tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41915130898607227152024-03-14T03:03:18.198-05:00Knit Knat KnutzKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-40286504701028509392011-07-11T23:58:00.004-05:002011-07-12T00:38:19.345-05:00Elegant Babies Need Elegant BlanketsI know what you're thinking. I still subscribe to this blog?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGmfLWT-d4Y/ThvU4b-s2PI/AAAAAAAAAno/HMoaieIzhIg/s1600/chalice%2B1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGmfLWT-d4Y/ThvU4b-s2PI/AAAAAAAAAno/HMoaieIzhIg/s400/chalice%2B1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628326225378072818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span>"Baby Chalice Blanket" by Karen S. Lauger, available as a free pdf on Raverly<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted - 100% superwash merino wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span></span> Monkeyshines<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> CO 103, as suggested by fellow Ravelers<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blocking Dimensions:</span></span> to 32" x 47"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFYG-UQL63A/ThvU4-XThJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/48Orbm3cu9c/s1600/chalice%2B3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFYG-UQL63A/ThvU4-XThJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/48Orbm3cu9c/s400/chalice%2B3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628326234608075922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> The expectant mother for whom I knit this has a rather unusual (and totally AWESOME) color palette for a baby girl: gray, chartreuse, cream, and cranberry. While I was not able to accommodate the last color, I was thrilled to find this very posh color combo in my favorite baby yarn! I love how muted and modern this looks, like an item from <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/new-arrivals.html?mkwid=scnVAHM8g&pcrid=6186132262&gclid=CNvUiLKG-6kCFQ8r7AodECRhWg">DwellStudio</a>. In fact, I kinda just wanted to keep it for me....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3obpE6MGqN0/ThvU4kGDcJI/AAAAAAAAAnw/cUvr27fZu54/s1600/chalice%2B2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3obpE6MGqN0/ThvU4kGDcJI/AAAAAAAAAnw/cUvr27fZu54/s400/chalice%2B2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628326227556397202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span> hate, hate, hate that diamond, argyle, pooling that Lorna's Laces does. I hate, hate, hate that I never learn my lesson and just knit every two rows from a separate skein.<br /><br />Well, I'm playing around Dallas for the summer, eating lots of Mexican food, visiting with friends, reading, floating in the pool, sleeping in, knitting, and generally being obnoxiously hedonistic. I have tried to balance this freedom and fun with a steady dose of mind-numbing math, since I am prepping to retake the GRE. Current plans are to begin an Education Specialist in Reading and Literacy degree at UVA in the spring after I finish my current masters in Secondary Education. Why I have to relearn the Pythagorean Theorem for that is beyond me.<br /><br />The only other damper on this summery wellspring of joy is that Jake and I are still apart; he's down in hot, nasty Houston, working for that federal judge. Oh, and we're dirt poor. This is all building character, strengthening our bond, deepening our appreciation for the other's quiet contributions to making one's house a home, reminding us that the best things in life are free, blah, blah, blah. It pretty much sucks no matter how you spin it.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-5556139864251607442011-05-08T13:13:00.002-05:002011-05-08T13:32:19.491-05:00I'm All Traditish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_JqxvD2Psg/TcbdeAzXNRI/AAAAAAAAAnc/NRsw3frEEKg/s1600/shawl4"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_JqxvD2Psg/TcbdeAzXNRI/AAAAAAAAAnc/NRsw3frEEKg/s400/shawl4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604410293990405394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pattern: </span></span>"Swallowtail Shawl" by Evelyn A. Clark, available for free <a href="http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/portfolio.html#gypsy">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Malabrigo Lace (100% single-ply merino)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span></span> Oceanos<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKQctjxL9JI/Tcbdd5sd3iI/AAAAAAAAAnU/sr3Hq0qdm9Y/s1600/shawl3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKQctjxL9JI/Tcbdd5sd3iI/AAAAAAAAAnU/sr3Hq0qdm9Y/s400/shawl3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604410292082433570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>I made real, live lace! Estonian style. I'm glad I learned how to make nupps (apparently pronounced "noops" not "nuhps"). The first go round, I approached it like a regular bobble but was unable to p5 on the wrong side to close it up, resulting in sweaty, shaking hands and eventually broken yarn. The trick is, as far as I can tell, knit the increase 5 with fingers looser and sloppier than wet noodles. Then, on the way back, stab, wriggle, curse, and grunt until you shove your needle half a millimeter through all five and whisk that sucker through before it realizes you're winning. Repeat. Simple, right? It's worth it for the texture.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3chqxrtYeRM/TcbddWO2xOI/AAAAAAAAAnM/4Jg6bvOn47M/s1600/shawl2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3chqxrtYeRM/TcbddWO2xOI/AAAAAAAAAnM/4Jg6bvOn47M/s400/shawl2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604410282562995426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Delta:</span></span> While the semi-solid hand-dyed effect muddles the clarity of the stitch, it was probably a good choice for my first lace project. Though I don't see any glaring errors now, I lost count of how many times I fudged the stitches, increasing here, decreasing there, trying like hell to keep the overall graphic images aligned. Also, I started out really suffering on this project, working it on size 4 bamboo. It was so tight and sticky on the needle! I eventually switched up to a 5 on my Knit Picks harmony wood interchangeables, and the difference was PROFOUND. I guess lace of this sort just needs slick, big, and pointy. (hehehehe. I'm so mature.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLv1QP6rcWk/TcbddSjaDYI/AAAAAAAAAnE/s2NaGI8_bbA/s1600/shawl1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLv1QP6rcWk/TcbddSjaDYI/AAAAAAAAAnE/s2NaGI8_bbA/s400/shawl1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604410281575452034" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sending this to my very glamorous aunt-in-law who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I really hope she likes it.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-41931369734587168802011-04-10T17:55:00.003-05:002011-04-10T19:02:36.584-05:00For Sweet Adeline<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFolrM_8Ftc/TaI1hDLw65I/AAAAAAAAAm8/S5QW72_jU2s/s1600/blanket%2B1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFolrM_8Ftc/TaI1hDLw65I/AAAAAAAAAm8/S5QW72_jU2s/s400/blanket%2B1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594092529054182290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "No Gauge" blanket, hat, and socks by Kristin Spurkland, available in from <span style="font-style: italic;">Blankets, Hats, and Booties to Knit and Crochet</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Dream in Color Classy<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways: </span></span>Some Summer Sky; Cool Fire; Tea Party; Happy Forest; Chinatown Apple<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> Added 1.5 inch log-cabin garter stitch border<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg8ZxKxtqTA/TaI1g_xTq7I/AAAAAAAAAm0/pm8BZVet-CM/s1600/blanket%2B2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg8ZxKxtqTA/TaI1g_xTq7I/AAAAAAAAAm0/pm8BZVet-CM/s400/blanket%2B2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594092528137907122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Plus:</span></span> The beauty of this "no gauge" pattern is that you can use what ya got! Knit up and out from one tip of the diamond until you use half your yarn, decrease back down to the other tip. I bought two skeins of Dream in Color for the blanket (one for each half), and threw together the hat, shoes, and border with scraps from the stash. Brilliant.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6I6AgPW-PE/TaI1ghHkYrI/AAAAAAAAAms/xGaYArzHePQ/s1600/blanket%2B3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6I6AgPW-PE/TaI1ghHkYrI/AAAAAAAAAms/xGaYArzHePQ/s400/blanket%2B3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594092519909778098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Delta: </span></span>My "cute" idea of adding this border gave me a great deal of trouble. The blanket fabric is super stretchy, and I had to experiment with how many stitches to pick up along the side. 1 for every row--too tight. 2 for every row--too loose and ruffley. 11 for every 10 rows--too tight. 6 for every 5 rows--finally!<br /><br />Well, lot's been going on around here! Jake got two full-time jobs for the summer. One is as a PAID research assistant for a W&L professor, work he can do from anywhere. The other is as an unpaid intern for Judge DeMoss of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals!!! That is especially exciting because Jake dreams of becoming a federal judge; he basically couldn't have found a more perfect job than working for one all summer. It is especially depressing, however, because the judge works in Houston, and they need him starting the first week of May. My last day of work here in Lexington in June 7th. That leaves FIVE DREADFUL EMPTY HORRIBLE GODAWFUL weeks of being here alone. Lord help me.<br /><br />I completed my first <a href="http://backlightdigital.com/MonumentAve2011/">10k race</a>. It was so exhilarating, so empowering, so emotional. It's hard to believe that after 27 years of being a sweat-phobic couch potato, I've been able to strengthen my heart and legs to this point within just a year. I can't wait until I can start training for my first half marathon! It's a whole new world. And that world has a much perkier butt.<br /><br />I also sang with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and 250 choral members from the Shenandoah Valley area in a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. As I try to capture how magical<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/extra/wb/281513"> this experience</a> was, I find words are terribly inadequate. Suffice it to say, I will have to continue this practice of singing with community choirs. I need more art in my life.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-77176703270237717722011-03-13T16:49:00.003-05:002011-03-14T18:11:32.829-05:00A Spiritual Quest for the Perfect Poncho<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS3-95ETJAI/TX08AYm6X1I/AAAAAAAAAmk/upmsDWcGlfI/s1600/poncho1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS3-95ETJAI/TX08AYm6X1I/AAAAAAAAAmk/upmsDWcGlfI/s400/poncho1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583685090312609618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Lace Cotton Ponchette" by windloop, available as a free pdf <a href="http://windloop.wordpress.com/free-pattern/">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Rio Grande Hand-dyed Superwash Merino Sport, purchased <a href="http://www.weavingsouthwest.com/">here</a> by my lovely mother-in-law while on vacation<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocAqkxColrY/TX08ATD271I/AAAAAAAAAmc/QwBGPl72Ip4/s1600/poncho2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 317px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocAqkxColrY/TX08ATD271I/AAAAAAAAAmc/QwBGPl72Ip4/s400/poncho2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583685088823406418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Plus:</span></span> So...my m.i.l. is a big ole hippie. After requesting a poncho in vague terms for several years (which I pretended not to hear...in fact, I shuddered just think of it) she returned from a trip to Taos with two heavenly skeins of sport weight merino. Great! Shall we make a socks? A scarf? Gloves? I'm sorry, you want me to make a whole poncho from <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>?! HECK NO! <br /><br />Well, I spoke too soon, because the knitting stars aligned once again for the perfect project to meet the perfect yarn. I had less than a yard leftover after seaming up the edge, and some of the required length had to be coaxed into reality through the magic of blocking, but doggonit, we made it happen! And you know what, I think it's pretty cool. It's TOTALLY the kind of thing one wears a bra under.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOWr_wWKxcQ/TX07_zkcYqI/AAAAAAAAAmU/7bD8wLwejfI/s1600/poncho3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOWr_wWKxcQ/TX07_zkcYqI/AAAAAAAAAmU/7bD8wLwejfI/s400/poncho3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583685080370143906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>There's definitely a major error in the written instructions. The chart is fine, and you can find the errata in the Raverly pattern comments. Just a heads up. And sorry for the crap pictures. Blame the husband. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqCHjWuvhUM/TX07_5zMGDI/AAAAAAAAAmM/KNj_CRHu92s/s1600/poncho4"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqCHjWuvhUM/TX07_5zMGDI/AAAAAAAAAmM/KNj_CRHu92s/s400/poncho4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583685082042603570" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-38581100454201395812011-03-13T16:47:00.003-05:002011-03-13T17:12:30.385-05:00An Oldie but Goodie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xI2p6mQK-E/TX07tf1khJI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bz45L7PEpLk/s1600/sweater3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xI2p6mQK-E/TX07tf1khJI/AAAAAAAAAmE/bz45L7PEpLk/s400/sweater3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583684765835625618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Rusted Root," by Sarah Johnson, available on Ravelry for a $6 download<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Misti Alpaca Pima Cotton and Silk (83% cotton/17% silk)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway: </span></span>Papaya<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhQUgKEOACE/TX07taNtsbI/AAAAAAAAAl8/ALBHMUWQF9I/s1600/sweater2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhQUgKEOACE/TX07taNtsbI/AAAAAAAAAl8/ALBHMUWQF9I/s400/sweater2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583684764326277554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Plus:</span></span> I actually finished this way back in November, but--being a self-conscious girl in general--have been loathe to dress up and do a proper photo shoot. I've been wearing it like crazy, however. I found it especially comfortable and appropriate in Dallas, where a cozy, short-sleeved, breathable sweater is exactly what the doctor ordered on a "cold" (read 50 degrees) evening. Now that it's spring here in Virginia, I plan on it becoming my official wardrobe.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSke5akOscw/TX07tGZt9hI/AAAAAAAAAl0/ZcMZOrdXXnE/s1600/sweater1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSke5akOscw/TX07tGZt9hI/AAAAAAAAAl0/ZcMZOrdXXnE/s400/sweater1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583684759007917586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Delta:</span></span> Though I felt pretty daring and conceited while knitting a medium in this pattern, I think I could have gotten away with a small, or at least done more decreases to the waistline. Now that I've lost 63 pounds (!!!) that's actually a big problem when it comes to my handknits. I've tossed out 3/4ths of my wardrobe in favor of trimmer duds, but when it comes to a sweater I've painstakingly knit by hand...let's just say, I'm hoping to find them good, adopted mommies.<br /><br />I have an <a href="http://knitknatknutz.blogspot.com/2010/01/chilly-steers-and-discount-yarn.html">Ingenue</a> knit up to a 41" bust with a few extra inches of length; a <a href="http://knitknatknutz.blogspot.com/2009/10/peek-boo.html">Split-Neckline Cap-Sleeve Tee</a> at 41" with many extra inches of length; and a 41" <a href="http://knitknatknutz.blogspot.com/2010/04/dude-looks-like-lady-sweater.html">February Lady Sweater</a> (version for broader shoulders). Any takers? Swappers? Barterers?Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-38876272401602944022011-02-13T19:30:00.005-06:002011-02-20T09:04:47.946-06:00Designers Who Hypenate Their Names<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "An Unoriginal Hat," by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (my bff in an alternate universe), available for free on her blog <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2007/11/06/an_unoriginal_hat.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in Apricot (80% acrylic/20% wool)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XeXEw5mQM_E/TViF74pNHAI/AAAAAAAAAlM/6M4gVdJAa9w/s1600/orange1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XeXEw5mQM_E/TViF74pNHAI/AAAAAAAAAlM/6M4gVdJAa9w/s400/orange1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573351802734976002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I've been meaning to use up the rest of this plasticky crap for years. Yay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0nMOOyilFQ/TViF75EGoII/AAAAAAAAAlU/gCYcHQ3-K5s/s1600/orange2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0nMOOyilFQ/TViF75EGoII/AAAAAAAAAlU/gCYcHQ3-K5s/s400/orange2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573351802847797378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> I guess my row-gauge (something I never bother to measure) was off, because I ended up with a really LONG hat. It looks okay on my big 'ole head, pulled way down over my ears and eyebrows, but when my friend Temple tried it on, she used the word "conehead" and I silently thought "condom." Unsurprisingly, It was not adopted by anyone this Christmas and went right back into the "potential gift drawer."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Incognito" by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark, available free on Knitty <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTincognito.php">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Spud and Chloe Sweater (55% wool/45% cotton)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways: </span></span>Splash, Grass, and Chipmunk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rho1iwLQJs/TViF79lnL8I/AAAAAAAAAlc/rmEgHts8-Ig/s1600/stache1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rho1iwLQJs/TViF79lnL8I/AAAAAAAAAlc/rmEgHts8-Ig/s400/stache1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573351804062085058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I am really pleased by how this came together. I used all three tiny leftover bits from Kellan's baby blanket, and once again, I think these colors rock. Spud and Chloe knows adorable. I was worried that the stripes would fight the mustache as focal point, but the 'stache won, hands down (you duplicate stitch it with the yarn doubled for a really plump look). This pattern has so many nice touches, particularly the knitted-in turned hem. It has a tailored, rather than hand-made, charm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_aioUBgiM5w/TViF8Kxw-LI/AAAAAAAAAlk/ezJKc0gjvfg/s1600/stache2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_aioUBgiM5w/TViF8Kxw-LI/AAAAAAAAAlk/ezJKc0gjvfg/s400/stache2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573351807602718898" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> The sewn-in turned hem is much tighter and less stretchy than the knitted-in one (duh), and I wish I had embroidered the mustache on the knitted end. I didn't like that the inflexible part pulls right across your mouth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owJAoEHt58A/TViF8llVl2I/AAAAAAAAAls/6xW4Dinsd3o/s1600/stache3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owJAoEHt58A/TViF8llVl2I/AAAAAAAAAls/6xW4Dinsd3o/s400/stache3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573351814798350178" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't my sister beautiful? Doesn't her camera rock? Don't you wish the rest of my blog looked this fantastic? Well, get over it. You're stuck with me. ;-)<br /><br />In other news, I've been working on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhg-Aw_zMW4">vocal equivalent of a marathon</a> with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Good stuff. I get great satisfaction out of participation in ancient rituals. I love the depth of history and feminist traditions linked to knitting. I'm hungry for the mystical knowledge and instincts of motherhood. And I feel emotional and grateful to participate in the sacred rite of resurrecting <a href="http://www.rso.com/mw_5.htm">Beethoven's 9th symphony</a>. <br /><br />I also got my first blog comment from a crazy person. Now, I feel like I've really <span style="font-style: italic;">made it.</span>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-26579314108863366352011-02-12T16:00:00.002-06:002011-02-12T16:27:10.982-06:00Mitts by Request<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Veyla" by Ysolda Teague, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Whimsical Knits 2</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Classic Elite Yarns Wool Bam Boo (50% wool/50% bamboo)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2RVCgMNAzI/TVcDWkxsWcI/AAAAAAAAAks/PGWsHCZ1ksI/s1600/veyla"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2RVCgMNAzI/TVcDWkxsWcI/AAAAAAAAAks/PGWsHCZ1ksI/s400/veyla" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572926750258387394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> True to form, Teague's pattern was elegant and thoughtful from beginning to end. I truly felt that I was creating a work of art. I took a risk and used a DK weight yarn in this pattern designed for a fingering weight yarn because the recipient wanted something thicker looking. It was a great deal of stress on the hands, but I hit gauge just fine.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>The intended recipient, Jake's law school friend Christina, has teensy tiny midget hands, so these really needed to be modeled by HER. Unfortunately, that meant that I had to put a non-knitting male in charge of snapping the modeled picture. So this is the only shot available to me. Boo!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Susie's Reading Mitts" by Janelle Masters, available as a free download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Debbie Bliss Stella (60% silk/20% cotton/ 20% rayon)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tJBaGvxFzA/TVcDXMb8jbI/AAAAAAAAAk8/S6eeXUeQBws/s1600/cross%2Bfingers"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tJBaGvxFzA/TVcDXMb8jbI/AAAAAAAAAk8/S6eeXUeQBws/s400/cross%2Bfingers" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572926760904592818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I was really proud of this yarn selection. The recipient, the wife of one of Jake's law school friends, has multiple allergies and particularly struggles with wool. Though I had a hunch that a nice merino wouldn't cause her any problems, I didn't want to disregard her only request. She had liked the organic cotton and bamboo in her local craft store, but I could not see the point in making COTTON mitts, especially in a state that gets a respectable amount of snow. Stella, with it's cotton-y feel and silk-insulated warmth, was the best of both worlds.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDXzfc53s1Y/TVcDW7_b5bI/AAAAAAAAAk0/zRoWZvINrfM/s1600/thumbs%2Bcrossed"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDXzfc53s1Y/TVcDW7_b5bI/AAAAAAAAAk0/zRoWZvINrfM/s400/thumbs%2Bcrossed" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572926756490044850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>This pattern really disappointed me. Even though I achieved gauge, the smallest size seemed huge, even on my large hands, with the exception of the thumbs which were crazy tight. Since the wrist to hand transition has no shaping or ribbing, it really <span style="font-style: italic;">needs</span> negative ease to fit. I ended up ripping out the entire first mitt and adapting the pattern to have six fewer cast-on stitches but followed the directions for the small sized thumb. That fit pretty well, but her slender wrists might have enjoyed an even snugger fit. Ah well.<br /><br />Watts' Family Afghan of Everlasting Torment square #36 of 36!!!!!! I made it! I made it! Oh, God! The glory! The relief!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6vjuZ4YZnA/TVcDXFVxciI/AAAAAAAAAlE/FX5VnWuAtr0/s1600/last%2Bsquare"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6vjuZ4YZnA/TVcDXFVxciI/AAAAAAAAAlE/FX5VnWuAtr0/s400/last%2Bsquare" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572926758999650850" border="0" /></a><br />Wait.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBC31JO0Foo/TVcDWfM9HII/AAAAAAAAAkk/l7xL-C-jssA/s1600/whole%2Bblanket"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBC31JO0Foo/TVcDWfM9HII/AAAAAAAAAkk/l7xL-C-jssA/s400/whole%2Bblanket" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572926748762119298" border="0" /></a><br />Now I have to sew the stupid thing together.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-77500947155803196292011-02-12T12:24:00.007-06:002011-02-12T12:56:34.681-06:00Late Gifts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCH397xez0s/TVbUSywG5wI/AAAAAAAAAkE/lAkHrEvrxgI/s1600/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B085.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCH397xez0s/TVbUSywG5wI/AAAAAAAAAkE/lAkHrEvrxgI/s400/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875008243853058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Sid Beanie" by Georgie Hallam, available as a free download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK (80% bamboo/20% wool)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications: </span></span>Many! A long-time friend of my mother's expressed her admiration for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60772689/original-baby-candy-cane-stripe-elf-hat?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">this hat</a> on Etsy, but was not crazy about the $45 price tag! (Go figure.) I did my best to improvise the whimsical crown shaping, using the above pattern as my guide on gauge/sizing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlgjq5Jw_tA/TVbUSplmHRI/AAAAAAAAAj8/5DWTmdJ-Tjc/s1600/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B174.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlgjq5Jw_tA/TVbUSplmHRI/AAAAAAAAAj8/5DWTmdJ-Tjc/s400/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B174.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875005783842066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Plus: </span>Look at how cute and happy this fella looks! Thanks to Maria, the proud mama, for the awesome pictures. There are plans for matching mitts in the works.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3VoL4eDoW4/TVbUTCdAsrI/AAAAAAAAAkM/iwlN3Cz89s8/s1600/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3VoL4eDoW4/TVbUTCdAsrI/AAAAAAAAAkM/iwlN3Cz89s8/s400/2011%2BFebruary%2BSnow%2B016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875012458721970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Delta:</span> </span>I totally picked the wrong yarn. The family lives in Texas, so I wanted something not too hot and certainly machine washable. The bamboo sounded like a good fit, but I think it made the hat too slouchy, rather than springy and sproingy, and there was simply no graceful way to jog the stripes--every technique I tried showed puckering due to the bamboo's inelasticity. Of course, I was also frustrated to have to reknit the crown a few times, but that should be expected when making your own pattern.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Drop Stitch Scarf" by Christine Vogel, available as a free download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Yarn:</span> Cloud City Fibers Sock Yarn: 100% superwash merino wool<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Colorway: </span>Daffodil<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKtwR9-ILSc/TVbUzutSCnI/AAAAAAAAAkU/DywXEWCFkko/s1600/temply"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKtwR9-ILSc/TVbUzutSCnI/AAAAAAAAAkU/DywXEWCFkko/s400/temply" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875574093941362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>This scarf was especially meaningful to me because the yarn I used was locally procured on last summer's amazing trip to Breckenridge, Colorado with my family. It was such a relaxing, restorative week, and every interaction with this fiber, hand-dyed from 40 miles from there, brought little wisps of respite to an otherwise busy day. The pattern is simple to memorize and easy to put down at a moment's notice without losing your place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQH_pHLZW8M/TVbUz7xNX5I/AAAAAAAAAkc/GfL1xXYkBQA/s1600/waves"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQH_pHLZW8M/TVbUz7xNX5I/AAAAAAAAAkc/GfL1xXYkBQA/s400/waves" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875577600073618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> I should have used bamboo rather than metal needles, because I frequently felt that the combination of slippery surface and intentionally dropped stitches gave me a sense of being out of control. I also stubbornly knit every single inch, holding to my premise that there's no such thing as a scarf that's too long....only too make the world's first too-long-scarf. Ah well. A few more wraps about the neck won't kill anyone.<br /><br />Yes, it's a tad late for reporting on one's Christmas gifts, but I was out of town for the holidays, and January was a really hard month in the Lewis house. Things are better and calmer now, so look for a few more postings in quick succession <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">(especially if my sister emails me the pictures of her cowl and her husband's gloves).</span>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-90291518528877591762010-12-12T20:05:00.006-06:002010-12-13T21:02:07.994-06:00Dude Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJfsNt7I/AAAAAAAAAjI/rycLCGnDGzs/s1600/scarf%2Band%2Bhat"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJfsNt7I/AAAAAAAAAjI/rycLCGnDGzs/s400/scarf%2Band%2Bhat" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549983016418129842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Knotty but Nice" by Natalie Larson, available free <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTknotty.php">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (color #300500) - 55% merino wool/33% microfiber/12% cashmere<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJoIpl1I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Q28iuGosHMg/s1600/hat"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJoIpl1I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Q28iuGosHMg/s400/hat" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549983018684880722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> Really well-written, highly addictive pattern. This yarn makes a really nice pairing since cables pop so beautifully in this round, plumpy yarn. To make everything that much sweeter, I found the yarn a few weekends ago in the 50% off bin at my LYS.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>I had so much fun doing this, I got major hand cramps as I powered through round after round, saying, "I'll stop after this row...."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span> "Stacked Wedges" by Lynne Barr, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Knitting New Scarves</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Spinning Rainbows Handspun Yarn<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJSgb9_I/AAAAAAAAAjA/evlWJgbHsA8/s1600/scarf%2Bfloor"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJSgb9_I/AAAAAAAAAjA/evlWJgbHsA8/s400/scarf%2Bfloor" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549983012879071218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus</span>: </span>This scarf flew off the needles in a flash. The short rows broke up the monotony of garter stitch; the garter stitch balanced the counting required for the short rows. All in all, a fun but easy scarf. I think I've mentioned before that Lynne Barr is kind of a rock star. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> This yarn, a gift from my mother, was a rather difficult customer. I was anxious to find an appropriate home for this unique, local handspun, but it took more than a few false starts to find its match. To begin with, the rustic two-ply ranged from dk weight to bulky from foot to foot, inch to inch, making gauge a nightmare. Furthermore, the wool is minimally processed, thereby leaving it a lanolin-rich treasure trove of hay and stickers, both of which I tried my best to pick out as I went. Finally, the ply was quite crisp in some areas, while nearly felted and fuzzy in others, rendering any fancy stitchwork a total waste of time. Thus, I had to think non-fitting, industrial, and geometric, respectively. I think I managed it here and, as a result, honored the gifts and charm of the fiber.<br /><br />Alrighty, so that's two more Christmas gifts, which I can add to that green hat, the blue beaded hat, the orange fingerless mitts, and the pink/orange cowl. I've also got a girl scarf and some boy mitts on the needles, along with a special order ponchette for my mother-in-law and a special-order toddler hat for a dear friend of my mother. So, if I finish everything I've started so far...that's ten gifts. Doesn't seem like many, and I'm beginning to panic. There are many more available yarn+project pairings in the stash, but what I'm short on is <span style="font-style: italic;">time</span>. Adding to the sticky, I'm flying into Dallas on Sunday, so I'll have to choose my last-ditch-effort projects in advance, weighing speed of completion (super-bulky weight hats?!) against space in my bags (oh, uh, lace shawls). Blimey! If only I had MONEY for Christmas this year. Hopefully family and friends will understand.<br /><br />Watts' Afghan of Eternity Square #35/36 (Sweet Jesus, just one more!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJL78wqI/AAAAAAAAAi4/mqcxnAILavI/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TQWAJL78wqI/AAAAAAAAAi4/mqcxnAILavI/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549983011115418274" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-24197845234479818062010-12-02T15:20:00.004-06:002010-12-02T15:53:03.415-06:00Snuggly necks and chic babies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgROSQaiMI/AAAAAAAAAig/eKTLALTMopA/s1600/cowlface"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgROSQaiMI/AAAAAAAAAig/eKTLALTMopA/s400/cowlface" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546201878223292610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Darkside Cowl," by Sara Fama, available as a free pdf download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb - single ply aran weight, 50% silk/50% wool/400% HEAVEN!!!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Colorway:</span> </span>Bittersweet<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRO7kFW0I/AAAAAAAAAio/ctG_rX8eHKo/s1600/cowldetail"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRO7kFW0I/AAAAAAAAAio/ctG_rX8eHKo/s400/cowldetail" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546201889311644482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Plus:</span> </span>In the future, we'll all be born with our necks permanently swathed in Lion and Lamb. And everyone knows I'm a sucker for groovy textures and geometric designs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRPItL-OI/AAAAAAAAAiw/iTvEWosBgfM/s1600/cowlside"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRPItL-OI/AAAAAAAAAiw/iTvEWosBgfM/s400/cowlside" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546201892839487714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span> </span>The fun was over too soon. I see a few more of these cowls in my future. I also foresee being yarn-poor in that same future.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Knit 'Suede Baby Booties'," by Candi Jensen, available free but with minor hassle <a href="http://www.knitandcrochetnow.com/fly.aspx?layout=patternsindex&taxid=163">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Berrocco Suede and Plymouth Yarn Oh My! (both 100% nylon)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRNznktqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/O4muZfw-j3o/s1600/ugg%2Bbooties"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRNznktqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/O4muZfw-j3o/s400/ugg%2Bbooties" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546201869998929570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>I couldn't help myself. These have been calling to me for years! And now I get invited to the shower of a winter baby? Bring on the baby Uggs!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>I was overly ambitious/reckless in my timing of these and consequently made a mistake counting the rows which decrease the instep. I ripped back and corrected it, but the setback meant I had to show them just one bootie and provide an apologetic IOU for the pair at the shower. Totally lame.<br /><br />I played hostess for Thanksgiving for the first time this year. My in-laws flew in from Dallas, and though they graciously took us out to restaurants or cooked many meals, I insisted on making every dish served on Thanksgiving. I followed <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html">Alton Brown's method</a> for brining and cooking the bird, and it turned out scrumptious! Leftover white meat has been enjoyed in sandwiches slathered with homemade cranberry sauce for days. We're not huge fans of dark meat like wings, so I used all the leftover dark meat and bones in a lightened up adaptation of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/After-Thanksgiving-Turkey-Soup/Detail.aspx">this</a> soup. (I used 3Tbs each of flour and Brummel and Brown for the roux and substituted 3/4 c. fat free half and half for the 2 c. regular stuff--plenty rich enough!) It is ultra-comforting and delicious now that the temperatures are hanging around the 30s consistently. Yay for cooking victories!<br /><br />Watts' family afghan of everlasting torment square #34/36:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRNlVgY-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/SsKZjo_0A2A/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TPgRNlVgY-I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/SsKZjo_0A2A/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546201866165052386" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-49449086965121167372010-11-20T15:50:00.005-06:002010-11-20T16:45:26.438-06:00Don't Get Yer Gloves in a Twist<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Lace Twist Mitts" by Debbie O'Neill, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Knitscene</span>, Fall 2009<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Dream in Color Classy (no, I do not think I use it too much, thankyouverymuch)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span></span> Chinatown Apple<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC9XhznCI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/xnKwloFDYf8/s1600/twist%2Btop"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC9XhznCI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/xnKwloFDYf8/s400/twist%2Btop" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541752963534658594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Plus:</span> This easy-peasy lace chart mimics much a much more complicated twisted cable approach. I love anything that makes me look more clever or talented than I really am. I am also pleased with how the semi-solid enhances, rather than distracts from, the stitch pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhObniyhuI/AAAAAAAAAiI/YZabbmDJFQA/s1600/back"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhObniyhuI/AAAAAAAAAiI/YZabbmDJFQA/s400/back" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541765577857730274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>I hate this "after-thought" thumb style, where you knit with waste yarn, slip back then keep going with main yarn. 1) I always struggle to put the correct live stitches back on the needles and 2) I always, always, always end up doing lots of awkward doctoring on either edge of the thumb with tail ends, resulting in an ugly *<span style="font-style: italic;">pflgth* </span>framing the join.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC_M1NH6I/AAAAAAAAAho/GZMPeSXbxVA/s1600/square"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC-5hgGNI/AAAAAAAAAhg/m-wGnBWhptI/s1600/thumb"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC-5hgGNI/AAAAAAAAAhg/m-wGnBWhptI/s400/thumb" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541752989840054482" border="0" /></a>In the continuing saga of the brown bane....<br /><br />I should continually emphasize that this is a learning experience. Now, what, exactly, have I learned? Well, I learned that if you're going to do something, freakin' DO it. Don't pussy-foot around. I wanted to <span style="font-style: italic;">lightly</span> felt the sweater, so I neglected/altered many of the circumstances necessary for optimum felting. I used warm, rather that hot water. I used light agitation, rather than heavy. I opted out of the suds so I could check every five minutes and rescue it at any point, without worrying about rinsing. As it turns out, felting incorrectly results in badly abused woolens, NOT light felting. The sweater emerged BIGGER and covered in ratty pills. Did I then abandon my strategy, like a sane individual? Heck no! I did the exact same thing, hoping for a different result. Finally, I read, thought, prayed, cursed, and took the plunge, letting loose all the felting power my humble washing machine possessed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC_nShUsI/AAAAAAAAAhw/eKcVa3uAGII/s1600/sleeve"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC_nShUsI/AAAAAAAAAhw/eKcVa3uAGII/s400/sleeve" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541753002125251266" border="0" /></a>Results are mixed: I still spent an hour pulling off ugly pills and the sweater sleeves are still far too long, the armpit way too deep. On the other hand, the sweater is more dense and snuggly now, so clearly, I was moving in the right direction...right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhDMMdeR3I/AAAAAAAAAh4/5XFZssPaoDU/s1600/side%2Bruffle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhDMMdeR3I/AAAAAAAAAh4/5XFZssPaoDU/s400/side%2Bruffle" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541753218261731186" border="0" /></a><br />The RUFFLES. The button band and collar did a funky thing, shrinking and pulling in such odd ways that a full-fledged ruffle now frames the individual wearing this dreadful thing. Not manly. So what's a girl to do? I can't go back--no time machine. I can't leave it here--too big and ruffly. So, go forward and felt it one more time? Obviously, the ruffle problem will only increase, but maybe once the rest of the cardigan is appropriately sized, I can sew/cut/pin my way out of that mess. So that's just what I did....to be continued.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhDPdRCv8I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Jpj9yGJI6T8/s1600/back%2Bruffle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhDPdRCv8I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Jpj9yGJI6T8/s400/back%2Bruffle" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541753274312605634" border="0" /></a><br />Watts Family Afghan of Eternity Square #33/36 (really tough)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC9XhznCI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/xnKwloFDYf8/s1600/twist%2Btop"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC_M1NH6I/AAAAAAAAAho/GZMPeSXbxVA/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TOhC_M1NH6I/AAAAAAAAAho/GZMPeSXbxVA/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541752995022970786" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-64440971764359449572010-11-06T18:46:00.006-05:002010-11-07T07:53:07.968-06:00I Did a Bad, Bad Thing<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend," by Stephane Nicole, available free on <a href="http://stephanieknits.blogspot.com/2007/03/keeping-boyfriends-ears-warm-since-2006.html">her blog</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>scrappy leftovers such as Berroco Comfort (acrylic/nylon), Queensland Collection Sugar Rush (sugar), and Sirdar Juicy DK (bamboo)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatiuO39II/AAAAAAAAAgw/aIgeg5BYmDQ/s1600/hat+front"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatiuO39II/AAAAAAAAAgw/aIgeg5BYmDQ/s400/hat+front" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536803603936179330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>Quick and easy male-appropriate Christmas gift. I like that the simple design lends itself to horizontal stripes, which in turn lend themselves to stash-busting. I accidentally created a palette of colors perfect for sporting around a football game for my alma mater. Unfortunately, no one with whom I associate would ever attend such an event, even when we were students there. During the Homecoming Game one year, my group went instead to the theaters to catch the opening weekend for <span style="font-style: italic;">Fight Club</span>. Good choice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNati5chLJI/AAAAAAAAAg4/iDST-TRmiic/s1600/hat+side"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNati5chLJI/AAAAAAAAAg4/iDST-TRmiic/s400/hat+side" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536803606946196626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> It seems a bit squatty to me, even after adding 1/2 inch extra before the crown decreases. Also, I think my plan for the stripes creates an optical illusion of the head flattening off abruptly across the top. Stupid idea, my fault entirely.<br /><br />I'm married to the man of my dreams, so the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweater_curse">"curse of the boyfriend sweater"</a> should have no effect on me, right? Well, fate has found a way to reach around that inconvenient truth and give me a decent bitch-slapping anyway.<br /><br />Oh, who am I kidding??? It's my own durn fault.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatjUKZ2rI/AAAAAAAAAhI/TsZvNGhz2WU/s1600/sweater"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatjUKZ2rI/AAAAAAAAAhI/TsZvNGhz2WU/s400/sweater" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536803614117976754" border="0" /></a><br />Meet "Smokin'" by Jared Flood. Let's talk first about what I did RIGHT, hmm? I carefully knit, frogged, and reknit until I achieved gauge. I measure Jake's favorite hoodie to determine which size to knit. I selected a yarn very close to the original requested--chunky, tweedy, wooly. I checked the website for errata before beginning and carefully noted those changes in the pattern. I worked on it dutifully and steadily for three months so it would be ready in time for fall in Virginia.<br /><br />Now, the WRONG: I noticed that the sleeves looked humongous...but did nothing. I noticed that the fabric was floppy and slightly see through, despite Jared's comment in the pattern that the cardigan is knit at a <span style="font-style: italic;">tighter-than-usual</span> gauge...but did nothing. I tried it on before attaching the button band/collar and saw that it could pass as a brown whale Halloween costume...but did nothing. In short, I ignored the signs that I was headed for trouble because I wanted to believe that if you select the right yarn, gauge, and pattern size, you're in the clear.<br /><br />Then the really wrong thing: when Jake tried it on and saw that it was uncomfortably large in every way, I did <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">not</span></span> frog the sweater like a good little knitter. I decided...to try....and felt it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatiYRs3VI/AAAAAAAAAgo/znjd8pMuysA/s1600/fuzz"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatiYRs3VI/AAAAAAAAAgo/znjd8pMuysA/s400/fuzz" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536803598042455378" border="0" /></a><br />To be continued.<br /><br />Watts Afghan of Eternity Square #32/36<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatjLoOsUI/AAAAAAAAAhA/vNnn8UaslTs/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TNatjLoOsUI/AAAAAAAAAhA/vNnn8UaslTs/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536803611827155266" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-10602996973746761632010-10-30T16:10:00.002-05:002010-10-30T16:42:03.844-05:00Haul Out the Stockings!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Monkey" by Cookie A., available free online <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Dream in Color Smooshy (a yarn I will gladly make-out with), 100% superwash merino in fingering weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Color:</span> </span>Cloud Jungle<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQuqA93LI/AAAAAAAAAgI/XomJsZL5FcE/s1600/sock+1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQuqA93LI/AAAAAAAAAgI/XomJsZL5FcE/s400/sock+1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533957173358222514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span> </span>It's delightful--great yarn, brilliant pattern. If you're one of the few knitters left in the world who hasn't made them yet, submit, submit, submit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQuour48I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/3_XCkXp9lm4/s1600/sock2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQuour48I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/3_XCkXp9lm4/s400/sock2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533957173013111746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Delta:</span> </span> I think I started the toe decreases just a smidge too early, so the heel flap pulls down a bit under my foot, rather than resting smartly at the back. Also, I decided to trust her judgment and knit a plain stockinette heel flap, but now I'm wondering whether I should have gone with a sturdier eye-of-partridge. I think I'll cry if these socks get a hole.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQu6WlwDI/AAAAAAAAAgY/oGiyE3Lakbg/s1600/sock3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQu6WlwDI/AAAAAAAAAgY/oGiyE3Lakbg/s400/sock3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533957177743884338" border="0" /></a><br />Jake is pretty much kicking arse and taking names up here in Virginia. His law school buddies have taken to calling him the "future editor of Law Review" and "the teacher." They frequently gather for study sessions in which Jake basically explains complicated cases or principles to them using a white board and marker, while they take notes and ask questions. He's also consistently scored the highest in the class on all assignments for Legal Writing. Unreal. I'm actually kind of disappointed. I was hoping that he was finally going to be in an environment which pushed him to the limits of everything he's got. Don't get me wrong, he's still working on law school about 80 hours a week....but he seems more like a kid in a candy store than an overworked, stressed-out student. Crazy, no?<br /><br />Oh, and public service announcement: no more ex-boyfriends, relatives, friends, STUDENTS or knitting bloggers are allowed to get pregnant this season. Enough, people. I know that it's something normal people manage to do every day, but to someone like me, it's like watching everyone you know win the lottery at once. I'm happy for you, blah, blah, blah, now QUIT. Thanks. :-)<br /><br />Watts' Family Afghan of Eternity Square 31/36<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQvBX5k-I/AAAAAAAAAgg/ccCz2d4ncMo/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TMyQvBX5k-I/AAAAAAAAAgg/ccCz2d4ncMo/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533957179628426210" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-19251590994120849552010-10-02T13:12:00.004-05:002010-10-02T13:53:10.739-05:00From My Cold, Dead Hands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2e0EpNVI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Z3QpvGq2jWw/s1600/thorpe2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2e0EpNVI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Z3QpvGq2jWw/s400/thorpe2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523513739739477330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Thorpe," by Kristen Kapur, available as a free download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Noro Iro - bulky single-ply; 75% wool, 25% silk<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway: </span></span>57 (I think)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> Rather than using contrast yarn for crocheted edge and braids, I used more of the same yarn<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I adore this. It looks fabulous, sassy, and vintage on me. It's my new favorite hat.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>It was NOT supposed to be for me. I intentionally picked what I thought would be a masculine colorway and knit the largest size so that it would be a generic, male-appropriate gift for this Christmas. No dice. This baby is MINE!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2esBDD4I/AAAAAAAAAfg/JgriUDaOdAA/s1600/thorpe"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2esBDD4I/AAAAAAAAAfg/JgriUDaOdAA/s400/thorpe" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523513737576910722" border="0" /></a>Mama's got a brand new bag...and it's got intimidating, metal parts and an LCD screen. Yikes. I already broke one needle in half and bent a second one pretty dramatically. Oh well. It's all part of the learning process.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2ff-J2OI/AAAAAAAAAfw/v7T_sONegSg/s1600/sewing+machine"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2ff-J2OI/AAAAAAAAAfw/v7T_sONegSg/s400/sewing+machine" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523513751523416290" border="0" /></a><br />This is my first finished object, a "stitch-sampler tea towel," instructions available in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sew Everything Workshop</span>. Oh yeah. I'm clearly on my way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2fumTFvI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Zqx1uFpzvlQ/s1600/sampler"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd2fumTFvI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Zqx1uFpzvlQ/s400/sampler" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523513755449890546" border="0" /></a>In the meantime, I'm starting to struggle with loneliness here. I dragged myself to a "Tuesday Night Ladies Club" event for the wives/girlfriends of W&L law students, and it was okay. The girls seemed nice, but I didn't really make any instant connections. I had planned on attending a knitting group gathering at Panera in Charlottesville on Wednesday night, but it was so rainy and cold that I bailed. Jake had made tentative weekend plans with some guys from school who also have wives, but that fell through a few minutes ago.<br /><br />On the bright side, we discovered the wonders of Roanoke two weeks ago: Abuelo's Mexican food, Barnes and Noble, Target, Starbucks, a mall....pretty much heaven for this city-starved girl. Jake and I woke up this morning hankering our traditional donuts/Starbucks/couch-reading Saturday morning (which we haven't really done since I started Weight Watchers in March). Of course, the nearest Starbucks in 45 minutes away, but we figured Jake could make coffee while I ran to a donut shop. Alas, the nearest donut shop is also 45 minutes away. Donuts, y'all. Donuts.<br /><br />Watts Wedding Well Wisher Afghan: square #30/36 (this was pretty challenging for me)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd_BHRd1mI/AAAAAAAAAgA/0Dun17ZtjAM/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TKd_BHRd1mI/AAAAAAAAAgA/0Dun17ZtjAM/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523523125102106210" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-75109275781632935742010-09-06T18:27:00.003-05:002010-09-06T19:54:28.260-05:00Over-achieverThat's right. I've finished the first of my (hopefully) many Christmas offerings. I'm going to use my approach from last year: make as many items as possible in a variety of styles and colors, alternate male and female sizing/style, and lay them out at a party for people to take what they want.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Odessa," by the brilliant knit blogger Grumperina, available as a free pdf download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Malabrigo Silky Merino - dk weight single ply with 51% silk/49% merino wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span></span> Matisse Blue<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL891UmVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/TwOijFIpOPc/s1600/side"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL891UmVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/TwOijFIpOPc/s400/side" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513967198291663186" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Plus:</span> If you haven't tried a project with beading yet, don't be shy; it's a cinch. The hardest part is threading the beads on the yarn before you start, but one can find a great tutorial on Knitty. The pattern, to no great surprise, is clear, clever, and succinct. If you don't follow this girl's blog, you really ought to. It's one of the few that spends a great deal of time on process, knitting math, intimidating techniques, reviews, etc., because she's NOT trying to save up designs and ideas for a book.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL9X5JoqI/AAAAAAAAAfY/BxTo95R3pV8/s1600/top"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL9X5JoqI/AAAAAAAAAfY/BxTo95R3pV8/s400/top" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513967205287043746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> My only big problem stemmed from the fact that I printed this pdf on my home printer, which was out of color ink. I knew the pictures would disappear, but who cares, right? Well, I was at my in-laws, chatting and knitting up the ribbed brim, when I pulled out the pattern to examine the next instructions. They made NO SENSE. I read, stared at my knitting, read, stared.....my Titi Dolly (a novice knitter) started making comments along the lines that patterns never make sense to her, <span style="font-style: italic;">either.</span> Oh, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">hell</span> no. I can read patterns! I had Jake pull up the pdf on his iPhone, and there was the answer. Half of the IMPORTANT words in the pattern were written in purple so as to grab my attention. In my colorless copy, of course, they were entirely absent. Woops!<br /><br />Watts afghan square #29! <span style="font-style: italic;"> 7 more</span>...Lord help me. I need to start thinking about a border for this thing. I could go boring and just do basic i-cord. Or I could go high on effort and time with a mitered corner garter stitch. What say you, fabulous knitters?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL9Bt-HJI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/xnucEEoQ_Qs/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL9Bt-HJI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/xnucEEoQ_Qs/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513967199334571154" border="0" /></a><br />So, I'm kind of in love with my job. Sure, there are some frustrating aspects. My students' computers <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> have not been hooked up to the network. I have no access to the building at night or on the weekends. The "teachers' lounge and workroom" is locked 24 hours a day, and we don't have keys. I've discovered 4 different varieties of spiders that consider my room home. Students cuss me out when they're in a bad mood. But....all those issues aside, I feel ALIVE with inspiration, purpose and challenge.<br /><br />These kids, tenth and eleventh graders, are literate only in the most basic sense of the word. I'm regularly asked how to spell words like "read" and "coach," and I can assure you that these are not second language learners. On the first day of school, most told me that they "can't" or "don't" read. Their writing follows few grammatical conventions, and they don't seem to sense any distinction between their spoken dialects and formal written English. Getting them to make an inference, even an obvious one, about a piece of literature on their grade level is akin to torture. There is clearly a lot to do, and it is my professional opinion that the best thing for them is total immersion in, and a fierce, vital connection with, excellent literature.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL8sRSdDI/AAAAAAAAAfA/3vtZDl_dXcU/s1600/room2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL8sRSdDI/AAAAAAAAAfA/3vtZDl_dXcU/s400/room2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513967193577124914" border="0" /></a><br />I spend my days helping kids find books that let them know they are not alone in the world. I read 2-3 books a week in order to keep up with their demand to pick "another good book" for each of them. This rag-tag group of 31 non-readers have already finished about 9 books in 2 weeks, and every one of them seemed genuinely surprise to have loved the experience. The core of my class time goes to independent reading, with at least 100 minutes a week of required reading time. When I told the kids about that time commitment at the beginning of the year, they freaked, pleading with me to understand that they could NEVER read for that long. Lo and behold, most days they beg to read LONGER, and on Fridays, when they can choose from a long list of literacy related activities, every one of them settles down with their book to read for the entire hour.<br /><br />Many teachers would see these struggling readers, read through the Virginia standardized test, and start digging through worksheets and canned reading drills to reinforce basic reading habits. But that's NOT how kids who pass the tests with ease got to that point! They breeze through those tests because they're readers. It's obvious to them what the text says or infers, how it's organized and what is it's intent. It's obvious, because they read so much, their brains have learned to detect and organize important distinctions and patterns like that. MY kids have not had that luxury. Their brains see very little in a written passage that is familiar, and with every passing year, they get MORE behind, for reasons that completely elude me. Well, not on my watch. I am honored by the immense responsibility and humbled by the chance to make a real difference in someone's life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL8cBvNqI/AAAAAAAAAe4/YXe4LthLTHY/s1600/room1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TIWL8cBvNqI/AAAAAAAAAe4/YXe4LthLTHY/s400/room1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513967189216933538" border="0" /></a><br />The only problem is that I want to spend every dollar I've got now on books, portable cd players (for books on cd), comfy rugs and pillows, etc. so I can turn my room into a well-stocked reading oasis!!!!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-44617701978369977372010-08-29T21:48:00.001-05:002010-08-31T18:16:18.682-05:00Home Sweet Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscStV1beI/AAAAAAAAAew/DeIAcHvAcZk/s1600/tank2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscStV1beI/AAAAAAAAAew/DeIAcHvAcZk/s400/tank2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511029676752334306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Frock Camisole," by Katie Himmelberg, available free <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/13954.aspx">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Louisa Harding Cinnabar - worsted weight; 30% viscose, 25% cotton, 15% acrylic, 10% silk, 10% Linen, 5% Nylon, 5% Acetate (whew!)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway: </span></span>6<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscSaaKUjI/AAAAAAAAAeo/OqQLSXBOvOE/s1600/tank3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscSaaKUjI/AAAAAAAAAeo/OqQLSXBOvOE/s400/tank3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511029671670207026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Plus:</span></span> This simple, cool-to-the-touch project was great to pull onto my lap during stressful moments as we were moving. Only the very top strap portion requires moderate attention to the pattern. I love the feel of this drapey, metallic, slightly slubby yarn against my skin. It's truly the perfect match for this cute tank. I love the cut of the top itself and find it universally flattering.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscR4Qo15I/AAAAAAAAAeg/i2n-VhStMh4/s1600/tank4"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscR4Qo15I/AAAAAAAAAeg/i2n-VhStMh4/s400/tank4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511029662503458706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> I feel like it looks outstanding from the front, okay from the back, and a little sloppy on the sides. I wonder how one would tidy that up without messing up the way the front lays. Decreases along the center back?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscRpciIcI/AAAAAAAAAeY/-qSxVy4SU7s/s1600/tank1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscRpciIcI/AAAAAAAAAeY/-qSxVy4SU7s/s400/tank1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511029658526818754" border="0" /></a>Okay, we need to talk about how skinny I look in these pictures. I've lost 40 freakin' pounds, people!!! If I can do it, then truly, anyone can. I jog/walked my first 5k on July 15, and I'm planning on jogging an entire one on September 12th with Jake. In addition to increasing my activity, I've been using Weight Watcher's clever POINTS system to make sure I'm eating the right amount for my needs each day. I still have tacos and ice cream and cheeseburgers, so it's more like a paradigm than a diet.<br /><br />Jake and I are all settled in our new little townhouse, with which we are ENTIRELY in love. Since we rented it sight unseen, we were preparing for the worst, but this place is AWESOME. Hardwood floors, beautiful molding, huge garden bathtub, tons of storage, lovely tile on back-splash and bathrooms, two bedrooms so Jake can have an office, and two-and-a-half baths so Gracie's litter box can sit somewhere I never, ever have to go. There are a ton of law students living in this development, particularly a lot of people in Jake's class, which has helped us make some connections in town quickly. There's even a couple a few doors down, in which the wife is a drama major who knits. (!!!)<br /><br />My new teaching job is incredible and life-altering, but I will speak more of that next posting. For now, enjoy the newest Watts afghan square, #28/36<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscRSynpaI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CqXFi-1RanY/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/THscRSynpaI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CqXFi-1RanY/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511029652445439394" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-66319781945318490302010-08-06T21:27:00.003-05:002010-08-06T21:53:43.683-05:00Friendly Yarns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEv6wBLnI/AAAAAAAAAeA/X62kq0yuc2I/s1600/chin"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEv6wBLnI/AAAAAAAAAeA/X62kq0yuc2I/s400/chin" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502489172243459698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pattern: </span></span>"Parallelograms" by Lynne Barr, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Knitting New Scarves</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Dream in Color Classy - worsted weight, 100% superwash merino<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways:</span></span> Happy Forest and Tea Party<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> I carried the non-working yarn up the sides of the stockinette sections, wrapping around the working yarn. I'm not into weaving in when I don't have to!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I heart Lynne Barr. Her designs rock, and her instincts for texture and geometry always thrill me. Even though the pattern is somewhat hypnotizing to stare at, it was simple, instantly memorized, and lightning fast! Jake requested that I make a cool, masculine scarf for one of the high school students he worked with last year at Berkner. There were a few months when Jake was on the lookout for the perfect satchel for law school, and he noticed this kid's bag. Upon complimenting its style and inquiring where he could get one, Jake was startled as the kid emptied the bag of its contents and handed it to him! The student insisted that he was finished with it and was about to switch to a new bag anyway, but Jake was so touched by this generosity that he insisted I make him a fabulous thank you gift. (p.s. The kid is gay and always raves about Jake's handknit sweaters and accessories. Too cute.)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEvjWZ74I/AAAAAAAAAd4/lZUUpaG5MnM/s1600/flat"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEvjWZ74I/AAAAAAAAAd4/lZUUpaG5MnM/s400/flat" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502489165962014594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Delta:</span></span> I think that it would look better even wider. I actually did not use a needle size as big as called for, because the fabric was too floppy at that gauge, so maybe it's meant to be wider. If I knit this again, I would work with at least 25 stitches, instead of 20.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEvYnEndI/AAAAAAAAAdw/uhd40utusDc/s1600/owl"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFzEvYnEndI/AAAAAAAAAdw/uhd40utusDc/s400/owl" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502489163079130578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pattern:</span></span> "Owl Coffee Cup Cozy," by Sabrina Thompson, available free <a href="http://myknittingbasket.blogspot.com/2009/11/owl-coffee-cup-cozie.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> I only added safety eyes to one owl cable instead of all 5. I skipped the beak embroidery because the more I tried, the harder it sucked.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>My dear friend Sonya requested this one after seeing a previously finished coffee cozy. I've been meaning to try out one of the zillions of owl cable projects out there, and this was a perfect use for a 1/4 of a skein of cashmerino.<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> I think these are kind of dumb. Unless it's a felted version, these simply stretch and slip too much to be useful. I've now created one with the cable running vertically and one with a horizontally situated cable; doesn't matter--they stretch and slip. For the last one, I ended up weaving in tons of elastic thread along the inside and cinching it tight, a pain in the rear which led to negligible improvement. For this one, I ran out of time and left it as it, but I suggested to Sonya that she could a) use fabric glue to attach it to a regular cardboard sleeve or b) use the elastic thread method or c) wash and dry it regularly. We'll see. I won't make another.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-67448367420030001912010-08-05T21:47:00.004-05:002010-08-05T22:25:44.186-05:00Some Babies Have All the Luck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFuAB34gdOI/AAAAAAAAAdo/uU8baUdZhMk/s1600/detail"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFuAB34gdOI/AAAAAAAAAdo/uU8baUdZhMk/s400/detail" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502132139432375522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Rose Leaf Blanket, Bonnet, and Booties" by Kristan Spurkland, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Blankets, Hats, and Booties to Knit and Crochet</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Madelinetosh tosh dk - 100% superwash merino wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway: </span></span>Coral<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods:</span></span> On booties, when binding off the five stitches, I left the first (slipped) stitch intact. This created an eyelit pattern rather than the creepy, elven-looking triangles. I think it fits the style of the set much better.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4i434wBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/52VJN3ItF0s/s1600/triangle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4i434wBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/52VJN3ItF0s/s400/triangle" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502123910540869650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> This leaf motif is so delicate and classic, if not for the hip, hand-dyed yarn, people might think these were antique heirlooms. Once blocked out, the effect is truly breath-taking. I'm so happy to have this book that coordinates layette sets like this. It saves me the hassle of finding three different patterns for the same yarn or trying to rewrite patterns so the stitch motifs are aligned.<br /><br />This set certainly garnered a great deal of lust. My knitting buddy <a href="http://www.waldorfmama.typepad.com/">Shelley</a> did all but promise me the deed to her house in exchange for this yarn (her signature color, which she did not find quite right in subsequent dye lots). Another knitting buddy <a href="http://hannahpoole.blogspot.com/">Hannah</a> implored me to think of anyone who deserved these items more than she; promises of instant tears and constant use NEARLY won me over. When I finally presented the woolly darlings to my pregnant friend Danielle, her sister's eyes widened, and she suggested that since I'll surely be bored in Virginia, I can spend all my time knitting sweaters and blankets for her. It's good to feel wanted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4ianEdCI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/WoQQc3ckRMw/s1600/booties"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4ianEdCI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/WoQQc3ckRMw/s400/booties" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502123902417269794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>Once I started the lace border, this project went pretty slowly. It's not a difficult lace--I could tell immediately if something went awry--but I never quite memorized the chart. Additionally, I would suggest to any future knitters of this blanket that they use a provisional cast-on (rather than cabled) when beginning the lace border to avoid an ugly seam there when finished. I was kind of annoyed with myself for not thinking of that at the time, but I have never done a blanket construction like this before, and I was mystified as to what in the world was happening. Additionally, I found the booties pattern pretty confusing and sometimes, outright wrong-headed. If you're familiar with top-down/heel-flap sock construction, feel free to read ahead and rewrite to your tastes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4iN8EbDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Kd5o9QG2-cc/s1600/bonnet+side"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4iN8EbDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/Kd5o9QG2-cc/s400/bonnet+side" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502123899015687218" border="0" /></a>My favorite part of the WHOLE project was the "beaded bind-off" across the back of the bonnet. Do you see how the bit across the nape of the neck makes pretty little scallops? Neat-o.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4hvlxJPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/jV62m9Ccjg0/s1600/bonnet+back"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TFt4hvlxJPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/jV62m9Ccjg0/s400/bonnet+back" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502123890869085426" border="0" /></a>Well, we are officially relocated! After brief overnight visits with my parents in Richardson, then his parents in Plano, then my sister in Nashville, we made our way to Lexington, Virginia, our home for the next three years. Our townhouse is PERFECT for us in every single way, and we're working hard to get everything unpacked, hung, decorated, etc. Once we're finished, I'll definitely share some pics. For now, just know that:<br /><ul><li>Everyone here is extremely friendly</li><li>The bugs are huge and plentiful</li><li>You can see a bazillion stars from our back porch</li><li>I panic every now and then thinking about how far I am from a Starbucks or Target</li></ul>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-39571563734718493552010-07-14T18:15:00.006-05:002010-07-14T20:59:51.810-05:00Drool Worthy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fr16Ri9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/62eJGuoa-ok/s1600/scarf4"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fr16Ri9I/AAAAAAAAAc4/62eJGuoa-ok/s400/scarf4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493905214946773970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Pattern: </span>"Chevron Scarf" by Joelle Hoverson, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">Last-Minute Knitted Gifts</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Yarn: </span>Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino - 100% superwash wool, fingering weight<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways:</span> </span>p623 and p136<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Mods: </span>Only one skein of each colorway, rather than two. It was plenty long, both the scarf and my relationship with it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5FrskpwzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/o--6WmIog9E/s1600/scarf3"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5FrskpwzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/o--6WmIog9E/s400/scarf3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493905212440167218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Plus:</span> Umm....have you been looking at these pictures?! This thing is freakin' fierce!!! This pretty thing is for my old college roomie Emily. Long, long ago, when we lived in the second poorest neighborhood in St. Louis, she fought off the stress of finals by crocheting me a super-duper long, thick scarf out of that Lion Brand Homespun acrylic yarn you can get at craft stores. It sounds dorky, but the colorway truly was cool, and I was utterly touched. I still have (and occasionally wear) it now, and I decided it's high time I return the favor. Not long after I learned to knit, I wrote her and told her I wanted to makes something. She told me she "wears the crap out of scarves" and can never have too many. She's pretty eloquent for a professor of political science, huh??? Her <a href="http://lumi9painting.com/home.html">adorable husband is an artist</a> whose work fills our current apartment, so I thought this painterly project appropriate. Perhaps they'll be so moved, Darick will send more art.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fq4MHaHI/AAAAAAAAAco/g3SOkcMZ-xs/s1600/scarf2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 433px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fq4MHaHI/AAAAAAAAAco/g3SOkcMZ-xs/s400/scarf2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493905198378608754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Delta: </span>Blocking was a tad frustrating. It's incredibly wonky right off the needles, and it remained wavy and curled after the first wet-blocking. I re-wet-blocked....then steam-blocked it...and finally just ironed it within an inch of its life. That did the trick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5FqVTpxVI/AAAAAAAAAcg/ipegKgxsIWM/s1600/scarf1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 425px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5FqVTpxVI/AAAAAAAAAcg/ipegKgxsIWM/s400/scarf1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493905189014979922" border="0" /></a>The pieces are coming together for the big move to Lexington, Virginia! Jake has a law school. I have a job. We've got a respectable collection of sturdy boxes to start packing. The rental truck is arranged. Now, all we need is a HOME. For some reason, these laid back country types don't feel especially obligated to return phone calls or reply to emails. We've been bugging I don't know how many realtors, apartment complexes, and property owners....all to no avail. Boo. I hope we don't end up somewhere that blows simply because we had no time left to deliberate.<br /><br />Watts Family Afghan of Infinity Square #27....9 more!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fp1s5jKI/AAAAAAAAAcY/zaxaQETrV7s/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 322px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TD5Fp1s5jKI/AAAAAAAAAcY/zaxaQETrV7s/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493905180530936994" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-6780168928117809292010-07-04T23:30:00.003-05:002010-07-05T16:03:46.419-05:00ShawrfYes, I've noticed that I'm going through a ruffle phase....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDFgDGyTL6I/AAAAAAAAAcA/ph-mfZsxXO4/s1600/full+shawl"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 431px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDFgDGyTL6I/AAAAAAAAAcA/ph-mfZsxXO4/s400/full+shawl" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490275027218804642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "A Little Ruffle," by Jennifer Lang, available free <a href="http://www.sadieandoliver.ca/2009/08/its-all-about-the-scarf.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Locally handspun yarn from The Old Oaks Ranch Fiber Arts Center in Wimberley, Texas - 100% fingering weight 2-ply alpaca<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> I wish I had a macro lens on my camera so I could highlight the buttery texture of this thing. It's pretty heavenly in its simplicity and gracefulness. A very close friend requested a silvery-gray accessory of some sort for her mother, a striking Cuban with an adorable salt-and-pepper bob. Around the same time, my mother-in-law visited this ranch in just outside of Austin and picked up this very special and GIGANTIC skein for me. It took me awhile to find just the right pattern, particularly one that would use tons and tons of fingering weight, but once I pulled this one up, I knew it was a slam dunk. Similar to the Clapotis, this scarf/shawl thingy works well draped in a number of different ways and styles. Got to love that.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDFgDjVtdPI/AAAAAAAAAcI/YlIP9s_zes4/s1600/scarf"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 538px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDFgDjVtdPI/AAAAAAAAAcI/YlIP9s_zes4/s400/scarf" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490275034883519730" border="0" /></a><br />Delta:</span></span> If I could do it again, I would rewrite the p-wise slip stitch followed by a yarn over, because when purling back that way on the wrong side, it's pretty much impossible to purl those stitches gracefully. I ended up knitting that yarn-over through the back loop, an action which tightened up the hole and made it more difficult to see what I was doing as I picked up those million stitches along the edge. Speaking of, this is a major time commitment, and a mindless knit. Sometimes you really need one of those, and sometimes they make you hate knitting. Choose wisely.<br /><br />I GOT A JOB! I'm teaching at an alternative school (read: kids who have been kicked out of their public school for behavior or truancy) which has adopted some really progressive and exciting approaches to dealing with kids who don't fit well within the traditional school model. I'll be teaching 9-12 grade, thought not all at once, and I've already been having a ball, planning curriculum and trolling the used bookstores for appropriate resources. Weee! It feels so good to know what I'll be doing (and earning) once we make this big move. The hardest part of the move left is saying goodbye to my amazing group of friends here....or figuring out how to stuff them into the moving van.<br /><br />The never-ending Watts afghan part 26 of 36:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDI-H2PTvgI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/v-633biYplA/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TDI-H2PTvgI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/v-633biYplA/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490519200257785346" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-73939453451704493732010-06-22T22:03:00.003-05:002010-06-22T22:52:31.068-05:00Ab-Fab<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBV2IFc6I/AAAAAAAAAb4/70wJSR1D4jA/s1600/point"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBV2IFc6I/AAAAAAAAAb4/70wJSR1D4jA/s400/point" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485808033420637090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Spring Forward," by Linda Welch, available free on Knitty <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTspringforward.html">here</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Dream in Color Smooshy - 100% plied superwash merino wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway: </span></span>Petal Shower<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBUzz_G9I/AAAAAAAAAbg/Rmnur6tNxWM/s1600/face+off"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBUzz_G9I/AAAAAAAAAbg/Rmnur6tNxWM/s400/face+off" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485808015619595218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> Um, I'm utterly nutzoid crazy bonkers in love with this pattern! The lace looks complicated but is SO simple and intuitive and soothing. I relished working on this project more than any other project I've done in a long time. Can't recommend it enough. Go knit some right now! And the colorway? Quite ladylike (rather than babyish, as feared) when paired with this elegant lace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBVBn1FEI/AAAAAAAAAbo/uhvjCoJnzMM/s1600/cross"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBVBn1FEI/AAAAAAAAAbo/uhvjCoJnzMM/s400/cross" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485808019326702658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>Well, I'm in love with wool socks. And it's summer. In Texas. I'm picturing myself this fall, reclining in a wooden chair on a balcony in Virginia, looking down on the fiery burst of colors tumbling across the Shenandoah Valley. I've got some silky, meditative knitting in the lap and a hazelnut latte in an over-sized mug on the table next to me. As I tend to do when feeling totally relaxed, my legs are stretched out and up, so that my heels, wrapped in woolly clouds of strawberry and cream lace, rest on the guardrail edge. Yeah. You want hand knit socks now, too.<br /><br />We visited my husband's Grandad in the hospital today. He just had open-heart surgery due to a recently discovered 90% blockage! That poor, sweet man has had the worst luck. Only 70, he's already fought back cancer four times and already manages arrhythmia, severe tremors, chronic pain, and diabetes. When we were preparing to drive back to Dallas from Breckenridge, Jake got a call saying that Grandad was in the hospital, and we should brace ourselves for the worst: his heart was barely functioning and the lymphoma was probably back as well. Jake and I drove all through the night to get there as quickly as possible, but by then, things were already looking up. Lymphoma was a negative and the surgeon thought him strong enough to recover from open-heart. That man never ceases to amaze me with his strength and grace. I keep wanting to grab his hand and whisper, "Now, you just hold on! I really want you to meet your great-grandchild, so just hold on."<br /><br />Watts' family afghan square #25:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBVko5H-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/rK-zmkylZAA/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TCGBVko5H-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/rK-zmkylZAA/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485808028726403042" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-13219951057411807312010-06-18T16:14:00.003-05:002010-06-18T16:48:54.799-05:00More Baby Crap<span><span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Baby Sweater on Two Needles," by Elizabeth Zimmerman, available in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Knitter's Almanac</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Rowan Calmer - light worsted weight, 75% cotton/25% microfiber<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways:</span></span> Vintage and Drift<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9jVR2xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/X7t_6MXYv4Q/s1600/sweater"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9jVR2xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/X7t_6MXYv4Q/s400/sweater" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484225418826472210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus: </span></span>Since I still had the Gull Lace stitch memorized from the <a href="http://knitknatknutz.blogspot.com/2010/04/dude-looks-like-lady-sweater.html">big girl version</a> of this sweater, and because my friends are procreating like mad, I figured it was a good time to make this classic Zimmerman design. I was also pleased for the opportunity to completely use up <a href="http://knitknatknutz.blogspot.com/2009/07/total-happiness-on-my-shirt.html">every</a> last <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/katlewis/seamless-kimono-sweater">inch</a> of this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/katlewis/mary-jane-saartjes">boring</a> pastel <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/katlewis/organic-baby-wrapper">stuff</a>. When I went to drop the sweater off at the recipient's house, I was greeted by a perfectly matching lavender tinted nursery. Sweet. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9QW20GI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3HAKvH44JBc/s1600/side"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9QW20GI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3HAKvH44JBc/s400/side" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484225413732814946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> Zimmerman's "pithy" directions, while no doubt revolutionary and liberating at the time, lack a modern girl's demand for clarity now and then. I was a little confused if the length of the hem should be measured from the neck or the armpit. In the end, I stopped when I ran out of yarn, a time which conveniently overlapped with the moment it looked about right. I'm ambivalent about the fact that the neckline gapes open; Z's instructions have you putting the button hole after the first inch or so, but I noticed many people adapted that to put it earlier, thereby avoiding that gap. I don't know. Babies have big heads and often need some leeway in the neck area. In the same way, I dutifully followed Z's directions to knit the sleeves flat, even though most people now have avoided the seam-up by working those in the round. I guess I wanted the authentic Zimmerman experience, wild and flawed though it be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9C1y02I/AAAAAAAAAbA/PB9yQzXIM20/s1600/buttons"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9C1y02I/AAAAAAAAAbA/PB9yQzXIM20/s400/buttons" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484225410104480610" border="0" /></a>The weight loss journey has continued to be a positive one. I have lost a total of 23.6 pounds, and I'm currently in training to (mostly) jog a 5k on July 18. Woot! I have a lot more that I still want to accomplish, but the momentum is building. I'm discovering the athlete within. I even just rewarded myself with a fantastic new toy, <a href="http://www.polar.fi/en/products/get_active/fitness_crosstraining/FT4">a Polar FT4</a>. <br /><br />Still no job in Virginia, but I finally nabbed a real interview over Skype! Who knows if anything will come of it, but it's a relief that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE has picked up my resume and thought, "Hmmm...let's call this one." Send positive thoughts, dudes.<br /><br />Watts Family Afghan Square #24:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9218zII/AAAAAAAAAbY/y8nnflqQqLk/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TBvh9218zII/AAAAAAAAAbY/y8nnflqQqLk/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484225424063777922" border="0" /></a>This square kinda makes me hungry....Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-14030621350680182852010-05-30T19:22:00.003-05:002010-05-30T19:56:36.679-05:00Now that's teamwork!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBlCQidWI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ppKWS3wJyjc/s1600/heart+square"><span><span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span></span>"Patchwork Carriage Blanket, " by Tara Jon Manning, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Knitter's Book of Yarn</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Spud and Chloe Sweater - aran weight 45% cotton/55% superwash wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorways: </span></span>Grass, Splash, and Chipmunk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkyxnPGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/wSsQ13bbHWw/s1600/girls"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkyxnPGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/wSsQ13bbHWw/s400/girls" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477223303429438562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> Considering our intentions and circumstances, this blanket could not have been more perfect. My knitting buddies, Hannah and Shelley, and I selected this pattern as a baby shower present for our long-time (like, since 5th grade) friend Jessica. The pattern consists of 6 strips of 6 squares each, which are then seamed together and crocheted around the edge. Perfect, right? Hannah, Shelley and I each knit two strips; Shelley (seaming diva) mattress stitched the thing up; we roped our friend Temple (crochet amigurumi enthusiast) into adding the edging; finally, I (aggressive blocker) stretched and prodded the poor thing until you could not tell that it was made by four very different (but fabulous) women. Ta da! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkdNbTzI/AAAAAAAAAao/ziyzLYODCMQ/s1600/close+up"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkdNbTzI/AAAAAAAAAao/ziyzLYODCMQ/s400/close+up" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477223297640517426" border="0" /></a>We loved this cuddly, mom-friendly (read: machine-washable) yarn, and the colors are wonderfully modern and spunky This pattern was just the right balance of challenge and ease for a project to be shared among knitters of varying experience levels. The cables kept the advanced ones mildly amused, while the tons of stockinette and seed stitch made it doable for a novice to complete quickly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkHlfHkI/AAAAAAAAAag/O0NThEu7jMU/s1600/bench"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBkHlfHkI/AAAAAAAAAag/O0NThEu7jMU/s400/bench" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477223291835850306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> It's really more our fault than the pattern, but we were really thrown when reading the helpful diagram alongside the helpful written instructions....because they did NOT seem to match up. We hemmed and hawed and stared and were even more frustrated when we could not find errata anywhere. Oh....wait.....knitting works from the <span style="font-style: italic;">bottom up</span>. Right. Duh.<br /><br />Finally, Watts afghan square #23, by far my least favorite thing to ever knit EVER. Hate. Loathe. Get out of my sight, stupid square!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBlCQidWI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ppKWS3wJyjc/s1600/heart+square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/TAMBlCQidWI/AAAAAAAAAa4/ppKWS3wJyjc/s400/heart+square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477223307585680738" border="0" /></a>I apologize (to my two readers, hehe) for my extended absence of late. School has become rather demanding as the year winds down, and the 10-11 hour work day has become default. Additionally, I have been re-purposing some of my usual weeknight knitting to getting into better shape. More on that later!Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-56612572051678764702010-04-26T18:19:00.004-05:002010-04-26T21:25:25.611-05:00Dude Looks Like a Lady Sweater<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7kchE_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5Gg3T9Htdmc/s1600/sweater+1"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7kchE_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/5Gg3T9Htdmc/s400/sweater+1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464590306116703218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "February Lady Sweater," by Pamela Wynne, available as a free download on Ravelry<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn: </span></span>Knit Picks Kettle-dyed Wool of the Andes, worsted weight 100% Peruvian wool<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span></span> Grasshopper<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buttons:</span></span> Amazing, aren't they? Genuine Bone. Jo-ann's, of all places.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7esu_xI/AAAAAAAAAaI/A84s3Ijd-zw/s1600/sweater+2"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7esu_xI/AAAAAAAAAaI/A84s3Ijd-zw/s400/sweater+2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464590304574111506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Plus: </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">What's not to love about this design? Simple, flattering, easy to try on as you go. It's no wonder that Ms. Wynne's adaptation of the Zimmerman design is such an obsession in the knit world. I was thinking the other day about what I would do if I saw some chick out and about wearing this sweater (it's bound to happen soon). Do I hug her? Ask her if she throws or picks? Open with a comment on her hot mods?<br /> </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7HEpiLI/AAAAAAAAAaA/_e-oR9q4Qj4/s1600/sweater+4"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9Yf7HEpiLI/AAAAAAAAAaA/_e-oR9q4Qj4/s400/sweater+4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464590298231965874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta:</span></span> Oh, Knit Picks, it's a love/hate thing, ain't it? It's hard to resist the prices, but you're also buying plenty of flaws to fret over. One, the "kettle-dyed" effect seems to be wildly inconsistent from one skein to another, some looking 100% solid, some being quite variegated and watery, others being a downright different green altogether. If I had been smart, I would have alternated skeins every two rows like pretty much every good knitter recommends. One day, I'll be that smart. Notice the "band of stupidity" right under my boobs, about 3 inches deep. As for the texture, apart from the totally expected roughness of this wool, Knit Picks makes some odd, hard, gnarly, enlarged "splices" which are totally infuriating! I had the same problem with the Cadena wool/alpaca blend used for the bridesmaid shawls of Becca's wedding.<br /><br />Do I look skinnier in these pictures? I should, for I--lover of all food Mexican and all activities still and air-conditioned--have lost 11 pounds. Pretty soon, I'll be taking all knit-related pictures in a bikini. Then, my blog will REALLY take off!<br /><br />And of course, afghan square #22!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9YhX47TUFI/AAAAAAAAAaY/BduREufBKTE/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S9YhX47TUFI/AAAAAAAAAaY/BduREufBKTE/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464591892162498642" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4191513089860722715.post-84851237270218576522010-04-11T16:15:00.003-05:002010-04-11T16:44:25.727-05:00And Thanks Again!A final thank-you gift for another recommendation letter.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern:</span></span> "Candy Wrapper Sachets" by Leigh Radford, available in <span style="font-style: italic;">One Skein</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span></span> Debbie Bliss Pure Silk, 100% silk DK weight single ply (colorway #11)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8K08rnhI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ElLNDx_s8zs/s1600/side"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8K08rnhI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ElLNDx_s8zs/s400/side" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458991855035981330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plus:</span></span> These were a perfect last minute gift! I've had a random skein of silk and this particular pattern stashed away for just such an occasion for months, and it finally paid off. The recipient does not seem like the handknit wearing type; she almost always wears black, brown, or gray, and I cannot recall a single accessory she's worn. But everyone wants their undies drawer to smell nice, right? I was able to knit one of each pattern variation a night during the week and build the sachets over the weekend.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delta: </span></span>I had to get creative with the construction, because I could find neither silk tea bags nor loose dried lavender anywhere locally. In the end, I bought a couple of those cheap drawer sachets that come the in paper envelopes, the kind with the scented clay pellets inside, and poured them carefully into a draw string organza pouch. To make sure nothing spilled, I tucked that pouch inside a second one, drawstring side down, before cinching the whole thing up in the silk wrappers. I found all the provisions at my neighborhood Joann's: the ribbon in the sewing section, the organza pouches in the DIY wedding aisle, and the sachets near the candles and potpurri. It wasn't the classiest set-up, but I think they turned out okay. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8LOIiG6I/AAAAAAAAAZo/YcD2B5wBY5s/s1600/top"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8LOIiG6I/AAAAAAAAAZo/YcD2B5wBY5s/s400/top" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458991861796576162" border="0" /></a>I really need to snap some shots of my finished February Lady Sweater which has been finished for <span style="font-style: italic;">weeks</span>. I'm just not in the most to be all posey-posey in front of a camera, but it's really time to suck it up. <br /><br />I just returned from a fun trip to an alpaca farm in Wimberly, Texas. They had an "Open Farm Day" with demonstrations of shearing, spinning, felting, and weaving. I had really planned on buying a drop spindle while there, but they had sold out before we arrived. No matter, for I fell in love with another unnecessary gadget: a Cricket table-top loom. Must have. Birthday, perhaps? I also got to hug an angora bunny and tease some naked alpacas. Good times. <br /><br />Behold, afghan square #21:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8LTk913I/AAAAAAAAAZw/gKS7Z2iQPjU/s1600/square"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4GBBqmNgU3A/S8I8LTk913I/AAAAAAAAAZw/gKS7Z2iQPjU/s400/square" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458991863258011506" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862637292623997596noreply@blogger.com0