tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274898152024-03-13T09:06:30.049-07:00Knitting WitsCheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-64951070343631075702008-02-26T10:59:00.000-08:002008-02-26T11:04:24.747-08:00Woo-hoo!I was meeting with KK yesrterday afternoon, showing her the stuff she missed last Wednesday. I had tossed my felted alpaca mittens in too. Lots of ooo's and oohhs.<br /><br />The bonus happened when Favorite Children's Librarian came over, saw the stuff and offered to pay me for teh mittens and a scarf for Soon-to-be-Retired-Librarian! Woo-hoo!<br /><br />I want to knit a new mitten seeing as how the ones I have on hand are not the same size. And the scarf will be a snap.<br /><br />FCL also hinted broadly enough for me to catch it that she would like a recycled sari yarn scarf. I dunno if she'll offer money for that, but who cares at this point. With what she offered for the mittens and scarf, I'll recoup the cost of the alpaca.<br /><br />6 skeins paid for. Oh to count what I have left to go makes my head spin......Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-30567941687808268862008-02-23T00:26:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:51:12.745-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_epG0SHDI/AAAAAAAAAIo/2mbc5TzFlGs/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+011.JPG"></a>Woo-hoo! New camera works great! Here's some pics of the latest projects:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_cBG0SHCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/NK3xv3aJjM8/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+005.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_aj20SG8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/N3HK60y-DCk/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170091206789700546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_aj20SG8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/N3HK60y-DCk/s200/first+pics+and+knitting+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Socks using a K2, P2 ribbing in Knitpicks Essential in Peacock Multi. I cast on more for the leg and decreased every 10 rows. It is fanning out more than I would like. My next pair, I only added 8 sts for the leg. We'll see if that makes a difference. They are fuzzing up a little fter a wash, but then I was warned about that.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_alG0SG-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/3Uch6kjPDVo/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170091228264537058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_alG0SG-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/3Uch6kjPDVo/s200/first+pics+and+knitting+009.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next are the felted bowls . I used Paton's Merino Wool in Harvest with 2 strands as one. I needle knitted the third on<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170095703620459586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_epm0SHEI/AAAAAAAAAIw/YYfF_TOFIK4/s200/first+pics+and+knitting+010.JPG" border="0" />e using the One Skein pattern. It felted nicely. But of course, I want to see what the Knifty Knitter can do. I used the yellow, red and blue. The fourth one was from the red loom, I think. It has a great spiral coloring to it. Next time I make these I will only knit up about 5 inches worth of bowl. I like the squattier ones better. It took two cycles in the wash to get the textures I wanted. Oh, I'll also use Lion Brand wool for the next set. Different colors, brighter. </div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_alm0SG_I/AAAAAAAAAII/I4a401oMe58/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170091236854471666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_alm0SG_I/AAAAAAAAAII/I4a401oMe58/s200/first+pics+and+knitting+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next are the alpaca felted mittens using the Vogue Gloves and Mittens book. The camera makes them look way more purply than they really are. I used alpaca from a company that is closing down. *sigh* Three strands as one. They knitted up very close to size. The felted seemed to only break the fleece down, not shrink the mittens too much. I cast on a little too tight. And no, they are not the same size. I bungled the second one somehow. Or maybe the first one. I forget. Anyway, the first one I tried to get all fancy and Kitchener the hand and oof! So the second one I knitted to spec. But now the second one looks a wee bit nipply on the hand and thumb. Oh, and I used the felted measurements but the basic mittens instructions so the mittens would be interchangeable.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_amG0SHAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/n87Uwt68tMY/s1600-h/first+pics+and+knitting+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170091245444406274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R7_amG0SHAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/n87Uwt68tMY/s200/first+pics+and+knitting+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Ah yes, our last entry is the Jayne Cobb hat. I sed Red Heart acrylic. My Brown Coat Friend felt that Mrs. Cobb would have used cheap yarn. And since it was what I had on hand, then so be it.</div><div></div><div>Anyway, the pattern is from yarndemon. I used two strands as one and discovered it was thivker than the bulky yarn specifed in the pattern. But I used the measurements as listed. I like the depth of the hat but the ear flaps are too long for my happiness. She tosses in some short rows in the ear flap to help with the flip out. That was cool. She also has the forehead in stockinette. I don't know if I'll go with that next time. But the pattern was well and clearly written. </div><div></div><div>And no one else in the family will wear it. I'll ask my Brown Coat Friend.....</div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-9770890756605872642008-02-17T02:58:00.000-08:002008-02-17T03:03:29.897-08:00New Yarn and a new CameraWhoo-hoo! My Valentine's Day present from Himself was delivered today! KnitPicks yarn and a tape measure. Here's a list of what I got.<br /><br />Daffodil Wool of the Andes<br />Pumpkin Wool of the Andes<br />Firecracker Heather WotA<br />Meteor Twist Essential<br />Russet Essential Tweed<br />Clematis Heather Palette<br />Red Palette<br />Verdant Heather Palette<br />Spring Tape Measure<br />Shoreline Twist Essential<br />Purple Palette<br /><br />Yes, mostly sock yarn. But some for a Jayne Cobb Hat. Yeah!<br /><br />I've started the cable sock again. Much better when the cables go the way they are supposed to. The next pair will be a four-st garter rib. I'll even try two socks on 2 circs. ooooOOOOoooo, AHHHHHhhhhh.<br /><br />OH! The camera. Yes, Himself spent a chunk of the tax refund on a new digital camera. The battery needed charging. I'll see waht pics I can snap and post this weekend.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-68111618224935339912008-02-15T10:24:00.000-08:002008-02-15T10:29:36.523-08:00A-felting we will goI was sick yesterday. (I almost typed "in bed all day," and it being Valentine's and all, but that's not why I was in bed.....)<br /><br />The Girl watched Redwall over and over again. I got to knit. I finished my mittens and they are felting right now. They knitted up close to size so maybe alpaca doesn't shrink as much as wool does.<br /><br />I am also felting 4 wool bowls. I think I have a loom knitting pattern for them too. Pretty wasy, though. The felting would be the new territory covered in the pattern.<br /><br />Maybe I'll get a new camera with the tax refund. Or I could post a wanted on Freecycle.<br /><br />I also frogged the pair of socks I had started. I cabled the wrong way on the first repeat and decided I didn't like it. I also don't like the way my leg decreases went. So, I'll redo it all.<br /><br />I am about halfway done on Katybug's prayer shawl. It's gonna be big. I hope she like blue....Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-73641245389009650782008-02-11T00:13:00.000-08:002008-02-11T00:29:46.252-08:00I think my camera is dead *sigh*It is freaking out as I turn it on. Maybe, just maybe it's the batteries. I hope it is not dead. My tax refund is slated for beaucoup gobs of other things..... like yarn.<br /><br />I finished a pair of socks using Knit Picks Essential Peacock Multi. I used a K3P2 rib and heel flap and all that stuff.<br /><br />I thought the socks looked big, but they are comfortable. The cotton/elastic blend socks I made are a little small. So i guess I have to figure out what my ideal fit is.<br /><br />I again cast on 20 more than the pattern asked for and decreased 2 sts every 5 rows until I got to the pattern's required number of sts.<br /><br />I took a stab at the heel turn on my own and it turned out wonky. Too many sts on one end. I didn't want it frog the second one, so I know it's wonky and will strive to not point it out. "Hey! I made these socks, but the heel is wonky." Nope, not gonna so it.<br /><br />At Wed night's knitting circle (welcome to Debbie, our newest member), I asked Knitting Kathy what the deal was. She explained the general idea of knitting/purling over a number of sts and when you turn your work, you want to go that number back but need to include the sts on the end in your count. She even drew me a picture I'll glue in my sock book to help me pull my head out when I brain-cramp.<br /><br />Now I have to choose which pattern and which yarn to use next. *sigh* decisions, decisions.<br /><br />I made 15 rows' progress on Katybug's prayer shawl. The kids were around for part of it and then my husband brought up the sore subject of baseball, so there may be a couple of rows I'll need to re-charge before I am done.<br /><br />It looks like this'll be a 3 skein project. It'll be long, it's already wide. I am hesitant to add fringe to it. The Lion Brand Homespun doesn't hold up well with a cut end.<br /><br />Next time I do a prayer shawl, I'll use a KK long loom. Maybe it'll go faster. Or maybe I'll have better focus.<br /><br />Then there's the mittens. No real progress on that.<br /><br />And the felted bowls are coming along. I knit one using the One Skein pattern, That went well, until I realized I don't have two #11 circs. Thanks to Knitting Kathy who suggested I use a 10 and an 11. It's all going to be felted anyway.<br /><br />Then I switched to the red KK, using a slightly modified drawstring cast-on. It knitted up well. So I took it to the blue and then the yellow KKs.<br /><br />The project from the Blue has a cool broad color spiral. The one from the yellow also has a spiral going, but it is much thinner as the yarn is covering a significantly larger area.<br /><br />When I have enough laundry that'll hold up to a hot wash (hm, maybe it *is* time to do the towels), I'll felt them all.<br /><br />I would like to get a pic of them though.<br /><br />*sigh*Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-24710741381715689762008-01-23T22:04:00.000-08:002008-01-23T22:11:53.813-08:00It helps to have frends in the libraryWednesday night knitting group unreaveled early tonight. The coffee shop we descended upon claosed at 7! After my bad day with the kids (you can go to my <a href="http://cheervotedout.livejournal.com/">LiveJournal </a>entry for that part), I didn't want to go home. I headed over to Border's bought clearance stuff and knitted.<br /><br />At least the knitting group was impressed with the felted bag. And a friend of mine in Texas wants one too!<br /><br />I did frog what I had of my peacock multi sock. I was trying to be cute on leg decreases and they looked horrible. Then there were the odd added/dropped stitches. Even I couldn't blow them off. This new edtion is much better.<br /><br />My knitting friends work at the library. They are wonderful. They brought me two of <a href="http://www.catbordhi.com/">Cat Bordhi's</a> books. I am jazzed about her Moebius technique. My wedding band is a Moebius strip. ooooOOOOOooooo. So I want to make a hat and maybe some baskets or mukluks with that.<br /><br />I just want to sit in the tub and knit.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-41446696579865744222008-01-20T23:30:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:51:13.579-08:00Seems to be a color pattern<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLenFDWJI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Ag_2EFZc7qc/s1600-h/Christmas+2007+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157830462504392850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLenFDWJI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Ag_2EFZc7qc/s200/Christmas+2007+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's my first attempt at felting. And I must say I am really happy with it. It's the Messenger Bag pattern from Knitting for Peace. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Shamrock in Callahan. So it was this cool purply blue with a strand of pink through it.<br /><br />This pic is of the bag before felting. I followed the directions - mostly. I knit the bottom according to spec and the sides and flap to spec. The strap was the the asked for 44". I used all 10 skeins of yarn I had purchased and was *this close* tp ordering more. Of course, if I ordered more, it would have been another batch of a bazillion balls. I really like the yarn.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLfHFDWKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/TB-2aFfMPFk/s1600-h/Christmas+2007+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157830471094327458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLfHFDWKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/TB-2aFfMPFk/s200/Christmas+2007+005.JPG" border="0" /></a> And here is the bag just after I pulled it from the wash. OK, well, almost as soon as I pulled it out of the washer. I swped one of Himself's storage show boxes and coered it with a Tarjay bag to help it shape up. I ran it twice through the cycle. The fabric is solid. I had to stretch the flap a bit to get it to cover the bag. But it wasn't any major problem. The strap is perfect for me. One i use it a bit, I'll decide if I'll line it all to help stop any stretching out from usage.<br /><br />Even my friend WhiskeyJack was impressed. Well, not impressed but she did like the result.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLf3FDWLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/_U-fEeSK-nI/s1600-h/Christmas+2007+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157830483979229362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R5RLf3FDWLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/_U-fEeSK-nI/s200/Christmas+2007+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />These are the coks I knitted up for the Girl. I made myself a pair using Cascade Yarns Fascination. Stretchy cotton, what a concept. It's a blue, purple and teal color scheme. (Yes, I do like the cooler colors. Wat 'til I finish my next pair of socks......)<br /><br />Anyway, I made myself a pair of sock with a larger than asked for leg section because of my firm well-developed (GRRR!) calves. I cast on what? 66? then decreased by two every 10 rows to get to 56. I was using the Sensational Knitted Socks 4-stitch pattern chart. I made them both with a K2P2 ribbing.<br /><br />I finished mine with 2 partial balls and a whole ball left. I thought, "Sure I knit up a pair for the Girl." She agreed, but wanted knee socks. Man, it was tense on the second sock. I knit so tightly on that one just to make sure I had enough yarn left, the sock is smaller than the first one. I did have yarn left - about a yard. The second toe is all messed up. Never parent two 4 - 5 yos while you are working the Kitchener stitch.<br /><br />My next projects are:<br />- a Jayne Hat on a Knifty Knitter. I'll use my leftover acrylic on that.<br />- 2 prayer shawls. I have started one ofr my friend, Katy in TN. I am using Lion Homespun in Colonial for those. And any others until I use up the on sale 10 skein batch I bought a while back.<br />- more socks. This first pair will be with KP's Essential in Peacock Multi. Then another in Risata. That'll be a cable sock. And another in another multi color scheme that I don't remember.<br />- and any more of those messenger bags.<br />- More Jayne hats in proper wool if I let WJ have her way<br />- dishcloths as I feel like it and soap bags.<br /><br />Hm, I'm not bored, that's for sure.....Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-2614511413591094162008-01-01T14:06:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:51:13.784-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R3q5sXFDWII/AAAAAAAAAGo/iCLNOFJxA50/s1600-h/posies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150633295612172418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R3q5sXFDWII/AAAAAAAAAGo/iCLNOFJxA50/s200/posies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Found this pic at <a href="http://www.oceanwindknits.ca/sectionpage2.asp?blog=knitting-patterns-whimsies&id=59&cmts=yes">http://www.oceanwindknits.ca/sectionpage2.asp?blog=knitting-patterns-whimsies&id=59&cmts=yes</a>. At first< I thought, what a hooty hat. Well, you readers may have caught it before I did. It's a tea cozy. But I think it would make an awesome hat - spout and all.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-85693460667937118182007-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:51:14.138-08:00Just when I was about to be too fed up.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R2W_hXFDWHI/AAAAAAAAAGg/HaZFQvlKEdU/s1600-h/monika.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144728729192454258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/R2W_hXFDWHI/AAAAAAAAAGg/HaZFQvlKEdU/s200/monika.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I just posted an old entry that I had posted to LJ because BS wouldn't post it. So today I am *this* close to letting this blog go when it works.<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />So we'll keep trying.<br /><br />My external hard drive is upstairs. Heaven forbid I should buck up and go get it to upload some knitting pics.<br /><br />Let's see, what are we working on....<br /><br />A poncho for Sparky. Long blue KK loom, stockinette stitch. Red Heart Royal blue, bright red, sun yellow and ever green. Very bright and Sparky-ish. Working on the last color.<br /><br />I made my first pair of slippers on needles. I have been unsatisfied wiht the KK slippers. Way too big. So Knitting Kathy taught me to make socks. These were out of a varigated wool ease. They are still too big, but look cooler since they are a needle sock pattern.<br /><br />I am also needle-ing a sweater for the Girl using the Orphans for Orphans Sweater pattern from Knitting for Peace. Front and back panels, then picking up side stitches, adding a neck edge, picking up other side stitches. Knit for a bit for teh shoulder, then start decreases for sleeve, knit a bit more for wrist, then a non-rolling edge.<br /><br />I learned the Kitchener stitch for the side seam. When I got it rght, it looks awesome. Where I didn't get it right, ACK! KK keeps saying, "At least it's under the arm." Yeah, but the Girl will never be able to raise that arm.<br /><br />I started picking up stitches on the second side and started a new row when I couldn't make it work right. So I frogged it and will try again later.<br /><br />I found a snowflake pattern on the Berroco site. Cast one 158 sts, then work cables and twists, YOs and 2togs for 28 rows. I have tried twice to get it started but wind up frogging it on the first row. Another "no-children/movie/distraction" pattern.<br /><br />I have my new #2 circs for socks. I already have 6 skeins of burgundy alpaca, 6 skeins of (dollar store) Moda Dea crayon striping and 3 balls of elasticized cotton for a total of about 7 pairs of socks. So what do I do? I cruise Knitpicks!<br /><br />We travel for Christmas this year. Since Himself had a flight all to himself last month, I told him that I get a flight without having to parent. Meaning I'd love to have 8 solid hours to knit. Our seats are all together though.<br /><br />We'll just have to see....<br /><br />Well, there's another pattern in K4P for a messenger bag that calls for a feltable yarn. All that cotton won't do......<br /><br />Then there is all that cotton. I've been knocking out some diagonal increase/decrease dishcloths. Those I *can* do with kids/movies/distracions.<br /><br />Still working on my soap bag design for Blue Sun Soaps.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Addendum: I'll try to add a sock monkey pic.</div><br /><div></div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-81587998784441088652007-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:002007-12-13T15:24:05.942-08:00It's been so longAnd I don't know where my pics are.<br /><br />So I've made two practice socks on needles: cuff down and toe up. I understand how toe up is great when you have a limited amount of yearn. So I'll never run short.<br /><br />I made a pair of slippers on needles. The yarn was wool-ease. It was too big for the proper size needles, so I knitted them up on 6s and called them slippers. I am waiting on the Knit Picks order with Knitting Kathy to get my 2s. I have some burgundy alpaca that will become socks for me and my husband.<br /><br />I am working on a poncho for my 7yo on the blue long loom. He wants royal blue, forest green, bright yellow and christmas red. I'll sew the short side of the blue to the long side of the yellow for the back and the short side of the red to the long side of green for the front. Using the long loom in stickingette is producing a thick double knit.<br /><br />I am using the Orphans for Orphans sweater pattern in Knitting for Peace to make a sweater for my 5yo. Purple Patons Merino wool as a double strand to make guage. (I actually cared about gauge!) I have the front and back panels done. I'll wait until Monday maybe to get with Knitting Kathy about the next step. Or maybe I'll just read the book!<br /><br />Last Wednesday Library Kim, Knitting Kathy and I met at the library's espresso cafe (LEC) for knitting. Seems the local knitting store (LKS) is casting a snobby eye upon us. When KK asked me if I had perceived some lack of courtesy from them, I told her I have been on the fringe for so long, like all my life, that rudeness from folks in the mainstream is de rigeur. I usually return to such situations to let the snobs know they have no power over me and I'll show up just to piss them off.<br /><br />When one of the LKS employees leaned on the flimsy card table, her hip/butt stuck way out and fist resting on it and asked, "Is that REAL knitting?" I turned my best "let me teach you some tolerance, bitch" smile and said, "Why, yes. And this is a knit stitch."<br /><br />I have usually been at the table that laughed louder than the others, startling the mundane zombies into consciousness. There was the time at a high school retreat when we spent a dinner session hanging spoons from our noses and having a royally fun time. Delia later berated me and broke my heart when she said how appalled and embarrassed she was when we went on like we did.<br /><br />I wish I knew then what I know now. I would not have grieved that friendship so. I would have thanked her for her input and offered the suggestion that she step out and find other, calmer friends. But no, I cried for what we had.<br /><br />So, now, I say screw 'em if that can't take a joke. (I really don't feel like dropping the f-bomb right now, so you'll hvae to insert your own. My LiveJournal entry will include it, however.) If these people think they are better than us, and just look at knitted thong hanging outta her pants and the one who admits to her OCD and the one who declares "you need a man" numerous times during the evening.<br /><br />They believe their fun requires a bottle of Yellow Tastes Like Tail wine. We are content to sit, chat, ok made snide whispered remarks about thongs, catboxes, etc., knit and then put our own chairs away. No, we don't buy every time. Frankly, I have yet to purchase anything from them because they are so bloody expensive.<br /><br />The Library Espresso Cafe was great! More comfortable chairs, great coffee, decaf, too. And other knitters. There were even some LARP'ers there, we think. Or maybe they were working on homework. I dunno. Then I went through the library, found some withdrawn books for sale and the dvds we have on hold. The decaf latte was free because I can fill up a frequent buzz card with my kids in less than three visits and the books are 50 cents (the cent sign is no longer on the keyboard, have you noticed that?) a piece.<br /><br />A two dollar evening and I figured out what I did wrong on my slipper.<br /><br />Fuck em.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-81859700092956766972007-10-15T17:57:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:17.880-08:00I am not a slugI check the dates on my blogs and see it ahs been a while since I posted last. Well, what wth homeschooling, knitting and driving everywhere, I haven't had much time to post. So this is a "ketchup" posting of what I've done. Boy, are you in for it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOf8lL89I/AAAAAAAAAFw/iFXWZ_FI1hY/s1600-h/DSC02812.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121734618227930066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOf8lL89I/AAAAAAAAAFw/iFXWZ_FI1hY/s200/DSC02812.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a dishcloth using a yarn forward on needles. I like it. I could point out where I messed up, but you either don't care, or can see t anyway.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOhslL8-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/je3jDFpTYj0/s1600-h/DSC02815.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121734648292701154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOhslL8-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/je3jDFpTYj0/s200/DSC02815.JPG" border="0" /></a> A needle knit pattern of a rose done on needles.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOjMlL8_I/AAAAAAAAAGA/aDwbu5nu9AU/s1600-h/DSC02816.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121734674062504946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOjMlL8_I/AAAAAAAAAGA/aDwbu5nu9AU/s200/DSC02816.JPG" border="0" /></a> Same needle knit pattern done on a loom.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOj8lL9AI/AAAAAAAAAGI/z0B6xm2_1ow/s1600-h/DSC02814.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121734686947406850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOj8lL9AI/AAAAAAAAAGI/z0B6xm2_1ow/s200/DSC02814.JPG" border="0" /></a> Soap scrap bags for WhiskeyJack.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOl8lL9BI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yoLdN7KkLus/s1600-h/contact+create+north+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121734721307145234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQOl8lL9BI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yoLdN7KkLus/s200/contact+create+north+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> My first dishcloth on needles knitting 2 together and picking up a bar. The motion was fun. This discloth shows my propensity to switch right side during knitting Pretty annoying but I think Knitting Kathy figured out what happens. I put doen the work, then pick it back up and repeat the last row I did, thereby switching everything around. *sigh* Please notice the lovely angle I managed to kniot in. No, I'll never tell how I got it to happen ('cuz it's some screw-up and I don't know *how* it happened.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQQIMlL9CI/AAAAAAAAAGY/xwIshcqcY1g/s1600-h/DS+circle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121736409229292578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RxQQIMlL9CI/AAAAAAAAAGY/xwIshcqcY1g/s200/DS+circle.jpg" border="0" /></a> And this one is a short row circular. The middle sticks up like a cone but, hey! it's a dishcloth.<br /><br />I am working on a twisted cable dishcloth that I want to adjust for the loom. I also want to make a simple pullover sweater and a complicated aran knit sweater. I'll start socks too soon.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-34920184625856100932007-09-15T14:26:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:18.118-08:00New dishcloth<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RuxOQgES6YI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cbAzv5fOlSE/s1600-h/DS+jack+o+lantern+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110545722551495042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RuxOQgES6YI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cbAzv5fOlSE/s200/DS+jack+o+lantern+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>So maybe I do have too much time on my hands right now.</p><p>But I did get my brain, camera and dishcloth in the same place. We tried a seed stitch on the eyes and nose to make them "pop" out. I dunno. And it looks like there are earpieces pon the ends. So I knitted when I shoulda purled. Don't make fun of my bespectacled Jack. </p><p>So now I am working on the next surprise dishcloth. It'll be simple. Then I'll work on the one with interesting variations. Then I wanna do a tiki head!</p>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-84893398454947233032007-09-15T13:12:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:18.749-08:00Dishcloth and picks<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Ruw83AES6WI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hd3-s9RMwVA/s1600-h/DS+circle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110526592767158626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Ruw83AES6WI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hd3-s9RMwVA/s200/DS+circle.jpg" border="0" /></a> I found a picture of a circular dishcloth which had been knitted with *needles* (remember that mocking tone, now). So I wrote up a pattern for my own. I like the pattern. Next time, though, I'll cast on 19 sts.<br /><br />The original used 16. It was too small. When conferring with Knitting Kathy and Kim, they showed me examples of a circular doily done *on needles* with 31 sts cast on. When I did it on the loom, it would have made a dishcloth about 16 inches across. Just a wee bit big. So I played with, casting 21, then 17. This is the 17 sts version and is a little smaller than I would like. So, as I said, next tme, I'll CO 19.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Ruw83QES6XI/AAAAAAAAAFg/s7fUM5Qba5s/s1600-h/picks+with+fimo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110526597062125938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Ruw83QES6XI/AAAAAAAAAFg/s7fUM5Qba5s/s200/picks+with+fimo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here is our foray into the Land of Fimo. It's a slightly oily place, but when baked, it's better than I thought. The four long things on teh left are our replacement loom pick handles. Sparky and the Girl contributed their talents to #1 and #3. I did the twisty ones. The fourth one used a short pick and didn't have enough pick to hold on to.<br /><br />So, I'll use these and when I am able to wrestle the purple plastic handles off my other picks, I'll go for it again. I also made the bracelets. (Why do I wonder that the Girl wants them? Oh yeah, jewelry!) Then long white thing is Sparky's sled. It has already broken and been repaired. The second long thing in the lower right is -- uh, I don't what it is. The Girl made it. It hasn't been broken, nor has it been used for any crime or shoe putting on.<br /><br />The Girl also made christmas ornaments with the remaining clay. They will probably topple our puny fiber optic tree over as they are made by a 4yo whose perception of proportion is still, well, a 4yo's perception of proportion.<br /><br />Finished another dishcloth last night. Nope, brain, dishcloth and camera are not in the same place - yet.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-37265216260263382822007-08-21T21:25:00.001-07:002008-12-10T12:51:18.938-08:00Here's one from the archives.I found this picture of The Girl wearing one of my favorites: the blue sparkly ponytail hat. So on lists on which someone asks for a ponytail hat, they mean one through which you can string your own hair. But this one is, to me, my choice.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rsu7mteQ4uI/AAAAAAAAAFM/VyJB5YhSp3M/s1600-h/DSC01581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101377276643173090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rsu7mteQ4uI/AAAAAAAAAFM/VyJB5YhSp3M/s200/DSC01581.JPG" border="0" /></a>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-79718407024562733072007-08-18T16:27:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:19.837-08:00Dishcloth-a-rama!<div>Am I a freak? I have been designing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dishcloths</span> a lot. I have 8 designs, three of them actually test knitted. Then there are the 2 dishcloths that work a particular stitch. And I am conniving with Library Knitter to translate needle stitches into loom stitches.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The pictures I have for now are:</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB69eQ4qI/AAAAAAAAAEs/3kvv0q97J6c/s1600-h/DS+sitting+goddess.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100187952954270370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB69eQ4qI/AAAAAAAAAEs/3kvv0q97J6c/s200/DS+sitting+goddess.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Sitting Goddess. I have adjusted the pattern to make a shorter cloth (fewer frame, head and bowl lines). I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">love</span> this Sugar and Cream yarn. It has dots of color along the yarn.</div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB7teQ4sI/AAAAAAAAAE8/t9EdjgnSnsM/s1600-h/DS+yo+K2TOG.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100187965839172290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB7teQ4sI/AAAAAAAAAE8/t9EdjgnSnsM/s200/DS+yo+K2TOG.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>The yarn over, knit 2 together shows up all right here. You can see where I dozed off in the pattern and the columns "sway." But the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">variegated</span> yarn doesn't confuse the design.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><p align="right"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB7deQ4rI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Fl6G4sDgqLA/s1600-h/DS+heart.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100187961544204978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB7deQ4rI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Fl6G4sDgqLA/s200/DS+heart.JPG" border="0" /></a></p></div><p align="left">Here's a case of the right yarn with a fun design. Finally! Sugar and Cream pink with a heart design. The design is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">symmetrical</span> so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">coul</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">d use</span> my stitch markers to mark every 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> stitch to help me keep track of where I was.</p><p align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB79eQ4tI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qxzNPGpmxyU/s1600-h/straw+loom+belt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100187970134139602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB79eQ4tI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qxzNPGpmxyU/s200/straw+loom+belt.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left">Where did this come from? Oh yeah, 4yo daughter stuffed this into her suitcase while we were camping and I just found it. Done with, yes, Sugar and Cream yarn on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ProvoCraft</span> Straw Knitter. It worked up quickly and I only had to restart twice!</p><p align="left">I have a bag of glass beads that I have been working on stringing for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Isela's</span> cool I-cord bracelet. but the beading goddesses seem to be testing my patience and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">commitment</span> to the project. I have not strung enough beads, then as I restrung them, I cut through my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">elastic</span> thread. *heavy sign* So, I'll keep working on that and will let you know.</p><p align="left">For now I am working on an instant gratification sort of dishcloth that can be found at <a href="http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/kpatterns/pebble.html">http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/kpatterns/pebble.html</a>. The loom knitting is not turning out as fine a k2tog as needles would. But I've only done 12 rows. We'll see.</p><p align="left">Thanks to Library Kathy for helping me figure out needle stitches and then translating them to the loom.</p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RseB7deQ4rI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Fl6G4sDgqLA/s1600-h/DS+heart.JPG"></a>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-90335109125805639152007-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:20.101-08:00Lattice Bookmark<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RqlqHwfkVRI/AAAAAAAAAEk/REJaplpRidk/s1600-h/DSC02567.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091717535227991314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RqlqHwfkVRI/AAAAAAAAAEk/REJaplpRidk/s200/DSC02567.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I finally have found a way to use the varigated yarn! *Huzzah! Throwing babies in the air!*</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Many thanks to Stephanie McElheran for designing and sharing her pattern with LoomClass!<br /></div><div>It took my a couple of times to get the YO, K2Tog thang. I thought it happened to two separate stitches, but NOOOOoooooo, it's all about one stitch. SO! Once I figured that out, it was very smooth sailing.<br /><br />I like this stitch so much, I am making a wash cloth using the rest of this yarn and a FG 40 peg sock loom! </div><div><br />The only thing that gets me is my lack of finesse with the Cable Cast-on. I think the FG is too small for me to make that cast-on happen. I am sure someone of greater dexterity and experience has nailed it, but nope, not me.</div><div></div><div></div><div><br />But hey! I know a new stitch! I know a new stitch!</div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-35728720911597092832007-07-19T16:10:00.001-07:002008-12-10T12:51:20.724-08:00Finally Finished Projects!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_whGm4QfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/rqRugEl8tKs/s1600-h/hotpad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089050555451982322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_whGm4QfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/rqRugEl8tKs/s200/hotpad.jpg" border="0" /></a> I finally got my brain, projects and digital camera in the same place last night. As you can see, I am quite enamoured with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">variegated</span> yarns right now. And I need to use it sparingly and in appropriate projects.<br /><br />The first one is the hot pad as taught by Amber Gamble through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LoomClass</span>. This is the version as done on the purple long loom. I used a super chunky yarn in cool colors. The yarn is thicker than what she called for, but I do like the weight. My 7yo was concerned about that whole burning fingers thing that a thinner yarn would encourage. Luckily, I don't let the 7yo pull stuff outta the oven.<br /><br />So now is the "what I would do differently" part: I would leave a longer ending tail and not use the starting yard for my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">single crochet</span> loop. I would use a solid yarn so you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">could</span> see the checkerboard pattern Amber was going for. I still like the weight of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">the</span> yarn, so I would leave that as it is. That means I won't complain when I have to wrestle with the yarn.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wkWm4QgI/AAAAAAAAAEM/eFR3cofauwk/s1600-h/nile+goddess+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089050611286557186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wkWm4QgI/AAAAAAAAAEM/eFR3cofauwk/s200/nile+goddess+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Next is my first dishcloth. This is not the Summer Delight, but my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">original</span> chart, Nile Goddess. I used Sugar 'n Cream cotton in the pink. Again, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">variegated</span> yarn makes the pattern impossible to see. I'll redo it in a solid color next time.<br /><br />I learned a lot about charting a pattern with this one. Using a dish rake from Lynn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Markman</span>, I realized that the Excel sheet I created is not the same scale as the rake was. I had to make numerous tweaks to the pattern so she would come out too short and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">squatty</span>. But this experience has spurred my creativity in designing some other dishcloth patterns. I'm working a new one now.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wlGm4QhI/AAAAAAAAAEU/gwzO9AAQHAc/s1600-h/rug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089050624171459090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wlGm4QhI/AAAAAAAAAEU/gwzO9AAQHAc/s200/rug.jpg" border="0" /></a> The last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">variegated</span> yarn project is this rug. (Potential long story alert!) I found some cool yarn on eBay. The story I was given (not saying I don't believe it as it is a great marketing point if I should want to continue working with this yarn, though) is that the yarn is made by Tibetan widows with families to support using the cast off threads from silk saris in Nepal. The colors are vibrant, the yarn has an amazing lack of consistency and it throws threads all over the place. I LOVE IT! (I had better love it as I bought 30 skeins of it.) I made this using the blue long loom as a flat panel.<br /><br />On a sad note, one of the pegs on my blue loom broke - just as I found a great market bag pattern using <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">the</span> blue long loom as a round. *sigh* I have email <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ProvoCraft</span> to see if they see replacement pegs. No answer. I don't want to buy a new set (even though Joann's has a 50% off sale going on, but who needs two sets for one peg?) I have asked my husband if he could fabricate a dowel to fit the spot. Probably so.)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wmGm4QiI/AAAAAAAAAEc/p4txmFQjXRE/s1600-h/tool+holder+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089050641351328290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rp_wmGm4QiI/AAAAAAAAAEc/p4txmFQjXRE/s200/tool+holder+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Lastly, my finally completed Mystery Project #1. I know, I know, I ought to do that I-cord handle, but it took me this long to finish this baby up! Again, the project itself didn't take long, but that whole get my act together thing get tougher to pull off these days.<br /><br />Yes, I know, my scissors are slightly too big for the holder. But I was able to toss the whole thing into my bag to show off to a needle knit friend at the Library. But - she left before I got to talk to her.<br /><br />Next projects are dishcloths to test drive. I have a couple of kids' hats ideas I sketched out and that I-cord class is needing to be finished.<br /><br />And maybe I'll try some sewing - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">hah</span>!Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-24740816051058894712007-06-20T11:06:00.001-07:002008-12-10T12:51:21.234-08:00Semi-cicular shawl and more<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlvUCoZl6I/AAAAAAAAADk/QiIBIaXI63M/s1600-h/shawl4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078212444931332002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlvUCoZl6I/AAAAAAAAADk/QiIBIaXI63M/s200/shawl4.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Shawl is done - again! I frogged it the first time because it was too short for my tastes and I am over winter white. I used one strand of teh winter white with a denim blue and sky blue. So there are a few color changes there. For home use, I am very happy with its woolly warmth.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Graciela Worth for coming up with the pattern. Well worth the money.<br /><br />Now I have an idea for a wavy shawl using her techinique.<br /><br /><br />(Geez, how many shawls does a body need? LOL)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlvUSoZl7I/AAAAAAAAADs/dyMmR62Up9w/s1600-h/Viking+hat+-+girl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078212449226299314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlvUSoZl7I/AAAAAAAAADs/dyMmR62Up9w/s200/Viking+hat+-+girl.jpg" border="0" /></a>Thanks to my LJ friend, WhiskeyJack, for forwarding the link to these lovely projects at <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlvUSoZl8I/AAAAAAAAAD0/bZ3H8HOsHYg/s1600-h/Viking+Hat+boy.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.bellaknitting.com/page/shop/catalog/readyToKnit.php?">http://www.bellaknitting.com/page/shop/catalog/readyToKnit.php?</a><a href="http://www.bellaknitting.com/page/shop/catalog/readyToKnit.php?col=391&rtk=392&amp;amp;cat=51&path=1,1,0,0">col=391&rtk=392&cat=51&path=1,1,0,0</a>.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlxeCoZl9I/AAAAAAAAAD8/bCjQFZqXd4M/s1600-h/Viking+Hat+boy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078214815753279442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RnlxeCoZl9I/AAAAAAAAAD8/bCjQFZqXd4M/s200/Viking+Hat+boy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE THEM! If I cared any more about my high school whose mascot was a viking, I'd be contacting my old school mates through Classmates.com (What is it with the product placement today?) and offer to make them for everyone.<br /><br /><br />As it is, I'll work on a pattern for these for the KK anyway. They are just too hooty not to explore. I know the wings on the girls' hat will be a challenge for me, but still, just too hooty for words! <div></div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-24834595947483045312007-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:21.478-08:00Shawl with semi-circular back<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RmxY-CoZl1I/AAAAAAAAAC8/0nswNGNdxFg/s1600-h/DSC02486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074528703021160274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RmxY-CoZl1I/AAAAAAAAAC8/0nswNGNdxFg/s200/DSC02486.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RmxXqyoZlzI/AAAAAAAAACs/0ued6IqDpXw/s1600-h/DSC02486.JPG"></a>I finished Graciela's <a href="http://gracielandcrafts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/05/shawl_with_semi.html">shawl with semi-circular back</a>. I learned so much from this pattern. Not having much experience with the long loom I was eager to complete this project. </div><div> </div><div>I used Paton Merino Wool in winter white. Almost 6 skeins. 2 strands as 1 and followed her directions. </div><div> </div><div>It took me several days to complete the project. But I learned the lucet casy-on (that was my choice), short rows and to bind-off. Using the 2 as 1 </div><div>wechinique gave me a heavier weight shawl that will keep me warm on these cool summer evenings here. I really like the ruffle effect on the back.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RmxY-SoZl2I/AAAAAAAAADE/yQvpznK1IxE/s1600-h/DSC02487.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074528707316127586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RmxY-SoZl2I/AAAAAAAAADE/yQvpznK1IxE/s200/DSC02487.JPG" border="0" /></a>As pleased as I am with the shawl, I will be frogging it. I want the front bits to be a lot longer. I'll even use two colors when I re-do this. I hvae loads of the wool in blue - light and denim - so, I'll see what white and one of the blues looks like. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks to Graciela for designing such great patterns.</div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-76025947756048300732007-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:002007-06-08T20:28:45.395-07:00I am not a slackerWell, maybe with my blog. And I know as I start to list off all I've been doing, I'll get winded and want to fall into bed.<br /><br />On the textile front, I worked on my son's first grade plays, Froggy and Frog and Toad. Kudos to the Kiwi Mom who wrote the scripts. I am a bit envious of her. I did get to edit the scripts for her, but really, it's not the same.<br /><br />Anyway, I made the sparrow cape, dragonfly wings, some frog heads and approved a whole lotta thrift store buys.<br /><br />On the knitting front, I am halfway through Graciela's shawl with the semi-circular back. She has taught me so much about long loom knitting. And the way she accomplishes the semi-circle bak was well worth the price.<br /><br />No, I won't tell you how she does it. You'll have to buy the pattern.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-46183256627659631382007-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:21.851-08:00Cable Knit ShawlACK! I have to behave now. My cable knit class is scheduled to start June 11. Breathe deeply. Slow exhale.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is are two pictures of the shawl.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rls9dZZHQqI/AAAAAAAAACk/4nPcQSw6qt4/s1600-h/cable+shawl.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069713380777345698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rls9dZZHQqI/AAAAAAAAACk/4nPcQSw6qt4/s200/cable+shawl.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rls9c5ZHQpI/AAAAAAAAACc/lKo0Sin4o2s/s1600-h/DSC02437.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069713372187411090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="215" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rls9c5ZHQpI/AAAAAAAAACc/lKo0Sin4o2s/s200/DSC02437.JPG" width="168" border="0" /></a></div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-89692268478658701612007-05-04T12:06:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:12:53.954-07:00Cable Knit shawl patternI have finally determined how much yarn one would need for my cable knit shawl pattern. The pattern is updated and submitted to the LoomClass. Mark something off the to-do-list!<br /><br />As I was knitting the shawl, however, I got bored with the stitch. I hauled out my copy of Anne Bipes' Loom Knitting Stitches, Vol. 1 and turned the shawl into a stitch sampler! I have made it through Vol. 1 and am halfway through Vol. 2. Vol. 3 includes cable stitches, but is much more interesting than what I used.<br /><br />Once this sampler shawl is done, it'll probably be about 14 miles long. That'll be long enough.<br /><br />I have also tackled some mending. I figured when the kids' clothes need mending, if I wait long enough, they will outgrow the item and therefore, not need the clothes mended. BUT when my clothes need mending, well, I gotta get a move on it!Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-33350962803442226612007-04-22T19:09:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:22.105-08:00Winding up for the Sew-a-thon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RiwWN3iho2I/AAAAAAAAACU/7xRC8XuS9Yw/s1600-h/DSC02431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056440909133095778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="183" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RiwWN3iho2I/AAAAAAAAACU/7xRC8XuS9Yw/s200/DSC02431.JPG" width="130" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have almsot completed my pattern for the cable knit shawl. I need a final detail which is how many skiens this baby is gonna take.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have two lengths of I-cord waiting to be transmorgrofied (it's my word, so I'll spell it as I please, I guess) into projects for Loom Class. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am also working on clearing my sewing table so I can tackle some long-put-off projects. I went through my drawers of patterns and have a bag's worth of "I am never really going to make this" stuff. Some vintage, some dolls, some a couple of years old.</div><div> </div><div>To give me that "oomph" I need, I made Kabloey's no-sew SeaHawks blanket. The fabric wasn't really on my table, but it was an easy enough project to do without having to unload the whole thing.</div><div> </div><div>Now I'll work on mending and finishing up my shawl so I can let everyone know how much yarn they'll need.</div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-52844353043414506512007-04-08T12:10:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:22.324-08:00Merry Easter Bunny<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rhk-hQ2f0aI/AAAAAAAAACM/Q936AyW0OFI/s1600-h/DSC02356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051137198252872098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="175" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rhk-hQ2f0aI/AAAAAAAAACM/Q936AyW0OFI/s200/DSC02356.JPG" width="131" border="0" /></a> Here is a sample of each of the yarns I used to make Brenda from GA's Easter eggs. It gave me the much needed opportunity to use up yarn that I am less than crazy about, yarn that I am crazy about but didn't have enough to make a huge project and yarn that I loved but didn't want to make yet another hat for the Girl.<br /><br />No, I didn't make notes on the types of yarn. The upper left was a nice purple with sparklies that varied in width. The black with rainbow varigation was quite slippery. The hot pink was the same yarn I used for the baby bonnet. The headache green is Sugar 'n' Cream cotton. The lavender was a dollar store purchase that was reallllllly thin. The Rainbow above it was nice to work with. The center egg was my least favorite yarn but was easiest to work with.<br /><br />I tried to make an egg using the bumpy yarn I used on the Girl's poncho. Frogged that one as the bumpy yarn was impossible to gather.<br /><br />Once I realized I could make an egg in less than twenty minutes, I went on a loom knitting rampage and knocked out over 30 of them. Yes, 30 eggs.<br /><br />The Girl took a basket full to the Library Thursday. We caught the last story of StoryTime. We gave eggs to our favorite children's librarians. Then the Girl passed eggs out to strangers. I finished another egg to show a mom how easy it was and the Girls passed that one out too! All told, there were 13 eggs handed out at the Library.<br /><br />A side note: one mom muttered about how they don't celebrate Easter. Then she saw me and became all smiles. Well, I don't celebrate Easter either. But I missed Ostara. Graciousness still counts, though.<br /><br />I still have to take pics to add to my cable knit shawl pattern. And I have a couple of ideas for what to do with I-cords. Stay tuned.Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27489815.post-24545809915096807642007-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:002008-12-10T12:51:23.055-08:00Hats<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RgnzDvY094I/AAAAAAAAABo/WpBpvgKZ3Zo/s1600-h/DSC02252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046832103031109506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="130" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RgnzDvY094I/AAAAAAAAABo/WpBpvgKZ3Zo/s200/DSC02252.JPG" width="162" border="0" /></a> Here's Sparky in a Lee's Lattice Hat made with Lion Brand Incredible yarn. Since completing the ribbon bag as posted by Graciela in the LoomClass, I L.O.V.E love it! Then I found it on clearance for $2 a skein at Michael's! Woo-hoo Big Score! So I have, what, 6 or 7 balls of it left. </div><br /><div>BWA-HA-HA-HA... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(BTW, I think that kid is pretty stinkin' cute. But then again, I might be biased.)</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RgnzEPY095I/AAAAAAAAABw/zE35YxHH2cM/s1600-h/DSC02259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046832111621044114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/RgnzEPY095I/AAAAAAAAABw/zE35YxHH2cM/s200/DSC02259.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>So here's my second original design. (The first one being a cable knit shawl for which I don't have "in process" pics yet." Hm, come to think of it, I don't have a finished project either. Add that to the chekc list.")</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The hat! Ah, yes, the hat is made with Sensations Life yard. Rainbow or Carnivale or whatever multi-colored yarn it was. Double strand. (Yes, I *do* take good notes, huh?) I used a woven bag bottom for the top. Had to frog it the first time as it was waaaaaayyyyy too tight. BTW, yarn does not like to be repeatedly pulled around and through other yarn. So I had to get it right the second time. </div><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rgn2efY097I/AAAAAAAAACA/Ohfe5kfgjsM/s1600-h/DSC02261.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046835861127493554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0MwNUDbXK-U/Rgn2efY097I/AAAAAAAAACA/Ohfe5kfgjsM/s200/DSC02261.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Anyway, woven top with ewrap rows for the sides. Long single strand tassels with rainbow paillettes on the end. I had tried the flat knit stitch, even with the U-wrap and it looked like a poofta. All wrong. I tinked it and started again with the ewrap at a point as closeto the end of the basket weave as I dared. I'm pretty happy with it. </div><div> </div><div>The colors bring to mind a friend of mine. I showed the hat to her while it was still on the loom this afternoon. She said it would be too big for her. Really? Yes, she can wear her 7yo son's hats. But now his hats are getting to big for her. That is one small head.</div><div> </div><div>So now, I have a few ways to go: Cable knit shawl pics, barrel bag, clean house for incoming in-laws, cut out fabric, or hang out wiht my fez on.</div>Cheerleader Voted Outhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16807616302781968908noreply@blogger.com0