tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65879194350280054752024-03-05T15:33:23.150-05:00Knit WhimsyA blog about knitting and general tom-foolery...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-88695372414143563232023-01-03T15:17:00.001-05:002023-01-03T15:17:00.224-05:00Happy Yarn<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Even though my knitting mojo has returned, I have been sticking with simple things like dishcloths, scarves, plain socks, and the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eastern-market-tote" target="_blank">Eastern Market Tote</a> I referred to in my last post. This is mostly due to all the major changes in the last couple of months – the out-of-state move, the new job and new home. I just can’t manage a fussy lace project or anything with sleeves right now, which is why I am completely ignoring the sweater I started in 2019 that is practically finished except for seaming. More on that in another post.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmld_HBLm4iqPJXw8MMGJA1Qus7LNHizF1NMs2zXG2C1LQC_13uqUhfO3fmzI8ZVqXPC4-xTpP149mRy9_G10N8DdTbmxV8U2bJJkMf22iBxChIUAJvH2-7eiWVB00Kd4Hv7u5kyiSZTTjJftY5b6pwGJNGfZIM1vqKe2NYM7diOCR3QVOqEa4BNp8/s300/SAD-Snowman-300x200.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmld_HBLm4iqPJXw8MMGJA1Qus7LNHizF1NMs2zXG2C1LQC_13uqUhfO3fmzI8ZVqXPC4-xTpP149mRy9_G10N8DdTbmxV8U2bJJkMf22iBxChIUAJvH2-7eiWVB00Kd4Hv7u5kyiSZTTjJftY5b6pwGJNGfZIM1vqKe2NYM7diOCR3QVOqEa4BNp8/s16000/SAD-Snowman-300x200.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: x-small;">Winter, schminter...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;">Anyone who knows me knows that winter is a challenge for me. I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and a lack of sunshine outside makes for a lack of sunshine in me, if ya know what I mean. It affects my daily motivation level – exampled so well in my horrible attitude about getting up at the crack of dawn and driving to work IN THE DARK – so the simple stuff is best for now.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I’ve had two cakes of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/frog-tree-pediboo-sport" target="_blank">Pediboo Sport</a> by Frog Tree forever in a lovely milk-chocolaty brown. I think the colorway is #1105 but I’ve long since lost the label and the yarn’s been discontinued. It isn’t a tonal yarn, so I knew I needed something that utilized a unique stitch to keep things interesting. I kept looking for the right pattern to use, but just couldn’t settle on anything I was happy with. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvTDoSANy6T3BbfOGoSD3va_gPZ9T7GQdZxqIVSOjLLwqfSqH0myjRzhIWH45bX9ZtlaLAev7HN6FUNAJvcN43bqFhZQjcY_GU_bpqN18LpgXwj1IXuyods1uErZXABQ4W-yQgV_0ObMmF8KoycNSGXrjnvblv_hh_wXBnqOHav5L7lHK3rb4ht7n/s2874/IMG_2567.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="2874" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvTDoSANy6T3BbfOGoSD3va_gPZ9T7GQdZxqIVSOjLLwqfSqH0myjRzhIWH45bX9ZtlaLAev7HN6FUNAJvcN43bqFhZQjcY_GU_bpqN18LpgXwj1IXuyods1uErZXABQ4W-yQgV_0ObMmF8KoycNSGXrjnvblv_hh_wXBnqOHav5L7lHK3rb4ht7n/s320/IMG_2567.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: x-small;">Knit with me!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Shortly before I moved, I determined I was </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><i>going</i></b><span style="font-family: arial;"> to find a pattern for this yarn. You know they say where there’s a will, there’s a way. Besides, I had already packed most of the yarn stash and this was the most easily accessible. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKayX_ZMncQliy0NLcRnl0wVJhMuM5vUZG0isr7Aa5l_bl-RMikifwQrDxV0m9DR2hfOXQAYuNIUvsZGXLPHUA2iR9ziV4_J1nG3VQs5kwv9h9U_S7NY_S5bsoK___CzPXG1bwMSvVt92mcIRIwgyFigAZ_kH1cOAX-1UqqATvvvamm-u8bXsLNJo2/s4032/IMG_2565.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKayX_ZMncQliy0NLcRnl0wVJhMuM5vUZG0isr7Aa5l_bl-RMikifwQrDxV0m9DR2hfOXQAYuNIUvsZGXLPHUA2iR9ziV4_J1nG3VQs5kwv9h9U_S7NY_S5bsoK___CzPXG1bwMSvVt92mcIRIwgyFigAZ_kH1cOAX-1UqqATvvvamm-u8bXsLNJo2/s320/IMG_2565.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I came across Handmaiden’s <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/criss-cross-scarf" target="_blank">Crisscross Scarf</a>. It fit the bill! The stitch repeat is easy to memorize, and I really like the texture of the fabric it produces. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I was monogamous for a while, knitting away with this fabulous yarn.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But then…</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISQkwRv3uh3__nc3HItjw0fyWQ872690jHp1z_un48VqxE1-e7IczvG67yCjoee3OYEdpLZ7PqCRqWg3oSrp5ZH1128qEcSR-rpV7X83NGNSNSbupsZfUAWwlRINqkaDKaQvuCU3Nal357NYXev8_5fYYyLabcpqIyEn-VCTfVFleSp608qLzbKMD/s600/i-just-cant-5a3bbb.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISQkwRv3uh3__nc3HItjw0fyWQ872690jHp1z_un48VqxE1-e7IczvG67yCjoee3OYEdpLZ7PqCRqWg3oSrp5ZH1128qEcSR-rpV7X83NGNSNSbupsZfUAWwlRINqkaDKaQvuCU3Nal357NYXev8_5fYYyLabcpqIyEn-VCTfVFleSp608qLzbKMD/w320-h213/i-just-cant-5a3bbb.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Okay, I haven’t abandoned the project completely. Let’s just say it’s on a long pause after the move. Because…winter. No longer in the South and everywhere I look are gray skies and bare trees and brown, brown, brown. As attractive as the warm, cocoa-ish shade the Pediboo yarn is, it remains, um…brown.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Enter the happiest yarn in my stash and the happiest scarf pattern ever written.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rAZLUYnf7Lnt_mrfURhrmTKgcY0sIkF7B0t-Hzn4-e3POv3dAzahceTQCPvjQCwRuN1uXcP6keuhHuSYDwm7bJan_ov-daUBakL_hbgMq7W5uisXO9xSX_iSQbQDpl9XNXwSdk3sU8qVHKC10J2_poLwsaqavKJAsBmcTTrdYhejypZYiR4SUgNs/s3842/IMG_2566.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3842" data-original-width="2117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rAZLUYnf7Lnt_mrfURhrmTKgcY0sIkF7B0t-Hzn4-e3POv3dAzahceTQCPvjQCwRuN1uXcP6keuhHuSYDwm7bJan_ov-daUBakL_hbgMq7W5uisXO9xSX_iSQbQDpl9XNXwSdk3sU8qVHKC10J2_poLwsaqavKJAsBmcTTrdYhejypZYiR4SUgNs/w176-h320/IMG_2566.jpeg" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: x-small;">Not just for kids</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cascade Yarns Bentley. And yes, you can tell from the teddy bear on the label that it is typically used for children’s items. But see those flecks of red, yellow, blue amid the bright green? Pure happiness. And that’s what I needed. Bright, joyful colors!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ3DtHWqOLHyzCpe0YaRGuRj0KQ7BdvO89UqD5dCDRLRPeWk_WAdMHmVSbo1NBXNLWWY05tIL-ZiZo8Ls788K84cq1_FlIj7iKDNqi7CR1xjuOI-mbeplEpyFnnk2-XO_-dougD9uhFfe4Cy-kvDJiRBBIsHKi1molngm_hLOkznjuUR7ZCA33w5w/s4032/IMG_2563.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ3DtHWqOLHyzCpe0YaRGuRj0KQ7BdvO89UqD5dCDRLRPeWk_WAdMHmVSbo1NBXNLWWY05tIL-ZiZo8Ls788K84cq1_FlIj7iKDNqi7CR1xjuOI-mbeplEpyFnnk2-XO_-dougD9uhFfe4Cy-kvDJiRBBIsHKi1molngm_hLOkznjuUR7ZCA33w5w/s320/IMG_2563.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: x-small;">So happy!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;">Once I’d settled on making something from my happiest yarn, it didn’t take me long to find the happiest scarf pattern ever: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-row-handspun-scarf" target="_blank">One Row Handspun Scarf</a> by the Yarn Harlot herself. It is literally the same row each time. So easy yet looks so nice and was the perfect pick. She used handspun but my talent for spinning sits right down there with my talent for biometric engineering.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I’m already thrilled with it and yes, I will wear it myself. I may even make myself a matching hat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">L.</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-26467895911374357282023-01-01T16:23:00.000-05:002023-01-01T16:23:17.203-05:00KW Reboot<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Where to start…I suppose it doesn’t matter, as long as I do start. There was a time not long ago when I didn’t think I’d ever be able to get back my love of knitting and whimsy and of general tom-foolery.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I’ll begin with a very brief summary of the last three years:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2020 – First the pandemic, then a personal, unbelievably traumatic event.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2021 – Divorce, downsize, start a new job.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2022 – Move out of state, start another new job.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Okay, you’re all caught up. No, I don’t want to talk about it, but thank you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So here I am, new place, new job, new life. At least, that’s what I’m shooting for. I had to get rid of so much to fit into my new place – furniture, household goods, kitchen appliances, books, clothing. You know what I didn’t get rid of?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My yarn stash. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ4_5FRgw_MkV3S462dyAyV9u_jy3l02owaICUaGiX_8yxZXBBSD7oGwpyffi7fHXO0UX-pDJdmL0arjNSqQSTjNVGvNzjKy6IJZVIUzAeJ2xsOO6N7XXtsaU2CLFtG5pbbc0QzMh_yroKbn3Gk4bnnwLQAtQJl5562Q5SMYddh4x-kFyY2YrJldr/s4032/IMG_2558.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ4_5FRgw_MkV3S462dyAyV9u_jy3l02owaICUaGiX_8yxZXBBSD7oGwpyffi7fHXO0UX-pDJdmL0arjNSqQSTjNVGvNzjKy6IJZVIUzAeJ2xsOO6N7XXtsaU2CLFtG5pbbc0QzMh_yroKbn3Gk4bnnwLQAtQJl5562Q5SMYddh4x-kFyY2YrJldr/s320/IMG_2558.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't that cute? But no, that's not all of it...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And the knitting mojo is BACK, which is great because my new place is tiny, and my yarn stash is taking up more room in my closet than my clothes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEjpMfT1XxPuk-ZS79PlAfa_-VOe9o-FtRUD1EBOGA9O6UJjZNS1FWeXZeA0ZcfXD-FHFE97SBEcA8zNbev1-cVncerZNHd6iid2qIbaZLsblZRJDyn9mR4-F6vo7Ti6SdyNRODRJ_l9M3-sSH1phflIglmW_xSk_HHPS3MMq2tWih9xn0T_MdoUc/s4032/IMG_2555.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEjpMfT1XxPuk-ZS79PlAfa_-VOe9o-FtRUD1EBOGA9O6UJjZNS1FWeXZeA0ZcfXD-FHFE97SBEcA8zNbev1-cVncerZNHd6iid2qIbaZLsblZRJDyn9mR4-F6vo7Ti6SdyNRODRJ_l9M3-sSH1phflIglmW_xSk_HHPS3MMq2tWih9xn0T_MdoUc/s320/IMG_2555.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The major hoard (and some buttons)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_NtDbguos2rOOm_HnRVoVTAdiUrw4hheNI-kOrWMs7M5Qp3MgohFJ8lQz7a0z_iVzqmcEMsKoC6SPHDADegFY9B839V22f70278yWzgPfECc9RTXpdLhJrEQNSFWUgDaX6PrMe83LBvgRXs5H3BqCCWsXMCqsA2au6vH5Tpn7pBJPlFy-8BB1jtE/s4032/IMG_2554.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_NtDbguos2rOOm_HnRVoVTAdiUrw4hheNI-kOrWMs7M5Qp3MgohFJ8lQz7a0z_iVzqmcEMsKoC6SPHDADegFY9B839V22f70278yWzgPfECc9RTXpdLhJrEQNSFWUgDaX6PrMe83LBvgRXs5H3BqCCWsXMCqsA2au6vH5Tpn7pBJPlFy-8BB1jtE/w334-h251/IMG_2554.jpeg" width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7xvjjNiWAsXxuQhRtt0BkNWXwj4mHoV3e16K1QSvHTS0LYtVfqjAYcC8Z4528vJlvej9IqHvGmL0qbMqHKoWvCOGbFNlo6_yzwrACllxmj3jACWROISk2f5aktBOO4aMTmlHY7-AI4Wgh29x__NIo-BxGZeKfvc6KAI6hxJkxyckpa3hEc4fpt2wI" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7xvjjNiWAsXxuQhRtt0BkNWXwj4mHoV3e16K1QSvHTS0LYtVfqjAYcC8Z4528vJlvej9IqHvGmL0qbMqHKoWvCOGbFNlo6_yzwrACllxmj3jACWROISk2f5aktBOO4aMTmlHY7-AI4Wgh29x__NIo-BxGZeKfvc6KAI6hxJkxyckpa3hEc4fpt2wI=w269-h359" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-8DizfrT8h3HTa8yFzlVGBYdGaZt1yox4QmuaqLc9lBhKeJnKe8yhmb2MU99LdLooFfeONa0KrvX3oovBDA9MoWYx6pN4Z_AWc_7ZYnA5WprjoVRVvm-oZ6M42kRysIS5ttHX_qFQBt0GbaUXl0JrZqNl6ze4qde061V1Ye2_hO8Z6e27CBu5Y79_" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="656" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-8DizfrT8h3HTa8yFzlVGBYdGaZt1yox4QmuaqLc9lBhKeJnKe8yhmb2MU99LdLooFfeONa0KrvX3oovBDA9MoWYx6pN4Z_AWc_7ZYnA5WprjoVRVvm-oZ6M42kRysIS5ttHX_qFQBt0GbaUXl0JrZqNl6ze4qde061V1Ye2_hO8Z6e27CBu5Y79_=w219-h307" width="219" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Well, okay, I did donate some of the acrylic stuff, although now I’m kinda sad because I found a great <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eastern-market-tote" target="_blank">pattern</a> for which I could have used a few of those skeins. At least I don’t think I kept those particular skeins, but to be honest, I’m so jam-packed into my new digs, they could very well be lurking behind some shoes or something.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwshme539dKbHsEd3qeG-24N4kzO8z594vvXQ8K6p4VEDuj5aBQvCtK51GX1qMYtdHJCH27MLSR6oMyHJEbETF8PNAwadnFIH02RxhXaldpN9uRIQWC_wxLi5wIrYy800MO3lHwrd3u_xi0rYseY7R81jkSCCr1p7z3Ma04UvAr0oRvWbGH0WCxyMP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwshme539dKbHsEd3qeG-24N4kzO8z594vvXQ8K6p4VEDuj5aBQvCtK51GX1qMYtdHJCH27MLSR6oMyHJEbETF8PNAwadnFIH02RxhXaldpN9uRIQWC_wxLi5wIrYy800MO3lHwrd3u_xi0rYseY7R81jkSCCr1p7z3Ma04UvAr0oRvWbGH0WCxyMP" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: x-small;">Can't forget this one</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So yeah, even though my fiber mojo disappeared for a good while, I still somehow knew that yarn = joy/happiness/good vibes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now the challenge is to knit from my stash, avoid adding to it, and take control of my fiber! (and she laughed and laughed)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">More to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">L.</span></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-46730379730243804062020-04-26T13:17:00.000-04:002020-04-26T13:17:50.779-04:00Almost Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With grad school, that is.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And I couldn’t be more thrilled, at least until the student loan payments begin.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have one more final that I’ll either do at 11 pm tonight when it is “unlocked” or sometime tomorrow.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Either way, I’ve studied and feel prepared and it’s the only thing standing between me and a horrifically expensive piece of paper.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I did learn a thing or two over these long three years as well, so that’s a bonus.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Truth</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can’t say the same for the sweater I’m making for my son, although I have made some progress. I did manage to find a weedy end of yarn where I clipped the tail off by mistake and managed to weave that in. I left the stitch marker there though because I’m not taking any chances until I get the thing blocked. I’ll use some waste yarn to try and shore up the join once I see if it completely unravels in the wash. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, although the marvelous thing about knitting is that unless you’re beset with a herd of m*ths (dirty word in the fiber world), you can always start over. If only more things in life were like that.</span></div>
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It’s a gorgeous Sunday morning in South Mississippi and I’m on the back deck with my highly energetic and active guard dogs as you can see:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So intimidating</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I truly have a great view of what the property developer in our subdivision termed a “lake” but which is really just a pond with cool cypress trees growing in and around it. You can see I have two bird feeders which used to be located out farther in the yard but when we recently installed a sprinkler system, they kept getting watered twice a day and I ended up with terrariums. The Husband moved them, but I’m afraid they’re now too close to the deck and the guard dogs as the birds have not returned. The Husband thinks we just need to give it more time and as he’s the one who has to move the thing, I’m playing along.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My quarantine destination of choice</i></td></tr>
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You can’t see it in the picture above, but there are a couple of turtles vying for a spot in the sun on a branch that sticks up just above the water. Those are coveted spots, apparently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finishing my master’s has left me with more time to think about those things that are truly important, like what to knit next for my granddaughters. The youngest of the two will think Grandma doesn’t love her as much as the elder grand if I don’t make up for the knitting famine that the last three years created. I’m trying to knit from my stash as much as possible – a commitment I made after I lost some of it to m*ths a few years ago, so we’ll see what <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> turns up. I’m typically not a monogamous knitter, so it’s unusual for me to have just a sweater going. I’m also feeling the call to go through my queue of sock patterns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s time to knit all of the things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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L.<o:p></o:p></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-15324566521887216212020-04-07T22:40:00.001-04:002020-04-26T13:05:17.517-04:00Lessons Learned in a Viral World. And Knitting.<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
I’m learning lots about myself in the midst of this new reality of sheltering in place, unfounded toilet paper hoarding, and social distancing. For instance, I’ve learned:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>if you actually <i>intentionally</i> eat leftovers instead of ignoring them in the fridge until they’re practically growing penicillin, you can survive on a very conservative supply of food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>I enjoy being confined to the house we paid way too much money for. Seems like I’m finally enjoying a return on our investment. (The Husband does not, which does create some drama, but really only for him – I just roll my eyes at him when he's not looking)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>I’ve discovered the joy of using FaceTime so I can see my mom’s precious face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>over the years, I’ve purchased way more books on Amazon’s Kindle and BookShout than I’ll ever have time to read, even during self-isolation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>I’m becoming a Microsoft Teams ninja, a skill that I fully intend to add to my CV.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>it is, in fact, entirely possible to use only 2 squares of TP at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>my efforts in building my yarn stash over the years have completely paid off in this time of financial uncertainty – I have enough to knit for ages.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Random Pinterest Graphic</i></span></td></tr>
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And what about knitting? Well…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve actually only completed a pathetic two pairs of socks pre-COVID since the first of the year:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpVJmOsaneXbFtwmhZIJqa1r1vWMhdDCSftYQkb636nxGrpaYhhAVcU8YLObS2OoFO0wTHMWXLUNmnl8-apoUoxqZAVEVgwpBrIeYCECNmgZZ-Oq7Ot2fj-C52RE5XHkZb3Y86siWdKI/s1600/5209198E-8F48-4F95-995B-CAFE30E2AE60_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpVJmOsaneXbFtwmhZIJqa1r1vWMhdDCSftYQkb636nxGrpaYhhAVcU8YLObS2OoFO0wTHMWXLUNmnl8-apoUoxqZAVEVgwpBrIeYCECNmgZZ-Oq7Ot2fj-C52RE5XHkZb3Y86siWdKI/s320/5209198E-8F48-4F95-995B-CAFE30E2AE60_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/charade" target="_blank">Charade</a> by Sandra Park</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANApOMe8JRbPsPSFOia4WSJHWT7ZVRbfPZjHsWs9df4DVbJS3WMJxhvaNAFzGPXpmpK8eI794nu720fqLmF4eEEQ0SDwoPTq6h7o4HuxTEy7GlOan_y46PNHNrjpbbR4Dp6RHBkQ1JVs/s1600/41823FBA-7482-449F-B076-08FDF1820E14_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANApOMe8JRbPsPSFOia4WSJHWT7ZVRbfPZjHsWs9df4DVbJS3WMJxhvaNAFzGPXpmpK8eI794nu720fqLmF4eEEQ0SDwoPTq6h7o4HuxTEy7GlOan_y46PNHNrjpbbR4Dp6RHBkQ1JVs/s320/41823FBA-7482-449F-B076-08FDF1820E14_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/piece-of-my-heart-socks" target="_blank">Piece of My Heart Socks</a> by DKissinger</i></span></td></tr>
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Both were knit with Knit Picks Stroll Glimmer in Frost and Cosmopolitan, respectively.</div>
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When I found myself with a bit more time for knitting due to the outbreak and the fact that I am in the final stretch of completing my master’s program, I knew I wanted to start a substantial project, but suffered from what I call “knitter’s block.” In other words, I couldn’t decide what I really wanted to knit. This isn’t really a new thing for me. I often suffer from “knitter’s block,” so I naturally did what I always do in such a situation: I made a dishcloth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://app.box.com/s/abmmg1xufttgptywmmamuif9bahws2j7" target="_blank">Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth</a><br />Knit with Premier Home Cotton in Rustic Blue</i></span></td></tr>
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Hey, it’s what you do when you need to knit but can’t make a decision. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The good news is, once I finished the dishcloth, I received clarity on what to knit next. I’m making a sweater for my son. I’d purchased the yarn a while ago but never started because of the demands that school placed on my time. Now, I was ready to jump in. I modified the pattern slightly as it calls for a garter stitch hem which was not going to work for my son who is a professional and would need something a bit more conventional, so I did a tubular cast on with provisional waste yarn. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf179nzSG47xm9aziahCF5QHFGVyYSdpfaVCp0MtswSnbGEsTcs7E3WR3nBsMS1Bhlz_yNlhAaxOD2HewOlgWfLXNFEgZ4m1SawCD3B4C3sqYhXctm3Puwfr7h3kJJcTMj0art-JjviR4/s1600/9AF86940-2032-44B7-B108-313139227CC7_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf179nzSG47xm9aziahCF5QHFGVyYSdpfaVCp0MtswSnbGEsTcs7E3WR3nBsMS1Bhlz_yNlhAaxOD2HewOlgWfLXNFEgZ4m1SawCD3B4C3sqYhXctm3Puwfr7h3kJJcTMj0art-JjviR4/s320/9AF86940-2032-44B7-B108-313139227CC7_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Since it's a gift, I'll give you the pattern later<br />Knit with <a href="https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/wool-of-the-andes-worsted-yarn/c/5420103" target="_blank">Knit Picks Wool of the Andes</a> in Cilantro Heather</i></span></td></tr>
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I’ve done this type of cast on before, and all was going swimmingly until I went to cut out the provisional waste yarn. I blame the poor lighting in my living room. When I thought I was only cutting the provisional yarn, I also managed to cut the tail off the project yarn (the bit you’d normally weave in at the end). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm tail-less!</i></span></td></tr>
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As you can see, I placed a stitch marker on the edge because I was afraid it would unravel, even though it doesn't appear it's going to. I’m not quite sure what to do. I really don’t want to frog it and start over, so for now, I’m pushing onward and will hope and pray that when I stitch the ends together from the tubular cast on join, it will somehow reinforce things and keep it from unraveling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m open to feedback if you have any insight or dire warnings. About the sweater. Not toilet paper. I'm all good there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay safe!<o:p></o:p></div>
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L.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-30048064679821386582020-04-03T20:31:00.001-04:002020-04-03T20:31:57.223-04:00The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s been a rough week at work.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My team is exhausted.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our hospital caregivers are exhausted. Do you see a theme here?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yep.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’re all exhausted.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the midst of the uncertainty of life right now, we actually received some fresh produce via delivery, and I hope to get a shipment of frozen meat tomorrow. A bright spot, considering the taxing day we’ve experienced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You see, we lost Tigger today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmHVIfLdZ6nyhhIig5R2SyQkil3tRsjwaL7l62XAqx9wvBOlfKtlTvLm5YdzzGDNv-l6vkk9sNudFyw3jbEzrZ7k-hwymB8nM14TK6xP0RQWUpvgu4nZi4UMH8DIEpaPW7rrz9ShbTRA/s1600/D7613981-5E59-4C5D-AA16-9CCAD8BED761_1_105_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmHVIfLdZ6nyhhIig5R2SyQkil3tRsjwaL7l62XAqx9wvBOlfKtlTvLm5YdzzGDNv-l6vkk9sNudFyw3jbEzrZ7k-hwymB8nM14TK6xP0RQWUpvgu4nZi4UMH8DIEpaPW7rrz9ShbTRA/s400/D7613981-5E59-4C5D-AA16-9CCAD8BED761_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet boy</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the midst of the pandemic and stress and fretting over basic supplies and the demands of our jobs, we were given yet one more hard thing to deal with today.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our sweet Tigger, our 15-year old long-haired dachshund that we loved dearly, died peacefully today while we were at work.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Husband found him when he got home today.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We were not prepared.</span></div>
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Just this morning, he was his usual sweet self, bouncing around in anticipation of his breakfast. He bounced. Since he was a puppy. Hence the name.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This evening, he’s occupying a place in the back yard next to the other sweet canine members of our family we’ve lost. We, once again, tell each other how we truly believe that all dogs do go to heaven and he is surely there with our precious Hildy, Daisy, and Trixie and we will see him again. That belief is the only way we can cope with the loss of our furry children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was just one more thing in the middle of a hard week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And yet, I can point to God’s mercy that with Tigger, unlike with the last three, we did not have to make some horrific decision to end his life. We did not have to see him suffer. God simply pulled him from this life to the next.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think he knew he was loved. I hope he did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you know that you are loved too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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L.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-49071745804067946372020-04-01T22:21:00.000-04:002020-04-01T22:21:02.905-04:00The Rebirth<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Greetings to anyone who may be reading.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This blog has been dormant for well over a year, but it has never been far from my mind.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Life interferes.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A new position at work that demands 50+ hours a week, the master’s program that I’m finally within weeks of completing, and a fourth recurrence of the rare cancer I’ve been battling for 4 years has commandeered my time and energy, showing no mercy.</span></div>
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We are currently in the middle of a global pandemic. It would seem that no one anywhere is untouched by the COVID 19 virus. The nightly news is filled with horrific stories of suffering, sometimes bringing me to tears along with the rest of the country. I work in healthcare and while I am not a direct patient caregiver, I work with those who are. We are worried about supplies. We are worried about our staff. We are floating in the midst of the unknown with regards to how bad things will truly get before it starts to get better. We are all weary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My mom is 86 years old. She lives nearly a thousand miles away from me. We connect every single day, usually by text (yes, she actually texts me more than my kids do), and I worry about her. She’s in Ohio and has been under stay-at-home restrictions for a while now. Her birthday was last week, and she had to celebrate alone. FaceTime just isn’t the same. I worry about her safety from this sickness. I worry that she’ll not have what she needs. Tonight, we both agreed that it would be nice to get some good news – something to give us hope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think now is the time for a new beginning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But this is just a blog, ostensibly about knitting, which is one of my life’s true loves (second really only to my family), but I need this blog to be something more: a place where I can be real about life and faith (and fiber, always fiber). Hence the title of this post. So, I’m going to give it a shot. For my fellow knitters, even when I wax eloquent (or not so much) on non-knitting-related topics, I hope you’ll find some sort of hope here. Or at least a temporary distraction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wherever you are, I pray you are safe and well, that you have all that you need, and that you are at least in touch with those you love. Take nothing for granted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And knit something. It’s good for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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L.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-8725526378428202432018-12-09T22:25:00.001-05:002018-12-09T22:25:23.961-05:00Time Passes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello friends. It’s been so long. Over a year which is shameful. If I were going to make excuses, I’d say it’s because I’ve been working over 45 hours a week, began a master’s program in Fall 2017, and have had two recurrences of cancer. That’s what I’d say IF I were going to make excuses. But that would be bad form, wouldn’t it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last post, I let you know I was going to have another grandchild, and I do! Her name is Addison and she’s the bee’s knees! Between she and Miss Nora (who is growing like a weed), I’m a happy grandma. Just wish I saw them more often, as they live up north and I’m still here on the coast.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, there’s knitting. Always knitting. And that brings me joy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month, my husband took me to the Bahamas and it was grand. We stayed at a resort in Nassau and I loved it. It was the first real vacation we’d had in 5 years. Wish I was back there now, as it’s taken a turn for the cold here in the Deep South and I’m not pleased. I took knitting with me, but didn’t work on it much as I think it makes the husband a little embarrassed when I knit in public. He’s still under the delusion that knitting is for old people. I know…I should knit anyway. Besides, I’m almost old…</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKBqHb1wZEqsdivB_Fd8qFbRmK75pk4uMAGbEMDXM-9TBlxzbjWGR8BE65RQNYXrnIetDauQW2MiztLynT9D-5xe5idgX-T4D5GSJnx7OsjXUURFQQYCr0Yxdoh75pCGihyowuY7RZxo/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1088" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKBqHb1wZEqsdivB_Fd8qFbRmK75pk4uMAGbEMDXM-9TBlxzbjWGR8BE65RQNYXrnIetDauQW2MiztLynT9D-5xe5idgX-T4D5GSJnx7OsjXUURFQQYCr0Yxdoh75pCGihyowuY7RZxo/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When are we going back?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sigh...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, enough of the beach. I miss it too much. I’m posting pics of some things I’ve finished since my last post. There aren’t nearly enough completed projects to fill an entire year, but it’s all I’ve had time for.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flower-garden-ruffled-baby-blanket" target="_blank">Flower Garden Ruffle</a> Blanket for Addie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/which-way-is-up-2" target="_blank">Which Way is Up</a> cardi for Addie (in Ohio State colors, of course)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just finished this for my boss's first grandchild.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lined it with fuzzy fabric to hide the floats.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last blanket was one I came up with using the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whale-and-waves-chart" target="_blank">Whale and Waves</a> pattern I found. I lined it with a very soft, fuzzy fabric to keep baby's fingers from getting caught up in the floats. My Ravelry project page is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/whale-and-waves-chart" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The baby was born today. :-)</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't know when I'll write again, but happy knitting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-30193999635978419682017-08-16T21:29:00.000-04:002017-08-16T21:29:27.901-04:00In Which I May Be A Hot Mess<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swear it was just a week or so ago when I posted last. I’m missing time or something. Or maybe…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, didn’t happen. If it had, I’d have taught them how to knit. I’d have yarn-bombed their ship. I’d have…oh, never mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been knitting. I knitted a totally rocking <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/raiun" target="_blank">sweater</a> using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lost-city-knits-twin-canyon-merino-silk-fingering" target="_blank">this fabulous yarn</a> that I absolutely love. That was months ago. Do I have a picture of it yet? No. Maybe for my next quarterly post (she shames herself).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s see, what random pictures DO I have to show you (flips through iPhone pictures).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second of a pair of socks. Just a plain sock out of my head. Top down with an afterthought heel. Don’t tell her, but they’re for my daughter. They’re veeeeee - gan. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/premier-yarns-wool-free-sock" target="_blank">Wool-free yarn</a>. I like the colors and who doesn’t love self-patterning yarn? Makes you look more talented than you really are and I’m all for that. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRmqEu2OuOOakUMaGbW6FF1kS5L4kIwomWqJh6Lnmi_5h2kg0OuHopjQth1egCKqVT-7FHYLdBiV74dAsoD5bGYEhFy6wg-o7WZes9Dk6gpb_izQGQg4yi00sCpDJqMlpK1qijyYgoto/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRmqEu2OuOOakUMaGbW6FF1kS5L4kIwomWqJh6Lnmi_5h2kg0OuHopjQth1egCKqVT-7FHYLdBiV74dAsoD5bGYEhFy6wg-o7WZes9Dk6gpb_izQGQg4yi00sCpDJqMlpK1qijyYgoto/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fuss-free-festival-shawl" target="_blank">great shawl</a>. I'll make more of these. This time, I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/good-for-ewe-claddagh" target="_blank">this yarn</a>. Trying to bust the stash a little.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0T_GSEzz1nbKF0rYIix-DpYjgX5accnh4aJpekHUrnA9x27Sj8pr-xIMw52LuDDj-weiFOYYsqEMerumr0NskMTV6oUzl2Q0GP0TQhmu5iHo1axwi5KHOHK62bICNISQB8HDj_lbesiQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_576.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0T_GSEzz1nbKF0rYIix-DpYjgX5accnh4aJpekHUrnA9x27Sj8pr-xIMw52LuDDj-weiFOYYsqEMerumr0NskMTV6oUzl2Q0GP0TQhmu5iHo1axwi5KHOHK62bICNISQB8HDj_lbesiQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_576.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incidentally, love <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/louise-tilbrook" target="_blank">Louise Tilbrook</a></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">And a “scarflette”, whatever that is. It's from a Jimmy Beans </span>Wool<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> Big Beanie Bag. Can't find the pattern on Ravelry, </span>but it<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> has Neapolitan in the title. Um, yeah.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf_qQiFMUW1kIJvnICslXfVc1UW29ziidR-htawtapIAvhLMeTC5TFfcsmyiF6kun8oJ5HYVTLyR9CwKXyOARd9rN9o4KOsxKzEhx8SRZYjVhMoMJefomIFN5KWgXtZphXUDWRKuHyMU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf_qQiFMUW1kIJvnICslXfVc1UW29ziidR-htawtapIAvhLMeTC5TFfcsmyiF6kun8oJ5HYVTLyR9CwKXyOARd9rN9o4KOsxKzEhx8SRZYjVhMoMJefomIFN5KWgXtZphXUDWRKuHyMU/s320/fullsizeoutput_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try not to be amazed at my fabulous photography skills</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I knitted a </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/r-is-for-rabbit" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" target="_blank">bunny</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> for my boo using </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/universal-yarn-cirrus-cotton" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">. She turned two in June. TWO. I don’t know where the time went. And a little </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marian-girl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;" target="_blank">sweater</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">. I mean, I knitted a little sweater. The sweater </span>didn't<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> go anywhere. This is award-winning prose, right here people.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she liked it.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And speaking of grandchildren, I’M GONNA HAVE ANOTHER ONE! Long about March. And I have been working on my baby knitting list. Happy, happy news! It’s what keeps me going, since in the few months since the last post, my cancer returned and we lost one of our sweet fur-babies. But enough of that talk. No time to be bummed when there’s a baby on the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m off to stalk baby knitting patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-62596170464037905952017-04-15T09:28:00.000-04:002017-04-15T09:28:39.864-04:00Blowing Off the Dust<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh my gosh, you guys! I promise you, I did not literally drop off the face of the earth, although for all of the dust and cobwebs on this blog, you would think so. I am still alive and knitting, but what a journey I’ve had over the last several months.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In my last post, I shared that I had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, started treatment, then was overdosed by my (now former) oncologist and was in a lot of pain. Since then, here’s what’s been going on:</span></span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Healed from the overdose (took forever, it seemed)</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Found an online support group for this rare disease</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Got a new oncologist</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Began a different 12-week treatment</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">First 6 weeks were miserable - not much progress</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Determined I was NOT gonna have surgery if I could help it</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pushed through the second 6 weeks</span></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Treatment worked so well, I’m off of it until early June when I’ll be checked again</span></span></li>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">HURRAY!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I can’t even begin to say how grateful I am, in spite of how hard this last year has been. Thanks to those who shared such kind words and who kept in touch as I randomly showed up on Instagram even while the blog languished. Many of you have been so encouraging. I don’t know what the future holds for my prognosis, as this type of cancer often recurs, but I am hopeful.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And I have yarn. Which makes everything better. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Christmas came and went and was smack in the middle of my treatment, so it was unfortunately overshadowed a bit by that and then during the few days that my kids, granddaughter, and my mom were here together, my beloved dachshund, Daisy, had a spell (she’s 15 years old) and I really thought I was going to lose her. I was pretty much weepy the whole time, which is horrible, because it is always such a blessing to see my family, and my granddaughter is always a special joy (but don’t tell my kids because they think they’re still my favorites). </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elementary-watson-socks" target="_blank">Elementary Watson</a><br />
Knit Picks Stroll Solids in Cork</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I did finish my Christmas knitting, so my son and daughter-in-law both got socks. I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/knit-picks-stroll-solids-heathers--twists" target="_blank">Knit Picks Stroll Solids</a> for both. I didn’t get a picture of my DIL’s socks but the pattern was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/river-rapids-socks" target="_blank">River Rapids Socks</a> in colorway Sapphire Heather. The socks for my son are pictured.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she cute?!</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I made my mom a pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ladies-felted-house-slippers" target="_blank">Ladies Felted House Slippers</a> in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-cascade-220" target="_blank">Cascade 220</a>, colorway pink. My mom will probably beat me for posting this picture of her, but I’m living on the edge these days. Unfortunately, one of the slippers was too big around the heel. So I actually owe her another gift which I’ll surprise her with when she least expects it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As for the grand baby, I made her an Elmo headband:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the record, fun fir is not fun.<br />
Loosely based off of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/funky-elmo-headband" target="_blank">this pattern here.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-anemone-skirt" target="_blank">Sea Anemone</a> in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/malabrigo-yarn-rios" target="_blank">Malabrigo Rios</a> - Aguas<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And a hat:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-be-there-family-of-animal-hats" target="_blank">Owl Be There</a> hat in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-big-wool" target="_blank">Rowan Big Wool</a></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also knit my boss a scarf:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gust" target="_blank">Gust</a> in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-alpaca-lace" target="_blank">Cascade Alpaca Lace</a> - Caribbean Heather</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And last but not least, I finished the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/zinger" target="_blank">black, vegan sweater</a>. It actually fit pretty well, thanks to <a href="https://customfit.amyherzogdesigns.com/about/" target="_blank">Custom Fit</a>, and my daughter actually wore it to work, so it was worth it. This once. Mostly.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll get another beating for this one. Meh...she's adorable.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh, and my mom stayed on through the end of March, which was a real blessing for me and I hope for her too, since she escaped some cold weather and snow. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*LOVE*</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">See you soon,</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">xoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-58147497423566950042016-09-18T21:14:00.000-04:002016-09-18T21:14:52.916-04:00The Comfort of Fiber<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been so long since I posted and so much has happened since my last entry about Princess Nora and her magical dress. I actually got to see Princess Nora in August when I traveled to Ohio to spend some time with my mom. I also got to see my daughter and daughter-in-law, one of my brothers and my mother-in-law, as well as my son, briefly. I missed a lot of people, but had promised to help my mom do some decluttering and we were able to donate several of the things we cleared out to a worthy organization that will see they are given to those who can use them. If you're reading this and I didn't come see you, I promise, I wish I could have. It was a lovely visit, except for the plane trip which I'm not sure I'd do again. I have never been afraid of flying, but had the trip between Columbus and Atlanta had been any worse, I'd have been booking a bus ticket for the last leg of my journey back to South Mississippi. I'm just sayin'...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right after that trip - craziness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turns out, about that third week of August I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and that's kind of what my life has revolved around since then. The good news is, it's a slow-growing cancer, but the bad news is, it's rare enough that there doesn't seem to be a lot of information available on it and its treatment. I started on a course of topical chemotherapy, but due to a miscommunication from my (maybe former) oncologist's office, I have spent nearly a week now in a significant amount of pain, missing a couple days of work (probably more). I haven't felt like doing a whole lot of anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Except knitting, of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I told myself I wasn't going to do any Christmas knitting. And then I ignored myself and started a list anyway. And during the cancer ordeal, I have been able to complete one of those projects, which was a relief to get done. It has cables. These are a challenge for me. If only I could cable like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/babycocktails" target="_blank">Thea Coleman</a>. I would be invincible. I would need a cape, for sure. Thea should have a cape. And she should teach me how to knit cables like she does. Seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been swatching for the next Christmas project: a sweater for my daughter. She knows what she's getting already because she submitted a specific request while I was in Ohio (which never happens - she has not the love of fiber her mother does) and she even helped me shop for "vegan" yarn for the project while I was there*. Yes, that's right. My daughter has gone all vegan on me, and it extends past her diet into what fiber she puts on her person. I really AM proud of her - she's stuck to this for a while now. But vegan yarn? Really? Meh... To top off the vegan thing, guess what color she wants it knit in. Go ahead, guess. That's right. Black. Because black yarn is the friend of every knitter. Sure. Sure it is. But...since I would unreservedly throw myself in front of a bus for the child, I suppose I can push through knitting with black, vegan yarn. We even managed to find a lovely 100% viscose yarn in her requisite black that didn't cost me a fortune. I'll be using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/feza-yarns-amaze" target="_blank">Feza Yarns Amaze</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> has classified this yarn as worsted weight. Whether they got that from the manufacturer or made it up on their own, someone is seriously deluded. There is no way this is worsted weight yarn. It's more like fingering or a very light sport weight. Right now, I'm trying to decide what size needle to use to get the fabric I like, hence the swatching. I'm going to try <a href="https://customfit.makewearlove.com/about/" target="_blank">Amy Herzog's Custom Fit</a> for the very first time which, if you live in a cave and haven't heard, allows you to pick a pattern and use whatever yarn you want - it will calculate the appropriate pattern instructions for you. I'm excited about this project in spite of the fact that I won't be using my beloved wool. I took Cassie's measurements before I left to come home and I am anxious to see how a custom fit sweater for her turns out because quite frankly, my daughter is not an easy fit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So anyway, I mentioned my rough few days and this weekend, while I had hoped I'd be doing much better by now, has been quite the challenge. I've been in tears more than once over the last two days from the pain, but it's funny - I was sitting here with the black, vegan yarn, trying to muster up the energy to swatch with yet another needle size when I was drawn to put the skein of yarn to up my face and just feel it, so I did. And it brought me great comfort. It may not be wool, but it is soft and lovely and in spite of all that I've been through over the last week, I was able to draw some peace from the simple act of cuddling with a skein of black viscose. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeUHeYf3DV_EyTu-qRLRWxIerG99OFbqzPAiAMUaDsP7t55ryWx8eBR9VAsrv1GhQkjsi7vVDVhgnkyQsMUIz8KEVwAIdH-7bJIl9-vs2v41N6FJZOEkW-sX4Bk1HGaKieXeCalyOfoY/s1600/IMG_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeUHeYf3DV_EyTu-qRLRWxIerG99OFbqzPAiAMUaDsP7t55ryWx8eBR9VAsrv1GhQkjsi7vVDVhgnkyQsMUIz8KEVwAIdH-7bJIl9-vs2v41N6FJZOEkW-sX4Bk1HGaKieXeCalyOfoY/s320/IMG_0789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L*O*V*E<br />(not vegan)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This, as you well know my friends, is the power of fiber. Just imagine what would happen if I fetched my stash of merino...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lisa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Of course I found a yarn shop in Ohio. This is the hidden agenda for every single trip away from home. Don't tell The Husband.</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-51912719455399285822016-08-07T14:53:00.000-04:002016-08-07T14:53:35.181-04:00The Little Princess<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once upon a time, there was a little red-headed princess named Nora who lived in a beautiful castle with Queen Mommy and King Daddy. She was the most beautiful little princess in the world and was always very, very happy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her Fairy Grandmother (yes, GRANDmother - hey, I’m writing this story) who lives far away <a href="http://www.knitwhimsy.com/2016/07/how-to-knit-birthday-gift-with-finesse.html" target="_blank">made</a> the beautiful princess a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girls-smocked-tunic-and-leggings" target="_blank">magical dress</a> for her birthday sent it to the castle. Queen Mommy put the dress on little Nora and took a picture which came out very well:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Princess Nora</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Mommy then tried to take another picture but since the beautiful princess had just learned to walk, she became a bit difficult to keep still and the second picture was more of a candid shot:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look out, I'm comin' through!"</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then, like an Olympic runner, she was off like a shot…</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:o)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-54173697834236241352016-07-16T21:30:00.000-04:002016-07-16T21:30:20.355-04:00It's In the Bag<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I had subscribed to <a href="https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/" target="_blank">Jimmy Beans Wool's</a> <a href="https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/JimmyBeansWool/BigBeanieBags.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=73873" target="_blank">Big Beanie Bag</a>. It's a once per month bag of goodies that includes a pattern along with yarn to make it, and some nice little notions like <a href="http://us.soakwash.com/products/heel-cucumber" target="_blank">Heel</a> foot cream, <a href="http://www.clover-usa.com/en/best-sellers/134-chibi-with-darning-needles.html" target="_blank">Clover darning needles</a>, <a href="https://bar-maids.com/products/cuticle-intensive" target="_blank">Lo Lo Cuticle Intensive</a> and others. It's like a happy little surprise that shows up once a month at my door and it currently serves two purposes - 1) I tend to forget to include accessories in my regular knitting which is the main staple of the bags, and 2) it keeps me from binge spending (so far) on massive amounts of yarn to feed the stash (The Husband should rejoice - I'm trying to knit my stash down). I've gotten two of them to date and have finished projects to show from both. You can choose warm colors, cool colors, or neutral colors. I chose neutral.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first bag, which is the one I <a href="http://www.knitwhimsy.com/2016/05/a-sweater-just-in-time-for-summer.html" target="_blank">previously posted a picture of</a>, included four shades of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-softyak-dk" target="_blank">Rowan SoftYak DK</a> and a pattern for wrist warmers. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSEDpxg7nl0VBRQsFSfuK4eCCNSqIofuSwGFGXh1VsRfo22tjbxPo4xfSbBsX2tQr4Opsz5CpJFCBRbrgypa5GV9nPMqLL3o8fs5SN5juf6xTe3IDSzKYTVdBRwDEPAF1JW2VD8kBMro/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSEDpxg7nl0VBRQsFSfuK4eCCNSqIofuSwGFGXh1VsRfo22tjbxPo4xfSbBsX2tQr4Opsz5CpJFCBRbrgypa5GV9nPMqLL3o8fs5SN5juf6xTe3IDSzKYTVdBRwDEPAF1JW2VD8kBMro/s320/IMG_0409.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I modified the pattern a bit because it called for the thumb increases right after the beginning of the round and I thought it would be best to offset them so that I could hide the round on the underside of the warmers. I used the little trick to hide the offset stitch for the color change that I found online, but a knitter can still tell where the rounds begin. Plus, seeing as how I hate weaving in ends, I managed to carry the yarns up the "seam" of the warmers by alternating which color I "caught" at the beginning of every two rounds or so. Yay me! I'm pretty happy with how they turned out and the yarn is an absolute dream. Soft and beautiful. I need something else out of this stuff. Um...that is, after I've knitted down my stash a bit. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second bag contained another four colors of different yarns* and a pattern for a cowl. The pattern seemed to have issues from the posts I read on the Big Beanie Bag discussion group on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> and I really wasn't very keen on it anyway, so I searched through my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Treasury-Knitting-Patterns-Barbara-Walker/dp/0942018168" target="_blank">Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting Patterns</a> and found a four-color pattern that I liked that fit with the original pattern's 95 stitch cast on. I'm pretty keen on the result:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou5cZaC-on_Mwhd12RDiNQggckO4z1mNnAzZLKMh2ByKMu3a57RK3JdC4j8gLif1sYZwEbV1EAawFnivs2dDFEZezoPCjByR8ugaKyWX8ykC-l_YxDqqhdiHRXVhxI9JueIkv6wd8HFQ/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou5cZaC-on_Mwhd12RDiNQggckO4z1mNnAzZLKMh2ByKMu3a57RK3JdC4j8gLif1sYZwEbV1EAawFnivs2dDFEZezoPCjByR8ugaKyWX8ykC-l_YxDqqhdiHRXVhxI9JueIkv6wd8HFQ/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four-Color Fancy Pattern, page 59</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing I'd do differently is that I'd increase the cast on by a few stitches. It's a snug fit over the head (although I do have a rather large beaner). But it does fit and if and when the weather gets cool here in South Mississippi I'll be wearing it proudly.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJesrOurgQLDBJCzEqWZ2VntCipMHznbB-LToz5IxmDZxFj_Dh2m0-fhGJRx8lpnPpdYC5opT6udKxNmCTC-I2I7HJJAX4YJ8QJYjjOHMMHBS9E8rrsA0MboWZqRC2CxbU4Yyt9o0ufG8/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJesrOurgQLDBJCzEqWZ2VntCipMHznbB-LToz5IxmDZxFj_Dh2m0-fhGJRx8lpnPpdYC5opT6udKxNmCTC-I2I7HJJAX4YJ8QJYjjOHMMHBS9E8rrsA0MboWZqRC2CxbU4Yyt9o0ufG8/s320/IMG_0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never mind that it was 90+ degrees when I put this on.<br />And whose old lady chin is that??</td></tr>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of South Mississippi weather, while I love that I never have to shovel snow or drive on ice-covered roads down here, there are moments when I really want to move back to the north in order to take advantage of the cold weather and knit all things wooly. Is that weird, do you think?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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<br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS - Will post pictures of my granddaughter in the dress I knit from my last post soon!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Yarns used were: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/juniper-moon-farm-moonshine" target="_blank">Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/hikoo-by-skacel-kenzie" target="_blank">HiKoo Kenzie</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-mayatm" target="_blank">Berroco Maya</a>, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/plymouth-yarn-mushishi" target="_blank">Plymouth Mushishi</a>. Liked them all.</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-83681874637958753872016-07-04T12:06:00.000-04:002016-07-04T12:06:32.477-04:00How to Knit a Birthday Gift with Finesse and Style - In 45 Easy Steps<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In celebration of my granddaughter’s first birthday, I
decided to share with you today the highly technical and skilled steps required
to make the birthday goodies I sent up for her party:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cast
on for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girls-smocked-tunic-and-leggings" target="_blank">dress</a> pattern, then realize the cute picot edging was done by
seaming. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a fit of rebellion, rip out the cast on and choose a provisional cast
on for the picot edging instead. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel really smart about getting out of seaming the hems.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blast through knitting all pieces of the dress - back, front, two
sleeves.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Block pieces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realize pattern does not include any real information on how to create
the smocking effect on the bodice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Google “smocking hand knits” and find only one <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2014/09/invisible-afterthought-smocking-useful.html" target="_blank">semi-useful article</a>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attempt smocking, then realize that something is terribly wrong because
your bodice doesn’t look anything like the pictures on the pattern page.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read over notes from other Ravelry users who made this pattern.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel like an idiot as it slowly dawns on you that there is an error in
the pattern which would have been very clear and avoided if you’d glanced over
these project pages before beginning.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curse yourself and the pattern writer until you realize the pattern was
free. Then curse just yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make yourself feel better by casting on and finishing a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ruffled-cloche" target="_blank">hat</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rip back entire bodice and reknit correctly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Re-block front.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stare blankly at above mentioned article, then at dress bodice, then back
at article. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try and pinpoint the moment when you lost the ability to understand
English and make sense out of a perfectly logical diagram.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Appeal to your knitting friends on Facebook, revealing to them your
newfound inability to see the obvious.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be thankful they don’t judge.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a trip to your <a href="http://www.frknot.com/" target="_blank">LYS</a> for moral support.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do a happy dance when the lightbulb finally kicks on.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish smocking and steam block bodice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember that you hate seaming, especially sleeves. Procrastinate using the excuse, “I have to
make sure it is really dry before I try to seam it.” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel a little bad for lying to yourself, noting the birthday party date
is rapidly approaching.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calculate time to ship using 2 to 3 day Priority Mail. Lie to yourself again about when you’ll be
finished and ready to ship.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seam dress and knit on neckline - garter stitch rounds - piece of cake
(no pun intended).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realize you cast off too tightly on neckline. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lie to yourself again by planning to pull out just the cast off and
reknit using a stretchier method.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admit to self halfway through using the stretchier method, you don’t have enough
yarn because you’ve already cut it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide to pull back entire neckline and reknit. Need to be careful because some stitches were
picked up and some were live stitches, but
again…garter stitch rounds - piece of cake.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get back to last row of picked up and live stitches and DROP a live
stitch on the bodice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In less than 30 seconds:<br />- allow dropped stitch to ripple down three rows<br />- realize what happened<br />- spend a moment in disbelief<br />- grasp for a stitch holder as your eyes well up<br />- gasp for air as if someone punched you in the gut<br />- hate yourself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throw a huge fit that the neighbors can probably hear while your husband
wonders why you enjoy knitting and says something completely inappropriate
which makes things worse.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throw a flip flop at your husband.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After five minutes of your hissy, sink down into the sofa as a sobbing
mess.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be grateful your husband didn’t call the men in white coats.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sit down with the now ruined dress, sure that you cannot fix it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fix the dress.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cast off appropriately.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steam block one last time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take some aspirin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to bed and wonder when exactly you lost your mind and if it’s
hereditary. Worry about passing it on to
your granddaughter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Package up dress and hat and realize you’ll have to overnight it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drop package at post office after work, paying just slightly less for shipping
than all of the materials combined cost you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go home and lie down.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wonder
what you’ll knit next.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pictures to come.</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-84323132263128444042016-05-22T11:30:00.000-04:002016-05-22T11:30:41.222-04:00A Sweater - Just in Time for Summer...<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Husband’s sweater is complete! </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think he likes it. He may, however, have had a mild heart attack when he figured out how much the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-pashmina-worsted" target="_blank">yarn</a> for it cost. I was working through our financials yesterday when he saw it listed in our expenses. I should have told him that the labor was a lot more expensive than the yarn. :o)</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, that picture on the wall behind him is a photo TH actually took himself at New Orleans' <a href="http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo" target="_blank">Audubon Zoo</a> when we were there last year. He got several really good shots that day, but this was a particular favorite so we had it printed on canvas and hung it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a great shortcut for blocking this thing. Just so happened that our weather was fabulous over the weekend after I’d finished it and while it normally takes days, sometimes a week, for wet woolens to dry in the house, the Mississippi sun does the job in a fraction of the time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, then it took better than a week to get TH to try it on and pose for pictures. Whatever…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also finished a baby blanket for a friend who’s expecting, but will keep that under wraps until it’s gifted, and I started a sweet little bit of something for my granddaughter who will be a year old next month. Time flies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week, I was thrilled to receive my first <a href="https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/JimmyBeansWool/BigBeanieBags.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=73873" target="_blank">Jimmy Beans Wool Big Beanie Bag</a> (not a paid endorsement). I signed up for the neutral palette last month. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every knitter loves getting yarn in the mail and this is an affordable way to try out some yarns, make some cool accessories, and feed my yarn craving enough to keep me from buying huge piles of yarn when someone has a sale (a particular weakness of mine). You get a pattern, yarn to make it, and some other goodies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS - The cauliflower pizza crust I mentioned last time? Yeah…not remotely close to the real thing. O.o I’ve decided when I need a pizza fix, I’ll eat celery all day until pizza time. Real pizza is totally worth it. </span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-3082219377369470142016-04-24T14:28:00.000-04:002016-04-24T14:28:11.362-04:00Various Stages of Incomplete<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s where my knitting is right now. Most of it is because I’ve had less time to knit (and less time to blog) due to my commitment to eating healthy and working out that I mentioned in my last couple of posts. You remember those. From a couple of MONTHS ago? Uh…yeah. Working out takes more time than you'd think. Somehow my recommended 30 minutes takes me nearly an hour. After working all day and then coming home to cook and clean up before I even begin to exercise, the night is over before I know it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is, I’ve actually lost 8 pounds and am only 2 away from my target weight! Woot! I’m fitting back into clothing that I never thought I’d wear again and I’m actually not starving (most days). Having given up a lot of foods that were not good for me, I’ve come to realize which food I wish had zero calories and was so healthy for me that I could eat it every day. Can you guess? Chocolate? No. Ice cream? Nope. Fried chicken? Close, but not that either. The one food I miss the most --> PIZZA. Not even kidding. I didn’t even eat pizza that much before, but now that I’m counting calories and carbs, I want it almost more than I want to feed my yarn stash. So, armed with a recipe for <a href="http://www.theluckypennyblog.com/2013/02/the-best-cauliflower-crust-pizza.html" target="_blank">cauliflower pizza crust</a>, I hope to satisfy my craving in a way I don’t have to feel guilty about. We shall see.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What? Knitting? Oh yes, that’s what this blog is about. Or should I say, it’s about my lack thereof. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jons-sweater" target="_blank">Husband’s sweater</a> now has one sleeve. After I quit procrastinating, it was just a matter of figuring out what type of sleeve would look best. If you remember, I seamed the front and back and decided to knit the sleeves on from the top down because I HATE sewing in sleeves (mostly because I’m terrible at it). The pattern called for a straight knit set-in sleeve with no sleeve cap shaping. I thought that might look a little weird, so I decided to start one sleeve using short-row shaping for a sleeve cap to see how it looked. I found how-to instructions <a href="http://bygumbygolly.com/2013/10/how-to-knit-seamless-set-in-sleeves-from-the-top-down/" target="_blank">here</a>, and went to work using exactly that method, but I had weirdness around the armhole where I did the short rows. There were just gaps. Witness:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks...weird. So does the color in this picture.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thought I must be doing something wrong, as they were worse on one side, so I tinked back and tightened up that side. No matter - still gaps. Then I decided I would take a step back from the short row sleeve and start the other sleeve by just picking up stitches and knitting with regular decreases (the in-the-round version of what the pattern called for). Once I got down to about elbow length on that sleeve, I had TH try it on to see if it was bulky under the arm. He said it wasn’t and it looked good on him, so I finished the sleeve last night.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No! It wasn't me! <a href="https://youtu.be/XFldSKSCTkk" target="_blank">It was the one-armed man!</a>"</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a tubular cast off for the first time. Hadn’t thought about that when I decided to knit the sleeves top down, but my handy little “Cast On, Bind Off” book got me through it. So I pulled out the short rows on the other sleeve and started one to match the other. After that’s done, just the neckline to do and finally something finished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still haven’t done any seaming on my little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trapeze-tunic-dress" target="_blank">jumper (tunic)</a> that I had to knit twice.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I’m faced with limited time and a choice between seaming or knitting, I’ll go for knitting every time while my pieces sit in a neat little pile on my dining room table. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another unfinished project that is starting to complain really loudly is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midsummer-aran" target="_blank">Midsummer Aran</a> pattern that I’ve been ignoring for at least a year. In fact, I had to look back at Ravelry page to see when I actually started this beast. It was TWO flipping years ago. Sad thing is, the only part that still needs to be done is the yoke and neckline. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly where all of the different lace charts converge to make one big pile of “I can’t figure out which stinking chart I’m supposed to be on”. Word. But the beast is getting whiney enough on a shelf in my craft room that I can’t ignore it much longer Besides, I really would like to wear it someday. Once I muster the courage to begin again, I’ll just have to figure out where in the heck I left off.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, I forgot, I did manage to finished my made up mosaic pattern socks. Behold:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only things I didn’t execute very well on these were the sides where I went from one needle to the other (used magic loop method). The tension was too tight and you can tell the socks have less stretch on each side and a kind-of “line” where there shouldn’t be one. This is also the first sock I’ve knit using an afterthought heel. I’ll be honest, I don’t care for it, but I understand the need for the technique so, there you go.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-7603748697271976742016-03-31T00:09:00.001-04:002016-03-31T00:09:11.665-04:00Sleeveless in South Mississippi<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not that I don't want to finish The Husband's sweater. Really, it isn't. I have the front and back done. All I have left to do are the sleeves. Easy peasy. But here's the thing: I really hate sewing in sleeves. Really, really hate it. So I got the idea that I would seam up the front and back of the sweater and then pick up and knit the sleeves in the round, top down. I've been assured by a trusted advisor from my knitting group that this is indeed possible. And yet...no sleeves.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something's missing here</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Husband is trying to be patient. After all, this is South Mississippi and spring is in full gear which means daytime highs of around 80 degrees. There's no way he'll wear this thing before next winter and he knows it. But still, the yarn is beautiful, the pattern is nice...his anticipation is understandable. I can't say I'm afraid, exactly. I just want to make sure I get them right. The difficulty comes in with short rows. I'm getting better at them. But I've never done shorts rows for a sleeve before and I'm a little unsure of myself. And I might be lazy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of spring, things are greening up around here, largely due to the rain we've had. This past weekend was very rainy. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're aliiiiiiive!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The two pots you see at the bottom right are two of my Japanese maples trees we planted last year in the yard that I thought we'd lost. With our yard made up of 99.9% hard clay and with us being novice tree-planters and all, we thought we'd killed them last summer. I decided to dig them up and plant the pathetic little sticks in some potting soil in pots and hope for a resurrection. To make a long story short, both little saplings are budding now even though we were sure they were dead. My willow tree has leafed out as well and I'm hoping the Eastern Redbud comes back too (but I'm not holding my breath on that one).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indoors, one of my orchids is blooming again:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also decided to try a little horticultural experiment. This past weekend I put up some avocado in the freezer (for how to do this neat little trick, <a href="http://thegreedyvegan.com/how-to-freeze-avocados/" target="_blank">click here</a> - it actually works), and I wondered if I could grow an avocado tree from the seed of an avocado you purchase in the grocery. Turns out, according to Google <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">it is possible</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, and so I set up four seeds to see if I could at least get one or more started. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, strange, right? I find myself amazed by the miracle of growing anything from a seed - although my previous experiments have not been all that successful - and so I figured, what have I got to lose? I'm sure you'll be on pins and needles too (or not), so I'll keep you updated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other knitting news, I've just completed my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trapeze-tunic-dress" target="_blank">Trapeze Tunic</a> for the <a href="http://www.knitwhimsy.com/2016/02/in-which-i-may-not-have-been-paying.html" target="_blank">second time</a> and just need to seam it. If it doesn't fit well this time, I'm going to take it out to the street and run over the thing a few times with my car. It will fix nothing, but I may feel better for a moment or two. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm still on track with the healthy eating and daily exercise routine. I managed to lose a couple of pounds, so that has been motivation to keep going. I can honestly say I feel better. Unfortunately, the workout time has cut into my "sitting in front of the TV and knitting" time each evening. If only knitting burned more calories than aerobics. I'd be golden...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Casting off, (cute, right?)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-52545575574201096852016-02-28T13:15:00.000-05:002016-02-28T13:15:24.036-05:00A Certain Level of Maturity<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It pains me to admit it, but I seem to be dealing with the real effects of...ahem...maturing. There have been several clues in my everyday living that are pointing in this direction, not the least of which was when last week, after looking back over my last few blog posts, I realized I had titled two blog posts exactly the same. Within two months' time. Um...yeah. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAmwBFa88nZcpKyU00ZrcDE-W0jUUeU6HfbGx_JIl6PVKwfv9pUbbxxoJw3qzoJls8i8Vs-AsrVmboMqBA2gZmkM8I3c_KykmqE8iI9KlIdLURILroW6Q83gGjHaTOAzvSnqJASA6pAA/s1600/Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAmwBFa88nZcpKyU00ZrcDE-W0jUUeU6HfbGx_JIl6PVKwfv9pUbbxxoJw3qzoJls8i8Vs-AsrVmboMqBA2gZmkM8I3c_KykmqE8iI9KlIdLURILroW6Q83gGjHaTOAzvSnqJASA6pAA/s200/Room.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been other signs as well, but most have been subtle enough that I just pretend they don't exist. Like the fact that I've progressed from forgetting why I walked into a particular room to forgetting why I just got up from my seat. My train of thought derails that quickly. I'm sure it's because The Husband distracted me with something ridiculous, you know, like breathing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there's the "Grandma Naming Syndrome". I call it that because my maternal grandmother manifested this from time to time, scrolling through several family names as she called for me before she landed on my actual name: "Hey Linda...um, Lori...er...LISA!" I am officially a grandma now, so I suppose it was inevitable. But since I only have one grand baby so far and she lives in another part of the country, my syndrome affects the 5 dachshunds in the house that I keep in an almost perpetual state of confusion, as they are all aging too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The absolute worst part of this process, however, has been the putting on of weight around my middle. Aside from the obvious problem this creates - no longer fitting into my existing clothing - this has put a serious kabosh on certain quantities of yarn I purchased prior to the weight gain. I no longer have enough for that sweater I was going to make (eventually) out of that yummy merino or that lovely summer top out of the gorgeous cotton-linen blend that I found at the bottom of a sale bin and will never find any more of again EVER. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I suppose it serves me right for procrastinating on those projects. Then again, if I'd knit them then, they wouldn't fit now anyway. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"I will always buy extra yarn. I will not try to tempt fate."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And so, after over 6 months of ignoring the weight and waiting for it to drop off on its own proved futile, I decided to do something productive. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have begun a new exercise regimen and have started tracking what I eat and choosing healthy foods, watching my portions, and cutting down on snacking. I've been at it a week and I've lost a whopping ZERO pounds (not that I'm impatient or anything). Every muscle in my body is sore and I now hate my virtual workout instructor and tell her so on a regular basis. But...MERINO.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Some things are worth the pain...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-57561978022562804462016-02-14T15:39:00.000-05:002016-02-14T15:39:02.966-05:00In Which I May Not Have Been Paying Attention<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes you just need to knit something simple. No fancy lace patterns, no counting knits and purls in a crazy texture - just mindless row after row of stockinette with a little ribbing thrown in to keep you from going to sleep. That was the idea behind my choice to knit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trapeze-tunic-dress" target="_blank">Trapeze Tunic/Dress</a>. It was a free pattern from <a href="http://www.tahkistacycharles.com/" target="_blank">Tahki Stacy Charles</a> and I wanted something to wear with my first ever pair of leggings. The actual choice to purchase a pair of leggings was edgy enough at my age*, so the companion piece needed to be something easy and quick. And it was. Maybe too easy because it seems that there were possibly a few moments when I wasn't paying attention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like not noticing how incredibly deep the armholes had gotten. And maybe that they were made even deeper when I blocked the thing (I SWEAR I measured). Or that the number of rows of ribbing below the armholes on the back piece didn't match the number of rows of ribbing under the armholes I'd knit on the front. The ribbing was already weird because apparently in order to spice up the relative ease of the construction of the dress, the pattern writer inserted random stitch counts for the size I was making that actual planning and logic played no part in. So rather than steady k2, p2 ribbing, I found myself forced into p2, k2 with a random p3 slipped in on either side which I decided in a fit of complete denial that neither I nor anyone else would notice at all. This proved untrue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is, I DID eventually notice all of these imperfections and, once they came to light (read: once I realized I was not going to be able to pretend they weren't there), I commenced to reworking the problem areas, starting with UN-SEAMING THE ENTIRE DRESS. That's right friends, my denial had remained strong clear through actually putting the project together. It wasn't until I was wearing this mess for which I have no good excuse in front of a mirror that I got the first painfully clear picture that things did not work out as I had planned. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trapeze Tunic - Deconstructed</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I plan to pay more attention to v2.0. Yarn used and a few notes are on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/trapeze-tunic-dress" target="_blank">Ravelry project page</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a happier note, it is Valentine's Day and while I think the holiday is a tad overrated, I always welcome the chocolate The Husband gets for me each year. In return, I cooked him breakfast (which is rare) and have supper in the crock pot for this evening. The REAL proof of my love is still in the works. Behold, it's even in a lovely shade of red:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB3fh8oRuWpkj9NvEwezueTzlccqr88L4y7VRRPEflQrfT5YUnpFMnrQT_kO3HDrfGyLGPbDJjVshMl-cikgyZJEzP2P5ZXO5YJ50w-biarXX_NJckw5-QUDSNEJ4ebFUrccmNKoGPIA/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB3fh8oRuWpkj9NvEwezueTzlccqr88L4y7VRRPEflQrfT5YUnpFMnrQT_kO3HDrfGyLGPbDJjVshMl-cikgyZJEzP2P5ZXO5YJ50w-biarXX_NJckw5-QUDSNEJ4ebFUrccmNKoGPIA/s320/IMG_1681.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate and yarn - Yay!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is definitely real proof of my affection because after <a href="http://www.knitwhimsy.com/2013/03/youre-finished-finished-i-tell-you.html" target="_blank">the last sweater I made for TH</a> - the one HE picked out that was done completely in moss stitch in a sport weight yarn (which, incidentally, grew with use) - I wasn't sure that either my love for him or for knitting could convince me to attempt another one. Love for both won out.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAUZcjuFIDoecaJDSvNCunQ0kf1jme-tXA3jcgv-RXJsUhPqrh8PUQdO4q7bzGM-BKo5gWoVaB_PaLKsDC995eycoNEjHBbnaKgWViJ0soTf6mNKzi8Ct2C7PBwUBGj12_7xj8juvbkM/s1600/IMG_1682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAUZcjuFIDoecaJDSvNCunQ0kf1jme-tXA3jcgv-RXJsUhPqrh8PUQdO4q7bzGM-BKo5gWoVaB_PaLKsDC995eycoNEjHBbnaKgWViJ0soTf6mNKzi8Ct2C7PBwUBGj12_7xj8juvbkM/s320/IMG_1682.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubular and gnarly, man...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made a significant yarn investment for him, choosing <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-pashmina-worsted" target="_blank">Madelinetosh Pasmina Worsted</a>. Okay, it wasn't just for him - I mentioned before this stuff is dreamy. I gave him a few pattern choices (none of them in a weight lighter than worsted, thank you) and he chose <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jons-sweater" target="_blank">Jon's Sweater</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-wilson" target="_blank">Sarah Wilson</a>. I am going all out for this project, even using a lovely tubular cast on for the bottom ribbing and sleeves which looks so much nicer than a regular cast on. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDub2k_zkJKMcs7AxCq2pBFXLYhtkhyphenhyphenGa8YYl2wkTT6UgU1J1USQVyo0whHSn38LftbRWgLNaucsi1fGcIlmSiLf_RJn7AfuE55wJYadHAmMhMWFRrCRzQE-eWDnxs60z8KM2L_RnFLw/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDub2k_zkJKMcs7AxCq2pBFXLYhtkhyphenhyphenGa8YYl2wkTT6UgU1J1USQVyo0whHSn38LftbRWgLNaucsi1fGcIlmSiLf_RJn7AfuE55wJYadHAmMhMWFRrCRzQE-eWDnxs60z8KM2L_RnFLw/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True love</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The back is complete and I was halfway through the front piece when I decided I need to make more of an adjustment for my dear hubby's manly girth (read: his over-40 gut). I haven't quite decided how to adjust the mid-section. I'm considering either short rows in the front, or simply knitting the next size in the pattern for the front, keeping the row count the same as the back. Do you have any advice? Anyone?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The Husband keeps telling me I'm not old. He may be right, but I am not a young woman either. I'm old enough to have realized that while young women choose leggings because they look adorable in them, women my age choose leggings hoping they'll look adorable, but we really just care that they're comfortable. I mean, have you tried these things? Super stretchy + One Size Fits All = they're brilliant! I may never wear anything else. Now, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm off to eat some chocolate...</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-91263167564238259662016-02-01T19:36:00.000-05:002016-02-01T19:36:39.411-05:00Steampunked<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Monday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quite some time ago, I finished a sweater project, the
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/steampunk-pullover" target="_blank">Steampunk Pullover</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/julia-farwell-clay" target="_blank">Julia Farwell-Clay</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two weeks ago, I was finally disciplined enough to put the thing on and
have The Husband take some pictures so I could share it with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR4Zz29N5UvGIFhNQ5oXIEc8uI9cbyY6E6m_1ZENcydZltit6q-lzbzIYCAsrhSh9lBnqQo1Hg3bTbbE2NBSUnpctTDCM2t5_ZbiDyp4tLBzgXpCCgttyG89Vx_iiQ09nYsDPx5nB8MY/s1600/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR4Zz29N5UvGIFhNQ5oXIEc8uI9cbyY6E6m_1ZENcydZltit6q-lzbzIYCAsrhSh9lBnqQo1Hg3bTbbE2NBSUnpctTDCM2t5_ZbiDyp4tLBzgXpCCgttyG89Vx_iiQ09nYsDPx5nB8MY/s320/IMG_0015.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please ignore the ridiculous facial expression.<br />On both me and the dog. It was sunny.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like the sweater, and you can't really tell from the photo, but the yoke construction is just…well,
weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is knit bottom-up, and after
the sleeves are attached, the whole thing is knit in the round with a series of
decreases that create a rather strange shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, if I hadn’t been able to block the odd shape into something
passable, I’d have had to rip the whole yoke back and do something
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still feels a bit off
while wearing, but the look is acceptable and who wants to rip back stitches if
they can get by without?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not THAT
much of a perfectionist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I extended the sleeves because, call me old school but, elbow-length sleeves over a long sleeved blouse (which is how the sweater was
modeled in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitscene-fall-2014" target="_blank">Knitscene, Fall 2014</a>) just makes me cringe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yarn used was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/good-for-ewe-claddagh" target="_blank">Claddagh</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/good-for-ewe" target="_blank">Good for Ewe</a> that I
picked up at a yarn store in Indianapolis a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the yarn and it is toasty warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this because I put it on during a cold
snap here in South Mississippi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
exactly what I needed to stay comfy while running around that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjero3gHyq-JFjYh2_fT17EVi5hz4fp7s465eddabrYP7bKLW15w4-VOBjy9gSU9fbW4EpT6wSl7fuxYnSEPzcwy1emymV9PbxV8FYqt9rR60MJOYmnacMrdQ0Ud4-KpJSA-neauDizNXM/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjero3gHyq-JFjYh2_fT17EVi5hz4fp7s465eddabrYP7bKLW15w4-VOBjy9gSU9fbW4EpT6wSl7fuxYnSEPzcwy1emymV9PbxV8FYqt9rR60MJOYmnacMrdQ0Ud4-KpJSA-neauDizNXM/s320/IMG_0019.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My daughter's dog, Sophie. She only<br />sits next to me when her master is at work.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my last post, I meant to share with you the way I found
to join a new ball of lace weight yarn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I spent many days avoiding working on the lace shawl I shared <a href="http://www.knitwhimsy.com/2016/01/victory.html" target="_blank">last time</a> simply
because I was paralyzed by fear at the thought of trying to join a new ball of
yarn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a> (as usual) and
found a method called “spit-splicing”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It does, in fact, involve spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can find an excellent video tutorial for it <a href="https://youtu.be/8uLiFOVmcUU" target="_blank">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You may think this is a disgusting way to
join yarn, but believe me, it works like a dream and when you are desperate (as
lace knitting made me), you will do what it takes.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Current WIPs include a tunic (otherwise known as a jumper to
us American mid-westerners) that only needs to be seamed, a pair of “I-made-this-pattern-up-because-I-like-it”
socks for which I’ve completed one entire sock - minus the afterthought heel,
and I’ve started a sweater for The Husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will likely not get to wear it until next winter, as the weather is
already turning warmer and the days growing longer, but it has been a joy to
work on as it involves a particularly lovely shade of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-pashmina-worsted" target="_blank">Madelintosh PashminaWorsted</a> (Tart).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I could afford it, I’d
use Pashmina for every scrap of clothing that touches my flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too creepy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say it feels
like I imagine heaven would feel like…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lisa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xoxo</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-19129876177386493362016-01-25T07:01:00.002-05:002016-01-25T07:01:34.790-05:00Victory!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A proclamation of astounding joy and happiness I share with
you all:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE LACE HAS NOT DEFEATED ME!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all of the struggle, tears, maddening setbacks and after having cast on at
LEAST four times (I kind of lost track), the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-blooms-shawl" target="_blank">Summer Blooms Shawl</a> by Susanna IC from
Interweave Knits Summer 2012 has become a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voila:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMUfXPdpg_k1tgB-AlB2Bkes_zl0YCetHvTP7IksqZAm_7WMQYsqxrWy0Y5i2IaciRWkh6tUl5sg7HjkVjXrHNUgyhbAnt8QwzgdgCCBYWC0dgPCX-QEfTNFBCfZiG6OmHTALkgoafCg/s1600/DSC_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMUfXPdpg_k1tgB-AlB2Bkes_zl0YCetHvTP7IksqZAm_7WMQYsqxrWy0Y5i2IaciRWkh6tUl5sg7HjkVjXrHNUgyhbAnt8QwzgdgCCBYWC0dgPCX-QEfTNFBCfZiG6OmHTALkgoafCg/s320/DSC_1365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3ux1SxWRT7BasUmXFXimVf8CxePD_hNlj20sfykaWx-Y79FF2o-3lIw5putj-cecDAN8uH4OjIEjkJGeoZBuA7QIYOK9lDDHgJnvMpqL1pt58tYqgwAOcofeO5OdLTLHaE05EAyvCv4/s1600/DSC_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3ux1SxWRT7BasUmXFXimVf8CxePD_hNlj20sfykaWx-Y79FF2o-3lIw5putj-cecDAN8uH4OjIEjkJGeoZBuA7QIYOK9lDDHgJnvMpqL1pt58tYqgwAOcofeO5OdLTLHaE05EAyvCv4/s320/DSC_1373.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all of the trouble getting through even the first 10
rows of lace (hence the numerous cast ons), it finally came down to my picking
the thing up, doing one, maybe two rows (mind you, the lace rows were over 400
stitches), then putting it back down and leaving it until the next wave of courage hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, it took quite
a while, but I was determined to get through the thing without another
mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incidentally, I learned that
tinking back with fuzzy alpaca lace is about as difficult as I imagine climbing
Mt. Everest would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztV9N6xxgmhKZESDQdKWY_2Eg0QHtFKDr8w1XQmOt6_HAOiCMZr70MizHZtmVUjKIjdtYVigqYm8nXo4WOKmh3Q5dr0M1LauadzgfDQPHb76uFSyx_RiBS4ScF3x1NN2KlvKDNXw84j8/s1600/DSC_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztV9N6xxgmhKZESDQdKWY_2Eg0QHtFKDr8w1XQmOt6_HAOiCMZr70MizHZtmVUjKIjdtYVigqYm8nXo4WOKmh3Q5dr0M1LauadzgfDQPHb76uFSyx_RiBS4ScF3x1NN2KlvKDNXw84j8/s320/DSC_1381.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will I attempt another lace weight project?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> library is full of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like with childbirth, it would seem the pain
is totally worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I have
some lovely 100% silk lace beckoning me from my stash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now if I can just screw up enough bravery to
actually wind it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-78982241660142226682015-12-30T20:27:00.001-05:002015-12-30T20:27:48.362-05:00There's No Place Like Home<div class="blogsyText" style="background-image: url(file:///var/mobile/Containers/Bundle/Application/2284627A-B1C4-466C-92A4-9D819441828D/Blogsy.app/typing_icon.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 10px 25px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 12px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Tis the season! A belated happy holidays to you all, and wishes for a very Happy New Year! The Husband and I just returned from a week-long trip to our hometown in Ohio and while it was wonderful to see family and friends (and especially my granddaughter, Nora), I am so happy to be home where the sun actually shines. As much as I love my home state in the spring, summer, and fall, my love waxes cold (pun intended) during the winter months. Interestingly enough, the temperatures were warmer than usual for the first part of our visit, although skies were the typical dismal winter gray that drove me South to begin with (any other Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers out there? Can I get an "amen"?). The day before we left, down came both the rain and the temperatures. It was 33 degrees the morning we departed. We were at 65 degrees on the coast yesterday. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ohio</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-9f7IzmEGleB4XERqElAdValTiAzKQdOSu3pWeiBjMvSwWrTk6daR2IX2Y537VvCguZKr33tjSoHF2ecWnKxpiRVtutjjyKrXnASO0RMBwxFJga_ZT4xvEnQMaAre2-u32i5TQXWTQc/s1600/Alabama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-9f7IzmEGleB4XERqElAdValTiAzKQdOSu3pWeiBjMvSwWrTk6daR2IX2Y537VvCguZKr33tjSoHF2ecWnKxpiRVtutjjyKrXnASO0RMBwxFJga_ZT4xvEnQMaAre2-u32i5TQXWTQc/s400/Alabama.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At a rest area in Alabama</span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I. Am. Home.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't knit many things for Christmas gifts this year, but I did do a few things for Nora:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/basic-raglan-baby-cardigan-sweater" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Nora's Happy Cardigan</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx6xdUf15l6em5PZeXGuZnzohzDHpY4sI07QE5FJxg9DMn2E6bDLdHeYRkzvthmO4WVfMqYGJ57gnN4-g_t-TwvsaUdl8T9OTIZNLz8i595F_lVjQBSq-r3hhqdouJoDRyKRxkkTzUH8/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx6xdUf15l6em5PZeXGuZnzohzDHpY4sI07QE5FJxg9DMn2E6bDLdHeYRkzvthmO4WVfMqYGJ57gnN4-g_t-TwvsaUdl8T9OTIZNLz8i595F_lVjQBSq-r3hhqdouJoDRyKRxkkTzUH8/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/corkscrew-tassel-hat" target="_blank">Corkscrew Tassel Hat</a><br />Mittens I improvised based on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lilly-no-thumb-mittens" target="_blank">THIS</a> pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've linked to my Ravelry pages for all the projects because I'm just too lazy to link to both the patterns AND the yarns used. The cardi is not as visually disturbing in reality as it is in this picture. And I have to say, I had to split the plies of yarn down to one ply to make the tiny corkscrews for the mittens, but it was so worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also knit hats for both my son and my daughter-in-law:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP41cb93A-dOLU3dWGnf3qPoHfWalP6KYxXpg93iNjnyNMAk4PQOMCvkzp2xXYPVfgHFouG5NNDr3CsLKIx8L_2JIzkXcJWolGJsCBFBtBtwV9EfBpBWMNNi2bEgiHVMa2ErnF_RFP2Y/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP41cb93A-dOLU3dWGnf3qPoHfWalP6KYxXpg93iNjnyNMAk4PQOMCvkzp2xXYPVfgHFouG5NNDr3CsLKIx8L_2JIzkXcJWolGJsCBFBtBtwV9EfBpBWMNNi2bEgiHVMa2ErnF_RFP2Y/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/naval-square-hat" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">For my son</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0_tFERL-tG28pHD_Bx5lZ84qcPvgLrWUf7KIfNPgCI8JZS92_TSVKi72rHnRsdAtMLqjZm_N6aCX41MCgtNkbmiJGRkKfpR4DkcancbM4EzjyNrrDUwCX3jy-BaXSHqyWqnFATgpkhY/s1600/IMG_1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0_tFERL-tG28pHD_Bx5lZ84qcPvgLrWUf7KIfNPgCI8JZS92_TSVKi72rHnRsdAtMLqjZm_N6aCX41MCgtNkbmiJGRkKfpR4DkcancbM4EzjyNrrDUwCX3jy-BaXSHqyWqnFATgpkhY/s400/IMG_1622.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/kristins-lyre-flower-hat-kristins-lytnantshjerter-lue" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">And for my DIL</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hat for my DIL is knit from soft, wonderful, 100% alpaca. I may need to do another colorwork hat in this stuff. It's absolutely scrummy.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a pair of felted slippers for my mom:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJEfda1DbcNyKUeceCAhdLDM-Ak5CGzkoX0soyN9ixnIDVKW345XnRj7AjTrZDV9MWC2X9cuLn2nautRxpbrTDm2dZ1ioaPTA7WkTc-3N1BguozCiU7Ob3s3OCaeVt0OlwvZBST3ILh8/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJEfda1DbcNyKUeceCAhdLDM-Ak5CGzkoX0soyN9ixnIDVKW345XnRj7AjTrZDV9MWC2X9cuLn2nautRxpbrTDm2dZ1ioaPTA7WkTc-3N1BguozCiU7Ob3s3OCaeVt0OlwvZBST3ILh8/s400/IMG_1627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knit-whimsy/french-press-felted-slippers" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">French Press Slippers</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The slippers are a little wonky, but not bad for my first attempt at felting. The felting took forEVER. Okay, not really. What really took forEVER was waiting for them to dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of my trip north...my heart - baby Nora:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyvkJTtajffM-HHTUv-FKuN9SC2ZO5m1i1UrS8Z7N-hMSJ1o-plI2i8312yd0t_u6cQRWsdN6YnUz4cja2tylwZM0AbaQMPFdNsuNQdB9GvV8SZQtOw1v7F63jaJIzTNmeUoBwIfY0tU/s1600/DSC_1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyvkJTtajffM-HHTUv-FKuN9SC2ZO5m1i1UrS8Z7N-hMSJ1o-plI2i8312yd0t_u6cQRWsdN6YnUz4cja2tylwZM0AbaQMPFdNsuNQdB9GvV8SZQtOw1v7F63jaJIzTNmeUoBwIfY0tU/s400/DSC_1427.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-67544929924740594512015-11-24T10:38:00.000-05:002015-11-24T10:38:42.133-05:00Out of Season<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hellloooo!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday morning on a very COLD day in South Mississippi, which of course means we’re sitting at a blustery 45 degrees. Okay, so not exactly frigid but the current “cold” snap was enough for The Husband to light our first fire in the fireplace the night before last. Every year, the cooler temps also make me long for woolen things to place upon my person. Also every year, I find that I’ve knit no woolen items for myself besides socks (but I am oh, so grateful for those socks). Perhaps I should engineer a sweater made entirely of socks. Instead, I continue to work on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-blooms-shawl" target="_blank">Summer Blooms shawl</a> made of lace weight yarn. Yeah, I’ve never been really good at working on items that actually fit the needs of the current season. Meh…</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd7_c4h8Ya238eKs8Bu4OUJJB4FhdcLKxMoyTUTzfd9wxLtidV64CCqPMAS3hq_iklKy6HwSrORZXUABR6ismyBU-7LN2ZR_c4stjhI0fI3rWxw2ATYcIxwx8uC18n5dGtj6HhpQAjz8/s1600/IMG_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd7_c4h8Ya238eKs8Bu4OUJJB4FhdcLKxMoyTUTzfd9wxLtidV64CCqPMAS3hq_iklKy6HwSrORZXUABR6ismyBU-7LN2ZR_c4stjhI0fI3rWxw2ATYcIxwx8uC18n5dGtj6HhpQAjz8/s320/IMG_1569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see that the shawl is growing. I inserted a lifeline a couple of days ago and began work on the short rows and I’ve made pretty good progress on it. Once the short rows are finished, I’ll insert another lifeline before I begin the final beaded lace section prior to the cast off. I usually hate blocking things, but this is one item I can’t wait to block. That’s the thing about lace. You plug along and think things look good but you never really know what that scrunchy bundle of labor-intensive, tear-inducing, on-the-edge-of-losing-your-religion project looks like until you’ve stretched it all out. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with that anxiety, why not add another issue that brings me to a perilous road not-yet-traveled? You can see in the photo that my ball of yarn is tiny. So tiny that there is no way to get out of the fact that I am going to have to join new yarn in order to finish this thing. Folks, this is LACE. WEIGHT. YARN. I have a knot in my stomach just thinking about it. Somehow, internally, I just knew that the more common methods of joining new yarn were not going to work for this, so in a rare moment of actually thinking ahead before a crisis, I turned to the all-encompassing storehouse of knowledge - Google - and found <a href="http://eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/02/yeah.html" target="_blank">these instructions by Eunny Jang</a>. I must admit, I am still quite apprehensive about trying it, but hey…Eunny wouldn’t steer me wrong. Right? RIGHT?!?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turning my mind to happier things, look what showed up at my house yesterday:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gF-HEaS6r6iv6qR2GHQ2HP1xIe2U39TfdkQ5nR47c7mf2OaLlpeBGRJdq78vBua7G0YhOC7fP5kn9gi-tsHslENTy2AAvWm8PPdWhs5MwqTYZUXiMzgn7WBsKIl_pJL79HWCoJ0aUQw/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gF-HEaS6r6iv6qR2GHQ2HP1xIe2U39TfdkQ5nR47c7mf2OaLlpeBGRJdq78vBua7G0YhOC7fP5kn9gi-tsHslENTy2AAvWm8PPdWhs5MwqTYZUXiMzgn7WBsKIl_pJL79HWCoJ0aUQw/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happiness delivered right to my door!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My lovely daughter got me a <a href="http://www.yarn.com/" target="_blank">WEBS</a> gift card for my birthday back in October. It took me this long to decide what to purchase with it. I mean, come on, it’s WEBS. If I ever get to visit the actual store, I’m taking provisions in with me, lest they find me two weeks later buried under some beautiful merino. I’d be dead but I’d have died happy. There is SO MUCH to choose from. Then add to it that I’m not working right now, so I have to make that gift card go as far as I possibly can. Two words: sale yarn. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I purchased the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-fioratm" target="_blank">Berroco Fiora</a> in a beautiful blue-gray shade to make the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trapeze-tunic-dress" target="_blank">Trapeze Tunic/Dress</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/irina-poludnenko" target="_blank">Irina Poludnenko</a>. I want to get some knit dresses into my wardrobe that I can wear with leggings and a toasty turtleneck or the like and this pattern is free which is in my budget. With my expanding middle-aged waistline, a dress that flares a bit is a must and this should work nicely. I got the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sirdar-country-style-4-ply-new" target="_blank">Sirdar Country Style</a> 4-ply because it was on sale and because I absolutely love this color of blue. I don’t know what this will be yet, but I got enough to make something nice. And finally, I bought two skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/plymouth-yarn-holiday-lights" target="_blank">Plymouth Yarn Company’s Holiday Lights</a> because, hello…sparkles. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll notice I have not mentioned anything about Christmas knitting. That’s because there isn’t much of it happening and even what is happening is a secret because of the whole gift thing, you know. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How are you doing on YOUR Christmas knitting?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-36698485323618223932015-11-17T10:47:00.001-05:002015-11-17T10:47:52.880-05:00There's No Place Like Home<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone! Lots has changed since I last posted. Assuming anyone is still out there, here’s what’s going on: I quit my job. And then I quit the one I quit the first one for. Ridiculous? Well, probably. Long story short is, I thought I’d found a job with more possibilities and I took it. Then I realized I was wrong in my initial assessment. It was decidedly not a match made in heaven. So what am I doing now?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, I’m staying home, cleaning my house (sorely needed), working on a writing project, and knitting. I may pick something up down the road, but for now, this is it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, if you follow me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you’ll have seen a few photos of my battles with a lace shawl. The shawl is a lovely pattern from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/interweave-knits-summer-2012" target="_blank">Interweave Knits Spring 2012</a> - the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-blooms-shawl" target="_blank">Summer Blooms Shawl</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanna-ic" target="_blank">Susanna IC</a>. I’ve wanted to make it ever since I saw it THREE years ago. But three years ago, I was quite the novice at knitting and attempting a 400+ stitch cast on with fuzzy alpaca lace-weight yarn was a bit beyond me. Throw in the beads the pattern calls for and it was doomed to fail. Fast forward three years - 8 weeks ago I decided to try again.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of my last Instagram post, I was getting ready to start my fourth attempt. After the huge number of stitches to be cast on, there are 34 rows of beaded lace work. For the first three attempts, the furthest I ever made it was to about row 11. I’m happy to report, on attempt #4, I finally made it through all 34 rows of lace! I was so determined to make it work this time, that I would pick the thing up and knit one row. Then I’d put it down. Some days I’d live dangerously and do two rows. It was slow, but I have climbed Mt. Lacerest, and have declared victory!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If only the shawl was actually done.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so after the 34 rows of lace, there are many, many rows of stockinette stitch short rows (no wraps, thankfully) and then a pretty beaded lacy (but smaller) bind off. The shawl has been sitting for a couple of weeks untouched now. I figure, it would just be my luck that after I finally made it through all that lace and beads, I’d screw the whole thing up on an easy stockinette section. Therefore, as I have practiced so well on other past projects, I am procrastinating. My intention is to put in a lifeline prior to continuing because there will be no cast on #5. Seriously, if something goes wrong with this thing at this point, I’m going to bury the yarn and the pattern in the back yard and erect a little monument to commemorate its passing.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I’ve been avoiding the shawl, I’ve been plugging along here and there on some socks that were kind of a happy accident. I was out at <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a> looking for some inexpensive sock yarn because I was having sock withdrawals (it had been a while) and I found a skein of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/red-heart-heart--sole" target="_blank">Red Heart, Heart & Sole</a> in colorway Jellybeans. The colors looked so festive and I had to have it. Then I brought it home and realized there was simply no way I was actually going to wear a pair of socks knitted with just this colorway. What to do, what to do?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As chance would have it, I came across a pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ugly-duckling-socks" target="_blank">Ugly Duckling Socks</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/karin-aida" target="_blank">Karin Aida</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. Now here’s a useful idea. Here is what to do with that skein of yarn you thought was great in the store but brought it home and wondered why you ever bought it. The pattern is free and utilizes mosaic knitting. That’s a fancy term for colorwork without the hassle of stranding - the look is created by using slipped stitches. I loved the idea, but decided to kind of do my own thing, so I used a cream colored yarn along with the Jellybean and came up with this:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really, really like this sock! Of course, I’m only on the first one and for the sake of the continuity of the mosaic knitting, I’ll be trying my hand for the first time at an afterthought heel, but I’m thrilled with the result. I think this will be my go-to technique for any time I wind up with ugly yarn. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/karin-aida" target="_blank">Karin Aida</a>’s other colorwork socks are stunning, so be sure to check her designs out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I’m off. I’m a bit hungry. The one bad thing about staying at home is that I tend to eat. A lot. In fact, if I don’t motivate myself to either curb my appetite or start training for a marathon (yeah, THAT’S gonna happen), I’ll have to find other uses for the yarn in my stash that I bought thinking I’d make a sweater. My middle has expanded enough that the size I purchased yarn for has been called into serious question (she says as she heads to the kitchen).</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-62486899634876969202015-09-19T22:44:00.000-04:002015-09-19T22:44:51.236-04:00Right on Queue<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Saturday evening. The day flew by. Does this happen to anyone else or is it just me? I cherish my weekends, but they always manage to drive by like a NASCAR driver on amphetamines. I did get some things done today, like finally hanging up the $10 wall hanging I got from Hobby Lobby that had been sitting in my yarn room/office since I bought it over a month ago. Actually, it sat on my dining room table for at least half that time until we had guests over and I was forced to hide it. I KNOW I'm not the only one who's hidden stuff in a spare room...right???<span class="s1"></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of my yarn room/office, I had a horrible experience a couple weeks ago. It seems that all of a sudden, my eyes were opened to the disaster that this room had become. These pictures were taken some months ago and it only got worse from there:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAhmuHDJnJFwl9J9k2R3-rR7TRNYxHujWrdfOYhGUiMLi-myiBYetY8NwKKhl1VX3q6qgdR8XO-K7Ax8FjNyMrUFE8Zat-DhPnDLpL6XmMXXOWhDbOTXGnffP5b6gkji8lIhVewLCuMg/s1600/IMG_20150102_165317291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAhmuHDJnJFwl9J9k2R3-rR7TRNYxHujWrdfOYhGUiMLi-myiBYetY8NwKKhl1VX3q6qgdR8XO-K7Ax8FjNyMrUFE8Zat-DhPnDLpL6XmMXXOWhDbOTXGnffP5b6gkji8lIhVewLCuMg/s320/IMG_20150102_165317291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyomGPvtMFQCVO8z9ZJFk0wqy4C1iTvHuxuAQIbFWgf7idF982GvqFBTJvhbiFWaQO5AfkeOYGOJNvtuELSiwO7bW8sYrnTGXElhL2Gv2BG8GCmBGyw3b3nTTF0lfDws0H0KZPmJAJdmc/s1600/IMG_20150102_165324702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyomGPvtMFQCVO8z9ZJFk0wqy4C1iTvHuxuAQIbFWgf7idF982GvqFBTJvhbiFWaQO5AfkeOYGOJNvtuELSiwO7bW8sYrnTGXElhL2Gv2BG8GCmBGyw3b3nTTF0lfDws0H0KZPmJAJdmc/s320/IMG_20150102_165324702.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, that is an exercise bike on the left and no, I don't use it.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shame. On. Me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so, having had my eyes opened to the atrocity of what should be my favorite space, I decided I had to act. I did what any marginally creative person would do. I went to Target and bought some cubicle-type shelves so I could organize my space. Et, voila!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, it still needs some straightening, but I think you'd agree it looks much better than the before picture, yes? Gone are the massive loads of fiber, miscellaneous boxes, bags, and scraps from the floor. All I need now is a comfy chair and I'm set. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I got my yarn stash put into their little cubbies (yes, that's actually all of it - I've been pretty good about not yarn hoarding lately), I found myself inspired. It was kind of like Christmas, since I found stuff I had forgotten about. Anyway, seeing all of that beautiful yarn makes me want to knit. A lot.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, when you decide you must knit, you have to make a decision about what to knit. For that, I turned to my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> queue. It became clear immediately that I needed to do another "cleaning". My queue was filled with over 75 potential projects. This, in and of itself is not a problem, especially in light of the fact that I have well over 3,000 patterns in my library on Ravelry. No, the problem comes in because, dear readers, menopause has not been kind to yours truly and I have gained enough weight around my middle (see caption about exercise bike above) that at least 1/3 of these patterns would no longer complement my slightly expanded frame. Yes, I have learned that positive ease is now my best friend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thirty minutes later, my queue has been revised and I'm down to 55 patterns I've decided I simply MUST knit at some point - hopefully sooner rather than later. And number one in my queue is a pattern I just found today. It's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/atlantique" target="_blank">Atlantique</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/anne-hanson" target="_blank">Anne Hanson</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love her designs - her style is so parallel to my own. I absolutely have to knit this pattern! Now I am just trying to come up with the most affordable way to make it. The pattern calls for <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/" target="_blank">Bare Naked Wools</a>'s <a href="http://knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/lace-hempshaugh-lace-c-21_25_99.html" target="_blank">Hempshaugh Lace</a> which is a blend of 40% merino wool, 30% hemp, and 30% silk in a lace weight yarn which is a pretty hefty $48 per skein. As much as I love Anne's yarns (I knit a blanket for Nora from BNW's Confection), I simply cannot afford to sink that much into this project. So I'm looking for a reasonably-priced alternative. Your input is very much welcomed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, we'll see how far I get in knitting down my queue. There's a good mix of stuff for me and of course, granddaughter stuff. Not to mention, I've got to get my Christmas knitting list together (yes, I know, it's kind of late for that), assuming I decide to knit for folks this year. Of course, Nora will get a good share of hand knits regardless. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many items are in your queue?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6587919435028005475.post-7487748538085545772015-09-10T20:48:00.000-04:002015-09-10T20:48:31.794-04:00The Thing About _____ Is...<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The thing about this blog is…</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve decided I stink so much at blogging lately, I’m going to try and make regular posts on <a href="http://instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. You can find me as @knitwhimsy. Same on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, although I’ve never really mastered the whole tweet thing. So the crickets are chirping on my Twitter account, same as here on this blog… (she sighs with no small amount of discouragement)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Speaking of which, the thing about Twitter is…</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m WAY too verbose. Seriously, 140 characters? I can’t say hello in 140 characters. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The thing about food bloggers is…</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember a few months ago when I was so excited about my new <a href="http://www.thepincidentalfoodie.com/" target="_blank">food blog</a>? It turns out, food bloggers are blogging machines. No seriously, the good ones manage at LEAST three posts a week. And so, I’ve decided that if I need to tell the world about a great recipe I found on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, I’ll stick it in here and ask for the die-hard knitting enthusiasts to bear with me. Besides, food blogging requires keen photographic skills. Since I can’t seem to photograph yarn well, I have no idea what made me think I could graduate to food photography. Ah, to be old-ish and delusional.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The thing about knitting is…</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been busy. I finished and sent three items to Nora: a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snug-9" target="_blank">wool/alpaca jacket</a>, a game day outfit for football season (with matching headband), and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beans-the-cat-knitting-pattern" target="_blank">Beans the Cat</a>. Behold:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik48JgDmD-uLLUykSaVZ-oX0onXe49HpIAw0n75HRAeihOwHyAhe8XKM-KZOm7dBAae50cOjQA9SFasvNMNhPhGEOETpUHOo09lyVHgCwUFnj9t9oHJmtiGIiWylhsArnBcO3uHkOm9TI/s1600/IMG_1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik48JgDmD-uLLUykSaVZ-oX0onXe49HpIAw0n75HRAeihOwHyAhe8XKM-KZOm7dBAae50cOjQA9SFasvNMNhPhGEOETpUHOo09lyVHgCwUFnj9t9oHJmtiGIiWylhsArnBcO3uHkOm9TI/s320/IMG_1436.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big picture</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP4bRTNThKCrGQthPrDcRxcOrA5GWLnZcfGDC-xgqXWLEka6VyHgb0fsi7YJDI_g15FCUmMXP9MRI1Mkr7YoOuEquArjEtA9b5qSr7DSowwlsoCvkk0aIT1diyS4G3I7bxTiB-8JFcP8/s1600/IMG_1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP4bRTNThKCrGQthPrDcRxcOrA5GWLnZcfGDC-xgqXWLEka6VyHgb0fsi7YJDI_g15FCUmMXP9MRI1Mkr7YoOuEquArjEtA9b5qSr7DSowwlsoCvkk0aIT1diyS4G3I7bxTiB-8JFcP8/s320/IMG_1437.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is he saying "ribit" or "ripit"??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E0mv7fFXc8AbSIZMWG0GcVxA_aWh8-s3S2yTSaIWXY9_47Y0OG-G9Adw5WavTL84Zii_hFSavDzrq7jUvxeW-I4oWh02ApgEJCBca9wn18UcFVn4EOZsekMzjFe91j9Dh05SdG1zEvk/s1600/11998975_920902682072_1102639955299567709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E0mv7fFXc8AbSIZMWG0GcVxA_aWh8-s3S2yTSaIWXY9_47Y0OG-G9Adw5WavTL84Zii_hFSavDzrq7jUvxeW-I4oWh02ApgEJCBca9wn18UcFVn4EOZsekMzjFe91j9Dh05SdG1zEvk/s320/11998975_920902682072_1102639955299567709_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready for game day, baby!<br />Go Bucks!<br />(They won their first game, incidentally)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzupxPsfZGCqbXu0xwHAo5mcbLIxMiKtYwu5HmGDENvDPiUgbZeu_2jayr-kKzyq30s0rU2IWcuX-0-a1MQLuJ6LEp8gX17AnFcQmd2jJJdAbyYC0lkEccQzuzv9tMExDclGh7tH3i_E/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzupxPsfZGCqbXu0xwHAo5mcbLIxMiKtYwu5HmGDENvDPiUgbZeu_2jayr-kKzyq30s0rU2IWcuX-0-a1MQLuJ6LEp8gX17AnFcQmd2jJJdAbyYC0lkEccQzuzv9tMExDclGh7tH3i_E/s320/IMG_1444.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admit it...he's so homely, he's cute.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The jacket pattern is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snug-9" target="_blank">Snug</a> pattern I mentioned in my last post. I love the frog buttons. The little game day dress was whipped up out of the depths of my own mind. Same with the headband, although it’s a simple garter stitch headband, started with a provisional crochet cast on and then grafted together once I got it as large as I wanted it. Then I made my first attempt at pom-poms. Well, actually, what you see is like, my fifth attempt. The internet said to wrap the yarn around a fork. Um…no. I ended up just using my fingers. Oh, and Beans? My embroidery skills are lacking. That didn’t stop me from sending him to Nora. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The thing about knitting rules is…</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes you have to break them. While knitting the Snug for Nora, I cam across a yarn join and, completely losing my head, I actually tied the two ends together. I admit it. I did what should never be done. And I’m glad, I tell you, glad.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlwyRcuQu-J1M7oWCHZYCrG0cHfsC-9VabpFfiQGoFe53CUT_jGba9VR9gbtIwEEB9OBdIAdSL2pHiOpm9gJ1IGcIQ5_Py7_41CLUmzMYWsnXY8-32XP9V7bK5JoQzD1oidttDJ29D3U/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlwyRcuQu-J1M7oWCHZYCrG0cHfsC-9VabpFfiQGoFe53CUT_jGba9VR9gbtIwEEB9OBdIAdSL2pHiOpm9gJ1IGcIQ5_Py7_41CLUmzMYWsnXY8-32XP9V7bK5JoQzD1oidttDJ29D3U/s320/IMG_1446.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so knotty...</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The thing about you all is...</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are awesome and wonderful and I thank those of you who have stuck around during the blogging famine on this site. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxoxo</span></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13041833660544031351noreply@blogger.com8