tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19410726900198213782024-03-13T20:53:49.327-04:00200 shawl projectconstantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-43163794111915721452012-03-05T13:30:00.000-05:002012-03-05T13:30:55.793-05:00post-vacation wrapI was fortunate enough to be granted vacation time before going live taking new cases from new folks on my new product. Given all of that, when I was allowed out of the office I refused to step foot near my computer.... possibly not my best choice, but definitely helpful. I have almost bitten through my night-time mouth guard, which tells me that my stress levels are not great.<br />
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The last 10 days have been a combination of really fantastic results, and really horrible screw ups (mostly not mine, for a change).<br />
<br />
The highlights then:<br />
got to teach my shawl students the fine art of blocking. They were rightfully happy and proud of their work.<br />
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have filled 1/2 of a notebook with sketches of different ideas that have been floating around my head. I might even get to knitting some of them sometime.<br />
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finished a dk-weight pattern in the aran weight yarn we had. It even looks well done.<br />
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got to spend some time with my parents<br />
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got to replace the terrible kitchen cart that crushes our bread every time we try for silverware (this one is a big improvement)<br />
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I know I still need to write up my review of 1. the bamboo clicks needle set, and 2. gloves in a bottle.<br />
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I also need to find my camera to illustrate what happens to the needles I use. I don't step on them, or drop them in standing water, or anything like that. But I end up going through my circulars at a rate of about every 4-6 projects, and I have a spectacular example of what happens to the needles and why I am constantly replacing them.<br />
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To be fair, some of them do last longer. I've just found that they wear out around the 6 week mark if I use them every day. <br />
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Anyway, sorry for disappearing. I've got a bunch of things I'm trying to juggle into place, all of which are exciting... but I do need to focus on one or two instead of urging all of them to the finish line to get them done. :)constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-90049237475377281802012-02-15T08:51:00.000-05:002012-02-15T08:51:24.912-05:00Revenge of the SinusesI often have a light 'cold' due to pollen and dander allergies. Anyone who has more than one cat (check) and lives around green things (check) will occasionally come down with something that is uncomfortable but noncommunicable.<br />
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I am actually ill. It's been a while since I was this ill, and it reminds me of how good I normally have it.<br />
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I won't be updating a lot, but I did want to stop by and let folks know I'm 1 not dead, 2 not knitting at the moment (don't want to transmit ick via lovingly knit garments), and 3 that I've got a surprisingly good product review to put up shortly for something I expected to feel ambivalent about.<br />
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Since I'm probably not making sense, I'll leave it there.<br />
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Stay warm, stay well, and happy knitting.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-3767744397525849072012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-07T08:00:21.453-05:00Noro Virus, who thought that name was a good idea?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, this weekend I saw a friend that we haven't seen in months. All was going well until he mentioned that he'd recently (the previous week) had the Noro Virus.<br />
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My thoughts went something like this:<br />
Wait, this Noro Virus?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/476318340_3a108c4afb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/476318340_3a108c4afb_z.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/noro-striped-scarf" target="_blank">Jared Flood's Noro Striped Scarf. Photo & finished work also JF.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3795402218_cf8bf452a1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3795402218_cf8bf452a1_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/daybreak" target="_blank">Stephen West's daybreak. Photo & finished work also SW.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hmm he's a dude, he wouldn't be thinking THIS Noro Virus would he?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knitwhits/31613014/lanesplitter_1_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knitwhits/31613014/lanesplitter_1_medium2.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lanesplitter" target="_blank">Tina Whitmore's Lanesplitter Skirt. Work and photo TW.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>No, he meant THIS Norovirus:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHe0O8V-gYDQGUHNCD6vIvuneB36AH7di9nsijjtQixKthhWb4cw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHe0O8V-gYDQGUHNCD6vIvuneB36AH7di9nsijjtQixKthhWb4cw" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://archive.planet-science.com/outthere/lifemasks/mask.php?kingdom=viruses&species=norovirus" target="_blank">Planet-Science.com's norovirus explanation.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Looks like someone is getting <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bacteria" target="_blank">THESE PUPPIES</a> for christmas this year.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-66619490015917172302012-01-31T14:54:00.000-05:002012-01-31T14:54:19.752-05:00where has all the elegance gone?Ok, maybe I'm just in a horrible mood because I'm stuck training on a product that does the exact same thing as the previous product I supported... only with more overhead and less elegance and more bugs...<br />
<br />
but today's Aran block is just really reaching me.<br />
<br />
I am not the biggest fan of bobbles, since mostly I find them to be overdone. When it looks like the block needs billy banding prior to going out in public, it's a bit off-putting.<br />
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This block uses overly complicated cabling (4/3/4) and aggressively ugly bobbles to ... use more yarn than all the previous blocks and still look unappealing. So far, I've shown 4 people this block and gotten the same "yuck" response. A couple of them asked me if I was sure I was up to doing cables, since these look so overdone and unprofessional. I showed them the picture of the original block, and they agreed that this knitting 100% matches the designer's block.<br />
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Bleah. <br />
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Elegance. It works in knitting, it works in software. constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-12214903125980166192012-01-30T12:16:00.000-05:002012-01-30T12:16:04.867-05:0017 down, 7 to goLast week was a training week. I was not able to post. This week is also a training week, but not today. <br />
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The Aran Afghan project: I've knit 17 out of 24 of the squares, and will be working on this while listening to the instructor. Once I understand the logic of a block I can carry on for the length needed without thinking about it or looking at my hands. Understanding the logic in the designer's plan and being very practiced makes the knitting a simple mechanical pleasure instead of a major challenge. There are 2 blocks that I know I will not be able to do this with, so I am going to save those for the weekend.<br />
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I finished a major repair job last week that I can't give too many details for. Which is a real pity, because it was a fun and interesting challenge. The repair involved steeking, sewing together in a stitch pattern, and then light felting to blend it into the rest of the finished work. I can say I did the repair, but promised that the original knitter would never know that it happened so I can't show pictures or more details. It has prompted the beginnings of a new class, though. I'm working out how to teach folks how to do this, because frankly it was more of a challenge to figure out how I would do it than the doing ended up being.<br />
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The folks at the Spotted Sheep have asked if I would consider a fix-on-the-fly class as well. I don't have a problem with that, as part of what I spend knit nights doing is showing knitters how to repair their knitting without ripping out. It's a valuable thing to know how to do. There are literally thousands of great instructions on the web, and I'm sure almost as many youtube videos. But a lot of people learn better with hands-on. So I'm considering swatches and presentation.<br />
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If nothing else, it's a fun exercise to write up a plan even if I don't end up being the one to teach things.<br />
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Also, I have a new stole that is on the needles. I am not sure how I like the pattern, so once I get another 6 inches I will be putting up a progress shot and see if it's just me.<br />
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Anyway, I've got 12Gig downloads to unpack in preparation for tomorrow. But I did want to make an appearance.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-19607092909756461582012-01-20T11:41:00.000-05:002012-01-20T11:41:39.314-05:00work stuffSo, the public announcement happened and I got moved at work. <br />
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I'm finding that although I am excited about learning something new, I'm not as okay as I had thought I'd be. My previous position was dealing with specific accounts and a particular set of products. I've worked with them for a few years now, and I had to say good-bye to them this morning. <br />
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I know I'm handing them off to a very technical engineer. I know that they will be well cared for and that their environment is in good hands. But we were a team, and I know them as individuals with real lives and families instead of just people who I talk with on the phone sometimes when things go wrong.<br />
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I will miss them.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-81229288166958673652012-01-18T11:13:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:13:07.633-05:00Wednesday WednesdayWow, Wednesday already.<br />
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Saturday was my class, and it went very well. All of the students made significant progress, and they are beginning to see the logic in the charts. I got another secret project of which I cannot speak. But there will be repair work in my future.<br />
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Sunday I spent with my brother. We talked about all kinds of things, and just caught up. It was good, but no knitting was done.<br />
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Monday, I worked and knit 4 more blocks in the Aran Afghan project. Discovered that the pattern is 24 blocks and not 20. It makes a difference.<br />
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Yesterday, I got reassigned at work. No idea what this is going to turn into but at least the waiting is over. And at least I'm still employed.<br />
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Tonight is knit night again, and I will be working with any of my students that turn up. I might even work on some of my own knitting... but we'll see.<br />
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Tomorrow? Hopefully pictures and a little more time.<br />
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happy knitting!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-68067473600748320932012-01-12T18:09:00.000-05:002012-01-12T18:09:21.669-05:00There will come a day....when I get pictures off of my camera. But that day is not this day. Nor likely tomorrow, Saturday, or Sunday. Fair warning.<br />
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<br />
Last night was knit night. Two of my students came in to go over their work, which was pretty exciting. One of them had already managed a flawless row of knitting, one of them managed her first flawless row of knitting while at knit night. It was a fabulous moment for everyone present, and we all cheered!<br />
<br />
Good times indeed!<br />
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Today's learn to knit class was cancelled due to snow. It was a little disappointing because helping people become beginner knitters is a good time. But being really New England, when invited to the shop I put on my boots (and knits) and tromped over. I had a rollicking good time touching the new yarns and just hanging out with Bruce and Margaret. <br />
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A lot of laughing and a lot of just good chatting. I'm going to have to make them some bread or something. Unfortunately, my bread looks pretty questionable. But it does taste good, and I have gotten it down so it no longer resembles the burnt offering. <br />
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Perhaps I should stick with knitting.<br />
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Yesterday was filled with stress and craziness up until knit night started. At that point, things just kept looking up. So I guess my universal truth is that a room filled with people that have sticks and string is a powerful antidote to anything that ails me. Good to know.<br />
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Happy Knitting & Stay Warm (tho knitting helps with the warmth thing)constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-30487838761434043452012-01-09T08:23:00.000-05:002012-01-09T08:23:15.719-05:00Challenges and Rewards and the 'aha' momentSaturday was my first pass at teaching students to knit Haruni. It has taught me some valuable lessons, and if the shop wants to run the class again I've got some ideas. <br />
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The first thing, is class #1 is nothing but making a 4x4 swatch to confirm which students have had their knitting 'aha' moment and learning the provisional garter tab cast on.<br />
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(I'll explain the 'aha' moment shortly.)<br />
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The second thing is that using a worsted weight and size 9 US needles to demonstrate is not enough. I should probably move up to bulky. The swatch class should be able to do the rest without overwhelming students.<br />
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Finally, I have to say that the shining star in this class has been the youngest student. When her parents signed her up for the class, they mentioned that she knew knit and purl but only as the mechanics of doing them. She is a beginner. <br />
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Knowing going into it that she wouldn't have that foundation of understanding her knitting (her 'aha' moment) to draw on... instead of just knowing the physical motions to make a knit and purl... I was okay with this. I am not adverse to teaching people who don't understand why knit or why purl, as long as I know going into it that I'm going to need to teach at that level.<br />
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This student is 14 years old, and a little bit shy about asking questions in class. I remember being 14 (it is vague, but I suspect I'm about that age mentally these days anyway) and am also okay with that. I stayed for an extra 1/2 hour to walk her through a few rows and see if I couldn't help her on her way to her 'aha'.<br />
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She was amazing. When I left, she was putting in her second row with beads. She could identify which side of the lace should be knit, and which side should be purl between the garter borders. I don't think she's had her 'aha' yet, but if she can do that much already it won't be too long.<br />
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About the 'aha' moment. <br />
I've come to the conclusion that a lot of people who nominally know how to knit are actually still beginners. Again, this is not a bad thing, but it does cause some confusion when determining what level of understanding and knowledge people are at.<br />
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In my internal lexicon, beginners are the folks who know the physical actions to knit and how to purl. Maybe they know a couple of cast on methods, maybe they know a few other stitches, like k2tog or s1k1psso. But the biggest defining thing here is that they do not understand why they are doing what they are doing. <br />
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Understanding and being able to read knitting seem to go hand and hand together. On some level to the beginner 'stockinette' means knit one side and purl the other, but it isn't automatically knit one side and purl the other without putting thought into it. Ditto for garter (although it's knit all sides). <br />
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So when you're doing a project that mixes and matches, these knitters have a stronger liklihood of getting lost simply because they don't understand why they are doing the motions they are doing and what those motions mean. They do know enough to know when it looks wrong, but not how it got to that point or where the "one of these things is not like the other" part is. When they look down at what their hands have produced, they can't identify what it is without some serious mental crunching.<br />
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Frankly, I love me some beginners. That 'aha' moment when it clicks and they look at their knitting in their hands and understand the "WHY" is pure magic. And if you thought your beginner knitter loved knitting before the 'aha' moment.... this is the point where it goes exponential. The enormous world of knitting opens up to them, because they understand at least some of what they're seeing in a complex project.<br />
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Instead of saying 'I'm going to do a super hard lace/cable/colorwork project' they are excited about it because on the subconscious level they now recognize that this is (for instance) essentially stockinette with garter borders. Anything in between those garter borders will only be a pattern slapped on the knit side with the return row being plain old purls between garter borders. And that subconscious will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it can do stockinette and garter, so only keeping track of a little extra patterning is not as intimidating.<br />
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So, that's all the news that's fit to print on the knitting front. On the personal front, short stack lost his first baby tooth. He's both a little proud and a little weirded out by the process. It's been a big weekend, and I need to shake down my camera to do another picture post sometime shortly.<br />
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Happy Knitting, and many 'aha' moments for all!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-35040954891940860872012-01-04T12:40:00.001-05:002012-01-04T15:12:32.457-05:00Taking Care of Your Hair(y yarns)So, I've spent the last hour looking for my camera. This was going to be a post with pictures, but I've set the foolish thing someplace "safe" and don't remember what I am keeping it "safe" from anymore. But I digress...<br />
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As a lot of folk know, I have a great whack of hair. It's about 3 feet long at this point, but I almost perpetually keep it up (preferably braided). Every few years, I get it lopped off for locks of love or pique, whichever comes first.<br />
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My hair is stupidly fine. Not quite newborn fine, but definitely first 6 months of life fine. It tangles at the first hint of a breeze, and then locks together like mohair daring me to steek it into submission. It also turns into tiny Shirley Temple pin-curls if I have it too short, so when I consider my hair, it is with grudging admiration (it's more stubborn than myself) and a great deal of ill humor.<br />
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However, thanks to the folks as Johnson and Johnson, I seem to be winning the (admittedly lopsided) war with my hair. <a href="http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/johnsons-no-more-tangles-detangling-spray">This stuff is divinely inspired.</a> There is also a generic version, but for what it does it's worth more to me than cashmere... so I don't mind spending a little for it.<br />
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The no more tangles spray is also fabulous for serious knots. Again, mohair comes to mind. But this applies also to angora or other fibers that tend to lock down with little encouragement.<br />
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When I get terrible frustrating tangles or knots in yarns containing hair, I've been using my no more tangles spray and embroidery needles to "encourage" the yarn not to felt to itself. The worst part about knitting with one of the fluffy mohair yarns is that the fluff sets to itself better than concrete. I can totally understand steeking mohair with no fear, having dropped a stitch in a sweater and not noticed until I bound the sucker off and came up one short for the k2 p2 . I have worn this sweater for almost 3 years now, and the mohair locks together so well that the dropped stitch has never laddered. (In the interest of honesty, I *do* know where it is and have been watching it with interest to see what it will do. I did not pull the sweater back 6 inches and fix it.)<br />
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Tonight is knit night, and I will be untangling some angora. I am definitely bringing the teeny needle, and the detangling spray.<br />
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For the record, no more tangles also makes the Kauni yarns easier to bear when knitting them. I find them awfully rough (remember, I have a love affair with alpaca), so making them less abrasive when I'm knitting them is like finding the bean in your new-years cake.<br />
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On a side note, that lovely pile of Aran-to-be is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-American-Aran-Afghan-Coniglio/dp/1893762173">this Afghan.</a> I'll be dropping off the first 4 squares tonight at Knit Night. On one hand, it's a really exciting project. On the other hand, I find the bobble instructions a little aggressive. I don't mind a nice bobble here and there, but being more used to the nuup I find the size of the bobbles required by this pattern a little over exuberant. I am no fainting maid, but I keep having Red Dwarf flashbacks and contemplating gooseberries.... but you always do the first one exactly as written, even if the bobbles do make you feel faint.<br />
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Happy Knitting, and may your bobbles not be suggestive!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-81070955847270081412012-01-02T11:32:00.000-05:002012-01-02T11:32:05.115-05:00After Long SilenceWow, it's been a while. Not intentionally, but so it goes.<br />
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A lot of things have happened, including this<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/oct_snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/oct_snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/shorty_knits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/shorty_knits.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
And now this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/aran_project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2012_Jan/aran_project.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've had a ton of secret projects, which didn't lend themselves to blogging. It's hard to keep a secret if pictures of it are out and about.<br />
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I'm also being moved in my day-job. I don't know where, when, who I'll be working for, or what technologies I'll be working with. Limbo, you've never been so aggravating.<br />
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On the fun knitting front, I'm actually teaching a class on top-down triangle shawls. It starts Jan 7, and I'm really excited and a little terrified. I shouldn't be, the folks who have signed up are part of Wednesday Knit Night. This is a huge plus, because the folks there are not only not scarey, but are genuinely nice people who know I'm a little quirky and are not bothered by it. It looks like I will also be doing the lace sampler class right afterward on those weekends. I'm excited and attempting to knit a couple of the one that's planned this week prior to the class. Not a huge deal, as they're less than 400 yards.<br />
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Finally, on the knitting front there's a possibility I may be doing a knit for a local yarn-artist. I'll be really excited if that works out, it's fun to help people showcase their talents by applying a little bit of my time.<br />
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With the new year, and being in charge of more of my time I'm planning to update this more often. Well, that actually shouldn't take much (so so embarrassed)... it really wasn't my intent to wander off. I missed a few days, things got crazy, and then I started avoiding the computer. It was the hungry (and mad) white elephant sitting in a corner of my desk. I've discovered that I can still procrastinate, even on things I do want to do. I'm not proud, but I have this new calendar, and I am actually taking lunch at work now. My #1 goal this year is to keep up with my blog even when things get crazy. Once a week is my minimum goal, and I think just like exercise it will become second nature again after I've got my toes back in the water. <br />
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2012, the year of hope (and secret projects)constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-57494889454211304302011-11-18T14:45:00.000-05:002011-11-18T14:45:47.905-05:00afraid to say anything lest the universe take it awryI know, another boring no-pictures post.... but y'see the last time I was really happy about work clearing up the universe decided to punish me for my crimes. I'm not sure what my crimes are, which makes it excessively difficult to keep from doing them again. I've never been good at mind reading, to my chagrin.<br />
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I'm not dead (much like The Harlot, my Mom also chased me down because I had only blogged worrisome things and disappeared... must be a Mom thing :).<br />
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I've just been working 80-96 hour weeks. On one hand, YAY yarn money. On the other hand, WAAAA no sleeeep. I find that I'm not young enough to pull these hours for more than 10 days at a time. <br />
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I also find that I cannot pull these hours sans knitting and keep my sense of humor. Knitting makes me a better person. A better, calmer, more sane person. Last week, no knitting, lots of yelling. This week, some knitting, zero yelling. My coworkers have noticed a difference, but haven't put it together that it's the knitting that keeps me sane.<br />
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I have a secret not so secret that I'm working on. It's a class, an actual knitting class (rather than a technical class which requires more swearing and less alpaca). I'm not quite ready for more details, given the last time that I was joyous about having time... well, yeah.... but I'm really excited about the possibilities and about the possibility of sharing my joy and passion with more people. <br />
<br />
I still have posts I want to write, but I best look busy before something work-related comes to hoist me by my own petard. <br />
<br />
Hopefully will write again soon, but until then Happy Knitting Adventures!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-40205374315352486272011-11-09T11:54:00.000-05:002011-11-09T11:54:49.677-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left">THE untold want, by life and land ne’er granted,</td><td align="right" valign="top"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1941072690019821378" name="1"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="left">Now, Voyager, sail thou forth, to seek and find.</td><td align="right" valign="top"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1941072690019821378" name="2"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: right;">--Walt Whitman</div><br />
<br />
<br />
RIP RCconstantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-72985424619320168092011-11-07T14:41:00.000-05:002011-11-07T14:41:53.207-05:00if I can't say anything niceSo I have been pretty much barricaded in my house, cleaning up technical nightmares generated by one of my coworkers. Without getting too much into it, I'm sad to find out that I'm the only one capable of doing what I do. I've been working overtime like crazy, and I don't want it. I'd rather be able to sleep at night, and get my dishes done on occasion.<br />
<br />
But I digress. <br />
<br />
I have stayed away from the blog on the few occasions I've had a few minutes because I've been so tired and feeling so emotionally ugly about the entire situation that I was afraid it would all spill out on the page. The things we say when we're over-burdened, tired, and mad are not necessarily the things I'd want to represent me. After all, I'm not always in that kind of state.<br />
<br />
This week, I'm hoping to pick up the pieces where I left off. Kind of a keep calm and cast on to steal a phrase. I've been sadly low-knit for almost a month and I've got a real yearning to spend quality time with sticks and string.<br />
<br />
I just didn't want folks to think I'm pushing up daisies or anything. I have a couple of planned posts that I want to get to, and a couple of thank yous that really need to be shared. But I'm going to wait until I've had a full night of sleep, I think.<br />
<br />
Happy Knitting,<br />
Weary Knitterconstantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-24526313964184765322011-10-25T10:31:00.000-04:002011-10-25T10:31:27.753-04:00how could I make you wait for alpaca?Ok, so before work decided that they own me I did manage to sneak my boys out to see the alpacas. For the pumpkin festival (as I think of it), a mama alpaca and her cria were visiting in front of the Spotted Sheep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can see the tent with the alpacas behind the yarn shop sign.<br />
<br />
The alpacas were visiting from Destiny's Farm in Weare, which is just about in walking distance from my house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0838.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>We did visit the whole crew at the farm, but it was a dreadfully rainy day when we went so I didn't bring my camera.<br />
<br />
I am not able to post a lot of the pictures, because I'm not comfortable with posting other people's children without permission. But here are a few just because alpaca are almost sinfully cute!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cria</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0839.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/alpaca%20farm/DSC_0841.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shorty feeding Mama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yeah, that last picture, the focus isn't so good. Part of it is I cropped it so the other children wouldn't be exposed on the internet. <br />
<br />
The fiber on these alpaca is amazing. Most folks know that knitting with alpaca is pretty much like knitting pure love. Soft, silky, warm, with an amazing halo... alpaca fibers are my go-to when I want comfort while I knit.<br />
<br />
I actually have a portable project that I've knit up in the white alpaca fiber from Destiny's Farm, and as soon as I finish the second mitt off (and pry them off shorty) I will be posting about those as well. <br />
<br />
The couple that runs Destiny's Farm is truly amazing. They love what they do, and it shows.<br />
<br />
The farm is immaculately kept, the animals are obviously well cared for and their curiosity shows it. Prey animals tend to be more cautious than curious, so them coming over to sniff you when they think you aren't looking is a sign of a very well loved animal. <br />
<br />
Plus, the largest ones are a little taller than me by virtue of long, graceful necks... so seeing one "sneak up" in the corner of your eye is both a little comical and very sweet.<br />
<br />
But back to the yarn. The yarn is usually sold on Destiny Farm's Marketplace site, but is <a href="http://shop.spottedsheepyarnshoppe.com/Destinys-Farm-Alpacas_c5.htm">currently available at the Spotted Sheep.</a> <br />
<br />
It is spun at a local mill (I did find out where, but the name escapes me at the moment), and it's a bit of a rustic spin. By that I mean the mill that does it has some variability in the spin of the plies. So occasionally, you'll find areas that are slightly over-spun and occasionally there will be fat under-spun sections. Knitting with it is a joy. I haven't managed spinning, it's not a skill I count as mine. <br />
<br />
But this yarn gives me the joy and the wonderful look of a solid, well-crafted handspun for a very reasonable price. Your finished object will be gorgeous, and being locally made, spun and sold it will also be a lower impact on the environment. Can't beat low impact luxury!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-87864065158850912552011-10-18T09:03:00.000-04:002011-10-18T09:03:48.850-04:00Spotted Sheep ReviewI'm recovering from being oncall, and it's slow going. Something about having to be awake during the day and being unable to sleep at night in anticipation of a night filled with increasingly anxious sites. On the worst night I've ever had, I had 6 sites down at once... so you can tell what trauma inspired my sleeplessness.<br />
<br />
But despite all that, I did manage to sneak out and get some pictures to show and tell with. I took both of my boys to the Spotted Sheep Yarn Shoppe, both to pick up some sweater stuff and to see the visiting alpacas. I'll have another post about the alpacas to come, but this one is about the local yarn shop.<br />
<br />
The Spotted Sheep is located in a cute little building that has had several purposes in the time I've lived here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The building itself is quaint, and sort of victorian inspired meets modern amenities. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0842.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Inside, there are (as to be expected) yarns of all colors and weights. The walls are a spring green, which is very different from any shop I've ever been in. However, the pictures should illustrate how surprisingly neutral the color is, and how well it showcases the neutral colors that usually blend into the background. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0847.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/reviews/DSC_0849.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>These photos are all from the downstairs area, but does not include the sitting and internet area. The downstairs portion of the shop also has a lovely connection space for internet knitting searches and visiting folks (like shorties or non-knitters who were dragged along for the fun).<br />
<br />
The upstairs space is finished up, but still being organized. I got to peek and am very excited. There is a mini kitchen upstairs, and a really beautiful classroom space with long tables, sturdy chairs and a sizeable couch. Margaret was speaking about her spinning wheel, and getting stock organized upstairs... and how much work is going on in the background to get things ready for the Grand Opening on Nov 5. <br />
<br />
Frankly, every time I go in there are improvements and more fun things to experience. The yarns are beautiful. Margaret and Bruce love alpaca as much as I do, and running through the store with your eyes closed will show you exactly how much! The yarns are a tactile delight.<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to see this shop grow and refine. What they have already is fantastic, and I only see great things in their future!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-15512932438030685942011-10-13T12:59:00.000-04:002011-10-13T12:59:49.155-04:00new things to loveOkay, last night after seeing the hat and cowl I've made from the white alpaca Destiny's Farm yarn that I purchased on Oct 1 from the Spotted Sheep... shorty decreed that they are good, but "I also touched a brown one Mom."<br />
<br />
Lucky for both of us, the new LYS is really really local!<br />
<br />
So, to appease shorty (and lets be honest, to amuse myself) I headed down during my lunch break. I have permission from Margaret to bring my camera next time & review the shop! Plus an invitation for Wednesday Knit Night!<br />
<br />
I'm excited, and am looking forward to both. And feeling guilty that the blog is hungry. Since the LYS is really really local, I will probably sneak down on Saturday (yep, still oncall) to take pictures both at the shop & of the Alpaca Visitors. If you're in the area, check it out.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-19256751976066942992011-10-10T09:58:00.000-04:002011-10-10T09:58:39.393-04:00momentarily distracted, a Little Red reviewThis month, I'm spending more time oncall than usual. Between that and some unavoidable obligations, I've not been making as nice with my blog as I'd like. I think maybe I owe it chocolates and flowers. Possibly a foot rub. We'll see how the make up goes this week.<br />
<br />
Last week, I spent a lot of time either trying to catch up on sleep or swatching. Two equally brilliant, but mutually exclusive activities. When I wasn't coordinated enough to swatch, I spent some time reading my copy of <a href="http://ysolda.com/patterns/collections/little-red-in-the-city/">Little Red in the City</a> by the insanely talented Ysolda Teague. <br />
<br />
She and I definitely do not share the same taste. I believe that the projects included in the book are interesting, but I would not wear them. HOWEVER that being said, this is the best write up of shaping and applied sewing technique to make a fitted knit that I've read yet.<br />
<br />
I've been asked a few times offline how I managed to make my mother's sweater fit so well. Especially considering that I knit it in secret and changed up the numbers without having her measurements. I used a combination of comparative analysis and simple math. Essentially, my mom is petite where I'm dead average. I know where typical clothing is wrong for her, so I knit using my own body as a guide. <br />
<br />
This is a bit free-form, and I think it only works for me because I spent more than 2 decades sewing. I tend to apply the lessons I learned while learning to sew crazy stuff that didn't have an extra boob in the middle of my back. <br />
<br />
Ysolda has written out instructions for grading a curve, for estimating ease in fit, for getting correct measurements....<br />
<br />
This is all stuff that's handled by cutting away fabric when done in sewing. In knitting, it's done through generating exactly the fabric you want, in the proportions and drape that you want it to be in. <br />
<br />
Little Red in the Big City is one of the best and most comprehensive studies on how to get the numbers you need to make any knitted garment flatter your specific shape. What she has collected here is something it took years to learn, and information I'd only managed to gather together in 5 different books previously.<br />
<br />
The instructions in this book are clear. They are well enough explained that I would be confident in using this book to teach a beginner how to shape a garment. And through it all, Ysolda's personality shines through. After reading this book, I wish I could meet the woman behind it. She seems to have a deadly sense of humor, and I think she would be the perfect knitting companion.<br />
<br />
If you don't already have a copy of this book, invest in it. It's that good.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-16894005031923224012011-09-28T16:03:00.000-04:002011-09-28T16:03:34.162-04:00inspiration struckYou have to check out what <a href="http://kitten-with-a-whiplash.blogspot.com/">Kitten did with the pattern sent to him!</a> I'm inspired! I need to try his mods, they're brilliant.<br />
<br />
Sexy knitting, my friend.constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-86242175834770602722011-09-28T16:00:00.000-04:002011-09-28T16:00:13.574-04:00how much trouble can I really get into?This weekend is going to be either an event in self control .... or lack thereof.<br />
<br />
I am going on a field trip with my children to <a href="http://www.destinysfarm.com/">a working Alpaca Farm.</a> Sadly, it's for sale. But they have this weird string like thing that they sell there....<br />
<br />
On the same day, there will be <a href="http://www.cvent.com/events/soar-spin-off-autumn-retreat-2011/custom-39-b88eebe6f07b4a7da408279eadda8b55.aspx">SOAR with vendors open to the public.</a><br />
<br />
AND on Saturday... my town... gets a<br />
<div style="background-color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://spottedsheepyarnshoppe.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YARN SHOP</span></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within walking distance from my house.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Yeah, I can hear my savings account weeping too. I'd say wish me luck, but I'm not 100% certain what side of luck staying away or running to constitutes.</span></div>constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-18878314060793273942011-09-27T09:35:00.000-04:002011-09-27T09:35:10.390-04:00Thank you Kitten!The second wonderful thing I need to say thank you for is a package I received from Kitten-With-A-Whiplash. It was sent with things to make baby items. Kitten discovered that I don't have a whole lot of little kid patterns, and so sent me a box of fun stuff to enable me to make baby items that have a chance of fitting an actual human baby!<br />
<br />
Let's start here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Can you believe how much yarn he managed to fit in that box?? It's like opening Fibber McGee's Closet! More yarn than I though possible popped out at me, and it just kept coming and coming. But this is only part of what Kitten managed to fit in there. <br />
<br />
Here's everything all together:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0809.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
In an amazing display of generosity and non-euclidean geometry, Kitten-With-A-Whiplash has sent me more beautiful yarn and patterns than I could have imagined. I am humbled and touched. Thank you.<br />
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Let's get a closer look at the patterns. They're really something special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0812.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>I've got the card with the Unicorns and poppies also on my cork-board so I can see it when work decides to stink.<br />
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While I've been stupidly sick and unhappy about it, I've been reading the books. I haven't been able to knit because I've been grossly sick, so these books have been a life-line for me. Thank you again. <br />
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And if that wasn't generous enough, these were sent for me particularly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aren't they gorgeous? I am so grateful and excited to use them! I've been petting the pink when my fiber-withdrawal gets too tough to take. ;-)<br />
<br />
So, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart. These have helped me to be happy even when the cold swelled up my hands so I couldn't type or knit (although truthfully the knitting thing was more of a blow than the typing thing). I am overwhelmed by your generosity, and I feel really blessed in the people I've met in this last year.<br />
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Thank you again!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-5737464486813868002011-09-27T09:12:00.000-04:002011-09-27T09:12:02.564-04:00thank you RustyGood grief, I had no intention of abandoning this for a week. I swear I just set my head down for a minute and a week passed.<br />
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Today, (well last Tuesday really) I owe 2 people thanks. I got some amazing things in the mail & am really excited to share. This post is about a package of brightly colored cards that I received.<br />
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Look, aren't they pretty?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And these as well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/thankyou/DSC_0807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Apparently, the cold is affecting my ability to take a decent picture... but the cards are so lovely I wanted to share even if they are a bit dark. <br />
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I love the colors and actually have them set up on pins (as opposed to with pins through them) on my cork board so I can look at them while I work. They are lovely, and you do fabulous work! Thank you!!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-52534239181265076002011-09-20T08:50:00.000-04:002011-09-20T08:50:59.642-04:00fall in the airI had a lot of things I wanted to write about today. The different things that let you know it's actually fall again. But the specific one that is on my mind right now is 'you know it's really fall when your kid brings home a super-cold and spreads it around the house.'<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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Oh! I have a picture post I'm working on for either this afternoon or tomorrow morning depending on when my camera re-charges. I've written all the words, but the camera took a nap after only a single picture. Luckily, I've got a new battery charger!<br />
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Today is rainy and grey, with a moderate breeze. It's perfect knitting weather, and I don't intend to let it go to waste. I have a grey stripey blanket I need to finish (30 rows, and 1 million ends to weave in from done), and I need to spend some concentrated time doing suggested (and MUCH appreciated!!) edits to a couple of patterns. Plus, I have a little boy sweater to finish sleeves on. Bless stockinette for it's simplicity!<br />
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Hopefully by 5 today there will be a much more colorful post.<br />
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AH, yes. If you don't read <a href="http://knittyblog.com/">Knitty's Blog</a> today is a good day to check them out (although really, there's no bad time). They partnered with <a href="http://www.quinceandco.com/">Quince and Co</a> for a <a href="http://knittyblog.com/?p=980">giveaway and a code for 10% off.</a> You know I love their yarn. It's a great value for the money, never mind that it's delicious to work with... so if you've got the opportunity definitely treat yourself to a perusal of Knitty Blog and the 10% off code for Quince. Your needles will thank you!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-42415527228020386172011-09-16T17:32:00.000-04:002011-09-16T17:32:31.897-04:00SWEEEETAlso, whomever the brave soul is who got to my little space on the web by google-ing "knitting hockey sticks"?<br />
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Let me know if you do it, because that is a Challenge!constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941072690019821378.post-66892889350056595522011-09-16T17:30:00.000-04:002011-09-16T17:30:27.841-04:00BraaaaaaiiiiiinsWithout getting into how I know, let me assure you that being oncall for an extended period of time drains braincells. In fact, after being oncall for a long time you may well find yourself brushing your teeth with hand soap because you are no longer awake enough to distinguish it from toothpaste.<br />
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Yeah.<br />
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Here's where Tuesday's sneaky peaks stand right now:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/DSC_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad49/200shawlproject/2011-2012/DSC_0801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I suspect it needs a ghost writer... or a writer with a brain... but we'll see how it proofs out, shall we?<br />
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Yay, go knitters! ZZZZZzzzzzzzz.....constantly knittinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587423396475366973noreply@blogger.com1