tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118750042024-03-07T17:57:51.096-05:00O HAPPY NEEDLE!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-31818705350410733922016-12-24T09:34:00.000-05:002016-12-24T09:34:42.262-05:00Great googly moogly...and a new direction.Great googly moogly. 2011. That's the last time I posted anything here. Holy cow. Well, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry.com</a> took over a lot of the original function, i.e. storing details about knitting projects. I'd like to move this over to more of a repository for creative writing.<br />
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Back in junior high, I thought I wanted to be a writer, but by the end of high school, my interests had shifted to teaching. Looking back, I so wish I had taken more creative writing classes at Ball State. I did get my degree in teaching and taught for three years--almost five if you count the year subbing at North Newton and the 6 months subbing at Brownsburg, Plainfield, Avon, and Mooresville after moving to Hendricks County. If I ever went back to school, it would be to study creative writing. I have lacked confidence that I really had anything original to write about and didn't want everything I produced to be derivative, but when I consider so much of the writing that gets published, I see very little that is truly original. I think to some extent it all consists of basic stories and themes that are just recycled through different viewpoints. So maybe I should try my own.<br />
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My junior year of high school, the English teacher did a unit on creative writing--poetry, short stories, descriptions, character development. At the end of the year, we were presented with a book of selections of our class's writings. This was preserved in the bulging scrapbook my mother compiled for me and presented at my graduation open house. I came across it several years ago and enjoyed the story I had contributed. I thought it made a good outline for the first chapter or so of a novel. I have considered expanding it since then, and I think I will place those attempts here. Maybe someday they will grow into something more. I had thought I would transcribe it here as is, but I see how thin on details it is. I will see how I can improve it, little by little.<br />
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I finished reading through the entire book of selections, and I have to say, we were pretty awesome. It's so interesting to look back and recognize how bright we all were. Sometimes I feel I am not nearly as smart as I used to be. Perhaps everyone feels that way as we gain the wisdom of age and look back on the cleverness of our youth.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-30020801791423673732011-06-13T18:01:00.006-04:002011-07-19T13:49:15.912-04:00iPod Touch Cozy<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5888432660/" title="DSCN1953.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5888432660_1fd2816206_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="DSCN1953.JPG"></a><br />Call it a cozy, a sock, a case, a protective bag, whatever. I improvised this for my husband a couple years ago when he got his Touch, but managed to not write it down anywhere. For my birthday I got a Touch, and of course I need a cozy, too! So here is the recreated pattern.<br /><br />Materials: Bernat Felting (Patons SWS) less than a skein; probably any feltable wool would work<br />Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) long circular for magic loop OR 2 circulars OR dpns<br />Sizes: ; two sizes<br />Gauge: 4sts per inch; size of pouch AFTER felting and before adding closure 2.375 in. x 4.5 in. (5 in. x 3.5 inches)<br /><br />Using Judy's Magic Cast On, cast on 20 (36) stitches (10(18) on each needle). Begin knitting in the round by your preferred method. Work in stockinette until pouch measures 5 1/2 to 6 inches. Bind off. You're ready to hand-felt the pouch now before working the top/closure. (Pouch to this point used 24g/33 yds. of yarn.)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832179163/" title="DSCN1862.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/5832179163_af0cfb1afb.jpg" alt="DSCN1862.JPG" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />I recommend hand-felting: it really doesn't take that long and gives you the most control over the finished size. Machine-felt this only if you're really going to babysit that machine and check your cozy for size every couple minutes! Fill one sink or large bowl with HOT water and a little dish soap. Fill another with COLD water. Neither of these need to be very deep, just enough to submerge the item. I make sure my HOT water is very hot by using the hottest water that will come out of the tap and then adding some boiling water to it. I definitely advise wearing thick rubber gloves like you would wear for washing dishes! Take your cozy and plunge it into the hot soapy water and rub it vigorously between your gloved hands for a while, 30 seconds to a minute at the most for this first plunge.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832733806/" title="DSCN1863.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/5832733806_6d1c5b6e7b_m.jpg" alt="DSCN1863.JPG" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Once you've agitated that thing for a while, squeeze the extra water out and then plunge it into the cold water. You can agitate it if you like; I'm not sure if the cold water agitation matters. The shocking is what's important.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832740014/" title="DSCN1867.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/5832740014_c3f19e2970_m.jpg" alt="DSCN1867.JPG" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Already starting to look a bit fuzzed. On to more agitation in hot--rub, rub, rub vigorously--squeeze and then plunge in the cold.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832198949/" title="DSCN1873.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/5832198949_25fe67ee40_m.jpg" alt="DSCN1873.JPG" height="180" width="240" /></a> Lather, rinse, repeat and you'll quickly start to see the individual stitches disappear. You need to start keeping an eye on size at this point.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832204813/" title="DSCN1875.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5832204813_f91e7bef67_m.jpg" alt="DSCN1875.JPG" height="180" width="240" /></a> Stitch definition is pretty much gone and I think it's about the right length. Roll the item up in a towel and squeeze so you can be relatively sure it's just damp when you get it near your iPod/Phone; I hear they don't like water!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5832906418/" title="DSCN1881.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/5832906418_437b5d9e40_m.jpg" alt="DSCN1881.JPG" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Length looks just about perfect at this point! We'll be adding some length in the finishing part, but for now we need to let the pouch dry completely. This one might be a little wider than I'd like, but it will allow room for the earbuds to be snug in there too. If you don't want as much room width-wise, cast on 34 or 32 stitches. If you want more room at the top, knit till it's 6 inches or longer. I quit when I did because I was running out of yarn and in fact finished the top with another colorway of SWS.<br /><br />Once the cozy is dry, pick up an even number of stitches around the top. This can be a little difficult, but with a sharp dpn and maybe the help of a crochet hook, you can do it without too much trouble. Knit 5 or 6 rows, depending on how much room you want at the top. On the next row (k1, k2tog) all the way around. Knit the next round. You now have the eyelets for the drawstring. If you were lucky in the picking up round, you ended up with an even number of eyelets, but I've only managed this 1 out of 3 tries; two of my cozies have an extra hole. Bind off.<br /><br />Cast on 3 stitches. Work an i-cord to your desired length. My blue/green one is about 12 inches. Weave in ends and thread the cord through the eyelets. Enjoy your iPod/phone cozy!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5954984586/" title="DSCN1989.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5954984586_48a9321153_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="DSCN1989.JPG"></a><br /><br />And for the amusement of those who know me well and know of my limited proficiency in the arena of Maths, I present my scratch paper:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8684033@N03/5864049433/" title="DSCN1949.JPG by frick720, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5864049433_8336f7421b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="DSCN1949.JPG"></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-86728582201841511932010-01-27T15:17:00.003-05:002010-01-27T16:20:34.253-05:00Time for something newIt's been ages since I posted anything to this blog. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> does so much of what I originally did here. It tracks everything about my knitting projects, not to mention the groups inspire half of what I'm doing anyway. I'm particularly devoted to the Harry Potter Knit-Crochet House Cup group. Basically, the founders of the group put together a way to bring knitting smack into Hogwarts. All the members playing in a particular "term" are sorted into the four houses. Each term is three months long. I've already played two terms, so this term I am a third-year Gryffindor. There are six "classes" for which we may submit items knitted, crocheted, or spun during the month. This month, for instance, I submitted homework in Transfiguration (transfigure your ravelry queue from a disorganized mess to an organized project planning resource), Divination (figure out which type of palm you have and make something to keep yours warm), Potions (focusing on aconite, craft something either dangerous or that would delight Dumbledore), Arithmancy (an item illustrating the Droste effect), Charms (the rictusempra charm--craft something to tickle someone or that tickles the professor's funny bone), and Defense Against the Dark Arts (make something that represents a resolution you know you can keep). Each assignment earns 15 points for Gryffindor house. I'm also attempting two OWLs this term: Arithmancy, multiples option in which I propose to finish 8 individual socks in three months; and Muggle Studies in which I attempt to knit a sweater to help me blend in with the Muggles. Each completed OWL is worth 150 points for the house. There's also Quidditch going on, but I haven't played except in my first term. This whole idea is fabulous, and I so much enjoy taking part. I know it's somewhat silly, but as a fan of Harry Potter, I can't help but love it.<br /><br />In life in general, my son with autism continues to perform well academically and struggle somewhat behaviorally and socially. He's such a smart little stinker. His latest obsession is with Star Wars and Legos and the combination, Lego Star Wars. When he's not wanting to play it on the Wii, he's making ships and setting up elaborate scenes with his Legos. It's interesting to us that his favorite character of the entire saga is Anakin. Because he watched the movies from Episode 1 through Episode 6, he gets that the whole thing is about Anakin, not Luke and Leia as it always seemed to those of us who started with Episode 4. The Clone Wars show on the Cartoon Network helps with that, too, of course, since Anakin and his padawan are the heroes of that show.<br /><br />Now that the kids are home from school for the day, I really must end this post and get on with the homework battle. I'll post some pictures of my HPKCHC homework when I get a chance.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-2068404309901800342008-02-12T16:17:00.009-05:002008-06-29T17:51:33.042-04:00Oh dear Lord.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e1ycSj2tEUnmT3WuqSo6cFzQAYnNN27kD-7IL202dTCxurFWlgIy09cJCSg1aTA9b_vHpvzhVmSlO_FBDV_6IDOkf85CMEdzQ7uqPqPhEY1ASZu1LyCDkPY10Uv9FI3-I0sftw/s1600-h/P2170049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e1ycSj2tEUnmT3WuqSo6cFzQAYnNN27kD-7IL202dTCxurFWlgIy09cJCSg1aTA9b_vHpvzhVmSlO_FBDV_6IDOkf85CMEdzQ7uqPqPhEY1ASZu1LyCDkPY10Uv9FI3-I0sftw/s200/P2170049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167963330179451378" border="0" /></a>It's been almost 5 months...ahem...scratch that...more than 9 months since my last post. (I've started this post many times.) A lot has happened both knitting-wise and otherwise. My Daddy passed away. Since he'd retired, he played Santa Claus for the local hospital where he volunteered, for the Salvation Army, and for various friends around town. He died on Dec. 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas Day. I don't think I will ever be able to express how much I still miss him and always will. If I write very much more on the subject, I'm liable to dissolve into a nasty, snotty mess so that will have to be enough said on that subject. Obviously, the holidays were less than jolly, though much bad behavior was excused with "Daddy would have wanted me to do that." He was quite a joker. I have been doing relatively well, but then my birthday came and Father's day, and I found myself in another very sad place thinking about him A LOT again. I know it will hurt less eventually, or that is what I tell myself anyway. The lit up crystal thing was a gift from our playgroup. He had played Santa Claus for the every one of the playgroup's Christmas parties.<br /><br />Moving on. Let's see what else I wrote back in January or February when I started this post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7za7w8CFY4Qg1aMJ2GkvadDYlmtXa_9JLKQ_-UGS4BJ1uIxjjFHPEjR18SX4qV93xo9tIo6JFfXRmfAeJRv3e40EFDOR1jaLrPPCe2uxvNu-VE56uFlsmpOQHwnJi5PWzmMS3Aw/s1600-h/PC180343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7za7w8CFY4Qg1aMJ2GkvadDYlmtXa_9JLKQ_-UGS4BJ1uIxjjFHPEjR18SX4qV93xo9tIo6JFfXRmfAeJRv3e40EFDOR1jaLrPPCe2uxvNu-VE56uFlsmpOQHwnJi5PWzmMS3Aw/s200/PC180343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167962243552725458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfErBWo3ZLW57VS5_wN6-WPQowBQ5JNCQpHrJmSKzLMlmEDdkazj7D5drYkyi9HSQ8-CsIsQAlIO9l43oBxVjONC-vLPA4ijQ8n1Dnopk2uaVSltmaF5at1THjxkPzETM7xFTcA/s1600-h/PC220358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfErBWo3ZLW57VS5_wN6-WPQowBQ5JNCQpHrJmSKzLMlmEDdkazj7D5drYkyi9HSQ8-CsIsQAlIO9l43oBxVjONC-vLPA4ijQ8n1Dnopk2uaVSltmaF5at1THjxkPzETM7xFTcA/s200/PC220358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167962874912917986" border="0" /></a>Knitting-wise I've been VERY busy since September, but some of the things posted in September haven't really changed all that much. That pillow cover is still in about the same spot. The frou frou cardigan is only about 1/3 of the way through the sleeves which isn't much farther at all. The Mystery Stole, aka Swan Lake stole, was completely abandoned when I decided I needed the needle it was on and discovered that about 2 inches worth of stitches had been dropped mysteriously while it was languishing in its project bag. Since the repair of such is likely to require complete absence of children in the house, lots of time, and possibly much cursing, it is completely in time-out for now. EDIT*** Not anymore! I finished that sucker. I'll put pictures of it in the next post. It's up in the closet and I don't want to drag it out right now.***<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD9Qff3-5Ug4Ocjt8fkalPWOgLRMHY28X5nPORog_ggsR0_-KWkJeJxCtUZdc6-ynOfuFrMUEk7nmxEhOq8eQ8dqPK4jS7Oy6rkxoafUYajrWnlfqy63faHHlezNccu58vS7krQ/s1600-h/PC220360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD9Qff3-5Ug4Ocjt8fkalPWOgLRMHY28X5nPORog_ggsR0_-KWkJeJxCtUZdc6-ynOfuFrMUEk7nmxEhOq8eQ8dqPK4jS7Oy6rkxoafUYajrWnlfqy63faHHlezNccu58vS7krQ/s200/PC220360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167964532770294274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCb0myRvpsGw_2GND_ZT7GP1XeypE-jeB1qe5XajoyUVN9xx7r8QMKu1FxOdtDTqenrQ-YUFnKErE8E5aWF0x2R98E1FmwijowBf0Efr-JPEc72Ncu8gbVIeZdXockGpWBuf7sg/s1600-h/PC220361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCb0myRvpsGw_2GND_ZT7GP1XeypE-jeB1qe5XajoyUVN9xx7r8QMKu1FxOdtDTqenrQ-YUFnKErE8E5aWF0x2R98E1FmwijowBf0Efr-JPEc72Ncu8gbVIeZdXockGpWBuf7sg/s200/PC220361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167964949382122002" border="0" /></a>The baby socks and the slipped-stitch rib socks were finished. I have pictures of the baby socks, but not the slipped-stitch rib socks. They were low ankle socks as requested by my MIL. They were meant to be a birthday gift, but, as they weren't finished until after New Year's and her birthday was Dec. 4, they were quite belated. ***Here ends the text I started originally. Jeez, I never even described what's in these pictures! There are Rose's purple felted clogs on the top left, Mom's socks on the top right. Directly to the left is Jess's felted purse (a <a href="http://www.blacksheepbags.com/sophie_bag.html">Sophie bag</a>), and to the right are Tommy's not-so-horcrux socks. He wanted ankle socks so I had to modify that pattern. Now let's see if I can get some more Christmas present pix in here cuz there were lots more!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hkOxSoqZpu6C6Gf6lyFd6xBv-99yzrOK39EdmuZjAYO4HaOQN2Y4RH86_3rLUCd1Gc4phWxUkNvvI5djTbFVtLiamD3V-uJVHtdEQWinTXgZjHf5_58YG5eM0dY9a38EFoq1Dw/s1600-h/PC230359.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hkOxSoqZpu6C6Gf6lyFd6xBv-99yzrOK39EdmuZjAYO4HaOQN2Y4RH86_3rLUCd1Gc4phWxUkNvvI5djTbFVtLiamD3V-uJVHtdEQWinTXgZjHf5_58YG5eM0dY9a38EFoq1Dw/s200/PC230359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217418299964503986" border="0" /> </a><br />Ok, these are Shadow Box socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Socks-Betsy-McCarthy/dp/1580175376/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214775774&sr=8-1">Knit Socks!</a> They are just plain old Wool-ease in heathered rose or something like that. Below the Shadow Boxes is the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html">One Row Scarf</a> in some Debbie Mumm yarn from Joann's. I don't remember the name of the yarn or the name of the colourway. It was pretty cool. Next we have some dishcloths for my stepMIL. One is the <a href="http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/petal.html">petal dishcloth</a> and the other is a crocheted star dishcloth also from the <a href="http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/cpatterns/crochet.html">Dishcloth Boutique</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDrzTxrE33bnEiyzbFu1CJl2rwdk2LeTK2Tqcs-UkFufNZkP6Zuoa0cftgCdCu9N45HYFRNdTvsopU-O0tjY5_T8Y2Bf_pevVGgPyQiF6y10sH-CWoToy_EXErwE1CJ_uZa1xWw/s1600-h/PC220363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDrzTxrE33bnEiyzbFu1CJl2rwdk2LeTK2Tqcs-UkFufNZkP6Zuoa0cftgCdCu9N45HYFRNdTvsopU-O0tjY5_T8Y2Bf_pevVGgPyQiF6y10sH-CWoToy_EXErwE1CJ_uZa1xWw/s200/PC220363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217418307169827474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjildynsWCsybSsSdP3TDmHiGIXkEiTAB51wjx4CJ8NsmINGZCl2nuJRKdIugjBokUnWYDGZIqYSm3oAP-WPV1HItQMbCgKqg_mycAbJectnEj76Eb3wpXbnIDDiD0iJpfhdARkug/s1600-h/PC230360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjildynsWCsybSsSdP3TDmHiGIXkEiTAB51wjx4CJ8NsmINGZCl2nuJRKdIugjBokUnWYDGZIqYSm3oAP-WPV1HItQMbCgKqg_mycAbJectnEj76Eb3wpXbnIDDiD0iJpfhdARkug/s200/PC230360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217418316703547874" border="0" /></a>I am going to quit on this post for now. I can't remember what else I've worked on since Christmas--other than finishing that Mystery Stole and countless socks--so I will post again soon. I promise! Hey, I have spinning stuff to post too (yes, I've been assimilated) so I really will post again soon. ;-)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-42685466241524306452007-09-20T14:30:00.000-04:002007-09-20T16:12:32.425-04:00Works in progress and things I forgotThere are some things in progress and a few items that slipped my mind when I was posting yesterday.<br /><br />Let's start with the Finished Objects. First up we have a Gryffindor bookscarf. I joined the Harry-thon Knitalong group on ravelry.com. As we reread the novels from 1 through 7, we have projects that go along. There are three options for each year, but I chose to go with a Hogwarts: A History project which just required something in house colors, something about Hogwarts, or even school supplies. I didn't want to take on a big project so I was delighted to find the <a href="http://knittingwithlaura.blog-city.com/harry_potter_bookscarf_pattern.htm">pattern</a> for this bookmark.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishEq0vLRlpkqyP5OX3mo7f1DzVTItFB4cfOmu9O8RhjQTkxGi-b7EUnaR8LIYY1fyAxNVWdrFNtUkkYdO_3PwKKv_erqSE_oYGVRSLN-GTn43vn2IhedPQkXVtyYBGkA9Gt0CpA/s1600-h/Gryffindor+Bookscarf2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishEq0vLRlpkqyP5OX3mo7f1DzVTItFB4cfOmu9O8RhjQTkxGi-b7EUnaR8LIYY1fyAxNVWdrFNtUkkYdO_3PwKKv_erqSE_oYGVRSLN-GTn43vn2IhedPQkXVtyYBGkA9Gt0CpA/s400/Gryffindor+Bookscarf2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368810800803938" border="0" /></a>It is knit in a tube on size 0s using DMC Pearl Cotton 5. It was the first thing I'd ever knit on size 0 needles so it could count as a First-years Boat Ride (something you've never done before) project too. I haven't quite decided on a project for year 2.<br /><br />Next we have my slight dishcloth binge. This is the <a href="http://www.jimsyldesign.com/%7Edishbout/kpatterns/petal.html">Petal </a>dishcloth from dishcloth boutique. I had this yarn with which I'd started a garterlac dishcloth, but I just didn't enjoy it. I don't think the yarn is particularly pretty or anything. So I just wanted to use it up and be done with it. Petal is actually the one that used up the very last. I had to use some extra orange cotton to finish it off.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DotQTBs1jSLkQVDawKl7BsF-OzT3PIC1RSn9O95ZEc82M-NnSGM4ue6eEnb-nK3zqb7xqMSxF-pVedMTVMmk7Zs1zif-F2ysUNCzVPZ2vQtrSNcTwMFavsNy5UoSsdQgtE0nFg/s1600-h/P9200128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DotQTBs1jSLkQVDawKl7BsF-OzT3PIC1RSn9O95ZEc82M-NnSGM4ue6eEnb-nK3zqb7xqMSxF-pVedMTVMmk7Zs1zif-F2ysUNCzVPZ2vQtrSNcTwMFavsNy5UoSsdQgtE0nFg/s400/P9200128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368299699695634" border="0" /></a>This was the first cloth I started to try to use this up and get it out of the stash. I've made 3 or 4 of these now. It's the Four-corners dishcloth from Abigail at <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/">1870 Pearl</a>. The pattern is in her sidebar.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3velZ98hF7FWbH9AFWZnR0j7dFVkKDqTZLBZD5dHE72fvHwDM_H56iWLrKAUcasC_tfqTpPCrIy5kWxGZy7T3yqCA_RqhyphenhyphenFVvEDZDJ157VWUVd47ZPNe0FAsJrVSQFsEDrMyEjw/s1600-h/P9200129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3velZ98hF7FWbH9AFWZnR0j7dFVkKDqTZLBZD5dHE72fvHwDM_H56iWLrKAUcasC_tfqTpPCrIy5kWxGZy7T3yqCA_RqhyphenhyphenFVvEDZDJ157VWUVd47ZPNe0FAsJrVSQFsEDrMyEjw/s400/P9200129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368308289630242" border="0" /></a>This is a granny's favorite dishcloth that has been on the needles for a long time. I started it to help a friend learn to knit. I finally started decreasing it so I can get it off the needles. I'm tired of carrying it around in a half-finished state. Here ends the dishcloth binge. For now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoedOPj2lr2c982TXv2fmS1-gHE6sm9XeJLzfY2kzeGS0bWfIWhRx-9QB8L1zmv45hvQvaIuoQmv7DvQHLh2pqPHFurlVp68qpBT3gsxKnc6N2MxxOcZ7DYcPGcQQrIZCW6_3DA/s1600-h/Granny's+favorite.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoedOPj2lr2c982TXv2fmS1-gHE6sm9XeJLzfY2kzeGS0bWfIWhRx-9QB8L1zmv45hvQvaIuoQmv7DvQHLh2pqPHFurlVp68qpBT3gsxKnc6N2MxxOcZ7DYcPGcQQrIZCW6_3DA/s400/Granny's+favorite.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112373539559796866" border="0" /></a>This is the current state of my Mystery Stole which all mystery-stole-knitters now know as the Swan Lake stole. I've been stuck a few rows from the end of clue 3 for far too long. It's just a pain because I really can't work on it with the kids around. There's too much chance of them bumping me and knocking stitches off the needles, not to mention trying to referee their spats while trying to keep my place on the chart. I've had to do surgery on it a couple times already when a stitch got dropped a few rows. It was very nerve-wracking and I don't want to have to do that again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JtfQQ_YsFnq4SJwfOQTNSrlYUGB_kjYN0ntcCHxk7W_HtRRF08vCATR4icNUsEUyfE-Uby351yYZOQEZ3_ncIkJi8k9kNX_h30wgj4TzB3QVf4zulaQoSrIicMD_CVjM7JqG1w/s1600-h/Swan+Lake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JtfQQ_YsFnq4SJwfOQTNSrlYUGB_kjYN0ntcCHxk7W_HtRRF08vCATR4icNUsEUyfE-Uby351yYZOQEZ3_ncIkJi8k9kNX_h30wgj4TzB3QVf4zulaQoSrIicMD_CVjM7JqG1w/s400/Swan+Lake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368815095771250" border="0" /></a>I'd like to take a break here for a short rant about blogger. They REALLY need an "undo" button, much like the one in Excel, where if you accidentally delete something, you hit "undo" and it's back. While trying to get rid of what appeared to be a space, I deleted the granny's favorite photo and had to re-upload it. What a PITA! The ability to drag and drop the photos in the compose view is definitely an improvement (or a neat discovery if that's something you've always been able to do), but an "undo" button would be great too.<br /><br />This WIP will be a pillow cover. It's from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Knitting-Quick-Easy-Projects/dp/0811852458/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7822153-5203866?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190317550&sr=8-1">Speed Knitting</a>. I've been looking for something to do with this yarn for years now. It didn't want to be a Big Sack Sweater. It didn't want to be a Very Cropped Top Hoodie. So far it's doing all right as the pillow cover. We'll see if it behaves and actually gets completed. I have something like 8 skeins of this yarn so maybe I can get two pillow covers out of it. The pattern is pretty mindless since you knit across on the right side then k1, p1 across on the wrong side. My hands apparently don't like the bulky yarn though; I'm having a little bit of a tendonitis flare-up and my hands just feel <span style="font-style: italic;">tired</span> when I'm working with it. The yarn is Wool-ease chunky. I've lost the label so I don't know the colorway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL44d_8Lj4DXLLy3mAKFBjl-Nudc95FwwWvSIIFqgOGF0qpGyDYZ7ugROThbxFQL-gj-uMKR06KgchlJbNKaCEdIXkYyFDHqBJw2Do2SmCjCoSgyEdPiSNYIHafWgwR95LRxD_Pw/s1600-h/P9200130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL44d_8Lj4DXLLy3mAKFBjl-Nudc95FwwWvSIIFqgOGF0qpGyDYZ7ugROThbxFQL-gj-uMKR06KgchlJbNKaCEdIXkYyFDHqBJw2Do2SmCjCoSgyEdPiSNYIHafWgwR95LRxD_Pw/s400/P9200130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368312584597554" border="0" /></a>This is my Froufrou cardigan for MEEEEE!!! I made one as a Christmas gift last year and have wanted to make myself one ever since. The yarn is Wool-ease worsted in Forest Heather which is actually a much darker green. I can not get the color to photograph true. Anyway, it's my crochet project for when I need a break from all the knitting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiYlWZKIx_rG76tzktetdgPBtQeKS7NTj4t7WiMuiLRsKEdxlX3S8YwD38-qNoDyPH2DdSlyvnnAiH-WnTZRpRYS1mcImJaY0GdRCxAt-JEvVc-ws5WLRGl7XU4HloIhI5m0Q8g/s1600-h/P9200131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiYlWZKIx_rG76tzktetdgPBtQeKS7NTj4t7WiMuiLRsKEdxlX3S8YwD38-qNoDyPH2DdSlyvnnAiH-WnTZRpRYS1mcImJaY0GdRCxAt-JEvVc-ws5WLRGl7XU4HloIhI5m0Q8g/s400/P9200131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112368321174532178" border="0" /></a><br />Other things going on in my world right now: 1. Ds is doing great in kindergarten. I was so anxious for him and it turns out he's doing fine!<br />2. My dad's doing ok. Still on chemotherapy and his appetite is therefore suffering. It's hard to get him to talk much lately so I usually try to talk to my mom sometime after I talk to him to find out what's REALLY going on. Turns out he fell six times last week. SIX! He's very stubborn and I know it's humbling to have to use the walker, but if he doesn't use it, he falls! He has to learn everything the hard way. Now he's using the walker more and falling less.<br />3. My dd started preschool and loves it. She has two little girls she hangs out with the whole time. Having her in preschool two mornings a week and ds in kindergarten every morning has given me a few precious hours to myself. Ah!<br />4. The addition is finally coming along! After being completely stalled for two whole months, we had to fire the first contractor and go with a more reliable one. Unfortunately, besides being difficult to contact, the first contractor also seems to have cut some corners so some work has had to be redone. *sigh* We're definitely learning some life lessons on this project. Currently, the exterior is almost completely done and the interior is getting close. Drywall has to be finished, repairs to the existing house drywall need to be done, trimwork and doors hung, electrical finish work (i.e. put the fixtures and switches in), then the carpet will be the very last thing and it will be livable! Woo hoo!<br />5. I am eagerly awaiting my package from my ravelry.com Footballalong group swap! This is my first ever swap, and I hope it is a good experience. I enjoyed shopping for my spoilee. I hope she likes what I sent her! I had an email from my spoiler the other day saying she hadn't made it to the post office by the deadline, but she'd be sending it out that day. I'm stalking the mailbox! I'm in a couple of fantasy leagues related to this group too. I think I'm 1-1 in both of them.<br />Keeping my housework and laundry under control is about all else that's going on around here. Wow. Two updates in two days. Don't get used to it!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-88374300840442445742007-09-19T09:05:00.000-04:002007-09-19T10:46:13.621-04:00Finally a real update!This will be a photo heavy post. I know I said I'd update Monday and Wednesday mornings because of the lack of children those mornings, but I'm finally getting around to it now. I actually updated Ravelry yesterday too so it helps that I already have all my photos ready to go.<br /><br />It has been a knitting-busy summer; I've just had lots of other stuff going on too. I didn't join the Summer of Socks, but I have done a lot of sock knitting. Below we have the Feather and Fan Socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Socks-Winning-Patterns-Knitters-Magazine/dp/0964639157/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7822153-5203866?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190209297&sr=8-1">Socks, Socks, Socks</a>. I mentioned these back in May and June. I didn't finish them till the end of July.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6_nh6QzVWwSkkac3mmNQVLgDrz8B7oeURV034WdY1imZUMDilKaNSf1W_ezv4iHMEQur7BgxBgvIdwN5TL1w6IAnLGLRqlkLMQEKbA5NcHSI05ZpssVa23EKDJvjdnjX1mYIBw/s1600-h/P7310591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6_nh6QzVWwSkkac3mmNQVLgDrz8B7oeURV034WdY1imZUMDilKaNSf1W_ezv4iHMEQur7BgxBgvIdwN5TL1w6IAnLGLRqlkLMQEKbA5NcHSI05ZpssVa23EKDJvjdnjX1mYIBw/s400/P7310591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111907883500531474" border="0" /></a>Speaking of July, at the county fair my <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey Socks</a> won Champion in the Adult knitted clothing category. The yarn is Mama E's C*eye*ber Fiber Softee Sock in the Mean Girl colorway. I absolutely loved this yarn. I can't decide what to do with the leftovers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-wjuLe9xwzTmHh0La4Ds2oxJ97lheA-VUJY8i9eGAnZxMWINp6C2Z9H2uFykHkRYb37_BBLQEtn1wvBH3RWP9XUNuHgi2ohHxJffccIZjgAuJQWB9CWiAONZ84S8n4-YlPhNag/s1600-h/P7310589.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-wjuLe9xwzTmHh0La4Ds2oxJ97lheA-VUJY8i9eGAnZxMWINp6C2Z9H2uFykHkRYb37_BBLQEtn1wvBH3RWP9XUNuHgi2ohHxJffccIZjgAuJQWB9CWiAONZ84S8n4-YlPhNag/s400/P7310589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111907892090466098" border="0" /></a>Because of the way you move pictures around in this, things are in kind of random order. These are the most recently finished socks. They are Priscilla's Dream from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Socks-Timeless-Designs-Interweave/dp/1596680326/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7822153-5203866?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190210478&sr=8-1">Favorite Socks</a>. The yarn is Knitpicks Parade.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM7d689BlMY4TeYNnd7WzGV9O2ZpmaHyjQw12VEHVfG65hlD_x2PZP4WUiOVOO_0MnPn0ElZeW2fEovB87rmS3w-A3__m2DztTMr_QfCWrujfRv24PUQjHw_DyLTz4jNwOvQMoQ/s1600-h/Parade+socks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM7d689BlMY4TeYNnd7WzGV9O2ZpmaHyjQw12VEHVfG65hlD_x2PZP4WUiOVOO_0MnPn0ElZeW2fEovB87rmS3w-A3__m2DztTMr_QfCWrujfRv24PUQjHw_DyLTz4jNwOvQMoQ/s400/Parade+socks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111912148403056482" border="0" /></a>These are Ruffled Ribs baby socks from the <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/web_projects/Better_Than_Bootie.pdf">Better -than-Booties Baby Socks</a> pattern from Interweave Knits. One down, one barely started, but they go fast. They're tiny.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEWrufTj8fMHm3Ht8XD7Ezl-cZVYTHse1FHXjg04mpKHpDf9c13KxTJVj0HfVu6epLSSv1XukIbL9jRprPDVtdPvKLbk_TNAhk-5RehY1T3m3M3Ss9-t-iyS5Rgz8oZBbLmBOpQ/s1600-h/Ruffle+Rib+Baby+socks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEWrufTj8fMHm3Ht8XD7Ezl-cZVYTHse1FHXjg04mpKHpDf9c13KxTJVj0HfVu6epLSSv1XukIbL9jRprPDVtdPvKLbk_TNAhk-5RehY1T3m3M3Ss9-t-iyS5Rgz8oZBbLmBOpQ/s400/Ruffle+Rib+Baby+socks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111907900680400706" border="0" /></a><br />In progress we have the slipped stitch rib socks done toe-up. This is one of the six-stitch patterns from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704/ref=pd_sim_b_5_img/103-7822153-5203866?ie=UTF8&qid=1190210478&sr=8-1">Sensational Knitted Socks</a>. If they turn out ok they will be a birthday or Christmas gift for my mother-in-law; if they don't turn out as well as I hope, they'll be mine.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX-b_Y3JmjcLiaUaUORIDQXMvUVq3AOAc7bW-5DmLYfpv7epU7vnhWsHCsB48VDZ18ZcjeNPvGCzgUACS2sJZlhFLwmBHognd1cm1N_LN915Wv3oDb0ZXQq5onOKgU6J9HRsG5Q/s1600-h/Slip+stitch+rib2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUX-b_Y3JmjcLiaUaUORIDQXMvUVq3AOAc7bW-5DmLYfpv7epU7vnhWsHCsB48VDZ18ZcjeNPvGCzgUACS2sJZlhFLwmBHognd1cm1N_LN915Wv3oDb0ZXQq5onOKgU6J9HRsG5Q/s400/Slip+stitch+rib2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111907904975368018" border="0" /></a>These are the Waving Lace Socks, also from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Socks-Timeless-Designs-Interweave/dp/1596680326/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7822153-5203866?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190210478&sr=8-1">Favorite Socks</a>. The yarn is Schaefer Anne. I don't know the name of the colorway. My dear sweet husband bought this yarn for me on his recent trip to Nashville. Since I didn't get to go, I told him he had to bring me back yarn. I told him, "Just walk in and tell them you need handpainted sock yarn. They'll help you out." When he picked this out, it was still in the skein. He's disappointed with how it's knitting up; it was REALLY pretty in the skein, but he doesn't think it's as pretty with the colors all jumbled up. I still think it's pretty and it's certainly heaven to work with. I'll be buying me some more Schaefer Anne!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz4UswT4m2ohPfGi1a7ZbL9cPEfeqmpcy3D1OSPRKpT0SZ-KTBEYQ1IX1vNCf5XGxJcHDngwcMOoxAUECN9F9f5tT1vIqIJglbAA3Z1m6XgKgOOHkaEFq1FvihGgTP_BrShknYw/s1600-h/Waving+Lace+Socks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz4UswT4m2ohPfGi1a7ZbL9cPEfeqmpcy3D1OSPRKpT0SZ-KTBEYQ1IX1vNCf5XGxJcHDngwcMOoxAUECN9F9f5tT1vIqIJglbAA3Z1m6XgKgOOHkaEFq1FvihGgTP_BrShknYw/s400/Waving+Lace+Socks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111912152698023794" border="0" /></a><br />Getting back to the county fair, these entries also did well. My Sherwood sweater made for my ds last fall. I might pick up the edges of the arms and knit some more length onto them so he can wear it this winter too. It won Reserve Champion in the children's knitted clothing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0xBjxCtxugA_13aAI8qo4PbB5448s5drh9BmXpyhC5sHiB0E6eCf4a6QAdyTUcE_KxoSmIptYsUWUyJyNDxzwK_LEVANnbuxEbrkcYsPYqs9bcyMzmDl4SDLdf-m74hKcNabbQ/s1600-h/P7310588.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0xBjxCtxugA_13aAI8qo4PbB5448s5drh9BmXpyhC5sHiB0E6eCf4a6QAdyTUcE_KxoSmIptYsUWUyJyNDxzwK_LEVANnbuxEbrkcYsPYqs9bcyMzmDl4SDLdf-m74hKcNabbQ/s400/P7310588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111912156992991106" border="0" /></a>My Sophie Bag I made last fall won Champion in the felted/fulled category.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g3EHdkvDHk9sgl0UH97dAxv2vI0Z_fXfbVbPbm2Ikb6EklLk4UXWZ7ycA4Ot2PCCFw2gVOV0SrSpxaIUgrxuR9beTG9N0lfclVl_Aj1-OstbuoTHytD7cNqTpChuvJwR821YOg/s1600-h/P7310590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g3EHdkvDHk9sgl0UH97dAxv2vI0Z_fXfbVbPbm2Ikb6EklLk4UXWZ7ycA4Ot2PCCFw2gVOV0SrSpxaIUgrxuR9beTG9N0lfclVl_Aj1-OstbuoTHytD7cNqTpChuvJwR821YOg/s400/P7310590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111912161287958418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylOwCje1JDT8u2QDs_HarUugYao4HAZkUQt8svUszA_-pSKr1i0SF5WSJyKHPYn4bNLzXjV4X5nut_rpQNE0ort7zGhuAtA8Fj9Sq9v5RF50zzpRNsOaUWx5kxDkNrqCDRyEz9w/s1600-h/Tuscany+Exhaust.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylOwCje1JDT8u2QDs_HarUugYao4HAZkUQt8svUszA_-pSKr1i0SF5WSJyKHPYn4bNLzXjV4X5nut_rpQNE0ort7zGhuAtA8Fj9Sq9v5RF50zzpRNsOaUWx5kxDkNrqCDRyEz9w/s200/Tuscany+Exhaust.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111920274481180610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwbSw3x4kIpy_y6JWkBZnmQmMAGeJwqRFaWsKYs_Ms1PPDkFbJSxn474I9IHM0K8HPqdVaC_bKMwxEjmtz8Dt2ej-Zjz_sphKpJ1VyWcR32TcRQuc0zxIydXe2EiH2GjhpPrMeA/s1600-h/P1010032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwbSw3x4kIpy_y6JWkBZnmQmMAGeJwqRFaWsKYs_Ms1PPDkFbJSxn474I9IHM0K8HPqdVaC_bKMwxEjmtz8Dt2ej-Zjz_sphKpJ1VyWcR32TcRQuc0zxIydXe2EiH2GjhpPrMeA/s200/P1010032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111919926588829618" border="0" /></a>There has been some stash en- hance- ment, but I swear it wasn't my fault! The Tofutsies on the right was a birthday present. I started a pair of socks with it, but didn't care for how it was pooling so I'm waiting for it to tell me what it wants to be. I'm considering another pair of Monkey socks because I really enjoyed that pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-XP5EHszriv4HwJyMMTSzn9YFET-ymR63hhvVDcqcLeERk29j4Hrr0zzH4sm3foMOWSMTIcFLsBHlGWzQAC4AOtmCBrrTTq26fnH11sX1VO9F7UpegMg8foq_IwlnSy54SXJVA/s1600-h/Tuscany+Forest.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-XP5EHszriv4HwJyMMTSzn9YFET-ymR63hhvVDcqcLeERk29j4Hrr0zzH4sm3foMOWSMTIcFLsBHlGWzQAC4AOtmCBrrTTq26fnH11sX1VO9F7UpegMg8foq_IwlnSy54SXJVA/s200/Tuscany+Forest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111920278776147922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpAs8BT36E9kDL7izaCKdsX-mjlwTPn694GEXf0VBDVWMTVqtLb4230AgKC44AMRcbsMneQCNHU745vJTeLivPrssRASQBKunBg3wzDB870bfaT3IetNF_er3pwPkdJmplcdhOQ/s1600-h/Tuscany+Rose.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpAs8BT36E9kDL7izaCKdsX-mjlwTPn694GEXf0VBDVWMTVqtLb4230AgKC44AMRcbsMneQCNHU745vJTeLivPrssRASQBKunBg3wzDB870bfaT3IetNF_er3pwPkdJmplcdhOQ/s200/Tuscany+Rose.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111920536474185698" border="0" /></a>The rest of these yarns came home from the Knit Out and Crochet 2007 held at the Metropolis Mall in Plainfield. The Tuscany Grande was in a scarf kit door prize along with size 17 needles. The Fleece Artist Sea Wool was actually someone else's door prize. I was teaching this extremely nice older lady to knit--actually "reminding" would be a better term; she had <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh43kdamP-SHMOdvtkAuP10RBL6cFHziyjRZnhIE-ou92zNVvDC-CvwQSjqKzOuIB8xVCtrEP3zt62h2I43wqx7JYT0zaGYoa_SuNTyyU4JqOWv4GYNATE7meikw90jo7rfxHTg/s1600-h/Fleece+Artist+Sea+Wool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoh43kdamP-SHMOdvtkAuP10RBL6cFHziyjRZnhIE-ou92zNVvDC-CvwQSjqKzOuIB8xVCtrEP3zt62h2I43wqx7JYT0zaGYoa_SuNTyyU4JqOWv4GYNATE7meikw90jo7rfxHTg/s200/Fleece+Artist+Sea+Wool.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111919316703473570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2wk16d7j6GOv5AER8s5BY8HTTq2yfi6x9uC7pFdvc5e22G3JVUg0jAafRp9CHaBUpq2t_kKu1G1Uhk_Lk7afpksk2sWxrD9KnGxwjeHLGva0ONXenziDLHIWQ-9eSsVNowllbQ/s1600-h/Fling+Misty+Blue.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2wk16d7j6GOv5AER8s5BY8HTTq2yfi6x9uC7pFdvc5e22G3JVUg0jAafRp9CHaBUpq2t_kKu1G1Uhk_Lk7afpksk2sWxrD9KnGxwjeHLGva0ONXenziDLHIWQ-9eSsVNowllbQ/s200/Fling+Misty+Blue.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111925239463374850" border="0" /></a>knitted before--and she gave me her sock kit door prize as a thank you for teaching her. I thought that was extremely nice of her and it was completely unexpected. I've heard a lot of good things about Fleece Artist, but this is the first time I've even seen it. I am trying to resist winding it into a ball because then I'd just want to cast it on and I have too many projects going right now. (I'll address WIPs in the next update.) I don't know the name of the colorway, but I'll probably try the pattern that was on the label. There were also some extremely bendy sock needles in the kit, but I don't like dpns so I may never use them. I can not be blamed for the Caron Fling on the right. It was in the registration package. It will probably make a perfectly nice scarf for someone for Christmas.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-18800701226288693792007-09-11T14:15:00.000-04:002007-09-11T14:26:09.994-04:00Screw it.You know what? It's been a long time since I updated, but I don't care. Screw it. I don't have much time to spend on this today either. I'm slating Monday and Wednesday mornings for official updating with pics and everything (both kids will be in school those mornings...BWAHAHAHA!). Really, I've had a whole lot going on this summer so blogging just hasn't been a priority. <br /><br />In catching up with the blogs I read on google reader (love that!), a couple of them had lists of either things for which they were thankful or silly little things that make them happy. Here's my list of 5 things for which to be grateful today:<br /><br />1. I'm healthy. No major aches and pains to complain about. No diseases as of yet. Woo hoo!<br /><br />2. My kids are healthy. A little quirky perhaps, but on the whole very healthy little boogers. If only they'd eat veggies. *sigh*<br /><br />3. I am married to one of the best men ever. Really, I don't think I tell him nearly enough how much I appreciate him. He's truly one of the best people I've ever known.<br /><br />4. Knitting/crocheting. It's rhythm relaxes me and makes everything seem right. And if it's not working I can always frog the project and knit/crochet it again or turn it into something totally different! Case in point, the Big Sack Sweater which was frogged to become the Very Cropped Top Hoodie which has now been frogged to become a pillow cover without a fancy name. (Maybe I'll provide links if I feel like editing this post tomorrow. Don't count on it.)<br /><br />5. Knitting podcasts. Laundry is folded much more quickly and painlessly if I can zone out to a podcast while I'm folding.<br /><br />What 5 things are you thankful for today?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-58836931985479723892007-07-13T07:54:00.001-04:002007-07-13T08:09:34.509-04:00Finally got started on MS3!!!My yarn finally arrived on Thursday. I was a little leery about using black, but it turns out to be a heathered black with bits of blues and greens. It's quite lovely. I've only wound up one skein into a ball so far. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUZCXZxE6Wu61s5k_TmrxcjBu7UspvhjO24iv0W7iD9HojQCfePFrYVx3g26tn8jcelxa_E_C55Mn7n4p2vsb2cA5TOo2w-dlb0KWc4_pd0iUJlq13h3mJWmzmt3Fxv6G6g8QjA/s1600-h/P7110337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUZCXZxE6Wu61s5k_TmrxcjBu7UspvhjO24iv0W7iD9HojQCfePFrYVx3g26tn8jcelxa_E_C55Mn7n4p2vsb2cA5TOo2w-dlb0KWc4_pd0iUJlq13h3mJWmzmt3Fxv6G6g8QjA/s400/P7110337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086649217017431122" border="0" /></a><br />I only got the first 50 rows done yesterday. This pattern is a challenge. It is the most complex lace chart with which I've worked, and placing those darn beads is quite fiddly. My almost four-year old likes to sit on the edge of my chair when I'm knitting and hold my hair or just lean on me. I can NOT stand for her to be there when I'm doing a beading row. The little tiny hook, trying to catch all the strands of the laceweight, and not drop anything is a bit more than I can handle when she gets to jiggling her feet or wiggling around.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPkjczg1xyWIKEWUPr9yTZPApykcjxx9FolGlaSa18PSD9IcmbLMCbbJEacGEyBLM0IqyPksEZhc49zoGUmwPMZKjZzswBQgCE8slAgSZSQIpnMtpoec3uEqYdkEv6lELLbv0_w/s1600-h/P7120355.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPkjczg1xyWIKEWUPr9yTZPApykcjxx9FolGlaSa18PSD9IcmbLMCbbJEacGEyBLM0IqyPksEZhc49zoGUmwPMZKjZzswBQgCE8slAgSZSQIpnMtpoec3uEqYdkEv6lELLbv0_w/s400/P7120355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086649229902333026" border="0" /></a><br />Above is the gauge swatch. It turned out a bit airy, but I think it will work. I liked it much better after blocking it out.<br /><br />In FO news, I finished the Forest Canopy Shawl out of Koigu KPPPM. This is a horrible picture so just imagine a better one until I can get a better one taken. Ugh.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCG8mDaLIMCv5tMvN9Baa4DHSdw5seE2WoX7f9SfFq51Do7MzzahyphenhyphenbJlhwreExps6rF3Mkqr9S0UP4Qj7GZZp3giF8gpcYgRk4Mrjk18Mi_oSx3jAUkRz-ilM_LoBQROfLzVULsQ/s1600-h/P7120357.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCG8mDaLIMCv5tMvN9Baa4DHSdw5seE2WoX7f9SfFq51Do7MzzahyphenhyphenbJlhwreExps6rF3Mkqr9S0UP4Qj7GZZp3giF8gpcYgRk4Mrjk18Mi_oSx3jAUkRz-ilM_LoBQROfLzVULsQ/s400/P7120357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086651025198662770" border="0" /></a>The WIPs are still going, but I haven't been working on them diligently. I've been distracted with lace. The feather & fan socks are still stalled out on the cuff. I did several rows on the Bellatrix socks while the kids played at the park, but didn't make very much progress. When I get caught up with the Mystery Stole 3, I'll devote more time to the socks. They're really my out and about projects more than sitting at home projects.<br /><br />FiberArts club was awesome on Wednesday. We had three brand new people, one of whom decided to join the homemakers' club. One of the others was already a member of another extension club but wants to learn to crochet and/or knit. The third for now will probably just be one who comes to sit and knit rather than join homemakers.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-63970028980093399092007-07-10T09:17:00.000-04:002007-07-10T09:27:03.449-04:00*sniff*<br /><br />That's me sniffling away since dh gave me his heinous virus. I've got it much more mildly than he did, but then that's typical. I have a kick-ass immune system, and his immune system is about as strong as an hour old kitten. So I'm just sniffling a lot, raw throat from that lovely post-nasal drip, and running a low fever. I'll live.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLITwos5gNslSAA_2fvg4-M0Rj22BgR-TWe6Xef2YJ2LPfOUZAMmnvoy3f-PtwtncwW6wq7LrMp5FR79Dp8bS3HdrKwdG1iahK3sPGeCEZYdLTYx_KDzS6l_B2xivzUwmUe-zJw/s1600-h/P7080335.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLITwos5gNslSAA_2fvg4-M0Rj22BgR-TWe6Xef2YJ2LPfOUZAMmnvoy3f-PtwtncwW6wq7LrMp5FR79Dp8bS3HdrKwdG1iahK3sPGeCEZYdLTYx_KDzS6l_B2xivzUwmUe-zJw/s320/P7080335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085558160980195154" border="0" /></a>I started another pair of socks, the <a href="http://www.socktopia.net/patterns/bellatrix.pdf">Bellatrix</a> pattern from July's Socktopia. It's a pretty quick knit so far. I have four more pattern repeats to go before I get to the heel, but I've been distracted trying to finish my Forest Canopy Shawl. I have 8 1/2 rows to go. I should be able to finish it today if I just sit down and do it. I'd love to have it blocked before the FiberArts club meeting tomorrow; however, I also need to clean the house and get to the grocery store before then, so maybe I won't get it done and blocked, especially if I can't get myself off the computer. <br /><br />The Mystery Stole yarn still hasn't arrived. I'm hoping for today or tomorrow. It only has to come from one state over. Even though I chose the cheap shipping option, I wouldn't think it would take too long. I picked up beads for it yesterday. I hope they'll look good. I had trouble finding the 8/0 beads locally; there just weren't many choices in color. I'll try the ones I got, and if I hate them, I'll just rip back and do it without beads.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-8683359260004457862007-07-07T08:42:00.000-04:002007-07-07T08:45:10.516-04:00ShippedMy midnight heather Alpaca Cloud for <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysterystole3/">Mystery Stole 3</a> has been shipped. The shipping date: Two days from now. There must be some kind of wrinkle in the space-time continuum at Knitpicks.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-23781495961430197742007-07-06T13:08:00.000-04:002007-07-07T08:42:16.597-04:00So much going onI just haven't felt like updating so now my blog is sadly neglected. Let's see if I can do a top 10 things-going-on-to-distract-me-from-blogging list:<br /><br />1. My dad has cancer. This really sucks. I can't say too much about it, or I will get really upset.<br /><br />2. My mildly autistic ds has been enrolled in a study at the Christian Sarkine Autism Center at Riley Hospital for Children. We just found out he was on the placebo--good news because it means the recent improvements we've seen in him (which have been subtle but are definite) are just a result of his maturing and reaping the benefits of speech therapy and preschool. He now starts phase II of the study and goes on the medication. I'm somewhat excited, but also a bit trepidacious as I know that I need to be on the watch for real side effects now. I'm hoping that he will be communicative about any discomforts he may experience. The drug is an antibiotic previously used at large doses to treat tuberculosis. Decades ago when tuberculosis was more of a problem, it was noted in the schizophrenic (and some other mentally ill population which I can't currently recall) population that their symptoms of social withdrawal were improved. The results of the initial study of this drug in small doses with children with autism were encouraging enough to implement this slightly larger study in which my ds is participating. We are specifically looking for improvement in speech and social engagement.<br /><br />3. Point #1 above seems to have the effect on me of withdrawing into reading and knitting to avoid thinking about the possibility of losing my dad so my housework--as well as the blog--is suffering. Short of making and sticking to my to-do lists, I don't know what to do here.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. When I am on line, I'm either on ravelry or . . . .<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.google.com/reader">Google reader</a>. Reading blogs. I love it, but it is kind of a timesuck. And then that darn Yarn Harlot seduced me into. . . .<br /><br />6. <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysterystole3/">Mystery Stole 3</a>. It's a knitalong where participants are given a supplies list and then given only parts of the pattern every week. It's all I can do not to call knitpicks customer service and scream, "Why is my order still pending?! It's been over 12 hours since I placed the order!! Get a move on!" *blush*<br /><br />7. Sock knitting. I finally finished the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey Socks</a> out of Mama E's C*eye*ber Fiber in the Mean Girl colorway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHAXwHNPOW6zuOls9tgnFHVY_YnWszXZ9A2wBtoSKRtXVv_4C7xbWWZ10rx2V9_aRdpAUzYHOzDftH1LFmRiGIqh0pxjZds53FcAmHsEG9gd-p3HMEJJU9ZvHZ5usMwqNIwVnlA/s1600-h/P6290237.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHAXwHNPOW6zuOls9tgnFHVY_YnWszXZ9A2wBtoSKRtXVv_4C7xbWWZ10rx2V9_aRdpAUzYHOzDftH1LFmRiGIqh0pxjZds53FcAmHsEG9gd-p3HMEJJU9ZvHZ5usMwqNIwVnlA/s320/P6290237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084138996411414242" border="0" /></a><br />Still working on the Feather & Fan socks in Tofutsies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7hea3uiBtRscI1CROXUnWQ9Pf6KZa0RhL9VRy7crNX9r1lEsg8eZxXSB3ww6Cl7nhanrId7pAfsSeTn7lmi3Bcp3fLWXqYvtaTH8y_4jBINL5Yy1fceTwm2ZYME40Jsu_r9kJw/s1600-h/P7060307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7hea3uiBtRscI1CROXUnWQ9Pf6KZa0RhL9VRy7crNX9r1lEsg8eZxXSB3ww6Cl7nhanrId7pAfsSeTn7lmi3Bcp3fLWXqYvtaTH8y_4jBINL5Yy1fceTwm2ZYME40Jsu_r9kJw/s320/P7060307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084139009296316162" border="0" /></a><br />Started Priscilla's Dream Socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Socks-Timeless-Designs-Interweave/dp/1596680326/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-7979658-3294456?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183744132&sr=8-1">Favorite Socks</a>. These don't look like much yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcEmN2_zGEKPg2W0_TzwtBkoo5aRgBYnbwRFVOW9uq0VAGladJIxCveXlwiwHJuEifOLtOvBUj_ExmxnCIJOT0lbsbPahSi7JLy0Z_1pOcB74gDpWj8egdprw1gLKfKjaXyzg5Q/s1600-h/P7060306.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcEmN2_zGEKPg2W0_TzwtBkoo5aRgBYnbwRFVOW9uq0VAGladJIxCveXlwiwHJuEifOLtOvBUj_ExmxnCIJOT0lbsbPahSi7JLy0Z_1pOcB74gDpWj8egdprw1gLKfKjaXyzg5Q/s320/P7060306.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084139000706381554" border="0" /></a><br />I also have four or five patterns for socks in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/frick/queue">ravelry queue</a> (oops! make that six), and I'm sure I'll add more. It may be a Very Socky Christmas this year. *wink*<br /><br />8. I keep thinking about casting on for my stripey sweater. It'll be a set-in sleeve top down following the procedure outlined in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Top-Barbara-G-Walker/dp/0942018095/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-7979658-3294456?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183744684&sr=1-1">Knitting from the Top</a> by Barbara Walker. I really want to make it, but I'm chicken to cast on and mess it up. What a goofball I am!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglchGlw_cUh_h1RHRMYXg0FDB5VQEF8jv0vLf4Lx0lLWNCDjbjgHsXHtVeQar7LjyC4qiIYfCqvkdqAj-G0HuZ-rJrojp2wB6hpINVIChYBp5UCN4_CHsKak9yUSbdQIYH1SoO2w/s1600-h/P1010044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglchGlw_cUh_h1RHRMYXg0FDB5VQEF8jv0vLf4Lx0lLWNCDjbjgHsXHtVeQar7LjyC4qiIYfCqvkdqAj-G0HuZ-rJrojp2wB6hpINVIChYBp5UCN4_CHsKak9yUSbdQIYH1SoO2w/s320/P1010044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084143832544589634" border="0" /></a><br />9. <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/">The four-corners dishcloth</a>. (Pattern link in the linked blog's left sidebar.) I've finished two and I'm partway through a third. They're very fun to work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyetRRiqnZOVWTh8vXHSJHOCeNlKVIdL3Gxy3mYCcE0COJ9tdvb4zS0Bsgq8olC-GhtbaA8847692FSafex9YCuktQAa_SuWWYO_mGCRYb6-mAc5jv7lTrMYwRIhjIAgvcFdZQ/s1600-h/P7060308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyetRRiqnZOVWTh8vXHSJHOCeNlKVIdL3Gxy3mYCcE0COJ9tdvb4zS0Bsgq8olC-GhtbaA8847692FSafex9YCuktQAa_SuWWYO_mGCRYb6-mAc5jv7lTrMYwRIhjIAgvcFdZQ/s320/P7060308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084139017886250770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRyy_EibpyVrqSGYfTU5gf83t93SooLVWejLsJrispvsVEGyKBVBEz_u4OrLORHpii6xTp69ou4bDjKPYJIdrWn-xLhs5sGbCiMTGU_NeFmJ6599Qd1dLWeqyB1QPbCYaUevRMQ/s1600-h/P7060309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRyy_EibpyVrqSGYfTU5gf83t93SooLVWejLsJrispvsVEGyKBVBEz_u4OrLORHpii6xTp69ou4bDjKPYJIdrWn-xLhs5sGbCiMTGU_NeFmJ6599Qd1dLWeqyB1QPbCYaUevRMQ/s320/P7060309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084139022181218082" border="0" /></a>Yes, that is a CONE of red, green and white Sugar n Cream. I don't know what I was thinking. Well, I do, actually. I thought I'd make dishcloths for everyone on our Christmas list, gather them up to look like bows, and attach them to the packages. Corny as hell, eh? Yeah, it didn't happen either.<br /><br />10. Forest Canopy Shawl. The yarn is Koigu KPPM? KPPPM? I have no idea how many P's should be in there, and I don't feel like going to look at the label. It's multicolored. It's pretty. It's been moving along pretty quickly, though I know it will slow down as the rows get longer. I'm enjoying it very much. I just hope the two skeins I have are enough, or I will have to make modifications.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAORYZ2UpHNCzm6SGyAe9XBIT-JJsEyQs-nH_f1QOL2gEcMN2gxYIa8mOaEtRfqEl_1SFyqwqBWg5wCEKIA5PAf5owRdJvCIZvIQ0LfjGdVrveDw0opwdlLqoNPjOM1dWpvn9b6Q/s1600-h/P7060310.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAORYZ2UpHNCzm6SGyAe9XBIT-JJsEyQs-nH_f1QOL2gEcMN2gxYIa8mOaEtRfqEl_1SFyqwqBWg5wCEKIA5PAf5owRdJvCIZvIQ0LfjGdVrveDw0opwdlLqoNPjOM1dWpvn9b6Q/s320/P7060310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084143828249622322" border="0" /></a>I can't wait to finish and block this puppy. It doesn't look like much here, but it's going to grow so much and be so lacy and beautiful when it's blocked!<br /><br />And that's what's been keeping me busy lately. I'll try to keep up with the blog a little better.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-74312470504335407472007-06-20T08:54:00.000-04:002007-06-20T09:02:15.782-04:00Another quick and dirty c&p postOk, I'm cheating and copied and pasted this entry from the Sybermoms Stash KAL blog. This blog needed an update, and I hadn't posted these footies here. I did have to reload the photos, but otherwise it's a completely plagiarized post. If I can plagiarize myself, that is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h7c5bwfefaRVNIiwrBmWrJOwE8Vrq7kqa0f4-J-Xg3kWRpsS7hotzs67e9ztcVu0qKt4ST6NoLCRXj6G9QVNyrQheCcJDQ2_ptBHUblei7oG5kPZRa1wzBeu5zDlbvPZaBy6OA/s1600-h/P1010029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h7c5bwfefaRVNIiwrBmWrJOwE8Vrq7kqa0f4-J-Xg3kWRpsS7hotzs67e9ztcVu0qKt4ST6NoLCRXj6G9QVNyrQheCcJDQ2_ptBHUblei7oG5kPZRa1wzBeu5zDlbvPZaBy6OA/s320/P1010029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078129401448354114" border="0" /></a>These are my toe-up footies with baby cables. They are basically exactly what I intended when I bought the yarn. I followed the toe-up method outlined in the Summer 2007 issue of <em>Interweave Knits</em>. It already used my favorite short-row heel method, and the toe was pretty simple too. I did them two at once also, though I did the first couple rows on dpns then I transferred them to the 32" KP circular and used magic loop. They seemed to take forever, but at least they were both finished at the same time. I used Lang Jawoll Cotton Jacquard. Oddly enough, it didn't become a stash yarn till May. *blush* I guess I just don't like my stash yarns that much. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj483FtWehJ_X2HV1_QXQs__NFf1KI_H5cMj5TqdjixNrcPcyH4oV_sJzM3ABmLG-UuzVwoV6XQw8jPkxfuWUIPHJZCY1jAuPyuqiS0cknekyz3eJMXiyI1WGUuvlUUg_UXNFeveQ/s1600-h/P1010030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj483FtWehJ_X2HV1_QXQs__NFf1KI_H5cMj5TqdjixNrcPcyH4oV_sJzM3ABmLG-UuzVwoV6XQw8jPkxfuWUIPHJZCY1jAuPyuqiS0cknekyz3eJMXiyI1WGUuvlUUg_UXNFeveQ/s320/P1010030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078129573247045970" border="0" /></a>The last three projects I started were done with yarn purchased on free days in April and May. I only bought the one skein of the yarn intending to get a pair of footies out of it. If my feet had been much longer I wouldn't have made it. In the picture above you can see all that was left of the yarn after binding off! They are perhaps a bit lower on my heels than I would prefer, but they stay on and they feel great! <p>In other progress, I have one and a half Monkey socks done. I just started the second feather-and-fan sock. In the planning stages I have a striped set-in sleeve sweater from the top down using yarn that has been in the stash for 3+ years, plus a ball I picked up at the LYS anniversary sale last week. It counts as a birthday present since I bought it the day before my birthday, and dh has referred to it as my birthday yarn. I also am making it a goal to finish the VCTHoodie that I started back when it was still wintery out. Dh ordered a new camera which should come next week, and in the mean time he has somehow managed to repair one of the camera disks. I expect to spend much of the weekend and next week photographing my stash and WIPs to add to Ravelry. </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-56076611411719298682007-05-31T10:24:00.000-04:002007-05-31T16:40:15.757-04:00Big DummyI jammed my thumb while closing the windows on the porch last night. I don't think it's broken; it's probably just sprained or strained. I used a little too much force upward to make sure the window closed, and wow, did it hurt! I have pretty good range of motion. It's odd what hurts: putting the lid on a Tupperware cup, pulling up a zipper, when I try to lean on that hand while putting together ds's train track on the floor. It does NOT hurt when knitting. This is great news because I've started a third pair of socks. I'm over a third of the way through the foot of the feather-and-fan pair, and halfway through the cuff of the second monkey. I was flipping through my summer <span style="font-style: italic;">IK </span>and decided to try the toe-up method featured in this issue. I'm doing them toe-up and two at once. I did the first step for each sock on dpns, then slipped them to my 32" size 1 circular, and I'm really enjoying them. The pattern calls for a 2x2 rib once you get to the patterned part, but I'm going to do that rib as a baby cable. These are just going to be footies to wear around the house. I think anyway. We'll have to see how far the yarn takes me. I am using Lang Jawoll Cotton Jacquard in a brown/grey/teal colorway.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjW2wSWCJMt1UAV5c476yxUmgHVISUWbBi5FeN5263kovZYA6bxPsa7c3ePPbufTEv72FzkhIU_rXHX_9lJVpvkhjUIwztHKzNDkkltOGRv2bEFdsgpuV3TybRJZZDRgNjrzNIQ/s1600-h/V0010018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjW2wSWCJMt1UAV5c476yxUmgHVISUWbBi5FeN5263kovZYA6bxPsa7c3ePPbufTEv72FzkhIU_rXHX_9lJVpvkhjUIwztHKzNDkkltOGRv2bEFdsgpuV3TybRJZZDRgNjrzNIQ/s400/V0010018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070823292415803042" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT4hfys6mbQYOPqncp3YKQ0TbeVUmawkf1kpmHVYEHQ0STd9fA2m5ATn4k0enWATLxraHoMNhuIKiP8V79QtPnOULz_2sY_61v8kEuUDa1yd0BY-0Lms4vbYVgAdHgNpcxe7Wrw/s1600-h/V0010017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT4hfys6mbQYOPqncp3YKQ0TbeVUmawkf1kpmHVYEHQ0STd9fA2m5ATn4k0enWATLxraHoMNhuIKiP8V79QtPnOULz_2sY_61v8kEuUDa1yd0BY-0Lms4vbYVgAdHgNpcxe7Wrw/s320/V0010017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070824164294164146" border="0" /></a><br />Now for a few pictures. This is what I'll call an heirloom rose. It's off a start from a rose my mom brought up from our house where I grew up and I think it may have come from the farm where she grew up. It only blooms once, but it is just covered in blooms. It has that old-fashioned rose scent. I love the way it has taken over this fence. Anyway here is another view. The bush inside the fence is an old-fashioned lilac. It was a disappointment this year. I thought its buds were bitten by the late freeze, but then no, they looked like they would open. Then we got a long dry and hot spell and the buds dried up. *sigh* The roses don't appear to be affected by either the freeze (though I did have to cut them back severely this spring) or the dry spell. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN-xd68ZNJpJ27oUoWxPdFc4E2vIsb7kL5pa3Ojwg5fZxhcOqM2TDdBmHFLCU21XmW-VE4cQDuja4MLLLO3oAEzutLPekED9TJIRsmAHM8sV0M8Zj4Klfx8lhCBOq9HoWuoHbRQ/s1600-h/V0010022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN-xd68ZNJpJ27oUoWxPdFc4E2vIsb7kL5pa3Ojwg5fZxhcOqM2TDdBmHFLCU21XmW-VE4cQDuja4MLLLO3oAEzutLPekED9TJIRsmAHM8sV0M8Zj4Klfx8lhCBOq9HoWuoHbRQ/s320/V0010022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070826101324414658" border="0" /></a>This red one, Showbiz, always looks great and does well until it gets hit with black spot. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqm6D4IPmJNWxMbVXLWEp2PowO2zNNN08knvOa8bKtiIsuGvIMohmJnsiAaS651v2tT3qR_WAM1Y8_daK8LLjkVwGmfWK7hrzGTzizZrNu4pSIEgiiSzFM0vgZ0UlLLkatnKf9Q/s1600-h/V0010021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqm6D4IPmJNWxMbVXLWEp2PowO2zNNN08knvOa8bKtiIsuGvIMohmJnsiAaS651v2tT3qR_WAM1Y8_daK8LLjkVwGmfWK7hrzGTzizZrNu4pSIEgiiSzFM0vgZ0UlLLkatnKf9Q/s320/V0010021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070826109914349266" border="0" /></a>This yellow one is Sunflare and though it doesn't look like much now, you can see it is loaded with buds. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcsRxb4JnDm3sQLLaLAQvenZVnkf3wolhx36dC7FnnmtV5-IMJWBHZxLNBvYgMhUkN51jivIwz1aYgzkijCZSWqNaW0DqjVHLhpaVjn6zYP7Qkj4LfhdjD1RRfXfsl2IihhTNqA/s1600-h/V0010016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcsRxb4JnDm3sQLLaLAQvenZVnkf3wolhx36dC7FnnmtV5-IMJWBHZxLNBvYgMhUkN51jivIwz1aYgzkijCZSWqNaW0DqjVHLhpaVjn6zYP7Qkj4LfhdjD1RRfXfsl2IihhTNqA/s320/V0010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070826122799251170" border="0" /></a>The last pic is the first bloom of Pretty Lady. She will be covered with blooms shortly too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl9VgFlPnuCvjPbHJTfkkw1TMyqtz_2RxELR8SPXhOPWxUZ-y9wHdLq9oKJ_awGkvntuzsx5fnF2gUxBzFFuhvyP19J5SEQfdBkoJsu1XtFNJ2zBisyQw7DVRUnQ4vdJNdmwIcg/s1600-h/V0010020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl9VgFlPnuCvjPbHJTfkkw1TMyqtz_2RxELR8SPXhOPWxUZ-y9wHdLq9oKJ_awGkvntuzsx5fnF2gUxBzFFuhvyP19J5SEQfdBkoJsu1XtFNJ2zBisyQw7DVRUnQ4vdJNdmwIcg/s320/V0010020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070826139979120370" border="0" /></a> I can't believe I almost forgot to show off my baby bluebirds! This is them on Monday afternoon. I haven't checked on them since, but momma bluebird has been busy in and out of the box keeping them fed.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-20324302980733159192007-05-30T08:36:00.000-04:002007-05-30T09:05:23.801-04:00*grumble* Damn camera! *grumble*I didn't think it would take us this long to decide on a new digital camera. Sorry about the lack of updates. I'm *this* close to buying a $20 kids' camera for myself just so I can take pics for my blog. There are some pics of my roses on the camera disk that the computer won't read, but dh has to recover them using the laptop, so any updates just have to wait. I finished the monkey sock from the previous update and I'm about four repeats through the cuff of the second one. (Imagine pictures here. That's all you're going to get for a while. *sigh*) <br /><br />I also knit a feather-and-fan sock through the cuff, heel, and gusset only to discover that it wouldn't go over my heel. So it's been frogged, the yarn went in time out for a day and a half, and then I cast it on again using bigger needles. I really like this pattern. It's easy, it's pretty, and it's going really fast on the bigger needles. *grin* I'm almost done with the heel flap now. The yarn is Tofutsies in a pink, turquoise, green colorway. I've been trying to figure out of what it reminds me. I think of childhood candy whenever I look at it. Sweetarts, maybe? I posted the yarn in a previous post so you can go look at it and tell me what you think, though the colors don't show as well in the skein. (Ooops. I posted the yarn on the Sybermoms Stash KAL blog, not this one. Here's a <a href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/2007/04/forgive_me_stas.html">link</a> to that entry.) When I was knitting it on the smaller needles, the turquoise was pooling more so it looked mostly blue. This redo is pooling the green more. It looks a lot different, but I still like it.<br /><br />I have made NO progress on anything else. It doesn't help that my other projects are on BIG needles and I do NOT like working with BIG needles (i.e. 11s and 19s). I've been trying to teach myself to throw in the style of the Yarn Harlot. Someone (I can't remember which blogger now) had video of the Harlot on her blog. She was so amazed at the speed that she slowed it down and narrated how she thinks Stephanie achieves such speed. Anyway, I can't do it and it's frustrating. I like my method even if it means I have to take breaks now and then for the tendinitis to calm down. (I generally can't manage more than a day or two without knitting, so it doesn't get a whole lot of opportunity to calm down.)<br /><br />I would like to make the sweater on the cover of the Summer <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_summer.asp"><span style="font-style: italic;">Interweave Knits</span></a>, but with short sleeves. I have 7 skeins of artyarns supermerino so I think I would probably have enough if I start the sleeves right below the yoke. What I'd like to try is doing a provisional cast on and working from the yoke upward, then going back to the body and working till I run out of yarn. I just don't know if that would work.<a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_summer.asp"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-78865080556161162782007-05-14T11:53:00.000-04:002007-05-14T22:34:59.763-04:00SHEness, and The Muggles just don't get it.I am a SHE--Sidetracked Home Executive for those unfamiliar with the term. It always seems that things never really get done at my house because I'm easily sidetracked by something else when I'm in the middle of doing something. That is, when I'm not playing hooky by knitting or reading anyway. For example, yesterday dh and I were very busily cleaning up the house for our Mother's Day cookout which we were hosting. I was in the middle of cleaning the pit next to my chair where UFOs go to die when dh mentioned that I might need to check on the bluebirds in the bluebird house because he'd seen a broken egg and maybe some predator had gotten to them. So I got righteously indignant at the thought of some stinking raccoon killing my bluebirds the first stinking year any clutched in that box and marched outside with my stepladder (I'm short) to check the box. The birds were fine. Momma bluebird flew out of the house when she heard me approaching and all five eggs were fine and accounted for. So I headed back to the house past my irises whereupon I remembered that I needed to replace the irises in the vase inside the house, so I got some scissors, headed back out, and cut some irises. And bleeding hearts. And Johnson's Blue geranium. Oh, and some columbines. I finally finished refreshing the bouquets in the house, so I got back to business cleaning in the bathroom and needed to get some more toilet paper to restock the cabinet. So I trotted off to the laundry room where the spare TP is kept. I remembered whilst there that the laundry in the dryer needed to be jerked and hung and the remaining laundry dried. So I did that, interrupting dh so he'd bring me some more hangers in the process. Then I decided to throw the kids dark clothes in the washer, intending to bring down more darks from upstairs to fill the load. Many minutes later after straightening the laundry room, I remembered for what I'd gone there in the first place and headed back to the bathroom to finish cleaning it only to recall that I was actually in the middle of cleaning the pit next to the chair before any of the bluebird/flowers/bathroom/tp/laundry room craziness began!<br /><br />So that's why I never seem to get anything done. I get lots of tiny steps done toward accomplishing things, but then I'm sidetracked by something else. Right now I should be working on the monkey sock, but I was folding laundry and folding my yarn over cable socks when I remembered that I forgot to tell my mom how to care for her socks I gave her (they're NOT superwash wool) so I called her. We chatted for a bit about Purdue day tomorrow (homemakers' choral festival) and she mentioned that she didn't think my MIL was planning to get over here to watch the kids at the time that *I* thought she would be getting over here. So then I had to check in with dh via IM to make sure his mother was in fact going to be here when she was needed. And then of course since I was in the computer room, I had to check my email. Then I remembered I wanted to write this blog entry so I started on that. The dryer buzzer went off reminding me that I'd forgotten to jerk and hang the damp shirts I'd gotten out of the dryer earlier. So I went to do that and now I'm back. This SHEness is exhausting! And that darks load I was going to start yesterday? Just started it about an hour ago. *sigh*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RJnOGda7x9ifz8dFn9vn82WMFnz__nEzA3oIXCA4MeazyqcWtgSDkXqYvPqKR3Q2Mbho04kFDQVgJcBi4T8S4WzRDoscntH8yDmMAclecIFKEDhWe8FT7Hg2_5nR2MmNLV3w_A/s1600-h/V0010007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RJnOGda7x9ifz8dFn9vn82WMFnz__nEzA3oIXCA4MeazyqcWtgSDkXqYvPqKR3Q2Mbho04kFDQVgJcBi4T8S4WzRDoscntH8yDmMAclecIFKEDhWe8FT7Hg2_5nR2MmNLV3w_A/s400/V0010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064605218874763474" border="0" /></a>On to how The Muggles don't get it. <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">The Yarn Harlot</a> frequently refers to non-knitters as "muggles" so I'm going to co-opt her use of it here. The muggles in my family tolerate my love of yarn and obsession with knitting. They wear and use the handknit items with which I gift them. Or some of them do. My mother appreciates the knit socks anyway, though I'm not sure she really uses the felted bags all that much. Anyway, I was knitting away on the monkey sock with my Mama E's C*eye*ber Fiber yarn in the Mean Girls colorway that I picked up at <a href="http://www.threadedbliss.com/">Threaded Bliss</a> a few weeks ago. (It is really unseemly just how much I love this yarn--the softness! the colors! the perfect variegation! I just love it a little too much perhaps.) So being taken with the yarn as I am, I trotted out to the patio to display its loveliness for the admiration of my mother, MIL, and SIL. "Look how pretty this yarn is! Isn't it just so pretty?" I exclaimed, expecting their faces to light up with the delight I feel when admiring it. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_pF4yFcO-qb1KLn3P8PcvkWBisFRMQrs-JXAoyQWt8w0cj6XrrSF-cbXrAc9CYVrvZ4zDtiU7DouqkVQDFkn_kR940EwZ1LFra4UUf4eWvrjQXGhH0EMQyjU5S-VB1NUQ1u3Xg/s1600-h/V0010008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_pF4yFcO-qb1KLn3P8PcvkWBisFRMQrs-JXAoyQWt8w0cj6XrrSF-cbXrAc9CYVrvZ4zDtiU7DouqkVQDFkn_kR940EwZ1LFra4UUf4eWvrjQXGhH0EMQyjU5S-VB1NUQ1u3Xg/s320/V0010008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064605618306722018" border="0" /></a><br />I expected at least that someone would reach out and want to feel how soft it is and admire the colors more closely. Nope. Each of them just said, "Yeah, it's pretty." Much in the way one might comment on the weather, "Yeah, it's sunny." *sigh* Yarn is so unappreciated by the muggles. They just don't get it. I didn't even bother to get out Lilac the Tapdancing Midget yarny goodness from Lime & Violet's etsy shop for them to look at. They wouldn't understand why I love it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghi0TkTi6TmGmrmFY9GS1HpnLS89UmmcG6JMeGiw4mwdzQ7u85q1NbUf0w_k1bH9566H_yTbDgUZ_a25wc-aTHvqniToLr3Bxzm9NxDimrZ-oytyPf1pIOi2592qy17JvbPuxyeA/s1600-h/V0010011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghi0TkTi6TmGmrmFY9GS1HpnLS89UmmcG6JMeGiw4mwdzQ7u85q1NbUf0w_k1bH9566H_yTbDgUZ_a25wc-aTHvqniToLr3Bxzm9NxDimrZ-oytyPf1pIOi2592qy17JvbPuxyeA/s320/V0010011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064606013443713266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmDFFobw07900Jiko1Lnz3yx2E_J8sUBTLkPOm07BR4_fRUDEKHmmPnE0H_csHIaJUAuHn7K2yJKd9Ml8jFidH6uCu4giEU7FlB-2anv630CD8KdAWh9pTwd3j4BYJfSfASbuRA/s1600-h/V0010012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmDFFobw07900Jiko1Lnz3yx2E_J8sUBTLkPOm07BR4_fRUDEKHmmPnE0H_csHIaJUAuHn7K2yJKd9Ml8jFidH6uCu4giEU7FlB-2anv630CD8KdAWh9pTwd3j4BYJfSfASbuRA/s320/V0010012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064606610444167426" border="0" /></a>Oh, yeah. I finished the Horcrux socks last week too. See the lightning bolt? The pattern is based on the speculation that Harry Potter's scar may be the last Horcrux. We shall see in just a few months whether the speculation pans out. The yarn is Lang Jawoll colors. The pattern is one of the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Six_Sox_Knitalong/?yguid=109649836">Six Sox Knitalong</a> patterns.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFipyu6yyDBuzwfIWtKOcWa5XgYOqgX3B_skAWDmUtP9FtR1IkYqJj-zaPYbll893Y7egTXAi-npUDyGe73NXI6city3rXmNaGSh1Gj_o0TIbNHMv4Nkw_TPC_pFbWzRRhwK7Tw/s1600-h/V0010019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFipyu6yyDBuzwfIWtKOcWa5XgYOqgX3B_skAWDmUtP9FtR1IkYqJj-zaPYbll893Y7egTXAi-npUDyGe73NXI6city3rXmNaGSh1Gj_o0TIbNHMv4Nkw_TPC_pFbWzRRhwK7Tw/s320/V0010019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064606614739134738" border="0" /></a>And these are the socks I gave my mom yesterday, the Springtime in Paris socks which also happen to be a Six Sox Knitalong pattern. One is inside out because you can wear them either way. Inside out the pattern is supposed to look like little Eiffel Towers. Worn stockinette side out it's supposed to look like the drops of spring rain dripping down the window of your hotel room in Paris. The yarn is Knitpicks Sock Memories in Grandma.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-46939533366615951242007-04-02T16:53:00.001-04:002007-04-02T16:59:06.424-04:00Short n Sweet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax0eUOYm7x-aBwF5MvFoaxGSM7MLbyIguW8z9HPxnXvBvH04l8tDa7xvM8ceoS5_ZRw0tp4SdZi9LstYAQoweZjofAJDGUaqwWPqlT5LS_A7Fg8uj5q4RuC8RmFgXFoxPTcthSw/s1600-h/short+n+sweet.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax0eUOYm7x-aBwF5MvFoaxGSM7MLbyIguW8z9HPxnXvBvH04l8tDa7xvM8ceoS5_ZRw0tp4SdZi9LstYAQoweZjofAJDGUaqwWPqlT5LS_A7Fg8uj5q4RuC8RmFgXFoxPTcthSw/s400/short+n+sweet.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048938178089894962" /></a><br />. . .is done and blocking. That is all.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-85699987058357728442007-04-01T09:24:00.000-04:002007-04-01T09:37:32.503-04:00Just for AMGThis picture is for a knitter at Sybermoms who just got this same yarn in a swap. Not the greatest picture, but I was trying to be quick.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii67yV2H9JQhLHiUPYc_OlFjKpqb8hT18w2v2_YqQcVsJn2KEv8yaZmJApJk1fAiaohDxLHx2ym47Y0idgrD83s0E_c7Okkpm95uKnLYnvghSkUWfodUG1BcVH7cYPoZeaWMq37Q/s1600-h/sockotta+socks2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii67yV2H9JQhLHiUPYc_OlFjKpqb8hT18w2v2_YqQcVsJn2KEv8yaZmJApJk1fAiaohDxLHx2ym47Y0idgrD83s0E_c7Okkpm95uKnLYnvghSkUWfodUG1BcVH7cYPoZeaWMq37Q/s400/sockotta+socks2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048451940547347474" border="0" /></a> I worked on these till I got them to the same point so I can now work on one repeat on one sock, then one repeat on the other. Of course right now I'm not working on them at all since I have to finish Short n Sweet, the Lotus Blossom Tank, AND sew a skirt by next week at this time. *twitch*Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-69234051270664461452007-03-14T12:28:00.000-04:002007-03-14T12:30:04.429-04:00A quick C&P<p>I know I haven't updated in a while, but I just posted this to the Sybermoms Stashalong Blog so I thought I'd see if a cut-and-paste would work. IT DID! Woohoo! Twice the posts for half the work!<br /></p><p><br />This post is going to be photo-heavy and prose-light. <br /><a href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010008.jpg" onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img alt="P1010008" title="P1010008" src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010008.jpg" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> First is the sock froggie blanket--a variation on the sock monkey blanket in The Happy Hooker. I'm glad it's done. I don't care if I ever crochet/knit with mint green and pale yellow again. It doesn't lie perfectly flat, but I'm not worried about it. I'm hoping to have it in the mail to my friend later this week.</p> <p><a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010009.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010009.jpg" title="P1010009" alt="P1010009" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; float: right;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> <a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010019.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010019.jpg" title="P1010019" alt="P1010019" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> Springtime in Paris socks. To the left we have the detail shot flipped over so you can decide if the supposed-Eiffel tower details look anything like Eiffel towers. To the right is the progress on the sock so far. This has gone very quickly and is making me a convert to the magic loop technique.</p> <p><a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010013.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010013.jpg" title="P1010013" alt="P1010013" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> The yarn-over cable socks. I have darn near perfectly matched up the stripes and am at nearly the same point so as soon as sock #2 is caught up to sock #1 I will be able to work them semi-simultaneously so they finish at the same time. I will be so glad to get these finished as I HATE HATE HATE the dpns.</p> <p><a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010016.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010016.jpg" title="P1010016" alt="P1010016" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; float: right;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> This is the Lotus Blossom Tank. I'm about 2/3 of the way through the 4th lace repeat. I want to have it done to wear on Easter with the Short and Sweet (I think that's the name) bolero/shrug thingie from The Happy Hooker. The tank is in Shine Sport and I will be ordering Shine Worsted for the bolero thingie. And I need to make the skirt I intend to wear with them. Sure, I'll be done by Easter. No problem. *twitch*<br /><br /><a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010015_1.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010015_1.jpg" title="P1010015_1" alt="P1010015_1" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px; float: right;" border="0" height="75" width="100" /></a> <a onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=1066,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/14/p1010014_1.jpg"><img src="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/images/2007/03/14/p1010014_1.jpg" title="P1010014_1" alt="P1010014_1" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; float: left;" border="0" height="133" width="100" /></a>Ok, these aren't knitted, but I like this so I wanted to post it. It's a Roll Your Own needlecase from SnB but modified for dpns. I like it. Too bad I hate the dpns so much. </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-50542319702145507742007-02-17T09:32:00.000-05:002007-02-17T10:20:25.872-05:00Wow. I really need to post more often.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFRi3y2iWjKhleMiY1bSwNhZcdLdGPDm7RxRUBh_VOsaQzScJv21I7uZPFWVjHBGsq3S2FDwOXD1Fd2xqkXpjAfu9zsezBaChQLeo1dpPRAoavg4CDwltQ2rUu1Y49S0FiyReig/s1600-h/shedir3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFRi3y2iWjKhleMiY1bSwNhZcdLdGPDm7RxRUBh_VOsaQzScJv21I7uZPFWVjHBGsq3S2FDwOXD1Fd2xqkXpjAfu9zsezBaChQLeo1dpPRAoavg4CDwltQ2rUu1Y49S0FiyReig/s200/shedir3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032516372490035314" border="0" /></a><br />I'm way behind. I finished Shedir. It ended up taking me a little over two weeks. The side picture doesn't really do it justice I think. The cabling is much prettier on, and the star on top is a very nice detail. I learned to cross the stitches without a cable needle. If I'd continued using the cable needle, I think it would have taken twice as long to complete. I'm really glad to have finished it, and I'm pretty proud of it. I don't know if it qualifies as more complicated than Sherwood, but it was a bit of a challenge. The chart was actually pretty easy to read. I put in markers to separate the repeats. I think I would have gotten lost and screwed it up if I hadn't used the markers. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasrCnIkn1kKweYxX5PLelwn0IVDYPNvld5QL13eudYTKK6Oz-RZ6xTNsqyik9BgLyCn08yH4LPyNNyU7ijCxy8BKR8a7lOg92FK85TRi-8dntdfoFxNFMkpZT50SO_31dbZAq9Q/s1600-h/shedir4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasrCnIkn1kKweYxX5PLelwn0IVDYPNvld5QL13eudYTKK6Oz-RZ6xTNsqyik9BgLyCn08yH4LPyNNyU7ijCxy8BKR8a7lOg92FK85TRi-8dntdfoFxNFMkpZT50SO_31dbZAq9Q/s200/shedir4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032516376785002626" border="0" /></a><br />This is the lovely star pattern on top. I couldn't get a good picture of it on, so I had to stuff it with a small knitting bag to get the picture. That's why it looks like it has strings hanging off even though it is entirely completed at this point. I'm just really proud of this project. I would actually consider making this again. It was enough of a challenge to keep me entertained, and it progressed rather quickly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-zjGAElWD0Y3ti0lPzgWmX3gDb-3q_ZzAxp53NxLL1aX875VidlIxa1agQAG0hw-KdsC5zaqvwDEkx9DC4xyB3bbHF8WEUxOFvZDKqSwvrCXUtUijuN6QUU4d21tw2ICA027Vw/s1600-h/shediremma.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-zjGAElWD0Y3ti0lPzgWmX3gDb-3q_ZzAxp53NxLL1aX875VidlIxa1agQAG0hw-KdsC5zaqvwDEkx9DC4xyB3bbHF8WEUxOFvZDKqSwvrCXUtUijuN6QUU4d21tw2ICA027Vw/s200/shediremma.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032517570785910946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">I would, however, use a different yarn. The yarn is natura Advantage 100% Deluxe Acrylic, 3 ply sport weight. I don't know if this yarn is still manufactured since I bought it over 15 years ago, tried to learn to knit, then happily forgot about it. I did enjoy taking pictures of my dd wearing the hat. I couldn't get any good phots of the details of the hat while she wore it, but I think her expression in this photo is priceless! She's such a stinker.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kp2fRBJrO455_0Gs76PjfnOOnMtkSC0BFq_ppk7oo8Azq0hv89_2-smob311EcZh9n_l-I3hNiMg3859VXKCOEcMHXrvzaJ_AtmIBnmgGo3Gg0Fectj5gH1caZw2MORvnRhDGQ/s1600-h/stripey+sock.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kp2fRBJrO455_0Gs76PjfnOOnMtkSC0BFq_ppk7oo8Azq0hv89_2-smob311EcZh9n_l-I3hNiMg3859VXKCOEcMHXrvzaJ_AtmIBnmgGo3Gg0Fectj5gH1caZw2MORvnRhDGQ/s200/stripey+sock.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032518537153552562" border="0" /></a>What else have I been working on? This stripey sock! It's a pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704/sr=8-1/qid=1171724613/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3788337-6735838?ie=UTF8&s=books"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sensational Knitted Socks</span></a>. I did the heel differently; it's the same heel used in the baby socks I made a couple months ago. I find the yarn-over/backwards yarn-over method much easier than the wrap & turn method. I like doing this toe-up too. I think these socks will actually fit me! I need to get me a digital scale so I can measure out the yarn till there's only 50 grams left and make sure I have enough for the second sock. I still haven't figured out the stripe repeat yet. It started with orange stripes, then THREE pink stripes, then THREE orange stripes, and now it's been TWO stripes the rest of the way. What gives? How does this make sense? I keep thinking at some point I'll run into a section of three stripes again, but so far that hasn't happened. How am I supposed to make them match? I don't know if I can have totally not matching socks. I think that would bother me a lot. We'll see. I will be taking a break from the socks for a little while since my wrists started bothering me this morning. Darn teeny needles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqukr1XN_YF1CzoKkvTX392lQIBQj6bPLGnnhkQKMwVXeIEZh0iJ0FKREVzx8UyyGhbLRnKXNFOe7xAEZic32OeH2qWyPgnL1xjMXGdSJg2lS1NgIQIByeMrnlCpCO2T2WVqQkRw/s1600-h/vcthoodie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqukr1XN_YF1CzoKkvTX392lQIBQj6bPLGnnhkQKMwVXeIEZh0iJ0FKREVzx8UyyGhbLRnKXNFOe7xAEZic32OeH2qWyPgnL1xjMXGdSJg2lS1NgIQIByeMrnlCpCO2T2WVqQkRw/s200/vcthoodie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032520371104587970" border="0" /></a>The other project that I've been spending a considerable amount of time with is the <a href="http://www.magknits.com/Feb07/patterns/vcth.htm">Very Cropped Top Hoodie</a> from <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Magknits</span>. I'm using the yarn from my frogged Big Sack Sweater. Rather than making it a truly very cropped top, I put the body on waste yarn so I can pick it back up and add length after I make sure I have enough yarn to finish both sleeves. It might not end up being a hoodie at all if I run out of yarn. No biggie.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />If you're wondering how the Lotus Blossom Tank is going, just scroll down a couple entries. It still looks like it did. I just can't bring myself to work on a summer top when there's several inches of ice/snow on the ground.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-14181811314468167522007-02-08T08:39:00.000-05:002007-02-03T08:07:12.185-05:00Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Dq9mBga2Bar2no5c9bMnjDZoBL_C5k5E35NCgXoyZH2g-9KHdSrxs_2nefdYBt92edA9qUl_3b9xxEem6HYiCJDYQK08d7BZQwz2dImm1GtnvobejufNlT-Za3UxDCyug3pyng/s1600-h/shedir2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Dq9mBga2Bar2no5c9bMnjDZoBL_C5k5E35NCgXoyZH2g-9KHdSrxs_2nefdYBt92edA9qUl_3b9xxEem6HYiCJDYQK08d7BZQwz2dImm1GtnvobejufNlT-Za3UxDCyug3pyng/s320/shedir2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029158232050573314" border="0" /></a><br />I have been working on things since my last post. In this shot you can see the cabling on Shedir. The color in this picture is not at all true. The actual color is flat black, hence the inability to see any details in the previous picture of this project. It's more fun to work on now, and I'm learning some new techniques for crossing stitches without using a cable needle. It's still not automatic, but it's easier than using the cable needle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChfB1hjmN_XzMvvJbKn0t9IKoKYt1vWNdCjo6_u1_5Z_irt57CURFmOZSYjQRJ4Q-ELweRg-SzyX4DCnhf7QPzMh46vuUD1-UN1-o57S8Z8u6dNjwihwlf2TKHBKKi5v9iGzMiQ/s1600-h/sock3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChfB1hjmN_XzMvvJbKn0t9IKoKYt1vWNdCjo6_u1_5Z_irt57CURFmOZSYjQRJ4Q-ELweRg-SzyX4DCnhf7QPzMh46vuUD1-UN1-o57S8Z8u6dNjwihwlf2TKHBKKi5v9iGzMiQ/s320/sock3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029158893475536914" border="0" /></a> Here is the sock. It's coming along nicely. I think I only have about an inch before starting the short rows for the heel. It's hard to tell with the dpns since I can't try it on as easily as if it were on 2 circulars. I might have to put some waste yarn in it to try it to make sure before I start the heel. I'll rip it back if I turn the heel too soon and redo it, but I'd rather avoid that if I can. Once I get to the ankle on this sock, I'm going to do the other sock of the pair up to the same point so I can make sure they end up close to the same length. I'd hate to have a short one because I ran out of yarn. <br /><br />Any of the other stash projects that are in progress have experienced NO progress over the last few days. I cast on the <a href="http://www.magknits.com/Feb07/patterns/vcth.htm">Very Cropped Top Hoodie</a> with the yarn unraveled from the Big Sack Sweater. It doesn't look like much yet so I chose not to photograph it yet. I will leave you with a picture of my knitting chair:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDDtVhqgWv913F1LVgsuij9uIjtSPy36W0Q8XaBoyCC74KF1brRqeiohBWpV73wIWu2pWJXBHiVx25XZysqPwieb9qA1xDjpUnZG1jUcvXlrxWyWsVM_OL4e6IzI_nwxS8OBr5Q/s1600-h/knitting+spot.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDDtVhqgWv913F1LVgsuij9uIjtSPy36W0Q8XaBoyCC74KF1brRqeiohBWpV73wIWu2pWJXBHiVx25XZysqPwieb9qA1xDjpUnZG1jUcvXlrxWyWsVM_OL4e6IzI_nwxS8OBr5Q/s400/knitting+spot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029161247117615138" border="0" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-21600179418259672182007-02-02T19:08:00.000-05:002007-02-02T19:09:22.557-05:00<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#A67C51" align=center><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><b>You are Milk Chocolate</b></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C69C6D"><center><img src="http://images.yournewromance.com/whatkindofchocolateareyouquiz/milk-chocolate.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><font color="#000000"><br />A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds.<br />You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life.<br />Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.</font></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://ynr.blogthings.com/whatkindofchocolateareyouquiz/">What Kind of Chocolate Are You?</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-59434700338937704592007-02-02T08:46:00.000-05:002007-02-02T13:24:15.406-05:00Stash WIPsI'm participating in a <a href="http://isittimetoknityet.typepad.com/sybermoms_stashkal/">Stashalong</a> with others in the craft forum at Sybermoms. The idea is to avoid buying yarn as long as possible. Probably every knitter/crocheter has a stash of yarn they've bought for projects that were abandoned, projects that were never started, leftovers from completed projects, yarn we fell in love with at the store but for which we couldn't find the perfect project, etc. If you click on the link, you can go to the blog for the Stashalong. As a result I have a lot of projects on the needles that are from yarn that's been in my stash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8K7bo6OMyHiQHue-cnFk1c4oxRbwqDePUZDhfSOK5KCBTh_WnO0dv0GFK-bqw-NEvWBDnE9AduFNaQIfTmipw8-hwE-aG_k02r_Txy17bshBqPOVyV_kAxjZULiRitkcrF3nMg/s1600-h/lbt.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8K7bo6OMyHiQHue-cnFk1c4oxRbwqDePUZDhfSOK5KCBTh_WnO0dv0GFK-bqw-NEvWBDnE9AduFNaQIfTmipw8-hwE-aG_k02r_Txy17bshBqPOVyV_kAxjZULiRitkcrF3nMg/s320/lbt.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026933961185273490" border="0" /></a> This is the Lotus Blossom Tank from the Summer 2006 issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Interweave Knits. </span>I'm about halfway through the third lace repeat. I think this will be very pretty when it's done, and it's been fairly interesting to work on. The yarn is Knitpicks Shine sport in Cream. I had originally made the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATThoneymoon.html">Honeymoon Tank</a> from this yarn, but decided it was too bare for me. Just not my style. I'm thinking this one will be much more me. I love working with Shine. It's not as hard on my wrists as most cotton yarns, and the modal gives it a beautiful sheen. This is also the first official stash project cast on from scratch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkjVBnglRwnVIsJqnD6STUc-46klwpkkdPh5fiQA7VCZPIlPm08CEms-LUF1cRr4yPQBAoCFuz31arn3Yo4V8sNlGesu3wz0ILsHGOvZ8y8KUC_fMfKYjSy88OJGbg3eucDvi7w/s1600-h/finished+socks.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkjVBnglRwnVIsJqnD6STUc-46klwpkkdPh5fiQA7VCZPIlPm08CEms-LUF1cRr4yPQBAoCFuz31arn3Yo4V8sNlGesu3wz0ILsHGOvZ8y8KUC_fMfKYjSy88OJGbg3eucDvi7w/s320/finished+socks.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026937010612053666" border="0" /></a>These socks were cast on well over a year ago. I can't remember exactly when. I originally started them for a pair of boy-girl twins. Sadly, I'm sure those babies have outgrown them by now. I had completed one of the blue socks on dpns, decided that it would take forever and I'd likely get bored before completing four socks on dpns, and cast on the second blue and first of the pink onto 2 circulars. Then I got bored. The truly pitiful part of this is that I got bored with only 5 rows to go before the toe shaping. These took me no time at all to finish. I will hang my head in shame for leaving these OTN for so long when they were really so close to completion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiiYfaJYPjzZF3dJWq7DovAZE4BoXWUR97aS6DI4sDuqgDwXBiFdCPziOqgclv5Osz9_-fpEexs2Vu3tRsp-bXDODNh4GM3O0Zlc7BATpg2MhebrogFnlDXU6djfmoPwJ_-C7BQ/s1600-h/shedir.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiiYfaJYPjzZF3dJWq7DovAZE4BoXWUR97aS6DI4sDuqgDwXBiFdCPziOqgclv5Osz9_-fpEexs2Vu3tRsp-bXDODNh4GM3O0Zlc7BATpg2MhebrogFnlDXU6djfmoPwJ_-C7BQ/s320/shedir.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026939299829622450" border="0" /></a>This is a hat for a friend who has cancer and expects to be losing her hair shortly. It is from the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/knittyF04surp.pdf">special breast cancer issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Knitty</span></a>. The name of the pattern is Shedir, and it is the second in the issue. You'll note from the picture that it's a lovely cap with several cable crossings, none of which you can see in the picture of my work thus far. I hate working with black, but my friend requested black. I will deal with it. Maybe I'll get an <a href="http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=113710&PRODID=130554">OTT-lite</a> for Valentine's Day out of this. (Yes, that's a hint if you ever read my blog, sweetie!) I'm taking a break from it right now to work on. . .<br /><br />Toe-up Socks! These are the yarn-over cable socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704/sr=8-1/qid=1170426366/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5195112-7062249?ie=UTF8&s=books">Sensational Knitted Socks</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa-PsmLVAyl3SQ49YS8RoZfozCF5Dnct2njysqWYLVUaHbTXstUmktxSKgTcR78L6y0grz6x3Js_mBNL-zVhii59UK2lyQ0s22KvnBvdUTgoAFF20Gw3hpkruEZYX6Q4VyXaduw/s1600-h/sock.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa-PsmLVAyl3SQ49YS8RoZfozCF5Dnct2njysqWYLVUaHbTXstUmktxSKgTcR78L6y0grz6x3Js_mBNL-zVhii59UK2lyQ0s22KvnBvdUTgoAFF20Gw3hpkruEZYX6Q4VyXaduw/s320/sock.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026941799500588738" border="0" /></a> by Charlene Schurch. The yarn was an impulse buy when I was picking up a second ball of yarn for the Branching Out scarf for stepMIL. I haven't figured out the striping pattern yet. I thought it would go from maroon/orange to maroon/pink to maroon/yellow, but it went back to maroon/orange before the yellow showed up. Interesting. It's a cotton/wool blend yarn. So far it is not bothering my wrists too much. I started those yesterday and that's how much I had finished yesterday afternoon. I thought I'd do them on dpns for a change, and I really just don't like them! I'll stick with them since the only other size 1s I have are a knitpicks circular which I could use for magic loop, but I would hate it if it turned out to be slightly a different size.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f1rEV-KS44hRoP-jR92V37AvtiGqZtwNfMTlz2iv_VpR8YMPEaEcoxVz1SKu0rGjsjVD3qYtUqGhqs_a3f0OBKqCKkMIjpUE_FryNd-mkXclJ9GOivGZzBWmZp-KOUCIhGSogg/s1600-h/sfh.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f1rEV-KS44hRoP-jR92V37AvtiGqZtwNfMTlz2iv_VpR8YMPEaEcoxVz1SKu0rGjsjVD3qYtUqGhqs_a3f0OBKqCKkMIjpUE_FryNd-mkXclJ9GOivGZzBWmZp-KOUCIhGSogg/s320/sfh.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026998445824255698" border="0" /></a> As it is these next socks are on a susan bates size 2 (2.75 mm) and a knitpicks size 2 (3.0 mm). I'm hoping that won't matter too much. I hate hate hate hate hate these socks. They began as doubleknit socks a la <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATextreme2in1.html">extreme knitting</a>. Once I'd mastered the technique, I got bored with it. It also seemed to hurt my hands, but that might be the yarn since it's 100% acrylic. (The self-striping seduced me, and I neglected to check the fiber contents on the label.) I'm bored with them, and I think they're going to come out too big since the nasty acrylic doesn't seem to have much stretch at all.<br /><br />That actually is it for things on the needles at present. I'm not counting the Big Sack Sweater from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761132589/sr=8-8/qid=1170440201/ref=pd_bbs_8/103-5195112-7062249?ie=UTF8&s=books">Stitch n' Bitch</a> because it will be frogged. I discovered that I already had a sweater almost identical to it. Dh had given it to me a few Christmases ago. It's oversized, has raglan seaming, and has a rope cable going up the center front just like the Big Sack Sweater. The only differences would have been the color and the rolled edges of which I'm not a huge fan anyway. The only other thing actually on a needle is the dishcloth which I've discussed before. I haven't felt like throwing lately, so I haven't worked on it.<br /><br />The best thing about all of these projects? None of them have a deadline so I don't have to be monogamous with any of them. I think that will work out nicely.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-54578970197642105682007-01-21T08:35:00.000-05:002007-01-21T08:44:21.106-05:00You can only imagine my frustration.Dh fixed the camera disk. I can take pictures again. So yesterday I took <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">sixteen</span></span> knitting-related photos. I decided to save them to the computer so I could work on an obscenely long and photo-loaded entry that would make those with dial-up weep into their cereal. . .or whatever. Imagine my frustration when I insert the disk into the computer, and the computer recognizes the disk, but insists there is <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">nothing</span></span> there. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">0 items. 0 bytes. WTF?!</span></span> I took a deep breath and removed the disk from the computer. Put it back in the camera. Viewed my photos on the camera. They are still there. The computer can insist the disk is empty all it wants but <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I</span></span> know better. When dh awakes, I will assign him the task of figuring out how in the blazes I can get the photos on the blog when the computer doesn't think there are any. (He still hasn't taught me HTML.)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-45675831437061547042007-01-19T13:15:00.000-05:002007-01-19T13:31:58.834-05:00I just can't do it.There has been no break in knitting. I may be doing a little less than usual overall, but I certainly haven't stopped. I wear my ugly wrist things pretty much all the time which I think helps. I finally broke out of ribbing and into the plain stockinette part of the extreme socks. I'm finding it much easier to just use both hands instead of one of those thimbles that separates the yarns. I'm still not adept at throwing and tend to just drop the right-hand yarn completely when I do the left-hand stitches and pick it back up when I need it again. I'm changing my left-hand technique a little too. After watching Cat Bordhi on the Knitty Gritty, I've picked up her little thing she does with her middle finger to help wrap the yarn rather than doing so much scooping/picking with the needle by the right hand. Maybe it's saving some strain on the right wrist; who knows since I have to throw with the right anyway every other stinking stitch. I like the concept of double-knitting the socks and being finished with them both at the same time, and there's the whole mystique of the Extreme Knitter, but honestly it's kind of a pain in the rear. Next time I'll just do two on two circulars if I want to do them at the same time. But hey, I can say I've done it.<br /><br />The Lotus Blossom Tank is coming along nicely. I'm about halfway through the third lace repeat. If I make the medium size, I'd be able to move on to the stockinette after the fourth repeat. I'm leaning toward the medium, though it will give me NO ease in the bust, because I'm using cotton yarn which has NO memory, and the last tank I made with this yarn just didn't fit well even when made to specifications for my size. We'll see what happens.<br /><br />I still haven't dug out the baby socks on two circulars. I don't know why I have such a mental block about those things. I think it's the guilt of knowing the babies for which they were intended are going on two years old and will never wear these socks. Some other babies will have to get these socks. Maybe I'll pull them out this afternoon just to finish them and be done with them. Or maybe I'll finish the dishcloth. It would give me more practice throwing. I'm feeling very "attention-span-of-a-gnat" with regards to my projects today. So far I've done one row on the dk socks, not even a full row on the LBT, and I'm dying to dig out something else to work on. Tsk. Maybe I'll just completely thumb my nose at the knitting altogether and do a froggie blanket granny square!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11875004.post-74710251199134346712007-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:002007-01-17T10:48:08.831-05:00Now I've done it.Maybe too much handwork yesterday. Personally, I think it was the crocheting that did me in. Anyway, when the boychild woke me up at 4-something a.m. coughing--at which point I felt compelled to leave my bed, get him a drink of water, a dose of cough syrup, and more water despite the fact that he was actually pretty much asleep and may not have been too bothered by the coughing--while trying to get back to sleep, my wrists started throbbing. Throbbing might be too gentle a word. They were actually sharp pains at the time. They took turns too. First it was the left, which didn't want to stop no matter what position I lay in. Then the right joined in and at some point took over completely for the left. The right was still throbbing when I woke up this morning. That's why I'm blaming it on the crocheting. <br /><br />Yesterday, I made two froggie faces (well, actually heads...they're still faceless at this point) and two granny squares for the froggie take on the Sock Monkey Blanket. (Link to modifications posted on craftster in a post below) Since crocheting involves mainly the right hand, I'm blaming the froggies. Yes, I worked on a couple knitting projects yesterday (the Lotus Blossom Tank and the double-knit socks), but I don't think I completed even a row of the tank and only 2 or 3 rows of the socks. How could the knitting be to blame? No, it's gotta be the crochet's fault. All the years in which I did nothing but crochet set me up for this. Maybe I'll start referring to this wrist problem as "an old crocheting injury" in the way that a man might refer to his limp as an old football injury. I'm sure it would shut up all the inquisitive cashiers, librarians, anybody-I-run-into-on-a-daily-basis from continuing their inquiry into "what happened to your wrist" when they notice the really unattractive wrist support thingies that I use. (No, really. They're <a href="http://www.berroco.com/handeze_glove.html">ugly</a>. Except my right one is a darker tone, more of a tan color, and my left is black. They help some.)<br /><br />Anyway, the dear, dear husband is begging me to take a week off again. (I only made it 4 days last time I vowed to take off a week.) Perhaps I can use the time to spiff up this blog and add lots of fancy links and buttons. We've decided to tape American Idol tonight (dh can't STAND to watch the early rounds) and spend the now free time to teach me HTML which he says he knows like the back of his hands. I will take copious notes in the hope that I won't have to IM dh at work or dear friend Laura to help me when I get stuck and strange things happen to my blog. Or things disappear from it. Really, they need a detailed "blogger for dummies" help site. The blogger help section just isn't that helpful to me.<br /><br />DH will also work on the camera tonight if I have to fashion a cattle prod from knitting needles and extension cords. With luck we'll have some pictures and REAL knitting content tomorrow.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18224944319832537764noreply@blogger.com0