tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230608082024-02-03T03:21:03.991-08:00Knit 5 TogetherMy name is Laura, and I have three things that I plan to use this blog to discuss: 1) knitting, 2) fitness, and 3) other stuff. O.K., I know that last category is kind of ambiguous, but I like too many things to limit myself...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-47684443870074158432010-06-01T22:45:00.000-07:002010-06-01T22:52:55.623-07:00Pic sent via phone<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uT-tBV2RALxF6W2P3FaX5hVGYy8jeOwU2JteSxsJPUhMt5p6OuHoYTrC9H2ALep4NSEeR2uliz-qXpVrqTdQnQWfUApOLFkoMM9WYdxP8VNLj4q2Ql8wkjMeCwOxZ2vbSjXneA/s1600/2010-05-20+19.54.08-778215.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uT-tBV2RALxF6W2P3FaX5hVGYy8jeOwU2JteSxsJPUhMt5p6OuHoYTrC9H2ALep4NSEeR2uliz-qXpVrqTdQnQWfUApOLFkoMM9WYdxP8VNLj4q2Ql8wkjMeCwOxZ2vbSjXneA/s320/2010-05-20+19.54.08-778215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478048588134214242" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uT-tBV2RALxF6W2P3FaX5hVGYy8jeOwU2JteSxsJPUhMt5p6OuHoYTrC9H2ALep4NSEeR2uliz-qXpVrqTdQnQWfUApOLFkoMM9WYdxP8VNLj4q2Ql8wkjMeCwOxZ2vbSjXneA/s1600/2010-05-20+19.54.08-778215.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Success finally!!! </span></span></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uT-tBV2RALxF6W2P3FaX5hVGYy8jeOwU2JteSxsJPUhMt5p6OuHoYTrC9H2ALep4NSEeR2uliz-qXpVrqTdQnQWfUApOLFkoMM9WYdxP8VNLj4q2Ql8wkjMeCwOxZ2vbSjXneA/s1600/2010-05-20+19.54.08-778215.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I've been trying and trying to post this photo from my new phone with no success - until now. Yeah! This is the brick cover I've been working on for a while. Since I took the picture, I've actually gotten a lot more done</span></span><br /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-29432242055583988832010-06-01T07:38:00.001-07:002010-06-01T22:52:09.627-07:00<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6d_g2_5hpmYVWGISF0uBUwIR9fe6HABQ57X8fsUkig-kZ1VEhhsxDuNJcqMn0AxnbTC2WYTYeldYztdXOO0Kp970ZRCvhQzxS8BCpFRCJyHv8n3ylVvjmlz5NjY4lP6C-swm/s1600/2010-05-20+19.54.08-739618.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh9UuLJHKcT3OMHrmo7zo8Sc5PqoRLXZwglbIHth0GPdIij5Ms5viULNOF46OMOSFneWPaTAfINySP0uB31uT7QRepV9P5adjUY7OqWuNCB5Fj06VSjd_1qKLaAfUR5hIPz4e/s320/2010-05-20+19.54.08-739618.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477814779860615394" /></a></p><p>Me fox & hounds brick cover.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-6074018304903784192010-05-20T17:41:00.001-07:002010-05-20T17:49:18.924-07:00I'm Back - I ThinkSince Cecilia and Janine are now updating the <a href="http://www.3kittensmews.blogspot.com">3 Kittens Needle Arts blog </a>, I thought maybe I should try to update my blog again. We'll see how that works...<br /><br />Current projects I'm working on: <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needlepoint</span><br />A brick cover with a comic fox and hounds<br />A pillow or wall hanging with a stick figure and quote that says "I'm in shape...round is a shape"<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Crochet</span><br />A Babette afghan<br />A pleated skirt out of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool<br />A 3/4 sleeve drapey cardigan out of Berroco Origami<br />A cap sleeve summer top out of Tahki Superior<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting</span><br />A open front cardigan with empire waist out of Noro Silk Garden Light<br />A pair of Flutterby socks out of K1C2 Crock-o-Dye<br /><br />I'm sure there are other projects out there that are languishing, but that's all I can think of right now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-24379769892894221582009-05-16T09:10:00.000-07:002009-05-16T09:25:02.508-07:00Portland II<div><br /><div><div><div>On Wednesday, Christian and I decided to go for a hike - despite the wind and rain - at Cape Lookout along the Oregon coast. It was rainy (um... did I already mention that?) and muddy and I couldn't help laughing silently at how many times Christian had to pull up his pants that he normally wears around his butt cheeks in order to hike. Overall, it was a really great day (despite the rain, rain, rain). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336456445225410546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMc84McpnHOu92Qe1hAaI0Q9EEhlQ9CWYYJg9UB-xfcI6eu-hgu7IvYzWXzDHv7pdehbLDuPypF-RLcZeMKmCjQbqYUAJd7DC5mP63GyqcLf8Qx3YcI8FPBT-HuGZciA0wpdE6w/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336456450097511170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNf1wL0JiE5zgUV7fA3u0WJGJO_7eBCq0A4zX8kdHYx6AQpt0jiqZJkJ6KcxZjwdKJXV0Fy4VV5ScDJ5B2OrARfzkif_j3qN94CkGmBY8ahU9IUGFF6liBmEKjjVcaqKtFdKGYA/s320/IMG_1231.JPG" border="0" />(I am continually amazed by my size in photos - I don't feel <em>that </em>big!) Here's a pic of Christian, once again, pulling up his pants...</div></div></div></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336457895094489122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1jRYdyUR8VzujAmMF6P8AkkAlACGUwbjtkbCtmX-GpvfiBxBJkZDnWMY149hUc2Re7sMxBxKYALnBJSZ8Hcg7fxUBCJSVSWjGAybrPtyhFTiDVYa8v6UHsrKgA2IjLVhAN_kqw/s320/IMG_1228.JPG" border="0" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-12859414195885897282009-05-13T09:27:00.000-07:002009-05-13T09:47:27.293-07:00Portland II arrived in Portland, OR yesterday. I spent the day with my son, Christian, who moved here last month. We walked around downtown Portland - lots of homeless people. Had lunch at the Pita Pit - kind of like a Subway, except with pita bread, plus you can get hot things (not warmed in the microwave...). Then went to Powell's book store which takes up a whole block in downtown. I only made it into 3 of the many rooms - overwhelming! Then, we went and saw <em>The Soloist</em> which was excellent.<br /><br />By the way, if you haven't tried it yet, you should check out <a href="http://www.priceline.com/">Priceline</a> for great travel deals. I stayed last night at the Silver Cloud Inn just outside of downtown - 2 1/2 star hotel (according to Priceline) and by naming my price I got the room for only $60. The next few nights I'll be staying at the Doubletree Inn at Lloyd Center where the <a href="http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/">Knit and Crochet Show</a> is being held, so I didn't get any special deals for that, but on my last night in Portland, I'm staying at a 3-star hotel near the airport for only $45! Crazy!<br /><br />Here's a photo from my current hotel room (at the Silver Cloud Inn):<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335348183290888994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPwmuDy8lUs5aP9N7Yn1QCF5Ua46U6Do9JO4h18nJBH6PXDvDSriKJ3H3RavbFb8FSZV41_oqEB0QO-i1EyfcZSu8ayymtAAWEwCW-4OnFojQ0M6dpAofinUdDTzAc0GoZt2B9A/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Not much to look at (except my rental car on the left), but very adequate.</p><p>Today we're hiking to a waterfall. It's supposed to rain this afternoon, but that's o.k. I don't mind getting wet. Before we go there, I'll be visiting Knit/Purl in downtown and the needlepoint store that's next door.</p><p>By the way, I'm reading a very funny book about losing weight: <a href="http://www.jennsylvania.com/">Jen Lancaster</a>'s <em>Such a Pretty Fat</em>. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-22886045363958852952009-05-02T20:11:00.000-07:002009-05-02T20:17:36.830-07:00No Weight LossNo weight loss to report. I've had really no success in staying on WW. Maybe I was sabotaging myself from the beginning. I don't know. All I know is that I haven't lost anything, I'm still completely tired ALL THE TIME, and I haven't found the energy or the time to exercise. I did go back to the doctor's office this week and demanded some further testing to try to get to the bottom of the tiredness issue. I haven't received the results yet...<br /><br />Still knitting, crocheting and needlepointing as much as possible (DUH!). <br /><br />I'm looking forward to heading to Portland, Oregon in a week and half to visit my son and to attend the <a href="http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/">Knit and Crochet Show</a>. I'm taking a couple of hairpin lace classes (with Hansen? the Stitch Diva) as well as a crochet class with Lily Chin. I'm looking forward to it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-7194281897772026872009-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:002009-03-28T13:36:43.213-07:00DifficultiesO.K. so here's the situation. The weight loss plan (WLP) is not going great. I have lost 2 lbs since I started two weeks ago, but I'm really having a difficult time with it. Here are the important factors:<br /><ol><li>I like food. Really! I especially like sweet things. And salty things. Sweet and salty together is extra special. I think I should stop eating sugar, but it's really hard. I have done it before, but it wasn't fun and I missed it too much!</li><li>I work too much. I love my job. I love owning 3 Kittens. But the truth is that it's really hard to eat well when I spend so much time at work. </li><li>I don't get enough exercise - or any right now for that matter. I realized recently that in order to exercise, I really need to have a goal. When I am training for a marathon, I at least get in a few training sessions a week. When I was working towards my black belt in karate, it was easy to get motivated. I would like to go back to karate, but see #2 above. And, I'm not planning on starting to train for another marathon until May.</li><li>I have a gluten intolerance. It's not too hard to eat gluten-free, but it does make it more difficult to eat quick and easy things. And fast food is almost impossible.</li><li>I think I may have a thyroid issue. I've had my thyroid tested and it keeps coming back in the normal range, but I'm not convinced. My biggest symptom (other than my weight gain) is that I am tired all the time. I've even gone in for a sleep study, after which the doctor told me I just needed to get more sleep. Unfortunately, even if I get 8-9 hours of sleep a night, I'm as tired as if I get 6.5-7.5 hours per night. SIGH!</li></ol><p>Anyway, those are the issues that are plaguing me. That said, I am still going to keep trying!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-39311540990412409662009-03-26T19:48:00.000-07:002009-03-26T20:04:17.676-07:00Lorenz ManifoldI finished crocheting the Lorenz Manifold last week, and I finally got around to trying to mount it. First, the instructions for the <em>positive z-axis </em>seem to be off. When I inserted the central unbendable wire, it was a little wonky - no a lot wonky. So, I ended up folding the Lorenz Manifold in half according to the photo in the instructions and then re-inserted the wire. Then I did the outer bendable wires which worked great - but I realized that the central wire is way too short.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317696479214345954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ro9L3RxZf7J3yCTBnNZ4xqQnPY1GSQORiJELkgBEvWRQ9eNVb1cpICtCnyMAi82ubc2wBzkA0gZqdPv37sz54HzaJgWiZ1vXFW_7XCvbyijTT0qrpi0H36Ul7vSklAY1j_ARQg/s400/DSCN2522.JPG" border="0" /><br />My DH says he can get a longer wire, but not tempered - in other words it will bend. He'll have to heat-treat it in order to make it unbendable. So the project is on hold until sometime next week...<br /><br />WLP: Much better today... Not perfect, but better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-47553350056267079772009-03-25T20:07:00.001-07:002009-03-25T20:07:53.207-07:00DISASTERTerrible day with food. Feelings of guilt and shame. I know I have to let go of those feelings and move on into the next day, so that's the plan.... 'Nough said.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-20691615981320333642009-03-24T10:42:00.001-07:002009-03-24T11:13:32.998-07:00Goal OrientationWell, I've had it. I am way too big for my britches - literally! And, I've decided to use this blog as my <em>daily </em>(yes, daily) focusing tool for my new goal to lose 60 lbs. I can't believe I actually just put this out on cyber-space, but frankly something has to give, and maybe this is a way for me to be accountable...<br /><br />I haven't given up on posting about knitting/crocheting/punchneedle/needlepoint. I'll still include updates on those - probably even more often now that I'll be on <em>daily</em>! As a matter of fact, here's a current photo of me in a vest from Classic Elite's Curvy Knits booklet that I finished in January:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316813502192529794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vz6Vxwf6nEutqIB0gKl_JS7gYyNdJChOo8V-YiwvU3dmWvZZl1qizUqAHOtM6ZYKKTOqEtgu_nfbsZTrzpS0j674ri80wq5pKUmDbvTZEB1jVhEonkVffEMF9rFwIEx4rFAMDQ/s400/IMG_1133.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>And, while it's a beautiful sweater and it fits a curvy figure like mine, this photo abhors me! Look how skinny my hands look, then look at the rest of me. It's not a good thing.</p><p>How am I going to lose all those pounds? Well, first, I've signed up for <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a> online. Second, I'm going to start walking again on a regular basis (now that the snow has melted). Third, I'm going to post my progress, trials, successes, etc. here <em>daily</em>... I'm sure other things will come up that will help me - like the support of my friends and family.</p><p>So, off we go...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-28501331475186460602009-01-28T12:30:00.000-08:002009-01-28T12:44:56.668-08:00Knitting Frenzy<div><div><div>I am on a knitting frenzy lately - lots of small projects. Of course, this is all to the detriment of my needlepoint and crochet projects! I actually finished my Einstein Coat that I started in October of 2006 (photo to come), plus I've finished a pair of socks </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296445716711962818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4D8gqeJhXsdC8Qfw3WkbQPn0ymWvEKm0YQXmxC-1uIESVbdPZQKANMTxFlIjr48LQjAznjuvuZ6B7ocwIg2ylIJKXSZJPfo0z9LHfPUjUZW5-5kzGcqw3Rm6h2EHXZOIIx-u6w/s400/IMG_1092.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p>This is my first pair of socks in my goal to knit a pair each month in 2009. I've joined the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-great-sock-off-of-2009">Great Sock Off of 2009</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> to keep me going. This one is a basic ribbed sock pattern with some small design changes on the top of the foot - to keep me from going insane. They're made out of Malabrigo Sock yarn in Indecieta.</p><p>I've also made two hats for the store</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296445723556988418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TMaQMFl7F858_F3Klw1KL_5MibnbTH4pFl22dYHhyhDy88BCl17txQoGogDvMVrjTClafmXu30NbVv_jcF4RT3i-F1v240_Hk_BJyIvW3pfUYooPD54NAu64YHH7j5D_ZtVw2w/s400/IMG_1097.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296445724979958546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 395px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkJ7RsYgDAu3s8cjTNoJqya8FS702FsuoAWvd6iJrEA4j-Ap30yK_bJtDYa6c3u8xLkfA38i-RfBT1t8zeGYN541GJJIRV3I5F8LwbfUfKkucOwcr-oSP1fft0aqoC2uRtCxShA/s400/IMG_1103.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The top one is from <em>Hip Knit Hats </em>and is made out of Berroco Peruvia Quick (sorry about the bad photo...). The bottom one is a Figheadh Yarnworks pattern out of Berroco Peruvia.</p><p>Small projects are so fun, because they're manageable and portable. The bottom hat took me less than two days to finish (probably a total of 4 hours). </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-86233981046097583612009-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:002009-01-21T09:10:53.630-08:00Tom Scott's Vogue Wrap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-S7UPKVjHfEP-0u_ek08RsGNqULyLXUhQ18mBdI0sGBstWdPzbqB99_Q-6it9xDouyxrpfcAdYtgPSzqo3TjjB0XDPu2q1zyEQikQaI0H59SJ9kT9GTKE7VXXXJNQpGZRh_yjw/s1600-h/Cable_Wrap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293795596051922450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-S7UPKVjHfEP-0u_ek08RsGNqULyLXUhQ18mBdI0sGBstWdPzbqB99_Q-6it9xDouyxrpfcAdYtgPSzqo3TjjB0XDPu2q1zyEQikQaI0H59SJ9kT9GTKE7VXXXJNQpGZRh_yjw/s400/Cable_Wrap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I made a version of Tom Scott's Cabled Wrap from the new winter issue of Vogue Knitting. I'm not thrilled with the finished product, but it is kind of cool. And, guess what? <a href="http://www,ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> asked me if they could use a picture of my wrap on the pattern page for the item! I'm thrilled - although I wish I had rearranged the item a bit on the mannequin...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-84321512710568713602008-12-15T14:54:00.000-08:002008-12-15T15:19:15.518-08:00New E-Zines I Love<div><div><div>Just had to pass on two new e-zines that I think are fabulous:<br /></div><div>The first one isn't really new, but it's winter issue is up: <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty</a>. Check out these fun projects.</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280155680275753282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld8RpyEVZm5PEKUFXVuPIiqvNVDej-WL-d0ktewFdZRmjAmsm7xWbXaJx1Sja7cGNX3djjf9QvSqohLitEGAIHKzbIoNzMERkDZmIRS_xXG6g7S_lzn4eeBuaBgFFArLHmqheGw/s400/OomingmacksBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>Aren't these hilarious! I would love to make a pair of these for Christmas for someone, but, alas, there's just not enough time in the day! Maybe next year...</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280155672875481954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bxEHiAPrSikm0npthpjX5gnhdwX9_4hFWEuQj6to_7Cv_X0tkdPTh53H2NjI7XYTqsmHC9i5_yUoIZEifM1QbxcqfRSja-YEaLKt9uW5u8mzUicHycps062OXev409kgA4JPBQ/s400/surfaceBIGwrap.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>I think this sweater and matching wrap are really fun. Not sure about making all those bobbles, but they do add an interesting dimension.</p><p>The 2nd zine that you should check out is <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/">Twist Collective</a>. This new magazine (it's on issue #2 right now) is filled with really wonderful designs, mostly by well-known designers like Pam Allen, Norah Gaughan, Fiona Ellis, Veronik Avery and more. Here are a couple of my favorites from this most recent issue: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280155671030032114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3A1a_8JKWeZ72TBcl4oJVQ1Ut8UlPHR0LH8Pwkr5QBg9COhofVwgdrv2PqzAtp8-sXXHtWUauNbGK4PyTssQ_CZgwK-qx2xPYK1KGALJQwuK0pLP_rKExs1zddye66m6bdm_Bdw/s400/heroine_02.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280159894951964914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUqYGKoqEgTY0NkGugl-GTvd46IF2WOq8oCS3hOCoK3_BEiMUbpoQxglxbMGXZCD7btiW4GwZbXq6SGZq_Gj7e1FrsMQDo2omSg3T6dyAle5tJQev5A_hezTywbouwIMKw9_c_g/s400/dietrich_220.jpg" border="0" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-73981361312994168152008-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:002008-12-03T12:55:57.384-08:00Busy TimesThe holiday season in a yarn store is crazy busy - even this year. Despite the economic downturn in the country, our store is doing great. I don't know if it's the change in location or the fact that people are staying home more, so they need things to keep busy (aka, hobbies). Thanksgiving was a blur, because <a href="http://www.3kittensneedlearts.com/">3 Kittens</a> had a sale the next day and over the weekend. I haven't recovered yet!<br /><br />I have been working on projects as I can:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275670321368567698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 386px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyynwFF73eW2ATafoLQr6c1r-hUrQ40LNSlUBLL7QMgKXOPa_Z_v09SKbeE0NYxiXJBYVSgRvmpXR-uCEyFsUg0wWFLeimoWe4AxKJ6ObZLfaVBg74NtCcKb7bINCjUGCswEVYQ/s400/PHOTO_Devil%2520Hat.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275670307405541186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqDkge66FkG3fgmCxa4of-yNV9Y_eniDhhJH-cQfjmTRYb6sB3qU7zGoSClj_FRHJlGu0ykkn19egzdQDx3hCvnIOa1h3QNQ3Wvtn_gu0CC1GUJfUhTSkEdG86olxNnT0zEQUDg/s400/IMG_1062.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275670315452616322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4MXvfX0ckJODtFPWtJsxYHAw0wNv9DYZXNDhELYQWBJunBt4NWMYIsL-IWsYkefqxpu4NQ90ffptHTglYCRjRdhMFoTW2AOdaGroPA7YVgPnLAK0IKdUJFy7dIYca-3WNUbQMQ/s400/IMG_1067.JPG" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-67005010217806501762008-10-10T19:59:00.000-07:002008-10-10T20:06:52.898-07:00Wool Bamboo Wrap VestI've been very remiss in blogging for several months now. Just no time. I'll give it another shot though!<br /><div> </div><div>I'm currently working on the Wool Bamboo Wrap Vest from <em>Curvy Knits 2</em> by Classic Elite. Here's a photo from the booklet.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255727077264924466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCsR8xELfaxYD1Nr4dquGjGkNdO9_cEJyUIBHA5HnZozoUApbTePL1CL1-gzqPKbXDfI5PlQuyx5JMhBi25uLnD3lbu3MPKst2rH6oFRCE7ks_Csh8u7ftp89bkI9wEFZyumUUA/s400/WBBWrapSm.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />I'm doing it in a wonderful, deep red. I love Wool Bamboo - it's the perfect yarn in my book. There's no splitting, no pilling. The hand is wonderful. And the color is rich. Love it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-55903919489614161762008-06-20T17:42:00.000-07:002008-06-20T17:56:40.855-07:00Kristin OmdahlI had the pleasure (or excitement...) to meet knit and crochet designer Kristin Omdahl at The National Needle Arts market earlier this month in Columbus, OH. I actually met her on Sunday afternoon of the show, but didn't get to talk to her much until we were both stuck in the airport waiting for our flights. (Kristin had to hole up in Columbus one more night, while Cis and I got out about 1-1/2 hours late.) <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214131431576764274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNqHk1fgCvbSb1lcgITvcOPcd76PnoGnZLahRc1pOxyEzAigFDLab3RLw06GA25AtfHkpk_m_BgoI57TJZW0lMmzhBnE6yMzDIjoTGcOqdzO9iIm55LhE3v6BmRMFYLB17qt_Og/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>Kristin is the designer of the Infinity Wrap that I completed earlier this year. She has had numerous designs published in Interweave Crochet among other publications, and she has a book coming out later this year!</div><br /><div>In addtion, she seemed like a genuinely nice person (as most people I met at the show were). I'm hoping that maybe if she does a book tour for her book, we can convince her publisher to send her to the Twin Cities so she can come to <a href="http://www.3kittensneedlearts.com/">3 Kittens</a>. Wouldn't that be fun?</div><div> </div><div>(By the way, Kristin designed and whipped out the broomstick lace top she has on in the photo the weekend of the market - Friday-Monday!)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-12321319217066046812008-06-08T18:43:00.000-07:002008-06-08T19:19:49.206-07:00TNNA MarketDo you remember last year at this time when I bragged about going to the Needle Arts Market? Well, I'm here again! It is so much fun - although very exhausting. Let's see, who have I had the honor to meet at Market? So far: Jess and Casey from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>; <a href="http://www.nickyepstein.com/">Nicky Epstein</a>; Melissa Leapman (who we had dinner with last night - what a lovely person); <a href="http://www.maggiknits.com/">Maggie Jackson</a>; <a href="http://www.styledbykristin.com/">Kristin Omdahl</a>; the <a href="http://thecrochetdude.blogspot.com/">Crochet Dude</a>, Drew Emborsky; Sandi Weisheart of <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/06/04/off-to-be-with-the-yarn-people.aspx">Knitting Daily</a>; <a href="http://www.kristinnicholas.com/knitwear.htm">Kristin Nicholas</a>; Iris Schreier of <a href="http://www.artyarns.com/">Artyarns</a>; Pam Allen of <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/home.php">Classic Elite Yarns</a>; Amy Singer of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty.com</a> and <em>Big Girl Knits</em>; <a href="http://www.crochetbyfaye.com/">Robyn Chachula</a>;<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209699609608709858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g5MfPdVH5_y8bsObqEMWOIU-6qRzuSc2lnVVxeHbEBhSo5gUy2AFxkYZLGQ1HCRkh7AiZeVJQ3QaaTWgiEyB4mvsSgsMndBaQY3oqyZ3A7EyXyaI2uCHbDDBaI58edZCEMf6XQ/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" border="0" />and <a href="http://www.anniemodesitt.com/">Annie Modisett</a>. O.K., the conversations haven't been deep and in-depth (except with Melissa) because it's hard to talk much when you're bowing low to the ground at everyone's feet!<br /><br />At the Retailer's Luncheon on Friday, we all got to hear Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.com/">the Yarn Harlot</a>, talk. She is soooooooooo funny! We were laughing the whole time. Did you know that there are twice as many knitters than golfers (in the U.S.? the world? I can't remember), but if you go into an airport how many knitting magazines can you find? Zero. Golf magazines? Usually, between 3 and 10! Yet, you can't golf while you're sitting on a plane... She was great. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand in line to wait for her to sign her new book.<br /><br />It's getting late, and I've got another class tomorrow morning, so I better sign off. More in a day or two!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-69840794948173351632008-05-31T22:43:00.001-07:002008-06-02T20:01:19.288-07:00Punchneedle and Teachers<div><div>This is my last year making teacher gifts for my kids at school. My youngest son is "graduating" from 5th grade on Monday. Once he moves onto Middle School, I won't make teacher gifts any more. I've traditionally potted up some plants - sometimes with my kids painting the pots; however, this year I decided to make some decorative tops for boxes with punchneedle. Here are my creations: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207484534710708514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaewkNDuXHyQLzB4UPW7f_8c1dhGAwHxIgLntnBZMa69XxNR2YgAGOlK44uzup45oHENIdF3B3qUPgp5dRJNStOeVnG_GMJTBMvnEgEM-RdtBLMjfVGzZWWEx0FWOIZnLUxd2kA/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207484804988013570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvwmc2rT9_eahlEUuSCzuwSOS3PRL_mQ8dPaOtxyfMqVEhRDemq-Re99jyVy4TQmwervrMC14QIVlHd1bwP-C9dfhXxYukl7H6kotJztdgVZHiynQMgl6D9EHaViXnX557nS7Sw/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Have I ever mentioned that I <em>love </em>punchneedle???</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-33266730164420762832008-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:002008-04-30T15:04:15.846-07:00Finished...Finished...Finished<div><div><div><div><div><div>I've been finishing lots of knit and crochet objects lately. Unfortunately, I've been spending more time putting their photos on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/K5tog">my Ravelry page</a> than on this blog... Anyway, here are some photos for you.<br /><br />First, Amigurumi - all from Ana Paula Rimoli's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amigurumi-World-Seriously-Cute-Crochet/dp/1564778479/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209592254&sr=8-1">Amigurumi World</a>: </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161354189430146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDpkgkfapO3TRIzGPpcHvA9JigeCWRu2dokLWvj4CV6AJkiq1_eN5QYHFVzJuIFup7iKusX_HoOo5eG35tAZ5Np0g-VBjOyTFmsG73LdKSIO-wUEB0x5elcCse0gDRyN6CEqNOA/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161190980672882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK6uc7j9UgZv4Im2vwWuAo63EBV9-_NYxY20pIuzoF2jZup8NCyP12GlUOgw5LIVHqKal9AXj_yfQN5tDxU5O97nf-laxhqW91DGw6zUsbtHBwMpFVX372wfgspV38CkOh2Jr2A/s320/IMG_0984.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161508808252818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxDv7VHBCXF3Xa4Gq15jql0__3LVnzWqHoowMaL5z7BQLEDaKkj79MhSxUtDp_DEUylnWIAID6Y-8mWIUl3ipcP-zRTWK1pUJU8mjUPFcJja7efJY3MiK6rWxuclWHhyphenhyphenXL3McOw/s320/IMG_0982.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161019181981026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi28E25hUqmHUliV_j6LJ7_EHGJGi5FtZKhiBfBhlh7VW_Sx8kr2bIbFP-9jXuvvp_-bPzMtsrn6sb8eNRXP1GnhPQxKCdREQisUPPsNgP84I4HbVB-nS_UHvs938pDQSrcw0olQ/s320/IMG_0981.JPG" border="0" /><br />Second, a crocheted 'Drool Baby' bib from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=33135">Needle Noodles</a>: <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161650542173602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz11echryrz9CxnVvHNw_ZtGdJf72BE6pKeOn25G7C6AlNWep-vbIsXmfkJsofA6RlgR4Zpzy-jdJ_4VAvtWa7HDNpZ8sQVuGUjsl_uw5viCv-P9yN4E1UdS9nZLpE-tAqPBFGg/s320/IMG_0980.JPG" border="0" /><br />And, finally, my Mobius sweater by Norah Gaughan: <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195161775096225202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf-5C7n7W5j_tLndDNCM46qWe_C-jIcvt0RJoXby0xCUM1oPmtQw_GjBm_xYbATcwiSDclROg4Nm8VYgui5lvqbGUUpCs_55kiBB9g8vMAJF-hgMyUKrNO9Xje4p-tdUhivu4nQ/s320/IMG_0979.JPG" border="0" /><br />I'm desperately working on a couple of punchneedle teacher gifts and a needlepoint pillow for my buddy Ann. All three of these projects need to be done in the next few weeks in order for the finishing to get done in time for the end of school and Ann's birthday. SIGH! I don't like deadlines too much, but it's probably for the best, because they <strong>will </strong>get done!!!</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-63625797284996821572008-04-20T20:01:00.000-07:002008-04-20T20:20:22.928-07:00ZZZZZzzzzz...I went in for a sleep study this past Tuesday to try to figure out why I am tired/sleepy all of the time. It was quite an interesting experience. I went to a <a href="http://www.healtheast.org/sleep_care/index.cfm">HealthEast</a> facility in Maplewood, and the rooms were fabulous! I expected a hospital-type room with hospital beds and cramped quarters; instead, what I got was a nice hotel room with a double bed, a nice easy chair and a flat-screen t.v. I arrived around 9 pm, and after changing into my p.j.'s, I had about 20 wires attached to me to measure my breathing, heart, brain waves, oxygen levels in the blood, etc. I thought I would never get to sleep with all of that stuff attached to me, but, really, I didn't have any problems. I did wake up more than I usually do, because the techs had to come into the next room and fit the person in there with a CPAP machine to help control sleep apnea (at least I think that's what was going on).<br /><div></div><br /><div>I was lucky - no one came into wake me up and put me on the CPAP, which I knew meant that I didn't have sleep apnea. Unfortunately, the doctor I met with in the morning couldn't pinpoint anything from the sleep study that was causing my tiredness - no apnea, no problems with REM sleep, no unusual leg jerks, etc. She basically said that I just need to get more sleep. Currently, I get between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 hours a night (and 8 - 10 hours each weekend night), but not at the times I would really like to get my sleep - I'm trying to go to sleep earlier than my personal circadian rhythms dictate by about an hour and I'm getting up a couple of hours earlier than I would like.</div><br /><div>I still think there's more to the big picture than just needing more sleep. My next step in the sleuthing process is to get a physical, including a more thorough thyroid function test than the typical test that I've had several times. Hopefully I can figure out how to fix this. I hate being tired all the time!</div><div></div><br /><div>Requisite crafting component: Me in my Noro Taiyo hat #2. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191532893437367954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-AaEu3ZzxDXqMiFenpVaxJKm-hdZRqFKT8jzoKe2SFU19G7F8WnwF5rMxQDmyqJvmZcjRVwqf3CIPO4hI-9u7lSju2OTtgO5fnd-ErhKDqSeWRUG6KXmJVzpzaBGzny-QnEIfQ/s320/DSCN1298.JPG" border="0" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-21934088611563370042008-04-12T18:53:00.001-07:002008-04-12T19:49:07.233-07:00Yarnover 2008I was at the very fun, highly motivational, incredibly awe-inspiring Yarnover today! The Yarnover is the <a href="http://www.knitters.org/">Minnesota Knitters' Guild's</a> annual one-day workshop. It's loaded with classes taught by many of the superstars of the knitting world: Sally Melville, Joan Schrouder, Melissa Leapman, Chris Bylsma, Beth Brown-Reinsel, Lucy Neatby, etc. Plus, there is a market of local and not-s0-local vendors. Of course, <a href="http://www.3kittensneedlearts.com/">3 Kittens</a> had a booth, so we were there by 7 am unloading cars and setting up our table, and we didn't start breaking everything down and packing up until 5 pm. It was a long day!<br /><br /><div>I was lucky enough to take a class in the morning from Sally Melville. She's a fun and energetic teacher who makes sure that everyone in the class gets the help they need. The class I took was called "Stripes and Stripes that Aren't." The first half of the class was all about stripes - whether to cut the yarn at the end of each stripe or carry it up along the edge (carry up); how to line up stripes from body to upper arm on a set in sleeve; how to do stripes so it doesn't make you look heavier (make sure that you don't do the following: have wide stripes <em>and</em> [not or] have stripes that match up <em>and </em>have high contrast between stripe colors); how to weave in ends as you work, etc. The second half of the class - and where I got most excited - was basically on slip stitches and how to carry colors up your work from your previous stripe color (clear as mud, I know...) Now, I've worked with slip stitches before, and I could have figured most of the info out on my own, but one of the best things about it was having Sally show her garments from her <em>Knitting Experience 3: Color </em>book <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188555074742704914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_gc5368lcO_uw1WKiyDa-VOZl-MBRgF7L5I5hPSjp7gtVI-23aBm5Lmar-50JzEsCucvbv-FuzhFgwriI9IL1MBLeDVxj80oxl-y08Jxq5T7jKRfN0XZr_mVMNH_o5HmejAoFA/s320/Color.jpg" border="0" />and talk about the design process and the use of these stripes that aren't in garments - I came away with two garments I want to make. Which, of course, means that I will be buying the book at the store tomorrow, and seeing if I can use my Fiesta Rayon Boucle for one of them. </div><div> </div><div>Luckily, in the process of the day, I just about finished my last sleeve for my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mobius">Mobius</a>. I think I have about 5 rows to go. Then I can put it all together, block it, and maybe by the end of the week, I'll be able to wear it! I also almost finished my Regia Bamboo socks - just the toe shaping left. I haven't worn knit socks in a long time, so I'm excited to get them done. No photos tonight, because I don't have my camera. You'll have to wait until tomorrow... </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHST9PcnKo86dQGpQiPTZtdCWoTTxZvZ0TXnRdZcKBJ8bAF0feNJbos8cdcTfnli3fQLEYUMZWEEOHKMMFO8iaO5UPIGaOg7J1rDsm1veSi8uTbFcPik5j1cxUMSC0ccD8kyalw/s1600-h/Franklin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188553910806567682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHST9PcnKo86dQGpQiPTZtdCWoTTxZvZ0TXnRdZcKBJ8bAF0feNJbos8cdcTfnli3fQLEYUMZWEEOHKMMFO8iaO5UPIGaOg7J1rDsm1veSi8uTbFcPik5j1cxUMSC0ccD8kyalw/s200/Franklin.jpg" border="0" /></a>Also, I had a great experience being one of Franklin Habit's <a href="http://1000knitters.blogspot.com/2007/07/what-is-1000-knitters-project.html">1000 Knitters</a>. I had no idea that he was going to be there, so it was a thrill to be photographed by him (you can see what a good photographer he is in the self-portrait at right). If you're a listener of the <a href="http://www.cast-on.com/">Cast On podcast</a>, you'll know Franklin by his funny, funny essays. At first, I couldn't find him - he was not in the room where all of his equipment was set up, and I went back to the market. But, as I was walking back to the booth, I heard his distinctive voice and went towards it. He was quite generous to allow me to come to the photo shoot even though I didn't have an appointment. We chatted while he took the picture, and I got maybe 6 rows done on the 1000 Knitters' scarf. I was pretty soon after Lucy Neatby. I did my section in plain ol' garter stitch - Lucy put a nice big, on-purpose hole in her section. That's why she's the designer - she's creative...</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>All in all, I had a great (albeit exhausting) day. Next year, Lily Chin will be the keynote speaker, so it should be another great event!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-50135920670961132972008-04-09T19:04:00.000-07:002008-04-09T19:05:35.781-07:00California Dreamin'Not much to write about lately, so I haven't. I did go on a short trip to California with my husband last weekend. Flew into LAX, then drove to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Claremont</span> to have lunch with an old friend at 3 Forks, which was lovely because we got to sit outside and the food was delicious. We then drove to Palm Springs to visit cousin Janie. We dined at the famous Smoke Tree Ranch<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187428738263740274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jrc17F2R5JzIEX0u_fOePyteW6biIMKnGNUJMMmvZhJTC3x7P057znTkn3KQkyrpP7hHekuKvU6z7cQE_RxR96RnnikC8GIjbwhF4NgEcevw1177RIEeiwqjG4yeSrH2wmFLrw/s400/diningroom2a.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>and the next day we visited the <a href="http://www.theindiancanyons.com/index.html">Indian Canyons </a>park which was fascinating - desert, except along the stream beds where there were, of all things, palm trees.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187429743286087554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTmNEahNSB9Bgl5s0CONXwjJ09ZjI7ikCSOKDEbaI6HbCR8KN2otTKLfacQ8F7t8AN7r_WiBlbCOhOU-t-JdiJtEWQhgwaM6RB5NQmLD68YzJSw6gjAD06wLQlSiOT6Yr2CYT6w/s400/palms.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Then for our last night we drove to San Diego and spent the night at the Loews Coronado Beach Resort, which was lovely but too short of a stay to really enjoy it. </p><p>I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">needlepointed</span> on the plane trips and in the cars I worked on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/K5tog/knit-to-fit-ankle-or-calf-socks-nl-7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Regia</span> Bamboo </a>socks and the collar for my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/K5tog/mobius"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mobius</span> top</a>. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-7449451133327934222008-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:002008-03-27T19:02:38.333-07:00I've started and ripped out a little Noro Taiyo crocheted hat twice tonight... SIGH!<br /><div><br /><div>I returned from my vacation - which was lovely, despite getting a head cold.</div><div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182605496645513970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNJqoD6tAFI4LT-3phpM97_1MxeHXoOSmnNlS7bWCu8WjnsXpXtvJofaEdtvc_3fZsA1AY-EgT6P7-c8T2AES_3etACPSSRbDfcsfYPblrEBlMPI7PDq-Ll-iGciN5N_eWVIvlA/s400/IMG_0958.JPG" border="0" />I'm happy to say that I worked on all seven projects I took with me. I even finished two of them: the whale I posted last week and my Celestine Crochet: </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182604706371531490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNHnq1Ikws4Ohds_1TTwBgfNA8SBJle5J7Z-rPfiToDVfEvygCDry61Q5H1RuZGpbPaBqUR3pySHMv2pSbqkMroN8m8SGDcKKcnomd_4qTbQNFZZL3rYWJw9Ikre2R6XJY593Ag/s400/IMG_0964.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>I think the Celestine is fun, but oddly shaped - some of the points are way big and some way small. But, it would still make a great baby toy. I put two jingle bells inside to make it even more appealing to little ones.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-48742592372608108052008-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:002008-03-21T07:38:14.486-07:00Humpback Whale<div>I'm in sunny Florida for Spring Break with my family. We're staying near <a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/">Seaside</a>, the cute little town where the movie <em>The Truman Show</em> (with Jim Carrey) was filmed, at a resort community called <a href="http://www.watercolorvacations.com/">Watercolor</a>. This is our 6th year vacationing in Seaside and Watercolor. We've rented houses in both communities and have enjoyed both of them. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I brought 7 projects to work on!! EEK! Of course, they're all small... I've finished the first one, humpback whale I purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5501766">edafedd</a> on Etsy. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180203523300324050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYzvEMDINmQLgFyc6o_0vnpg2xD9KSpcDR3dImx8286s30R7g6rZGRdU3sK0j6FqBMCSEuRXz8v97jsWdujuJZnCLY3agK5XZmg_EyzoU6Q7kimYEFxge1D02xKYbouAoVZSEwg/s400/IMG_0943.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />I made this whale for my sister-in-law, Kristin, who is a marine biologist whose specialty is humpbacks. She loves her little whale! She says it's a pregnant female, because she's much bigger through the belly than a non-pregnant whale would be. Edafedd also has patterns for a manatee and a narwhal. They're really cute and life-like.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23060808.post-20536850171542639582008-03-15T07:36:00.000-07:002008-03-15T08:02:08.144-07:00More Amigurumi<div><div>I'm still doing the crochet Amigurumi thing. Here are my current two projects: </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177977854229533314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3xAAz6FYIhOmZaWjV6_uUPKkk54rhpym5PqgLkSIRndt-2SDSOAys5yLg21u29P-zgYnEJ3AyQJQxUdE4qnWHzU07lhiAPJH-ajIZVY1cCbExXNzlMlOBWJ5mVrmhA8BZyYC-g/s400/IMG_0940.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>This is <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/celestine_crochet/celestine_crochet.html">Celestine Crochet</a>, a free pattern from Berroco. It doesn't look like much now, but I think it should get finished today or tomorrow, then it will look like a dodecahedron (no, I didn't know how to spell that... I had to look it up!). It's being made out of Regia Stretch Crazy Color.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177979649525863058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPMG_QYVdjCSiIXW-dsoJptyiAYu6axqrVlAsIQol054dzKf3HJ4qsgSR8LB9QRDL0EYgWx5kT4CY8Kd97pEiq1ogOVkAxgzKh1tLud8OY6te98lgzleSmO9q5cmcw0TI_ycoJg/s400/IMG_0941.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Well, it doesn't look like much yet, but it's going to be a Humpback Whale. I bought this pattern on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5501766">Etsy from edafedd</a>. There are hundreds of crochet patterns on Etsy. I bought a sushi pattern last night for someone I know (no names, yet). And, there was a cute little pattern for baby bibs that have an amigurumi feel, so I bought that, too.</p><p>BTW, I'm now on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, and I would love to have other Ravelry members look at my stuff and join my friends list. So check it out! My user name is k5tog.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1