tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172839162024-03-13T22:13:29.133-04:00String and a couple sticksWild and crazy Adventures in Knitting.Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.comBlogger530125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-57390618266050843632023-12-23T10:52:00.002-05:002023-12-23T10:52:40.895-05:00The Land of Many Fibers<p> The last half of the year has been a whirlwind. But:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Shop is OPEN!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">We had our grand opening on December 15, 2023. The <a href="http://www.reddragonquilts.com" target="_blank">online shop</a> is up (and mostly functional). We are STILL waiting for fabric, but more of that trickles in every week. I spend at least some time everyday working on the listings, but I haven't even gotten to the weaving stuff yet. Honestly a quilt shop with weaving and knitting is probably not that weird (based on some of the questions we've gotten from advertising groups) but it's a LOT of work. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Louët looms are still my favorite, and the company has been wonderful to deal with, very patient with all my questions. We have a David III on the floor for display and it's a dream to weave on. We still don't have weaving threads in stock. That probably won't happen before next year, but we can order from the supplier for a customer. We plan to stock <a href="https://www.vennecolcoton.com/en" target="_blank">Venne</a> and have an account set up with their North American supplier. I have quite a bit of it in my stash and I have a loom (the David, of course) warped with it so I know how nice it is to weave and soon we'll have samples washed and available for that ever important touch and see test. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We also have (don't ask, but be careful who you complain to about not being able to find their products) Skacel items in our store. I am currently working hard to master the <a href="https://www.skacelknitting.com/addiexpress" target="_blank">addiExpress Kingsize</a> so I can help people learn to use it. The machines will be available to buy or rent. Which brings me to my irritation of the day - videos. Ugh. I understand that many people love them for learning new things. I find them horrible, too much talking, and it takes FOREVER to get to the parts I need to see and then again when I need to re-see them. This is an old complaint of long-standing, but my ADHD remains unchanged. The only things I can find for circular knitting techniques are videos. I've ordered some books, and I hope they will be helpful to me. But right now, I am frustrated and stymied in my attempts to try ribbing on the addiExpress. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So, dear reader, I hope you will drop by the shop, check it out, and let me know if you have any suggestions. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Happy Holidays and all that. I am looking forward to 2024. </p><p style="text-align: left;">And I will try to post some pictures and words about the addiExpress as I learn to use it, for those few, rare, individuals, who, like me, have an attention span ill-suited to video how-tos. </p>Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-26560446238216903772023-07-05T15:08:00.002-04:002023-07-05T15:15:37.943-04:00When things just fall into place <p> December and January holidays ate those two months. February was short and quiet, mostly.</p><p>The MIL was feeling restless and decided that the Sweetie and I should go with her to look at a storefront that was for sale about an hour away. Sounds like a fun trip, so we went. It's an old funeral home. Half of the store front is set up as a chapel - large open space. The other half is smaller, more intimate with a HUGE front window. Nice building, nice apartment in the back, good location in a nice small town that seems to be doing well. But out of our budget. MIL says - go ahead make an offer. </p><p>After much thought we did. A low-ball offer, an unreasonable offer. We knew they'd say no and then we could just move on. And they did say no. About a week later they came back and asked if we'd offer a little bit more, say an amount equal to our prior bid and the due/past due taxes. </p><p>We had to ask - what is wrong with this building!? We called our favorite building inspector, paid a fair chunk of change for an inspection. Nothing wrong with the building. Very sound for it's age, new heating and AC, newish roof (needs a patch or two, nothing serious) Wiring and plumbing are in good shape. Needs some new windows and more insulation. Nothing major. Huh. </p><p>Well, we have to sell our current place and we know we can't get financing to cover the time gap. 'Well, yes you can.' says the bank and there goes that stumbling block.</p><p>At this point your heroine is terrified. </p><p>So in April we closed and then began planning the moving. The moving was going to result in my living in the old place with minimal stuff while it was on the market and the Sweetie in the new place settling in and unpacking. We are deeply concerned how long it will take to sell the old place and how long we'll have to make payments on both properties. It's going to be tight. </p><p>The Sweetie puts a note out to friends that we are having a house-colding party - one last hurrah at the old place, which has hosted many parties over the years. 'Wait' says friend, 'are you going to sell your house? Can I buy it?' Hit the escalation button on the packing and getting stuff out of the old place, because now we have someone wanting to move in and rent while they sell their place.</p><p>May ends in a mountain of boxes and exhaustion. </p><p>Now we just have to worry about how long it will take to sell their house. What if it doesn't sell? What if they decide our lovely old house isn't really for them? But no, they get an offer on their house almost as quickly as we got their offer on ours. They love our old house, even with all the quirks. </p><p>The closings happen next week. I am amused that we closed on the new building on 4/11 and close on the old house on 7/11. It is no wonder I am exhausted. Three months at a dead run. About 3/4 of our stuff is unpacked. We have to do some work on the new building before the remaining 1/4 can be put away. We need the funds from the closing to make that happen. </p><p>Then I am going to try my hand at being a business owner. We are opening a quilting/weaving/book store in our huge building (with apartment in the back). The commute to work every day will be brutal. </p><p>I feel like I should aim for a 10/11 opening date for the store. It has a sort of rhythm with the rest of this adventure. </p>Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-10226172322157376132022-11-13T09:05:00.001-05:002022-11-13T09:16:49.500-05:00 Lost in time<p> OMG - where did October go?! </p><p>And we are already (nearly) halfway though November. </p><p>I have been busy learning to make metal jewelry. Metal is not as forgiving as fiber but not nearly as unforgiving as I had first believed. I am really enjoying the class and I have learned to do many things. The teacher is really fun and I have great classmates. </p><p>I am also knitting a jacket from Elizabeth Zimmermann. It's been a great knit so far. I want to get it done so I can wear it this fall/winter. It's going to be tough though, since I've only just reached the armholes. </p><p>In the things I didn't know column - November 15 is National Bundt Cake Day. Coincidentally I made a orange/honey/poppyseed cake yesterday. It smelled absolutely fantastic while baking and tastes lovely. Its appearance is less than pleasant. I need to make another one to see if I can correct the errors. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIszxnjRsp3wCs4gPgw4ZToylqx40xK-8LoSqYQGoNkjr8oX-L-6uQ6cJU8975eNAc_qD4qPKsTtKSfcTeVIzZmGCBruQi6kQl7kO92KJv0icUcWv3eUr8wHDybVS5w6ChWJ9bjDKNz3mA69cg0lp1DTHxQdbRu_w8ZGHC1mtMKrqLixQEg/s4032/68997908740__992A581A-76AE-46CD-BDB6-1B9BF9ADB9B6.fullsizerender.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIszxnjRsp3wCs4gPgw4ZToylqx40xK-8LoSqYQGoNkjr8oX-L-6uQ6cJU8975eNAc_qD4qPKsTtKSfcTeVIzZmGCBruQi6kQl7kO92KJv0icUcWv3eUr8wHDybVS5w6ChWJ9bjDKNz3mA69cg0lp1DTHxQdbRu_w8ZGHC1mtMKrqLixQEg/s320/68997908740__992A581A-76AE-46CD-BDB6-1B9BF9ADB9B6.fullsizerender.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>I've since learned that I need to let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting it. That will help the cake come out of the pan. I also need to do a better job buttering and flouring the pan, but that isn't news or new. </p><p>I don't know if you can tell from the pictures but all the poppyseeds fell to the bottom of the pan instead of staying suspended in the batter. Advice says to mix the poppyseeds in a small amount of the flour and fold them in right before putting the batter in the pan. My recipe said to mix the poppyseeds in with all the flour. </p><p>My bundt pan is also bigger than the recipe.</p><p>Now my only real decision is - Make a double batch or acquire a new, smaller, pan. Choices. </p><p>Also - The Great British Bake-off - fantastic (I'm sure most people know that already). I have heard a lot about it, but I had never watched it before. I found it really inspiring. I have all kinds of new things I want to make and try. Vanilla sponge and Italian buttercream. But how many of my fails will be because I did something wrong and how many will be because I used gluten-free flour? </p><p><br /></p>Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-13098438256843506142022-09-17T17:57:00.001-04:002022-09-17T17:57:29.994-04:00Oh look - another Yarn Crawl, and swag!<p> OMG - two posts in one month! </p><p>Gadzooks!</p><p>This weekend was the KC Yarn Shop Crawl. I love a good shop hop. It's such a great way to get out to shops you haven't been to before, visit old favorites and see what is happening in the local fiber craft scene. I participated in last year's Shop Crawl as well and I was thrilled that it was happening again this year. </p><p>I ordered this sweet crawl bag weeks ago. It's a good quality canvas bag and will hold a decent sized project. I picked it up at the shop I most often frequent, <a href="https://www.yarnbarn-ks.com" target="_blank">The Yarn Barn</a> in Lawrence KS. They have a great deal of weaving stuff and whenever I need something for weaving it's always my first stop. Bonus - you can see the actual colors which really helps me when I'm designing weaving projects. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-QvG8oJY_g1npZqNoj6zoHUTSGnzI34Z31xsjqv1zSXiE7MQywzzg8AobZ2rDBzPT-TKhbsEB4Y1CrXPkhitmTIuOyl14C4taxaSl55Yq55xAREiQt0p4y1SoOkp7EjnP27PLJbR0RIL_537xux5HTPBiH6Tt3S8NKrkGYi8jgog9HY1ug/s4032/IMG_4039.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-QvG8oJY_g1npZqNoj6zoHUTSGnzI34Z31xsjqv1zSXiE7MQywzzg8AobZ2rDBzPT-TKhbsEB4Y1CrXPkhitmTIuOyl14C4taxaSl55Yq55xAREiQt0p4y1SoOkp7EjnP27PLJbR0RIL_537xux5HTPBiH6Tt3S8NKrkGYi8jgog9HY1ug/s320/IMG_4039.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thus my first Shop stop was the Yarn Barn where I acquired some lovely Malabrigo. This will become a lovely scarf (I HOPE) for my mother. (sorry all the first two pictures are sideways not sure how to fix that at the moment)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qLs9A-qkTcIpqSQe_LHZkdqovTwYCNak39x-vaE2bwZvrNvAS-h8KJAAloQ557Y_latPmrJqd_BGY2oNya143QE2ttoMRLW0nLqUkUiepuVxEb2-wvS-GUvRCI4rYRLNk7NsPB-X-qwJvIdb0lY9s-C6ZdRUqpoVeEw6nAPFQW1K1bECcQ/s4032/IMG_4040.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qLs9A-qkTcIpqSQe_LHZkdqovTwYCNak39x-vaE2bwZvrNvAS-h8KJAAloQ557Y_latPmrJqd_BGY2oNya143QE2ttoMRLW0nLqUkUiepuVxEb2-wvS-GUvRCI4rYRLNk7NsPB-X-qwJvIdb0lY9s-C6ZdRUqpoVeEw6nAPFQW1K1bECcQ/s320/IMG_4040.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My second stop was <a href="https://www.yarnsocialkc.com" target="_blank">Yarn Social</a>. This is a nice little shop that has a lot of yarn you won't find elsewhere in KC (at least I haven't). I bought this cute little sock measuring tool. I haven't knit many socks over the last couple years (I already have a dresser full of socks to wear) But this looks really useful if I should decide to start knitting all the sock yarn I have in my stash.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6i1mtH2M7wSH4PpspQsu30b9vG0Ev_k_PmTg1W3yi0qC4NQh3VwjTGO9FDj9fo5K1dIyX25zXU_TgAJpTMVxakVFnvCZvyZB9hJSU7ivfBC3CuaBb0SMx3BGv0A3Es87D7MFARg6cYOx0DItaFHw91tGlWOtEXWZFNIT7xafycbTtIq0bA/s4032/IMG_4041.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6i1mtH2M7wSH4PpspQsu30b9vG0Ev_k_PmTg1W3yi0qC4NQh3VwjTGO9FDj9fo5K1dIyX25zXU_TgAJpTMVxakVFnvCZvyZB9hJSU7ivfBC3CuaBb0SMx3BGv0A3Es87D7MFARg6cYOx0DItaFHw91tGlWOtEXWZFNIT7xafycbTtIq0bA/s320/IMG_4041.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My 3rd stop as <a href="https://unwindfiberarts.com" target="_blank">Unwind Fiber Arts</a> in Lee Summit, MO. I probably shouldn't admit favorites but this is my favorite straight up yarn shop in KC metro. Their variety and selection is outstanding, both yarn and tools. I bought this lovely pile of yarn to make a sweater. It's cotton/wool so there is a chance I'll be able to wear the sweater more than one month a year. So many of my beautiful hand knits don't get much wear because the weather in Kansas is so mild compared to Minnesota/North Dakota. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VuX2QXb0OIL7hGqTjahY5-2ab7bkqojuyIx89RmnYiaJANIGHPleRLF_UaLcqvAESm9T01RgvAakwq_Kxk99EuQxNCFX8SYLR5r51GDtXge60Zz3VqeRuP-25VjcR2tbFaPhvACWbukVINqZJaRWmlEEyO8Y-xdkzQEEUWPkK8zIEAR5OQ/s4032/IMG_4042.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VuX2QXb0OIL7hGqTjahY5-2ab7bkqojuyIx89RmnYiaJANIGHPleRLF_UaLcqvAESm9T01RgvAakwq_Kxk99EuQxNCFX8SYLR5r51GDtXge60Zz3VqeRuP-25VjcR2tbFaPhvACWbukVINqZJaRWmlEEyO8Y-xdkzQEEUWPkK8zIEAR5OQ/s320/IMG_4042.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came the LONG drive over to Excelsior Springs, MO and <a href="https://www.knitewetogether.com" target="_blank">Knit Ewe Together</a>. This is a really cute little shop in a really cute little town that I need to explore more. I bought a skein of yarn for my mother because it is her colors and I bought a skein for me that is local and small production (the yarn name is the sheep the wool came from). It's a darn good thing they didn't have sweater quantities in aran weight because I would have NEEDED to bring it home for Macoun, which is a fantastic cabled cardigan I want to make. I bought some yarn for it from Camilla Valley (in Canada). It was a nice yarn, but didn't quite have the look I wanted, being a bit lighter weight and ended up being pretty 'airy' in the swatch. I have since used the yarn for an Adult Surprise Jacket (one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's brilliant ideas, as modified by her grandson Cully). I have almost finished that, just started the sleeves. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXr2okT5vab-d4tnQRi9xiCxHzn9aD7_0V9EnIdg8zOsRtahq129rqUK3mwGciNCPYZV-NvBBN-RsuVF63ZozdFi-1i1liQlrdd1BkDHgYvXPYrJ0wi1DtdVAAaF0YdpwtY1EwUYu7LMqnYD1e0c5LcRBQWSez4RTKJ2xWks2FqaGCI1mbA/s4032/IMG_4043.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXr2okT5vab-d4tnQRi9xiCxHzn9aD7_0V9EnIdg8zOsRtahq129rqUK3mwGciNCPYZV-NvBBN-RsuVF63ZozdFi-1i1liQlrdd1BkDHgYvXPYrJ0wi1DtdVAAaF0YdpwtY1EwUYu7LMqnYD1e0c5LcRBQWSez4RTKJ2xWks2FqaGCI1mbA/s320/IMG_4043.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last, but certainly not least <a href="https://www.momosyarn.com" target="_blank">Momo's Knitting Nook</a> in Leavenworth KS. This is another really great shop on a very cute little Main Street and I should spend more time visiting both. I bought some more Malabrigo. This time for an Unlocked cowl. I probably should have checked the pattern to make sure I had the proper weight/amounts. Cross your digits for me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjze5ROfOZD0QZ8bqrtXUv9nXO252enZAnyCvSZ1Voqc8Xdu8dV5pSgdejwxGTR_DTaYaeBywSGdPxx9qvA47fLuE5OCe8PQtrE0kRDxk09roo4NdeE-mQmSo5DPPf7z88HtkYoxTatD9I5PSI9cSYylbQZzJBWw7nCjRi3H4fzeovCin4BA/s4032/IMG_4044.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjze5ROfOZD0QZ8bqrtXUv9nXO252enZAnyCvSZ1Voqc8Xdu8dV5pSgdejwxGTR_DTaYaeBywSGdPxx9qvA47fLuE5OCe8PQtrE0kRDxk09roo4NdeE-mQmSo5DPPf7z88HtkYoxTatD9I5PSI9cSYylbQZzJBWw7nCjRi3H4fzeovCin4BA/s320/IMG_4044.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is the last of the swag - Stitch markers (one from each shop) and a tassel maker. Last year it was a WPI tool and markers. Really nice and useful. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcELo-agT6ZknecAMu29Yn1tp_5b_Tph7wE7Eprq94qS8kPQ4rI9Mc3uYoQIQjLFqb8JVhqSwa6rZ1qxDHffCHBSSPpSR20MhAmMCUFpUZtKm0NgDHWWdgdG8i5m-HB4FPZEmrYK8mFO5HyPstw_H4XbF1icBcSUmfbBsLWbd642qnSUSxng/s4032/IMG_4045.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcELo-agT6ZknecAMu29Yn1tp_5b_Tph7wE7Eprq94qS8kPQ4rI9Mc3uYoQIQjLFqb8JVhqSwa6rZ1qxDHffCHBSSPpSR20MhAmMCUFpUZtKm0NgDHWWdgdG8i5m-HB4FPZEmrYK8mFO5HyPstw_H4XbF1icBcSUmfbBsLWbd642qnSUSxng/s320/IMG_4045.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each shop was also featured local yarn (and it looked like each store had different ones featured!), mostly dyers, but also locally raised/spun wool. I really appreciate them for doing that. Yarn Social had local crafts people selling their wares on the sidewalk in front of their shop last year as well. Momo's also had the dyer in the shop talking to customers about her yarn and her processes. It was awesome to see the stores supporting creative people that way. </div><br /><p>Let's see if I can get all this yarn used up before next year's Shop Crawl. </p>Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-31388937106448152082022-09-06T23:01:00.000-04:002022-09-06T23:01:32.244-04:00Emerging into a world gone wild<p>I can't believe how much has changed in my world since last time I wrote here.</p><p>I quit my job, moved, did a LOT of temp work, got a new job and then things REALLY got interesting. </p><p>I am now living in Kansas, one of the fancy KC suburbs. </p><p>I have started weaving. Its a long story:</p><p>My father's sisters (and my mother) have had an annual get together for several years. They all get together and quilt. The first few years were at a youth camp in ND. Great fun, worth the drive even from KS. </p><p>My father's mother was also crafty and she had a loom that she made rugs with in her scary basement. I was always delighted to get to go down and help her. After she died the loom went through the hands of a couple of my aunts (there are a fair few of them). My Aunt Mary had it at her place and when her craft building (yes, she has a building for all her crafty activities, I am a bit jealous) needed to be replaced the loom came out and went into storage. </p><p>In my family there is some debate - I remember Grandma telling me I could have her loom some day. My Aunt Angie says it was given to her. Who can say, the truth is aged by time and a child can misunderstand. Certainly not worth fussing about. But I did mention it to my mother, who mentioned it to my Aunts. I was asked if I wanted the loom and had a place to use it. Indeed I did! That trip to Aunty Camp included driving the van to my Aunt's house to acquire a loom. </p><p>There was some fussing to get the loom into the room where it now resides. We had to make a new piece for one that had been damaged long ago (who else would have a piece of walnut exactly the correct size for making a new loom piece?). I took a class, wove some fabric, wove some rugs. </p><p>Then I discovered that my grandmother's lovely loom, while it could manage some nice weaving couldn't do all the things I wanted to do. Then the trouble began. I found a loom about 45 minutes away for an amazing price. Again the van and I went for a road trip (this time Rob came along) and we brought home ANOTHER loom. This loom lived in my office (it is now in the care of a friend who wanted to learn weaving). It is a lovely loom, made of cherry and quite sound.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEodGirrGrCmZD53SWybtXtOM_CIo-9tY9G9PFaeYpdMVOY9UL1f8gSjxK-1h5eCcFdEZnGVsR8GILH40Pr2PPuErmtPMR1LWRKnykqdqYApKj5n7YUO14bOkNT3RuNtw3ZQ5nwC96cV5lHWseZ54GjaE2NFwt95hKlivBtjOPYccaFgiwKA/s4032/58026091301__65E02918-26C6-4029-95D6-E553DCB4A394.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEodGirrGrCmZD53SWybtXtOM_CIo-9tY9G9PFaeYpdMVOY9UL1f8gSjxK-1h5eCcFdEZnGVsR8GILH40Pr2PPuErmtPMR1LWRKnykqdqYApKj5n7YUO14bOkNT3RuNtw3ZQ5nwC96cV5lHWseZ54GjaE2NFwt95hKlivBtjOPYccaFgiwKA/s320/58026091301__65E02918-26C6-4029-95D6-E553DCB4A394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Then I found a weaving class I wanted to take, in North Carolina. So I started looking for a workshop loom. Something I can take to a class, and fold up warped (in case I didn't finish in the week the class happened). In fairly short order I found one - in St. Louis. Road trip! And thus the Baby Mac joined our family.</p><p>I joined the local Weavers Guild. There was an advertisement for a larger floor loom with much more complex weaving options. It is different than all my other looms - we had to borrow a truck and a friend to get it home and we couldn't get it up the stairs. It now fills half of our living room. It's a beautiful piece of art, complete with brass fittings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0hQGeBFjZUlCI-v1XuDIzIv4gdHjzDYr2u4lBVqS5KwZEYHSWLdlhLakbOvT4dZjhiE8fTl6qmF3jsEn-xqSzDVKgfOj-fvnv4FHIyOEG6LcuGcM2AA2nZXvenmzz-i6d-SDjzow46G8EhRa_2Dqw2G2u1zqyuFtVJ0iabyruDgDvKXoYg/s4032/63804866628__1A64CA69-6689-4993-8775-9A421B737AE4%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0hQGeBFjZUlCI-v1XuDIzIv4gdHjzDYr2u4lBVqS5KwZEYHSWLdlhLakbOvT4dZjhiE8fTl6qmF3jsEn-xqSzDVKgfOj-fvnv4FHIyOEG6LcuGcM2AA2nZXvenmzz-i6d-SDjzow46G8EhRa_2Dqw2G2u1zqyuFtVJ0iabyruDgDvKXoYg/s320/63804866628__1A64CA69-6689-4993-8775-9A421B737AE4%202.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Now a sane person would think that was sufficient. Luckily (?) I am not that person. The floor looms have been joined by a Gobelin style tapestry loom (which I am still trying to learn how to use) and a Navajo loom (the seller of the tapestry loom insisted I take it when I bought the tapestry loom). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmFcxkfrWSS3_2Yw6LaLc8QIog5Lnth7XdspIOo7cE8totphgZrIwiJhwIHMEBl3PwyOkrVouaH6hxB5JPLINPBTJMjsoCV-kT0Wr-44akDOXJYbRMBimlnR0vkx_iDSZgHOy6G0jIE2d2Sj4zOnBTgOsKmiuWGPFFd2fY3XoZ0vfthRK0g/s4032/64773321018__F4D3746F-31FB-44B2-AD97-8D5A81DD8E33.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmFcxkfrWSS3_2Yw6LaLc8QIog5Lnth7XdspIOo7cE8totphgZrIwiJhwIHMEBl3PwyOkrVouaH6hxB5JPLINPBTJMjsoCV-kT0Wr-44akDOXJYbRMBimlnR0vkx_iDSZgHOy6G0jIE2d2Sj4zOnBTgOsKmiuWGPFFd2fY3XoZ0vfthRK0g/s320/64773321018__F4D3746F-31FB-44B2-AD97-8D5A81DD8E33.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I am still reading about Navajo style weaving and, while I have acquired supplies, I have yet to take the leap and warp it. </p><p>But the true treasure is the warp weighted loom that I bought at a weaver's downsizing sale. It is the cheapest loom I own but to me it is without price. Some of my readers will know of my interest in Medieval history, this loom is among the very oldest style of looms. Rob had asked me to marry him, I said I wanted a warp weighted loom as my bride price. Rob was going to make me one but there were technical issues (like he doesn't understand the technique of weaving and so his attempts to improve the design were not improvements). Then he was saved from perpetual fiancé-hood by the sale. All he had to do was take me to the sale at an ungodly hour and then wait down the street until I had completed the purchase before collecting us and bringing us home. (in the corner of this picture you can see the Baby Mac. It is folded, having just returned from the aforementioned friend who exchanged the little loom for a slightly larger loom to continue her foray into weaving)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1EeeSAXq3SX9nKXXHMZnnnXZPhhHzJw8Fhkip5q-QXsL-hTl8k1dxXTct421tCrwt_M_eDF3u9kVVh3mfYmp1_0apsyOde0KSpQu8cVv_7fQlcsxyGaFuxLqdTdN_sselM_ZnG9lRFfkRETy8Plb3obh81TL9urcBDSPU9J0nRZFUL1ZxQ/s4032/IMG_3898.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1EeeSAXq3SX9nKXXHMZnnnXZPhhHzJw8Fhkip5q-QXsL-hTl8k1dxXTct421tCrwt_M_eDF3u9kVVh3mfYmp1_0apsyOde0KSpQu8cVv_7fQlcsxyGaFuxLqdTdN_sselM_ZnG9lRFfkRETy8Plb3obh81TL9urcBDSPU9J0nRZFUL1ZxQ/s320/IMG_3898.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>And in June the wedding happened, bride price having been received and all that jazz.</p><p><br /></p>Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-64126240658407306822017-01-30T19:39:00.001-05:002017-01-30T19:39:30.879-05:00Organized? I could only hope.Last July an online friend mentioned she had started using a <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/" target="_blank">bullet journal</a>. It sounded intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I have lists, notes for projects, bits of research; everywhere. I have a terrible time finding them when I want them. A one stop shop for all those things would be wonderful - right? I have tried date books before but I don't need a page for every day of the week; I like Saturday and Sunday of the weekend together, since that is how I plan my weekend; I rarely need all the parts you end up buying (usually to get the piece I do want I end up paying for more pieces that I don't want) they have also been expensive. In the end I have not found them to be terribly useful.<br />
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Like a lot of good ideas, this one is simple. Take a blank book and turn it into what you need and will use. I love that the person who put this idea out there is really up front about: this is what works for me; give it a try; find what works for you and use it; throw the rest of it out.<br />
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My first idea was a <a href="https://www.thejournalshop.com/midori-travelers-notebook-brown-leather" target="_blank">Midori Travel Journal</a>. But I'm not paying $40 for a leather square with elastic bands attached. So I made a couple (one for a friend) and some inserts. There are some really amazing people who create awesome things and give them away on the internet. I found free <a href="http://www.mylifeallinoneplace.com/" target="_blank">calendars and things</a> to print and a<a href="http://imapapernerd.com/easy-diy-travelers-notebook-tutorial-freebie-printable/" target="_blank"> tutorial</a> to use my sewing machine to turn them into books to use in the journal. My friend really liked hers. I was not so thrilled. The one I kept was, I think, made with leather that was too thin. This meant the cover was always getting caught and folded/pushed around on stuff, especially when it was in my purse. The elastic on the outside spine edge was always getting caught on things. Whine - whine - whine.<br />
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Idea number two was a <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/us/" target="_blank">Moleskine</a>. Luckily, Barnes and Nobel had one marked down, it was cheap and I could bring it home the same day. This has worked really well for me. It's hard cover so the pages and cover don't get mangled in my purse. The flat elastic band doesn't catch on things nearly as often. I think I have found my favorite weekly layout though. Just the right amount of room for the things I need to write down (most of the time).<br />
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I tend to make up a new calendar layout every month or two and spend a lot of time looking at blogs for new ideas. There are some VERY artistic people out there. I am not one of them. My journal is NOT pretty, although I have started using different colored flair markers, but that is random and has no 'plan'. It's just for a little visual variety.<br />
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As I find the lists, notes and bits of research - I'm putting them in the journal. Being able to find them when I need/want them has been very nice. I've added some trackers to keep track of my progress on my projects, exercise, and other goals. I'm thinking about adding meal planning next.<br />
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I've filled roughly half the current journal (half the year, half the book, seems reasonable). I've started looking for a replacement. There are a lot of nice options out there. And a lot of things that give me the 'hmmmmmm' head tilt. What are they thinking?! Just the price variance on Moleskine books from site to site is awe worthy.<br />
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The Moleskine is good but it has lined rather than dotted pages. Dotted pages will make some of the more layouts I've found useful easier to create. At least I think they will. Won't know before I try. <br />
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Next up - I need to find my camera so I can add pictures to new posts. <br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-31388318716010927972017-01-16T12:35:00.000-05:002017-01-16T12:35:38.034-05:00Sleeping cats and pouring rainIt is raining, the cats are sleeping, I'm drinking coffee. Seems like a normal Monday around my house.<br />
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I am attempting to clean up some of the WIPs/UFOs that are cluttering up my house and work room. They have, again, gotten out of control. <br />
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I started a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Knitknot/stained-glass-magic-2" target="_blank">Stained Glass</a> afghan using scraps from the never ending acrylic supply. It looks to be about 1/3 done. I have several good size scrap balls made so I'm trying to focus on getting it done. It is working up quickly. <br />
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I'm hoping if I focus on one project and get it as far as I can I will at least make some happy progress and have new things to wear and use. And fewer things giving me baleful looks about being neglected. I'm not sure if I have enough scraps gathered to finish this yet. Like the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Knitknot/african-flower-hexagon" target="_blank">Primrose Path</a> afghan, I've sewn all the finished blocks together but I need to make more. The Stained Glass pattern tells you how many ounces are needed but that would require that I made some effort to keep track of how much I've already used. <br />
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I also found this really <a href="http://www.crystalsandcrochet.com/crochets/mandala-madness-cal-2016/" target="_blank">beautiful afghan</a> I want to make. I think I have enough in the 'stash' to finish it. Of course the list of things I want to make is HUGE. I have found 8 new afghans to make just since Christmas. In no particular order: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rose-of-avalon" target="_blank">Rose of Avalon</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lotus-moon-tiles" target="_blank">Lotus Moon</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cognac-matelasse-afghan" target="_blank">Cognac Matelasse</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flower-fountain-afghan" target="_blank">Flower Fountain</a>, <a href="http://lattesandllamas.com/geek-a-week-faq/" target="_blank">Geek-A-Long</a> (there are 4 of these 2014 - 2017), <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lily-pond-blanket-cal" target="_blank">Lily </a><a href="http://www.stylecraft-yarns.co.uk/Crochet+Along+US+Terms/0_CAFA122_CAFA135.htm" target="_blank">Pond</a>, <a href="http://www.redheart.com/files/patterns/pdf/LW4869-Retro-Ornament-Throw-Free-Crochet-Pattern.pdf" target="_blank">Retro Ornament</a>, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/demelza-3" target="_blank">Demelza</a>. (sorry for all the Ravelry links, some the public can see, some they can't. I never know which).<br />
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So many ideas, so little time.<br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-89613467649173749912017-01-09T18:09:00.002-05:002017-01-09T18:11:06.033-05:00Holy COWI'm not sure if any of my readers (both of them) know that I do historical recreation with my non-knitting/crocheting/quilting/working time. Or that Saturday was my birthday. These two bits of information came together at my local historical group's winter event. <br />
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It was like my local group had a big party to celebrate my big birthday (that's my story, and I like it). <br />
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I even finished a new dress just for the occasion. I'd actually started it quite a long time ago, but I'd just never gotten around to the final bits of hand work. I think it turned out pretty well, getting a picture of it was not as easy as you'd think though. I always look rather goofy in pictures and I usually have my eyes closed. So here is a picture of me, on my 50th birthday, wearing my new dress. <br />
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At least my eyes aren't closed.<br />
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It was a nice day. I got to see and visit with a lot of people I don't have the pleasure seeing and visiting with very much, including friends from Canada and South Dakota that I haven't seen for more than a few years. It was quite nice.<br />
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The first 50 years were pretty good. I'm looking forward to the next 50!<br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-25844203618988800022017-01-05T22:35:00.002-05:002017-01-05T22:38:01.052-05:00Happy New YearI wrote this on the 1st. Some how I messed up and it didn't publish.<br />
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2016 was a mix of good and bad as all years are. Bad things happened. Good things happened. I hope that in 2016 the good outweighed the bad for you. May 2017 be so filled with good that you don't notice the bad.<br />
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I spent yesterday going through yarn and yarn projects. I pulled a few projects that I'm not going to finish and am working on raveling, skeining and washing the yarn. I started a new sweater on New Years Eve, but after finishing about half the back I ripped it back. I'm going to knit this instead:<br />
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By <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "lucida sans unicode" , "lucida grande" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.519999504089355px;"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/frankie-brown" style="background-color: #c2ebb1; color: #666666; font-family: verdana, 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.519999504089355px;">Frankie Brown</a> . So far I have managed to make two leaves<br />
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I've decided to rip back this afghan: </div>
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I've found a couple of small block patterns I like and a bin to chuck them in. <a href="http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2015/04/pixel-crochet-squares.html" target="_blank">Pixel Squares</a> and <a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2010/04/mini-hexagon-pattern.html" target="_blank">Mini Hexies</a>. I found a good container to store them in and when I have enough I'll sew them up. </div>
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I sewed up all the Primrose Path blocks I have and I need to make more. Luckily I STILL have a bin full of acrylic yarn to use. </div>
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Otherwise, yarn-wise, I seem to have an ever growing list of things started and nothing on note finished. </div>
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I took a long arm quilting class at a local <a href="http://aquiltingplaceomaha.com/" target="_blank">quilting store</a>. I've quilted a baby quilt (part of the class), a charity quilt and my mother's Christmas quilt from 2015. So far I've only used the all over patterns you follow but I'd really like to try my hand at free hand quilting. At $15 an hour I'm not sure when I'll manage to try that. The staff and customers at the store are amazing though. They have all been very helpful and if it wasn't for the kindness of the other customers (who are more experienced) my time on the machines would have been less successful. </div>
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I've also been trying my hand at quilting on my regular machine. So far it has been unsuccessful. I can't get the tension right, I can't get the stitch size regulated and on and on. I've signed up for a couple classes online. I'm hoping one of them works. My next plan is to try one of the other machines I have. Sometimes that does the trick. I have no idea why. </div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-14449627341322448132016-08-07T10:57:00.002-04:002016-08-07T10:57:38.041-04:00A little good newsI have a new job, that I really think I will like, working for a company that appears to be really good - caring for it's employees. I am really excited and hopeful about this.<br />
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**From here there were nothing but whiny bits, most of which were removed** - suffice to say - depression sucks and makes it hard to get things done. I'm having a hard time getting things done and I have to pick and choose the important things I can spend my energy on carefully. Right now putting on the good face at work is most important and everything else is on the perhaps if I'm lucky list. <br />
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I won't beat myself up for not getting all the things done (it's bad, really bad, to do that. It makes things worse). I don't need other people doing it for me. If you are going to do that, I'm going to not talk to you. I am doing the best I can, if you want more than that I need to not deal with you right now. It doesn't matter that you don't understand how it can be that hard. At this point in time, it just is.<br />
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Yesterday I got about 1/4 of the things that needed to be done accomplished. But in the realm of less clutter is supposed to be better (and really checking a thing off the list of To Dos is good) I sewed up a sweater that I finished knitting in 2014. There are some ends from putting in the neck that need to be woven in, but I'm considering it done.<br />
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Small victories. </div>
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Today I have to leave the house and get some groceries, no matter how hard that will be. And put clean sheets on the bed. </div>
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Anything else that gets done - small victory.<br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-80772253677596103282016-04-21T22:23:00.000-04:002016-04-21T22:23:44.556-04:00Life goes on, sometimes without usI always try to keep my whiney bits to myself. I am not always (or often, even) successful. <br />
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I frequently become withdrawn and don't communicate. Usually because my brain has decided to eat all the light out of my soul. Sometimes things are so bad even the drugs don't seem to be helping. <br />
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I have just started making this blanket - <a href="http://www.scheepjeswol.com/en/cal2016/scheepjes-cal2016---last-dance-on-the-beach/" target="_blank">Last Dance on the Beach</a>. The kit was featured in an email from <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.net/" target="_blank">Paradise Fibers</a>. And because I recognize this struggle, and am fighting hard to stay afloat since last fall. It hurts my soul to see another soul that lost the fight. <br />
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And it doesn't really matter how well or poorly life is going. Every setback is a major failure, no matter how small. I've had some pretty major set backs lately, but certainly nothing life ending. I know that objectively, but in my brain the entire world would just be better off without me. And I'll never fix the mess my life has become. Or better, that the things I'm doing/have done are ruining my loved ones' existence. And as if that isn't enough the whispers that no one really loves you anyway, are even more insidious.<br />
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It sucks when your own brain is your worst enemy. <br />
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So with every stitch of every square I'm asking for the strength to keep up the good fight, one second at a time. Because that's the best I can do. <br />
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And some day soon, with grace and perseverance, the clouds will part and things will be okay.<br />
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I hope.Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-3279809295534119432015-12-05T10:19:00.000-05:002015-12-05T10:19:56.945-05:00Where did my year go!?It's has been a really awful year. <br />
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Well not completely, but for the most part 2015 will not be in my book of times to remember fondly.<br />
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I did have the great blonde bombshell months. Platinum blonde for the win. But holy crap, high maintenance. And then my position at work was eliminated and regular visits to the salon were out. That much blonde is just hard on hair, and no trims is also bad. Eventually the color difference got the better of me and I tried to dye it. I do this all the time, but this time the dye didn't stick to the blonde bits. So I tried to strip the color, fail. Only one choice - a goooooood hair cut. I went to a salon, told that stylist - the damaged bits need to go, but NO bangs. Last thing she does? You guessed it. I HATE growing out bangs. Long layers are bad enough, but were a necessity. Bangs are just a misery.<br />
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Over all the hair cut isn't bad. My hair is much better now and I can face growing out the layers and have my beloved bob back. The bangs, however, already fill me with dread.<br />
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On to better things - KNITTING!<br />
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I am making another Baby Surprise Jacket. This one is a commission knit, for a very good friend. I have 3 rows left before the bind off. I could have finished it hours ago, but I'm just sitting here looking at it. I have no idea why, but I LOVE making this little masterpieces. I even enjoyed the never ending, bulky acrylic, Adult Surprise Jacket I made (and then gave away - it didn't fit me).<br />
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I have approximately 8 pairs of socks in various stages of completion. I would like to finish those this month. In fact I'd like to finish all the WIPs and start the new year fresh. Unfortunately there are only 24 hours in a day so that just isn't feasible.<br />
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It would be nice to make a good dent in them though so that will be my goal. I should make a list and then check them off as they get finished. It always feels so great to watch a list of to-dos dwindle. Plus I'm sure my mother would like to have the three or four objects I'm working on for her. Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-29891514000716213542015-11-10T11:49:00.000-05:002015-11-10T11:49:08.214-05:00Dye-bacleI did some more wool dyeing this weekend. A while back I lost all my dyes in a move and while at a fiber fair I found a sample kit of Greener Dyes so I bought it. I didn't use the dyes then. Dharma had a sale and I bought some of their dyes which I know I like. <br />
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Long way to saying, I finally tried the Greener dyes. I'm sorry to say this was not a pleasant experience. I dyed a pot full of locks peacock blue/turquoise. The color in the pot was lovely. Then I started rinsing, and rinsing and rinsing and rinsing. Today is the third day I spent soaking and rinsing and the dye is still pouring out of the fleece. It has gone from deep turquoise to robins egg and still the dye is pouring out of the fleece. <br />
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At this point I'm just disgusted. I really see no choice but to keep rinsing the dye out, as I'm unwilling to use it or sell it this way. But I'm sick of standing over the basin running water over the fleece and I hope to heck it isn't going to end up felted in places and unusable. What a waste of my time.Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-85927910739715139442015-11-05T18:48:00.003-05:002015-11-05T18:49:00.869-05:00Guy who?Just a short rambling post. <br />
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I've taken out and knitted the same two rows on my 'Square necked Cardigan' all day. <br />
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I decided to give myself a break, dyed a pot full of wool - which doesn't seem to have come out as I'd planned. It will be going up, as intended, on Etsy either tomorrow or this weekend. I like dyeing, but I couldn't ever do a real shop. I'm not disciplined enough and I'd never get the same thing twice. </div>
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Then I decided to make the rice pudding I've been promising myself for months. I went looking for a recipe I could throw in the slow cooker and after I got everything started I decided to read the reviews. I never read them first, I alway trust my own instincts on the recipe being something I'll like. However, sometimes I read them for the amusement. </div>
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I have to admit that my personal favorite are the negative reviews where they changed everything (or several things) about the recipe and it didn't come out well. Once you have made more than two substantial changes to the recipe it's not the recipe's fault if its bad. </div>
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Come to think of it, I've seen it on knitting pattern reviews as well. I've been known to make changes to patterns to suit my personal style but I'd never blame the designer or the pattern writing when the funny fit is because I removed all the shaping and used fingering weight yarn instead of worsted weight. But that isn't true of everyone. </div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-56971145762731271402015-11-04T21:16:00.001-05:002015-11-04T21:16:52.547-05:00Back - AgainThere has been knitting. I've finished several pairs of socks and even a sweater. Except I'm still looking for buttons for the sweater. <div>
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I've also made progress on several afghans. This one is my current favorite. There are several patterns using this stitch on Ravelry but I started with the pattern I found at Lion Brand's website. </div>
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I'm using the large amounts of yarn my father got for me. This will be nice Large afghan for the couch or a bed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sKUD6MpSzFLSk0ogJ1br-BpGvjeweJTICjEJIYJ-l2AYaHu5L6nT1A1IBu0h65xU-0q6oR9GNO3sKFOwCE1bVaqeQUfcHi24pBxna1svELtc0hZyUoJ7DAXPKr8A0XlUSKsS/s1600/stripes_22780251712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sKUD6MpSzFLSk0ogJ1br-BpGvjeweJTICjEJIYJ-l2AYaHu5L6nT1A1IBu0h65xU-0q6oR9GNO3sKFOwCE1bVaqeQUfcHi24pBxna1svELtc0hZyUoJ7DAXPKr8A0XlUSKsS/s320/stripes_22780251712_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've also started putting together the top with these blocks. It took a long time and several failed starts on a nice assembly method. This is a simple slipstitch join that 'zips' the blocks together. Because the backgrounds are not all the same it give a nice edge to the blocks. </div>
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And since there is still MORE acrylic yarn to be used up I'm designing (and I use the term loosely) this afghan to use up all the remaining bits that aren't big enough for the other projects or have already been used more than a fair share. It's a simple SC row increased on both ends so that the stripes will grow from the corner. When it's as wide as I want it I'll change to increasing on one and and decreasing on the other until it's as long as I want and then decrease on both ends until there are no stitches left. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64x2aazioKiRw7WSEfLmYaG_CUlZWYzWwTUPtZClhKe53pukAfWTt_L1pNEAI1Xej3_69_9FgkYn2Ol2_YjHMxJo6A8aFZfuV_csLQ48TWvOISM0fOdnyRVSB7zlOGkbpyLSy/s1600/sc-stripes_22767779426_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64x2aazioKiRw7WSEfLmYaG_CUlZWYzWwTUPtZClhKe53pukAfWTt_L1pNEAI1Xej3_69_9FgkYn2Ol2_YjHMxJo6A8aFZfuV_csLQ48TWvOISM0fOdnyRVSB7zlOGkbpyLSy/s320/sc-stripes_22767779426_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The other item I've finished this past week is some card weaving. This is just over 2.5 yards about 1/2 wide. It's quite pretty I think and I'm going to use it and another wider pattern to trim a dress that I will wear for my historical recreation group. </div>
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In addition finishing up a few WIPs I'm thinking that I should put together a set of projects to start and finish this next year. I want to finish the purple and blue Philosopher's Wool sweater and many pairs of socks and a couple of Starmore sweaters that are sitting in my stash. I plan to put together a list and a timeline and see if I can stick to it for 6 months. It will be good to find the patterns and yarn and get them in a place I can find them. Too often I can't find either the pattern or the yarn and I waste scads of time and motivation looking instead of doing. </div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-32627255079410726082015-08-05T19:51:00.000-04:002015-08-05T19:51:16.644-04:00And I was doing so wellBut then, well, life happened, as it is want to do.<br />
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Work got weird (weirder, really) and then my position was eliminated. So I've been stuck at home looking for work for the last two-ish weeks. I'm doing everything I can to keep from getting bored.<br />
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I've finished a couple quilt tops. Put one on the quilting frame. I started a couple more quilts with fabric that's been aging for several decades. I unknit some yarn that my father bought me at a sale and repurposed it to a new sweater (which might become an actual pattern). I sewed some undies. I made some nice tool carriers. (<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> might be the devil) And I even cleaned my apartment, including the bathrooms and put most of my stuff out of boxes (from the moving) and away.<br />
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Today there was some more sewing insanity and I baked bread. <br />
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I am working on the quilt for my mother (Christmas present from her children) and I decided I should do something with all the odd bits. I thought this postage stamp block was a good idea:<br />
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I will see how many of these little 4"x4" blocks I can finish before I'm out of fabric or patience.</div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-81684435240213266702015-04-26T20:24:00.002-04:002015-04-26T20:24:38.461-04:00Shocking News!There has been more sewing. I finished a fencing coat for a friend, a handful of quilt blocks, and some weaving. But not one stitch of knitting. I'm enjoying all the productivity. <br />
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The weather has become very nice. It's going to become very hot and humid soon, but in the mean time we are enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. I'm planning some pots of flowers for the balcony. There as been some grilling in the other apartments near ours. It makes me wish I had a grill. <br />
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Most of the unpacking is done. Still a lot of putting things away that needs to be finished. Some of the putting away involves sorting and reboxing yarn and fabric. I don't see that happening real soon. It would be really nice to have that done, but it's down a long way on my list of projects. I much prefer getting some of the WIPs finished and off the list first. It does make the piles smaller!<br />
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I was on Ravelry today and looked at my WIPs list. It's horrifying, really. And my sewing and weaving lists are just as bad. So the sorting and reboxing will have to wait.<br />
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Next time, a post with real content. I promise!Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-30154407535787619782015-04-13T19:51:00.001-04:002015-04-13T19:54:19.618-04:00A finished object!I started sewing this quilt in 1999. It was a mystery quilt, where you bought the fabric but didn't know how the quilt would turn out before hand. I finished all the blocks but when it came time to put them together I was really not happy with one of the fabrics I chose. They sat in a box for all these years. After this recent move I decided I really needed to finish it so I found the last issue and set about putting the blocks together. <br />
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I was missing one edge block, and one fabric needed to make that block. I did find something close in my stash and made a new block. <br />
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I think that since I moved this project as many times as I have the fact that I had all the borders, all but one of the blocks and all but one of the fabrics in the same place is pretty amazing. The block and fabric could both be here. But this project had waited long enough and I was disinclined to spend too much time looking. </div>
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Today I took it to a local shop to have it machine quilted. It won't be cheap, after the paying for the backing, batting and quilting, but I'm delighted to have it finished, even with all it's flaws.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjzDMvIn5aW6fKSTE4m2WakL1dTASYwNI48dm6qXLxFK7xWb4_wtynCQEA1cq_OCGsr6m1kpF-GRyvW0ls-UtSbY1fHNQrqCWkNTThu0LmX4kxB5N5c8YmsGJoYcFsCifsY3A/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjzDMvIn5aW6fKSTE4m2WakL1dTASYwNI48dm6qXLxFK7xWb4_wtynCQEA1cq_OCGsr6m1kpF-GRyvW0ls-UtSbY1fHNQrqCWkNTThu0LmX4kxB5N5c8YmsGJoYcFsCifsY3A/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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ETA - the pattern is Evening Stroll, the last clue was published in the Quiltmaker, Sept/Oct 1999 issue. </div>
Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-49826220613109154172015-04-09T19:19:00.000-04:002015-04-09T19:19:07.867-04:00A little sewingI have a number of quilting projects in my pile of works in progress. One of my favorite projects is Block of the Month quilts. I have a disturbing number of them. One of the issues with moving is that things get shoved into boxes and sometimes lost. I'm still missing my good sewing scissors. <br />
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They will show up. But in the mean time I've been organizing the sewing area, finding and sorting tools and projects. Once the space was useable I rewarded myself with time to work on a couple of blocks for<a href="http://www.homesteadhearth.com/twilight.htm" target="_blank"> this quilt</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoyNDURk1tRPGFjU_DDYySfeu4xieQG3ZGvR_Z7wMq46n8R_85H-QP0r5c4Ei7QVZ30EXR_LsB2PDlMJsjrZAjqQhGOF8B3gaqgDmNJRBpBXXYKpDLyVUJ5ZlBqiHaw5o4ESI/s1600/500x597_00_twilight_20140908100056jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoyNDURk1tRPGFjU_DDYySfeu4xieQG3ZGvR_Z7wMq46n8R_85H-QP0r5c4Ei7QVZ30EXR_LsB2PDlMJsjrZAjqQhGOF8B3gaqgDmNJRBpBXXYKpDLyVUJ5ZlBqiHaw5o4ESI/s1600/500x597_00_twilight_20140908100056jpg.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
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After I finished the first block I wondered where to put it so I didn't lose it while I continue with the sorting and stowing. As usual, this led to some wondering the internet where I found a website that showed a 'block book' for storing the blocks. I found fabric (doing more sorting and stowing as I went) and made this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqARUNiQSFCsjcJCtqOjIPXSiXGh5rFL3tHbcEyNYDUMhF3AdWHN1YAE_6QsGXIRl-tPFRVk19SuQcuyKGZLzKalelJaQ5rcohH1_3ek5B4X5KoP8kFQ3NvfbhaLeIcTQ-Lj/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNqARUNiQSFCsjcJCtqOjIPXSiXGh5rFL3tHbcEyNYDUMhF3AdWHN1YAE_6QsGXIRl-tPFRVk19SuQcuyKGZLzKalelJaQ5rcohH1_3ek5B4X5KoP8kFQ3NvfbhaLeIcTQ-Lj/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGZSHhvjZZ0q82JL8KHbAhCL43HJm8ZJsyARMLRW2W0Sy45120_PQDbFzpt41cR-GiZvEgetsR5-x8XCD4h9XxXp8ZCrXA71v8mRUw1QqTcvJxyOVE_DguUk5D9qPu2inPHBM/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGZSHhvjZZ0q82JL8KHbAhCL43HJm8ZJsyARMLRW2W0Sy45120_PQDbFzpt41cR-GiZvEgetsR5-x8XCD4h9XxXp8ZCrXA71v8mRUw1QqTcvJxyOVE_DguUk5D9qPu2inPHBM/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" /></a></div>
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The 'cover' is quilted fabric/batt sandwich, not fancy or heavily quilted. The inner 'pages' are flannel, which because of it's nap, holds the blocks without pinning. I didn't do anything to the the cut edges of the flannel so I will probably have some issues with fraying eventually. But I will deal with that when the time comes. </div>
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It turned out so well I'm making another for additional BOM projects that I'm working on. </div>
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And how was your week? </div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-56070923009286680582015-04-05T23:34:00.003-04:002015-04-05T23:34:54.473-04:00Just a little knittingIn the interest of not falling into old habits I'm writing even though there isn't much in the way of knitting content.<br />
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It was a quiet weekend filled with more unpacking, sorting, and putting stuff away. Way too much looking for stuff, though. That is the worst part of moving, relocating my things. I decided to stop at the little quilt shop near my new place. It's very nice and had many lovely and inspiring projects and fabrics. I fell off the no new stuff wagon and bought a christmas quilt kit. I really like the old world santa art and they had a nice sale. Perhaps I will manage to get it sewn up by next winter holiday.<br />
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They also had this lovely item that made me think of my mother.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhktBrLv6HZ40qe7jmYFsyPaiDTdOkSHbo3f4dhMstDK23ycPtymMH5THJ7dwzJZos2WnNuns_zInDBhZok0V-E7oEXKSyOb0xweepwQ3bXoC1DvH_h9D6z92Gjyhgt3DQkTc/s1600/17048711111_46487a1aba_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhktBrLv6HZ40qe7jmYFsyPaiDTdOkSHbo3f4dhMstDK23ycPtymMH5THJ7dwzJZos2WnNuns_zInDBhZok0V-E7oEXKSyOb0xweepwQ3bXoC1DvH_h9D6z92Gjyhgt3DQkTc/s1600/17048711111_46487a1aba_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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She loves both daffodils and yellow. This project would be much too fussy for me though so she will need to find someone else to make it for her. </div>
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Before I can start the lovely santa project I need to finish some other things I have in my project stash. After hours of looking I finally found the project and most of the tools. Then I had to get the sewing space cleaned out. It had become a landing pad for a lot of things that hadn't been put away yet. I'm still missing a lot of other tools but I had a great time doing a little sewing. Brightened my weekend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21WwrfB_s7azJko2-evkfTixuOjiRLTzuFRmoNLp60dD-_8DaaM1-MnGEehoN9POIHk92Q5yH8NCevh8xqWBfPNyFlOIpBuHtkpr5YoFHFszu2wErPsMZnSZEi51mHipG1jUP/s1600/17049552715_cc5c7f4bf8_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21WwrfB_s7azJko2-evkfTixuOjiRLTzuFRmoNLp60dD-_8DaaM1-MnGEehoN9POIHk92Q5yH8NCevh8xqWBfPNyFlOIpBuHtkpr5YoFHFszu2wErPsMZnSZEi51mHipG1jUP/s1600/17049552715_cc5c7f4bf8_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just so you all don't have wool withdrawal here is the first sleeve of a new cardigan. I've cast on the second sleeve and will be able to join the sleeves and knit the yoke soon. The body is done as well but getting pictures off my phone is not as easy as I think it should be. The pattern is Autumn Fire from Knitty. It's almost too warm to wear it here already this spring, but fall is coming so I'll be ready when the time comes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge19FOAHAtBsw2d-9H2Zp2ptcOoZTs3YU40CXoJM2kAzUvRJqsi1tK53Jb1kgdtL6BI3BhPQ-AIUQLmLqbu6WTLm4Yu9YewGqRLHQ0VmIomCGscatSssLwZp4vHSdz1CoL-nRH/s1600/16842117567_ef2bfb5f8f_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge19FOAHAtBsw2d-9H2Zp2ptcOoZTs3YU40CXoJM2kAzUvRJqsi1tK53Jb1kgdtL6BI3BhPQ-AIUQLmLqbu6WTLm4Yu9YewGqRLHQ0VmIomCGscatSssLwZp4vHSdz1CoL-nRH/s1600/16842117567_ef2bfb5f8f_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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Trying hard to get as many of my projects in progress done as possible. Then I'll have to try hard to keep the project creep from happening, again. Startitis is not my friend. It's so hard to ignore the lure of new projects. <br />
Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-55907393857266230432015-04-02T00:11:00.000-04:002015-04-02T00:11:01.784-04:00Where have I been?!I've been having life. All in all though, life is going well. <div>
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I took a new job, moved, lost job, moved, acquired new job, moved and in between these there were the prerequisite 'life happens' bits as well. Some of this happened before the blog became so neglected, but all the change and upheaval compounded. </div>
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I've settled, in my own place and in my mind, and it's time I got back to taking care of this blog. I enjoy doing it, but when I felt like I didn't have time to do what I wanted to do, I put things off until I found more time, which just never happens. </div>
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I'm currently in search of a new car. I'm torn between getting a second Toyota Prius or a Honda Fit. I loved my old Prius. I'm not sure that should preclude shopping around since I have the option, and the Honda is available in a color that is almost purple. Test drives will happen Saturday. Then I will take time to decide. No reason to hurry the decision since I'll keep the car for at least a decade, if past experience is anything by which to judge. </div>
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And now - time to run off the dream land </div>
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Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-64154403613221311922014-02-09T14:48:00.000-05:002014-02-09T14:48:15.817-05:00Best laid plansI had great intentions of getting back into the habit of updating this blog on a regular basis. I failed.<br />
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I have been doing quite a bit of other things. <br />
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October involved applying for college. Still unemployed. <br />
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November ended with a move in with friends. Still unemployed. I have TOO much stuff. I also took the GMAT. I received a decent score, but my math scores were terrible. If my math scores were anywhere close to my other scores I'd probably have received scholarships for college.<br />
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December involved hoping to get money for school, sewing a lot of costumes and holiday time with friends. I also got a call from a employment agency, I went to several interviews for a job and finished up all the work to start school. Including a math placement test. At least I didn't place in college prep math?<br />
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January involved another round of interviews for a job (same as the December place). Starting classes (registration was entertaining) and within the first week of classes getting a job offer. It was a tough choice between chasing a degree I want and having money and a decent job. I took the job. After talking to the advisor (I couldn't enroll in any classes because, according to my admission, I had no prerequisites) I learned that I might be better off starting off in the program in Lincoln rather than starting here and transferring there later. About $20,000 better off. It will also give me time to see if I can improve the math score on the GMAT. <br />
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So far the new job has been good. I've been there three whole weeks so far. The roommates are good. I will probably stay where I am at least until summer. I'm trying to finish some knitting. I have WAY to many pieces in progress at the moment. Then my mother sends me a shawl (yarn and pattern) to knit for her. I have started that. I should also start, seriously, the sweater she sent home with me last winter. I have everything ready to cast on, but I just haven't done it yet. I am a slacker.<br />
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And how are things with you!?Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-42277521316470566872013-09-21T17:09:00.002-04:002013-09-21T17:09:52.138-04:00Something Completely DifferentI have designed a scarf AND written a pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylqEB42xft4MLI5NSCChoQXOfCRSzgZU_iyW1iAHk3ysZRIneIzhVRzw94c_9utExKMNCuwVYVhHlJQz41wyAgyAEjS0iqE7IqQKKGp8GuJZsudqsZYxk-7pX5m-XY4jvcM4W/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylqEB42xft4MLI5NSCChoQXOfCRSzgZU_iyW1iAHk3ysZRIneIzhVRzw94c_9utExKMNCuwVYVhHlJQz41wyAgyAEjS0iqE7IqQKKGp8GuJZsudqsZYxk-7pX5m-XY4jvcM4W/s320/Finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is for sale here <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/nicolette-deplazes-designs/173831"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a><br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-70931622483573595972013-08-20T14:26:00.001-04:002013-08-20T14:26:33.885-04:00Look - Socks!This has been the year of socks at my house. I hope it continues. I have a LOT of sock yarn.<br />
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These are my completed socks so far: <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8417823677/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8417823677_1a85ffe695_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Water Cycle Socks in Lana Grossa<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8531621353/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8531621353_fabcc6f9bd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Elegant Cable Socks in Regia Silk<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8532528986/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8532528986_fb6fbf91db_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
My Cup of Tea in Sockatta<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8553199724/" title="IMG_0101 by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0101" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8553199724_1c56bdd21d_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Sockdolager in Socks that Rock<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8590599105/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8590599105_20e535268c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Flying Dutchman in Gloss<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8642974875/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8642974875_497a908ce6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Greenhouse socks in Stroll<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8771174483/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/8771174483_49d498d6a5_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Rushing Rivulet in Socks that Rock<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/8932875177/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/8932875177_a8a51c0170_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Secret Fan in Gloss<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/9019532423/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9019532423_0246828755_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Chicane in Stroll<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/9100603159/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/9100603159_b49f6509d2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Lebowski in Stroll<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/9257598773/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9257598773_730fefc951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Garden Maze in Stroll<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65691909@N00/9283611835/" title="yarma by knitknot, on Flickr"><img alt="yarma" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9283611835_f3091ce8f3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Little Deschutes in Stroll (I did complete two of them, but all those pictures are so dark the cables, which is the best part of this pattern, don't show)<br />
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There are three or four more pairs on the needles, so I do hope I manage to finish them this year, as well.<br />
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<br />Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17283916.post-719769515710177902013-08-07T09:54:00.001-04:002013-08-07T09:54:27.500-04:00Visiting Knitting CampToday I have guests. My mother and I went to <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/camp.htm" target="_blank">knitting camp</a> this year. I am participating in a traveling socks group and the toes I had insisted in going along. Here is their view of knitting camp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljWioyTnGMxePZvPd1L16GRnsRdHwZMP69QFnzK_tLcUY2gCkiUpu87hwI9JdNSnL9lzGjNsuYzSu2S3jKKUFV7EkTeTIxaaI_SRYy1OhNkQfUsj_h0f6twntESjiBl0VoDyN/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljWioyTnGMxePZvPd1L16GRnsRdHwZMP69QFnzK_tLcUY2gCkiUpu87hwI9JdNSnL9lzGjNsuYzSu2S3jKKUFV7EkTeTIxaaI_SRYy1OhNkQfUsj_h0f6twntESjiBl0VoDyN/s200/IMG_0110.jpg" width="200" /></a>They were very attentive in class. Here they are listening to a lecture on jogless color work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZJmi0_BAPEVbMZ4ICJI36TuoxSG4DzO_gBQp0RpnCcDF6LUiGWmBk6OO2BwJAUp4hRC1dhYS1rc8_owHtj0AgGRTHssuhL43-rccDjowCKTemVcLqgqlqnSLr3AORj12N8gx/s1600/IMG_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZJmi0_BAPEVbMZ4ICJI36TuoxSG4DzO_gBQp0RpnCcDF6LUiGWmBk6OO2BwJAUp4hRC1dhYS1rc8_owHtj0AgGRTHssuhL43-rccDjowCKTemVcLqgqlqnSLr3AORj12N8gx/s200/IMG_0108.jpg" width="200" /></a>They helped my out by interviewing potential yarn for a new sweater. They really put this <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/UnSpun_ice.htm" target="_blank">Icelandic Unspun</a> through the wringer. It will surely become a great sweater. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After they finished interviewing the unspun they celebrated the selection. </span><br />
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They visited the Shetland Islands. An entire table of balls shetland wool! At least one ball of every color in this line. I'm not sure who was more in awe, me or the sock toes.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is what the toes hope to become when they grow up. They admired all the amazing socks on display. </span><br />
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They saw some lovely baby sweaters. These are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Knitknot/baby-surprise-jacket-2" target="_blank">Baby Surprise Jackets</a>, which are not only fun to knit but amazing feats of construction and design.<br />
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They also admired this lovely color work. There were also some cool hats, coats, jackets and a lot of very enthusiastic knitters sharing their amazing projects and love of knitting. <br />
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This is my third trip and I always come back with new ideas. I have been busy finishing projects and getting busy attempting the new ideas I have to fix patterns and sweaters that just didn't fit like I wanted them to, all thanks to Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp and all the enthusiasm and 'Yes, You Can!' support from all the teachers and fellow knitters.Knit-Knothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00665545419893765163noreply@blogger.com0