tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195262212024-03-14T05:46:17.583-05:00Exercise Before KnittingA compulsive knitter's reflections on balancing life and knitting.Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-82627617433340009312007-10-31T21:47:00.000-05:002007-10-31T21:48:33.894-05:00What? Still Here? I'm not!Come visit <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.com">the new place</a>!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-81754160891125747072007-09-29T20:58:00.001-05:002007-09-29T21:00:08.318-05:00Moving!Please update your .rss subscriptions! Click here for <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.com">my new home</a>!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-13562510051886490902007-09-05T09:34:00.000-05:002007-09-05T10:16:29.126-05:00Progress Pictures and an Upcoming Move!Thanks for the sympathetic comments about my raglan. I'm actually quite content with leaving the sweater as it is. After all, I really wished I had some nice sweaters when I was pregnant but I just couldn't justify knitting something that I would only be able to wear for a few months. I'm going to consider this a happy accident.<br /><br />I do have some progress pictures for you from my Sunrise Circle Jacket. The Skye Tweed I'm using gives a row gauge of 5.5/in instead of the 7/in called for by the pattern. I was a bit concerned about this so I knit one of the sleeves/fronts first. I settled on the 33" bust size (when I would normally have made the 35" or 37") and it worked out well. I may have to shorten the sleeves later but that shouldn't be a huge deal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp81EBlPnrZSB8ydyhglc37KSDTeqzsgGTb-eOOx0yYqCUxHQK3Nnb-4S8OCNSvOhqqWUsPSOuFdYzFXzd-kovPLjfEwRe_xiUdmFE6MV3KeIufy4rKW5ISYgYzNtWVeJfoGkk/s1600-h/IMG_5751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp81EBlPnrZSB8ydyhglc37KSDTeqzsgGTb-eOOx0yYqCUxHQK3Nnb-4S8OCNSvOhqqWUsPSOuFdYzFXzd-kovPLjfEwRe_xiUdmFE6MV3KeIufy4rKW5ISYgYzNtWVeJfoGkk/s400/IMG_5751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106731034469932354" border="0" /></a>I'm almost up to the raglan shaping on the second sleeve - this sweater just flies off my needles! In part, I think this is because I haven't made anything that knits up at a gauge of 4.5 sts/in in ages. It feels like Big Wool!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAYMGnuifBj2h28kKmkchB0uUiKNFFlRx1bVzzpfhdUTVs5gzJpNd5VvoMhsAhCAm9noz32SkCX4IAbv70SF7mdIZDpZPUWGYvrxLUjknkvDCPVKseuGiMIEkrBKkVs5xtjAz/s1600-h/IMG_5752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAYMGnuifBj2h28kKmkchB0uUiKNFFlRx1bVzzpfhdUTVs5gzJpNd5VvoMhsAhCAm9noz32SkCX4IAbv70SF7mdIZDpZPUWGYvrxLUjknkvDCPVKseuGiMIEkrBKkVs5xtjAz/s400/IMG_5752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106731043059866962" border="0" /></a>I'll leave you with a few unfinished sewing projects. The first, one that <a href="http://flintknits.blogspot.com/2007/07/damn-sewing-baby-stuff-is-fun.html">I totally ripped off</a> of <a href="http://flintknits.blogspot.com/">the awesome Pam of Flint Knits</a> (please don't hate me for copying your style, Pam!) I think I'll trim this with some red bias tape. I'm going to make the romper but pair it with some red corduroy pants instead of a diaper cover.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmu63Z9j835GXxbTbptbc1p-cmaFZzrEdrksvrbXVzOSEy76n-IfPJHOapn4shR6nnFe8y30kBl0IH5T8wBQwwhUoJEkvlO1sVI8ywl9kQ3CJcxWI03YU4PUCTCb5MwLajAqw/s1600-h/IMG_5760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmu63Z9j835GXxbTbptbc1p-cmaFZzrEdrksvrbXVzOSEy76n-IfPJHOapn4shR6nnFe8y30kBl0IH5T8wBQwwhUoJEkvlO1sVI8ywl9kQ3CJcxWI03YU4PUCTCb5MwLajAqw/s400/IMG_5760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106731047354834274" border="0" /></a>Next up is a sunny little dress that Beatrix will only be able to wear for a few days if I don't put the zipper in soon. *sigh*<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBelJ4S2b8UUxrn5ovx0GYur7u6x0wgMRDgea7KxG0RykMx407a1OHK6Pk86RGuZBftku2p_wfDTm0aOGNuqTKSw3SVWrRh8DAcrfVNeptNfAG-G1rOutOrYX5NOVJdsoCuU9z/s1600-h/IMG_5761.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBelJ4S2b8UUxrn5ovx0GYur7u6x0wgMRDgea7KxG0RykMx407a1OHK6Pk86RGuZBftku2p_wfDTm0aOGNuqTKSw3SVWrRh8DAcrfVNeptNfAG-G1rOutOrYX5NOVJdsoCuU9z/s400/IMG_5761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106731055944768882" border="0" /></a>Finally, I have to say that two years of battling Blogger is sending me over to Wordpress. More details in my next post but the move will be accompanied by a blog contest and a free pattern (to bribe you sweeties to move your rss subscriptions!)Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-58762784185510048282007-08-25T20:24:00.000-05:002007-08-25T20:35:49.531-05:00October (Surprise!) Raglan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgrNGUUnRmhcONqzS6GbmG7lN6nJ8ncsEwY4_bxEO1HL9pnuY8wrZDzWwgKzQrppelPs71p_zYqDCOqZr0XsCGzdJ8iDfs_J2uuRIoKvFOGmhd0XDKgCjXgKAetDO3TDP2Q-/s1600-h/IMG_5638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgrNGUUnRmhcONqzS6GbmG7lN6nJ8ncsEwY4_bxEO1HL9pnuY8wrZDzWwgKzQrppelPs71p_zYqDCOqZr0XsCGzdJ8iDfs_J2uuRIoKvFOGmhd0XDKgCjXgKAetDO3TDP2Q-/s400/IMG_5638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102810244724759826" border="0" /></a>Remember how I told you <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-first-successful-sewing-experience_08.html">how excited I was to be planning my first sweater in two years</a>? And how it would be nice to make a sweater for my non-pregnant, soon to be non-nursing self? With wonderful merino I bought at a <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">WEBS</a> cone sale for $5/lb? This will not end well, my friends...<br /><br />I decided I wanted a comfortable, hourglass shaped raglan for the winter. Minor problem? I don't have an hourglass body shape; it's pretty much a curve-free shape, in fact. I didn't think that would matter so much because I wasn't creating a tightly fitted garment, just a roomy weekend sweater. I sat down with my calculator and tape measure to work out the shaping and cast on shortly thereafter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U_OOaI-dxcAOJhw1WrnDCvpih1XlmrO6yAkYABDtb_kyExNXPBgyoSY0VNoySQpOXCnWK2831B5VujWEZh6iLP0RUn2dVA_GoZDQKHo-GuLW9ZbRrTsNT9t2eN9IFpFkfgPe/s1600-h/IMG_5696.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_U_OOaI-dxcAOJhw1WrnDCvpih1XlmrO6yAkYABDtb_kyExNXPBgyoSY0VNoySQpOXCnWK2831B5VujWEZh6iLP0RUn2dVA_GoZDQKHo-GuLW9ZbRrTsNT9t2eN9IFpFkfgPe/s400/IMG_5696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102809914012278002" border="0" /></a>You see where this is going, don't you? Aaron says the sweater looks like a bell on me. I wanted a sweater for my not pregnant body and I created and knit a sweater that would only fit my pregnant body. *sigh* I'm not exaggerating either. I would show you the picture of me wearing it with a pillow stuffed inside but people, I can't have something that ridiculous looking sitting in my archives forever, can I??? You understand. Seriously, hip shaping for someone without hips? What was I thinking? My hips grew in pregnancy but really, we're talking an inch at best. As far as I'm concerned, that's not even worthy of shaping. I feel so stupid. I'm going to pack this in with the maternity clothes for the next round.<br /><br />Pattern aside, I've been meaning to tell you about this yarn! I bought several pounds of it a few years ago for an aran sweater for Aaron. (heh) It was still in spinning oil but promised to soften up quite a bit upon washing. I can't say the knitting was enjoyable but it certainly wasn't bad. I was amazed at how my swatch softened and bloomed in the wash. I don't know if you can see the difference here but the swatch is nice and soft while the sleeves are greasy and have some funny stitch definition.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzlnSb8caiWH5-Ty3virra3P6_BHsNwfbYe7kfoW-zpF6tjC7JXqRic2u9yKCEPezy25hqJJ40IfquJjTaXlp2lAoZlP5hgylgyCKNM_NH_PthWxcZZz1q2r6KX88Va9FysLW/s1600-h/IMG_5596.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzlnSb8caiWH5-Ty3virra3P6_BHsNwfbYe7kfoW-zpF6tjC7JXqRic2u9yKCEPezy25hqJJ40IfquJjTaXlp2lAoZlP5hgylgyCKNM_NH_PthWxcZZz1q2r6KX88Va9FysLW/s400/IMG_5596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102810738645998898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://enchantingjuno.typepad.com/knit/2007/08/further-adventu.html">Juno</a> blogged about a similar experience with WEBS coned yarns a few weeks ago, although she lost some important yardage in the wash.<br /><br />I still haven't washed my new maternity sweater yet because I think I'm going to redo the cuffs to add a hem. When it's really done, you'll get FO pics.<br /><br />In the meantime, I still need a sweater! I cast on for <a href="http://www.kategilbert.com/blog/">Kate Gilbert's</a> <a href="http://interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/pdf_files/SunriseCircleJacket.pdf">Sunrise Circle Jacket</a>, which is free from Interweave. I'm using <a href="http://yarn.com/webs/0/0/0/0-1001-1294-1323/0/9/1153/?gclid=COXeoYuEko4CFSgKIgodzniUSg">Skye Tweed</a> in Heath that I bought at the WEBS summer sale just like <a href="http://tiennieknits.typepad.com/tiennie_knits/2007/08/cobblestone-pul.html">Tiennie</a>, <a href="http://www.archivistontheedge.com/archivist_on_the_edge/2007/08/mail-call.html">Nova</a> and <a href="http://teamkaty.typepad.com/do_did_done/2007/08/baaaaaa.html">Katy</a> (did I leave anyone out?) It was $3.29/ball and I've lusted after <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/">Jared's</a> Skye Tweed creations for ages so I jumped at the opportunity. Skye Tweed is far more scratchy than I expected. While I love the finished look, I must say that it squeaks like acrylic and smells a little funny.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84uGJqUbY1Dl15iIKBWYXZRGbfXa6sDF6Hw4uirfcSMYLj2aPGNVKCugQ1ttypzYso5zIW29W8H6HTSoNbJZll5qgtNNuDlZi5DimVaJU2c6xImkQ5bRr0huboXcziS1SuLJf/s1600-h/IMG_5703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84uGJqUbY1Dl15iIKBWYXZRGbfXa6sDF6Hw4uirfcSMYLj2aPGNVKCugQ1ttypzYso5zIW29W8H6HTSoNbJZll5qgtNNuDlZi5DimVaJU2c6xImkQ5bRr0huboXcziS1SuLJf/s400/IMG_5703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102809918307245314" border="0" /></a>Row gauge is CRITICAL with this garment and I've had trouble making it quite to 7 rows/inch. I knit the sleeve in the round and made 6.5 but flat knitting gets me 5.75-6 so I'm not sure how I'll work it out for the front sections. Anyone else experience this problem?Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-60019709630507886732007-08-08T14:45:00.000-05:002007-08-08T13:58:45.773-05:00My First Successful Sewing Experience, Part 3 of 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZsIt8098zJJySWU8lZHL62AovbEYJyQQmLM8_tRlky_QYvl2ZoFKPvurXV7AXLpvHz5PJ-wT9Nxmf46mydO84eYw2Ldr1SZsJJ3y9_cWC7TwWC7ckpV2QzC5ys5PYyunvmWB/s1600-h/IMG_5499.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZsIt8098zJJySWU8lZHL62AovbEYJyQQmLM8_tRlky_QYvl2ZoFKPvurXV7AXLpvHz5PJ-wT9Nxmf46mydO84eYw2Ldr1SZsJJ3y9_cWC7TwWC7ckpV2QzC5ys5PYyunvmWB/s400/IMG_5499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095788727456645554" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Reversible dress and diaper cover from McCall's <a href="http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M2213.htm?tab=infants_toddlers_children&page=8">M2213</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVP3xuGyxQBKyTBAySJrqARwp7bFQ6X9RtOHJg_LQI7Huj7UJp2CkGqr6qfgnUzoaYi_drO77zg1-BRXxn8FU-3npgb5OG1A31ipbB7B-sAFeEPdXSdC2nM1iDPfSRHa9y7FC/s1600-h/IMG_5592.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVP3xuGyxQBKyTBAySJrqARwp7bFQ6X9RtOHJg_LQI7Huj7UJp2CkGqr6qfgnUzoaYi_drO77zg1-BRXxn8FU-3npgb5OG1A31ipbB7B-sAFeEPdXSdC2nM1iDPfSRHa9y7FC/s400/IMG_5592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096402413858734722" border="0" /></a><br />What I learned from this dress is that whenever possible, make dresses reversible!! Actually, I think I came to that conclusion when I made the red dress, which calls for interfacing, after making this, which is completely reversible. Interfacing is a pain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlKDiWXX-a_w29V0dIgJGiZ2C-bmgybFb6E5eMJYqsbcn5o9ewaIcswXkm7yMyxlK-vdi_r_o6LSG1_8P9Q0YsEu5iEU3arbVMb5kzM58VMHju0YyMzh1_eBk3DNDJCuJI54S/s1600-h/IMG_5585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlKDiWXX-a_w29V0dIgJGiZ2C-bmgybFb6E5eMJYqsbcn5o9ewaIcswXkm7yMyxlK-vdi_r_o6LSG1_8P9Q0YsEu5iEU3arbVMb5kzM58VMHju0YyMzh1_eBk3DNDJCuJI54S/s400/IMG_5585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096402405268800098" border="0" /></a>This is a bit too big for B so she probably won't get much use out of it until next summer. The picture below is my favorite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs8b05RCqJpQ1lTEonp24I4NuOoV5KGJ7kJHsO3-ecnI1GPpp9_p5yIW6fJUqRF-0XIjFmWk83eBoXBNWf_lupufVra0sXewakIwCGbrlo3_1iKHaRJ5WkI_d8SY26JdGYhbw/s1600-h/IMG_5587.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs8b05RCqJpQ1lTEonp24I4NuOoV5KGJ7kJHsO3-ecnI1GPpp9_p5yIW6fJUqRF-0XIjFmWk83eBoXBNWf_lupufVra0sXewakIwCGbrlo3_1iKHaRJ5WkI_d8SY26JdGYhbw/s400/IMG_5587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096402409563767410" border="0" /></a>One note about yesterday's post... I didn't mean to be down on designer fabric or yarn. After all, don't forget that I bought it because I liked the print! I guess I prefer the control of the finished product that knitting affords. Designer fabrics can be quickly identified but, as <a href="http://onandofftheneedles.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> so aptly commented, "Grey worsted wool - well, that could be one of 100 brands!"<br /><br />I still have some sewing projects going on but the knitting will return to the blog soon. In fact, I've been holding out on you. I've been working on a sweater all week! I haven't made any sweaters in ages (and they all pre-date the blog) because I was either pregnant or nursing and I didn't want to invest so much time in something I wouldn't wear for very long. I think it's time to return to some sweater knitting! More details soon!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-75793188874875175882007-08-07T15:16:00.000-05:002007-08-07T15:37:34.728-05:00My First Successful Sewing Experience: Part 2 of 3<a href="http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M2213.htm?tab=infants_toddlers_children&page=8"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGneXKV3qFeP7uSeqPlPKavNL-8Zf_CdJFJBdCbzyTMXnFaevnvEvMUtzD4pfHz6SkvjN8TbTQQBQaxrG645-AYcw4LfrLBI634EDBbx4kHY4MMtb_puz5HCQ1BRrq5U5vnSu/s1600-h/IMG_5501.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGneXKV3qFeP7uSeqPlPKavNL-8Zf_CdJFJBdCbzyTMXnFaevnvEvMUtzD4pfHz6SkvjN8TbTQQBQaxrG645-AYcw4LfrLBI634EDBbx4kHY4MMtb_puz5HCQ1BRrq5U5vnSu/s400/IMG_5501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095788731751612866" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Top and pants from <a href="http://www.butterick.com/indexflash.html">Butterick</a> <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5017.htm?tab=infants_toddlers_children&page=1">B5017</a><br />Modifications: I omitted the rick rack trim and used a loop of ribbon for the buttonhole instead of the loop of embroidery thread.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJYITx6ReQbVOaFX40wvhp16hmCy8B_LUyKUXgmr6dySFlcbmHY6WwBsKQTQdM47GEm5nnQ4ai3NmIK03CAYhmyTPtSFrDF0Ag5suyGkX7YFN3XFgiOYNxVEyslMWUFRcFpB/s1600-h/IMG_5504.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJYITx6ReQbVOaFX40wvhp16hmCy8B_LUyKUXgmr6dySFlcbmHY6WwBsKQTQdM47GEm5nnQ4ai3NmIK03CAYhmyTPtSFrDF0Ag5suyGkX7YFN3XFgiOYNxVEyslMWUFRcFpB/s400/IMG_5504.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095788731751612882" border="0" /></a>Of all the things I've been working on, I am happiest about this set. I love the two fabrics together, even if it's a bit loud. Frankly, I secretly wish that I could get away with wearing pants like these. It's such a shame that adult clothes aren't nearly this cute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYD8N6PCa7GyF8kpPrI8PpWlO5M87i0O098tA0WBYp2KS6USACFLQw7d7OgzvB8dkzNm9bG_WZrjmRT-Q3FZbryTuZHoNlW1kvWXpgpyxrXBFX-vw4PyZo9rkT0hRlJ80HCl5/s1600-h/IMG_5532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYD8N6PCa7GyF8kpPrI8PpWlO5M87i0O098tA0WBYp2KS6USACFLQw7d7OgzvB8dkzNm9bG_WZrjmRT-Q3FZbryTuZHoNlW1kvWXpgpyxrXBFX-vw4PyZo9rkT0hRlJ80HCl5/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096046962365317698" border="0" /></a>It was while I was working on this outfit that I realized why knitting is so much more appealing to me than sewing. I took the garment to the fabric store several times because it appears that I am incapable of buying fabric, interfacing and notions all at once. Twice, people came up to me and asked if the top was "a Kaffe Fassett". Now, I grant you that I used a Butterick pattern and a Kaffe Fassett print fabric for the top, but what I really wanted to say in response was, "No, it's an Elinor Brown. <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>made it." Call it beginner's pride.<br /><br />I know there are <span style="font-style: italic;">some </span><strike>brand whores</strike> knitters out there who only have eyes for a particular brand of yarn and could likely identify a line of that brand in a knitted garment. However, I think that knitting allows for enough creativity to break out of the commercialized, brand-conscious world we live in. I suppose one <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> knit a sweater using the expensive yarn and exact colorway a pattern calls for but really, who does that? <span style="font-style: italic;">You</span> don't - I know because I read your blogs.<br /><br />With yarn, you can change the texture and density of the knitted piece. With fabric, the print remains the same no matter what you do it it. I know, I know, you can alter the shape or the drape but what's the first thing a viewer sees? The print. So no matter what the sewer does, it's still a Kaffe Fassett garment. This is, in my opinion, why knitting wins out over sewing in the long run. What do you think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA3oLhOEay9PDowiODREmco5oN39I1bkJp2Z8PvxNDK1-qdnnFnRymNOY4gy6-miKIte3IgK8ery0Tzi_8BA6izbzLh4Ut7V8zBYn1xiHsKMMVqgmMIDKCKy3X9lpwCehIOma/s1600-h/IMG_5534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA3oLhOEay9PDowiODREmco5oN39I1bkJp2Z8PvxNDK1-qdnnFnRymNOY4gy6-miKIte3IgK8ery0Tzi_8BA6izbzLh4Ut7V8zBYn1xiHsKMMVqgmMIDKCKy3X9lpwCehIOma/s400/IMG_5534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096046970955252306" border="0" /></a>Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-38536903449100021522007-08-06T18:14:00.000-05:002007-08-06T22:27:33.950-05:00My First Successful Sewing Experience: Part 1 of 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lieS4bfUnJzAOQ9fjxsd92fscI1BXrVKcEyhtlU2yZHWP_k-5UXk_UEEsUYJxvyouQiOdIHQo1A0eUhd1nJ7S3Cu-ivfFXccju8FJTK5f1yK-h4mwInYOxCXlnmWweWutQbd/s1600-h/IMG_5498.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lieS4bfUnJzAOQ9fjxsd92fscI1BXrVKcEyhtlU2yZHWP_k-5UXk_UEEsUYJxvyouQiOdIHQo1A0eUhd1nJ7S3Cu-ivfFXccju8FJTK5f1yK-h4mwInYOxCXlnmWweWutQbd/s400/IMG_5498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095788723161678242" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Dress from <a href="http://www.butterick.com/indexflash.html">Butterick</a> <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B4712.htm?tab=infants_toddlers_children&page=4">B4712</a>, diaper cover from McCall's <a href="http://www.mccallpattern.com/item/M2213.htm?tab=infants_toddlers_children&page=8">M2213</a><br />Modifications: My armhole seams were pretty ugly so I added some bias tape to clean them up a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXm8DPHasmwAdP6oVKdoP_tI8TZtLCWIvBa_dqDSlc46NK5QTd4TUVUDDAJqbfG3j063IuOigrEhXVhPR9BKgYCnlx0V7lF6J9rInUS3N3AX1ePFCjrlLFwFUVZXTTVX9lNfs/s1600-h/IMG_5535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXm8DPHasmwAdP6oVKdoP_tI8TZtLCWIvBa_dqDSlc46NK5QTd4TUVUDDAJqbfG3j063IuOigrEhXVhPR9BKgYCnlx0V7lF6J9rInUS3N3AX1ePFCjrlLFwFUVZXTTVX9lNfs/s400/IMG_5535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095791437581009426" border="0" /></a>While I made some nice newborn diapers and a great (and well used) baby sling when I was pregnant, my sewing track record is pretty ugly. Let's just say I wasted lots of time and money and leave it at that. Enter a live-in babysitter who can sew and who works at a fabric store... Emily gave me some great pointers on patterns, cutting and construction. For any other beginner sewers out there, this is what I've learned from the experience:<br /><br />1. If you do not 1) use pins and/or 2) iron your pieces after each seam, you would be better off wadding up the cash you dropped on fabric and notions and torching it. It would be better to indulge your inner pyro than suffer the anger and frustration of a failed project. I know that sounds like a no-brainer but this was actually my greatest sewing challenge.<br /><br />2. Transfer all of the markings from the pattern to the fabric. <span style="font-style: italic;">Of course</span> you would do that. Why would you try to wing it? Trust me on this, I've tried and failed.<br /><br />3. Follow the pattern instructions. When the pattern says to do something that you think sounds a bit too much, just do it. You will be grateful five steps later when you realize that you should have done what the pattern said to do way back at the beginning.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Kls99Ws3JItc-iUrebcjmET4KPC1X6uKz146DRifkqZYXxrqYslLnortWXaIIWQoPeIBJ2ildAAjEgp7rJuhceFIVW-cAagiLM97_hS8gNWOMmg-zUT3jgHaehdpKcfipEI/s1600-h/IMG_5542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Kls99Ws3JItc-iUrebcjmET4KPC1X6uKz146DRifkqZYXxrqYslLnortWXaIIWQoPeIBJ2ildAAjEgp7rJuhceFIVW-cAagiLM97_hS8gNWOMmg-zUT3jgHaehdpKcfipEI/s400/IMG_5542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095791132638331378" border="0" /></a><br />I like how the bias tape looks except in one spot. Do you see it here? I'm not going to rip it out and redo it but I'll never like that corner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp2FI1n9SmGp1WsYmEuWYAHq8RaJYzLdMw5CvPV1MlY3s80BTdl-jIjLpbZDvZie81N-JqsnYadPrQ76EC_kxis2TlJu8kBjGF-Y9cq3M5KJxsjdseQWAWKPilYNL-AzQEz3t/s1600-h/IMG_5548.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp2FI1n9SmGp1WsYmEuWYAHq8RaJYzLdMw5CvPV1MlY3s80BTdl-jIjLpbZDvZie81N-JqsnYadPrQ76EC_kxis2TlJu8kBjGF-Y9cq3M5KJxsjdseQWAWKPilYNL-AzQEz3t/s400/IMG_5548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095791141228265986" border="0" /></a><br />Check out the zipper! Not bad for my second one, I think. It's a little wonky at the bottom but you can't see it unless you're looking for it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7WDCk-maBtgbCFK4ZnR7BhatnTNq8CyeC6wZ6ERkn_BWc9pwwRHWVX5M3gd_6u-9WEagfs2Qn07aiGKJHxs8hcFMK6E911_mZ5nX_gN9h9aDoItAFJ9cnlJyVODgJ5k4bNpb/s1600-h/IMG_5558.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7WDCk-maBtgbCFK4ZnR7BhatnTNq8CyeC6wZ6ERkn_BWc9pwwRHWVX5M3gd_6u-9WEagfs2Qn07aiGKJHxs8hcFMK6E911_mZ5nX_gN9h9aDoItAFJ9cnlJyVODgJ5k4bNpb/s400/IMG_5558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095793168452829730" border="0" /></a>I'll have two more FOs in the next few days along with some notes on why knitting is better than sewing...Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-70425813732456711702007-07-31T11:58:00.001-05:002007-07-31T12:26:23.153-05:00The Sewing Machine Ate My Knitting MojoPerhaps for lack of inspired knitting, perhaps because of the heat but whatever the reason, my sewing machine has lured me with its promise of quickly finished objects - near instant gratification compared to knitting. I say "finished" but the truth of the matter is that all of my sewn items need buttonholes or trim added so you won't see actual FOs for a few more days. <span style="font-style: italic;">You</span> know what I mean by "finished"...<br /><br />Here are some previews:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lJ8kI1p0sKngXy-xlbJv1fKzcti6mFzz47tLVoFr4zjs8cWzWGElMfDReeYaFJHRsHlQciBUIWtq5UxPR23K7xnwnAOc59fgOHXoT9WZUAL5sbsqvRsX0TEHgb8BL1FEwxUB/s1600-h/IMG_5483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lJ8kI1p0sKngXy-xlbJv1fKzcti6mFzz47tLVoFr4zjs8cWzWGElMfDReeYaFJHRsHlQciBUIWtq5UxPR23K7xnwnAOc59fgOHXoT9WZUAL5sbsqvRsX0TEHgb8BL1FEwxUB/s400/IMG_5483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412111598371170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k1xwTUPeFtdg88WH0KQc_m7fxbpHAL6p5KKPM-gXRcbhsej1qeeSagXJfDapfIXzGvFyUZFfTVxVDW1Sha_KaIEqFbIQJ1IEnt6CkCMB9nJbXVjTQGv_jaDxh561WAVXEMJX/s1600-h/IMG_5484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k1xwTUPeFtdg88WH0KQc_m7fxbpHAL6p5KKPM-gXRcbhsej1qeeSagXJfDapfIXzGvFyUZFfTVxVDW1Sha_KaIEqFbIQJ1IEnt6CkCMB9nJbXVjTQGv_jaDxh561WAVXEMJX/s400/IMG_5484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412115893338482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL6pG77-pYcdJ5IJiLwi9HZVQvK_YowxKvLui-WfOcC9S8jMAumStEwj4dCd0JiD4-heHq2jHaJSBGGEiwkiPwcN9E8gPAMfJLjxaUZv5FXbRG0y04-7tEwBpagavMfRnxX2T/s1600-h/IMG_5488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL6pG77-pYcdJ5IJiLwi9HZVQvK_YowxKvLui-WfOcC9S8jMAumStEwj4dCd0JiD4-heHq2jHaJSBGGEiwkiPwcN9E8gPAMfJLjxaUZv5FXbRG0y04-7tEwBpagavMfRnxX2T/s400/IMG_5488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412120188305794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2BsGu3cbWxRPHP6Qxv7l_-jBoXLqjNAaq6epmwoYtg_ma8C-fbBsRfFbhO1fYCaBN4E_b7BqNkMcN4IfX3m3QkJzCXR2IDNA2xurYy8CmxnWiDG02bL1OEwMsWb6FBIAtusb/s1600-h/IMG_5490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2BsGu3cbWxRPHP6Qxv7l_-jBoXLqjNAaq6epmwoYtg_ma8C-fbBsRfFbhO1fYCaBN4E_b7BqNkMcN4IfX3m3QkJzCXR2IDNA2xurYy8CmxnWiDG02bL1OEwMsWb6FBIAtusb/s400/IMG_5490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412734368629138" border="0" /></a><br />I've also been working on a pair of <a href="http://www.pepperknit.com/patterns/AnastasiaSocksPatternRevised.pdf">Anastasias</a> with the Claudia's Handpainted (in Blue Sky colorway) that I won in <a href="http://www.pepperknit.com/blog/">Minty's</a> blog contest a few months ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpWOlyikEl2z4yGAqJfabCmsjQh4of84yNjApjr9RRW841FUcz7m1qjPf5VMq9T4CctYiw05Aa2JRpiFM2A3Yh4Ra_EQnSlmBoZC8A3z4beCNu2GNxa7mkTti_nox_MaWh7xP/s1600-h/IMG_5479.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpWOlyikEl2z4yGAqJfabCmsjQh4of84yNjApjr9RRW841FUcz7m1qjPf5VMq9T4CctYiw05Aa2JRpiFM2A3Yh4Ra_EQnSlmBoZC8A3z4beCNu2GNxa7mkTti_nox_MaWh7xP/s400/IMG_5479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412103008436546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr3FdNmdr90vu3xoG_vw0Z9lraJeAu6cUCo6dvp6fn3ZDBLokOcQbtBpjFzW36ioIPyUW_LibMfNPNzmYHz5BElCYp0ykvGekXb6onPojC0XMTCGx3eX0Z7aYVMosefAI4iGx/s1600-h/IMG_5481.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr3FdNmdr90vu3xoG_vw0Z9lraJeAu6cUCo6dvp6fn3ZDBLokOcQbtBpjFzW36ioIPyUW_LibMfNPNzmYHz5BElCYp0ykvGekXb6onPojC0XMTCGx3eX0Z7aYVMosefAI4iGx/s400/IMG_5481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093412111598371154" border="0" /></a>I think once I clear my knitting plate of second socks and gift knitting, my knitting mojo will come back. Until then, I slog along!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-71553169377731962562007-07-20T11:53:00.000-05:002007-07-20T12:18:19.910-05:00Warrior Baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFmwlBiOYt5MTg8GwSU2_RgNCUwrZo0P5rXXxvh9xweG48d2q62N1h9uDlsF7ygAhWgFiIVr9BKRIcPxCj1tq72f9K8PZSWACiVmECNrvhtNviBoh7cVacTQqAtBaducIkenZ/s1600-h/10_mos_0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFmwlBiOYt5MTg8GwSU2_RgNCUwrZo0P5rXXxvh9xweG48d2q62N1h9uDlsF7ygAhWgFiIVr9BKRIcPxCj1tq72f9K8PZSWACiVmECNrvhtNviBoh7cVacTQqAtBaducIkenZ/s400/10_mos_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089325577561226226" border="0" /></a>I wonder if all that prenatal yoga paid off? Doesn't this look like the warrior pose?<br /><br />I can't resist posting this one because I think it's so funny to see this little baby head popping out of the cavernous hole that is our kitchen sink*.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQkYFEilXRMTfIveYqEm6LfDBFmW0Un3Wy_KEpXm4jnYZoMg6ghn7O7wNFPQUJCXCJPBR8Jknyj2dejMQQeNr3BXT42j6YukOyKkr2KJDz6pOhRIgP20-ElTxqIDtb7AaknHZ/s1600-h/10mos_bath_in_sink_0003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQkYFEilXRMTfIveYqEm6LfDBFmW0Un3Wy_KEpXm4jnYZoMg6ghn7O7wNFPQUJCXCJPBR8Jknyj2dejMQQeNr3BXT42j6YukOyKkr2KJDz6pOhRIgP20-ElTxqIDtb7AaknHZ/s400/10mos_bath_in_sink_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089325573266258914" border="0" /></a><br />What's with all the baby pictures? You guessed it, there's little knitting to report - only a super lame FO and a really cool garage sale find.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__AvbH54WiDKZWnrBR77vjBzlp3fj0ODzS91Y01C0JGTkqtHPryACe_aixaYM3URKooWYCDp99A0ob99TRMNPrvxvyFp9LdqDdHAsfwSwi1LyGLAPem5uYeCELmJQcsyR4aOK/s1600-h/IMG_5194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__AvbH54WiDKZWnrBR77vjBzlp3fj0ODzS91Y01C0JGTkqtHPryACe_aixaYM3URKooWYCDp99A0ob99TRMNPrvxvyFp9LdqDdHAsfwSwi1LyGLAPem5uYeCELmJQcsyR4aOK/s400/IMG_5194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089325573266258898" border="0" /></a>Yarn: Regia Cotton India, who knows what colorway<br />Pattern: 60-stitch, stockinette socks with about 4" of ribbing.<br /><br />In the photo, one looks longer than the other but they're the same size in real life. These socks will go to my mom. Like I said earlier, I'm not so fond of the colorway but I did buy two skeins of Regia cotton to make socks for my mom so that's all there is to say. I'm tempted to cast on for the second pair soon just to get them done.<br /><br />Next up, my $0.25 garage sale baby quilt. It's certainly a scrap quilt (and a tied one at that) but I couldn't resist it. It's light and soft and it's the kind of blanket that I would want if I were a baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMladGRrM4P1YmAViKzHwvBBXmNWTL5_O_8NE1m23e4b2yaO5bPpjTkBHusZzTVUyy_ICTi-NYth7ob7ImCQb6UxRET9aSvIyi6-Aaa0yj7JdrDyPK0foCshk665WTdp_iG4t/s1600-h/IMG_5149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMladGRrM4P1YmAViKzHwvBBXmNWTL5_O_8NE1m23e4b2yaO5bPpjTkBHusZzTVUyy_ICTi-NYth7ob7ImCQb6UxRET9aSvIyi6-Aaa0yj7JdrDyPK0foCshk665WTdp_iG4t/s400/IMG_5149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089325564676324290" border="0" /></a>* Concrete countertops look cool in magazines but let's not talk about what they're like to live with...Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-23260083564515848622007-07-07T21:14:00.000-05:002007-07-07T21:15:14.858-05:00FO: Debbie Bliss Classic CardiganI'm so glad so many of you liked the biscotti recipe! Oh yeah and from reading some of the comments from my last post, I think I ought to clarify that I'm up at 4:40 a.m. to shuffle along at a 10:00/mile pace, not to sprint at a 6:00/mile pace. I'm not a good runner, I'm just becoming an early one!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB1_-KAz0qH8pIeoLlahFVQZEZAyqRUweQtM3o2S7oS_3rui-OLj9tZYUEc_I3bXUtu-j9e7qRC-nEeMIk-uULfql3l4hj_cppMVbAwGG3959CLlsZfp00c6HlwYm2ukyv4GL/s1600-h/IMG_5168.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB1_-KAz0qH8pIeoLlahFVQZEZAyqRUweQtM3o2S7oS_3rui-OLj9tZYUEc_I3bXUtu-j9e7qRC-nEeMIk-uULfql3l4hj_cppMVbAwGG3959CLlsZfp00c6HlwYm2ukyv4GL/s400/IMG_5168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084587339437180482" border="0" /></a><br />Pattern: Classic Cardigan from The Baby Knits Book by Debbie Bliss<br />Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Berry<br />Needles: US 7<br />Modifications: Because Debbie Bliss' baby patterns are notoriously boxy, I made the 12-18 mos size but used the 18-24 mos sizing for length. A few months back, <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/03/my-skinny-babe.html">many of you commented</a> that you thought that a long, skinny baby would likely grow into a long, skinny toddler so I decided that it would be best to plan on that for next winter's crop of Beatrix sweaters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kSAw5LQRwh3ONxy28yVcoggc2Cb6pInbEayVo672mIJTTU0hNlZ7lMZdvdqmMU-Zrh4WYax0vNSngiSqZDAlJw0514ySqDTpv6GveyCPY1qzu4ku9Er_8hXqLfvbNoSgyIX2/s1600-h/IMG_5166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kSAw5LQRwh3ONxy28yVcoggc2Cb6pInbEayVo672mIJTTU0hNlZ7lMZdvdqmMU-Zrh4WYax0vNSngiSqZDAlJw0514ySqDTpv6GveyCPY1qzu4ku9Er_8hXqLfvbNoSgyIX2/s400/IMG_5166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084587339437180466" border="0" /></a>Beatrix clearly has some growing to do before this will fit! This project has been about two-thirds finished for months now and since I didn't have much knitting time this week, I decided to take up finishing it here and there. A simple, shapeless stockinette baby sweater is hardly good blog fodder but at least it's out of my WIP pile.<br /><br />This sweater pattern is an old standby for me but it is painful to knit. Every time I make it, I remember halfway through that I should have used raglan shaping and knit it all at once to save myself the seaming. I don't particularly care for how bulky DB's sleeves/shoulders are but I'm too lazy to do much math for something as simple as a baby sweater so I'll live with the bulk. The buttons on this sweater are a bit of a disappointment too. While I love these shell buttons up close, I think they tend to fluoresce a bit from a distance so if I could do this again, I would likely choose different buttons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XhJJnSq-quXt1txW2Gp7Tio9-kJ_BTxe7v_UNBbdw_Q8BJ3iG8U5PlqNH0ekwLlmvg0zKdtPyDTKaQec2XDJNDaDVXpFguVq9kc3AeTvH1fqDp5EpVPxj3kgZnbYKhwLA67P/s1600-h/IMG_5163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XhJJnSq-quXt1txW2Gp7Tio9-kJ_BTxe7v_UNBbdw_Q8BJ3iG8U5PlqNH0ekwLlmvg0zKdtPyDTKaQec2XDJNDaDVXpFguVq9kc3AeTvH1fqDp5EpVPxj3kgZnbYKhwLA67P/s400/IMG_5163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084587335142213154" border="0" /></a><br />What do you do when your mom makes you wear a sweater that's too big for you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2l5nOyjBCD03QCE0eUuVHTnUIs6Iciy-JqOarU5GzKLVcvbclo5BUDpEXR-iTgzUWk4gG8Z_64BuDGTLc-QXwOMU9BdQjnA47RIyIjR5mCvr48pow0HvOitJj3hfDvXwylu/s1600-h/IMG_5185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2l5nOyjBCD03QCE0eUuVHTnUIs6Iciy-JqOarU5GzKLVcvbclo5BUDpEXR-iTgzUWk4gG8Z_64BuDGTLc-QXwOMU9BdQjnA47RIyIjR5mCvr48pow0HvOitJj3hfDvXwylu/s400/IMG_5185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084587348027115106" border="0" /></a>You eat it, of course...Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-62103706343454855892007-07-03T17:05:00.000-05:002007-07-03T20:19:12.512-05:00Early Mornings and Almond Anise Biscotti<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BY0p9m3WdLD4P863l-n9OtvUbBtNqFi0hZg_OsImav0Neq0qozbOuoeCRB8EtBClUdCf5Rq5aXamtr_ktYnumGrK54SjFllQwCMzYqhxAg8VNI9ew_-rk6hF6QnMo8OUFoIa/s1600-h/IMG_5129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BY0p9m3WdLD4P863l-n9OtvUbBtNqFi0hZg_OsImav0Neq0qozbOuoeCRB8EtBClUdCf5Rq5aXamtr_ktYnumGrK54SjFllQwCMzYqhxAg8VNI9ew_-rk6hF6QnMo8OUFoIa/s400/IMG_5129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113607308903954" border="0" /></a>For about four weeks, I've been getting up just before 5 a.m. to run. Most days I run with a group but sometimes I'm on my own or with a friend. I've always struggled with the morning runs. On one hand, I love both being up before the sun and the sense of accomplishment that comes from running hard long before most people get up. On the other hand, until Beatrix came along, I also loved the snooze button. When you intend to get up and run in the morning and don't, you bear two burdens: you start your day off with a failure and you have all day to <strike>look forward to</strike> dread your evening run. Since I've been up in the morning, my overall mental health has improved dramatically. I know how crazy that sounds. My alarm is set for 4:40 a.m. So I can get up and RUN. Some days it's hard running too. I think I'm sleeping less. But I have more energy throughout the day. Where is the science, people???<br /><br />If you had told me a few years ago that I would successfully run in the mornings for more than a week at a time, I would have died laughing. Now there seem to be so many more obstacles (e.g. a baby, a teething baby, a baby who doesn't sleep through the night anymore) but I find it easier. I'm sure it's because running time is so much more precious now than it was when I had my life to myself. The other part is that I prefer returning home to a smiley, awake baby rather than waking up to one. Mommy Duty no longer wakes me up, Running does. Somehow, that's better in my book.<br /><br />I started this post about getting up early so that I could share with you my daily post-run breakfast: single shot cappuccino and homemade biscotti.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzk_8Wys12OgXSgegScsb5dEZoh-cOoq45InWkATK4twHayoBqcJlT1mVfnevKn9slicMTT1P7g8FlR6h6byIdCwI1s-5MCTSPv55NzBUZhpNhDo2kZCsSBFjWlk3RNoU_PjD/s1600-h/IMG_5128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzk_8Wys12OgXSgegScsb5dEZoh-cOoq45InWkATK4twHayoBqcJlT1mVfnevKn9slicMTT1P7g8FlR6h6byIdCwI1s-5MCTSPv55NzBUZhpNhDo2kZCsSBFjWlk3RNoU_PjD/s400/IMG_5128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113607308903938" border="0" /></a>I've been making a new batch of biscotti every Sunday night and they've been so tasty that I decided to share my <strike>experiments</strike> recipes with you. This week's batch was almond anise. The best part is that <span style="font-style: italic;">if you only eat one</span>, they're not a lot of calories. You could take out the almonds to reduce the calories too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4u2SQnl4aI9SZ8pj6iAGoEoT1FAc1ROCpqcgSSlyPs1oE31OWpNeBmc6pUbDykutdRXBBPS6XotXRuXA-Xh8zAJf_fT99C7hpkzATkbb5O1lxcY5LpkQl2GoWYt7jYMGm4E5/s1600-h/IMG_5120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4u2SQnl4aI9SZ8pj6iAGoEoT1FAc1ROCpqcgSSlyPs1oE31OWpNeBmc6pUbDykutdRXBBPS6XotXRuXA-Xh8zAJf_fT99C7hpkzATkbb5O1lxcY5LpkQl2GoWYt7jYMGm4E5/s400/IMG_5120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113603013936626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Almond Anise Biscotti</span><br />2 c white flour<br />1/4 tsp baking powder<br />3 eggs<br />1 1/4 c sugar<br />1 tsp anise extract<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />2 tbsp anise seeds<br />1 c whole almonds<br />optional: sliced almonds<br /><br />Pre-heat oven to 300 F. Combine flour and baking powder in one bowl. Set aside.<br /><br />Combine sugar, eggs, anise extract and salt. Whip until thick. Stir in flour mixture.<br /><br />Add anise seeds and almonds.<br /><br />The dough will have the consistency of sticky cookie dough. Spread into a 4" x 16" log on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. OPTIONAL: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Bake 1 hour. Reduce oven temperature to 275 F. Cool 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2" wide slices. Place slices cut-side down on baking sheet. Toast biscotti 10 minutes on each side for a total of 20 minutes.<br /><br />Makes about 2 dozen.*<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RMTOsKWfPyxXEaIJVS7-6_tL8GJ2GATRFWtc8xLp6b5MF_X8JnOanRGHqOezuebf1o4fKPEUMNeUXQtFBzRp80NxQyNiC6UDIJF5FB5zKbHs_StVYSJfXx7cd3_K_MQlBey4/s1600-h/IMG_5116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RMTOsKWfPyxXEaIJVS7-6_tL8GJ2GATRFWtc8xLp6b5MF_X8JnOanRGHqOezuebf1o4fKPEUMNeUXQtFBzRp80NxQyNiC6UDIJF5FB5zKbHs_StVYSJfXx7cd3_K_MQlBey4/s400/IMG_5116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113598718969314" border="0" /></a>*Be sure to make a kind that the other members of your household will eat. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with 58934854309859304859034 calories of biscotti. Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing...Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-12512972367138065132007-07-02T10:41:00.000-05:002007-07-02T10:57:50.906-05:00My Psychic Secret SwapperCheck out the crazy loot from <a href="http://yarnaboutyarn.blogspot.com/">Christine</a> in the SP10 reveal package!! Wow! There is too much here to fit in one frame! And all of it so perfect! Aaron is quite tired of listening to me gush so now it's your turn! And seriously, you should all follow that link over to her blog. She has some really interesting posts. The freakiest? <a href="http://yarnaboutyarn.blogspot.com/2007/04/thats-not-snake-this-is-snake.html">This one</a>. *shudder*<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkkq4AulvR091NlglzbL1Q-vzeGf-lFH4yTS6AFqTCIEcLIQ0E_x0T9b4y9eUeHZemjBrF5of4pbcRskfjGFrHcCZUeDP66qjaZEVRkxLJKYdJ8yxUlKtWoOyln9RyIrU9yNS/s1600-h/IMG_5048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkkq4AulvR091NlglzbL1Q-vzeGf-lFH4yTS6AFqTCIEcLIQ0E_x0T9b4y9eUeHZemjBrF5of4pbcRskfjGFrHcCZUeDP66qjaZEVRkxLJKYdJ8yxUlKtWoOyln9RyIrU9yNS/s400/IMG_5048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082035336087485970" border="0" /></a>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cupcakes-Take-Over-World/dp/1569242739/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_2/104-8110381-2073509?ie=UTF8">Vegan Cupcakes</a> <a href="http://vegancupcakes.wordpress.com/">by these folks</a>, a book I've coveted since reading the <a href="http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00E17F734540C778EDDA80894DF404482">New York Times article</a><br />2. Lots of chocolate, both milk and dairy free<br />3. <a href="http://www.rspca.org.uk/">RSPCA</a> dish towel<br />4. Cloth book/rattle for Beatrix<br />5. A fold-out postcard of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballina%2C_New_South_Wales">her town in NSW</a><br />6. Super cute necklace by <a href="http://www.artbykarintaylor.com/">Karin Taylor</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFzGmzX-t_mWPx-o9My4i3pB2Ydn_6naiRCWBF64vUErtxSM4duj4nXbFTqJcXqj-s2S-86b1klY1AqwqEtlNYc9j54M8Dtf9HhGby6IfJ8GHmR5eYOeQqvamwlZT3FZH5s2f/s1600-h/IMG_5052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFzGmzX-t_mWPx-o9My4i3pB2Ydn_6naiRCWBF64vUErtxSM4duj4nXbFTqJcXqj-s2S-86b1klY1AqwqEtlNYc9j54M8Dtf9HhGby6IfJ8GHmR5eYOeQqvamwlZT3FZH5s2f/s400/IMG_5052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082035340382453314" border="0" /></a>7. A skein of Merino Cashmere 4-ply in Geranium from <a href="http://www.theknittery.com/">The Knittery</a> (!!!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMAVGINPPjOLl_Nf9gPptauOXG6Q9LWud4ILROkRoxaH1kVqmsjcx40EnzcCvuoGeM-JlfLYA8VJGXPmkKY1uzGweCWuCjZRDKb9rmaTcN67uwmDs2cX6BeufZTRMuKm8gnPE/s1600-h/IMG_5050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMAVGINPPjOLl_Nf9gPptauOXG6Q9LWud4ILROkRoxaH1kVqmsjcx40EnzcCvuoGeM-JlfLYA8VJGXPmkKY1uzGweCWuCjZRDKb9rmaTcN67uwmDs2cX6BeufZTRMuKm8gnPE/s400/IMG_5050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082035340382453298" border="0" /></a>8. <a href="http://www.rebecca-online.de/cont_en/heft_sh_bk.php">Rebecca Baby & Kids</a> magazine<br />9. Some great laminated patterns (I don't know what I did with those pictures...)<br />10. This really funny card (Christine, are you saying I'm That Mom? Kidding, of course I am...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pca2E_O8_MCili-sCVuTsnxzbwlmmIJtFTmFdcOMESxDKfmLqbJJXGM0Yxrskt6xnsBqe5XlCHyMTHz0K4A20Yf2O4xRFqBVI4m-K33WtS8HAoXRuvFA5cfcbEHjVBJYtyVr/s1600-h/IMG_5049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pca2E_O8_MCili-sCVuTsnxzbwlmmIJtFTmFdcOMESxDKfmLqbJJXGM0Yxrskt6xnsBqe5XlCHyMTHz0K4A20Yf2O4xRFqBVI4m-K33WtS8HAoXRuvFA5cfcbEHjVBJYtyVr/s400/IMG_5049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082035340382453282" border="0" /></a>10. A Princess Beatrix t-shirt (where did she find that??)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM7wXLvDhVeEzr8ZXoZjNfOwOZ-mz0GABy_fYSvdrMa1AUs0ob5WRAia8yr1RXFyV7GEoly_WkjxV5DmDk9HsiyGwEywdNIOnA1U5yRgA1cmQDxKta4-iJ0yJx5U7WrybsrgF/s1600-h/IMG_5053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM7wXLvDhVeEzr8ZXoZjNfOwOZ-mz0GABy_fYSvdrMa1AUs0ob5WRAia8yr1RXFyV7GEoly_WkjxV5DmDk9HsiyGwEywdNIOnA1U5yRgA1cmQDxKta4-iJ0yJx5U7WrybsrgF/s400/IMG_5053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082035344677420626" border="0" /></a>Thanks so much, Christine!!! I hope you were as spoiled as I was this swap!!!<br /><br />Actual knitted items will reappear later this week. Beatrix is cutting her top teeth and no one is sleeping <strike>well</strike> at all at my house. Knitting has been temporarily placed on the back burner while the three of us focus on survival.Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-36167787422260780462007-06-25T17:43:00.000-05:002007-06-25T17:46:04.727-05:00FO: Grapefruit Socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCyGfHrfw1VyUsff_K0Diz_yyRcc7biJG2ZpMOJdGYvIXxQOOK7O3K2wa4bYUf2XV250Zo-wuiUjgP_385rzPhKRcj1uBEIzz6pJl0kmgJBvb-iKj1Df_OeGgTF-qWKClJOF/s1600-h/IMG_5033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCCyGfHrfw1VyUsff_K0Diz_yyRcc7biJG2ZpMOJdGYvIXxQOOK7O3K2wa4bYUf2XV250Zo-wuiUjgP_385rzPhKRcj1uBEIzz6pJl0kmgJBvb-iKj1Df_OeGgTF-qWKClJOF/s400/IMG_5033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094420095809058" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Basic Stockinette with short-row heel and wedge toe (CO 64 sts)<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php?crn=206">Woolarina Superwash Sock yarn</a> in Grapefruit colorway<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbDAsd7ZVKPDTlRm9vhBxV1xfyt-v1nrtBkMdJKXcdHz-j5DNGzblVazHX3zf6jfRaqiEUxCm7c96sxKjHNw8Hwh0FLk3PeZISyZ7ehAq_Q2IEpcz7S73TG-WZlMVh616csVr/s1600-h/IMG_5036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbDAsd7ZVKPDTlRm9vhBxV1xfyt-v1nrtBkMdJKXcdHz-j5DNGzblVazHX3zf6jfRaqiEUxCm7c96sxKjHNw8Hwh0FLk3PeZISyZ7ehAq_Q2IEpcz7S73TG-WZlMVh616csVr/s400/IMG_5036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094673498879554" border="0" /></a>These socks will be packed up this evening and shipped off to <a href="http://weaverknits.blogspot.com/">Ann</a>, who graciously traded me some beautiful Sea Wool and Lang Jacquard for them! So much for a stash buster project! Ann, I hope these fit!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowsl9r9g1HO2faPAGpNkhLGgbbnmno21r4axc2aYncmqfIH6YBBDTSb37ZvX4nrbo4MwMM8rfyDUnIam5wa0oxNfy5v6pZyHAUAxMyiAnRUtoabTRcYkssxVK4SPX5rIFel1-/s1600-h/IMG_5047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowsl9r9g1HO2faPAGpNkhLGgbbnmno21r4axc2aYncmqfIH6YBBDTSb37ZvX4nrbo4MwMM8rfyDUnIam5wa0oxNfy5v6pZyHAUAxMyiAnRUtoabTRcYkssxVK4SPX5rIFel1-/s400/IMG_5047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094677793846898" border="0" /></a>For weeks, I've been meaning to blog about the beautiful stitch markers that my sister-in-law, Xan, made for me. Aren't they pretty? Jewelry for my knitting needles!!! She's so talented. She can knit, crochet, sew, quilt, tile a bathroom floor... I just checked out some good baby knits books from the library so I plan on using these in a baby project that will debut soon. I must finish my socks first!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM0rGRfdiwwZjLciFNiwGOQ74UU7PBAGlPTWR_OU7ihc0t8FIXb1icQQvzmGcNWzc-cXvCO-pqvqFwPr5NbbRYW9RE_7uSYG98Xc__TcSFWTWDJ3y5hR0lTxe3QT16-gJo7Tl/s1600-h/IMG_5040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM0rGRfdiwwZjLciFNiwGOQ74UU7PBAGlPTWR_OU7ihc0t8FIXb1icQQvzmGcNWzc-cXvCO-pqvqFwPr5NbbRYW9RE_7uSYG98Xc__TcSFWTWDJ3y5hR0lTxe3QT16-gJo7Tl/s400/IMG_5040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094677793846866" border="0" /></a>Speaking of socks, I've finished the first of my mom's Regia cotton socks, although I had to rip and reknit the toe once because I measured incorrectly. These socks are just OK in my book. Their overwhelming comfort makes up for the white ply (I assume that's the cotton part of the Regia blend) that makes them look a bit funny!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpzbV-egUoeJv79qvXkyTSLUqhanN273unyr6DkobkgFvlD5cTkOk0mbby8oYUvDSE6Z2p_dur-25KzC6789MZ9J-Y3PiNzJVKMZBNwbwYF-WusKsdRJ6kx3IvdoZzxmawWxE/s1600-h/IMG_5044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpzbV-egUoeJv79qvXkyTSLUqhanN273unyr6DkobkgFvlD5cTkOk0mbby8oYUvDSE6Z2p_dur-25KzC6789MZ9J-Y3PiNzJVKMZBNwbwYF-WusKsdRJ6kx3IvdoZzxmawWxE/s400/IMG_5044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094677793846882" border="0" /></a>I do like how the striping worked out at the toe, don't you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NHD7nnMCwaoneslMwsnMeMmnfK8kVcVseiNTYmbQUtwVk8XsEBs2l_llSZ8BecQ005Q1Cu_VEj-OsZlUMOiBkyWjzYrUchweCsG3ygxR6-lBPCLKFZPHUUF_iRufEx83dHoj/s1600-h/IMG_5032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NHD7nnMCwaoneslMwsnMeMmnfK8kVcVseiNTYmbQUtwVk8XsEBs2l_llSZ8BecQ005Q1Cu_VEj-OsZlUMOiBkyWjzYrUchweCsG3ygxR6-lBPCLKFZPHUUF_iRufEx83dHoj/s400/IMG_5032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094415800841746" border="0" /></a>The crochet project is coming along quite well. I'm adding about one color strip a day so at this rate, it will take me all summer but that's just fine with me. Afghans aren't very portable projects anyway so this will be my at-home project.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCroJWY5yD0Uck3K7HvNeh_3LyKO3L9SBlt4eO5Cp-04XtrtES8e0jhalPltkex1vEvt2OCkVkoA2Rm1k6T-PbX8IefC6v76cF8Hn9gvptS7lcP_84Gh7AFfB-CZck8Fs53CJ/s1600-h/IMG_5029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCroJWY5yD0Uck3K7HvNeh_3LyKO3L9SBlt4eO5Cp-04XtrtES8e0jhalPltkex1vEvt2OCkVkoA2Rm1k6T-PbX8IefC6v76cF8Hn9gvptS7lcP_84Gh7AFfB-CZck8Fs53CJ/s400/IMG_5029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094415800841730" border="0" /></a>After my last post, Maryse reminded me that there's no reason to apologize for crochet. She's right, of course. I know I'll get some heat for saying it but I strongly associate crochet with tacky, acrylic (insert household item here) covers that one sees at local craft fairs. It's because my grandmother used to have crocheted toilet paper roll covers in all of her vacation rentals. As if covering a roll of TP makes it look like anything other than what it is... So if I'm down on crochet, it's because of the toilet paper rolls.<br /><br />Finally, I'll leave you with a preview of other crafty projects in the queue this summer:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70ffwVneIFYTBvb-R1wtUXdN-7LpCt2dCRFXoG697ddHVOLn4jqvSD6fpM4postrrtMXllfntxSkst19AIMqk-CnJ66gget0d8zgu8Rt_QH8WIysqcikFmSLrSaz_JFjhXG4o/s1600-h/IMG_5027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70ffwVneIFYTBvb-R1wtUXdN-7LpCt2dCRFXoG697ddHVOLn4jqvSD6fpM4postrrtMXllfntxSkst19AIMqk-CnJ66gget0d8zgu8Rt_QH8WIysqcikFmSLrSaz_JFjhXG4o/s400/IMG_5027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080094411505874418" border="0" /></a>Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-80158724223690885862007-06-18T15:23:00.001-05:002007-06-18T15:30:15.475-05:00The Perfect StashbusterWith an organic chemistry exam (they just keep coming) this evening, I've made lots of progress on my study sock and as soon as I weave in ends on Ann's socks, they'll be ready to send. Unfortunately, this is the only progress picture I have for you today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMo4Ok3FchVQmWKOczGEoeomMn_NVqXRz6SRQRM5dd_YrLl0vx44YOlWIIK0MZIB5QXOm4fFMoJVCdIy6n-dvqJ1FCqULJjK3wWcefwnlIkRKExn_mIweqWd4py423heYlDGP/s1600-h/IMG_5023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMo4Ok3FchVQmWKOczGEoeomMn_NVqXRz6SRQRM5dd_YrLl0vx44YOlWIIK0MZIB5QXOm4fFMoJVCdIy6n-dvqJ1FCqULJjK3wWcefwnlIkRKExn_mIweqWd4py423heYlDGP/s400/IMG_5023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077502832534435298" border="0" /></a>I can't believe I'm crocheting. *sigh* I assure you hard core knitters that this crochet is a temporary break from the usual sock knitting! I have a few small baby knits in my queue so maybe I'll start those as soon as all of these gift socks are done!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-72525003883478051702007-06-14T18:30:00.000-05:002007-06-14T18:30:28.517-05:00Crochet: The AbyssI'm shocked that it's been two weeks since my last blog post! I've been collecting little bits here and there but I haven't had any knitting content worth mentioning!<br /><br />First up, you really must go check out <a href="http://spacekitty.wordpress.com/2007/06/12/spring-cable-socks/">this really cool free sock pattern</a>. It's a great pattern on its own but the designer? Another <a href="http://spacekitty.wordpress.com/">Elinor</a>. And she spells it correctly. Not like the manufacturer of <a href="http://thepluckyknitter.com/index.php/archives/350">Sarah's shoes</a>, which are still cool because they're called 'Eleanor', but not as cool as if they'd been called 'Elinor'.<br /><br />Speaking of shoes, check out what <a href="http://www.jofrog16.motime.com/1181545292#664617">Johanna's been making</a>! I'm definitely going to put in an order for a pair for Beatrix! Where does that mama find the time? I am thoroughly impressed!<br /><br />For those of you interested in the <a href="http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php?crn=206">Woolarina sock yarn</a> I used for <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/05/fo-craftaholic-orchid-socks.html">my Orchid socks</a>, you should go see <a href="http://twin-knit.com/">Jennie's</a> <a href="http://twin-knit.com/2007/06/12/back-to-the-drawing-board-again/">current WIP with another colorway of Woolarina</a>. She's struggling with the sock heel but the yarn is just beautiful!! I hope Woolarina puts up more yarn soon!<br /><br />I'm afraid that I've been teetering on the abyss of crochet. (runs around in circles screaming) All thanks to <a href="http://www.monster-yarn.com/">Maryse</a> and her stinkin' <a href="http://www.monster-yarn.com/2007/05/bustin_the_stas.html">Soft Waves Ripple Afghan</a>. You see, I have this huge "stash". I use the term tentatively because I'm referring to partial skeins and leftovers from other projects, which I know many of you refuse to call "stash" (denial must be nice...) Leftovers aside, my stash is tiny compared to some of the ones I've been seeing on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> (I'm lookin' at you <a href="http://fricknits.typepad.com/fricknits/">JulieFrick</a>!). Nevertheless, I would love to use up my remnants and since I'm not likely to finish any knitted blanket, I thought I'd try to crochet one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuOpfMsC-IhDvQem-JjNCqsUjItWKIzrG-ARq5JaUaZTHIPmnlOclFy-spzMEA0tnp8CMKHMN_rcCYWo59-T4gRuZ2BnPcsdCIuKE8zLm8Tly3ykj6Y9EwhV3spHR6gwBnzwo/s1600-h/IMG_4977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuOpfMsC-IhDvQem-JjNCqsUjItWKIzrG-ARq5JaUaZTHIPmnlOclFy-spzMEA0tnp8CMKHMN_rcCYWo59-T4gRuZ2BnPcsdCIuKE8zLm8Tly3ykj6Y9EwhV3spHR6gwBnzwo/s400/IMG_4977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061445804864914" border="0" /></a>The first problem? I don't know how to crochet. Maryse gave me the rundown on exactly what crochet stitches I'd need to learn and blogless Camille from my knitting group got me started. I've already used up about 5 oz of Cotton Ease remnants making washcloths! I've been giving them away as I crochet them so you don't get any pictures of my wonky "squares".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8gpEVe_TVyY9hco5UdFREHSd9AtQ8T49ruJRUqaiXviTziIZ-mZAdfqkUJ8xAKEx8mQV3EwToe4yRhPOWAwiQoAhwGyWCtH8CeQ96Sb2YZlab60peThPPjAAwYwRB3NqW6EG/s1600-h/IMG_4968.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8gpEVe_TVyY9hco5UdFREHSd9AtQ8T49ruJRUqaiXviTziIZ-mZAdfqkUJ8xAKEx8mQV3EwToe4yRhPOWAwiQoAhwGyWCtH8CeQ96Sb2YZlab60peThPPjAAwYwRB3NqW6EG/s400/IMG_4968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061445804864946" border="0" /></a>The second problem? The pattern is from a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/200-Ripple-Stitch-Patterns-Exciting/dp/089689276X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-8164339-1767241?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181753238&sr=1-1">book that my library doesn't have</a> and I'm just not going to buy a book for ONE pattern. While there are 200 stitch patterns in this book, I thought I'd take my chances on Amazon to see if the book had an excerpt. It does and guess what? The excerpt includes the pattern I want! This just goes to show that you should ALWAYS 'Look Inside This Book'!<br /><br />I'm planning to make the blanket baby sized and use up lots of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Wool+of+the+Andes_YD5420103.html">Wool of the Andes</a>, <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220</a> and misc worsted weight wool. I might buy a few more WoTA skeins to balance the colors out but not until I get started! No need to add to stash for a stash buster, right?<br /><br />Next up, I'm going to have to come clean with you about what I've done with my <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/05/woolarina-grapefruit-socks-and-knit.html">Grapefruit socks</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw6u6l8eLmcTGe5bc9XACMRiGJjKYjgKNgw0tmBO-QZmBOD3PYv6v9U970eRn0h6xS7UjylijrkwMOLQk2hHkJDYkbp9UKcFnWJlehA0qkQQYh08XkxVD9C2JhMcL8ZQDAiQC/s1600-h/IMG_4983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw6u6l8eLmcTGe5bc9XACMRiGJjKYjgKNgw0tmBO-QZmBOD3PYv6v9U970eRn0h6xS7UjylijrkwMOLQk2hHkJDYkbp9UKcFnWJlehA0qkQQYh08XkxVD9C2JhMcL8ZQDAiQC/s400/IMG_4983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061437214930306" border="0" /></a>Let's just say that there will not be a sock giveaway, although I promise to hold another giveaway (with a good prize) in place of the socks. I am weak. <a href="http://weaverknits.blogspot.com/">Ann</a> offered to trade me some <a href="http://www.redbirdknits.com/yarn/detail.php?Category=Yarn&name=Sea%20Wool">Sea Wool</a> for my socks and I took her up on it. Please don't hate me (didn't I tell you I was weak?) Besides, you <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> you would have done the same...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l9v8HrwMvQjSsTwiwBsuVvnKFGqWgq5xiU59YBw_-MwVMZC_HgaS4HgllOiAMgpzKvBmWkWLMti170TgcM4aLfrDShzSkQIBVnTXLvH0PCtxqlnQn0SBvS-qR72FIEMtIYGS/s1600-h/IMG_4958.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l9v8HrwMvQjSsTwiwBsuVvnKFGqWgq5xiU59YBw_-MwVMZC_HgaS4HgllOiAMgpzKvBmWkWLMti170TgcM4aLfrDShzSkQIBVnTXLvH0PCtxqlnQn0SBvS-qR72FIEMtIYGS/s400/IMG_4958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061862416692690" border="0" /></a>Because Ann is too cool for words, she also threw in some Lang Jawoll for fun! I'm hoping to finish up Ann's socks this week so I can liberate my size 1 circular so I can continue knitting this pair for my aunt. I can't remember the name of the pattern just now but it's a 4-stitch cable pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704">Sensational Knitted Socks</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bhOduA44BIrnkX72I63gZx-GiiSBa_ErZ6V_rc2SaNJcoUFbFliZt1fm-OS4ggMq7wQnPX-49Ta8WyPvQOgwXdQSLBzQ_eQAqeE-gR41sBBrWLsd0-GsGTQn4-5edTY3Lu66/s1600-h/IMG_4986.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bhOduA44BIrnkX72I63gZx-GiiSBa_ErZ6V_rc2SaNJcoUFbFliZt1fm-OS4ggMq7wQnPX-49Ta8WyPvQOgwXdQSLBzQ_eQAqeE-gR41sBBrWLsd0-GsGTQn4-5edTY3Lu66/s400/IMG_4986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061437214930290" border="0" /></a>Even so, I need some stockinette socks to knit while studying! Studying is the only way I'm getting in any knitting these days. This is my new study sock! It's Regia Cotton India. I'm knitting these for my mom who claims to be allergic to wool (I have my doubts about this but I'm compromising).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVpf4u_0LFGthSbfa2PLDgoBFWcXgraSE-rJbrSUcPC0puWNJYtpWdUj7SkftYTVUJF_z4Ny1DIiw_tl-Vx4un4oRv1dqyRDxs41qB3Sd1fCJyUvlp4AMOvL73pqzS9Jkd5Cc/s1600-h/IMG_4975.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVpf4u_0LFGthSbfa2PLDgoBFWcXgraSE-rJbrSUcPC0puWNJYtpWdUj7SkftYTVUJF_z4Ny1DIiw_tl-Vx4un4oRv1dqyRDxs41qB3Sd1fCJyUvlp4AMOvL73pqzS9Jkd5Cc/s400/IMG_4975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076061445804864930" border="0" /></a>The knitting is really taking a back seat to organic chemistry and exercise!! I really must carve out some knitting (dare I say 'crochet' too?) time soon! I've been running 3 days a week with my friend's running program, playing soccer 2 days a week, taking exercise classes 3 days a week and getting up for <a href="http://ljworld.com/specials/dog_days/">Dog Days</a>, a community exercise program 2 times a week. Since there aren't 10 days in a week, that means exercise twice a day most days of the week. It's been a lot of fun but it doesn't leave much room for knitting. Summer is for getting outside so don't expect prolific knitting in the next few months! I know you're all outside too!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-70968374429998396722007-05-31T12:19:00.001-05:002007-05-31T14:45:19.089-05:00FO: Craftaholic Orchid Socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNh31szJbeEB-VvrO8Ul4yN-eFlnJVkIbKKEP7qSyhwsRqiL04fGbKBZRQ2L0DinUwQsumYw_JkSl0I2FVkGNCJsx2i-ehW6t-v3g6gpq2Iz3GTEFeAb5nJZNRu4wTiApH3iM/s1600-h/IMG_4891.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNh31szJbeEB-VvrO8Ul4yN-eFlnJVkIbKKEP7qSyhwsRqiL04fGbKBZRQ2L0DinUwQsumYw_JkSl0I2FVkGNCJsx2i-ehW6t-v3g6gpq2Iz3GTEFeAb5nJZNRu4wTiApH3iM/s400/IMG_4891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070776096726733746" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a href="http://craftoholic.blogspot.com">Craftaholic's</a> <a href="http://craftoholic.blogspot.com/2005/09/patterns-for-springgrass-orchid-socks.html">Orchid Sock pattern</a><br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php?crn=206">Woolarina</a> Superwash Sock<br />Needles: US 2 for the first 4 inches, then US 1<br />Modifications: This is a toe-up pattern but I knit it top down, without reversing the row order. Also, I only used the lace pattern on the front, with extended ribbing followed by stockinette stitch in the back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif05sMO_XOPKqnoqVN4TIpyDDfDphnXTnvOGyUphr-eftHj6j6XKxZc9z1Oj42GB5tzMMKdyqgAkwY-kNeQ3uf4HF-j6xf7fXf4PSSXApJwesAUVOXGXO-q23-Ar7eE_ZJgc_C/s1600-h/IMG_4896.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif05sMO_XOPKqnoqVN4TIpyDDfDphnXTnvOGyUphr-eftHj6j6XKxZc9z1Oj42GB5tzMMKdyqgAkwY-kNeQ3uf4HF-j6xf7fXf4PSSXApJwesAUVOXGXO-q23-Ar7eE_ZJgc_C/s400/IMG_4896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070776101021701058" border="0" /></a>Here is a view of the back. The extra ribbing and stockinette in back was inspired by <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/04/fo-canal-du-midi-socks.html">Nancy Bush's Canal du Midi pattern</a> that I knit up in April.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_QqAzjGgeg-i0qmVWylXu8HMI528LcnF5h7bPpG1dmJrnMh9BwzwhQH_qOAhbv7FKx8O0sExScX-WJb3eFt6EWu24RWH8OvhEmJHwEIgDEd8ym32dUMWJJ9HPnsFpn-QnRv-/s1600-h/IMG_4899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_QqAzjGgeg-i0qmVWylXu8HMI528LcnF5h7bPpG1dmJrnMh9BwzwhQH_qOAhbv7FKx8O0sExScX-WJb3eFt6EWu24RWH8OvhEmJHwEIgDEd8ym32dUMWJJ9HPnsFpn-QnRv-/s400/IMG_4899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070776122496537554" border="0" /></a><br />One thing that I love about these socks is the striping on the bottoms of the feet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawCXEKFCh1g5QNeg6cbkXjHUCN20HU7Ir9K1Oa8_VYj5of-j9JHAGk-GDfvdFRW2WaDCK_PlwVDO9Q2B4TfndQO6chu4ZDxkg1ztvN3n0SW9NdTLcGTf3wJ7-suJVQt1QdgcY/s1600-h/IMG_4900.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawCXEKFCh1g5QNeg6cbkXjHUCN20HU7Ir9K1Oa8_VYj5of-j9JHAGk-GDfvdFRW2WaDCK_PlwVDO9Q2B4TfndQO6chu4ZDxkg1ztvN3n0SW9NdTLcGTf3wJ7-suJVQt1QdgcY/s400/IMG_4900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070776126791504866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQEPDNwq2vu4izWzIzr7cO5-ZxsUcBKl4WNBbnqy_GGC8x-juwu-SL87o4b9KVrZoTahydd6vcTxv9Ork_TVnfYzSJTkI_DnDwbphsFpf35a4wsmegdlmw6NBY9fVnqQcnw4-/s1600-h/IMG_4905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQEPDNwq2vu4izWzIzr7cO5-ZxsUcBKl4WNBbnqy_GGC8x-juwu-SL87o4b9KVrZoTahydd6vcTxv9Ork_TVnfYzSJTkI_DnDwbphsFpf35a4wsmegdlmw6NBY9fVnqQcnw4-/s400/IMG_4905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070776131086472178" border="0" /></a>I really can't say enough about this yarn. It felt like soft Koigu with similar twist. I love the striping too, although it only striped when I knit on US 1s, pooling a bit on US 2s. Since these are for me, I'll be able to give you a review of how the yarn wears later this year - a bonus!<br /><br />I'm horribly behind on Bloglines, please forgive me! I've been reading everything but haven't had much time for comments. I'll get back next week when school starts up again and I'm not on full-time baby care. Speaking of which, how do you stay-at-home moms do it? I'm exhausted and crazy from two weeks of sitter-free baby duty!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-47033599000628166892007-05-29T19:04:00.000-05:002007-05-29T19:12:22.928-05:00Things I Do to Jacques in the Name of My KidBike trailer test driving!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHphjl7At2Eg61JDgv2PAdLwtnn8S7OwLohUxiHw7nFh9SqWjTUj5hh0BtoJnzs_mS_xvv_tRnR1_eTJG6OrJsYKP7pQg0ISgn9Vb8XVYCKQhOR3LE6hEaSIeJkedP2GS5XSBk/s1600-h/jacques_in_bike_trailer_0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHphjl7At2Eg61JDgv2PAdLwtnn8S7OwLohUxiHw7nFh9SqWjTUj5hh0BtoJnzs_mS_xvv_tRnR1_eTJG6OrJsYKP7pQg0ISgn9Vb8XVYCKQhOR3LE6hEaSIeJkedP2GS5XSBk/s400/jacques_in_bike_trailer_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070139049997521826" border="0" /></a>Jacques asks what he did to deserve this...<br /><br />Knitting content later this week!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-18843075493779643362007-05-24T22:10:00.000-05:002007-05-24T22:25:14.996-05:00FO: Flore Hat in Knit Picks Shine SportA baby hat in four days, can you believe it? That's like taking a week to knit a bootie! This is one serious hat! Unfortunately, while I was quite sure that B's head was 17", she has apparently grown a bit since that measurement so that hat is too small. No matter, it will go to a baby due in late summer. Nevertheless, Beatrix will be your model because she's all I have on hand. :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6lg-EjG5FJVxiZ2vrGiPmkvZ9Fl3ItItvyVseDzHCq3LTeqoAJ2zmnFC-MfDIacs-LSauk5ZgWFRlnVo803NZOEnznVl76kcX1nf24Ax2AlL50T9bM6I3N955t8sMmMq92kU/s1600-h/IMG_4887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6lg-EjG5FJVxiZ2vrGiPmkvZ9Fl3ItItvyVseDzHCq3LTeqoAJ2zmnFC-MfDIacs-LSauk5ZgWFRlnVo803NZOEnznVl76kcX1nf24Ax2AlL50T9bM6I3N955t8sMmMq92kU/s400/IMG_4887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068284307025449826" border="0" /></a>Pattern: <a href="http://www.knitwhits.com/flore_red.shtml">Flore</a> by <a href="http://www.knitwhits.com/">Knitwhits</a><br />Yarn: <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Shine+Sport_YD5420122.html">Knit Picks Shine Sport</a>, remnants from other projects (colors: Violet, Orchid, Blush, Apricot and Grass, I believe)<br />Needles: US 4<br />Modifications: Since the suggested yarn was <a href="http://www.theyarnco.com/brand_display/14">Tahki Cotton Classic</a> which is a bit heavier than Shine Sport, I swatched, made some calculations and cast on 90 instead of 114 sts. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj_3wlQRdtWm5lq218Cv0yI5OU8a_Z55BtSlzTTtiLA_1b2mCmUQ2CLEme-_U_HBtcEy_4mqR_Ll7yaVdwXtJ_EeaHZOp-0H0VvBrJ-vnn1Rr2ywGVRcyAy3A2hyphenhypheno9L6K8Pk1/s1600-h/IMG_4877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj_3wlQRdtWm5lq218Cv0yI5OU8a_Z55BtSlzTTtiLA_1b2mCmUQ2CLEme-_U_HBtcEy_4mqR_Ll7yaVdwXtJ_EeaHZOp-0H0VvBrJ-vnn1Rr2ywGVRcyAy3A2hyphenhypheno9L6K8Pk1/s400/IMG_4877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068284311320417154" border="0" /></a><br />First of all, let me just say how much I love the finished product - it's unbearably cute, cleverly designed and interesting to knit. <a href="http://www.jofrog16.motime.com/1169459926#636132">Baby Kaya</a> has a great one too in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino too. The construction is well thought out and the petals are joined by a k2tog row, which cuts way down on the seaming. With those qualification, I must say that only a really, really, really special baby will receive one of these hats from me because both the knitting and finishing were, as <a href="http://knittingunderway.blogspot.com/">Theresa</a> suggested yesterday, "fiddly". That's nothing against the pattern authors at Knitwhits, it's just the nature of the beast. I can't think of any pattern modifications that would make this less painful to knit, but be forewarned that this is certainly a <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/slogalong/">slogalong</a> project.<br /><br />To begin with, the pattern calls for two 16" circular needles and a set of DPNs. That's fine if you happen to own all of those needles in the appropriate size but I didn't and there's no way that I would ever buy so many duplicate needles for a baby hat (maybe for a sweater but certainly not for a baby hat). Thus, I was forced to fudge it a bit. I knit each new petal on DPNs and put the lower parts of the hat on a 32" US 0 circular. Why? Because that's all I had - it essentially functioned as a stitch holder, although I admit I spent a lot of time transferring pieces from one needle to another, something that might not have happened if I had not been too cheap to buy more needles. If you decide to make this hat, I guarantee that it will be easier if you follow instructions and use all of the suggested needles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj9bFt-8EtZS8B5dcUyTnmQHSB-u4yg7EIXrZtYpaq-glfaIOwXYZiUbgR6Z0NCvSIBBZ8itmbQ3TvtehidLkKmmvlGl5ry-30NIPWoB2Wk8sBDiCRIAQJCXnH0MpFEhtHE9j/s1600-h/IMG_4880.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdj9bFt-8EtZS8B5dcUyTnmQHSB-u4yg7EIXrZtYpaq-glfaIOwXYZiUbgR6Z0NCvSIBBZ8itmbQ3TvtehidLkKmmvlGl5ry-30NIPWoB2Wk8sBDiCRIAQJCXnH0MpFEhtHE9j/s400/IMG_4880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068284311320417138" border="0" /></a><br />The finishing seemed to take forever, although my patience for end weaving and the like is minimal. Each layer had six tips to tack down so that the petal would lie flat. Six tack downs multiplied by five... that's a real drag, if you ask me.<br /><br />So there you have it: an absolutely adorable hat can be yours with a little crankiness and a lot of finishing! Take it for what it's worth!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-23282573732313874942007-05-23T18:09:00.001-05:002007-05-23T18:33:01.182-05:00A Quick Break from Socks: FloreWhen I saw <a href="http://yarnovermanhattan.blogspot.com/2007/05/im-baaaaaack.html">Sophia's</a> <a href="http://www.knitwhits.com/flore_red.shtml">Flore</a> hat, I remembered how had intended to make one for Beatrix so I quickly download the pattern, collected some <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Shine+Sport_YD5420122.html">Shine Sport</a> remnants, did some math and cast on. I needed a bit of a reprieve from sock knitting and baby hats are fast knits, right? Well, it turns out that this particular hat is not such a quick knit, although it does beat socks. It's like knitting four baby hats in one. (duh)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9gLNkKta3d7ljNW4JUUy0enxMG5NZhpDvkvEa6QhmI8b0Y0W8c5JRdJF1Q-UdWGI0kAyypaXeT6lnOz2YBG6jaPPT4Srp1IT9mdU65HofBZnZ5Yu83E5K3a6a3tzkwV5eg81/s1600-h/IMG_4872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9gLNkKta3d7ljNW4JUUy0enxMG5NZhpDvkvEa6QhmI8b0Y0W8c5JRdJF1Q-UdWGI0kAyypaXeT6lnOz2YBG6jaPPT4Srp1IT9mdU65HofBZnZ5Yu83E5K3a6a3tzkwV5eg81/s400/IMG_4872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067897450731164466" border="0" /></a>I'll have a couple comments about the actual pattern when I blog about the FO later this week.<br /><br />Until then, I'll be enjoying the nice weather (guilt-free) with Aaron and Beatrix. There must be something about <a href="http://knittingphilistine.blogspot.com/2007/05/after-school-special.html">the end of the semester and bike rides</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j8Qtp5qyRVkwZOruPpFizGyZb3vwiuRupLcumzN-s2NDnTisFtN_vUnfwvtgYNNmAUB3WAiZx-re8Buv7FOZf-Fds9oDvCavcU6XvcezAbM0ow5vYjFRVSBUcp5OhVYQcoq6/s1600-h/9_mos_first_bike_ride_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j8Qtp5qyRVkwZOruPpFizGyZb3vwiuRupLcumzN-s2NDnTisFtN_vUnfwvtgYNNmAUB3WAiZx-re8Buv7FOZf-Fds9oDvCavcU6XvcezAbM0ow5vYjFRVSBUcp5OhVYQcoq6/s400/9_mos_first_bike_ride_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067901814417937218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFExhyphenhyphenOtEuEISOJHL-GVYb76OGv-ZR-Cb7xDRkkn_cTjAbbSCguemeWAPGLgRpRVK8v7FHWPx6DkbvCYS5Zr-GZWEJxJ4A1VF6huiFrRnYRdXdseRBNzxFnBryv-sTLGS1-qKe/s1600-h/9_mos_first_bike_ride_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFExhyphenhyphenOtEuEISOJHL-GVYb76OGv-ZR-Cb7xDRkkn_cTjAbbSCguemeWAPGLgRpRVK8v7FHWPx6DkbvCYS5Zr-GZWEJxJ4A1VF6huiFrRnYRdXdseRBNzxFnBryv-sTLGS1-qKe/s400/9_mos_first_bike_ride_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067901818712904530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ16zZDmFBXXCxiIB8vidBppfKgBY9mPZwmbPlwFBsZx1VIbMd5az6j9ORbZTPaaGRae4_ZQevhKRQEY7P1Fxo0N8d6Ff4x8iocv3fxNzw-X6a4AqinBVXvneajHPKUsevg3cQ/s1600-h/9_mos_0001.JPG"><br /></a>Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-79163868522685359072007-05-19T08:30:00.000-05:002007-05-19T08:30:39.879-05:00Celebratory KnittingThis week I took two finals and handed in a 5-page paper and an 80-page paper. I'm officially done for the semester and done with my masters degree. Commencement is tomorrow but it will be a bit anticlimactic, since I still have to take more science classes to meet the medical school entrance requirements.<br /><br />Needless to say, I celebrated with a few rows of sock. I present one finished Orchid Sock. The second is already on the needles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQQFj_YdZ9pm7FGnq0Tvaq7gZC7JV8_DujbrD6Ge4_BAuGHZeVgvu-CyAl8_CKGpsGHUCy4q4PpNxJnEOSnQJYuoISlpheUPo-e1Bu8QzQpu7qCEG8B4RSUy-64Q4dT_L_Y3j/s1600-h/IMG_4808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQQFj_YdZ9pm7FGnq0Tvaq7gZC7JV8_DujbrD6Ge4_BAuGHZeVgvu-CyAl8_CKGpsGHUCy4q4PpNxJnEOSnQJYuoISlpheUPo-e1Bu8QzQpu7qCEG8B4RSUy-64Q4dT_L_Y3j/s400/IMG_4808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895789812798210" border="0" /></a>This picture shows the lace pattern a bit better.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJzuk7CFdrkYQfPUxRsjcSNAYgUPSaaZiRAJQNKLLgnFXFa7HVRRCY5fOeLG9UwxjPW11gi5sGTTbGB_sQh8k_6RzDkfbgzCE9fr1jR-kTPlB_FwJJzxeKMLaPCK5IUnlRaTz/s1600-h/IMG_4809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJzuk7CFdrkYQfPUxRsjcSNAYgUPSaaZiRAJQNKLLgnFXFa7HVRRCY5fOeLG9UwxjPW11gi5sGTTbGB_sQh8k_6RzDkfbgzCE9fr1jR-kTPlB_FwJJzxeKMLaPCK5IUnlRaTz/s400/IMG_4809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895789812798194" border="0" /></a>Even though this yarn was probably not the best choice to show off the lace pattern, I love the striping shown here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjrvrkzbVBBUm1fAafYCjGb47faZWACVW3pMV7y0GKxsS5MskX8UwdxXid86GIBt8MODfKPTOIY5PJDKig3G7J_u0YV3iAvwTVUCCGEMCBWQ1ZHNgSTNzfqPjoB3q3l1wRCkP/s1600-h/IMG_4810.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjrvrkzbVBBUm1fAafYCjGb47faZWACVW3pMV7y0GKxsS5MskX8UwdxXid86GIBt8MODfKPTOIY5PJDKig3G7J_u0YV3iAvwTVUCCGEMCBWQ1ZHNgSTNzfqPjoB3q3l1wRCkP/s400/IMG_4810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895553589596898" border="0" /></a>Instead of knitting the lace pattern on the front and back, I knit the back the same way the Canal du Midi Socks were made, mostly to give the sock some stability.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYezJtZdSnq3PSzYFiQg6iBT78zzw-rJ5bHwaKmkyqC4WaH56eEc9-8V4z1Bvpow6MWPzhLFZab2xuCLA09tg4aVn1d20y7UaVmCBOk84jRVN_AFyUsZWUFSy0w2_JGnlVrNs/s1600-h/IMG_4814.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYezJtZdSnq3PSzYFiQg6iBT78zzw-rJ5bHwaKmkyqC4WaH56eEc9-8V4z1Bvpow6MWPzhLFZab2xuCLA09tg4aVn1d20y7UaVmCBOk84jRVN_AFyUsZWUFSy0w2_JGnlVrNs/s400/IMG_4814.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895549294629586" border="0" /></a>I enjoyed knitting these socks so very much! As I've told some of you, I will be sad to finish the second sock!<br /><br />My secret pal, whose last two packages been waiting for me after <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-loot.html">each</a> of my <a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.blogspot.com/2007/04/fo-childs-first-sock-frogged-conwy-sock.html">last two</a> organic chemistry, struck again. This time? Four hours after my organic chemistry final. If it weren't for the Australian postmarks, I would swear that my pal is in the class with me because her timing is freakish. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSXrKC7uJ-AlQ1_aKXxWM8Vt7bHOJGt4ekpRtxfkNWS0Ay5YuxCVg2HdV800ZVl7mQvflLteT1_oxLSoUm2nh5RDRcRgydk9stk8aiVEHWSbxrm2jTNbLNwnZF4tJrh2OocCX/s1600-h/IMG_4815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSXrKC7uJ-AlQ1_aKXxWM8Vt7bHOJGt4ekpRtxfkNWS0Ay5YuxCVg2HdV800ZVl7mQvflLteT1_oxLSoUm2nh5RDRcRgydk9stk8aiVEHWSbxrm2jTNbLNwnZF4tJrh2OocCX/s400/IMG_4815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895549294629570" border="0" /></a>This time, she sent a <a href="http://www.josharp.com.au/Books/Knit3.html">Jo Sharp pattern book</a>, three wonderfully soft balls of Alpaca Silk Georgette and some chocolate wrapped in the prettiest paper!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfZAU2p58G1fzuerSrl6aSKblD8UyvxQwTmf7IIKkryydv4Sxoe7CxHYK_83Tq9BfitETSXALbMKeN_nn6fERZwsfZ_uVM6kTjTddIW0ewa-WdFzEbqrgHTssbJReegNqTyis/s1600-h/IMG_4816.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfZAU2p58G1fzuerSrl6aSKblD8UyvxQwTmf7IIKkryydv4Sxoe7CxHYK_83Tq9BfitETSXALbMKeN_nn6fERZwsfZ_uVM6kTjTddIW0ewa-WdFzEbqrgHTssbJReegNqTyis/s400/IMG_4816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065895549294629554" border="0" /></a>Although I had heard great things about Jo Sharp patterns, I'd never leafed through one of her pattern books. I must say, this pattern book is definitely my style. You all know how often I knit adult sweaters (have I even made one since I started blogging?) but I'm itching to cast on <a href="http://www.josharp.com.au/Images/jpegs/Knit3/cablevest.jpg">for</a> <a href="http://www.josharp.com.au/Images/jpegs/Knit3/mohaircoat.jpg">several</a> from this issue! Unfortunately, I can't find any pictures of the mitts and stockings that my pal suggested for the yarn. Maybe I'll have to knit them. Thank you so much, secret pal!!! You are totally amazing!<br /><br />Finally, both <a href="http://emilysmusingsonknitting.blogspot.com/">Emily</a> and <a href="http://akaijen.typepad.com/jen_knits/">Jen</a> tagged me for that 7 Random Things About You meme that's flying around blogland. I'm conflicted about memes because I don't like when they replace real knit blog fodder (personally, I'd rather see what you knit than learn about your freakish talents or strange pet peeves, even if that means you only post once a month). Read on if you so choose. I'm not going to tag anyone else (much to the annoyance of <a href="http://pepperknit.com/blog/archives/369">Minty</a>) but feel free to post your own you like.<br />1. I grew up on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Cod">Cape Cod</a>.<br />2. I begged to go to boarding school and loved every minute of it. Cape Cod was that awful (pretty, yes, but an intellectual wasteland nonetheless).<br />3. When I went to college at the <a href="http://www.ku.edu">University of Kansas</a>, my grandmother referred to it as a study abroad period.<br />4. I live happily without both meat and television (until Beatrix, I lived without dairy and eggs too). I firmly believe television is the root of all evil. I won't judge you if you like it but if you can't carry a conversation without talking about TV shows, my eyes will glaze over and I'll politely excuse myself from the conversation.<br />5. I'm a New York Times Crossword junkie. Like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/ref/crosswords/clintonpuz.html">Bill Clinton</a>, only not nearly as good. Have you seen the <a href="http://www.avantnews.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=339">Bush crossword</a>? It's good. ;-)<br />6. I don't run on the Kansas River levy (the best running surface in town) because one time, a lone female runner who was really far out <a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/jun/30/runner_reports_seeing_mountain_lion_along_river_le/?city_local">got stalked by a mountain lion at 5 a.m</a>. Even though I would never run at 5 a.m., alone on the levy or that many miles out, I still fear mountain lions.<br />7. Whenever I ride out of town, I think about how nice it would be to live in the country. Then, I think about snakes and mountain lions. That's the end of that fantasy. I'm such a New Englander.Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-27096854423013741612007-05-15T14:24:00.000-05:002007-05-15T14:35:51.050-05:00Orchid Socks and Upcoming Blog Contest for Grapefruit Socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4gZCs50D-5C51vhemy3N_Sd0GHoXPT4dFc2mUW0IrllnQDCpieNbPAUflkBkgt_066LpD2HlU2jdBzkfQAMEROtUmZu0D8YUSRBDggTzXQueHjiGsykYEyC5FmsYnrugeT1r/s1600-h/IMG_4796.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4gZCs50D-5C51vhemy3N_Sd0GHoXPT4dFc2mUW0IrllnQDCpieNbPAUflkBkgt_066LpD2HlU2jdBzkfQAMEROtUmZu0D8YUSRBDggTzXQueHjiGsykYEyC5FmsYnrugeT1r/s400/IMG_4796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064871164448221026" border="0" /></a><br />The good: Orchid Socks are knitting up beautifully and I really love this colorway from Woolarina.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJweYf29ltCaxCmPvSsWSuNgU1gakJQQrji14IwtO3iaMippqpXLwmVJCxYkLux86WJyS_PZvZBCdRK90DZYX3XO29n6Svay1n7-sROLP6kZ7IuCZ4S5QRELzFBBU3IXykOR7/s1600-h/IMG_4799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJweYf29ltCaxCmPvSsWSuNgU1gakJQQrji14IwtO3iaMippqpXLwmVJCxYkLux86WJyS_PZvZBCdRK90DZYX3XO29n6Svay1n7-sROLP6kZ7IuCZ4S5QRELzFBBU3IXykOR7/s400/IMG_4799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064871168743188338" border="0" /></a>The bad: Studying for final exams and finishing up a directed readings paper is really chewing up my knitting time this week.<br /><br />The ugly: OK, so some of you don't think the Grapefruit Socks are all that ugly but I do. The last straw came when Aaron referred to them as my Ronald McDonald socks. I've decided that these socks and my wardrobe will never coexist peacefully so I've decided to have a blog contest and give them away. I'll finish the length to the winner's foot measurements (provided your feet aren't bigger than a women's US 10 so I don't run out of yarn). I'll post contest details in the next two weeks, when I'm closer to finishing the pair. Stay tuned.Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-88975617701471113222007-05-11T10:34:00.000-05:002007-05-11T13:56:34.715-05:00Woolarina Grapefruit Socks and Knit Picks Catalogs<cranky><------- Begin Cranky Post --------><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vM-ETmFcWUDme9QYmfofRgshciUUCVLxNYbkd5oExc3qGmErJN2wA0p08HGJ8FxhsW23wla7CIEuMiCQsNARlnHDDcpjLiQ5YkUE9-ev4sHClvGN7L3RWfO5IUe1P1hkBrY2/s1600-h/IMG_4791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vM-ETmFcWUDme9QYmfofRgshciUUCVLxNYbkd5oExc3qGmErJN2wA0p08HGJ8FxhsW23wla7CIEuMiCQsNARlnHDDcpjLiQ5YkUE9-ev4sHClvGN7L3RWfO5IUe1P1hkBrY2/s400/IMG_4791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063371559436953378" border="0" /></a>Have you ever landed on someone's blog and thought, "Oh man, what was that blogger thinking?" Well, I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">that blogger</span> this week ! I know some people like this kind of project but for all of you out there who are cringing, I'm right there with you. Give me solid sock yarn any day. Nevertheless, I am interested in how the striping is turning out. I used a short-row heel and knit the heel from the other end of the ball in an attempt to maintain the established striping pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sZcYgFGi7lWIqG8bPbJvCnO70_yvHGnUglZ2Q1hyphenhyphen7X12U4Gu7UqbguwNxo1riLB1kukJy5f9XDdpFUYiSFYlMOihQVKqn2aIw6SYjctG2fIp-Jo0wKyjE2WvqnYGs3lRWysK/s1600-h/IMG_4790.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sZcYgFGi7lWIqG8bPbJvCnO70_yvHGnUglZ2Q1hyphenhyphen7X12U4Gu7UqbguwNxo1riLB1kukJy5f9XDdpFUYiSFYlMOihQVKqn2aIw6SYjctG2fIp-Jo0wKyjE2WvqnYGs3lRWysK/s400/IMG_4790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063371559436953362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtej6SA4lQreDO4MIB0qz7F0uTtI7CUUti99CYK95VvkDh3cD_mKxMMP51YO6AwnehBsipdqp3KmQMewGxQFYhBShQDS82m1jMlfjB1B-VvMts1yU8qH8r47YMrCbuwt7JSgOh/s1600-h/IMG_4792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtej6SA4lQreDO4MIB0qz7F0uTtI7CUUti99CYK95VvkDh3cD_mKxMMP51YO6AwnehBsipdqp3KmQMewGxQFYhBShQDS82m1jMlfjB1B-VvMts1yU8qH8r47YMrCbuwt7JSgOh/s400/IMG_4792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063371563731920690" border="0" /></a><br />There has been a little surprise with this yarn. Do you see the inch of green? It was difficult to photograph but rest assured, there is an inch of green thrown in. I don't mind too much, since my expectations of the project in general are rather low. Perhaps that will be how I'll tell right from left?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8_HjF8nNBWm5DXlS4uml_l_JXXXY8lK3MewD6vEI3uYF1CFZdNP44QJ7_2hdfyNpySW3sr8uENVinLlr7jWcL_Nyf18flxmpfAhF9ldz_eo8zJa5_jxLyIRI1kemgSjBl7l-/s1600-h/IMG_4793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8_HjF8nNBWm5DXlS4uml_l_JXXXY8lK3MewD6vEI3uYF1CFZdNP44QJ7_2hdfyNpySW3sr8uENVinLlr7jWcL_Nyf18flxmpfAhF9ldz_eo8zJa5_jxLyIRI1kemgSjBl7l-/s400/IMG_4793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063371568026888002" border="0" /></a><br />You can really see the pooling capabilities of this yarn in the cake, now that I've used up quite a bit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsw5y-6s7F5J8883hynu2ROEUHDnS0r2zXCYClOsSQUdbxHfGpLQgQnp_M1MPy9WxgDFqpCMi1SMCh2anaEEl8WGAzdfVPuFomrzB_8lGWhxlutnS3zO2IsvlRcE0Fju10Nnr/s1600-h/IMG_4794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsw5y-6s7F5J8883hynu2ROEUHDnS0r2zXCYClOsSQUdbxHfGpLQgQnp_M1MPy9WxgDFqpCMi1SMCh2anaEEl8WGAzdfVPuFomrzB_8lGWhxlutnS3zO2IsvlRcE0Fju10Nnr/s400/IMG_4794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063371568026888018" border="0" /></a><br />I just received the new <a href="http://knitpicks.com/">Knit Picks</a> catalog this week. Am I the only one that thinks the modeled sweaters in their catalogs look like droopy potato sacks? And some of the sock patterns they feature? *shaking head* KP sells some great yarns but I think they need to hire better marketing folks. Or at least, marketing folks who are at the same time <span style="font-style: italic;">skilled knitters</span>. You can find far superior examples of Knit Picks yarn in action on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a> and frankly, that's just sad. They should be able to put out a catalog superior to a <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/">Lion Brand</a> one, don't you think? Well, that's what<span style="font-style: italic;"> I</span> think.<br /><br /></cranky><------- End Cranky Post -------->Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-41675218590174226762007-05-09T12:38:00.000-05:002007-05-09T12:56:19.762-05:00Pooling Grapefruit SocksHere is what remained of the sock yarn for my in-laws' socks. Four socks and this is all the yarn I have left. You can see why I was worried about not making it!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YQ3w5YM5a4nbQ18skberu2B9wu89eMDzRER_ZadroVr9JtcXsNEzEOL9n52iYEFj8DamldN5oFTcxIL0qCEzWdsYNRZapJflx75_Q_jMxPH4fl9NrqS2GkSHsTwz58Kx-wX3/s1600-h/IMG_4787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YQ3w5YM5a4nbQ18skberu2B9wu89eMDzRER_ZadroVr9JtcXsNEzEOL9n52iYEFj8DamldN5oFTcxIL0qCEzWdsYNRZapJflx75_Q_jMxPH4fl9NrqS2GkSHsTwz58Kx-wX3/s400/IMG_4787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617122661607138" border="0" /></a><br />My Grapefruit Socks are definitely pooling in spite of knitting with two skeins, as <a href="http://onandofftheneedles.blogspot.com/">Stacey</a> predicted. Surprisingly, I don't hate them. Not yet, at least. And really, what do I care anyhow? These socks are getting me through through exams! Their intended purpose is not to sit in my bag looking pretty. I must remember that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ3LC1uPQpBtZ8xqB2FzSUeVWyFOB-k7eRDF4DDgp0mYBRWwq6B3Q62ZkqeM478_lNnxm15sxIb03HkMg_t6yygIEvHEN6cE3XMu9RagBQNy9if52BLOZJb1qmahyphenhyphenL2-6jTQF/s1600-h/IMG_4783.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ3LC1uPQpBtZ8xqB2FzSUeVWyFOB-k7eRDF4DDgp0mYBRWwq6B3Q62ZkqeM478_lNnxm15sxIb03HkMg_t6yygIEvHEN6cE3XMu9RagBQNy9if52BLOZJb1qmahyphenhyphenL2-6jTQF/s400/IMG_4783.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617118366639794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjJl08dilqV5NzokOWBi_deNS2wP2hUpNxF9DjSgX5nAkLifSTg6tmXAIeuLjYtszcIs0LbHSaSIyxgyJ135n-RuwSgUm-W5k-ObgqLoSQgIEiL-KkfdGXVvBIRubTUOPVCRy/s1600-h/IMG_4784.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjJl08dilqV5NzokOWBi_deNS2wP2hUpNxF9DjSgX5nAkLifSTg6tmXAIeuLjYtszcIs0LbHSaSIyxgyJ135n-RuwSgUm-W5k-ObgqLoSQgIEiL-KkfdGXVvBIRubTUOPVCRy/s400/IMG_4784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617118366639810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcSboKYLC6Y2-o6HUIbFs0nhZEcV9AOr3-XYyQoCbdFaqc8cMTJ9EkaFbTFimT1yvec02wQMWcFNUSlRHAGIOjGjVVRC-TRDVb5NijW4ciWhH4adaB2rPPeHofRZU9IMr1M61/s1600-h/IMG_4786.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcSboKYLC6Y2-o6HUIbFs0nhZEcV9AOr3-XYyQoCbdFaqc8cMTJ9EkaFbTFimT1yvec02wQMWcFNUSlRHAGIOjGjVVRC-TRDVb5NijW4ciWhH4adaB2rPPeHofRZU9IMr1M61/s400/IMG_4786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617122661607122" border="0" /></a><br />In other news, a few weeks back, I realized that there was a mistake with the Secret Pal 10 swap and I had two spoilers! Well, <a href="http://nycitymama.blogspot.com/">Christine</a> ended up getting reassigned but she sent me stuff too! Some coffee, some of her own hand-dyed wool in an absolutely beautiful blue and personalized stitch markers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942GxBitcLpaIulqDDCDgAFa4GkkFGJWxt9u7v-H7rBf_YiYPK2E0s4jAsXwqeovSK6mL8VyrmyMQAOkNg4crsF_SqOdp4SieJQl2IUZAQr03bHT_pFhitAudIf3TrDp0FvgY/s1600-h/IMG_4788.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942GxBitcLpaIulqDDCDgAFa4GkkFGJWxt9u7v-H7rBf_YiYPK2E0s4jAsXwqeovSK6mL8VyrmyMQAOkNg4crsF_SqOdp4SieJQl2IUZAQr03bHT_pFhitAudIf3TrDp0FvgY/s400/IMG_4788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617126956574450" border="0" /></a>Can you see those stitch markers? She used pictures of me and Beatrix from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48527722@N00/">my Flickr account</a>!!! That is so cool. I wonder how she did it? I will definitely treasure these stitch markers! I should put them to use in upcoming baby knits too! How sweet is that lady? You should all stop by her blog and see that kid of hers! He's such a cutie with all that great hair!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS7ndrbIb5MaqcEnF07WB3ZmF1sTzA_O5usbeOu-vscqMrMQ0cy3gnaTQXw4D8LYsF47MCL8__HySPt8DEl2LiQ6dXjXMnZ77t6n0xA-duhuojMP9PTM4vb1rEWwjySWqfVoq/s1600-h/IMG_4789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS7ndrbIb5MaqcEnF07WB3ZmF1sTzA_O5usbeOu-vscqMrMQ0cy3gnaTQXw4D8LYsF47MCL8__HySPt8DEl2LiQ6dXjXMnZ77t6n0xA-duhuojMP9PTM4vb1rEWwjySWqfVoq/s400/IMG_4789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062617247215658754" border="0" /></a>Thanks, Christine!!!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-18086485849105042782007-05-08T08:49:00.000-05:002007-05-08T09:20:52.450-05:00FO: Gentleman's Fancy SocksThank you so much for your input about the ribbon on the baby tank. I haven't decided what to do yet but <a href="http://fatchickcrafts.wordpress.com/">Toni</a> had the bright idea to tack the bow down! Why didn't I think of that??? Of course! I might try tacking the bow down in front first before turning it around to the back. There's something about a bow in back that screams 1986 to me.<br /><br />I was looking forward to <a href="http://www.totheriverandback.org/">running a 10K</a> last weekend but I woke up on Sunday to thunder, lightning and a heavy downpour. I'm still pretty disappointed about it because there aren't many 10Ks in my area and it's my favorite distance. I'm thinking of running <a href="http://www.hospitalhillrun.com/">one in Kansas City in early June</a>, although the logistics of getting to the race and dealing with baby care might make that impossible. We'll see. Instead of running this weekend, this is what I did:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzDHTQZFUYP7qQRKMMh6aJXDQujeMUuyUANhyPun9K0Yt2Y0tW4xz4vodV-7mcC6bvqrDi1c-mm36cbaD_eOd8YO3ef4k5rCDOq-H2vuwbNlTsqkg-Nru0nBfgdwqjm1UUEBL/s1600-h/IMG_4774.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzDHTQZFUYP7qQRKMMh6aJXDQujeMUuyUANhyPun9K0Yt2Y0tW4xz4vodV-7mcC6bvqrDi1c-mm36cbaD_eOd8YO3ef4k5rCDOq-H2vuwbNlTsqkg-Nru0nBfgdwqjm1UUEBL/s400/IMG_4774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062187832090437266" border="0" /></a>That swift and ball winder is addicting!<br /><br />I finished the Gentleman's Fancy Socks this weekend. I apologize that every picture of these shows a different color - navy blue is impossible to photograph!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpAE5jTVJ-FtS1PGkgtwhyxYbjUNNfNHnO3TMc9k46h61tvZjE-hEbjWebY1YLFiNak3mjJbDB0wFBggcj4nyBNFVZEZ9vM1MMrTcCSTh7O0rdENvCWtwUkgTEnYQeQhPyCPE/s1600-h/IMG_4748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpAE5jTVJ-FtS1PGkgtwhyxYbjUNNfNHnO3TMc9k46h61tvZjE-hEbjWebY1YLFiNak3mjJbDB0wFBggcj4nyBNFVZEZ9vM1MMrTcCSTh7O0rdENvCWtwUkgTEnYQeQhPyCPE/s400/IMG_4748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062186921557370402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB8qr4iyVqzcPJngY2kJrjC_PRuFJpo4FgXt_flSEkU0dB-ltro7naU57gx1l093Cm7FgdS15w8I7pNyfTTFUgCnzXeyC4-HhCc1N-8gp0pDWkhl9CWby_pxfW4fY_yaCU80A/s1600-h/IMG_4754.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB8qr4iyVqzcPJngY2kJrjC_PRuFJpo4FgXt_flSEkU0dB-ltro7naU57gx1l093Cm7FgdS15w8I7pNyfTTFUgCnzXeyC4-HhCc1N-8gp0pDWkhl9CWby_pxfW4fY_yaCU80A/s400/IMG_4754.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062186925852337714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMu7EOsQ93WNPSbvNW4k8V2Dk0qz1kyzVrddttNVpWJpqZH7s9l_uT1mZjWe8NmrNGjK_SFtMSP329BfbkIVAs6UYRKFkgE4hsIb5qtFUbUT7AlzwR8J6PmrIi_vXJp7mvBRW/s1600-h/IMG_4756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMu7EOsQ93WNPSbvNW4k8V2Dk0qz1kyzVrddttNVpWJpqZH7s9l_uT1mZjWe8NmrNGjK_SFtMSP329BfbkIVAs6UYRKFkgE4hsIb5qtFUbUT7AlzwR8J6PmrIi_vXJp7mvBRW/s400/IMG_4756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062186925852337730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesNp95iNPBdxP9XAsp_l_OYPY-QqGcYj2gZwukThOSoEJlis0n4YOo-FBsPBbt8yr_WCY0TbHsT3C6I6-6JH1ulgpdFdzfaORwxIAZPriX9dXdaue9VEndkrSePDPwvwALmf/s1600-h/IMG_4759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinesNp95iNPBdxP9XAsp_l_OYPY-QqGcYj2gZwukThOSoEJlis0n4YOo-FBsPBbt8yr_WCY0TbHsT3C6I6-6JH1ulgpdFdzfaORwxIAZPriX9dXdaue9VEndkrSePDPwvwALmf/s400/IMG_4759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062186930147305042" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Gentleman's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush<br />Yarn: Lang Jawoll in 85.025 (navy blue)<br />Needles: US 2, US1<br />Modifications: I don't care for leg shaping so I knit the cuff and the first repeat on size 2 needles and then switched to size 1s for the desired shaping. It worked out very well.<br /><br />You should see how little yarn I had left over. Maybe I'll get a picture of that for later this week. It was really astounding. Both pairs of socks for my in-laws really came down to the last few yards!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH-tZdUriGnNcnJ2-lby4tMEuRq6W2bOWAOPD-bb7As6docj1AkF9YJWHoA_K_r-Z-7olrDh0S5Jkqusdt9G3YQN9K3iIu9_Q1L4H1JQd51nGThU88ZWtJey52XrgAIIXiGaG/s1600-h/IMG_4770.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH-tZdUriGnNcnJ2-lby4tMEuRq6W2bOWAOPD-bb7As6docj1AkF9YJWHoA_K_r-Z-7olrDh0S5Jkqusdt9G3YQN9K3iIu9_Q1L4H1JQd51nGThU88ZWtJey52XrgAIIXiGaG/s400/IMG_4770.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062186934442272354" border="0" /></a>There are two new pairs of socks on the needles, both using <a href="http://www.woolarina.com/shop/">Woolarina</a> sock yarn. The first is <a href="http://craftoholic.blogspot.com/2005/09/patterns-for-springgrass-orchid-socks.html">Craftaholic's Orchid socks</a> in Raspberry. Instead of doing a lace repeat in front and in back, I chose to do it in front with ribbing halfway down the back followed by stockinette stitch like the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=19526221&postID=7309844570921642016">Canal du Midi socks</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6wQnC6G83oL7gvJUt7JZc_-9GrVmUfHiS5V5Tb7RBW0HvXbcYJiwojVf0uyzPKXZtBJMVmnGxW78haIJOBhuvX6aO0nJBpD-3pbjfMV3svEF-MCQArqAkZFAn2y25FvgGR7F/s1600-h/IMG_4771.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6wQnC6G83oL7gvJUt7JZc_-9GrVmUfHiS5V5Tb7RBW0HvXbcYJiwojVf0uyzPKXZtBJMVmnGxW78haIJOBhuvX6aO0nJBpD-3pbjfMV3svEF-MCQArqAkZFAn2y25FvgGR7F/s400/IMG_4771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062187823500502642" border="0" /></a>The unblocked version looks all crumpled but check out some of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angefasu/58065593/">other Orchid socks on Flickr</a>. That Craftaholic has some great sock patterns!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5Prw_J6dgZNKvJ7iGCIMrbnSqdc6ILtvBhwSXN8mRyiH1boS_GZVdqISPLjgW8QkkN3AL7Yt9YPP4sWDWFPZJxaQpnYF2BLAxAc2R7rUoh9f2Ou4X-Fpf2SqP9M4fqtzseMw/s1600-h/IMG_4778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5Prw_J6dgZNKvJ7iGCIMrbnSqdc6ILtvBhwSXN8mRyiH1boS_GZVdqISPLjgW8QkkN3AL7Yt9YPP4sWDWFPZJxaQpnYF2BLAxAc2R7rUoh9f2Ou4X-Fpf2SqP9M4fqtzseMw/s400/IMG_4778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062187836385404578" border="0" /></a>This yarn is also Woolarina in Grapefruit. I bought this ages ago because I loved the colors. At the time, I must have forgotten my contempt for the pooling that so often comes with variegated yarn. The yarn has been languishing in stash because I didn't know what to do with it. Since the Orchid socks require more attention to knit than I'd like, I thought I'd start a mindless ribbed sock for reading/studying with this yarn. Of course, I've taken every precaution and I'm alternating between skeins to minimize any pooling. It's going well so far, although I'm only a few inches in. Perhaps you'll see some pictures later this week. I think I'll try 4-5 inches of ribbing followed by plain stockinette. I've never made a stockinette sock so this will be a first!Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19526221.post-21319464068719559802007-05-04T07:45:00.000-05:002007-05-04T07:49:03.114-05:00Why a Cute Ribbon Tie Isn't Such a Great Idea for a Baby Sweater<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4NdbUFL6qFj5pHFBXD3UtXXEArWbTbT7b32eh2LWC_Mw1ph_BsOtzkpOkJNnGTrbzv8i7rngE55rw9EbjZV1_SUBcFrzkK9wkQhEiZTr3AzZ_uD5Lz1Ysi_IKKxeRsoJdgIw/s1600-h/IMG_4592.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4NdbUFL6qFj5pHFBXD3UtXXEArWbTbT7b32eh2LWC_Mw1ph_BsOtzkpOkJNnGTrbzv8i7rngE55rw9EbjZV1_SUBcFrzkK9wkQhEiZTr3AzZ_uD5Lz1Ysi_IKKxeRsoJdgIw/s400/IMG_4592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060686380243232274" border="0" /></a>Do you think it would look strange if I turned the tie around to the back of the tank? *sigh*Elinorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447214216998446617noreply@blogger.com0