tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49121451802418020472024-03-05T04:18:36.400-05:00Life on LafferThe true confessions of a yarnaholic.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-90610801773091611912015-06-01T19:03:00.002-04:002015-06-01T19:03:36.721-04:00Sewn Bind Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrerKCKVArwe5PSjOZwFH8OLNFIxJrDwv858i3OajSJ6SFhAhFQpcRXrG9ftP5IoSLgbWDKTzp-bwWruMuXtum0rMsgPWdhfktcNe4RP4dJHZOk45M2U59VRRz4Ks4Ys5bulfgcZwys4wV/s1600/KnittinLittle_Logo-Hrz1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrerKCKVArwe5PSjOZwFH8OLNFIxJrDwv858i3OajSJ6SFhAhFQpcRXrG9ftP5IoSLgbWDKTzp-bwWruMuXtum0rMsgPWdhfktcNe4RP4dJHZOk45M2U59VRRz4Ks4Ys5bulfgcZwys4wV/s320/KnittinLittle_Logo-Hrz1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I have some big news today: t<a href="http://knittinlittle.com/blog">he new site I've been working on is live</a>! The blog has launched today and there will be a lot of fun content this week. While our first collection won't launch until September, there will be patterns and a ton of other stuff in the meantime. </div>
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Today, I have a video tutorial for you on the sewn bind off. It is my favorite stretchy bind off and is relatively easy. It is different from regular bind offs in that it is done by sewing stitches down, rather that knitting them (it that makes sense). I used this bind off around the collar of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dandelion-meadow">Dandelion Meadow</a> cardigan to give it a lot of stretch and flexibility. </div>
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So this was my first time recording a tutorial (although it was something like take 7) so I hope you find it helpful! Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/129296955">Sewn Bind Off</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user40593390">Andrea Sanchez</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-78014645304047103532015-05-23T14:41:00.001-04:002015-05-23T14:41:56.892-04:00Dandelion Meadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a new pattern out this weekend: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dandelion-meadow">Dandelion Meadow</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1SThEhulSFGSBfpeRSsqi1v51Vh9HRJSFjNCCsBFqlvrsetKeFLjnNwDRAJ5I0c7OIarioMyvRXCvl-AKqSNnyRT-7oc7Aq4MNpOKSkRJJntOal9QNK5akRe3Fm2r2qA_V-oHCHxSOv2/s1600/Dandelion+Meadow+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1SThEhulSFGSBfpeRSsqi1v51Vh9HRJSFjNCCsBFqlvrsetKeFLjnNwDRAJ5I0c7OIarioMyvRXCvl-AKqSNnyRT-7oc7Aq4MNpOKSkRJJntOal9QNK5akRe3Fm2r2qA_V-oHCHxSOv2/s400/Dandelion+Meadow+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is definitely my new favorite cardigan.It is a top down raglan knit to just after the sleeve separation. The body is knit sideways then seamed to the fronts and back. A garter stitch border is worked along the hem and around the fronts and collar. </div>
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Knit in the amazing Anzula Squishy (color Dusty Rose) this cardigan has some serious drape! It comes in 8 sizes and is available for purchase on Ravelry.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/andrea-sanchez-knits/274574"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-40997220405277379882015-05-17T13:58:00.001-04:002015-05-17T13:58:19.208-04:00Coming Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During our weekend trip to Maryland, I got cracking on a new knitting pattern that I'll be publishing in a few weeks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpxuucoJo-Dn_kxZxhLybtumIUPq6Zy3cKQRYnWQGhbGpR2dcpeUsVLXC5FeVBuUcO2CVwxj820lNhTNKfkkEGT7XlAhqY-4Tj7EdyA7CQH8_MFizAqacFKj4BEpOXvVc0opRfxMgVPK/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpxuucoJo-Dn_kxZxhLybtumIUPq6Zy3cKQRYnWQGhbGpR2dcpeUsVLXC5FeVBuUcO2CVwxj820lNhTNKfkkEGT7XlAhqY-4Tj7EdyA7CQH8_MFizAqacFKj4BEpOXvVc0opRfxMgVPK/s400/IMG_3760.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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What makes me excited for this pattern to launch isn't just that I think it's darn cute (that doesn't hurt though) or that I got to use the amazingly awesome and soft <a href="http://www.bbwool.com/weepaca-1/">Weepaca</a>, but that this pattern will be one of the first to launch a new site I've been working on.</div>
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This site will be host to loads of fun stuff for knitters, parents and kiddos, and those who knit for kiddos. It will host not only quarterly pattern collections, but also articles for crafting with your kids, video tutorials, children's book reviews, interviews, and more. </div>
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There are still a few weeks left until the launch and I'll be using those to try to wrap everything up! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-1947144965447921012015-05-06T07:08:00.000-04:002015-05-06T07:08:40.287-04:00Maryland Sheep and Wool <div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I missed blogging about my trip to Rhinebeck in the fall (I know! I was there!) so I told myself I was <i>not</i> going to miss sharing my trip to the <a href="http://sheepandwool.org/">Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival</a>.</div>
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This was my first time attending this particular show and, as I did in Rhinebeck, I had family in tow. What I learned in Rhinebeck was that when visiting a festival such as this, the key was to arrive early, stay for several hours, distract toddler with sheep and dogs, eat, then head back to the hotel by nap time. This worked great in New York but unfortunately herding dogs don't have the same lure to a toddler as the agility dog demos did. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZsuRGVYCA4yO7Ezgz0FREhCqW0c36F4NI0xAjYu7GvBurJZxXdC4VKL4G2E6HI4Pg63H-IT99PvtxTVHT1_N3tQ-ocbp-pwcbS0eMI-0KqM06OUTsWQNXSG0MNK81rhMk37Epx6Knx2L/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZsuRGVYCA4yO7Ezgz0FREhCqW0c36F4NI0xAjYu7GvBurJZxXdC4VKL4G2E6HI4Pg63H-IT99PvtxTVHT1_N3tQ-ocbp-pwcbS0eMI-0KqM06OUTsWQNXSG0MNK81rhMk37Epx6Knx2L/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anyway, we drove in Friday night, had a great dinner in Frederick, then drove the remaining 40 minutes to our hotel in Lithicum which is south of Baltimore. We hit the wool festival by 9:30am and stayed until about 1. That was enough time for me to wander around, make a few purchases, and then spend a lot of time looking at sheep ("me want one, mama!"). Saturday night we had intended to attend an Orioles game, but the Orioles moved their series with the Tampa Bay Rays to Florida. So we opted to head to Annapolis Saturday night. Much fish was eaten, and it was over all a great day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxM1awlSx9yfYBJ422TsYwpsut6dDrnYjTOjUlBXcYK9Tw81KmMTmczCna6draU1jraeLwid-rT4hTyXI_r-UEgJQdUSjN442GqWUZnipZNbcMZdu73_7pJVeCZbImQ7g2fKEvucMt5ze/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxM1awlSx9yfYBJ422TsYwpsut6dDrnYjTOjUlBXcYK9Tw81KmMTmczCna6draU1jraeLwid-rT4hTyXI_r-UEgJQdUSjN442GqWUZnipZNbcMZdu73_7pJVeCZbImQ7g2fKEvucMt5ze/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let me make a confession, as in Rhinebeck, I really didn't buy very much. My entire weekend yarn related purchases were under $75! In Rhinebeck I did snag a Jennie the Potter yarn bowl but what I really wanted was a mug and they were sold out by the time I got to the booth. </div>
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For D, I purchased a really fun book that takes the reader from sheep to sweater. I love that the child in the story is helping the mother all the way along, and in the end is starting the cycle all over again. He also got a little stuffed sheep dog which we've named Dreyfuss. Please don't ask how we come up with these names. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13D-WQUo0BG3-u7vFeblQ34ehBuwe0JVN_jkpyM-iZuQapK1Lzmkdsrxuebbd-I1vLa558f9oePUDsERQcqEbcM6OsjoVqdyW2ovLr615tm7UZUgqrDSh5COH5646GWYc7siAQ0bIOXVF/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13D-WQUo0BG3-u7vFeblQ34ehBuwe0JVN_jkpyM-iZuQapK1Lzmkdsrxuebbd-I1vLa558f9oePUDsERQcqEbcM6OsjoVqdyW2ovLr615tm7UZUgqrDSh5COH5646GWYc7siAQ0bIOXVF/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For me, I found a lovely pair of sterling silver wire earnings from <a href="http://www.rajkovichdesigns.com/">Rajkovich Designs</a>. They are little yarn balls and oh, so light! I normally wear studs because I don't like feeling the weight of my earrings but I can't feel these at all when I'm wearing them.</div>
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I also made a stop at the <a href="http://knothouseyarns.com/">Knot House</a> pop up shop and got a gorgeous skein of <a href="http://www.magpiefibers.com/">Magpie Fibers</a> in Rhinestone Cowboy. Perfect for a new pair of socks. I also got a roll of masking tape from <a href="http://yothyarns.com/">YOTH</a>. Ve was there that weekend and unfortunately I missed meeting her. </div>
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On our way out of Maryland we stopped at <a href="http://originalplayhouse.com/">TOP Children's Museum</a> in New Market (about 10 minutes east of Frederick) to let D run a little and burn off some energy. It was a fun little museum, with a reasonable ticket price. We met some friends there who live in Virginia. They have two boys, one a year older than D and one a year younger, and we hadn't seen them since before they had kids! It was great catching up and seeing our little ones play together. </div>
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Overall a fast and furious weekend, but totally worth it. I love introducing D to the world of fiber and all the things I love about being a knitter. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-25135859100672139042015-04-30T22:34:00.002-04:002015-04-30T22:36:44.380-04:00Middlebury Cardigan<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a new design available through <a href="http://www.knitnowmag.co.uk/item/502-issue-46-on-sale">Knit Now Magazine</a>. It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/middlebury-cardigan">Middlebury Cardigan</a>!</div>
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I really love how this design turned out. The cardigan is a simple shape with waist shaping to give it a more structured fit, and a textured plaid design to keep your knitting interesting. Knit in a rustic Aran weight wool (Jamieson's Shetland Heather Aran), it works up quickly and makes a thick and cozy sweater.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tTRJ4jXilAMjEPca63iz-a9PF_2YfwbOHtcLINyn69IXAVQG_9CzAl_cvikfAFPPCsE3DH2kcWvU5PWp3m9YHIuDflb2s6UTd64XaUpdZvD4OJa9PFY44sYdy88w0jV0lCikfOLAfQcS/s1600/Middlebury_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tTRJ4jXilAMjEPca63iz-a9PF_2YfwbOHtcLINyn69IXAVQG_9CzAl_cvikfAFPPCsE3DH2kcWvU5PWp3m9YHIuDflb2s6UTd64XaUpdZvD4OJa9PFY44sYdy88w0jV0lCikfOLAfQcS/s1600/Middlebury_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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Currently the pattern is only available through <a href="http://www.knitnowmag.co.uk/item/502-issue-46-on-sale">Knit Now Magazine</a> but will be an individual pattern later in the fall. For now, check it out on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/middlebury-cardigan">Ravelry</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-5846605448189503402015-04-26T18:58:00.001-04:002015-04-26T18:58:12.890-04:00Lesley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Lesley sweater is part of Hannah Fettig's newest book, <a href="http://knitbot.com/home-and-away">Home and Away</a>, which is available for <a href="http://knitbot.com/home-and-away">preorder now</a> (preorder of the hard copy includes a digital copy too!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG2klEtlXUIcZk6gRGqjUkM0wIxeVriCvp_XyfXXMFY5mbIQqHswL3ZjLnO2vDW_x85SFDXWHT8AbSLkGAi1kIkc71DJjJ19zSDy7_vGhk_P5WQ8yNcxCuJuvHRRDSe99lK03Oz5l6snf/s1600/lesley_crop_5_medium2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG2klEtlXUIcZk6gRGqjUkM0wIxeVriCvp_XyfXXMFY5mbIQqHswL3ZjLnO2vDW_x85SFDXWHT8AbSLkGAi1kIkc71DJjJ19zSDy7_vGhk_P5WQ8yNcxCuJuvHRRDSe99lK03Oz5l6snf/s1600/lesley_crop_5_medium2.png" height="400" width="361" /></a></div>
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Back before Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to knit another sample for designer <a href="http://knitbot.com/home-and-away">Hannah Fettig</a>. I started sample knitting for her over 4 years ago in 2010 (how has it been that long?). She had sent the yarn for this pattern during the summer but the pattern didn't come until much later. And I think it was perfect timing. In August I started working on my own all-consuming design project and didn't have much brain (or knitting) space. But in November, we had a family crisis. My father-in-law went in for a routine procedure and suffered a stroke 3 days later. Three days after that he suffered a second stroke, never regained consciousness, and passed away a few days later. </div>
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During that time, I was so overwhelmed with work, trying to keep our home afloat, and still be supportive to my husband who was the one suffering the most. I <i>wanted</i> to knit. I <i>needed </i>to knit. But I was completely incapable of thinking. Then this pattern showed up and the aran weight Osprey and seamless construction of this lovely stockinette sweater saved my sanity. I needed to loose myself in something, to not have to think. And what resulted was this simple and beautiful pullover. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElRliaQCT3I6Dfrd3aTu-hrvWGf65XqW85D5xjrQD5_5KA19erV8DH0KXGOx2T51LyOFqju4BGJop1j7hcgZ-xN0BNapixqIg9Jl4O0h5x1q6M7mqkSvcjjouClhRXyi2dlxfHtxcHxj/s1600/lesley_crop_6_medium2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElRliaQCT3I6Dfrd3aTu-hrvWGf65XqW85D5xjrQD5_5KA19erV8DH0KXGOx2T51LyOFqju4BGJop1j7hcgZ-xN0BNapixqIg9Jl4O0h5x1q6M7mqkSvcjjouClhRXyi2dlxfHtxcHxj/s1600/lesley_crop_6_medium2.png" height="400" width="387" /></a></div>
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I remember when Hannah posted photos of the photoshoot day. It was a freezing day in January and I'm pretty sure I was home for a snow day. What an amazing model to stand in those frigid temps and not look at all cold! </div>
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When people tell me what a faster knitter I am, I say that I used to be. It's hard to find a lot of knitting time with a 2-year-old running around. But this sweater really did fly off the needles. I knit the entire thing in 10 days! I'd credit it to <a href="http://quinceandco.com/collections/yarn/products/osprey-yarn-wool">Osprey</a> and and a seamless stockinette design. I love the gentle scoop of the neck.</div>
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I'm already planning my own (I seriously have said this about every design of Hannah's I've ever knit!) and since the smallest size uses less than 4 skeins of Osprey, this will be a fantastically economical knit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitt8gAdfg2c4ST11QRrYfWQGSRqGvkMw-8bSRpLoSjXxUighbBiM-da2EGwulf7Q67fgTExvnVmlDIvkvu7ysDALJUDgb4KLLQ8JuCQncfwmr5i9waUSFLsZidwHKyIeffrAoooGWa-SZ/s1600/Lesley_0202_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitt8gAdfg2c4ST11QRrYfWQGSRqGvkMw-8bSRpLoSjXxUighbBiM-da2EGwulf7Q67fgTExvnVmlDIvkvu7ysDALJUDgb4KLLQ8JuCQncfwmr5i9waUSFLsZidwHKyIeffrAoooGWa-SZ/s1600/Lesley_0202_medium2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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As much as I love Lesley, this is just one in an amazing collection of patterns from Hannah. My favorite might be <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/georgetown">Georgetown</a>. What also makes this collection really unique is that each pattern is written for seamless or seamed construction. I love this since for some shapes I have a preference to what I think fits well and maintains shape. </div>
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You can preorder the collection on <a href="http://knitbot.com/home-and-away">Knitbot</a>, or you can queue and view the entire collection on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/home--away-knits-for-everyday-adventures/patterns">Ravelry</a>. Have you seen this collection yet? Which is your favorite?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-48395989748632537712015-04-19T21:15:00.000-04:002015-04-19T21:20:48.642-04:00On Beginnings<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.aplayfulday.com/the-love-your-blog-challenge" target="_blank" title="A Playful Day"><img alt="A Playful Day" src="http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n608/aplayfulday/love%20your%20blog%20creativity%20challenge%20with%20A%20Playful%20Day%201.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
<i>This post is part of the Love Your Blog series sponsored by A Playful Day.</i></div>
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When I started this blog <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-new-blog.html">over 5 years ago</a> my goal was to just share my excitement about knitting. I had only been knitting for a couple of months and everything was so new and exciting. As I continued through the last several years, my posts have changed quite a bit. </div>
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First off, my level of availability for blogging has decreased drastically! When I started I was a full time post-baccalaureate student, I worked part-time, and had no littles at home. I snapped pictures of my knitting constantly and shared a lot of dog/yarn pics. </div>
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In the past two years I became a mom, began working full time, and began designing my own knitting patterns. All the free time for blogging had to be redirected to other areas of my life. While I wouldn't change anything, I do miss getting in touch with my blog and try to redirect some energy in its direction from time to time. </div>
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In other news, since I've finished the big project I was working on I've had just a smidgen more time for personal knitting. Like, really, only a smidgen. How does that even happen? I think I lined up a few too many new design projects to make sure I wouldn't be in a dry spell afterward. Anyway, with that small amount of personal knitting time I've finished a new vest for D!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5We6WgAEl2vichZ7LDQcvGTXA0r3IQqgXeRyEC0j6vjW6nsP0J2xWD9r58xPi-QbuLykdDrRvh8RYmv1gUV7YSEv6PuO49V-UInOUd_sDklSXOWAL3Frs06d89lm8t1HHn2xNgz166_yS/s1600/IMG_3599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5We6WgAEl2vichZ7LDQcvGTXA0r3IQqgXeRyEC0j6vjW6nsP0J2xWD9r58xPi-QbuLykdDrRvh8RYmv1gUV7YSEv6PuO49V-UInOUd_sDklSXOWAL3Frs06d89lm8t1HHn2xNgz166_yS/s1600/IMG_3599.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is currently a test knit and the pattern is not released yet. The design is from Ashley Yousling of <a href="http://woolful.com/">Woolful</a>. It will be available in children's and adult sizes. I got to use some left over <a href="http://jilldraper.com/">Jill Draper Makes Stuff Rockwell</a> in the color Pumpkin. I was just chatting with my friend and LYS owner Cyndi and I mentioned how I'd bet that she hasn't sold much of this yarn. She agreed and let me tell you, that is a terrible shame! This yarn is so rich and wooly. It comes smelling very sheepy still but yet, when knitting with it I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of vegetable matter in the yarn. And the colors work up gloriously. I think the marling make it difficult for people to imagine what that yarn will look like, but I really love the marling! </div>
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I have a few more beginnings going on and while I can't share them <i>just yet</i>, I will very soon. There's still a lot left for me to do before I can start sharing but I'm very excited about this new project and hope you'll enjoy it too!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-73666775966671290252015-03-26T20:32:00.004-04:002015-03-26T20:32:58.906-04:00Up Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSdtw_UuZQxbOM0CXec0y3eCg-kznhmRz3MiRuU6sNP9_fOz-2InJvBLro6j2UwGcHGNDmetmLk3GfDvabWrsWU9sjy5ASqDJPfTbA6sNhfO5jDC1VZV2ZMPo9dXreRcWj3ZBoFo_Gyp/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgSdtw_UuZQxbOM0CXec0y3eCg-kznhmRz3MiRuU6sNP9_fOz-2InJvBLro6j2UwGcHGNDmetmLk3GfDvabWrsWU9sjy5ASqDJPfTbA6sNhfO5jDC1VZV2ZMPo9dXreRcWj3ZBoFo_Gyp/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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So the huge project I've been working on since August is getting close to wrapping up. I am so excited to rest for a bit and make something for myself! Unfortunately, I'm still deep in the depths of pattern writing/editing/formatting so I really can't allow myself to fall too deep into the Ravelry rabbit hole looking for new patterns. Are there any new ones that have caught your eye?</div>
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Even though I'm dying for some selfish knitting, my brain won't stop working. I keep swatching and thinking about all the fun designs I could knit up now that I have more time on my hands (or at least what seems like more time).</div>
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This week I was able to attend a really inspiring conference for work. The speaker described people as walkers, joggers, or runners. I couldn't decide what kind of person I was until just this moment when I typed the last few lines. I'm a runner. Runners go at everything full speed. They consistently have a full plate and when something is removed from their plate, they add something new. Oh my gosh! That's what I'm sitting here typing about doing! </div>
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And yes, I have more plan for bigger things to come this fall! Things that will include many new patterns by some really lovely designers. Yes, I keep my plate full. But stick around because some fun things are coming up!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-66627339572704609322015-03-16T19:43:00.001-04:002015-03-16T19:43:51.464-04:00Sunshine and Honey Cowl<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are a <a href="http://blogspot.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b1e553457454c78076407e891&id=3680c4aee4">newsletter subscriber</a>, you may already know this, but I have a new pattern in the April issue of the new magazine <a href="http://www.ilikeknitting.com/">I Like Knitting</a>, <a href="http://www.ilikeknitting.com/knitting-cowl-patterns/sunshine-honey-cowl/">Sunshine and Honey Cowl</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCHesTzFs58RGeUKTCBAwvhJmRemfJ6PTX5eb7Bu7EaKnEvPQDkk50R5zzTAnbgBWX1Sc3Ns26RqOCtdd5YOcfCi5XtShyXckqnb2AI0SAYaJyFltFD7PXHXwhZ9BTGSYgh-d1kMIQJnV/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCHesTzFs58RGeUKTCBAwvhJmRemfJ6PTX5eb7Bu7EaKnEvPQDkk50R5zzTAnbgBWX1Sc3Ns26RqOCtdd5YOcfCi5XtShyXckqnb2AI0SAYaJyFltFD7PXHXwhZ9BTGSYgh-d1kMIQJnV/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This cowl is knit in the round in a tube, then seamed to the cast on edge. This is not a provisional cast on. This is seaming live stitches to a cast on edge (don't worry, a tutorial for this is coming soon). The colorwork is broken up with blocks of solid color. It's a fun and quick knit, great for using up a couple skeins of special yarn. </div>
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Speaking of special yarn, I used <a href="http://sunshineyarns.com/">Sunshine Yarns</a> Merino Sport in the colorways Hive and Natural for this project. I used a bit more than one skein of the Natural colorway (about 1.2 skeins) which is a little inconvenient. However, Dani from Sunshine Yarns will be offering kits for this project in the fall when the pattern is re-released for individual sale. That's right, a pattern of mine will be in a kit! I feel so fancy just typing that :)</div>
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Anyway, until then you can check out <a href="http://www.ilikeknitting.com/knitting-cowl-patterns/sunshine-honey-cowl/">I Like Knitting </a>(they have subscriptions starting at under $20 for 6 issues) or you can just hang on until September and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunshine-and-honey-cowl">queue it up on Ravelry</a> in the meantime!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-39615137835392172992015-03-09T18:34:00.001-04:002015-03-11T18:39:01.202-04:00Sockupied Spring 2015 Review<div style="text-align: center;">
I love a good pair of hand knit socks and normally knit a few pairs each year. Last year however, was a sock dry spell and I am on a mission to remedy that this year. That's why when I saw the opportunity to review the Spring 2015 issue of <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/sockupied-spring-2015">Sockupied</a> I jumped at the chance. </div>
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I have never purchased Socupied before, but love the new PDF format. I tend to be a mixed bag when it comes to downloading patterns. From my laptop, to iPad, to phone, or Kindle, this format makes it perfect to get anywhere.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFPjsR3ZsCsWCs6mGbCKsRGBrGxKHrb0C64ZlHw2NppL1Lg3pIVSAhI4aByIJLEslG-9XM2HKfFaiYIW33fETUX7f-D2CMMMTby-LCDY7PyYrSRcG0SWGu8w3-zmK5bwR67NMdNzSS_Y4/s1600/karner3_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFPjsR3ZsCsWCs6mGbCKsRGBrGxKHrb0C64ZlHw2NppL1Lg3pIVSAhI4aByIJLEslG-9XM2HKfFaiYIW33fETUX7f-D2CMMMTby-LCDY7PyYrSRcG0SWGu8w3-zmK5bwR67NMdNzSS_Y4/s1600/karner3_medium2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Let me start with what I love the most, the photography. I thought the photos were not only beautiful but did a really excellent job at maintaining a lovely and relaxed feeling. And there was even a dog! The colors chosen for the socks were varied and really maintained interest even though the photos were all shot in the same location (inside a house). The overall aesthetic really feels like spring! Especially considering they probably photographed these in December.</div>
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I really appreciate that there was a variety of yarns chosen to feature the samples in. Yarns were <a href="http://www.opalsockyarn.com/">Opal</a>, <a href="http://www.fibernymphdyeworks.bigcartel.com/">Fibernymphs</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/huckleberryknits">Huckleberry Knits</a>, <a href="http://www.lornaslaces.net/">Lorna's Laces</a>, and <a href="https://anzula.squarespace.com/">Anzula</a>. I haven't used all of these yarns, only a few (and have a couple hidden away in my stash too) but I still like the diversity. I'm not always a fan of when books/magazines do all the yarn from one company since I feel like it makes it more difficult for me to substitute. </div>
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My favorite feature was the designer profile. I love hearing about how designers got started, their process, and advice they have for knitters. The profile this issue was on Rachel Coopey. I would have liked to see a bit more information on her, as much of what was shared was in bullet points. Her design for the issue was simple, but not boring. The socks have <i>loads</i> of texture and visual interest. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCp9V_qJj_-zzPDWqNKAih798TplZAPDAD4hba3bePHevINqnE3UTy0Kb0qESqXCAZEpWthSiKEsqN8FIRGWufGn2-cwr4dK1x-rZUIdzbxctZqTsl3LM2f-kUvkGXspidvW0gyNRyf7V/s1600/washstate7_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCp9V_qJj_-zzPDWqNKAih798TplZAPDAD4hba3bePHevINqnE3UTy0Kb0qESqXCAZEpWthSiKEsqN8FIRGWufGn2-cwr4dK1x-rZUIdzbxctZqTsl3LM2f-kUvkGXspidvW0gyNRyf7V/s1600/washstate7_medium2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington State Knee Socks</td></tr>
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This issue included a pattern for knee socks. Along with the pattern was an in-depth tutorial on sizing knee socks. I (having never knit knee socks) sort of assumed you just measure your leg and boom, knee socks. However, the article gave a lot of good advice which involves adjusting gauge and ease for your knee socks. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBB9IxsCH5Fy3BoN_yodJEIvPaFqH3lUNWSMciX6oKjm2yWBeY4W6zEjxePfUh2PCiz3HQphj3oWQrL2KN8snZQN6oTdQibKvy6Kuvjn0VWEK-bvPzmX_aRUWxj1NcBCS_2o4gC95wki_/s1600/chains2_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBB9IxsCH5Fy3BoN_yodJEIvPaFqH3lUNWSMciX6oKjm2yWBeY4W6zEjxePfUh2PCiz3HQphj3oWQrL2KN8snZQN6oTdQibKvy6Kuvjn0VWEK-bvPzmX_aRUWxj1NcBCS_2o4gC95wki_/s1600/chains2_medium2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Two patterns were my absolute favorite; <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chains-socks">Chain Socks by Mone Drager</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mill-ends-socks">Mill Ends Socks by MK Nance</a>. Chain Socks is a fantastic pattern to use with variegated yarn. I will be honest: I mostly hate variegated yarn. HOWEVER, I think the use of the slipped stitches in this pattern does a <i>lovely</i> job of breaking up color pools and variegation. Mill Ends Socks uses the movement of stitches to show of the gorgeous colors in hand-dyed yarns. The stitches move in varying direction across the sock. This pattern is simple but so unique. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqYqleJ7gJJvyrrvIx4pAlNkAvQpW9LLM_RMrNphFQP9YO7qMNYxxnjxOZrCZto1PEUb6abYOB_R1VhVK-iwaO7moQ6sT89VpLSdr5tzS1Xj32ojaHTIXCrtaJt5cZ-aTQIgDU9irG7ww/s1600/millends5_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqYqleJ7gJJvyrrvIx4pAlNkAvQpW9LLM_RMrNphFQP9YO7qMNYxxnjxOZrCZto1PEUb6abYOB_R1VhVK-iwaO7moQ6sT89VpLSdr5tzS1Xj32ojaHTIXCrtaJt5cZ-aTQIgDU9irG7ww/s1600/millends5_medium2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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One thing I would like to see in future issues is a wider variety of sizes. Some socks came in five different foot circumferences and lengths, while a couple only had three or fewer sizes. While I am on the small footed end of things, I have friends and my sister-in-law who have much larger feet. So a consitently wider variety between sizes would suit more people. </div>
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The pattern was written in the style common to Interweave Knits and Knitscene. In this way pattern instructions are blocked together based on the portion you are working on (i.e, all the heel directions in one paragraph). This is not my favorite way to follow or write a pattern. I find it visually overwhelming, but that's just my personal preference. </div>
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Before I leave you to make your own decisions about <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/sockupied-spring-2015">Sockupied</a> let me leave you with this, at $11.99, that is about $2 per pattern. A steal! </div>
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Overall, I'm very excited to cast on Mill Ends Socks as my 2015 socks. I have the perfect skein of Anzula Squishy in my stash.While this was my first Sockupied, I doubt it will be my last. </div>
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Check out the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/sockupied-spring-2015">patterns</a> in <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/sockupied-spring-2015">Sockupied</a> and tell me, do you have a favorite?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Full disclosure: While I was given a review copy for this post, all ideas and opinions are my own. </i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-44408358059701919272015-03-01T21:53:00.001-05:002015-03-11T18:39:26.491-04:00On Self-Doubt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hesitated to share this here today because who doesn't prefer light-hearted knitting photos (raises hand)? But this is real life, so here it is. I had a real struggle with self-doubt this weekend. Self-doubt is the worst kind of doubt because as much as you push it aside, it creeps in, whispers what you're not good at, and keeps at the whispering until you start to buy in too. </div>
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I know I've alluded to a large design related project I've been working on lately. Well, it's coming to a rapid close. And yet here I am, at the eleventh hour ripping out button bands and deconstructing a sweater I <i>paid</i> a sample knitter to knit because I am so overwhelmed with this project/my job/being a mom/simply not feeding my family cereal every night. Not because there was an error. Oh no. I've had the pleasure of working with some amazing sample knitters recently. They've asked questions, checked numbers, ripped and reknit when needed and turned out full size men's sweaters in less than 4 weeks. Amazing. No. I'm ripping and deconstructing because at the second photo shoot for this project, the model tried on the sweater and oh.my.god. it looked awful. Not like bad knitting awful, like I couldn't put my finger on just why it looked so ugly. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU6YSwPEf9zPRVxZI4GdmSXV7zkUVqD8TT8FOld6LM0jQUeDNWZEsomvelILX7Mavh3Erln3ioDiTq3b3pFxVsI3caEdrVrJiYGUGzvNFtLFDmUuJaYQnYm2-F7cUTxXdJ2faNlIpI8M8/s1600/IMG_3336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU6YSwPEf9zPRVxZI4GdmSXV7zkUVqD8TT8FOld6LM0jQUeDNWZEsomvelILX7Mavh3Erln3ioDiTq3b3pFxVsI3caEdrVrJiYGUGzvNFtLFDmUuJaYQnYm2-F7cUTxXdJ2faNlIpI8M8/s1600/IMG_3336.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those buttons were attached to that pile of yarn about 10 minutes prior. </td></tr>
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After talking with the photographer about why it was so ugly I decided there were a couple of problems. The buttons didn't look quite right with the overall vision of the sweater, and there were also too many and they were too small. This meant button bands needed to be reworked. That's not too big of a problem in the overall picture. I also decided that the sleeve cap didn't fit quite right into the armhole and it was too tight near the cuff, so you know what that means, rip rip rip. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI87GKWN256xQIh5gvYKE2DTKfMQyOoDZ6XNz79HJL0rTjrm5RG1dHp6QsTZwFf3EmyJYXJ1txweBcowWescawIzXeC3BEr5_Yrtoac0wMIfiMNa-W6tnpaX_VrvpNJ262iXuBLbD4A-7/s1600/IMG_3339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI87GKWN256xQIh5gvYKE2DTKfMQyOoDZ6XNz79HJL0rTjrm5RG1dHp6QsTZwFf3EmyJYXJ1txweBcowWescawIzXeC3BEr5_Yrtoac0wMIfiMNa-W6tnpaX_VrvpNJ262iXuBLbD4A-7/s1600/IMG_3339.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This used to be a sleeve.</td></tr>
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After the final decisions (the shoulders just sucked) I said if worst came to worst it would need to be a different color. But hopefully that's not the case. </div>
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So I spent yesterday asking why on Earth I thought I could manage taking on a huge project like this?! Who did I think I was? Will all my other projects fail now? I can't design this kind of sweater (even though I have), I'm just not good enough yet. I'm going to fail at this project. I countered by telling myself I had to trust the process (what all graduate students need to tell themselves so, you know, I know all about that) and that I absolutely could do this. I knew it would be hard. So here's the hard. </div>
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And it sucked. I'm mostly a pretty confident person. But from time to time, the self-doubt pops up and I buy in. I let myself kind of wallow in it yesterday. I called my mom who had a great answer to each of those "why did I think I could do this" questions. And then today I got to it. I have washed the yarn, and will reskein in the morning. I've pulled out my designing resources and reworked the sleeve cap shaping. And tomorrow I'll get back to knitting.</div>
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By the way - the winner of the <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2015/02/interweave-knits-spring-2015-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> is comment #2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E4ME5DCURloDaFbcg1RAfxgDZKTOYlxOOkGnhNNC3fsTXnIQ5UdSOlN9Oo4Fj1euZIenq2J8ZdFqpLxGez_4F3fzdMYowcF9Td3d99LoUr9jHrbkZUuj5xUtKkyoUJt-slae093TOpsb/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-01+at+9.21.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E4ME5DCURloDaFbcg1RAfxgDZKTOYlxOOkGnhNNC3fsTXnIQ5UdSOlN9Oo4Fj1euZIenq2J8ZdFqpLxGez_4F3fzdMYowcF9Td3d99LoUr9jHrbkZUuj5xUtKkyoUJt-slae093TOpsb/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-01+at+9.21.28+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Congratulations! I've contacted the winner via Ravelry so check your inboxes!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-85579840706987175872015-02-24T21:21:00.002-05:002015-03-11T18:39:47.550-04:00BabyDROPS Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB2KLqaSnmC-MoZmTky1d-OZW0dO9hBhfAG6ra4NAW725WSRzggniwimWSxMDQD0kl3f8bXaOD1OWEnORdviUfma9g5-lV71nFTmwUr4huWdoMHQlg3hmw7-S4PiLBauul8GaCaQNTrFr/s1600/IMG_3302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB2KLqaSnmC-MoZmTky1d-OZW0dO9hBhfAG6ra4NAW725WSRzggniwimWSxMDQD0kl3f8bXaOD1OWEnORdviUfma9g5-lV71nFTmwUr4huWdoMHQlg3hmw7-S4PiLBauul8GaCaQNTrFr/s1600/IMG_3302.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I finished <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2015/02/red-barn-yarn.html">the little hat I was working on for D</a> a few weeks ago. I made a few mods since I was using a heavier weight yarn called for (these are listed on my Ravelry project page, linked at the end). I keep trying to get a pic of him wearing it but he doesn't ever really want to. Call it being 2, or maybe it does really itch, but he's just not into it these days. </div>
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Either way, this little hat has already been on adventures. The first day he wore his new hat to the babysitter's happened to be a day my husband picked him up. The hat was misplaced somehow and when it was time to go home it couldn't be found. My husband told me that they sent it home with another kid. The sitter told me it was just hidden and that my husband told her "my wife will be really mad if that hat is lost." I probably wouldn't have been "really mad", maybe only just annoyed. Hats and gloves get lost all the time around these parts. When they're worn every day it's bound to happen. But I still think it's funny he is becoming protective of the handknits I make!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWvT174f7ScCqygNn72Y-hrlJAA9AhZD8WUdz3KkJJI9JLvuHLNITRs3Ns4U6ZlSUVU3lyhni2j_nXc_9EdQEcIfaiD7WiO3K0HENzVxmM3H73DXsf3e_x4lxkh1qg7bG80p3DqCvtfR5/s1600/IMG_3316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWvT174f7ScCqygNn72Y-hrlJAA9AhZD8WUdz3KkJJI9JLvuHLNITRs3Ns4U6ZlSUVU3lyhni2j_nXc_9EdQEcIfaiD7WiO3K0HENzVxmM3H73DXsf3e_x4lxkh1qg7bG80p3DqCvtfR5/s1600/IMG_3316.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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After knitting D that hat, I am getting the itch to cast on for a hat of my own. It'll probably be something simple, maybe using the <a href="http://knitbot.com/">Knitbot</a> pattern <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2015/01/simple-hats.html">I used recently</a>. I'll be using this gorgeous skein of cormo wool I purchased from the <a href="http://www.woolfulmercantile.com/">Wooful Mercantile</a>. It is amazingly soft and I can't wait to start knitting with it!</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/pattern.php?id=2182&lang=us">BabyDROPS b14-2 (FREE pattern)</a></div>
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Yarn: <a href="http://redbarnyarn.com/">Red Barn Yarn Powder River</a></div>
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Needles: US 5</div>
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Began: January 31</div>
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Completed: February 2</div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/b2jhmasia">Ravelry Link</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-21185519121009426052015-02-19T06:45:00.001-05:002015-03-11T18:40:15.746-04:00Interweave Knits Spring 2015 Giveaway! <div style="text-align: center;">
School is closed again today for intense cold, not snow, which isn't nearly as fun since this generally means you're housebound during the day. However, I was thinking about how much I LOVE my <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2012/05/mitered-crosses-blanket-for-me.html">Mitered Crosses blanket</a> and how much use this blanket has gotten over this winter alone. </div>
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But I didn't come here today to complain about the cold, I came here today to give you a chance to win a copy of the Interweave Knits Spring 2015 issue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIykVEKEmowcdK233JjCdAbvXq903H7iIHgmncf1PTIMOoKizqDbJ-VXoiM2A7mw331UfBNSlXaBkI45wIMVsPr7pi-jObKQwbX70TqbriMvcyjmhiU58pcRQdc-NxISGVxI0bDTVUjfme/s1600/IMG_3258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIykVEKEmowcdK233JjCdAbvXq903H7iIHgmncf1PTIMOoKizqDbJ-VXoiM2A7mw331UfBNSlXaBkI45wIMVsPr7pi-jObKQwbX70TqbriMvcyjmhiU58pcRQdc-NxISGVxI0bDTVUjfme/s1600/IMG_3258.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yes, this is the one that my Timetable Pullover is in, but I have two copies so why not share one?</div>
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To enter just leave a comment below with your Rav name and I'll choose someone by Random Number Generator on Friday, February 27th. Good luck!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-69905979578918986162015-02-14T22:03:00.002-05:002015-02-14T22:17:28.213-05:00On the Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazdV533nGMU3vrZkxvJ3fEdNzOfKKa7rINgFTxTQ2_1YPaWY-t4spJdv6d_dal4IQEywgL9F7vF9Qz_QmrNa_ybndgeadv-Dbq42QtqSRZ36320_WWSkwhYL65QD6jgQwIfzfSJ3cAEuK/s1600/IMG_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazdV533nGMU3vrZkxvJ3fEdNzOfKKa7rINgFTxTQ2_1YPaWY-t4spJdv6d_dal4IQEywgL9F7vF9Qz_QmrNa_ybndgeadv-Dbq42QtqSRZ36320_WWSkwhYL65QD6jgQwIfzfSJ3cAEuK/s1600/IMG_3250.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've lived in Ohio now for the better part of seven years and while I tend to still find the snow and winter highly magical, February gets me every time. February in California is spring time. Flower blossoms, warm breezes, and driving with the top down. Here we are knee deep (quite literally) in snow and ice and pretty much the coldest part of the winter. It's hard to believe that we will ever be warm again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XLVyqZ2F3MQ8UdehY4EuqdoclbiCl6FgMGLurI_24PABfuqvC34_OdzZaCBJjpcNoIX8N7qERDgcHlQgAcNbpdIuYFBprhwraSYk6pq4G8YVHWncl36QYY3CsZyGmiifzilBIFWBT3jl/s1600/IMG_3241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XLVyqZ2F3MQ8UdehY4EuqdoclbiCl6FgMGLurI_24PABfuqvC34_OdzZaCBJjpcNoIX8N7qERDgcHlQgAcNbpdIuYFBprhwraSYk6pq4G8YVHWncl36QYY3CsZyGmiifzilBIFWBT3jl/s1600/IMG_3241.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being cooped up inside, I've been working on a two-color brioche cowl (<a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2011/10/16/ginas-brioche-hat-and-cowl/">free pattern from the Purl Bee</a>) that was for a class I taught at my LYS. While I had planned to get the cowl done by the end of the class, I've been having some fairly severe hand pain that kept me from knitting a few weeks ago. So now I'm back at it and about halfway done. </div>
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Being cooped up also means toddler problems. I happen to have a pretty active 2 year-old who has the energy of 10 men most days and this weather is not really conducive to going outside. We did venture out this morning for about 10 minutes before the wind was too much (that was also before the wind was -8, it was still a balmy 27 with a windchill of 17 then). The fresh air helps, but I notice tantrums flare up immensely on days like this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLPurbGG9l7pxSTZIcU-lWn-sd_Yao1IOALbjViW5ky62KBOlQ6CM9iVY6CpwRQU5w-KiTsROuUYUlwJHz7lI1Jkpbtvp7g9LoD03yNJX9FGmbQ9Ql-U41QNtlxeTVLOiqAwf7Egiu4Nl/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLPurbGG9l7pxSTZIcU-lWn-sd_Yao1IOALbjViW5ky62KBOlQ6CM9iVY6CpwRQU5w-KiTsROuUYUlwJHz7lI1Jkpbtvp7g9LoD03yNJX9FGmbQ9Ql-U41QNtlxeTVLOiqAwf7Egiu4Nl/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We made a trip to Target tonight for some much needed supplies (I wish everyone could have seen my cart stuck in the snow while I tried to get back to my car!) and picked up some craft supplies. D enjoyed painting after dinner and moved from using the brush to using a dinosaur to paint tracks. </div>
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Ideas on keeping your toddler engaged during house-bound times? We've done indoor basketball, indoor slides, we have a huge sensory pool inside right now filled with plastic balls (yes, like Chuck E Cheese), we do snow sensory tables, painting, play dough. Nothing is quite enough for a full weekend when what we really need is some sunshine and fresh air. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-76101523455477997542015-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-09T08:00:01.714-05:00Bags and Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend I cast on for my new project using <a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/yarns/smooshy/">Dream in Color Smooshy</a>. I'm loving the vibrancy of that blue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKqrdQo4U3SIhtTU64sifWeh9zF2gW8nwAXLger6JbH3Y0dmQ2hxX6pCqNwiqge1lLoLh35qc7rGgOKO1W9fD4bEkzONwl0vk-VZz9_k_w_EHdjQ7AFzIs9YXEwawPJfkJveZRCS1x_I-/s1600/IMG_3212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKqrdQo4U3SIhtTU64sifWeh9zF2gW8nwAXLger6JbH3Y0dmQ2hxX6pCqNwiqge1lLoLh35qc7rGgOKO1W9fD4bEkzONwl0vk-VZz9_k_w_EHdjQ7AFzIs9YXEwawPJfkJveZRCS1x_I-/s1600/IMG_3212.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Even better, I've finally had a chance to use the new bag gifted to me by friend and sample knitter <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mamagiff">Lee</a>. Lee has been one of the <i>fabulous</i> sample knitters that have been working tirelessly for me over the last several months. She runs the shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woollybags">Wooly Bags on Etsy</a>. I'm so very impressed with her bag. It's fully lined with no exterior seams, and the double sided drawstring? I was so excited that she would think to share this little treasure with me! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLMXqJcleLzK6EEG_Angs0pMfKA5AgvRuysWPBhZTnX7PfiuPycFPsCPYuOEzyXR5K6zMgWJgsObJFY-m8ZELQsaPbpYEqfxC_9F1VUwVDJDWmOjYvzFbb1EapOsxDlLQTBSwZZOcC2bI/s1600/IMG_3217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLMXqJcleLzK6EEG_Angs0pMfKA5AgvRuysWPBhZTnX7PfiuPycFPsCPYuOEzyXR5K6zMgWJgsObJFY-m8ZELQsaPbpYEqfxC_9F1VUwVDJDWmOjYvzFbb1EapOsxDlLQTBSwZZOcC2bI/s1600/IMG_3217.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And these woodland creatures are just so stinking cute! I've been wanting to use it but when you knit sweaters, it's pretty hard to fit half a sweater and the yarn in a project bag. So right now, while I'm still at the beginning of this, I will use this bag as much as possible. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaHPiEgE0UOE4ZEnm6Tqi3kZGfctD1lKtwAJqv07c7pCjLC8QYvG7Xz3IwhNmynqDYZp6VPjjEsYJbU9nKnlyODHRSPrxn5QhhzHs6NOaQ8Vq4ozavDA2-Q5qpWb1kxn7UcBsGf3Prb-E/s1600/IMG_3210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaHPiEgE0UOE4ZEnm6Tqi3kZGfctD1lKtwAJqv07c7pCjLC8QYvG7Xz3IwhNmynqDYZp6VPjjEsYJbU9nKnlyODHRSPrxn5QhhzHs6NOaQ8Vq4ozavDA2-Q5qpWb1kxn7UcBsGf3Prb-E/s1600/IMG_3210.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I gave myself about an hour to knit yesterday then it was back to the computer. But give me a few more days and the computer work will be done (for now) and I'll be back to work on knitting something fun! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-16986825261724953312015-02-07T11:49:00.002-05:002015-02-07T11:49:47.763-05:00Weekend Swatching<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the last few months, my weekends and evening have looked pretty much like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMHEQUX30ZmHN5Gza7kKdSrZKVbanm4M7E3M23mebAWWvp7FDRsUEEYOBUFYYxkOw3KVf7dC2WsAVxSjHiLEv6ztOTyZ4H5-ePk3znGOxf890UHUqF6dlMLIGmWKcXtUBUyl46E9id62k/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMHEQUX30ZmHN5Gza7kKdSrZKVbanm4M7E3M23mebAWWvp7FDRsUEEYOBUFYYxkOw3KVf7dC2WsAVxSjHiLEv6ztOTyZ4H5-ePk3znGOxf890UHUqF6dlMLIGmWKcXtUBUyl46E9id62k/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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A lot of swatching, a lot of coffee, a lot of spreadsheets. Oh, the spreadsheets.</div>
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I've been working on a new project that has proved to be a tremendous amount of work and quite the challenge for me (as I had expected). But you know me, no stranger to hard work and always willing to take on a challenge. So despite the tired eyes and the would-rather-be-at-home-in-my-bed-but-I-can't-get-any-work-done-with-a-toddler-rampaging feeling, I'm pressing on. The swatch this weekend is <a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/yarns/smooshy/">Dream in Color Smooshy</a> (the same yarn I used for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adult-tide-pools">Adult Tide Pools</a> pattern) held double. The final piece will be in different colors. While I am loving the amazing smoosh of this swatch I hate the glare of a blank spreadsheet. I need to get cracking on this pattern over the weekend so wish me luck. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-44723352414720490662015-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-02T08:07:33.213-05:00Red Barn Yarn<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I got the opportunity to work with some new to me yarn, <a href="http://www.mountainmeadowwool.com/powder-river-yarn-is-born/">Powder River Yarn</a>, hand dyed by <a href="http://redbarnyarn.com/yarn-bases/">Red Barn Yarn</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This yarn has quite the story in that it is spun by <a href="http://www.mountainmeadowwool.com/powder-river-yarn-is-born/">Mountain Meadow Wools</a> and is a blend of 63% Mountain Merino, 25% American alpaca, and 12% Rambouillet. This wooly blend creates a marled look when left in its natural state and takes color in a very interesting way when dyed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QDhB0WqHD2h9rouYqjK8NjxO1NhLiZPkOUMDb-xJoE6MRhRFSjXHyHohlD1NhJnpxDNiZZ_7XRihg2TFpk3kHo38pO3g6h90W0v-LXiFXxxTSecrIQylcz7_ODyEVehMoHZm2uXmOgSo/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QDhB0WqHD2h9rouYqjK8NjxO1NhLiZPkOUMDb-xJoE6MRhRFSjXHyHohlD1NhJnpxDNiZZ_7XRihg2TFpk3kHo38pO3g6h90W0v-LXiFXxxTSecrIQylcz7_ODyEVehMoHZm2uXmOgSo/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After using Mountain Meadow yarn l<a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2014/04/mountain-meadow-wool.html">ast winter for a hat for D</a>, I started reading more about the company and their efforts to create <a href="http://ayarnisborn.blogspot.com/2010/12/sustainability.html">an American wool that focuses on sustainability</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite my eagerness to use this yarn, school started and at that point my schedule has a mind of its own. So finally a few weeks ago I took the time to wind up this yarn. I was initially a little annoyed as I found 2 breaks in the yarn while winding (they weren't knotted however). After I was done winding all the yarn I weighed the skeins. I've had a couple bad experiences with getting skeins from various companies that have breaks and then end up weighing less than listed on the ball band! Annoying. Despite the breaks in the yarn, this skein weighed 20 grams more than listed on the ball band. Major points! Also, the largest skein weighed over the 100 grams listed on the ball band so even though there were a couple of breaks, I still got a full skein.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After finding a hat pattern that I thought would work well for the yarn, I took the time to swatch (and for a hat! I know!). On size 6 needles I got a gauge of about 5 sts per inch. Also, because I'm annoying like that, I washed my swatch. I am pleased to say that this yarn did not bleed <b>at all</b>! Not even a tint in the water! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y3rdNmZdX_joyGlEroXJ0b2Ibw5CO_qvjUzT7XmZWwcEN0-2K7t7whGRuQ6MbFywK41THfm9R-yBKHWkYzJnQird865nCnbPnQCHOp-lrzjwmrea3CQuj4gGHPRxwnHhAEN1bXRU2wFh/s1600/IMG_3176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y3rdNmZdX_joyGlEroXJ0b2Ibw5CO_qvjUzT7XmZWwcEN0-2K7t7whGRuQ6MbFywK41THfm9R-yBKHWkYzJnQird865nCnbPnQCHOp-lrzjwmrea3CQuj4gGHPRxwnHhAEN1bXRU2wFh/s1600/IMG_3176.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm getting close to finishing this little gem and can't wait to share with you the final results. In the meantime, I would suggest checking out <a href="http://redbarnyarn.com/yarn-bases/">Red Barn Yarns</a>. Beside the Powder River Yarn, they have a large selection of yarn bases and weights to choose from and you can order directly from their site. You can also sign up for their newsletter <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=0016Vo0C3bvML11q_nq67Gjpl-I0wKZrgENGbCTUjGDFEUaT1W6H2NbtD-70UPV2y80LLbBR7ZzyOaFAQAbf5Com75mi5tX1fiV2qgjQ2WfCELPylcp6qckxHkjE_wpAxRnNbN9-eGpYpQoxvoZT88T2JofvU3emPn_">here</a> or check out Mountain Meadow Wools <a href="http://www.mountainmeadowwool.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-23437791885154218592015-01-31T22:01:00.000-05:002015-01-31T22:04:53.360-05:00Simple Hats<div style="text-align: center;">
Last month I had the opportunity to work up a few quick samples for Hannah Fettig of <a href="http://knitbot.com/">Knitbot</a>. I knit three <a href="http://knitbot.com/simple-beret">Simple Hat</a>s.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn-NOoYL_N1JmCuy2HtnXwzalD28Zim_wxY8AXFUIBwOlpJz2F5yOgE2lT7P_zSZ9arMxH7hnbJhXfPygoyuqspypKmMLL3ZqoRwYzfHUTVwaeW4IYPYVKrbjbhFCwQ6ASWElQPaoVgtw/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn-NOoYL_N1JmCuy2HtnXwzalD28Zim_wxY8AXFUIBwOlpJz2F5yOgE2lT7P_zSZ9arMxH7hnbJhXfPygoyuqspypKmMLL3ZqoRwYzfHUTVwaeW4IYPYVKrbjbhFCwQ6ASWElQPaoVgtw/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had been wanting to give this pattern a try since it came out but hadn't really found the time. So now I had to make the time. I used three different weights of yarn from <a href="http://quinceandco.com/">Quince and Co</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhtORaMFZYQMxnEaXJouYiwa13bjstyW5ujh8sllXj09ztkDUUXqY23_laCNDGbnan06ChhxJUKceYqI-7KreuN_SKknArq6DV8cbpI8Z-uOrnhqQXCZ_hvy34vWLJ_4WlrHIlm1ht_8E/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhtORaMFZYQMxnEaXJouYiwa13bjstyW5ujh8sllXj09ztkDUUXqY23_laCNDGbnan06ChhxJUKceYqI-7KreuN_SKknArq6DV8cbpI8Z-uOrnhqQXCZ_hvy34vWLJ_4WlrHIlm1ht_8E/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first hat was knit in <a href="http://quinceandco.com/collections/yarn/products/osprey-yarn-wool">Osprey</a> in the color Clay. That was by far the fastest hat working up in just a day! Osprey is listed as an Aran weight but is a very versatile yarn. For this pattern it was used for the bulky weight version in a gauge of 14 sts over 4".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCiUXu9op_QNgnxwYDYI2WPPdzOSH5EyX5AcpyqVT55N9u4abvRXcgf-68QvwMDm9rZRJklvBYM20k1RNqIBYaH9aIPLP5EQEyPcVaIYwj7vw8_cO_iTvi2RbCwz5WNFICq72ZLLdLxlb/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCiUXu9op_QNgnxwYDYI2WPPdzOSH5EyX5AcpyqVT55N9u4abvRXcgf-68QvwMDm9rZRJklvBYM20k1RNqIBYaH9aIPLP5EQEyPcVaIYwj7vw8_cO_iTvi2RbCwz5WNFICq72ZLLdLxlb/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second hat was knit in <a href="http://quinceandco.com/collections/yarn/products/lark-yarn-wool">Lark</a> in a heathered gray color (I can't find the tag). While knitting this hat I ran very close to using over 1 skein of yarn (the pattern actually calls for 2 skeins of Lark). When you are sample knitting, you <i>must</i> follow the pattern exactly and there's no trying to scrimp on yarn. So I did what any knitter would do and just knit faster (totally obvious, right?). Apparently it worked. After knitting to the recommended length, working the decreases and finishing off the crown <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xSVf-vC0Zu/?modal=true">I literally had 6" of yarn left.</a> It was magic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhtzDbX3Hai6Wj44Cim_TVrBXpEnf3K8fvvShvPiiCaGkC7l7oVxGbVrbMTQY1aIjn9Kcpfk0R20C3BQKd2DnhlZkKRU8QDsTnhdCJ6tmEZm40RkKeDd8qgnTCui309raHdfoCoF-tnrw/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhtzDbX3Hai6Wj44Cim_TVrBXpEnf3K8fvvShvPiiCaGkC7l7oVxGbVrbMTQY1aIjn9Kcpfk0R20C3BQKd2DnhlZkKRU8QDsTnhdCJ6tmEZm40RkKeDd8qgnTCui309raHdfoCoF-tnrw/s1600/IMG_3006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The final hat was knit in <a href="http://quinceandco.com/collections/yarn/products/chickadee-yarn-wool">Chickadee</a> in the color Iceland. While being the dk (and lightest) weight version of the three, this hat still only took two days to do. Part of it may have had something to do with the fact that I will still on break before returning to school after the holiday. </div>
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This hat pattern is quick and easy to follow and comes in 5 sizes in 3 different weights of yarn! So many options to make that you will easily be able to find an appropriate yarn to use in your stash. I know just the skein I'll be using for my next Simple Hat. Do you have any favorite simple hat patterns?</div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/ksh">Ravelry Link to Hat 1</a></div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/ksh2">Ravelry Link to Hat 2 </a></div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/ksh3">Ravelry Link to Hat 3</a></div>
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Began: December 22, 2014 (I think)</div>
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Completed: January 3, 2015</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-75378858695900359742015-01-27T19:30:00.000-05:002015-01-27T19:31:49.575-05:00Timetable Pullover<div style="text-align: center;">
It happens without fail. The middle of January rolls around and I have a hard time imagining ever being warm again. Then, the Spring issue of Interweave Knits comes out and tah-dah! There might actually be a season after this one! </div>
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Even better, this year I have a design in the Spring 2015 issue:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNowBxswRjX3VEmH5JGVo44RjA3X8wcYiaxjDXWo5V5lFfV24UzhAzlg_5IpmVj0tHM49lQk4l3POhn9RDveEvdVI9TEcGBEI00rJlOU0sho8oaUIwI4xlRgy_CkSlEabdDgo6USV9fGmI/s1600/Timetable_Pullover_Sanchez_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNowBxswRjX3VEmH5JGVo44RjA3X8wcYiaxjDXWo5V5lFfV24UzhAzlg_5IpmVj0tHM49lQk4l3POhn9RDveEvdVI9TEcGBEI00rJlOU0sho8oaUIwI4xlRgy_CkSlEabdDgo6USV9fGmI/s1600/Timetable_Pullover_Sanchez_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>All photos courtesy of Harper Point for Interweave</i></div>
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This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/timetable-pullover">Timetable Pullover</a>. It's knit in one of my favorite lightweight yarns, Manos del Uruguay Serena (I also used it to knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mustill">Mustill</a> last winter)</div>
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This pullover is a top down raglan that uses increases and decreases to make a simple geometric pattern. The pattern runs down the raglan lines to the hem, where it turns and runs along the back before being grafted together. </div>
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I am really excited to have the sample come back home and get a chance to wear this myself! </div>
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Check out the pattern on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/timetable-pullover">Ravelry</a> or take a look at the whole issue on the <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/interweaveknits/archive/2015/01/12/interweave-knits-spring-2015.aspx">Knitting Daily</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-39549233706580659532014-12-10T00:30:00.002-05:002014-12-10T00:30:36.720-05:00Chuckery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little gem was released a few weeks ago but I didn't get a chance to celebrate it properly. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chuckery">Chuckery</a> is not only my newest children's pattern, it's also my kiddo's 2014 Christmas sweater. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUHGSG2HongbJvSm-AixI-K2SjnZTm86zjAPyDZS4C5yzFocpVo3kSHkdJZG8_xb7gcde8FECnPwNTMxUO5-1dz4t4QzWZ1q3FIriNgKR0ZcIi-NY5UWXWVhpvq5MVUU_LHuF0mgYbVgK/s1600/fall_2014-042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUHGSG2HongbJvSm-AixI-K2SjnZTm86zjAPyDZS4C5yzFocpVo3kSHkdJZG8_xb7gcde8FECnPwNTMxUO5-1dz4t4QzWZ1q3FIriNgKR0ZcIi-NY5UWXWVhpvq5MVUU_LHuF0mgYbVgK/s1600/fall_2014-042.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This pullover is knit from the bottom up using Blue Sky Alpacas Sport. With a lighter weight yarn it makes for a great layering piece. The neckline does feature a folded hem. However, sewing down live stitches keeps the neck stretchy.</div>
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In the month and a half since it's been finished it's gotten a lot of wear. While I really loved the original Christmas Sweater, this may be a new favorite! </div>
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This pattern is available in sizes 6 months to 12 years. It includes colowork charts, schematics, and my new and improved layout!</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/andrea-sanchez-knits/244117"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-60197123366473422822014-11-27T22:38:00.002-05:002015-01-28T20:32:24.923-05:00Tiny Toes<div style="text-align: center;">
About a month ago I decided I wanted to knit D a pair of socks. I grabbed leftover Cephalopod Yarns Bugga! in I don't know what colorway (Gorgeous? Awesome?) and cast on for some toe-uppers.</div>
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I figured with the toe-up method I could get a more custom fit for D's socks rather than just guessing and potentially having to rip and reknit. </div>
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I used the round toe method from Cat Bordhi's book Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters. I also paired the Bugga! with some leftover yarn from my <a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/aiu">Audrey in Uns</a>t that I knit what seems like one hundred years ago.</div>
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These socks turned out to be just the cutest things ever and slippery as heck in our house. I don't know if it's just the heel thing (like, having one) but D's socks never stay in place on his foot. I'm tempted to try some boring (brilliant?) tube socks but am not yet convinced they will fit any better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnfb_CKyNqa_N9yrYfBSs_Mke36Q_7n1usSSioomu0fQTpXJEOgHNQNTOgCrBS4Sa3E_IrbgeWBEm74AGDmczAySmICfb8IV6D8K1-neBBflq_mf4CqmPsMni6vwN9_OQeQaHN7vawmV_/s1600/image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnfb_CKyNqa_N9yrYfBSs_Mke36Q_7n1usSSioomu0fQTpXJEOgHNQNTOgCrBS4Sa3E_IrbgeWBEm74AGDmczAySmICfb8IV6D8K1-neBBflq_mf4CqmPsMni6vwN9_OQeQaHN7vawmV_/s1600/image_medium2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that his socks are done, I picked up some yarn to knit myself a matching pair.</div>
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The yarn is a set of Three Irish Girls Adorn mini-skeins in colorways that are custom to my knitting group (Akron Stitch n' Bitch). The colors are (from bottom to top) Canal Park, Cascade Valley, Furnace Run, and Autumn Buckeye. I also have a sweater's worth of the Autumn Buckeye and the Canal Park colors that may grow up to be more than socks!</div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/ls2">Little Socks 2</a></div>
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Yarn: Cephalopod Bugga! and Becoming Art Suave Sport in Cranberry (red)</div>
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Needles: US 2.5 (3 mm)</div>
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Began: September 17</div>
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Completed: October 6</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-35243175964498361302014-11-20T21:37:00.002-05:002014-11-20T21:40:16.721-05:00Interview with Cheryl Chow<div style="text-align: center;">
With the 2014 Indie Designer Gift-A-Long going on right now I had an opportunity to interview a fellow designer this year! Let me introduce <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/cheryl-chow">Cheryl Chow</a>!</div>
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There is still time to purchase some of Cheryl's patterns for 25% off using the code <i style="font-weight: bold;">giftalong2014 </i>(through November 21st). <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/3348">Check out here bundle here</a>.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RXdeVKMZkJ_QNRWxn1fiZd_zkVUmH48jf0db8Oj2k7717r0ICGnA2roo5rzjuP2x151oNN1Jyx6fakgaKApmI39703oD3TnXIEk3mHNqP-iDPxxCSv_0MzhyphenhyphenE54AY9qujcwIh8ZtMqQf/s1600/Print_Res-07645_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/climbing-ivy-vest">Climbing Ivy Vest</a></div>
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<b>Cheryl, I'm so excited to have you on the blog! Allow me to ask you the age old question every knitter receives: how</b><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23896"> did you get started knitting?</b></div>
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My mom taught me to crochet first and then to knit when I was around 11 years old. Knitting was very difficult for me as I made my stitches very tight, my hands sweat with trying to get the needles to work, and I ended up in tears more than once I'm very surprised I continued on with the craft.</div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23895">Well it's very lucky for us you did! Are you a multi-crafter? What other crafts do you enjoy?</b></div>
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Yes, so many fun crafts and so little time to enjoy them all. I currently quilt, spin, and crochet. I used to do cross stitch as well but gave all those supplies away a few years ago. </div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23894">At what point did you get started in designing knitwear?</b></div>
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I joined a charity group called Heavenly Angels In Need and they were looking for knit and crochet baby patterns that their group could make and donate to hospitals and families. I thought "I can do that" and designed a couple of simple baby blankets. It was so much fun (and an ego boost) to see other people knit up the blankets and post about them on Ravelry. In 2013 I decided that I would try designing a cardigan and was really happy with how well <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/firkant">Firkant</a> turned out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOme9F6AMusly8DphN5SY4TfdbMHNItdjsVVB7n_VZn5c8hONp6iIWDjFrm58n1tgscaResyeRICgEAjt1lVGK5fGtEaKvpx97o25tPswtrm4YRJts_eEgE0p1goPHoiKvW7dWHLUWIFek/s1600/Cover_medium2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOme9F6AMusly8DphN5SY4TfdbMHNItdjsVVB7n_VZn5c8hONp6iIWDjFrm58n1tgscaResyeRICgEAjt1lVGK5fGtEaKvpx97o25tPswtrm4YRJts_eEgE0p1goPHoiKvW7dWHLUWIFek/s1600/Cover_medium2.png" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23893">Do you have a "regular" job as well? How do you find balance between the two?</b></div>
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I have a part time job with a quilt book distributor. The hours aren't consistent so finding time to do both is not too difficult. Setting goals and a schedule for my knitting projects/designs helps a lot too.</div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23906">Have you had a project that went so wrong you had to scrap it?</b></div>
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Yes, sadly. I started Kaiso Linen Tee, wrote up the pattern and had a few testers work through it. I had so many negative comments about it that I gave up. I love the design and have plans to rework it and release it eventually.</div>
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<b>Do you have a favorite design? </b></div>
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I think Matomoko is my best design yet. The cable and lace patterning worked really well together and I like the neckline. I think it was just meant to be as it came together quite easily.</div>
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<b>What is your favorite yarn and needles?</b></div>
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Hiya Hiya needles are my favourite. I have an interchangeable set and am very sad if all the size tips or cords are in use and I have to choose a different needle. As for yarn, I can't say I have a single go to yarn. I love all the different indie dyed yarns and tend to go for the fingering/sport weights in natural fibers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalPD9UK2HFZnb4SgprC-pk0XOnxKncIL47XSfeYyUsVpxWgo5Csqsh1L7TsVJ25eVood4n51Ji2etGYie9LX1-f7N4NGCFOk2RhmLbkB1T8rEfpHG69Z33wCm49nRqc0_vbcOZ0_RDNrn/s1600/Image15_medium2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalPD9UK2HFZnb4SgprC-pk0XOnxKncIL47XSfeYyUsVpxWgo5Csqsh1L7TsVJ25eVood4n51Ji2etGYie9LX1-f7N4NGCFOk2RhmLbkB1T8rEfpHG69Z33wCm49nRqc0_vbcOZ0_RDNrn/s1600/Image15_medium2.png" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/resu">Resu</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4912145180241802047" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4912145180241802047" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>Do you have any knitting tools that you couldn't live without?</b></div>
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My row counter. My husband bought it for me for Christmas and it is amazing. </div>
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<b>Do you do much gift knitting? Why or why not?</b></div>
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Not much. Since I've started designing I don't have much time. I do knit/crochet small items for my kids occasionally.</div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1416491986502_23892">What was the most well received gift you ever gave? What was the least well received?</b></div>
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I made a Hillswick Lumber cardigan for my mom and she loved it. It was an ambitious project but I knew she would appreciate it. Least well received was Burr (Chocolate Yummm) for my MIL. She said she didn't like it and returned it to me. Sad, but lesson learned, she only gets store bought things from now on. </div>
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share about yourself with us! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-65721079436569242542014-10-31T20:38:00.001-04:002014-10-31T20:38:29.567-04:00Abate Again<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. We didn't really make a big deal out of it when I was a kid. After I moved to Ohio we happened to live in a neighborhood that doesn't get a lot of kids. Additionally, Akron does their trick-or-treat night on a night other than Halloween which had me fairly well confused for about 4 years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQnxb_3QYLgZH3wgvOLvGNe3MK4s12tGc6kVJ1vIXwqtWk4FGDOljJEaCCclIkjpRHACK1zh2ENke_T0zujkCM3Yd_1aveCG7Zx_ohks6bJm3KytXQND69RJ_40N-RofU4zwvaKHjMhko/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQnxb_3QYLgZH3wgvOLvGNe3MK4s12tGc6kVJ1vIXwqtWk4FGDOljJEaCCclIkjpRHACK1zh2ENke_T0zujkCM3Yd_1aveCG7Zx_ohks6bJm3KytXQND69RJ_40N-RofU4zwvaKHjMhko/s1600/photo.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now that I have a son, I will use just about any excuse to make something for him. For this reason, I decided the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/abate">Abate</a> pattern was the perfect sweater to use for a gnome costume!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-VgPYMXkkMRLrEGnlo8l-xrUBqISLbikGSnJUyPlbtaekBjc77e857OYyGNOa61BZZrtAC04EmLOKM-n5zy_lCphSXWI5xGQ4lirIWEGG4IhNGTv2LJV1Q5yjPQIXNujpgXxGxl4dwKp/s1600/10603605_10204633595507225_7916831667239327680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-VgPYMXkkMRLrEGnlo8l-xrUBqISLbikGSnJUyPlbtaekBjc77e857OYyGNOa61BZZrtAC04EmLOKM-n5zy_lCphSXWI5xGQ4lirIWEGG4IhNGTv2LJV1Q5yjPQIXNujpgXxGxl4dwKp/s1600/10603605_10204633595507225_7916831667239327680_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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There wasn't too much involved. We had the boots and pants, <a href="http://knit2mylou.blogspot.com/">Mary</a> (ever the gracious and giving friend!) knit and felted the amazing hat, and I just cut out a few felt circles to stitch to his sweater. There was a beard too but he didn't like wearing it (and you really have to pick your battles with a 2 year old). </div>
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I love that the Abate pattern is such a quick knit. It took a total of 2 weeks with me working on about a thousand other things for work and The Book at the same time. I used less than two skeins of Stonehedge Shepherd's Wool Worsted. Last year's <a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/a1">Abate</a> was knit in a size 2 and this year a size 4! I did shorten the length by about a half inch and the sleeves by about an inch. I still need to add the drawstring. Maybe tonight...</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/abate">Abate</a> by Alicia Plummer</div>
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Yarn: Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool Worsted</div>
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Needles: US 8</div>
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Began: October 10</div>
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Completed: October 24</div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/peatmoss83/a2">Ravelry Link</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-7082469126175492572014-10-28T20:24:00.002-04:002014-11-01T15:06:27.037-04:00Christmas Sweater 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week we met up with my friend <a href="http://blackbox-photo.com/">Marianne</a> to take our yearly family photo. I managed to finish D's Christmas Sweater just in time (like, that morning). While he won't wear it again "officially" until Christmas, I like him to be able to wear in for the photo as that's what I use for Christmas cards. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo copyright Marianne Barta</td></tr>
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This year's sweater (you can see the first two sweaters <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/search/label/ChristmasSweater">here</a>) is knit in a sport weight alpaca. The color work is relatively simple with only a couple rows that use 3 colors. I'm super excited about this design and think he looks just so handsome in it :) The pattern is off with the tech editor and will be available soon!</div>
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There's also still time to enter the Eucalan <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-eucalan-wash-and-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912145180241802047.post-28644489438150939762014-10-24T21:33:00.001-04:002014-11-04T17:56:45.654-05:00A Eucalan Wash and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple weekends ago, when the weather was pretty warm, I decided it was a good day to wash the woolens. One of the wonderful things about being a knitter is the amount of sweaters and other wooly goodies. The worst part is wash day. But these days I have a little helper (messer-uper as well?). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6xpDRfTdrVCHIUtasy0S0radhYlT842MnpDTVghtEIhIASYencWHv5ZPBs5_e9DbLM1wYjRWVmJwXTuVvnelixlzHm4VKKr3DviJcPoEVc5iEa1yGVebm4a_K_m9GnLQYQAmTwc_JN2h/s1600/IMG_2741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6xpDRfTdrVCHIUtasy0S0radhYlT842MnpDTVghtEIhIASYencWHv5ZPBs5_e9DbLM1wYjRWVmJwXTuVvnelixlzHm4VKKr3DviJcPoEVc5iEa1yGVebm4a_K_m9GnLQYQAmTwc_JN2h/s1600/IMG_2741.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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We filled up my brand new soak <a href="http://soakwash.com/store/cdn_retail/misfits/basins/phil-basin.html">basin</a> (which was gifted to me by the wonderful <a href="http://megrokeknits.blogspot.com/">Meg</a>) and added some <a href="http://www.eucalan.com/">Eucalan</a>. I've been using <a href="http://www.eucalan.com/">Eucalan</a> since I first learned to knit. As a new knitter I had tried a few different brands of wool wash at the beginning by <a href="http://www.eucalan.com/">Eucalan</a> is now my go-to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdjv_xj-Di-HyGOgpYLJffp0wGQYRUGIOyc4XrgBYKpk-o7_4mmrRAWwhb2K1c69ANfBiy75UOjHbpglIe0GpKjKDo8cC-mhE9_3DiqAZDhpHJ3-8-kigraeCu5iyVwpknDqtwh8y0xRI/s1600/IMG_2740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdjv_xj-Di-HyGOgpYLJffp0wGQYRUGIOyc4XrgBYKpk-o7_4mmrRAWwhb2K1c69ANfBiy75UOjHbpglIe0GpKjKDo8cC-mhE9_3DiqAZDhpHJ3-8-kigraeCu5iyVwpknDqtwh8y0xRI/s1600/IMG_2740.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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One special wooly that needed a (desperate) wash was the <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/2013/07/rainbow-blankie.html">Rainbow Blankie</a> that I made for D. This sock yarn blanket stays in my car most of the time in case we need something cozy or to keep little legs warm. That being said, it had cheerios and other crunchy things stuck to it so a good wash was definitely in order. </div>
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I decided this was a good time to test out a few samples that the lovely people over at Eucalan had sent for me to try. I had already used the lavender scented one a while back. That's generally the kind I buy so I grabbed it to give a sweater a quick wash. This time I tried the grapefruit. I was surprised at how light this scent actually is and how much I really liked it (enough that when I bought a new bottle last week that's what I got!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz6ifxGZpOfFJvEDTo35ZcOkvj7wVmW7Q7D10viLq13k6hurCYKwH_6r9MUICWs7lqLyygys5ZNXyOF-32wuYAfFAyVaANOhiRi8sQ7CZzs5NXLNhpvy20EQdImOUkv31Z3dtbS420ygo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz6ifxGZpOfFJvEDTo35ZcOkvj7wVmW7Q7D10viLq13k6hurCYKwH_6r9MUICWs7lqLyygys5ZNXyOF-32wuYAfFAyVaANOhiRi8sQ7CZzs5NXLNhpvy20EQdImOUkv31Z3dtbS420ygo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you've never tried Eucalan washes, now is your chance! They are offering to send one lucky blog reader a <a href="http://eucalan-1.shptron.com/p/gift-pack/grapefruit-scent?pp=8">Eucalan Gift Pack</a>! This is a great prize and a good way to try out some scents you may not have used before. To enter for your chance to win, leave a comment below by November 1st and I'll choose a winner using the Random Number Generator. This is open to US and Canadian residents only, but don't worry my international friends, there will be more giveaways! Please be sure to leave your Ravelry name (or email if you don't have Ravlery) so I can get in touch with the winner! Do you have a go-to wash? Tell me your favorite! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">The giveaway is now closed. Melosa is the winner!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Thank you for entering!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08240447749087759331noreply@blogger.com42