfyWbUCtMgNLzByk6_SKcLkktyF-pJbJjqhaVrTQxc5ojbgHob2Mi3IqUqrgMXDt0aFcc0p9NaB4mvUzvmWtAZlWFFShc__-ivKWKxgjtUboPdbLsY6rZB3qnCDvawKXV0U4vesk/s320/DSCN0432.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#66ff99;">Here is a slightly different angle. I also added a little extra do-hickey shape along the bottom hem of the sweater. I altered the baby Cocoon pattern as well. It was supposed to be knitted in two colors and have a smooth stockinette stitch throughout. I knitted it with four or six rows of purl stitches then switched to two or three knitted rows. It gives a wavy look to the pattern, and I also placed some of the 'nubby' decorations and embellished with clay buttons just for "creation's sake."<br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-45007054077665635282010-05-15T19:59:00.024-04:002010-05-15T23:48:44.076-04:00How To Make Buttons Made of Clay & My Latest Projects on the Needles<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><span style="color:#99ffff;">A few of my fellow crafters have admired my clay buttons and some wanted to know if it is something easily done; so instead of giving my usual written reply, a lightbulb suddenly came on in my head to show how it is done in photos and place them on my Blog....<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">So here it is! You will have to forgive me. A few of the photos came out a bit fuzzy. For some reason, I cannot always get my digital camera to focus sharply when I need it to, and I did not feel like getting out the instruction manual to figure it out. It's like digging into an encyclopedia.<br /></span></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">First, let's look at the basic equipment.....</span><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JUbDtxSpLd9yN1BNunS5SNmefan_Zs3okHrpbAhqvbOo3xUKZ3kNG2IGYONp0rsoa9NtuZsFqKcdZw0AxhFveQQwNETi_CCxTbEo10M6ExEzvQcjyPjbzSTZe6oKUQt5G1pfZJlNa0s/s1600/DSCN0246.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471653003145288002" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JUbDtxSpLd9yN1BNunS5SNmefan_Zs3okHrpbAhqvbOo3xUKZ3kNG2IGYONp0rsoa9NtuZsFqKcdZw0AxhFveQQwNETi_CCxTbEo10M6ExEzvQcjyPjbzSTZe6oKUQt5G1pfZJlNa0s/s320/DSCN0246.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Here is the clay I use. It is made by Sculpey Bake in the Oven Clay and used to be available at WalMart. It still might be, I haven't checked in a few years. I purchased my 'Starter Pack' from Walmart which included various cakes of clay and two sculpting tools which you will see later. The problem with the Starter Pack is the color range. You only get basic colors. If you like colors with a capital "C" you have to find a store that sells art supplies. I found what I needed at AC Moore. I have to make it clear that Sculpey makes a variety of clays. The larger packs you see above named Studio does not to my knowledge come in a 'variety pack' like the smaller packs of SculpeyIII. If you do a "Google" you can visit the Sculpey website where you can see their entire line of products and they also have creative ideas for you to try as well.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJrKmT_AZfbpDAht6IramhJc519JhMljVvqGnPxlDm_83CGrDr6YM2bDFzJusunoqXQcgMBqvHWBcXUHJJkowedm7rHjz1dKmLdWjS7Yt8iM8NSd6BzgyFAQTdupqwXN3VHHS6kejS8M/s1600/DSCN0275.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471653005502250146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJrKmT_AZfbpDAht6IramhJc519JhMljVvqGnPxlDm_83CGrDr6YM2bDFzJusunoqXQcgMBqvHWBcXUHJJkowedm7rHjz1dKmLdWjS7Yt8iM8NSd6BzgyFAQTdupqwXN3VHHS6kejS8M/s320/DSCN0275.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Here is another photo showing the two sculpting tools included with the Starter Pack. I suppose you can purchase these tools separately. I've never noticed because I didn't have a need.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8JWBRUxR1ulyzmbM609oDyT5YhqsxHOSG1vTHcPCMr2am7XcABBDGhmis8qjZDyTXRIarSTMHkd9gs_w5laBpsoiXU7gxly0XKf44B_fGlzhE7443osljTOXjnfH6turXIqpJsfGCQk/s1600/DSCN0247.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471653009886586146" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8JWBRUxR1ulyzmbM609oDyT5YhqsxHOSG1vTHcPCMr2am7XcABBDGhmis8qjZDyTXRIarSTMHkd9gs_w5laBpsoiXU7gxly0XKf44B_fGlzhE7443osljTOXjnfH6turXIqpJsfGCQk/s320/DSCN0247.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here's a close-up of the clay tools.</span><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFPY79ObNqYTM8kThCTV2FCIqe-JSXhipV8iVigLt5NqklvAs5DRLIHBsm2VgaJpu_Y08JNlADnY7OfJfo5wEZzLI7yYdVQ11Jq8eibfSKES7gwhW4E6OQcyDufrovg01QP7LA282Fx4/s1600/DSCN0260.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471657645983520402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFPY79ObNqYTM8kThCTV2FCIqe-JSXhipV8iVigLt5NqklvAs5DRLIHBsm2VgaJpu_Y08JNlADnY7OfJfo5wEZzLI7yYdVQ11Jq8eibfSKES7gwhW4E6OQcyDufrovg01QP7LA282Fx4/s320/DSCN0260.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />The clay is 'scored' into sections. So here; I have broken off a scored section and I am getting ready to 'work it.' You have to soften the clay and make it malleable. You're pretty much working the clay like you would pie crust, except you won't get your hands all messy and sticky.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoA1uyQGv5ppW-cEa-l6qZa4iSxw1ifRhuAUjgoo4Wlfv8EXVxp0W5J2PiOgBQRkmu1AH_MOVaXat9PYVCqvBpbWAnfPZ8CCK6dYk3Va5NYyEOKOojvSl6hK0EmjsZMCddJVEVisEPwM/s1600/DSCN0280.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471657648124165442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoA1uyQGv5ppW-cEa-l6qZa4iSxw1ifRhuAUjgoo4Wlfv8EXVxp0W5J2PiOgBQRkmu1AH_MOVaXat9PYVCqvBpbWAnfPZ8CCK6dYk3Va5NYyEOKOojvSl6hK0EmjsZMCddJVEVisEPwM/s320/DSCN0280.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">Work the clay with your fingers to get it soft and bendable. Only takes about two minutes.<br /></span><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGYbkj9LcmWosRYqe8HpOXot3uogjg0FlGQgFsvXFfGQzitRXZkJ6nCynqZdpwCa5vv8fLMJ6RQygqsMdevljSRmvETInfXkkfdj0HkAuE0kJeTuBGoSyHVp1DTPzcDHB-U20nefiNaU/s1600/DSCN0278.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471664571095825202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGYbkj9LcmWosRYqe8HpOXot3uogjg0FlGQgFsvXFfGQzitRXZkJ6nCynqZdpwCa5vv8fLMJ6RQygqsMdevljSRmvETInfXkkfdj0HkAuE0kJeTuBGoSyHVp1DTPzcDHB-U20nefiNaU/s320/DSCN0278.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">Here is a yellow piece after working it between my fingers, squeezing it flat, folding it over, working it flat again. It just needs to feel your body heat to do this.</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzQOpYPaCcvbGa8ZTBjDRpXxNyitG0zO3h5aJwoDR47wbEOaH2Rkuhm8K7o9qrYQC0QoW2uxy9Dw7F0lHcNyZsBmoReIKaJUI9VU5p-Q6wFktldMgRYDpQJ-9O6luv4nsXU7j1P1bjJU/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471660045754492610" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzQOpYPaCcvbGa8ZTBjDRpXxNyitG0zO3h5aJwoDR47wbEOaH2Rkuhm8K7o9qrYQC0QoW2uxy9Dw7F0lHcNyZsBmoReIKaJUI9VU5p-Q6wFktldMgRYDpQJ-9O6luv4nsXU7j1P1bjJU/s320/DSCN0282.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Fold the clay over and 'work it'</span> </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471660042480447602" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjmHqVO4kKt-KFMh7EP1ge1RTsLvklrzQc5Bsd1Ytz5qW5pJD3112oFN4_x9nE-Lhie8rE4GP2nmxvYWkJjHzaM-sybRQsjdVlxNRfvcCaeBgGAcpGw6t2xvatj9tkoHxQL7eaKfV3qk/s320/DSCN0281.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Fold it over again...</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjGG_wez8d7a8rbo__A-8Z3CsU2Ie0wRaoorXHayQg9H5nLwKeuAe3vGXyt3vYRP_YPQaATi6OSI7oIWQS4lNBCy5-pUeC3AmMkLELult2XL9NvSRsgnKhuNhsJNUB2RDr-wQZBqctgA/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662372779971458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjGG_wez8d7a8rbo__A-8Z3CsU2Ie0wRaoorXHayQg9H5nLwKeuAe3vGXyt3vYRP_YPQaATi6OSI7oIWQS4lNBCy5-pUeC3AmMkLELult2XL9NvSRsgnKhuNhsJNUB2RDr-wQZBqctgA/s320/DSCN0282.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Here is the general shape the clay should take to make your button. It can be larger. It depends upon how much clay you are using.<span style="color:#ffffff;"> <em>Just make sure it is smooth across the entire surface.</em> </span>You can do this with your fingertips. Make pretend you are shaping dough to make biscuits. The thickness would be about a quarter of an inch. It can be adjustable, depending upon your needs. You will need to experiment the first time to get your fingers and creative juices used to working with the clay. My buttons are chunky. I call them <strong>"Freddy Flintstone Buttons."</strong></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD800ox_51SPHA3N0U0JcxAmtIWV9GMCp7wkz_t9_vW-s70YZxtmUNIVs83b9Vq9QLZRJJIAJtl7KU-14lpiFoFHAg9Kt6Yl2hUUseqYOCDLAH_uxNj4eDkdAV6niOSMFvGlpUWcpOiq4/s1600/DSCN0293.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662379271331490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD800ox_51SPHA3N0U0JcxAmtIWV9GMCp7wkz_t9_vW-s70YZxtmUNIVs83b9Vq9QLZRJJIAJtl7KU-14lpiFoFHAg9Kt6Yl2hUUseqYOCDLAH_uxNj4eDkdAV6niOSMFvGlpUWcpOiq4/s320/DSCN0293.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Put your penny or dime on the clay.</span><br /></span><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcHEhPpKT3EcF2D1u8cgNkL5QF3PsydmZhsWCeebh4D8FZ4Rg6Ehgmu9dH3g3M4SWLZkyfz_JsR3BqQAJHwIjgqYpHFvFgcML07_Pe1aPxyFqTwawnPIk6PLyPb6jxH-bbVE5uy65kHc/s1600/DSCN0296.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662379243200754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcHEhPpKT3EcF2D1u8cgNkL5QF3PsydmZhsWCeebh4D8FZ4Rg6Ehgmu9dH3g3M4SWLZkyfz_JsR3BqQAJHwIjgqYpHFvFgcML07_Pe1aPxyFqTwawnPIk6PLyPb6jxH-bbVE5uy65kHc/s320/DSCN0296.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />You will need a penny or a dime to use as a guide for the size of the button. Nichels and quarters are just too large unless you are making them as a decorative button for an adult garment.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">Just as in biscuit making, after you have rolled out the dough and are ready to use your cutter, place the penny or dime on top of the dough, and use your clay tool <em><span style="color:#ffffff;">(the one with the edge shaped like a knife)</span> </em>to trace around the coin. This will give you a general shape. Use your fingertips to perfect the shape along the rim.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Now you are ready to make the buttonholes.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWRxjvOVSNyOfxTHA3R7vZJGDh3voHS6dEk0_C0zrxC3o2CgF1Ob6GBWhKuvO_f0CnQejydV-Z5R_jzsQ6m8aEWKDWddPtbLdD1h8NeQcaZ5O0JjgejSayTyGVsafSO_BTGFcSl8F04k/s1600/DSCN0301.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662385432280978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWRxjvOVSNyOfxTHA3R7vZJGDh3voHS6dEk0_C0zrxC3o2CgF1Ob6GBWhKuvO_f0CnQejydV-Z5R_jzsQ6m8aEWKDWddPtbLdD1h8NeQcaZ5O0JjgejSayTyGVsafSO_BTGFcSl8F04k/s320/DSCN0301.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />If you knit or crochet, you will always have a sewing needle for yarn. Get yours out and decide where on the face of the button you would like to make two buttonholes. Stick it in. Push the needle in from front to back until the eye of the needle has travelled out the other end, <span style="color:#ffffff;">and while the eye of the needle is making its way through the clay gently twirl the needle around to make sure that once the clay has baked, the hole will be large enough to get that same needle through when you are trying to sew it onto the garment.</span></span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B3sO99kCMdLZwdCjlbXIbUmBuvd1rdlcgEoH3oCOeN4ajAMxhdGi0rSKGQT8psFcIgCosVP7QKunAgj6K4LSp_gEpWAnhGMl8fLa9M0ul42no4YKRj5_1W0G9XC4oC8BsSBMUGSYF5w/s1600/DSCN0333.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662823728860834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B3sO99kCMdLZwdCjlbXIbUmBuvd1rdlcgEoH3oCOeN4ajAMxhdGi0rSKGQT8psFcIgCosVP7QKunAgj6K4LSp_gEpWAnhGMl8fLa9M0ul42no4YKRj5_1W0G9XC4oC8BsSBMUGSYF5w/s320/DSCN0333.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />It doesn't have to be perfect, just functional. <em><span style="color:#ffffff;">These are for babies.</span></em> Babies and children like things a little 'odd.' It's more interesting to their psyche (mine too!).</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJHd3t-7r8unGu2BjWWb91f3ypw9mxekUW5QPkDFIewXfM_NTqmpm9sAyO1U0TKJYrKgRSxhnuWDldj9lEP0roZNSaZLqOr_9OPFsMWt3D-Zz9gRpgwh2X5KqYaWOm1PjwrhxB2DFMcc/s1600/DSCN0330.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662820815628306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJHd3t-7r8unGu2BjWWb91f3ypw9mxekUW5QPkDFIewXfM_NTqmpm9sAyO1U0TKJYrKgRSxhnuWDldj9lEP0roZNSaZLqOr_9OPFsMWt3D-Zz9gRpgwh2X5KqYaWOm1PjwrhxB2DFMcc/s320/DSCN0330.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here are two buttons with holes. The pink shows the 'right' side of the button. The yellow one shows the back of the buttonhole. The back will always have that 'puckered' look. Don't worry about it. </span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><em>It's the back!</em></span></span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsYRMaLWdG5Z8rhhJoMo3VGk5BtkBD6MrEfEzl9TcMEOJpbmS-BKbV1jJ7L0X7AvONtiB6va8HieAjiBr24tiOehuvDtXEWFJ8y8koYCYyfYE4onAfeI1-_OdH3lWDd2Vbdca7uOlUn4/s1600/DSCN0334.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662824089893634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsYRMaLWdG5Z8rhhJoMo3VGk5BtkBD6MrEfEzl9TcMEOJpbmS-BKbV1jJ7L0X7AvONtiB6va8HieAjiBr24tiOehuvDtXEWFJ8y8koYCYyfYE4onAfeI1-_OdH3lWDd2Vbdca7uOlUn4/s320/DSCN0334.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />I just know someone is going to be curious as to how I mix my colors and come out with those great looking wild buttons; so here it is. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">First of all; it you can't find a specific shade or color you need, don't be afraid to mix two or three colors of clay together. It's just like in school when you mixed paints or crayons to get a color: blue and yellow make green, etc.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">Just break off the colors of clay and work each color separately to make it flat and soft. Then mix the two together like a pancake and squeeze and bend and roll, then flatten out again. You will see a different color as the two merge together.</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRmViVaenjUY7k84bUbaZZVnz7r00EI7RppDInuhk7dG_9P7o4IrqJ3zxN9gTt5yMiK1CPvHaU0186kXvKuOhlnTkBoMpT6OF3IbZX8DD-E_xXhwTyzAObGf5MjlqZEFCwxcII4rOGDA/s1600/DSCN0337.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471664571764876258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRmViVaenjUY7k84bUbaZZVnz7r00EI7RppDInuhk7dG_9P7o4IrqJ3zxN9gTt5yMiK1CPvHaU0186kXvKuOhlnTkBoMpT6OF3IbZX8DD-E_xXhwTyzAObGf5MjlqZEFCwxcII4rOGDA/s320/DSCN0337.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">You can join two colors together, but not fully merge them. In that case, you get a candy-cane effect like the photo above.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-sk9CDIfbuWuSy5NiZDFcA3QLCi7RBWgrEOYpUPX9mElbatDHkb1bUMtFIAXsG1snzotNB5pGeOvhwGABnTw870NHVWXEjQ_2CXA10UOOZN1fTW7-hzeb2RI4zKOpkwpHM3bobSu9_g/s1600/DSCN0348.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663420085587426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-sk9CDIfbuWuSy5NiZDFcA3QLCi7RBWgrEOYpUPX9mElbatDHkb1bUMtFIAXsG1snzotNB5pGeOvhwGABnTw870NHVWXEjQ_2CXA10UOOZN1fTW7-hzeb2RI4zKOpkwpHM3bobSu9_g/s320/DSCN0348.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">You can take that flat shape and roll it like a Tootsie Roll in the palm of your hand and make a cigar shape as shown above. </span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DNOaODXijTvdRYcA8sRcCoJeadzoAf18CTiKIUvP2MhHrZtpoNCGnQH_nwwDxY2bVwkQoP3Mq8JSV2zCUdbvuiSlG6-TAII3nCnF8eGvo_tr7PrgceyenkU9cg4gRk3YQ9qnBmMZO1s/s1600/DSCN0349.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663424335671074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DNOaODXijTvdRYcA8sRcCoJeadzoAf18CTiKIUvP2MhHrZtpoNCGnQH_nwwDxY2bVwkQoP3Mq8JSV2zCUdbvuiSlG6-TAII3nCnF8eGvo_tr7PrgceyenkU9cg4gRk3YQ9qnBmMZO1s/s320/DSCN0349.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Take a flattened sheet of clay the thickness and color of your choice and place the cigar shaped clay as pictured above.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ADsEYUN5TtI4jioGpxYvYveI0hERZ88qeMeD7ZQxpOOh3BzQC1BF71mD5WRfx1-Vc9JxZCX9ZJVQ1bRfviojkgmqoQs_LvFz0wRwpWQ5Fs9BxZxCsYsknZ5DBXSZhsle-LLlpRPqNwk/s1600/DSCN0351.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663426943735186" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ADsEYUN5TtI4jioGpxYvYveI0hERZ88qeMeD7ZQxpOOh3BzQC1BF71mD5WRfx1-Vc9JxZCX9ZJVQ1bRfviojkgmqoQs_LvFz0wRwpWQ5Fs9BxZxCsYsknZ5DBXSZhsle-LLlpRPqNwk/s320/DSCN0351.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Roll that bad boy like you are making "pigs in a blanket." But make sure there are no air pockets. <strong><em><span style="color:#ffffff;">Roll it tightly.</span></em></strong> You'll know once you work with it and are able to look at it in person<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0mFtfPlT8UcOuwe1gVnAFWwtvFOMinibjSLdldH78zBgCAGz2YXMfsN6ADN3a75XM9Z93k64dkgHev7oaSsg1_pcUP9QjQBYrPloazCW6efUrZ8wobCmFiB-GZN2WtwYkAOIE81ir0A/s1600/DSCN0356.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663429273322562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0mFtfPlT8UcOuwe1gVnAFWwtvFOMinibjSLdldH78zBgCAGz2YXMfsN6ADN3a75XM9Z93k64dkgHev7oaSsg1_pcUP9QjQBYrPloazCW6efUrZ8wobCmFiB-GZN2WtwYkAOIE81ir0A/s320/DSCN0356.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Here's an example of clay not rolled tightly enough. You can see some air pockets after cutting the clay. </span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAa-jkdLs8F2Y6QMNSTm9suerS2Qf4fQ0IrW4nIxNmNterOBqP2KPqQfbVwGyek103tZAWeGrhlWdvQR3UAykjov3ozH6o4hUodY4r_ozU00K8bLYytI1z3-66XmXvR1KEKEMAkw200k/s1600/DSCN0365.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663783277035762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAa-jkdLs8F2Y6QMNSTm9suerS2Qf4fQ0IrW4nIxNmNterOBqP2KPqQfbVwGyek103tZAWeGrhlWdvQR3UAykjov3ozH6o4hUodY4r_ozU00K8bLYytI1z3-66XmXvR1KEKEMAkw200k/s320/DSCN0365.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is where I merged orange clay around another color. </span></span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvqQ61NnQQCEt9JoKJ5o0AGVNd5qPg-_gsPKkoXbQPYUGBlYKcItK5q9E8KhVDNKPGBdBd8DQG-5_54rutbQ9swspS0LjJGEFJ9qWRnFF8SeKIvs4F52JXxVhEbn6iZmeCc2Cbvhtg9Y/s1600/DSCN0366.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663789288331986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvqQ61NnQQCEt9JoKJ5o0AGVNd5qPg-_gsPKkoXbQPYUGBlYKcItK5q9E8KhVDNKPGBdBd8DQG-5_54rutbQ9swspS0LjJGEFJ9qWRnFF8SeKIvs4F52JXxVhEbn6iZmeCc2Cbvhtg9Y/s320/DSCN0366.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br />Here is what it looks like after cutting the clay. You just roll and shape into a jelly-roll shape and cut just like you are making sugar cookies.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E_hnSDAaeAgV_Ya3z34GnsOXzf6040nYf5v4vym4jyglgTM38Hv9HgBVq73-B5mCMH9x1mBDZBNOk4dyDY_QReDodHc___-lFE8VgHMXtEH3zQvo-m0GGBniazZSgCJ5Ym8wW8NfX60/s1600/DSCN0368.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663792461196002" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9E_hnSDAaeAgV_Ya3z34GnsOXzf6040nYf5v4vym4jyglgTM38Hv9HgBVq73-B5mCMH9x1mBDZBNOk4dyDY_QReDodHc___-lFE8VgHMXtEH3zQvo-m0GGBniazZSgCJ5Ym8wW8NfX60/s320/DSCN0368.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">A slightly closer view..........</span><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLNo_PZWoCFNmmI6nr9Chx1gBhKxCrVPdAJfZlp6ITBKo7sxjIggY4zYv7JSaoHtDNFkRfNsaTtUnZuTgVbkY7Wfo89ArGGxBc4joEjNler_vx0RYA5lp2vRE8JXsUyeOfm2vEeynucE/s1600/DSCN0360.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663434123176514" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLNo_PZWoCFNmmI6nr9Chx1gBhKxCrVPdAJfZlp6ITBKo7sxjIggY4zYv7JSaoHtDNFkRfNsaTtUnZuTgVbkY7Wfo89ArGGxBc4joEjNler_vx0RYA5lp2vRE8JXsUyeOfm2vEeynucE/s320/DSCN0360.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">A view of a button next to a penny....</span></span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBKkllptSzfGyX4xAYsBTr2WX-dy9Izefj4ytFSYFddVVZm10TjtzvyiPlqErAVpRNiRK_Y3zAtDFmVbD07WHZ9KBvvx257Ci0-xw-W77uFLXv9kB1w7h5HbUgHoHPg1Cnr8aihtCkgU/s1600/DSCN0319.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662829790115746" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBKkllptSzfGyX4xAYsBTr2WX-dy9Izefj4ytFSYFddVVZm10TjtzvyiPlqErAVpRNiRK_Y3zAtDFmVbD07WHZ9KBvvx257Ci0-xw-W77uFLXv9kB1w7h5HbUgHoHPg1Cnr8aihtCkgU/s320/DSCN0319.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><br /><br />Finally, we are ready to bake these bad boys! You will need a glass pyrex plate as shown above. The shape does not matter,<em><span style="color:#ffffff;"> just make sure it is glass.</span></em> Place the buttons face up in the glass baking dish and make sure they are not touching. They can be closer together than what is shown in the photo above. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3aHxE2-VuYdQMRngUiDHadP1Qee5Sx9fBkwmDQG2Lz9z0Pr-oJooZKJLxSlmTUBam7cl8DXIHPwwPE4HrCd_sFAgRAjB-6uvpLtOOISrbiDDrdvMPW4lFXvE3KKV0iZ-Vy7dPK2Ni_I/s1600/DSCN0325.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663146433419874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3aHxE2-VuYdQMRngUiDHadP1Qee5Sx9fBkwmDQG2Lz9z0Pr-oJooZKJLxSlmTUBam7cl8DXIHPwwPE4HrCd_sFAgRAjB-6uvpLtOOISrbiDDrdvMPW4lFXvE3KKV0iZ-Vy7dPK2Ni_I/s320/DSCN0325.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;">Preheat your oven to 275 degrees <span style="color:#ffffff;">(American)</span> and bake your buttons for about 20 minutes minimum. Bake longer if they are more than one-quarter inch thick. The instructions on the clay wrapper will give more detailed baking instructions. <em><span style="color:#ffffff;">The important thing is that you not burn the clay.</span></em> I haven't had such a total disaster, but they will deepen in color if left in the oven too long.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihyUyTXn_IYxYzFpWkS40xeiCL9HqZWIgXN_ih69WRqsvCvsWodlIj7qO_NIsYHUZHiayu6268vDAFu9SXCI159Aw7LfzeHGBsiNhc9MM37V3Uae7GmSA_wuHXrigVZ8w1QV1oTVaEGo/s1600/DSCN0324.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471662835619840466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihyUyTXn_IYxYzFpWkS40xeiCL9HqZWIgXN_ih69WRqsvCvsWodlIj7qO_NIsYHUZHiayu6268vDAFu9SXCI159Aw7LfzeHGBsiNhc9MM37V3Uae7GmSA_wuHXrigVZ8w1QV1oTVaEGo/s320/DSCN0324.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Put the buttons in and bake.</span></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ffff;"><strong>Now!</strong> Last but not least, as they say, are two knitting projects I am working on at the present time. Wish me "God-speed" in completing them soon. I'm in one of those moods where <em>"I have to do something"</em> and haven't found the perfect pattern to really excite me, so this is<em> 'a better than nothing' project.</em></span></span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX-l26anxQQQZKYLdZ30rgcN95OLpY3TMm0vXtlKa2bQ6h3rC0EZ-LqUvntAfZh00NoUaloCzmZgZr6ly9NapVWQaa9KZ22123nrEZ2d1uHYNCmR556JvcS_0BlAv-m3i2UBqb4IdgTs/s1600/DSCN0374.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663793556864978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX-l26anxQQQZKYLdZ30rgcN95OLpY3TMm0vXtlKa2bQ6h3rC0EZ-LqUvntAfZh00NoUaloCzmZgZr6ly9NapVWQaa9KZ22123nrEZ2d1uHYNCmR556JvcS_0BlAv-m3i2UBqb4IdgTs/s320/DSCN0374.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br />This is a scarf. Not for warmth. This would be more of an early Spring or early Fall scarf. The yarn is mercerized cotton from Elann.com<br />The Free pattern can be found here:</span> </span><a href="http://shop.thescarfer.net/blog/?p=82#more-82"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff99ff;">http://shop.thescarfer.net/blog/?p=82#more-82</span></a></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwFMnm-dXVJ4HM0gsFAvjS9MhC2gxsbjmjY3w9PhzaVcaW6Ckklu0B3uVkM92QdNv7PxjVbmThftlU8rOlCA2hfL3y8JP8e3ZYXsJIY32ghWYOjdh-12eCiL1sDXtOtBU5WqQUGfR4tU/s1600/DSCN0375.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471663796262602450" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwFMnm-dXVJ4HM0gsFAvjS9MhC2gxsbjmjY3w9PhzaVcaW6Ckklu0B3uVkM92QdNv7PxjVbmThftlU8rOlCA2hfL3y8JP8e3ZYXsJIY32ghWYOjdh-12eCiL1sDXtOtBU5WqQUGfR4tU/s320/DSCN0375.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">This is a baby blanket. I like basketweave, but it can have a boring look about it; therefore, I always stay away from knitting it. This pattern is different as you can see. The edge of the blanket is bordered with a miniature basketweave pattern and gives it just enough 'excitement' to keep me interested, and keeps you on your toes. The free pattern can be found here:</span></span></div><a href="http://www.debbiemacomber.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=nnp&pageID=194"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff99ff;">http://www.debbiemacomber.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=nnp&pageID=194</span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-15119686971647230552010-04-27T01:24:00.005-04:002010-04-27T02:51:29.867-04:00I'm Late Again..<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff99ff;">I had two 'unexpected' babies to knit for these past few months. <em>Well, one was unexpected. </em>The other one was placed on my agenda, but I thought I had a few more months <em>(like until this Fall)</em> to get my gift together; but the baby was born prematurely and a sudden baby shower fell out of the plain blue sky, and my plans went out the window! I intended to do my usual of a sweater, hat, mittens and car seat blanket for the cold months of fall and winter but had to come up with something quick; <em>so much for intentions!</em> A sweater, a few hats and a baby washcloth was all I had time for.<br /><br />Of course, of all the clay buttons I had in my stash, nothing matched to my satisfaction; so that meant pulling out the clay and making new ones.<br /></span><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here is the latest batch of buttons. Good thing these sweaters are for newborns, because my buttons look like tempting pieces of candy.</span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmp_QCADQMk_HOML5X_tENjoR1azLhFB12AWJoMhXe7pYy7qcTfhzaPZ5EauOLJNHJK_9hWj1Lh_oFGDjTlG5D7YI6f1xsbwixwa7j0HMpcwP5lT0wtGc40A_E47A6IAJPgPipETLR6M/s1600/DSCN0153.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684301345871026" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmp_QCADQMk_HOML5X_tENjoR1azLhFB12AWJoMhXe7pYy7qcTfhzaPZ5EauOLJNHJK_9hWj1Lh_oFGDjTlG5D7YI6f1xsbwixwa7j0HMpcwP5lT0wtGc40A_E47A6IAJPgPipETLR6M/s320/DSCN0153.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here's a close-up:<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJgdJ6A-i9kll63OB_N1bl79opPHGedq7Tn2IH13__b6D16LpKUSWSA4p4ZZBu4ppNf0Z12Iv_ggrig4m94y-hPrGrli9y1zh2O8Jni93HRk42ldmfeu9N10j3SSpTTaqvHGywn8yVtU/s1600/DSCN0163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684304892795074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJgdJ6A-i9kll63OB_N1bl79opPHGedq7Tn2IH13__b6D16LpKUSWSA4p4ZZBu4ppNf0Z12Iv_ggrig4m94y-hPrGrli9y1zh2O8Jni93HRk42ldmfeu9N10j3SSpTTaqvHGywn8yVtU/s320/DSCN0163.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here are photos of the sweater, hats and washcloths:</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CcUQspgVMrg3XGJfP3qpDnfpd9likLAZqE4cjnahiuTGQnC3AkG7oxkxGItwLILD3IWOldYqyAg4jOmv0AZchC64gu-_vgKCincXy95IM7qSCAiwWFq98_3TwM5I-1lfDy9PaN0mAMw/s1600/DSCN0185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684325408290466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CcUQspgVMrg3XGJfP3qpDnfpd9likLAZqE4cjnahiuTGQnC3AkG7oxkxGItwLILD3IWOldYqyAg4jOmv0AZchC64gu-_vgKCincXy95IM7qSCAiwWFq98_3TwM5I-1lfDy9PaN0mAMw/s320/DSCN0185.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">A slightly better view of the hats</span></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9JF37nRG9ppEWQbeJGXSPkOqK5IxgBs03jmaP_Q2HFi6ecQdZsxAD32jc0E2HWGp2VT2abPmvhJWwE5snYCr5OuGpH6zC36GWC0Dy1tNu6hI-dnlRXl3MqFg_o3sLj_M5CwPdzmKtPg/s1600/DSCN0192.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684446608078946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9JF37nRG9ppEWQbeJGXSPkOqK5IxgBs03jmaP_Q2HFi6ecQdZsxAD32jc0E2HWGp2VT2abPmvhJWwE5snYCr5OuGpH6zC36GWC0Dy1tNu6hI-dnlRXl3MqFg_o3sLj_M5CwPdzmKtPg/s320/DSCN0192.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">And last, but not least is a photo of the Little One being fed by his Mom:</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlSltH51rO_I0mPWdUZTBhI2FrFe_QLRnGgfBKLoZWovXwUf5EKygiTJP8dyiFrncn6G9roV18rH6tZ7BOlh7Q4mIctEmcmoFF4xvao_S1xAIcdUnQSdiS9UgUaT-WSMRbFayO6JeZ_U/s1600/mother+and+son.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684456935520274" style="WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlSltH51rO_I0mPWdUZTBhI2FrFe_QLRnGgfBKLoZWovXwUf5EKygiTJP8dyiFrncn6G9roV18rH6tZ7BOlh7Q4mIctEmcmoFF4xvao_S1xAIcdUnQSdiS9UgUaT-WSMRbFayO6JeZ_U/s320/mother+and+son.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;">The unexpected birth was from a young woman near my town who shovels snow off my roof in the winter. I called to make sure she would still be available for winter and discovered she had given birth to a baby girl. Out of the blue, I asked if she would like a sweater and hat for her child, and of course; she said <em>Yes.</em> So here is the sweater and hat. The hat is from a purchased pattern and called "Porcupine," and can be found here: </span></div><div><a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/wee-woolly-toppers/">http://www.woollywormhead.com/wee-woolly-toppers/</a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWwZQv87ntBYC5nrST9EymE59lXe9GOfLnfmkcmsupDB_fRSAsIoFqdHPOg762C3wD4t2pX47Thu9-8KUzJS1KECshqAowTMiSsBBDSZNCOtFu3oP9ZUYgMvDreAnPjqVaimggQthYpI/s1600/DSCN0172.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684319865633682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWwZQv87ntBYC5nrST9EymE59lXe9GOfLnfmkcmsupDB_fRSAsIoFqdHPOg762C3wD4t2pX47Thu9-8KUzJS1KECshqAowTMiSsBBDSZNCOtFu3oP9ZUYgMvDreAnPjqVaimggQthYpI/s320/DSCN0172.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="color:#66ffff;">Another view of the hat</span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLhKIm7EjViGQ5awtZmpTfH6luOEkY5u8DSSW5chsEoBLSNA-Jxe4xNf_aTbPA4pCvZvHVKNJyd4ESfbkalbUePu2N_hrUNLjyuBi4QiMcQjzTvmL7h0WPM0Prock2AEN7-U4nVyAL8I/s1600/DSCN0171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464684317383077586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLhKIm7EjViGQ5awtZmpTfH6luOEkY5u8DSSW5chsEoBLSNA-Jxe4xNf_aTbPA4pCvZvHVKNJyd4ESfbkalbUePu2N_hrUNLjyuBi4QiMcQjzTvmL7h0WPM0Prock2AEN7-U4nVyAL8I/s320/DSCN0171.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;">I guess by now you must be wondering why I tend to use the same sweater pattern when there are countless others out there. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;">I have a fondness for this one because it is a densely knitted fabric <em>(all garter stitch)</em> and the batwing shaped sleeves are great for trapping and retaining body heat. In the cool and cold months you need all the warmth you can get. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff99ff;">The pattern isn't supposed to have a collar, but I added one for extra neck warmth. I just don't like the idea of a baby being cold or chilly. The pattern only calls for 4 buttons, but I added an extra one to make sure the sweater traps in the warmth.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-70506356466410440902009-11-03T23:24:00.013-05:002010-04-27T02:37:09.464-04:00Whew..... It's Been A While<span style="color:#ffffff;">Whew! It's been a while since I have posted, and I don't know where the time goes, but it goes by so swiftly these days, yet you seem to be less productive. It seems like I never manage to "get finished" and stay that way.<br /><br />I love knitting for my Babies, and there is always another new one to add to the 'fold.' Plans to knit something for myself never happens. I might experiment on a hat just to take a break; but whether it is wearable or not is another story.<br /><br />I knitted a shawl for a woman whom I've known since I was 4 years old, and just got it into the mail a few weeks ago only to receive news that she passed away from damage received from a stroke. I forgot to take photos, so have nothing to show you in my Blog. I also knitted a scarf for her daughter, who was her mother's devoted caretaker the past 3 or 4 years. My Spirit kept telling me to "hurry up" and get this shawl to her while she could still appreciate it, and I dragged my feet thinking she would 'be there' because she always was....<br /><br /><br />I don't know where the summer went. The Fall is travelling swiftly by and winter is a breath away. My 'adopted babies' need new sweaters and hats because they have grown since last year. Two newbies entered the scene this year; and one little one who was born in California is making the move to live in St. Louis the first of the year; so car seat blanket, warm sweater, hats and mittens will be made for her. This entry is to share photos of what I have been doing this late spring, summer and fall. And I'm <strong>still </strong>not finished......<br /><br /><br />Where are those extra eight arms when you need them??<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc23CpvrfeWRntS_kIRKXFS1oeVnCq9RnCUXmfScMICgIqB7-i-O792cCZu-bS3u4FaLo6f2ht04dPcCaBgPql1IiaJF_sXXBKfLdcYJ0Pp0THgLXqi39E2ZBuVhlTLlfn9AhyEjomX1Y/s1600-h/DSCN5022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400109920383520978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc23CpvrfeWRntS_kIRKXFS1oeVnCq9RnCUXmfScMICgIqB7-i-O792cCZu-bS3u4FaLo6f2ht04dPcCaBgPql1IiaJF_sXXBKfLdcYJ0Pp0THgLXqi39E2ZBuVhlTLlfn9AhyEjomX1Y/s320/DSCN5022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is a hooded sweater I knitted for Baby Carter who was born in August and lives in Vermont.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxxeoaCqGeIoQtjtMeYB69MYtMSoBWg4YpXTkWxf2A76uylGBzg_jndPWlT_odNQ7Q0aLs4uFcQ1R5vSKj3Uz6tXbonuiyKy6Wo9i_16IE_pYKx3OwCr8N36juLexIRZrhyaOqFiCJdo/s1600-h/DSCN5015.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400109923439607554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxxeoaCqGeIoQtjtMeYB69MYtMSoBWg4YpXTkWxf2A76uylGBzg_jndPWlT_odNQ7Q0aLs4uFcQ1R5vSKj3Uz6tXbonuiyKy6Wo9i_16IE_pYKx3OwCr8N36juLexIRZrhyaOqFiCJdo/s320/DSCN5015.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is his Car Seat Blanket. You know living in Vermont means cold winters.....</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj842OGVlC7taBUcikyMgcEZt-E7lLQviV70qS10drxgfHqB9i0z1wb30KejnQ_KgItrq_w8AoCeNHHeMg_MKp68tUX0067KFWCESr0NPCQLHMzXYMXdybq_i1mJcecyWfwccgdaO9zRpQ/s1600-h/DSCN5018.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400109927065253794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj842OGVlC7taBUcikyMgcEZt-E7lLQviV70qS10drxgfHqB9i0z1wb30KejnQ_KgItrq_w8AoCeNHHeMg_MKp68tUX0067KFWCESr0NPCQLHMzXYMXdybq_i1mJcecyWfwccgdaO9zRpQ/s320/DSCN5018.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here are three-quarters of Carter's ensemble. I did knit some mittens, but neglected to take a snapshot..</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ6iAt2wfEvde_UNjgeK9tqdcrB8DPFhr6YK0dPXvnUUyrWuNlnPWYXzTIojbiZJapbaq2Zh1vt0YfTz33mlVOCa5ikxZiAEUF_mMaGMdEqncikK1wrd2DIsdskRr8oltehDEq_FpFlo/s1600-h/DSCN0046.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400111970995873634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZ6iAt2wfEvde_UNjgeK9tqdcrB8DPFhr6YK0dPXvnUUyrWuNlnPWYXzTIojbiZJapbaq2Zh1vt0YfTz33mlVOCa5ikxZiAEUF_mMaGMdEqncikK1wrd2DIsdskRr8oltehDEq_FpFlo/s320/DSCN0046.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is a Car Seat Blanket for little Micala who arrived as a New Year's present to her parents. I did not have the pleasure of meeting her until she was 6 months old. Since she lives in my town, and I know how cold winters can be, she gets "the works."</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3f5qKCOAFiUgeOkP7h-tJ97hliYcdyazZU6M1ZitLlkYfu7hCXQxDx8Xy8HyariY033p494ykvHASwrYRkQpRpp0yIHIPzS5D1MU1wgdtwRrCPgBiwvSv_mDsgHEY9_xqLL3fl1w_w/s1600-h/DSCN0033.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400111974764470642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3f5qKCOAFiUgeOkP7h-tJ97hliYcdyazZU6M1ZitLlkYfu7hCXQxDx8Xy8HyariY033p494ykvHASwrYRkQpRpp0yIHIPzS5D1MU1wgdtwRrCPgBiwvSv_mDsgHEY9_xqLL3fl1w_w/s320/DSCN0033.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />Here is a sweater for Micala with my oven-baked clay buttons</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl6FLo2Ps2t4-2772LzY2EV9BAp9UXupo8L6JMRBd6BM2fGjT2a1NcoBN6BjosmKhoul-5ONJdmo01rCCx18G8tIT8jhTFZFQnv_GidSzXkosBkHkWq_5Zsjr_rzIr6mR6nSbDYzDTKc/s1600-h/DSCN0034.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400111977480522450" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl6FLo2Ps2t4-2772LzY2EV9BAp9UXupo8L6JMRBd6BM2fGjT2a1NcoBN6BjosmKhoul-5ONJdmo01rCCx18G8tIT8jhTFZFQnv_GidSzXkosBkHkWq_5Zsjr_rzIr6mR6nSbDYzDTKc/s320/DSCN0034.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />This sweater was knitted this past winter (it's a Baby Surprise Sweater), and at the time I had no one to give it to. <em>Just wait a short while and babies always pop up....</em></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhcZAAf06554elmrR22qdXpT9KRfJJFJEfTPkncaqLNCV_vN_s9PgonnrhVzmQcgIOx__2xJ_7hL4L_NGY9ty2hu4rBKwYE4GGbQTK45L9HwdjMQ86ZghPhZPrYtLzCOxgIkQZAUg7RQ/s1600-h/DSCN0041.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400111983332639970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhcZAAf06554elmrR22qdXpT9KRfJJFJEfTPkncaqLNCV_vN_s9PgonnrhVzmQcgIOx__2xJ_7hL4L_NGY9ty2hu4rBKwYE4GGbQTK45L9HwdjMQ86ZghPhZPrYtLzCOxgIkQZAUg7RQ/s320/DSCN0041.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is a hat and thumbless mittens for Micala as well.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhbrmcrtOmEkRSiivZY7WF0bSR3zXBf2I4txMX6MPXsXvJSCLt6LaAwX6cpu2RZ4khZ_8zW87PvzIjqsNz3uF-QCP6lbxLVNG6c3ZvJGmOW7L7YG1UfeqmjAv0yD0q3WTr_7YIUgacpI/s1600-h/DSCN0042.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400111984680832802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhbrmcrtOmEkRSiivZY7WF0bSR3zXBf2I4txMX6MPXsXvJSCLt6LaAwX6cpu2RZ4khZ_8zW87PvzIjqsNz3uF-QCP6lbxLVNG6c3ZvJGmOW7L7YG1UfeqmjAv0yD0q3WTr_7YIUgacpI/s320/DSCN0042.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />The whole kit and kaboodle...</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG_gNznG13184dAYxJ8c58XvN34MGEGnCguU492VHl2QDTCRiMKnqbvvA3PRLMIy8EErY1zPKtsV-iB4m22bw8yE4rEkBEywhKsW_ZcYWzy-RzXW7SpdpaE_du_HMiQVBDfGWM_4sli0/s1600-h/DSCN0061.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400112502734500418" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG_gNznG13184dAYxJ8c58XvN34MGEGnCguU492VHl2QDTCRiMKnqbvvA3PRLMIy8EErY1zPKtsV-iB4m22bw8yE4rEkBEywhKsW_ZcYWzy-RzXW7SpdpaE_du_HMiQVBDfGWM_4sli0/s320/DSCN0061.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">This sweater and hat was knitted for little Ruth who lives in my town. She's a 'regular.' I've been knitting for her for three years now.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCNsrbSzmzYSWhyX0xKpmcruKu7GxiXHcjiV0cvkFlwf-eQXWfC3jxTqYSsqFhrP5eSGVYTksmrzZUdwkYu7tJYkpe5lmWq0feC6MSbYbnR2XwYN-iBvxCXiKjuy2Xzur-uuSh-fq5_4/s1600-h/DSCN0063.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400112503586707714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCNsrbSzmzYSWhyX0xKpmcruKu7GxiXHcjiV0cvkFlwf-eQXWfC3jxTqYSsqFhrP5eSGVYTksmrzZUdwkYu7tJYkpe5lmWq0feC6MSbYbnR2XwYN-iBvxCXiKjuy2Xzur-uuSh-fq5_4/s320/DSCN0063.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">This sweater is for Ruth's brother who turns a year old this month. This is a little shy of what I plan to knit for him, so he's also getting another sweater, hat, and mittens by the end of this month, or early next.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGU0Og9q3m4aOtodcfVw-iyu40K01tBI9xnO6E3P_5hMpUHwxNuxnXwZgRr3GCS_UYnK_e9e7xDq9VBhQJIqWepRRjJdVp8Cr11U3iPWbTJaEBWYUQ-cV1JaesGF6Z1t5ai745H-9V5g/s1600-h/DSCN0066.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400112505650347026" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGU0Og9q3m4aOtodcfVw-iyu40K01tBI9xnO6E3P_5hMpUHwxNuxnXwZgRr3GCS_UYnK_e9e7xDq9VBhQJIqWepRRjJdVp8Cr11U3iPWbTJaEBWYUQ-cV1JaesGF6Z1t5ai745H-9V5g/s320/DSCN0066.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">This is a Car Seat Blanket for little Selena, who will be moving from California to St Louis in a few months. If all goes well, two sweaters and hats will accompany this. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BHFJ9CmBwLzyC-eRuhr-GhCEsgmjRDrkK4xsGiA_ZnFQbg6NUpnaCc7z_TizUptsJXkE7ZMoPUwjyoBonVmpOL0ADlwQjLbtFpCLABgofD5rOSDDTQewVke6ozyMIAc0yB4bzpOsjIA/s1600-h/DSCN0074.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400112509676003106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BHFJ9CmBwLzyC-eRuhr-GhCEsgmjRDrkK4xsGiA_ZnFQbg6NUpnaCc7z_TizUptsJXkE7ZMoPUwjyoBonVmpOL0ADlwQjLbtFpCLABgofD5rOSDDTQewVke6ozyMIAc0yB4bzpOsjIA/s320/DSCN0074.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">As you can tell; I just love this pattern. It gives striking patterns to focus on and makes the most of variegated yarn. I always avoided using variegated yarn before I learned this knitting technique.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">A variety of yarn brands were used to create the above articles. In the mix were Red Heart Kids, I Love This Yarn (still the best of them all for softness, weight, warmth and cost), and Vanna White's Yarn. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">For the knit-aholics who will read this, </span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><em>I now have a yarn stash in two states: Maine and Massachusetts! <span style="color:#ffff99;">No matter where you roam, being at home means nothing without your stash of yarn close by to pick up and begin using.<br /></span></em><br /></span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-64265053174792661692009-04-12T17:55:00.008-04:002009-04-12T19:27:15.676-04:00Projects On My Needles....<span style="color:#ffccff;">I find myself wishing I could knit about 15 things at once and get them all finished in a week. However, I have to be realistic and accept that I can only accomplish so much. </span><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><em>Having said that;</em> I am at a stage in my life where I am feeling 'bold' and beginning to tackle techniques I used to steer clear of for fear of failing; or because I felt I did not have enough patience to do a good job. Maybe this 'boldness' is coming from the stage in a woman's life when she reaches the <strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Age of Crones</span></strong>. When I say <em>"Crone"</em> I know it evokes an image of an old witch with a warted nose, bent over, and wearing a black dress and matching pointed hat in your mind. But in today's world, the term Crone means the time in a woman's life when she has passed through the many trials and tribulations of youth and has grown in knowledge and inner wisdom. It gives us <span style="color:#ffffff;"><em>patience, patience,</em> and </span><em><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">more patience</span>.</strong></em> It allows us to <em>'saunter' </em>through life feeling an inner peace and knowing that no matter what is happening around and with you; <em>everything will eventually be fine.</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;">In my knitting life, I am feeling more and more compelled to create items with cables and to begin knitting lace.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><em>When I look at pattern instructions for cabled sweaters and scarves, I used to cringe. I have overcome that fear to a great extent.</em> Having 'tackled' a scarf for my friend Steve; I am now knitting a toddler sweater that is 100 percent cabled; <em>front, back, and sleeves</em>. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is the back:</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMS0TIDdGLaa2e-kwRsa6pHq9_drlG47Xl96d_F5xqtAVYarrF3illOl1aHodt2c__XMrxOQj-hw07B6SVhcplWPU739LA0TkJmGAZ5ebctbiQvPyN6WxzsMBH6mhV81h-_V-fEEOsIM/s1600-h/DSCN4693.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935211937526482" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMS0TIDdGLaa2e-kwRsa6pHq9_drlG47Xl96d_F5xqtAVYarrF3illOl1aHodt2c__XMrxOQj-hw07B6SVhcplWPU739LA0TkJmGAZ5ebctbiQvPyN6WxzsMBH6mhV81h-_V-fEEOsIM/s320/DSCN4693.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">And below is another photo of the back ........</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzvScTOy3Iey0Iog3a_qNbIOim6QRTpseNtM7oLKP71f-JAgmv6p1WN3G6tjOL72kn-MPCxTqFz8vCq5X-_iUST2qqwZ0V1fdsJ58gTkX8EO_LqmUl2q9FhwZtidMdyWJ1mdNTxusm0/s1600-h/DSCN4695.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935217550477170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzvScTOy3Iey0Iog3a_qNbIOim6QRTpseNtM7oLKP71f-JAgmv6p1WN3G6tjOL72kn-MPCxTqFz8vCq5X-_iUST2qqwZ0V1fdsJ58gTkX8EO_LqmUl2q9FhwZtidMdyWJ1mdNTxusm0/s320/DSCN4695.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">When this sweater is completed, it will go into my 'finished items' stash and find a home wherever my Spirit tells me to send it. It could be to a toddler nearby, or sent to whatever project my</span><span style="color:#ffffcc;"> All Crafts For Charity" Yahoogroup</span><span style="color:#ffccff;"> is working on at the moment.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">The second project I am working on is a scarf for an elderly gentleman in Boston who is a barber by profession and has been cutting hair for well over 50 years.</span> He has cut the hair of two men I know for decades, and I would just like to give him a token of love for being who he is and doing what he does. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;">I think when you get into the Crone Era of your life, you begin to look at life differently, and appreciate those around you who have 'stood the course' and has always been there doing whatever it is they do. They are the 'great oak trees of humanity' and should be recognized for their stability. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;">So here is the scarf I am knitting for Mr Fontes. It is a wonderfully textured pattern using plain knit and purl stitches; but it is a 44 row pattern repeat. <em>The good news is;</em> after 44 rows, you have a minimum of 7 and a half inches of scarf; so it works up quickly. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;">My scarf will be approximately 42 inches long and I am half way through it now and have only worked on it two days.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghadtDAAXRpU6eU0973ZceD2UgbW8HNGUlyl_c63THc1s5DcCC54kZVAkUxmLIRMI8TFy1WaigXcao5OTHC2deCYh4N2-gXuNmz4zG8RiPMzjpeqYaKIrk4CIASUJgI3DmVLMYsc1hqAo/s1600-h/DSCN4701.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935227467350946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghadtDAAXRpU6eU0973ZceD2UgbW8HNGUlyl_c63THc1s5DcCC54kZVAkUxmLIRMI8TFy1WaigXcao5OTHC2deCYh4N2-gXuNmz4zG8RiPMzjpeqYaKIrk4CIASUJgI3DmVLMYsc1hqAo/s320/DSCN4701.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsxpzp4uLSqebcSZhBYWMB-Gfm1NOyPg9EmOyy1rmJY8le0DxDnBv6_HgS8Al-MrkKYTC_5bmL_fhQ7XauXGHpuPKJs1y_xKrWtNjMO0S9qS9PbmoG6sFieCxHbvJVqy4BHOVu-keMh8/s1600-h/DSCN4697.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935221208421602" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsxpzp4uLSqebcSZhBYWMB-Gfm1NOyPg9EmOyy1rmJY8le0DxDnBv6_HgS8Al-MrkKYTC_5bmL_fhQ7XauXGHpuPKJs1y_xKrWtNjMO0S9qS9PbmoG6sFieCxHbvJVqy4BHOVu-keMh8/s320/DSCN4697.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">I haven't decided if I am going to 'block' the scarf or not when I am finished. I love the texture just the way it is........<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wTj3fz6pfdHgElvqdlZVQhGQ9j-GCt0UUdEcTCSocxTtP6TfjpPXG_NCEiNM8l6MQEJWyOXwtQHYD4g6SaflijYdOoMgOp8pBsjUOAyGVmYM4O2QL3P3cYAC589vyspsEdJljMX2yho/s1600-h/DSCN4698.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935224978141986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wTj3fz6pfdHgElvqdlZVQhGQ9j-GCt0UUdEcTCSocxTtP6TfjpPXG_NCEiNM8l6MQEJWyOXwtQHYD4g6SaflijYdOoMgOp8pBsjUOAyGVmYM4O2QL3P3cYAC589vyspsEdJljMX2yho/s320/DSCN4698.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">A real close-up of the stitches.... </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></div></span><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">My final project is a lap-afghan for a woman</span> who used to live across the street from the home I was raised in. She was my baby-sitter after I came from school until my great-aunt came home from work. She did this until I was 10 years old and to this day she communicates with me every year, and still thinks of me as "her baby." She also owned a Beauty Shop and used to do my hair for special occasions as a child. She is in wonderful mental health and only her legs are a little weak in the twilight years of her life.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;">I have only begun to knit the lap-ghan and hope to have it finished by Mother's Day....</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2ZLET-tdcRZ_jFyJU4Ku0rLS7V4YF-bGVM2gq09Qkdho_ba_356sHbhCgH4zeqbHtI8tmCNzcTp8ijkG_gf85axQ4igyBWw6ayxreptbVoKbubztMIRH5XE57DZyH03mjfC0H76K9Hs/s1600-h/DSCN4703.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935360465973858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2ZLET-tdcRZ_jFyJU4Ku0rLS7V4YF-bGVM2gq09Qkdho_ba_356sHbhCgH4zeqbHtI8tmCNzcTp8ijkG_gf85axQ4igyBWw6ayxreptbVoKbubztMIRH5XE57DZyH03mjfC0H76K9Hs/s320/DSCN4703.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here's a closer view of the stitches.....</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt3xoIm_MdOlQPqXZBEABu17tS6_229Zzu_GmUkfbVp5lZlY8ztF_NIg1-ALfH5U60S1OYb28uJxwKWxR9-8JnxG6_PkczRL2WC7Mc_CRKCJ0UuS3rWvOa9O-HT9Dhguq0X-Dve7OdFo/s1600-h/DSCN4706.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323935364662079122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt3xoIm_MdOlQPqXZBEABu17tS6_229Zzu_GmUkfbVp5lZlY8ztF_NIg1-ALfH5U60S1OYb28uJxwKWxR9-8JnxG6_PkczRL2WC7Mc_CRKCJ0UuS3rWvOa9O-HT9Dhguq0X-Dve7OdFo/s320/DSCN4706.JPG" border="0" /></span></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-40046780286018260042009-04-06T03:01:00.010-04:002009-04-06T04:32:07.382-04:00Inching Along....<span style="color:#ffcc66;"><span style="color:#33ffff;">I am still in Massachusetts <em>and getting used to being here.</em> I ventured into my old Fabric store the other day searching for buttons for my latest baby sweater and was mesmerized by the huge collection of beautiful fabrics! Made me want to get out the old sewing machine again and start sewing something.....</span> <strong><em><span style="color:#ffffff;">Anything!</span></em></strong></span><span style="color:#33ffff;"> Back in the day, I used to have fabric stashes, and sewed like crazy! <em>I had to tear myself out of the store because just like yarn, fabric beckons to you,</em> <em>and can be even more seductive.</em> </span><div><div><div><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">I haven't grown those ten extra hands yet, therefore I only have two new articles to share. One is a sweater for a lovely little baby who lives in Southern California named Selena. Quite the little Queen that one.. and the other is a scarf I knitted as a contribution for my online Charity Group. The scarf will be one of many donated to Woven Lotus; a group of caring individuals who helps those who have been sexually abused in one way or another and are in crisis. The scarves and shawls are given as gifts of Love in hopes that the individual will somehow feel that he or she is unconditionally loved at a time when they most need to be.</span></div><div><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here are the photos:</span></strong></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtCG_jzEkMCqrhFlXfp2pgUOH4TcEIELcNLPIv8thQRxo2egrS26QahTfIR8XTo8bESCVBNE4yNU4uMEEH6FaAQIfJFY3VPxmveYrWFOdmengrLNVIdMcVYeJwxN5vWORFiLLfo801rs/s1600-h/DSCN4679.JPG"><span style="color:#ffcc66;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321476195395576386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtCG_jzEkMCqrhFlXfp2pgUOH4TcEIELcNLPIv8thQRxo2egrS26QahTfIR8XTo8bESCVBNE4yNU4uMEEH6FaAQIfJFY3VPxmveYrWFOdmengrLNVIdMcVYeJwxN5vWORFiLLfo801rs/s320/DSCN4679.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffcc66;"><br /></span><span style="color:#99ffff;">I have knitted this pattern once before and I really like it because of the lacy-leaf design along the front. The seed stitch adds texture, and I really don't like to knit large areas of it, but it gives this pattern 'just the right touch.'</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24E13nQVAwNY_rbOLLRcNHHDoI01-oi0bJfCcFw0yh-kI1ETF1RBNqLXKhutrNasDCOkNxRETcqcYzW2IoLg_61j6KyarMj9uhuN9Twppvyx8yGK6iu-27eXxaevMUaDe-o9y47e0dMk/s1600-h/DSCN4684.JPG"><span style="color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321476197757966098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24E13nQVAwNY_rbOLLRcNHHDoI01-oi0bJfCcFw0yh-kI1ETF1RBNqLXKhutrNasDCOkNxRETcqcYzW2IoLg_61j6KyarMj9uhuN9Twppvyx8yGK6iu-27eXxaevMUaDe-o9y47e0dMk/s320/DSCN4684.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br />A slightly different view...</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIpIsHa7FFFq7CXxuRi9yZectIn4fEsS5I014e6-UaU-Aoo71q5HQ-N598sLDXfM_4CANjME8kmS-toQXpTPBRqeHLP_bezHkBEMiyP8hTXBGztKeGjpti_PS-CFf_yuUID282ptmxfQ/s1600-h/DSCN4680.JPG"><span style="color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321476204581848482" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIpIsHa7FFFq7CXxuRi9yZectIn4fEsS5I014e6-UaU-Aoo71q5HQ-N598sLDXfM_4CANjME8kmS-toQXpTPBRqeHLP_bezHkBEMiyP8hTXBGztKeGjpti_PS-CFf_yuUID282ptmxfQ/s320/DSCN4680.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here is the back view of the sweater. The pattern instructions required that I knit the back plain; but I love the leaf pattern so much, I incorporated my own version on the back. <em>I think I might be ready to start knitting larger lace patterns...</em> I have been searching for "just the right" shawl or scarf.</span></div><div><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmtOYR0EZNYANsFpT6EjGNVOmPAL1Cw45YvxvwHNhxobIDt9ztdPeuk7iSlD8LVHT7xiP4eZ41TTrCdIbW6uH7YxABN4d9wwyS3t3TNfpqQQMwOFHEFcPg32UU0yEpUjzpVXdvUfhsFo/s1600-h/DSCN4666.jpg"><span style="color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321476203549547554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmtOYR0EZNYANsFpT6EjGNVOmPAL1Cw45YvxvwHNhxobIDt9ztdPeuk7iSlD8LVHT7xiP4eZ41TTrCdIbW6uH7YxABN4d9wwyS3t3TNfpqQQMwOFHEFcPg32UU0yEpUjzpVXdvUfhsFo/s320/DSCN4666.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#99ffff;"><br />Here is the scarf. The lighting was 'off' the day that I took this photo and parts of the scarf appear more pink than others. </span></div><div><span style="color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-22194502874407488092009-03-06T01:22:00.021-05:002009-03-06T04:46:40.293-05:00The Latest Projects and A Yarn "Report"<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">I haven't gotten as much knitting done on winter-hiatus as I should have. It seems I have to 'work' knitting into my day, and if I am not feeling in a "Zen" mode, I don't pursue anything of a creative nature because the "love" won't freely stream from my fingertips into the yarn as I weave a fabric that will eventually envelope someone's body. I am learning a lot about how living in a highly populated area <em>blocks </em>your energy. You don't even have to be "out and about." The "energy" finds you and "builds," causing an underlying irritating 'stress.' That stress blocks creative energy. This is why you will find the more highly creative people living in a rural area, or a lightly populated town. They must be in an easily accessible nature-filled setting. </span><em><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ffff;">It makes all the difference in the world.<br /></span></em><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ccff;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">When you live in a place like that a peace opens your thoughts to the universal mind of Creation, and it is from this place you develop a two way communication with what needs to come into the world <span style="color:#66ffff;"><em>through <strong>your</strong> hands</em>.</span> Whether you knit, paint, crochet, woodwork, weave, make jewelry, sew, quilt, etc., you are always inspired through the universal mind of Creation while doing your work. <em>Enough for now of <span style="color:#66ffff;"><strong>my</strong> experience with "spirituality"</span> and back to knitting.</em></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ccff;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div><em><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></em></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">I wanted to knit another Baby Surprise Jacket and did, although it seemed to 'drag on and on' and I<em> could not wait</em> to finish it. I used Hobby Lobby's <strong>"I Love This Yarn"</strong> acrylic. A few members on my charity knitting group raved about it and I had to send away for it because it isn't sold in the 'usual' yarn stores. Only the Hobby Lobby stores do, and unfortunately, it does not have outlets in every state. They do have an online store </span><a href="http://www.craftsetc.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">http://www.craftsetc.com/</span></a><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> that gives great service and the prices are about as fair as everywhere else. Also; you get free shipping if your order is $25 or more. <em>And free shipping today is a wonderful thing....</em></span></span></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></em></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">I love Hobby Lobby's <em>private brand</em> of yarn. I'm waiting for my third shipment. Their acrylics are superior to other brands. The yarn texture is not skimpy; is soft, but not 'wimpy' as some other brands can sometimes be. Their worsted cotton is much better than what I have been using for years (Peaches and Cream), soft and silky. It makes <em>wonderful</em> dishcloths and washcloths and doesn't "stiffen up" on you when dry. It dries quickly. The only complaint I have is; there is a limited color range but they have added variegated colors, which is just great!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">They have also added a wool yarn: worsted weight which is 93% wool and 6% polyamide; 219 yards for $5.99. Colors are limited, but maybe they are waiting to see who's interested before they expand the collection. I would say their wool is more of a heavy worsted weight because they recommend using a size 9 needle. I have ordered one skein to see if I like it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Here is the baby sweater I knitted with their acrylic:</span></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tJIR5i6-05pdoXvrum_x1DP7CRAXz7XNcOj36SlQurvdqxrW5OJpJC3-oKxzhCB0bR50JGBGXTlyZEskXS2ws395zGLTwochz-yWcKOS7ZCrU9jHmjyO6i1PopLlFz2wiXmUXqYMYpc/s1600-h/DSCN4621.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309958771333255346" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tJIR5i6-05pdoXvrum_x1DP7CRAXz7XNcOj36SlQurvdqxrW5OJpJC3-oKxzhCB0bR50JGBGXTlyZEskXS2ws395zGLTwochz-yWcKOS7ZCrU9jHmjyO6i1PopLlFz2wiXmUXqYMYpc/s320/DSCN4621.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Front...........</span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTr5EIo0SrYl7YxaTXj1Mwg0xtAuoNsad8b4ZOt_ADpr1NoljbcpnyPCCKW3r-tsiOGxr7PJ8oZRnuB0tbY996fBnN_0xYUVXvuhQrJQRznqYuAWCAWw4rqnGhLjI8wkHvIBKyXs_-9E/s1600-h/DSCN4624.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309958779472805138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTr5EIo0SrYl7YxaTXj1Mwg0xtAuoNsad8b4ZOt_ADpr1NoljbcpnyPCCKW3r-tsiOGxr7PJ8oZRnuB0tbY996fBnN_0xYUVXvuhQrJQRznqYuAWCAWw4rqnGhLjI8wkHvIBKyXs_-9E/s320/DSCN4624.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Back.........</span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLe2Xi3z5wEFqhLgR8Q6UgGV1wyP_3PyMtDAYH2Wy0ABPFpXjD64LExN4mvJxQ4wL6jf3pU_pHTLLv-LmyiUU1xGq5NqNZ_wpZ5ovlXouuTpOSIizA0HpzAJBukDv7uYjjrQdP2ojPv4/s1600-h/DSCN4626.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959184574905890" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLe2Xi3z5wEFqhLgR8Q6UgGV1wyP_3PyMtDAYH2Wy0ABPFpXjD64LExN4mvJxQ4wL6jf3pU_pHTLLv-LmyiUU1xGq5NqNZ_wpZ5ovlXouuTpOSIizA0HpzAJBukDv7uYjjrQdP2ojPv4/s320/DSCN4626.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">For the Knitters who are reading this; I have included a photo of <strong>"I Love This Cotton"</strong> along side the acrylic <strong>"I Love This Yarn"</strong> ($2.79) so you can see how large the skein is. The cotton is $2.99 but well worth it for the quality. I have knitted with several other cotton yarns, and this one is .....<span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><span style="color:#ffffcc;"><em>well, let me say that I will lean towards this brand for my dishcloths.</em> <em>For facecloths, this is the only yarn I will use because of the silky, sensuous texture when it is wet and soaped.</em></span> Nothing 'scratchy' about the woven fabric at all.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPA8i9MmUZ4waLyOr_-7TmcNPpuN7cDX8Q1j_eVMiRz7N9_TFjn-JPHUYMy001M-ZG4orS47qpNGmg_DW4xOpwje6O7aBSyum8WA60Pnq2bSLvmbn_ILkBoc-VmcFpoyWpGlqk6ZKc_qE/s1600-h/DSCN4620.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309958783289144386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPA8i9MmUZ4waLyOr_-7TmcNPpuN7cDX8Q1j_eVMiRz7N9_TFjn-JPHUYMy001M-ZG4orS47qpNGmg_DW4xOpwje6O7aBSyum8WA60Pnq2bSLvmbn_ILkBoc-VmcFpoyWpGlqk6ZKc_qE/s320/DSCN4620.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">These are dish and washcloths made with <strong>"I Love This Cotton."</strong> The washcloths are being donated to a Nursing Home in Virginia. The dishcloths are mine....... Geri; if you are reading this, some are coming your way in the future. You will love them!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSF1V0Kpfz-EksXWhncqhOgTFOqrkOr7b-l3mBzqfSFAddZyNWqlWQA4KMsBhkwe_SoWK0BdOP-cwZkEiCIjz7au6uShwhwDMlrpnVvr7Hnazk0sX4TAu0lfPgOcidhriqlvvh1qCFOQ/s1600-h/DSCN4617.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309958788536468434" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSF1V0Kpfz-EksXWhncqhOgTFOqrkOr7b-l3mBzqfSFAddZyNWqlWQA4KMsBhkwe_SoWK0BdOP-cwZkEiCIjz7au6uShwhwDMlrpnVvr7Hnazk0sX4TAu0lfPgOcidhriqlvvh1qCFOQ/s320/DSCN4617.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">I am also working on a Shawl for no one in particular. I want to see how it turns out first. It's a <em>dig through your yarn stash and knit away</em> shawl. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStQxkXuEYmqaVTHtkhGp_IMeoTtauX0c80UPyQPPjCx-rlsu3etz0g893c-lJnf0FD0wlLd1HGGLGsyZcgm-gUFI8k6oz9sy05c678jtgd8FW7PsE5usGCUUPzXJJjSp4OUDYRy7DC0c/s1600-h/DSCN4643.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959181373301570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStQxkXuEYmqaVTHtkhGp_IMeoTtauX0c80UPyQPPjCx-rlsu3etz0g893c-lJnf0FD0wlLd1HGGLGsyZcgm-gUFI8k6oz9sy05c678jtgd8FW7PsE5usGCUUPzXJJjSp4OUDYRy7DC0c/s320/DSCN4643.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ffff;">Here is an updated photo after adding another color.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I found a local neighborhood yarn shop <em>(which is as scarce as hen's teeth, believe it or not</em>) in Boston that sells high-end fibers about 2 miles from where I am staying. I went in, looked around, came out with 4 skeins of yarn and $40 less in my pocketbook! It has been so long since I have actually <em>touched</em> or looked at "new, fresh skeins of yarn," I was beginning to feel 'deprived.' I actually felt <em>'yarn-sick'</em> <span style="color:#ffffff;"><em>and something was coming out of that store with me whether I was excited about it or not! </em></span></span></span></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;"></span></em></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ccffff;">Here is what I came out with..........</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy6dWqDuLXRduWhYf8cfMhFIjK5l_amg0UL1ctvrYHxAUBXV1bqMRpO8aNvvqYGRdSVgO2DOmk9ImAUZCbGzeXm-9A32YTrxBHuhX7g0n8LTZxoqvVmovH6K_4Foj8RhDbu-KEuQb9nc/s1600-h/DSCN4627.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959188636761074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy6dWqDuLXRduWhYf8cfMhFIjK5l_amg0UL1ctvrYHxAUBXV1bqMRpO8aNvvqYGRdSVgO2DOmk9ImAUZCbGzeXm-9A32YTrxBHuhX7g0n8LTZxoqvVmovH6K_4Foj8RhDbu-KEuQb9nc/s320/DSCN4627.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">The Lamb's Pride I already had; but the two skeins of Noro is what I took a chance on, and though I LOVE the colors in each skein, I do not like the<span style="color:#66ffff;"> </span><em><span style="color:#66ffff;">feel</span> </em>of this yarn. It is scratchy like Lopi. I don't think I will buy it again unless a project absolutely has to have it and there is no substitution.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5nxdfipwQuq0BIHmEnDlG0vlsxmN-QDluSYlUZ2hVgEaKuQbn50UH139uU7CBbhCiuJLsn4qId9euVzpNXFpBU4eY1y5os-Kltfv8LcWMW33PTf9KzSBEauAHsg_HaxdpjBelDBDz0U/s1600-h/RSCN4629.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959193041885970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5nxdfipwQuq0BIHmEnDlG0vlsxmN-QDluSYlUZ2hVgEaKuQbn50UH139uU7CBbhCiuJLsn4qId9euVzpNXFpBU4eY1y5os-Kltfv8LcWMW33PTf9KzSBEauAHsg_HaxdpjBelDBDz0U/s320/RSCN4629.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">Here is a 'close-up' of the pink variegated....</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10lFSKa3ulTf-hJEcyC9jm7SPdm32sLk0ZWmercx07aqPg_iMeuuGvuwHrD4nxQ2FaTQ655xZNBaIY2NT0guIvNo8USNDDUG8hyJBp-7D3VOg9yZa2tAu8IQsY2qqXidql4O5HluBBlI/s1600-h/RSCN4630.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959196520546978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10lFSKa3ulTf-hJEcyC9jm7SPdm32sLk0ZWmercx07aqPg_iMeuuGvuwHrD4nxQ2FaTQ655xZNBaIY2NT0guIvNo8USNDDUG8hyJBp-7D3VOg9yZa2tAu8IQsY2qqXidql4O5HluBBlI/s320/RSCN4630.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">And a close-up of the blue-green </span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><div><br /></div></span><div><em><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></em></div><div><span style="color:#33ccff;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDahRcQMsBAKciNCjanZHPqnwdjtTeBTZNJkcbh4Vp0fSiPVl3SfkUJk_5vqInSb66rA0zvbiLZVux1BxQwuPcl6gTlpzmldPON3vSSg7dQEsKxc1iH2cqwfnOgqUKJonDGiZcWu1Jc80/s1600-h/RSCN4631.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959466925111202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDahRcQMsBAKciNCjanZHPqnwdjtTeBTZNJkcbh4Vp0fSiPVl3SfkUJk_5vqInSb66rA0zvbiLZVux1BxQwuPcl6gTlpzmldPON3vSSg7dQEsKxc1iH2cqwfnOgqUKJonDGiZcWu1Jc80/s320/RSCN4631.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">The Lamb's Pride ..... is a good value for the combination of wool and mohair mix. <em>It is most definitely a <strong>warm </strong>wool. </em>I can personally attest that it has been tested in the sometimes 'artic' cold of Maine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLIzOrTjgPWlObcEnNtbyofFebtUHGMFCIkzYR80OHsQ1VxA0gBh2CrBecOL8bfTBzejGswB8Ng0kqeImaY9xg8iQPx07Mc6sUf9d02xPquouHg_ZzHOtw_urj-duEbOl8fjbOkOhqzQ/s1600-h/RSCN4635.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309959473022921010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLIzOrTjgPWlObcEnNtbyofFebtUHGMFCIkzYR80OHsQ1VxA0gBh2CrBecOL8bfTBzejGswB8Ng0kqeImaY9xg8iQPx07Mc6sUf9d02xPquouHg_ZzHOtw_urj-duEbOl8fjbOkOhqzQ/s320/RSCN4635.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"><br />Here is the other yarn I purchased. A nice soft, yet firm wool. Not like some worsted wools that are 'air-whipped' and actually leans towards being a light-worsted weight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ccff;">When my new shipment of yarn comes in I'll have to purchase another clear zipper storage bag to store it in. The bag I brought from home is packed pretty much to the gills. I left a hefty 3 storage bags of yarn at home and travelled with enough yarn to keep me 'busy' knowing full well how much I love to add to my stash which I have been doing....</span></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-45592405278255901582009-01-19T03:41:00.006-05:002009-01-19T14:04:15.412-05:00Way Behind, But I Am Catching Up<span style="color:#33ff33;">It seems like 'ages' since I have posted but calendar-wise it hasn't been that long. <em>My problem is I think I should be able to start something today and finish it in two days;</em> and while there are some people who are nimble knitters and capable of knitting much faster than I, I have to accept that I am not superwoman. </span><div><div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;">I was finally able to finish the hat and scarf set for my friend Steve who lives in Arizona. He walks his dog Riley in the wee hours of the morning and for those who don't know, the desert can reach uncomfortably cold temperatures before the sun rises, especially in the fall and winter. </span></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;">I was also sent photos of little Ruth wearing a hat and scarf I knitted for her this winter. She looks adorable and she is a natural for the camera. You can judge for yourself...</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a0WN8X-jyC0vNDPnQ03gmCESl8RqqUjUe2fLwSFQJPUvDE0pceJH0_qbN9cNmGAUQ7LbDHFYZSgBNsCIo6LBpbggg-OIUczmiOGpFkZZ_k9aOd3ugLqsJsBQj_b0JjOnU0ZmpNkeRzk/s1600-h/Ruth-5+12-08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292925681167564466" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a0WN8X-jyC0vNDPnQ03gmCESl8RqqUjUe2fLwSFQJPUvDE0pceJH0_qbN9cNmGAUQ7LbDHFYZSgBNsCIo6LBpbggg-OIUczmiOGpFkZZ_k9aOd3ugLqsJsBQj_b0JjOnU0ZmpNkeRzk/s320/Ruth-5+12-08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is Ruth, modeling her hat and scarf. She is 2 and a half years old and quite the fashionista! <em>She loves clothes already....</em> Today's little ones are quite different from the 'old days.'</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P69b5Dj87PCq6YngaRwBsnX7QBuX8M0i5pRi6PdCtt4lnFRcBWM8aL1WxkgkPqlB-lEozpMChWRhFN806wCOiKXGXozB1cv3iYJ4ALuejG6QugukkpMbZC2FoD2Ns7EmspAg921ZzY0/s1600-h/Ruth+and+Andrew+12-08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292925683391348866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P69b5Dj87PCq6YngaRwBsnX7QBuX8M0i5pRi6PdCtt4lnFRcBWM8aL1WxkgkPqlB-lEozpMChWRhFN806wCOiKXGXozB1cv3iYJ4ALuejG6QugukkpMbZC2FoD2Ns7EmspAg921ZzY0/s320/Ruth+and+Andrew+12-08.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is Ruth with her brand new baby brother Andrew. I knitted a car seat blanket, sweater, hat and socks for Andrew as well; but he wasn't in the mood to model when this picture was taken. He just felt like relaxing and living the kingly life....</span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaWmIPr_BGi_LAqdjZPvONcZRh9Q7pj9-GmytTZC_QzD3grMpwiO6FNguifqX5U3YazJOLTjyiia2L57VUdTYGb_Q-zQe98PKqXwuxmmpL4CZ_ee6mX_Ec1EOYX365L5kQxYR6YOXt2A/s1600-h/DSCN4571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292925679880177138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaWmIPr_BGi_LAqdjZPvONcZRh9Q7pj9-GmytTZC_QzD3grMpwiO6FNguifqX5U3YazJOLTjyiia2L57VUdTYGb_Q-zQe98PKqXwuxmmpL4CZ_ee6mX_Ec1EOYX365L5kQxYR6YOXt2A/s320/DSCN4571.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is the scarf and hat for Steve. I used Brown Sheep's wool and mohair blend.</span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;">I do have two pairs of adult socks, a shawl, another scarf and a vest on my knitting list, but I am not <em>"feeling it"</em> right now. Do you ever feel that you need to take a vacation from the usual things you do and turn your attentions elsewhere?? That is where I am right now. I have tons of reading I need to do. I've ordered three books and have only read about 20 pages so far. So to obtain more of a balance in my creative energy, I have already "pulled back" from the everyday 'picking up the needles.' I have drifted into <em>'casual mode.'</em> It's time for me to languor and relax; to spend time looking at who I am and who I want to become over the next few years. <em><strong>It's time to nourish and nurture myself and spend a lot more time on me.....</strong> <span style="color:#ffffff;">It's something we all need to do from time to time so that we won't get burned out.</span></em></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ff33;"></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-77365908341804234992008-12-10T01:42:00.011-05:002008-12-10T02:11:47.903-05:00Latest Off the Needles.....<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">It's been quite a while (at least by my standards) since I have posted photos of finished knitting projects, so here it is. </span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">These items have been delivered to the Drake family in my town. It's not my first delivery, but this winter they added to their family and now have a baby boy named Andrew. So here's to little Ruth and Andrew Drake!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#66ff99;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Here are some photos......</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxkI6515hvKgnIXmriNChbJ-EnITwTVrJJuvY2TT_yF2at8HZuplu2t5Yy9jhtiP99yx37_BG0Qmnk5ZEIUDnZ-GLtuaTJhIrbenbppspU7oTlraODlZ-02po7yo5jWEW10YbWHCxG3Y/s1600-h/DSCN4564.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278049870620123666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxkI6515hvKgnIXmriNChbJ-EnITwTVrJJuvY2TT_yF2at8HZuplu2t5Yy9jhtiP99yx37_BG0Qmnk5ZEIUDnZ-GLtuaTJhIrbenbppspU7oTlraODlZ-02po7yo5jWEW10YbWHCxG3Y/s320/DSCN4564.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Here is a Car Seat Blanket for Andrew</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRd3AmhBIbjpgb4azHstVbTzM_sj-6PHE4Em__XrtXXFcrXvC4QuW8qlYJ8o_jEOU45a2LdrSOj6bTOTFrQ52XFxhMgI4byDbqiGh6WtPk5GWbh2o2_c87lK8h4Pag6zRy2Bb9kzCsQM/s1600-h/DSCN4561.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278049873541828226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRd3AmhBIbjpgb4azHstVbTzM_sj-6PHE4Em__XrtXXFcrXvC4QuW8qlYJ8o_jEOU45a2LdrSOj6bTOTFrQ52XFxhMgI4byDbqiGh6WtPk5GWbh2o2_c87lK8h4Pag6zRy2Bb9kzCsQM/s320/DSCN4561.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Socks in wool for Andrew</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEH1OWeBCo6sWF2ZRI5p8Q541cPu3bpAJRgmWyqgkAgf96VNczHsV2aADiGxNI0fqtYlYPF_6cAgUPoUW5nzm-ud8TuEYG2WFfptYrQeERQSbKcCIZ2aY0XpThdNtuACFGmwm-w7YRGc/s1600-h/DSCN4562.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278049882013832802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEH1OWeBCo6sWF2ZRI5p8Q541cPu3bpAJRgmWyqgkAgf96VNczHsV2aADiGxNI0fqtYlYPF_6cAgUPoUW5nzm-ud8TuEYG2WFfptYrQeERQSbKcCIZ2aY0XpThdNtuACFGmwm-w7YRGc/s320/DSCN4562.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Thumb-less wool mittens for Andrew...</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp40jw1-EwRiZEs-7LBIoa__cHrObJexJE2tT09JAHB3aYJ8XMTPyCq2LsYyYPBNfNxZRiHJnVW_p1GfyIaWw4WBL6-4WXddpMF8pSHA5V2bXj1lrBSg0IXfSg-O8QMD0ZVA0s7lJnfaI/s1600-h/DSCN4560.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278049892271898578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp40jw1-EwRiZEs-7LBIoa__cHrObJexJE2tT09JAHB3aYJ8XMTPyCq2LsYyYPBNfNxZRiHJnVW_p1GfyIaWw4WBL6-4WXddpMF8pSHA5V2bXj1lrBSg0IXfSg-O8QMD0ZVA0s7lJnfaI/s320/DSCN4560.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Sweater and Hat for Andrew. The hat was knitted in wool for extra warmth </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOpfRSH6SvPXp-ZaMp3WROIn2kZnvP0RTtSOVDTH6_786Z95F-pg6RZHagng2zeL6hxn8XupDzrOVCD02Br0JlIkyRxeLD0WjVkacSUTaO1Rm_DmHrh636GGK0FxmvpouvkySWx-_ORI/s1600-h/DSCN4555.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278050602921016226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOpfRSH6SvPXp-ZaMp3WROIn2kZnvP0RTtSOVDTH6_786Z95F-pg6RZHagng2zeL6hxn8XupDzrOVCD02Br0JlIkyRxeLD0WjVkacSUTaO1Rm_DmHrh636GGK0FxmvpouvkySWx-_ORI/s320/DSCN4555.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Sweater, Hat, Mittens and Cabled Scarf for Ruth. The scarf, hat, and mittens are wool.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksVnaciGwY_YkVo6yOW9uXETZqFhE3vMUbMvCctw-FqJA-Hi027ADtT_OY_TmPrdoHNbAVPTRTY4XQK0iwM225XGlCogQPIC_j6q_adMnfLNM7PJvGaNtFFjDWYJm2KPWqxCHCLTFUWQ/s1600-h/DSCN4557.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278050593036117746" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksVnaciGwY_YkVo6yOW9uXETZqFhE3vMUbMvCctw-FqJA-Hi027ADtT_OY_TmPrdoHNbAVPTRTY4XQK0iwM225XGlCogQPIC_j6q_adMnfLNM7PJvGaNtFFjDWYJm2KPWqxCHCLTFUWQ/s320/DSCN4557.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">The back of the sweater.........</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJabKgDHFqr_4bT2RjLo11X6zFyQ3RWks0LINly1wDfyb61VPWgw1k3SbW1Sh5-jamjwN3Fu1RWvzfZRKsCTZ7ioTBpNdJC7ve-lnMFiamXT-wUProBOC2P2g2MLGaUMghDUsCquaypg/s1600-h/DSCN4559.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278049895198563970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJabKgDHFqr_4bT2RjLo11X6zFyQ3RWks0LINly1wDfyb61VPWgw1k3SbW1Sh5-jamjwN3Fu1RWvzfZRKsCTZ7ioTBpNdJC7ve-lnMFiamXT-wUProBOC2P2g2MLGaUMghDUsCquaypg/s320/DSCN4559.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">Close-up of the hat......</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;">As you can see; the background is SNOW...... That <strong><em>dreaded</em></strong> word. Thank goodness it was only about 3 inches of the stuff; all crusty and hard!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#66ff99;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#66ff99;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-62115697437868384622008-10-19T01:26:00.007-04:002008-10-19T02:08:55.722-04:00And Yet, Another Attempt<span style="color:#33ffff;">I have been "at it" again with the Baby Surprise Sweater. I can say that this time, my decreases finally 'lined up' properly, but I created a problem when I switched brands of yarn to add a color ( turquoise) and it was not the same 'thickness' as the main color, even though both yarns are listed as worsted weight. But I'll know better next time, and this only adds to my 'learning curve.' </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Oh; I almost forgot to add that I increased the sleeve length to the Baby Surprise Sweater. The original pattern has sleeves about three-quarters long. <em>That will never do in the cold weather,</em> so I added length and ribbed cuffs to keep the cold out.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Both of these sweater sets are being given to two wonderful little children in my neighborhood. One, a boy is a year old, the other, a girl will be two years old in a few months. </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">When I create cold weather items for babies, I like to make the mittens and hats out of wool and "felt" them so that little heads and hands don't suffer.<br /><br />Anyway; here are the photos of both. In case you are not aware; you can click on any picture and get a larger view of it.<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG74lsNLxX23OISzkOon7GNFATPwjA8IFvA3mb94WJs5nJAr9IcyiMj6qoG9DVASMU1GAMQQkYHeen0P8kI_rCC9pRIHtbD-WsNdx0Vr3Ov8w151_JhyphenhypheneQZjIlq9JtDC3WD2FR7vVF5bg/s1600-h/DSCN4533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735234785361186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG74lsNLxX23OISzkOon7GNFATPwjA8IFvA3mb94WJs5nJAr9IcyiMj6qoG9DVASMU1GAMQQkYHeen0P8kI_rCC9pRIHtbD-WsNdx0Vr3Ov8w151_JhyphenhypheneQZjIlq9JtDC3WD2FR7vVF5bg/s320/DSCN4533.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">This isn't a Baby Surprise Sweater. The pattern can be found on the Lionbrand website for free.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">The hat is one I created myself.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShZJ0qkob46kqE0RRqbWS_SyymVUnyNKSLmBQLzURUvVT_g2btMNQ1LbBZUIMcMVwPYaLV7goCVxDLe4u7WR9WD1L_1_xfdm6ebtF2sZn8xDmJM5P33WKXcFfEox34oILtze3DyE6GNE/s1600-h/DSCN4531.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735237854766290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShZJ0qkob46kqE0RRqbWS_SyymVUnyNKSLmBQLzURUvVT_g2btMNQ1LbBZUIMcMVwPYaLV7goCVxDLe4u7WR9WD1L_1_xfdm6ebtF2sZn8xDmJM5P33WKXcFfEox34oILtze3DyE6GNE/s320/DSCN4531.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is a close-up of the top of the hat</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qkxSLmlYLP4WjK77g4-X97D50Ugx_s5EoCfJQZXN4lnhISEhEJ0GjuArkDmHeiCSV_15o6F0XYYvLBmir8N_DMDELwhS-0onwo5m9Ntfc_HV1-GXJ-7kvyA_jouu28JTRXuCHfTjFb0/s1600-h/DSCN4532.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735236877417282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qkxSLmlYLP4WjK77g4-X97D50Ugx_s5EoCfJQZXN4lnhISEhEJ0GjuArkDmHeiCSV_15o6F0XYYvLBmir8N_DMDELwhS-0onwo5m9Ntfc_HV1-GXJ-7kvyA_jouu28JTRXuCHfTjFb0/s320/DSCN4532.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Another close-up of the side of the hat</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvAMl2AsLxCaP0jK24ai6AdbtLMAz-Y1JJjvV2oZHq8FYJUmkux2BcR1rioIKnNnm4qypVDF6nSTtp9GUClizmqF_6SEbDh6bs6WxZqLhkbUALUFxJEgFmfDQheRSyXVu6igib2XqIx4/s1600-h/DSCN4526.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735566963438146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvAMl2AsLxCaP0jK24ai6AdbtLMAz-Y1JJjvV2oZHq8FYJUmkux2BcR1rioIKnNnm4qypVDF6nSTtp9GUClizmqF_6SEbDh6bs6WxZqLhkbUALUFxJEgFmfDQheRSyXVu6igib2XqIx4/s320/DSCN4526.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is the Baby Surprise Sweater. I added a separate button closure along the side of the collar.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExw0A0cysnAoWtu8P_85gLBPqDhhU5cIeN00CJgIlrW3j3jEwMU3AB1qx3GHFQUedFrzCPClo2TGiTmGz5V-sagDA6yLwRWF537lRQNjWqhB3klKdHyjbHOwReuKB7uUuH-oyPv7r3fA/s1600-h/DSCN4525.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735560584255234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExw0A0cysnAoWtu8P_85gLBPqDhhU5cIeN00CJgIlrW3j3jEwMU3AB1qx3GHFQUedFrzCPClo2TGiTmGz5V-sagDA6yLwRWF537lRQNjWqhB3klKdHyjbHOwReuKB7uUuH-oyPv7r3fA/s320/DSCN4525.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is the back of the sweater</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW4VcpvC09ivfAZT0clTnxvJTcCYcNOhMk2skP_okF2usMinZcDVTGNlIP79vTfF9h2WSn1tM4iFaZU0tOMkN4_5sXbVSbJyCaTbN_kTXzphfkoKKV-UQx0FSFoltog4wtZtEWX9WN-8/s1600-h/DSCN4528.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735243678431650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW4VcpvC09ivfAZT0clTnxvJTcCYcNOhMk2skP_okF2usMinZcDVTGNlIP79vTfF9h2WSn1tM4iFaZU0tOMkN4_5sXbVSbJyCaTbN_kTXzphfkoKKV-UQx0FSFoltog4wtZtEWX9WN-8/s320/DSCN4528.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is a close-up of the side of the hat</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcuXEe1d2dQs5ZPMwStHS0eBq1fzV6CV-SM_pPc-KIC5vnK7novFJiSnZfVM97SDpiypK-LcO8JFz8YnraHR11-VO5KtreiEqYOVbbdsxrxaB3PeJiWHfV8K0LoT5msbSHdCgCuikme0/s1600-h/DSCN4527.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258735242226806754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcuXEe1d2dQs5ZPMwStHS0eBq1fzV6CV-SM_pPc-KIC5vnK7novFJiSnZfVM97SDpiypK-LcO8JFz8YnraHR11-VO5KtreiEqYOVbbdsxrxaB3PeJiWHfV8K0LoT5msbSHdCgCuikme0/s320/DSCN4527.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">And a close-up of the top of the hat. </span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-51937677192795445742008-08-26T18:21:00.006-04:002008-08-26T18:35:12.194-04:00Here's the Latest....<span style="color:#66ff99;">Here is my latest attempt at knitting a Baby Surprise Jacket. This one came out somewhat larger because I used a thicker yarn. I would say it will fit a one-year toddler.<br /><br />I also knitted a beret in green wool and a scarf in merino wool for my Aunt Lilly who lives in Baltimore. It was knitted using a sock-weight yarn and worked up pretty fast and has the most incredible bounce-back to it. Machine wash and dry too..<br /><br />Here are the photos....<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeILepwtU3MrpGuDZjaG13R-KJOofj9cvlF3LnFF1x6IiPUWz4zP3UCQp536aKQV_FJOAHzIHCL76xfGlvU5kXCs-ZQf7mpR8POz3LiqAZc_w2sEHr-fUtNJKdvaEdlASHSmstIn45gY/s1600-h/DSCN4320.jpg"><span style="color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956668397424322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeILepwtU3MrpGuDZjaG13R-KJOofj9cvlF3LnFF1x6IiPUWz4zP3UCQp536aKQV_FJOAHzIHCL76xfGlvU5kXCs-ZQf7mpR8POz3LiqAZc_w2sEHr-fUtNJKdvaEdlASHSmstIn45gY/s320/DSCN4320.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br />Here is the latest Baby Surprise Jacket and Green Hat. Not that the two were made to go together. They weren't. I got the hat pattern online and just had to see if <em>"I could do it."</em><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzPbDIUqua16ms9Z3Hq-8xqaVhf7S8hMzTIqtU_DwzYuhvj7uMKCYVMnn7aQaCMuGQThEPWjSPfFZ7JTV74UyjXa0aEAR0dl4tLsPMjC_oArZIhgPZWWGiSVM8dB1u3NmTK8wYGJxEeQ/s1600-h/DSCN4322.jpg"><span style="color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956688642741922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzPbDIUqua16ms9Z3Hq-8xqaVhf7S8hMzTIqtU_DwzYuhvj7uMKCYVMnn7aQaCMuGQThEPWjSPfFZ7JTV74UyjXa0aEAR0dl4tLsPMjC_oArZIhgPZWWGiSVM8dB1u3NmTK8wYGJxEeQ/s320/DSCN4322.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br />Here is the scarf<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4TE5EAGPy6QsO6fvLXesSjc0HvOo5Mj5vF7pFXppOmP_n31fbqoOh93nN2toWB2fBEaJUuH7r8x71xrSof0PPVLiXcRbkMKD9RCVcmwuQFl2I_BPx6YuJXU2PIBFtwR9iZXd7W0vqj4/s1600-h/DSCN4323.JPG"><span style="color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956703455052802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4TE5EAGPy6QsO6fvLXesSjc0HvOo5Mj5vF7pFXppOmP_n31fbqoOh93nN2toWB2fBEaJUuH7r8x71xrSof0PPVLiXcRbkMKD9RCVcmwuQFl2I_BPx6YuJXU2PIBFtwR9iZXd7W0vqj4/s320/DSCN4323.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqNpvDfC0GkUMFjwVxdymXTL9lwvNR6Ula_1jZI5rvx_jcHuEQqI36lG54SwIICh1c0LITnL-XBx-G5B1GHEt59iQ9p4NpxlURMk-MHTjRkmdxW7Nm2mBjrOiUgZsY42qUmCxs4LOnGQ/s1600-h/DSCN4325.jpg"><span style="color:#66ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238956737273127154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqNpvDfC0GkUMFjwVxdymXTL9lwvNR6Ula_1jZI5rvx_jcHuEQqI36lG54SwIICh1c0LITnL-XBx-G5B1GHEt59iQ9p4NpxlURMk-MHTjRkmdxW7Nm2mBjrOiUgZsY42qUmCxs4LOnGQ/s320/DSCN4325.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ff99;"><br />Here is a 'close-up'</span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-54586666366741850892008-07-15T14:00:00.013-04:002008-07-15T17:42:54.589-04:00A Few Notes on the Baby Surprise Sweater.....<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Perhaps I should say that according to the DVD instructions, you can knit this pattern to fit anyone from a baby to an Adult. All you have to do is use different yarn weights (or hold 2 or more strands together) and the appropriate needle size to accommodate the weight of your yarn. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Meg Swansen explains that the baby sweater will stretch to accommodate baby's growth for a few months because it is knitted using the garter stitch (which is very "giving"). </span><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;">I used Caron's Simply Soft yarn and a size 6 circular needle. I consider the Simply Soft yarn to be a light-worsted weight. If I had used Red Heart or Vanna White worsted yarn,<em><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#66ff99;"> I would have used a size 7 needle.</span> </span><span style="color:#ffffff;">Before knitting this sweater I strongly advise knitting a small swatch using garter stitch to see if the stitches are too loose. This is something you DON'T want because o</span></em></span><span style="color:#ffffff;">nce you begin knitting this pattern, you CANNOT change needle size. It will throw everything off shape-wise.</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#cccccc;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">The sweater when buttoned measures approximately 17 inches in circumference under the sleeves. It can easily stretch to 21 inches. Shoulder to hem is 12 inches in length. </span><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;"></span><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;">Sleeves measured from cuff to cuff is 18 inches; but Ms Swansen says that the sleeves are knitted to come just below the hollow in the elbow. She says that it keeps the sweater from being chewed on by baby, and getting wet. However, the sleeve length can be added to once the sweater is knitted. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">The sweater pattern also 'increases stitches' to accommodate the bulk of wearing a diaper across the hip section.</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">For the newborn baby, instructions call for 3 ounces of Shetland wool (6 stitches to the inch), and will 'grow' with the baby. Yarns knitted at 5 stitches to the inch should yield a size to fit a 1-2 year old or older. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">I used a 6oz skein of the Simply Soft. I had yarn left over, and the skein has 315 yards. I would say I had enough left over to knit a baby hat. I also used a coordinating color on the sweater (the green one) but only for 24 rows.</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">I haven't done so, but I would imagine you can make a preemie sweater using baby-weight or fingering yarn and the appropriate needle size. No matter what size sweater you intend to make Ms Swansen says that you cast on the same amount of stitches which are 160. From there you either knit each stitch without decreasing or increasing, or when it is time, you increase or decrease every other row to achieve the shape of the sweater.</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">As I have said; the thickness of yarn and needle size will determine how large the sweater will be when completed. You can use any type of yarn you desire, but you must keep in mind how you would like it to look once completed.</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">I was at the yarn store yesterday and picked up two skeins of Caron's Painted Yarn<em> (it's variegated)</em> to knit another Baby Surprise Sweater. Also picked up some Vanna White yarn (which is heavier, or maybe I should say that it is a heftier worsted) to knit a Baby Surprise Sweater.</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ff99;">Instructions are also given for a baby bonnet (which I haven't tried yet). So..... Hop on the bandwagon! The Ravelry Community </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffff99;">http://www.ravelry.com/</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;"> has over 3000 project photos of this sweater, so there must be something exciting about it!</span><br /></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ff99;">What's on my needles now?? I am still working on a vest for a young friend. Luckily she doesn't need it until this winter <em>(smiles).</em> I am still working on a hat and scarf for my friend who lives in Arizona. Last week I knitted a wool Seaman's hat for a friend to wear this winter while attending to dairy farm chores as a 50th birthday present. And after these are done, I have at least eight things I need to knit as necessities for friends, relatives, town neighbors, etc. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><em>Can I get those wool socks for Yvonne in there somewhere by this Winter.....????</em><br /></span></span><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><span style="color:#99ff99;">My Stash has been increased too..... </span></em><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here are a few photos!<br /></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPng5Q3mRClCgW9lDac9nU-9ux9WQIRTQyWxyUgEXXJ8CyuHNYRQW4A9Ne3TWIHP2j6GSwWGkNsD3hkKEY_Iyeu6usZ56gBjeF-7K3XIFg4wLrKHL7hs_-vP1hekP1ePsDG23D2nzoJJ0/s1600-h/DSCN4296.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339162934833202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPng5Q3mRClCgW9lDac9nU-9ux9WQIRTQyWxyUgEXXJ8CyuHNYRQW4A9Ne3TWIHP2j6GSwWGkNsD3hkKEY_Iyeu6usZ56gBjeF-7K3XIFg4wLrKHL7hs_-vP1hekP1ePsDG23D2nzoJJ0/s320/DSCN4296.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#ccffff;">Here is the Seaman's Hat I am knitting for my friend in Arizona. I really do not like knitting with double-points because it takes me a while to get a rhythm going. So; since I just finished knitting the same hat for another friend, I thought I would cast on stitches for this hat while my brain and mind was "in the mood."</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPktZ-7yLayVp_CZHFfyT0YpqKuQZ-97uqq_Ze_e3L-_YE5Kygq1HBIbEpnCR75uGD5DQ_fje9YqAe9FwmHfPGj_eg72eFro9OWflY9H5n-Q2AKQXu5AY0XRGPrOMpT2qi4TFVPxbONAs/s1600-h/DSCN4297.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339167396707714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPktZ-7yLayVp_CZHFfyT0YpqKuQZ-97uqq_Ze_e3L-_YE5Kygq1HBIbEpnCR75uGD5DQ_fje9YqAe9FwmHfPGj_eg72eFro9OWflY9H5n-Q2AKQXu5AY0XRGPrOMpT2qi4TFVPxbONAs/s320/DSCN4297.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here is what the above hat will look like. This hat will be worn by my friend Randy Bates while tending to his dairy farm this winter. I used Lamb's Pride Worsted yarn. One skein does the trick (190 yards per skein) with a bit left over. Here is the pattern. It opens as a .pdf file: </span><br /></span><a href="http://images.acswebnetworks.com/2013/1271/SeafarersCapPattern.pdf"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://images.acswebnetworks.com/2013/1271/SeafarersCapPattern.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here are photos of the cap modeled on a human:</span><br /></span><a href="http://pegotty.blogspot.com/2007/12/international-seafarers-ministry.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://pegotty.blogspot.com/2007/12/international-seafarers-ministry.html</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">I used the Watch Cap with a Cuff knitted pattern.</span><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhTB9TGA5scCZrnglj4rQqqnfG4LrzHlmcIUdt7JfEC-H_fX4rMMORFI1FdCx6_3v7gSlNpxtKftk9rAhPg1N9FlV7T5TqeAxW2UTNiWIwtvrkFsLBwL7S3o18IBsmHq-WS_-onNr1N0/s1600-h/DSCN4298.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339169919734706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhTB9TGA5scCZrnglj4rQqqnfG4LrzHlmcIUdt7JfEC-H_fX4rMMORFI1FdCx6_3v7gSlNpxtKftk9rAhPg1N9FlV7T5TqeAxW2UTNiWIwtvrkFsLBwL7S3o18IBsmHq-WS_-onNr1N0/s320/DSCN4298.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here is the Caron "Paints" yarn I was talking about. I live in a rural area and close by Walmart is "it" for acrylic yarn. I do have about 4 Yarn Shops that sell natural fibers nearby, but each one is a minimum of 25 miles round trip. Augusta, Maine has Michaels and now an AC Moore store and this is where I went yesterday to get additional 'yarn stash.' Augusta is about 90 miles round trip. Yes; I do order online as well. Stash arrives <em><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">"by any means necessary"</span></strong></em> in this house!</span><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfogWHCpSt1rbCKMn7Qqx-EmuFjOuJDFkwQHxsTxFyrajtwSNfSoB8ZemZZN_z0E8x9dLS0EikAUaS1kpIw7Nz-ThLjmaVhrjDEC5xwqdSCaAhyphenhyphengtE2MDPYis5gSCo4cbH9G5s9m_CjX4/s1600-h/DSCN4299.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339170626404578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfogWHCpSt1rbCKMn7Qqx-EmuFjOuJDFkwQHxsTxFyrajtwSNfSoB8ZemZZN_z0E8x9dLS0EikAUaS1kpIw7Nz-ThLjmaVhrjDEC5xwqdSCaAhyphenhyphengtE2MDPYis5gSCo4cbH9G5s9m_CjX4/s320/DSCN4299.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">Here is some Vanna White Yarn manufactured by LionBrand. I love the feel of this yarn. Nice weight, plump. I haven't knitted with it yet. But this yarn will be used on a Baby Surprise Sweater as will the "Paints" yarn above.</span><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joSeyDLUKafEursV3tRZfPB_PfP5EB6NKD2gvW7OHnEQbl053FWKHWUZGH16RXkHRC-w06heSaZNE1fPtl5LE7jCnNm6Yj3v9euywlYtm7jZuTD3Bqx2XNui4pBNKfcAWJtfNc-0ZX0/s1600-h/DSCN4300.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223339177843333394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-joSeyDLUKafEursV3tRZfPB_PfP5EB6NKD2gvW7OHnEQbl053FWKHWUZGH16RXkHRC-w06heSaZNE1fPtl5LE7jCnNm6Yj3v9euywlYtm7jZuTD3Bqx2XNui4pBNKfcAWJtfNc-0ZX0/s320/DSCN4300.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="color:#99ffff;">And last; but not least. Here is some Paton Classic Merino Wool (223 yards per skein). Toddler and baby hats and/or scarf out of these. Geez! AC Moore was selling this for $4.99 and I thought I had a bargain! I just looked and Knitting Warehouse is selling these for $3.64! Time for an online order! Can't beat that with a stick if you order 10 or more along with their $5.99 flat rate shipping.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><span style="color:#99ffff;"></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-39752809702721431412008-07-13T15:55:00.009-04:002008-07-13T16:40:42.584-04:00Second Baby Surprise Sweater<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ff99;">In between my other projects I slipped in a second Baby Surprise Sweater. I am still not "perfect" with the technique. The problem I find myself having is keeping precise track of where I am supposed to make decreases. I mark them with a safety pin <em>(there are only two decrease points),</em> and it works perfectly until the pattern calls for an increase in the number of stitches on the needle... thus throwing your "perfect track" off kilter. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ff99;">You have to knit the pattern to understand what I am talking about. The sweater still works up fine; it is just not visually aligned to perfection. I am <strong>STILL</strong> going to continue knitting sweaters using this pattern because it is capable of rendering so many creative colorful combinations. The Ravelry website has quite a few beautiful Baby Surprise Sweater creations. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Here are some photos of my latest attempt, and my latest 'stash' additions. I had to visit my favorite yarn shop to get two skeins of yarn to finish a vest I am working on, and of course I just could not leave without buying </span><em><strong><span style="color:#cccccc;">something......!</span></strong></em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIv0_TL3W5_jo2jDzOVaynTRgcn_Hc6ovhTJ6FZ1htCfxklxsJWzeRdv5-ZXVIrSCn_tIeY94nP7lP5b86JJbSoBY3YmdhwzYJKKpB9igLLvpSD7iSfQZ93TN9mitzjdGQVyV0JwpNyY/s1600-h/DSCN4277.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#99ff99;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595276295623842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIv0_TL3W5_jo2jDzOVaynTRgcn_Hc6ovhTJ6FZ1htCfxklxsJWzeRdv5-ZXVIrSCn_tIeY94nP7lP5b86JJbSoBY3YmdhwzYJKKpB9igLLvpSD7iSfQZ93TN9mitzjdGQVyV0JwpNyY/s320/DSCN4277.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is the latest. I used Carons Simply Soft Yarns</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfTqR1zxnfj0tdBmU19JoW2ol3DR0hV-FwfUO2cGX3HDYxxLVFebLX1KsBLV8LQy9dSEru951rxkFwj-cri7vLIHupqvfevDfPMOaCYD4CiF-QNuRyH6Ipz3UFAwqkLlGMCCqDBg9QM8/s1600-h/DSCN4280.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595273404017010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfTqR1zxnfj0tdBmU19JoW2ol3DR0hV-FwfUO2cGX3HDYxxLVFebLX1KsBLV8LQy9dSEru951rxkFwj-cri7vLIHupqvfevDfPMOaCYD4CiF-QNuRyH6Ipz3UFAwqkLlGMCCqDBg9QM8/s320/DSCN4280.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are both of my Baby Surprise Sweaters side by side.</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-u4h_zMxiLrT7wQqWZp5DFmrOvkqwCHgwSd89miab4oDismLduDxEWEfr5TbPLLdzPrr6mhmAMLASHxxmrfh-u0cFz-CfGagGRo9R-YguWGbRLch_1mq-6iyaN8q-nvMHoxXQ8vBuDs/s1600-h/DSCN4286.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595279421564402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-u4h_zMxiLrT7wQqWZp5DFmrOvkqwCHgwSd89miab4oDismLduDxEWEfr5TbPLLdzPrr6mhmAMLASHxxmrfh-u0cFz-CfGagGRo9R-YguWGbRLch_1mq-6iyaN8q-nvMHoxXQ8vBuDs/s320/DSCN4286.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is how they look on the back.<br /></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk9N1uxNY8n4zjG6YchFKhoJACLc04biXPkEEmz-T_mkKSSFBOa-HRMKcSgfKeVslKAkg2cup0TWNujdZc7gdWPbhpBKFZRKrjMxEQZ_XLVNAXFJZRtfchCQOcQSnSUVrQXl8-kSPR-c/s1600-h/DSCN4290.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595644224899090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk9N1uxNY8n4zjG6YchFKhoJACLc04biXPkEEmz-T_mkKSSFBOa-HRMKcSgfKeVslKAkg2cup0TWNujdZc7gdWPbhpBKFZRKrjMxEQZ_XLVNAXFJZRtfchCQOcQSnSUVrQXl8-kSPR-c/s320/DSCN4290.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is a closer view of the newest attempt...<br /></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhs34zOhsIa4sAot1sf-hsfXTZTcFMKDMa8WE1ay9OM5JeqdjlhY72CQigWiQ1FRtwP52PzipcrgiYb74QIUHv4l_9HbpmePfXrf0mDyfzwPEjCpmDSWYWHQ5-bpBhLTAZI6AKW5L0qo/s1600-h/DSCN4283.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595646036542834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhs34zOhsIa4sAot1sf-hsfXTZTcFMKDMa8WE1ay9OM5JeqdjlhY72CQigWiQ1FRtwP52PzipcrgiYb74QIUHv4l_9HbpmePfXrf0mDyfzwPEjCpmDSWYWHQ5-bpBhLTAZI6AKW5L0qo/s320/DSCN4283.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is my latest addition to my Yarn Stash.</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-VjDg23cFPkBxvah0hsQ0u_MDNK5zrnxdAC3NscKh-5MirO9VuYsVy450apbpJMQujQPcEjeso3GidNDlmjYlDutFTHz261RuqZKkc7mGdbMLDUaxTqkjC2eBPgA6mJFvmnXuKubdkU/s1600-h/DSCN4282.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222595650996502322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-VjDg23cFPkBxvah0hsQ0u_MDNK5zrnxdAC3NscKh-5MirO9VuYsVy450apbpJMQujQPcEjeso3GidNDlmjYlDutFTHz261RuqZKkc7mGdbMLDUaxTqkjC2eBPgA6mJFvmnXuKubdkU/s320/DSCN4282.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#66ff99;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I picked this up at Walmart to knit dishcloths for my kitchen. I have been knitting my own dishcloths for about 9 years and I refuse to use store purchased ones again!<em> <span style="color:#cccccc;">I also find the old ones work perfectly for dusting furniture. </span></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffccff;"></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-41817904399774933512008-06-15T20:27:00.006-04:002008-06-15T21:09:31.374-04:00Baby Surprise Sweater Results.......<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#9999ff;">I just could not help myself.... I had to stop my 'regular knitting' and try to knit my first <strong>Baby Surprise Sweater</strong>! Even with written instructions and the DVD, I had a few bumps in the road, but I did manage to get a decent finished sweater and I have to say, I <strong>WILL be knitting another one</strong> <em>as soon as I get some purple yarn.</em> <span style="color:#ffccff;"><em>Would you believe I don't have any in my Stash??</em> And after I said I wasn't going to buy any more acrylic yarn for a while??</span> But these little sweaters are sort of 'addictive.' The color combinations are just endless, and this pattern just fertilizes the imagination. It knits up fairly quickly too, which is exactly what I like!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffccff;">Well, I promised some pictures, and here they are. I made buttons as well.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG71gksUIefUUsGOPjBOBdIvACUmNF_TJ2w1ehm0kkvh_jotEjzqUYAnojfwDb2W92YQ5A6Pfj94R896Ci3VW9Yb0XgbBSyqHv4ocJ8_SWqBqoaep-4Ouvfd-fKZYKibFZtgP8vsos_YA/s1600-h/DSCN4175.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212271742036828354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG71gksUIefUUsGOPjBOBdIvACUmNF_TJ2w1ehm0kkvh_jotEjzqUYAnojfwDb2W92YQ5A6Pfj94R896Ci3VW9Yb0XgbBSyqHv4ocJ8_SWqBqoaep-4Ouvfd-fKZYKibFZtgP8vsos_YA/s320/DSCN4175.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is the Sweater as it looks after you have finished the knitting instructions and now you have to figure out how to fold it to create sleeves, the front and the back. You're looking at the 'wrong side' facing you.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZt44WC89JRBm_hFEXSF3KDwhBTKwP8PjJty_YD7vo42dwY8ZFE7C2Q5OAXmZbiK-X30ODSZyP0xKrCPD6DHKKJnwF9pL2ElC2VpbyF4rw5_AsqwJ6S-R7O4FQ7w9pkZ_Skrv_ycN5I4/s1600-h/DSCN4174.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212271731432469858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZt44WC89JRBm_hFEXSF3KDwhBTKwP8PjJty_YD7vo42dwY8ZFE7C2Q5OAXmZbiK-X30ODSZyP0xKrCPD6DHKKJnwF9pL2ElC2VpbyF4rw5_AsqwJ6S-R7O4FQ7w9pkZ_Skrv_ycN5I4/s320/DSCN4174.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is what it looks like with the 'right side' facing you.<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JsFn3L9qNPSEnxg-JV04Uv4vLAPqiTNOvV4DChtRwPKGDdt9C3u9MYm7IiX_xASRB6RsNtcHO3-SxIGsCJLFw8-T-GQr7qVwb_M7dHk-g15u2KI1kAJyj6cax9D6K93IaVF_FJkilmk/s1600-h/DSCN4179.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212271755388053458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JsFn3L9qNPSEnxg-JV04Uv4vLAPqiTNOvV4DChtRwPKGDdt9C3u9MYm7IiX_xASRB6RsNtcHO3-SxIGsCJLFw8-T-GQr7qVwb_M7dHk-g15u2KI1kAJyj6cax9D6K93IaVF_FJkilmk/s320/DSCN4179.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is what it looks like after you have 'solved the puzzle' of how to fold this 'baby' so that all you have to sew are the two shoulder seams on either side of the neckline.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_QvbNK7hvp0tbpBzZOkZvR5F5swuo_xA47sAQ0rju3121f3p57p5iqgA605YaDxhXTrHUeyUyzCQX4y90o_ogre5DUKs31Vvx8nYqpOPEurxF-1NhGR5_wB0u30DuDh17DEoRntrYo/s1600-h/DSCN4176.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212271744226908306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX_QvbNK7hvp0tbpBzZOkZvR5F5swuo_xA47sAQ0rju3121f3p57p5iqgA605YaDxhXTrHUeyUyzCQX4y90o_ogre5DUKs31Vvx8nYqpOPEurxF-1NhGR5_wB0u30DuDh17DEoRntrYo/s320/DSCN4176.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Another 'step toward folding the sweater. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFFEzhIBZG4O3Ex60qDOC7y86GG9_MMnlYA9uQ0cHqT65znAs9i7oy-q9DoSUSrUYJt_xGf1lo7MNaQ9oH9bBOFVLuu_6H6iBR7GUKQReEk6F7Nl8_IS47bgbSmWYxiXv9orUtxaDkbY/s1600-h/DSCN4177.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212271751138875090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFFEzhIBZG4O3Ex60qDOC7y86GG9_MMnlYA9uQ0cHqT65znAs9i7oy-q9DoSUSrUYJt_xGf1lo7MNaQ9oH9bBOFVLuu_6H6iBR7GUKQReEk6F7Nl8_IS47bgbSmWYxiXv9orUtxaDkbY/s320/DSCN4177.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Neatly folded; ready for needle and yarn to stitch the shoulder seams.....</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DihT8PfuQPJzDX8nd5EziWeCd3Qh6XRZwLZkIgR0_ga4NdNPBFYDjyJlLrwFTZHBBWwARtYThW8CAiMiaRiOYexboxpwK417SYX1cnHVik2KtyCL9D6qIpDAz6RAOxgZrCJCaVMg9QI/s1600-h/DSCN4185.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212272086503570882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DihT8PfuQPJzDX8nd5EziWeCd3Qh6XRZwLZkIgR0_ga4NdNPBFYDjyJlLrwFTZHBBWwARtYThW8CAiMiaRiOYexboxpwK417SYX1cnHVik2KtyCL9D6qIpDAz6RAOxgZrCJCaVMg9QI/s320/DSCN4185.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">I decided to knit a collar on the sweater, and here is what it looked like afterwards...</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT6wbwGf0U64Gu8Y_7MGLINo8UwOQhLNwbwvL_R10B-hBJxHG3g-9mDsrfRgSNgTDVFtjtkHqavpzX1AITRt3eL9C9cCtouMDtKqR10eHhFBfZSQexIkrBg32LFQv0vIrlBfhY57ffeE/s1600-h/DSCN4181.jpg"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212272074723970882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT6wbwGf0U64Gu8Y_7MGLINo8UwOQhLNwbwvL_R10B-hBJxHG3g-9mDsrfRgSNgTDVFtjtkHqavpzX1AITRt3eL9C9cCtouMDtKqR10eHhFBfZSQexIkrBg32LFQv0vIrlBfhY57ffeE/s320/DSCN4181.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is another view with the collar.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p4s3JuuiqURRgCunX-mKlPG49ekeiiMsCktg3HelM7lO7_6bK-LH6_keKfzoFAMBlI5eJtyzIvWHz0-jNSfReeUy4ZC2wD7gJ-end0RgUmiEWP4ZrYiZjyRTkKmHSWlYr-qBY9iCQcI/s1600-h/DSCN4183.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212272079416466482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p4s3JuuiqURRgCunX-mKlPG49ekeiiMsCktg3HelM7lO7_6bK-LH6_keKfzoFAMBlI5eJtyzIvWHz0-jNSfReeUy4ZC2wD7gJ-end0RgUmiEWP4ZrYiZjyRTkKmHSWlYr-qBY9iCQcI/s320/DSCN4183.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is what the sweater looks like from the back after the collar has been added.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AWd6LU2L8bq0WzknQck5Pon7vciqEHq7N6OP5nXEdJAdk_4KIkXWFCP7Z68MaB_VJOov_INtp00EFqDHaK0uK7PVqos13GwTyjAhvAfv5ElxcoJo2lOHgmCublMt1A-Yxhev9bBNLpw/s1600-h/DSCN4191.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212272091132168722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AWd6LU2L8bq0WzknQck5Pon7vciqEHq7N6OP5nXEdJAdk_4KIkXWFCP7Z68MaB_VJOov_INtp00EFqDHaK0uK7PVqos13GwTyjAhvAfv5ElxcoJo2lOHgmCublMt1A-Yxhev9bBNLpw/s320/DSCN4191.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is a'close-up' with buttons sewn on...</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydJQObQ4RWoeggN5xSRT-JJB7dDwxzn21NtTWOINdCSN9CRznVEZ62tVAMnR8rUth-m88LMTa1xhGJo0-01NZBiMnw2Z1DfcHkQFjQnJTMRA2kdlxBky5bZYgPMx2oyHk5SFkLjObaNM/s1600-h/DSCN4189.JPG"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212272090390958098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydJQObQ4RWoeggN5xSRT-JJB7dDwxzn21NtTWOINdCSN9CRznVEZ62tVAMnR8rUth-m88LMTa1xhGJo0-01NZBiMnw2Z1DfcHkQFjQnJTMRA2kdlxBky5bZYgPMx2oyHk5SFkLjObaNM/s320/DSCN4189.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">Here is a better look of the completed sweater. </span><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;"></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">I made a few 'mistakes' while knitting this: Beyond a certain point, I did not keep perfect track of my increases so that they form a precise line. It looks a bit messy, as you can see, but my next sweater will be an improvement. <em><span style="color:#ffccff;">I just had to get this one out of my system to see how this pattern works.</span></em> I already plan to knit plenty more of these!! The DVD was a great investment! I don't think; in fact <strong>I KNOW</strong> this sweater would not look as good as it does had I not had the DVD to help me over the perplexing points.</span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-2474568502728792782008-05-29T22:18:00.010-04:002008-05-29T23:29:22.414-04:00I Took The Plunge.....<span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I took the plunge and ordered Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Sweater instructions on DVD. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Years ago when I saw a picture of this sweater, I didn't like it. Probably because it was done in a single color and it didn't look 'exciting' enough; but over the past 6 months or so, something has been beckoning me to try this pattern. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I looked for free instructions online, but they are not to be found. There are 'off-shoots' of it, but they did not quite <em>draw me in</em>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I looked at Elizabeth's book (online) that contains the pattern, but the price was a bit of a turn-off. Besides, I don't really love her style of pattern writing. I have one of her books and I rarely use it. <em>Might as well say that I never use it. </em></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ffccff;">Someone in our AC4C Group sent a link to an exciting new look for the Baby Surprise Sweater and the colors got me drooling. Here is the link: </span><a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket</span></a><span style="color:#33ccff;"> </span></span><br /><span style="color:#33ccff;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#ffccff;">When I discovered there was a DVD on how to knit it I tried to get a cheaper price, but could not find one, so I ordered from Amazon.com </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Surprise-Jacket-Meg-Swansen/dp/B000MGTT5Y?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1174187457&sr=8-1"><span style="color:#cc66cc;">http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Surprise-Jacket-Meg-Swansen/dp/B000MGTT5Y?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1174187457&sr=8-1</span></a></span><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffcc66;"><span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Well, the DVD came the other day and last night I sat down at the computer and looked at it.<strong><em> I love it!</em></strong> Meg Swansen (Elizabeth's daughter) did an excellent job with this! The instructions are written on paper and inserted into the DVD case, and while it seems clear enough, when you look at the DVD the instructions are made so much clearer. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ms Swansen is an excellent teacher. Her voice is soothing, she is an excellent knitter (knits continental style and her fingers flow like the wind), and she filmed the entire video outside in a green wooded area (that looks a lot like the rural area I live in). </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ffccff;">You get rejuvenated and relaxed just by looking at the background scenery. I am glad I did get the DVD because she shows you step by step what you are supposed to be knitting.</span><em><span style="color:#ffffff;"> (The shape of the Baby Surprise Sweater is unlike anything you have ever knitted and expecting it to have sleeves, a front and back). </span></em></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">You also get instructions for adding a collar and a matching bonnet. Additionally you are told how to make an adult sized version for yourself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I haven't started knitting the sweater because if I do I won't finish the three projects I was supposed to have finished by now, but don't. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">But, you can believe when I am 'free' the BSS (Baby Surprise Sweater) is the next thing on my needles, and you know I will share photos when I am done!</span><br /></span><span style="color:#33ccff;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNWA3Q1M_pS2mnpL8E4oGDPLd7ni1uNrAaH3JfQNaPmHBiIEle2OsYucg8CXj_zVrMo5eZz5vKRg5MXF9gYLqgb4zbi6oc0CZLHQvErSTIANldo8PAmkNuhUKZq9KhouS4SV6-EUSwUU/s1600-h/DSCN4171.JPG"><span style="color:#33ccff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205997094606806114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNWA3Q1M_pS2mnpL8E4oGDPLd7ni1uNrAaH3JfQNaPmHBiIEle2OsYucg8CXj_zVrMo5eZz5vKRg5MXF9gYLqgb4zbi6oc0CZLHQvErSTIANldo8PAmkNuhUKZq9KhouS4SV6-EUSwUU/s320/DSCN4171.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Here is the outside of the DVD case. Pardon the colors, as they were taken in the house at night under less than desirable lighting and the case is plastic which reflects the light something awful. You can get a better look on Amazon.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0vWT4D_s5gq6LX2jNB85W2V4H8huc_KGyfdNLGwjR1bkfrRF2d3PIBeGpO9qZv5PnwlBHOoKktFlz_TZpyssMHDNXWSTCURR0yx44IQZ8gazrTpsVsLKdfdMR8FoIEzILatv6MKVqQw/s1600-h/DSCN4172.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205997098901773426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0vWT4D_s5gq6LX2jNB85W2V4H8huc_KGyfdNLGwjR1bkfrRF2d3PIBeGpO9qZv5PnwlBHOoKktFlz_TZpyssMHDNXWSTCURR0yx44IQZ8gazrTpsVsLKdfdMR8FoIEzILatv6MKVqQw/s320/DSCN4172.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here is the inside of the DVD. <em>Note the neat instruction holder...</em></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Instructions continue on the back with a "line drawing" of what the finished piece looks like before you sew up the two cuff-to-neckline seams. <em>But reading the instructions and seeing it actually done on film are two different things and will save you a lot of confusion.</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The video is approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes long. I feel that I have made a very wise investment, and I wish other authors would follow suit and create a video when instructions are 'complicated.'</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ccff;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0vWT4D_s5gq6LX2jNB85W2V4H8huc_KGyfdNLGwjR1bkfrRF2d3PIBeGpO9qZv5PnwlBHOoKktFlz_TZpyssMHDNXWSTCURR0yx44IQZ8gazrTpsVsLKdfdMR8FoIEzILatv6MKVqQw/s1600-h/DSCN4172.JPG"></a></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-85813028733575180492008-05-27T17:14:00.004-04:002008-05-27T17:29:48.241-04:00Latest Off the Needles....<span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It seems like it took forever, but I finished the baby sweater for the Inuit project selected by <strong>All Crafts For Charity's</strong> online Yahoo Group for the month of May. We were requested to use wool if at all possible because it is cold in their area of the world year-round. I had a few odd skeins of wool in my stash that happened to jump into my hands last Fall when visiting a local yarn shop. At the time I had no idea what I would use them for, but knew at some time or another, they would probably be used to knit some baby, somewhere something warm for the winter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The other is a car seat blanket waiting in the wings to be given to a little one who is still growing in his Mommy's womb and won't make an appearance until late Fall of this year. </span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCZFN8gf5BH0imOp5-3R46LIiV2rQFzIskxKiykerV2W4WvNbyup_YK96S85HWy8qjIjpH5LMft1PYRdmLiW_hDdDiP9UFA2YEYQafJytK4v4IyxYanqwCMhVeXxqhUM96ViOSFfcHEs/s1600-h/DSCN4155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205171596142598466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCZFN8gf5BH0imOp5-3R46LIiV2rQFzIskxKiykerV2W4WvNbyup_YK96S85HWy8qjIjpH5LMft1PYRdmLiW_hDdDiP9UFA2YEYQafJytK4v4IyxYanqwCMhVeXxqhUM96ViOSFfcHEs/s320/DSCN4155.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfR2w1xf5RLODotJtZTBFolprylh17Tpk2jBtJfX3reLiUEybB3MZg-p-1Tdr1V39AlvRYhw9KzNIJ6jOs6oxAfEvk_9Q18FSs-rK0A46xQbqej27gQN_zNz_pT-j6zlnx-QfmhrhjcQ/s1600-h/DSCN4156.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205171604732533074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfR2w1xf5RLODotJtZTBFolprylh17Tpk2jBtJfX3reLiUEybB3MZg-p-1Tdr1V39AlvRYhw9KzNIJ6jOs6oxAfEvk_9Q18FSs-rK0A46xQbqej27gQN_zNz_pT-j6zlnx-QfmhrhjcQ/s320/DSCN4156.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ-RIQpDVGMbTo2S6J_E3xM4efMKIDhyphenhyphen1L6ePEOXho8v6w4x6P4efo2O3K-2rtyw2vlaax0hFJ6zNb-YXK8Rf7900uy828WA43btFPuOsMqPni_gED9ZsWsUOXO3US-SI-9a-_SrKFmI/s1600-h/DSCN4157.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205171609027500386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ-RIQpDVGMbTo2S6J_E3xM4efMKIDhyphenhyphen1L6ePEOXho8v6w4x6P4efo2O3K-2rtyw2vlaax0hFJ6zNb-YXK8Rf7900uy828WA43btFPuOsMqPni_gED9ZsWsUOXO3US-SI-9a-_SrKFmI/s320/DSCN4157.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjvadEBxSEIxEOl6eNQpE-6PwPmDcpH6DfylzE_kAjjPVq85i8tqq_FMxJBGr9g_SpCaU7IkjINvgSW-Hkt5xIBPSy-whDiNY-Vf7ZbJ97s05j3kk-fVAsV4IwxfKz6_N8-jHq8-ZgrI/s1600-h/DSCN4158.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205171613322467698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjvadEBxSEIxEOl6eNQpE-6PwPmDcpH6DfylzE_kAjjPVq85i8tqq_FMxJBGr9g_SpCaU7IkjINvgSW-Hkt5xIBPSy-whDiNY-Vf7ZbJ97s05j3kk-fVAsV4IwxfKz6_N8-jHq8-ZgrI/s320/DSCN4158.JPG" border="0" /></a>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-7959667889009620642008-05-15T16:22:00.007-04:002008-05-15T17:41:52.724-04:00Grace Robinson & Company's Yarn Store - Freeport, ME<span style="color:#33ffff;">I've been away from home for a few weeks which is unusual for me. John wanted to participate in a major Sporting Clay Tournament in Rhode Island in early May. On the way we stopped in Boston for a few days to meet with his relatives and returned to Boston for a few days on our way back home, which turned into an extended stay because the transmission blew on his SUV. </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Though it was a financial crisis, we did manage to enjoy ourselves and I must admit, I sort of had to <em>tear myself away</em> to head back to Maine yesterday. </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">While passing through Freeport, Maine I asked John to stop at this wonderful yarn shop. I visited last Fall but they were closing in 20 minutes which meant I did not have 'enough time' to look at their marvelous selection and "feel" the yarn with my fingertips. </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Well, I spent plenty of time there yesterday, <em>and would you believe I did not come out with a single skein or hank of yarn??</em> Call it what you will, but I could not believe it myself! I think I was overwhelmed with <em>too much choice, and too little money</em>. </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">It's like being at an "All You Can Eat" buffet with 200 choices and one stomach..... It sort of has a psychological effect on you and takes your appetite away, or at least reduces it quite a bit.<br />I did better last year when the store was closing in 20 minutes. At least I came out with 4 skeins of yarn which I recently used to create a car seat blanket for a baby due this November.<br /><br />This store; Grace Robinson & Company (<em>a strange name for a yarn shop</em>) is extremely well stocked with all sorts of goodies. It even has back issues of knitting magazines (<em>that is a gem in and of itself</em>). </span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">When I entered, I immediately asked if they had anything "on sale" and was told that the sale yarn was being kept next door in the other building and they would be happy to take me over there. There was yarn next door, but nothing like in the main building and the sale prices weren't low enough for me for the yardage. I did see clothing samples; one which immediately drew my attention. It was an off-white mohair and wool lightweight sweater coat with slits up the side and across the back; a rather sexy number which could easily be dressed up with a pair of sexy bronze high heel shoes and worn to the most elegant parties. I looked at the price tag and almost fainted! <em><strong>It was $600!! </strong></em><br /><br />They do have a website and they will mail-order. The website is:<br /></span><a href="http://www.yarnandneedlepoint.com/"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">http://www.yarnandneedlepoint.com/</span></a><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;"><br /></span><br /></span><span style="color:#33ffff;">I did take my camera in and asked if it would be alright to take photos and they said yes; so here is a slide show of what I saw (or at least most of it). There is also a comfortable living room setting to sit down and knit or needlepoint if you so desire. It it the largest yarn shop I have ever visited. Most Shops are small and packed to the gills. This was quite spacious and well packed with very expensive stock.<br /></span><span style="color:#ccccff;">Here is the Slide Show....<br /></span><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&noautoplay=1&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fchickentoes8%2Falbumid%2F5200699053528190529%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss%26authkey%3DYQwFEshseRE"></embed>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-76572544083491329322008-04-24T21:07:00.013-04:002008-04-25T00:04:47.884-04:00What I've Been Up To...<span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;">Lately I've been guilty of jumping from one project to another without finishing ones originally started. I guess I have my life set up to see just how well I can multi-task. Eventually I do get around to finishing knitting projects unless I just can't stand the yarn or the pattern that I am using. The first thing I look at before starting a knitting project is:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ffff;"><em>1) Do I like the yarn? Is it a color I am excited about; because if it isn't, I am won't be able to spend hours, days and weeks looking at it; </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ffff;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>2) Is the pattern easy, yet challenging enough to keep me interested and excited about the outcome?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em></em></span><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I love the "look" of quite a few patterns, but when I read the instructions, I realize it will drive me crazy trying to keep track of the intricate movements I need to maintain on every row. This is a guarantee of failure for me and ripping out rows is <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">not</span></strong> a wonderful exercise!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I finally finished knitting two Spring sweaters for two year old Ruth Drake. One is a cardigan, and the other is a pullover. She looked so cute in them both (I forgot <span style="color:#ff9966;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">to take my camera when I delivered them) so I can't show you pictures! I intend to knit two winter sweaters for her using wool </span><span style="color:#ff9966;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">yarn for this coming Winter</span> </span><em><span style="color:#33ffff;"><strong>(bite your tongue at the thought of that word girl!).</strong></span></em> </span><span style="color:#ffffff;">And Ruth's mother told me there will an addition to their family late this year. So; the needles will be smoking again!</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">I knitted a scarf for my Aunt Monica who <strong>blissfully</strong></span> celebrated her 60th birthday this month. I was supposed to block the scarf when I finished it, but I like the way it looks unblocked, so I am keeping it that way. The scarf pattern was harvested from a "Vogue on the Go" book on Scarves. I have had the book for years, and the first time I tried to knit this pattern, it did not work out and I finally had to let it go. Since then my pattern skills have greatly improved and this time I was successful.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I found an AC Moore Craft Store in Augusta a few weeks ago <em>(I thought we only had Michaels)</em> and was so delighted to find Sculpy Clay in individual packs and great colors! I spent $21in clay. I dared peek at the yarn section to see if they had anything I absolutely <strong>MUST</strong> take home with me, and thank goodness I was able to avoid buying some. I think their yarn section is kind of small; and that can sometimes be a "good thing." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I am also knitting a vest for a young friend of mine who is going to have a birthday next month. And I still have to finish knitting the scarf and hat for my friend Steve who lives in Arizona... <em>Yes! I know.</em> It's desert country and why would he need a scarf and hat?? Because, it is cold in the wee hours of the morning, and he walks his dog Riley before going to work.</span><br /><br /></span><strong><span style="color:#66ffff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">So, enough talk! Here are the photos.</span><br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger8d7Y1ccajq8l-11H2RGwi9MK3khR0JmvTpLa3AOkZyGFzanqos3Zwtzhn-AKiJLCxQbvUkJjFplAso5X-6RrlJFanH-g5A_8TDfApuIPPdC0yKpCJy8Vy9l3L_mujFj8ajrHQSM0fA/s1600-h/DSCN3735.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991021027754994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger8d7Y1ccajq8l-11H2RGwi9MK3khR0JmvTpLa3AOkZyGFzanqos3Zwtzhn-AKiJLCxQbvUkJjFplAso5X-6RrlJFanH-g5A_8TDfApuIPPdC0yKpCJy8Vy9l3L_mujFj8ajrHQSM0fA/s320/DSCN3735.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />Here are some buttons I made recently with Sculpy Clay</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSlhOCsPDSArRriUxuMln9B6RT0c70WN_dJI6Dkm2eFWqt5o0SBHJA1TAw5DL124_YKd4q6nV_FBkzakN6qHbdagduhyphenhyphensCHTv7EUMdS4u0fK6lJS9T5BphyphenhyphenfBWrFtpflv4HjqHw06sBU/s1600-h/DSCN3740.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991029617689618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSlhOCsPDSArRriUxuMln9B6RT0c70WN_dJI6Dkm2eFWqt5o0SBHJA1TAw5DL124_YKd4q6nV_FBkzakN6qHbdagduhyphenhyphensCHTv7EUMdS4u0fK6lJS9T5BphyphenhyphenfBWrFtpflv4HjqHw06sBU/s320/DSCN3740.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here is a close-up view of little Ruth Drake's cardigan (knitted in Carons Simply Soft)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-X852okdBAcrxnB1NbpJSmFwfwfV4CAwPdFaLHg1B_SCFRFEi4jsM6f4X-7ecZGrhzVG78AaAwYzZmIjzwxdSiHV2yK_6CojXPj1l88Ni9AFLpWKdZMGe6rMjFmv1L9AbEAoNVR0-I4/s1600-h/DSCN3743.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991033912656930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-X852okdBAcrxnB1NbpJSmFwfwfV4CAwPdFaLHg1B_SCFRFEi4jsM6f4X-7ecZGrhzVG78AaAwYzZmIjzwxdSiHV2yK_6CojXPj1l88Ni9AFLpWKdZMGe6rMjFmv1L9AbEAoNVR0-I4/s320/DSCN3743.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />Here is the pullover sweater for Ruth (knitted in TLC Cotton Plus)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFeavXr_Q2Cn-nDcmylUo7if82YoM63oPqFMye0HhRk81SlIaNI0WH4Aaf1moeTrCgVBsgjfceS92P4yewfWIR2utMZOgU7vAdlYK87TcVqIXCK3pGXpZ0tsUufZ1oAEwf_gIVB-LXyY/s1600-h/DSCN3751.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991029617689602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFeavXr_Q2Cn-nDcmylUo7if82YoM63oPqFMye0HhRk81SlIaNI0WH4Aaf1moeTrCgVBsgjfceS92P4yewfWIR2utMZOgU7vAdlYK87TcVqIXCK3pGXpZ0tsUufZ1oAEwf_gIVB-LXyY/s320/DSCN3751.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here is a full view of the cardigan sweater</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgdvtP1qjTNcPA3UhwBvrvvmnYnjK_zj6vQgMmF3Df22NJLZSDKUkOE62-HooDuXMryloHTa9n_hQ68Tz0EM0AJjy62Cv0CmD_zBlgHn10PWBF1sFYL5_fxxMJtJfSk0uMwwHIP0s8Ec/s1600-h/DSCN3744.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991033912656946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgdvtP1qjTNcPA3UhwBvrvvmnYnjK_zj6vQgMmF3Df22NJLZSDKUkOE62-HooDuXMryloHTa9n_hQ68Tz0EM0AJjy62Cv0CmD_zBlgHn10PWBF1sFYL5_fxxMJtJfSk0uMwwHIP0s8Ec/s320/DSCN3744.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />Here is the beginning of the scarf for my Aunt Monica</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNNPclgLDNtv-Qpx2thIDMO4Ke9_VPp_Y5Etmz6GozOiEl4r_j85QrqaRTndFa5BFGr5ywggciQ9LcugE6pfZd9VAsWt98f3zYkq3ryoou6fnMP_ykzH4DMnTdSChhq8rwiEvOSFMpFQ/s1600-h/DSCN3753.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991446229517378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNNPclgLDNtv-Qpx2thIDMO4Ke9_VPp_Y5Etmz6GozOiEl4r_j85QrqaRTndFa5BFGr5ywggciQ9LcugE6pfZd9VAsWt98f3zYkq3ryoou6fnMP_ykzH4DMnTdSChhq8rwiEvOSFMpFQ/s320/DSCN3753.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">I am almost 3/4 finished </span><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J-XHY594MulG4JgCNHDosGvpcLp1Hxc5kVvNzOMmj8AQ8ABtQHz8-n3Re52PJO830R6RChpFKtBJAahyqcfEElDiMTUtuQFE_QdNhW6BrAVr5YHycHpAi6rJYH_XvJMTfMl1NrsyPac/s1600-h/DSCN3759.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991450524484690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J-XHY594MulG4JgCNHDosGvpcLp1Hxc5kVvNzOMmj8AQ8ABtQHz8-n3Re52PJO830R6RChpFKtBJAahyqcfEElDiMTUtuQFE_QdNhW6BrAVr5YHycHpAi6rJYH_XvJMTfMl1NrsyPac/s320/DSCN3759.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />All finished..</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mWtGqCa7ARG0a1M9wHAs6G0bk3adyyFvEcbYlBrEg-oEMwD902BRRn4ayfU8EEtqTG_ilMxEkdr8lNMsKA0213NC7e9wiEcqxwxC94v5KoXbn-F_HT0LD_F2yamMHFPaY1Vzhj6liR0/s1600-h/DSCN3765.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991450524484706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mWtGqCa7ARG0a1M9wHAs6G0bk3adyyFvEcbYlBrEg-oEMwD902BRRn4ayfU8EEtqTG_ilMxEkdr8lNMsKA0213NC7e9wiEcqxwxC94v5KoXbn-F_HT0LD_F2yamMHFPaY1Vzhj6liR0/s320/DSCN3765.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />A close-up</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiIfqiCYeFUaM3TM9VsxD_FmL33MSSVXo_SBYDgGN-i3UYQZ5otsDGsvkEJkFuwpj0TxZ-MVcr9jn9WZuOXbTo6PMC95bxnpapJBjfq5dkq5cA-TK6OvE8n7S7lTaiqTAyWrhVF1xADM/s1600-h/DSCN3761.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991454819452018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiIfqiCYeFUaM3TM9VsxD_FmL33MSSVXo_SBYDgGN-i3UYQZ5otsDGsvkEJkFuwpj0TxZ-MVcr9jn9WZuOXbTo6PMC95bxnpapJBjfq5dkq5cA-TK6OvE8n7S7lTaiqTAyWrhVF1xADM/s320/DSCN3761.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">Close-up of the metal ornamentation on the corners in lieu of tassels. </span><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfYtNCTHu25yXvVM-1pTUk_Q6y2gPqdQdMMUK8O7Cb-R_h52F7O2X5MW8CLWho0M82j8I3ZBQpvxS0BBo5lxzNCCp6YwBhRcpHduOucKt574uu_XhzcuPiVdGOVtie0J8xwLWa_rO9TU/s1600-h/DSCN3770.jpg"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991454819452034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfYtNCTHu25yXvVM-1pTUk_Q6y2gPqdQdMMUK8O7Cb-R_h52F7O2X5MW8CLWho0M82j8I3ZBQpvxS0BBo5lxzNCCp6YwBhRcpHduOucKt574uu_XhzcuPiVdGOVtie0J8xwLWa_rO9TU/s320/DSCN3770.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">Now for the vest. I know it doesn't look like much yet. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFyc7N-QLX3mIZB2XMrBTbQW3BRjeAKBj95h2mRl1VNR-ZkVmwEpyEbfsbJ7igmZzu4M54GLfe0baMBuE9RC2hZis7CWNnTG8BAZRkwzR4LCbB5tspITW7lDEk8K8SRCaT2ju8XU5ITk/s1600-h/DSCN3771.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991605143307410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFyc7N-QLX3mIZB2XMrBTbQW3BRjeAKBj95h2mRl1VNR-ZkVmwEpyEbfsbJ7igmZzu4M54GLfe0baMBuE9RC2hZis7CWNnTG8BAZRkwzR4LCbB5tspITW7lDEk8K8SRCaT2ju8XU5ITk/s320/DSCN3771.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">Here are photo of the pattern I am following. </span><br /></span><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV63uHIy4edO9BnkppCncmRJOnBEoqUyIVCy-WuHaYdBAgvET3VDWrEE0gwtxYO_isuS9h44qCF5d6sXYHUXGthld6Ih1Vw7ujT0NtbkSbkb68Ft5lerh_Z_7e0d-h397IEmOiW4uzXiE/s1600-h/DSCN3772.JPG"><span style="color:#66ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192991609438274722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV63uHIy4edO9BnkppCncmRJOnBEoqUyIVCy-WuHaYdBAgvET3VDWrEE0gwtxYO_isuS9h44qCF5d6sXYHUXGthld6Ih1Vw7ujT0NtbkSbkb68Ft5lerh_Z_7e0d-h397IEmOiW4uzXiE/s320/DSCN3772.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#66ffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;">It is a very easy, quick pattern. The yarn is a heavyweight wool or bulky. I am actually using Brown Sheep's "Shepherd's Shades." Less than seven dollars for 131 yards. I think the value is great!<br />The pattern is Susan Esser's "Midnight Express Vest," a free pattern on the web.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-79025951193540761322008-04-01T04:13:00.005-04:002008-04-01T04:47:36.507-04:00More Needlework<span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I wish I could knit faster!</strong> For everything I would love to create with yarn I really need to be able to start and finish a sweater in two days. <strong>Fat Chance of that ever happening!</strong> I could knit by machine. I have one of those that I purchased well over 30 years ago and it sits in the box unused. Why?? Because it is a pain in the butt to keep the stitches on the needles, and it is somewhat "impersonal" to knit with a machine unless you want to become a factory-conveyor type person; which I don't. There is something very therapeutic about holding that yarn between your fingers and personally creating fabric. When you get right down to it, it's magical!</span> </span><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJqAstWrlrmEDGVKAnnh80ZhhyJkAnA_St4v-LgyaMuUUqyTrq8YA-QFL5rsqfqi905yLzEB7UG-jzJmhG-e1zYCoXxp2n9PJj447RmNjuxi4T4SuhyphenhyphenJjBOod8gOi_NU8z8lbhj6jaN8/s1600-h/DSCN3637.JPG"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190148965841026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJqAstWrlrmEDGVKAnnh80ZhhyJkAnA_St4v-LgyaMuUUqyTrq8YA-QFL5rsqfqi905yLzEB7UG-jzJmhG-e1zYCoXxp2n9PJj447RmNjuxi4T4SuhyphenhyphenJjBOod8gOi_NU8z8lbhj6jaN8/s320/DSCN3637.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">These are some buttons I made using "bake in the oven" clay. These will go on a variety of baby garments.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6PHLGaSFtNgMGPvRFGZ371NICIcnCVJkD4s8_6P4keXfbpzuE3BdRzJ5FPZ59luZWx6L0i04k_h630A9DZaFaEbBXYuAsrqylORxvEI6G56oaDU9utKmEzuOIuHLRhIf5s7x0TIRHPQ/s1600-h/DSCN3644.JPG"><span style="color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190157555775682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6PHLGaSFtNgMGPvRFGZ371NICIcnCVJkD4s8_6P4keXfbpzuE3BdRzJ5FPZ59luZWx6L0i04k_h630A9DZaFaEbBXYuAsrqylORxvEI6G56oaDU9utKmEzuOIuHLRhIf5s7x0TIRHPQ/s320/DSCN3644.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is a multi-directional scarf I knitted as a present for my Uncle Georges' Lady. It was knitted using mercerized cotton.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7VLKX_ZGBn05qCel6EmfHO0JokzgoI5GMLHvpKPBisNiemXIgZ5FgK-nt_pwK5aU0iFwd79oGGgOqOyd7yh6ZdQs28VeOqePMgiQYgiIf32zaBtHBuj2eaFkIasUTZwR3SKRFtiMOKM/s1600-h/RSCN3648.JPG"><span style="color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190677246818530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7VLKX_ZGBn05qCel6EmfHO0JokzgoI5GMLHvpKPBisNiemXIgZ5FgK-nt_pwK5aU0iFwd79oGGgOqOyd7yh6ZdQs28VeOqePMgiQYgiIf32zaBtHBuj2eaFkIasUTZwR3SKRFtiMOKM/s320/RSCN3648.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#33ffff;"><br />Here is a close-up.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTkW5cGuH73uV-IGvTXkaxs253GcEudztZcvoyJyaEyRf2T5eDmhndv1O6v29ic52NN9GReErs1F-0jpTL1WcFxz1g9JQOb2SIA5qSM9vgGgVrHOgmJvyckI-rTxpXLk6MBDkFvnH16A/s1600-h/DSCN3643.JPG"><span style="color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190153260808338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTkW5cGuH73uV-IGvTXkaxs253GcEudztZcvoyJyaEyRf2T5eDmhndv1O6v29ic52NN9GReErs1F-0jpTL1WcFxz1g9JQOb2SIA5qSM9vgGgVrHOgmJvyckI-rTxpXLk6MBDkFvnH16A/s320/DSCN3643.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is a wool scarf I am knitting for my friend Steve who lives in Tucson, Arizona and gets up at 4 AM in the morning to walk his dog Riley. He gets pretty darned cold in the desert that time of day, and he says wool scarves he purchased 20 years ago are in tatters. How could I resist knitting him a replacement?? I am using Lamb's Pride Worsted; a wool and mohair blend.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p4DWbIKEywDJtOr6kKJRHr5oFr2qoZw9HpdaSuA7zwphAbvEcMUFn2O5K0AzG5ij6U_BBw9L2YRNfnZHAZymD89DjEU3ZizpcXVGK0ivWXgFgmc1qcGZHtj9m34BNRfZf0DB1HjByZI/s1600-h/RSCN3646.JPG"><span style="color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190157555775666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_p4DWbIKEywDJtOr6kKJRHr5oFr2qoZw9HpdaSuA7zwphAbvEcMUFn2O5K0AzG5ij6U_BBw9L2YRNfnZHAZymD89DjEU3ZizpcXVGK0ivWXgFgmc1qcGZHtj9m34BNRfZf0DB1HjByZI/s320/RSCN3646.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#33ffff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;">Here is a close-up. This is a cable pattern and it works up surprising fast. I intend to knit a Seaman's hat to match. I should have it completed by May for his birthday....</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdHoOJlioacFASqQqkvIdXhGzUeKoDEfIYuqeDTi9aVBUIVih3Ic1vjcsfeNouk4InDLoKDO8Iate7JPBVzHERFP9uLusevogRhmq4Vad5t7zHYyNeuxxynfx9wr72CLXlq-TkPzwn7w/s1600-h/DSCN3627.JPG"><span style="color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184190681541785842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdHoOJlioacFASqQqkvIdXhGzUeKoDEfIYuqeDTi9aVBUIVih3Ic1vjcsfeNouk4InDLoKDO8Iate7JPBVzHERFP9uLusevogRhmq4Vad5t7zHYyNeuxxynfx9wr72CLXlq-TkPzwn7w/s320/DSCN3627.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#33ffff;"><br />Here is a toddler sweater and matching hat I knitted for a wee one who lives down the road from me. She just celebrated her first birthday in February.</span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff6666;"></span></div>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983346741262646941.post-58924967282558398532008-03-07T00:29:00.008-05:002008-03-07T01:17:49.063-05:00Some Finished Projects......<span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am still clicking away with my needles and yarn. Below are photos of the Modular Baby Blanket I was working on that is going to South Africa, and two modular scarfs I knitted using the cotton yarn (actually it is a thread I would place in the light-worsted weight category) pictured below. Both were fun to do and I plan to do more. They work up fairly quick and the cotton thread makes it an accessory you can wear year-round. The scarves will work with everything from blouses to turtleneck sweaters. And I think the zig-zag pattern spices up your look.</span><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23AkQkPnax8Awi3EyBa-6CjScjY0xZtp8cgg1ps4y8RyZHmZqTRX1frHQAFhtQm9z22c48NSjD6u40iNjDLf-QF115N83HWMtTpepAPfxygVtNsnrmAZVJecNGu7RAuPwjtzzjIxZqo4/s1600-h/DSCN3600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174870328693175106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23AkQkPnax8Awi3EyBa-6CjScjY0xZtp8cgg1ps4y8RyZHmZqTRX1frHQAFhtQm9z22c48NSjD6u40iNjDLf-QF115N83HWMtTpepAPfxygVtNsnrmAZVJecNGu7RAuPwjtzzjIxZqo4/s320/DSCN3600.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;">Here are the two scarves knitted using the Elann Cotton Thread<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsxeM7666beWAW6APxgTLCgbgXUR9SkJGJtR3-HaYZl6aKUSo8p0ttFdtWV0IOIN7K35ZpP9AfzyEtfmuMvlDCL0iYzKWt2AFCEp-cQX3PGn4WozbURf7exunG3LnlWQaJ4yV1Q22vXg/s1600-h/RSCN3621.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174870332988142418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsxeM7666beWAW6APxgTLCgbgXUR9SkJGJtR3-HaYZl6aKUSo8p0ttFdtWV0IOIN7K35ZpP9AfzyEtfmuMvlDCL0iYzKWt2AFCEp-cQX3PGn4WozbURf7exunG3LnlWQaJ4yV1Q22vXg/s320/RSCN3621.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><br />Here is a closer view of the pattern. Modular knitting is usually composed of knitted triangles and squares, and the beauty of it is you usually do not have to pick up stitches to achieve this effect. The triangles 'magically' appear on top of one another.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_EAuLsOn_5rs1ji0OQcZH61w3qKTREUE0fxNX5kkzbTiqevdak3lRzWFWBuTamabkJI20OWnaqNedXFktcwrlhH2TXteHc7ufGBZ5qnoy9n_8UhuTYjKCPZsc6UNDEGNQTaIvWj3L0A/s1600-h/DSCN3601.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174870332988142434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_EAuLsOn_5rs1ji0OQcZH61w3qKTREUE0fxNX5kkzbTiqevdak3lRzWFWBuTamabkJI20OWnaqNedXFktcwrlhH2TXteHc7ufGBZ5qnoy9n_8UhuTYjKCPZsc6UNDEGNQTaIvWj3L0A/s320/DSCN3601.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><br />Here is an even closer look.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z8S4x-GkX1xSOI3VGOjwPcY8VhBGgo98Iy8KrhtHIqPgtVPPeTuBMhdr_VrbL2y4boHhhrnXUv6JfStpT2E9oUXnaNIWaDnDkEnMdv0IQy2erhsxxa2Zd1Gf6Cs7GqrBvHUPY96JPmA/s1600-h/DSCN3580.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174870337283109746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z8S4x-GkX1xSOI3VGOjwPcY8VhBGgo98Iy8KrhtHIqPgtVPPeTuBMhdr_VrbL2y4boHhhrnXUv6JfStpT2E9oUXnaNIWaDnDkEnMdv0IQy2erhsxxa2Zd1Gf6Cs7GqrBvHUPY96JPmA/s320/DSCN3580.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><br />Here is a photo of the finished Modular Baby Blanket going to the Zulu's<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdYTsFJc3AuLpR04GY8O7gnzujuput-mJr4nXZQsVgtMHM1G6Y5m8bi96KWKw22lYxL_4W5a9l7CFpuqXqJSnjtvSRbuluR7JvnuKWYmzDySamSZKpCEPHaCjhVrwmI50NNpg-gCuYlg/s1600-h/DSCN3594.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#33ffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174870337283109762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdYTsFJc3AuLpR04GY8O7gnzujuput-mJr4nXZQsVgtMHM1G6Y5m8bi96KWKw22lYxL_4W5a9l7CFpuqXqJSnjtvSRbuluR7JvnuKWYmzDySamSZKpCEPHaCjhVrwmI50NNpg-gCuYlg/s320/DSCN3594.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#33ffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />And here are more skeins I added to my "Stash." I have decided to start treating myself by purchasing more natural fibers. I like acrylic for certain projects; but I am 'acrylic-ed out.' The problem now is: <strong><em><span style="color:#ffffff;">I don't want to use my beautiful yarn.</span></em></strong> Call me wierd; but I love looking at the colors and don't want to break up my stash....<br /></span><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">What am I working on now?? A baby sweater for a neighbor's 1-year old; and knowing me, I suppose I will include a hat and socks. After that I will have another Modular Scarf on the needles as a gift for my Uncle Georges' special lady who lives in California. Beyond that I have a loooooong list I intend to complete by the end of this year. <em><span style="color:#ccffff;">The problem with that is;</span></em> I always find myself having to insert 'emergency' things into my list, <em>which puts everything else further down the way, and I never get to complete everything I set out to do.</em> I still haven't made anything for myself from last year; and I still "owe" a few items to people I said I would donate.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffcc99;"></span>heavensenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16038460675742735095noreply@blogger.com1