tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051378203620012392024-03-13T18:10:55.557-04:00Penelope Spins, Knits, & Changes Her Ways...A BitKnitting, Spinning, and a dash of Exercise thrown in for good measure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-61152772586980570282013-08-24T16:47:00.001-04:002013-08-24T16:47:05.918-04:00Black MambaLooking for a quick project? I just knitted up this bracelet from a kit I ordered. It's called "Black Mamba" and is available at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/157561059/black-mamba-bracelet-kit" target="_blank">Cattail Knits</a>, an Etsy store. I love it! Quick, super-easy, and quite elegant.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-33094079337314077042013-08-22T15:57:00.000-04:002013-08-22T15:57:03.242-04:00Vitamin D comes not just from sunshineIt comes from this! The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitamin-d" target="_blank">Vitamin D</a> Cardigan, designed by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/heidi-kirrmaier" target="_blank">Heidi Kirrmaier</a>, is finally done! I (almost) wish the weather would turn nippy, so I could toss this on of a morning.<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-prairie" target="_blank"> Madeline Tosh Prairie</a> is perfect for this. So happy!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-40425683285323360792013-08-12T16:48:00.001-04:002013-08-12T16:48:05.240-04:00Is it cotton candy?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks good enough to eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But it would taste terrible. Finished 310 yards of 2-ply handspun Romney. More to come.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 Hexapuffs made in New Harbor.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-86411954213120029902013-08-11T17:32:00.000-04:002013-08-11T17:32:14.160-04:00Done! Again.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-summer-of" target="_blank">"Summer of..." MKAL</a> is done, washed, and blocked!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-41163303085067717792013-08-07T18:41:00.001-04:002013-08-08T17:02:06.876-04:00Done!Not with blogging. With the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks" target="_blank">Dragon's Egg Socks</a>. Phew! Lots of work but worth the effort. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon's Egg Socks are done. Finally! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorky "pose" for Dragon's Egg Socks</td></tr>
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Now I can work monogamously on Clue #7 - the final clue, which finishes the MKAL - of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-summer-of" target="_blank">The Summer of...</a>, a shawlette that I started way back on the solstice, while in Chicago for my son's wedding. This final clue demands a total of 53 repeats of a 12-row pattern, worked over 18 or 19 stitches, depending on the row, with several beads worked in over the course of the pattern. As I write this, I've completed a measly 15 repeats. My hope is that I will have this completed, washed, and blocked by the time I go to the the last (for me) Monday afternoon Knitters' Group at the <a href="http://bal.tidewater.net/?contact" target="_blank">Bristol Area Library</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer of...MKAL edging with beads</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unblocked. Difficult to see the beauty, but it's there.</td></tr>
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Once I complete this, I'll eagerly cast on for the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/workshop/silk-curved-scarf/171?_ct=fhevybu-sbqiimeha-byij-xecuheec&_ctp=171" target="_blank">Craftsy Silk Curved Scarf</a>, a class I signed up for last month. It began, officially, on August 2, so I'm quite behind, but the socks ruled over all, recently...and the MKAL is now of utmost importance on the list. Here's a photo of the luscious silk I'll be using for the class:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artyarns.com/" target="_blank">Artyarns</a> Regal Silk </td></tr>
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Last but CERTAINLY not least, the teeny little project bag I've been using during this idyll. My sister Rebecca gave this to me for my birthday a few years back - she purchased out in Oregon awhile ago. I love this bag, for several reasons: the size is perfect for socks or a shawlette; the logo, "<a href="http://www.iknithappy.com/" target="_blank">Knit Happy</a>" makes my heart sing; I love the color yellow; my sister is so dear to me. She is my hero.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-46691530572765929332013-08-01T15:41:00.002-04:002013-08-01T15:41:29.496-04:00Am I The Only Person Who Still Balances Her Checkbook?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit, Rabbit!</td></tr>
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It's August 1, 2013. I said "Rabbit, Rabbit" before saying anything else, went down the stairs backward, and balanced the checkbook. Not far off, either!<br />
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The Rabbit/backwards stairs thing is a superstition we've had for years in my immediate family. Most months we miss part - or all - of it, talking to each other before saying the magic words, or running down the steps without a thought. When we do manage to remember, it seems like the coming month will somehow be just a little bit better. When I say "immediate family", it's really just Abe, Zig, and me. Stuart's outgrown the tradition.<br />
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Here's a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit_rabbit" target="_blank">link</a> to a bit of information about the practice. I particularly like the part that mentions FDR as a fan of the weirdness.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-43694480912099696452013-07-31T10:16:00.000-04:002013-08-01T08:45:01.445-04:00...and it's still here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gorgeous day. Beautiful place. So lucky to be here.<br />
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5 mile walk starting at 7:00 am, a bit later than usual, but sleep was so delicious. The cannon fired at 8:00 as I was heading back.<br />
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At this point in the vacation, the days begin to blend together, in a delightful way.<br />
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Knitting continues on the "Summer of..." MKAL, with the final clue due to arrive on Friday, August 2nd.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe I already posted this. Losing my memory...</td></tr>
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Handspinning: plowing through 17.2 ounces of Romney in pinks and reds. I wound bobbin #1 into a cake this morning so I could measure it. The second bobbin is filling up quickly. Trying to get 2 ounces spun up each day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">443 yards of Romney singles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">??? yards of Romney singles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon's Egg Sock #1 for ??? The heel is turned and the gusset is half done. </td></tr>
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Nine little hexapuffs are complete.<br />
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Some new purchases:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPL-ZgzrmAA/UfkYySPiX1I/AAAAAAAABNE/h82EPwlhy6s/s1600/DSC00201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPL-ZgzrmAA/UfkYySPiX1I/AAAAAAAABNE/h82EPwlhy6s/s320/DSC00201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artyarns.com/patterns/regal-silk/" target="_blank">Artyarns "Regal Silk"</a> for another <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/workshop/silk-curved-scarf/171?_ct=fhevybu-sbqiimeha-byij-xecuheec&_ctp=171" target="_blank">MKAL</a> starting August 1 on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/1455453?moneySymbol=%24" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THd26HXyR8s/UfkYyX4LRjI/AAAAAAAABNM/8BIJKMvzsZg/s1600/DSC00202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THd26HXyR8s/UfkYyX4LRjI/AAAAAAAABNM/8BIJKMvzsZg/s320/DSC00202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=16" target="_blank">Malabrigo Sock</a> for the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff12/PATTestuary.php" target="_blank">Estuary Shawlette</a> purchased at <a href="http://www.overtherainbowyarn.com/" target="_blank">Over the Rainbow Yarn</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzS8pwqxzGk/UfkZjdGE41I/AAAAAAAABNQ/FqbPsdWZ-p8/s1600/DSC00191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzS8pwqxzGk/UfkZjdGE41I/AAAAAAAABNQ/FqbPsdWZ-p8/s320/DSC00191.JPG" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=108" target="_blank">Quince and Co. Finch</a> for <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/6876536916_09d83318f0.jpg&imgrefurl=http://olgajazzzy.blogspot.com/2012/04/aranami.html&h=333&w=500&sz=67&tbnid=T2SuiL-2x6qY8M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&zoom=1&usg=__DivUUgpQXp_Fl1JfBQWSqRvgwBM=&docid=lcaqQNFszVMiuM&sa=X&ei=lhr5UYu6Mviv4APZtoHACQ&ved=0CEIQ9QEwBQ&dur=1338" target="_blank">Aranami Shawl</a> - did I already post this???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's all for today! Hope to finish the first Dragon's Egg sock and make more headway on my Vitamin D sweater, along with spinning 2 more ounces of Romney. Will it (the Romney) never come to an end???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-67843234180014722952013-07-30T16:30:00.001-04:002013-07-30T16:30:52.030-04:00The Sun Came BackHuge thunderstorm last night after a cloudy day. The lightning and thunder were very impressive. Knitting at the library was fun, as always, yesterday afternoon. I worked mainly on the Vitamin D cardigan, which is at that stage where it seems like it will NEVER get done. I keep telling myself, "just one more row, just one more row".<br />
<br />
Progress on Dragon's Egg sock #1 continues. I've turned the heel and am now working the gusset decreases.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjmReBkd-y8/Ufgha34gzlI/AAAAAAAABME/W4ci2LkPCW4/s1600/damariscotta+pottery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjmReBkd-y8/Ufgha34gzlI/AAAAAAAABME/W4ci2LkPCW4/s1600/damariscotta+pottery.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damariscotta Pottery Showroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5 mile walk Sunday and Monday, 3 miles this morning in the drizzle. Trip up to town to visit Damariscotta Pottery, <br />
<a href="https://www.sevendeimports.com/" target="_blank">Se Vende Imports</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/two-fish-boutique/273621317874" target="_blank">Two Fish Boutique</a> and have lunch at the <a href="http://www.damariscottarivergrill.com/" target="_blank">Damariscotta River Grill</a>.<br />
<br />
Now for a stroll over to Little Beach. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-85897691173534593942013-07-27T09:15:00.004-04:002013-07-27T15:32:41.339-04:00MoreIt seems that I'm settling into a routine here:<br />
<ul>
<li>Early morning fast walk (at least 3.5 miles, more often 5.0 miles)</li>
<li>Coffee and knitting</li>
<li>Knitting on sock</li>
<li>Knitting on sweater</li>
<li>Knitting on MKAL</li>
<li>Knitting at least one hexapuff</li>
<li>Spinning</li>
<li>Needlepoint</li>
</ul>
I'm doing a little bit on each project everyday. Works for me!<br />
<br />
Photos!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tgltueApOo/UfQebCg-UeI/AAAAAAAABLM/Q-hRyfgP59A/s1600/DSC00187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tgltueApOo/UfQebCg-UeI/AAAAAAAABLM/Q-hRyfgP59A/s320/DSC00187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 5 ounces of <a href="http://www.thefiberofmybeing.net/2012/04/oh-the-fiber-romney-wool/" target="_blank">Romney</a> singles</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XybPvuDvbI/UfQec-ZyBbI/AAAAAAAABLU/hKbmWp4Cfi8/s1600/DSC00188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XybPvuDvbI/UfQec-ZyBbI/AAAAAAAABLU/hKbmWp4Cfi8/s320/DSC00188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MKAL through Clue 6 (of 7 total)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StW5a3PdCjk/UfQehxU7fmI/AAAAAAAABLk/vJ79nudQMHk/s1600/DSC00189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-StW5a3PdCjk/UfQehxU7fmI/AAAAAAAABLk/vJ79nudQMHk/s320/DSC00189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks" target="_blank">Dragon's Egg Sock</a> #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZN5G83CkF0/UfQegTAh7RI/AAAAAAAABLc/zwTAxQ6BUWo/s1600/DSC00190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZN5G83CkF0/UfQegTAh7RI/AAAAAAAABLc/zwTAxQ6BUWo/s320/DSC00190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 more <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt" target="_blank">Hexapuffs</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq5jByckWaE/UfQekSA8fbI/AAAAAAAABLs/AbrUZ0C6U4c/s1600/DSC00191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq5jByckWaE/UfQekSA8fbI/AAAAAAAABLs/AbrUZ0C6U4c/s320/DSC00191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=108" target="_blank">Quince & Co. Finch</a> Yarn for <a href="http://olgajazzzy.blogspot.com/2012/04/aranami.html" target="_blank">Aranami Shawl</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AT4SrQfF4g/UfQekq-DtYI/AAAAAAAABLw/u-dp-Js0Ilk/s1600/DSC00192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AT4SrQfF4g/UfQekq-DtYI/AAAAAAAABLw/u-dp-Js0Ilk/s320/DSC00192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quince & Co. stash of Finch AND Tern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-75938078198872245672013-07-25T09:08:00.000-04:002013-07-25T09:08:00.774-04:00Cool ToolMy latest fiber arts-related acquisition, from <a href="http://www.overtherainbowyarn.com/" target="_blank">Over the Rainbow Yarn</a> in Rockland Maine. A tabletop yarn swift, handmade from cherry and mahogany (I think those are the woods). I tested it out yesterday and it did a fine job of holding a skein and turning smoothly as I cranked my yarn winder. It's more convenient than my other yarn swift, as I can just place it on a table and go, as opposed to having to clamp the other one onto a suitable surface.<br />
<br />
Here's a photo. Wish I knew the name of the artisan who creates these, but you can contact <a href="http://www.overtherainbowyarn.com/" target="_blank">Over the Rainbow Yarn</a> - just ask for "tabletop swift" and they'll steer you right.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE-ZwkWv5Vo/UfEi9Zz24-I/AAAAAAAABK8/rMvQsHocBko/s1600/DSC00186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qE-ZwkWv5Vo/UfEi9Zz24-I/AAAAAAAABK8/rMvQsHocBko/s400/DSC00186.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-89628593948629606952013-07-24T15:36:00.003-04:002013-07-24T15:38:41.385-04:00Progress...on all fronts today!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnoWYznSJNs/UfAqMMXMXSI/AAAAAAAABKU/vLqc2fJFde8/s1600/DSC00184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnoWYznSJNs/UfAqMMXMXSI/AAAAAAAABKU/vLqc2fJFde8/s320/DSC00184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hexapuff #187! For <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt" target="_blank">Beekeeper's Quilt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOX_lE_r_9o/UfAqW9rR1OI/AAAAAAAABKc/L6pSQeLjcYs/s1600/DSC00183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOX_lE_r_9o/UfAqW9rR1OI/AAAAAAAABKc/L6pSQeLjcYs/s200/DSC00183.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks" target="_blank">Dragon's Egg Socks</a> by <a href="http://woolywonkafiber.com/blog/" target="_blank">Anne Podlesak</a> for ???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: center;">5 mile walk bright and early</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Made another hexapuff</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Started a pair of socks</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Worked a few border squares of needlepoint<span id="goog_1622515332"></span><span id="goog_1622515333"></span></li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Spun an ounce of romney fiber</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's so hard to be on vacation. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkRa21j0We8/UfAqnVZwJcI/AAAAAAAABKo/U86BHr2o7RQ/s1600/DSC00182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkRa21j0We8/UfAqnVZwJcI/AAAAAAAABKo/U86BHr2o7RQ/s320/DSC00182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 ounce Romney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-18001035893266377552013-07-23T10:00:00.001-04:002013-07-23T17:42:09.905-04:00Rainy DayI just happened to actually notice the title of this blog - and the part about the exercise? Well, I've been walking between 3 and 5 miles most days, or using our elliptical trainer. We just purchased a new treadmill, and on quite possibly the hottest, most humid day of the year, we moved the elliptical from our bedroom down to the basement to join the new treadmill and the weight bench in our "new" exercise room. <br />
<br />
It's raining, so we're doing indoor stuff today. <a href="http://www.morsessauerkraut.com/" target="_blank">Morse's Sauerkraut</a>, so my mom can stock up on the mango chutney she loves, and I can get German mustard and Wilhelmina Peppermints. Then on to <a href="http://www.ci.rockland.me.us/" target="_blank">Rockland</a>, for lunch, the <a href="http://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Farnsworth Museum</a>, and a trip to <a href="http://www.overtherainbowyarn.com/" target="_blank">Over the Rainbow Yarn</a>. Will I escape unscathed? (Yarn Store, not Farnsworth.)<br />
<br />
As promised, here are some visuals of recent progress/works in progress...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDsBI8bkuA/Ue6KsgTucRI/AAAAAAAABJM/t7jTKL7FOQg/s1600/DSC00173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDsBI8bkuA/Ue6KsgTucRI/AAAAAAAABJM/t7jTKL7FOQg/s320/DSC00173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/" target="_blank">Spunky Eclectic</a> Oatmeal BFL "Seashells"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DbsuxFDd5I/Ue6K1dn-VjI/AAAAAAAABJ8/pM5DQjQcf_4/s1600/DSC00180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DbsuxFDd5I/Ue6K1dn-VjI/AAAAAAAABJ8/pM5DQjQcf_4/s400/DSC00180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complete! 552 yards of laceweight singles <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/" target="_blank">Spunky Eclectic's</a> Oatmeal BFL in "Seashells"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjgJQyFp0tw/Ue6Kvdw-1sI/AAAAAAAABJY/c2pEnUm6Vnw/s1600/DSC00174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjgJQyFp0tw/Ue6Kvdw-1sI/AAAAAAAABJY/c2pEnUm6Vnw/s320/DSC00174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 little Hexapuffs - the first ones done since early June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ItFChCA6oM/Ue6Ku9bv-rI/AAAAAAAABJU/pap4LfPZeHo/s1600/DSC00175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ItFChCA6oM/Ue6Ku9bv-rI/AAAAAAAABJU/pap4LfPZeHo/s320/DSC00175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needlepoint - barely begun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NQw8hLsSs/Ue6KyPgPZSI/AAAAAAAABJk/-m2cUKIFH0k/s1600/DSC00176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9NQw8hLsSs/Ue6KyPgPZSI/AAAAAAAABJk/-m2cUKIFH0k/s400/DSC00176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitamin-d" target="_blank">Vitamin D Cardigan</a> - 80%?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDl-qzsQh_k/Ue6KybpSS0I/AAAAAAAABJo/PDyDd_lORQs/s1600/DSC00177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XDl-qzsQh_k/Ue6KybpSS0I/AAAAAAAABJo/PDyDd_lORQs/s320/DSC00177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MKAL complete through Clue #5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQP74yElFxs/Ue6Ky5m8ORI/AAAAAAAABJ0/x9YN1sDHZZs/s1600/DSC00178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IQP74yElFxs/Ue6Ky5m8ORI/AAAAAAAABJ0/x9YN1sDHZZs/s320/DSC00178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MKAL detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-49211012538440884102013-07-22T11:12:00.002-04:002013-07-22T11:12:38.547-04:00A Month in MaineI'm here at last! Here as in New Harbor, Maine, in the same cottage we've been renting for at least 10 years. And the weather has magically cooled off, too. Took a 4.5 mile walk this morning, reconnecting with Mothers' Beach, Pemaquid Trail, Beach Loop Road, and smiling all the while.<br />
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No photos today...I'll post some tomorrow, once I've gotten settled in!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-53284272197714924622013-07-20T08:18:00.002-04:002013-07-20T08:18:52.718-04:00Packing UpIt's time for Maine!!! Packing up today, so I can leave at first light tomorrow morning. Rumor has it that the Kittery bridge is a bottleneck because of construction. We'll see.<br />
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In building my packing list, I've noticed that my crafty list is longer than any other section. Knitting, spinning, needlepoint, quilting, rug hooking, beading. It's pretty ridiculous, but I feel like I'll be lost if I don't pack enough stuff to do. So I end up with two years' worth of crafting. I've got about 4 pounds of unspun fiber packed up, about 8 knitting projects, needlepoint that would take up the entire 4 weeks' vacation by itself, a quilt to finish, a hooked rug to finish...<br />
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And then there's reading. The iPad is a huge help - one small device holds all my books, podcasts, and audiobooks.<br />
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The heat and humidity this morning are SO oppressive. This post serves as an excuse for not getting to the work of packing up. On to it!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0d-I6XvD6g/Uep-tcyXncI/AAAAAAAABIE/VvBSXaMWVKI/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0d-I6XvD6g/Uep-tcyXncI/AAAAAAAABIE/VvBSXaMWVKI/s200/DSC00115.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie Socks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvlTMMVNhw4/Uep-tIriVBI/AAAAAAAABH8/ucF1YPbDC3U/s1600/DSC00116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WvlTMMVNhw4/Uep-tIriVBI/AAAAAAAABH8/ucF1YPbDC3U/s200/DSC00116.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saroyan Shawlette</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoXMHe90JZU/Uep-zlCiujI/AAAAAAAABIM/3PNSPkS4hGs/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YoXMHe90JZU/Uep-zlCiujI/AAAAAAAABIM/3PNSPkS4hGs/s200/DSC00110.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample of the pounds of fiber that's going</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Debbie Socks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcbDJ5Uu7Xg/Uep_BbDTpTI/AAAAAAAABIc/e5oOOiAQw2c/s1600/DSC09901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcbDJ5Uu7Xg/Uep_BbDTpTI/AAAAAAAABIc/e5oOOiAQw2c/s200/DSC09901.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MKAL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxOBv5Vr460/Uep_NGCULMI/AAAAAAAABIk/5jUugNesNGU/s1600/DSC09796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxOBv5Vr460/Uep_NGCULMI/AAAAAAAABIk/5jUugNesNGU/s400/DSC09796.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dipped Infinity Scarf Kit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp0_vr916JQ/Uep_QxgivTI/AAAAAAAABIs/qa5P8hRqDlA/s1600/DSC00144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp0_vr916JQ/Uep_QxgivTI/AAAAAAAABIs/qa5P8hRqDlA/s200/DSC00144.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolt Shawl Color #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMxCxE4GBBE/Uep_TlXn5mI/AAAAAAAABI0/pvlkPBpShOU/s1600/DSC00146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMxCxE4GBBE/Uep_TlXn5mI/AAAAAAAABI0/pvlkPBpShOU/s200/DSC00146.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolt Shawl Color #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th2NhGUca38/Uep_WWBDvzI/AAAAAAAABI8/RXFE_57ptQ0/s1600/DSC00143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th2NhGUca38/Uep_WWBDvzI/AAAAAAAABI8/RXFE_57ptQ0/s320/DSC00143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, the Hexipuffs...</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-46220969461947042132013-07-19T09:24:00.001-04:002013-07-19T09:24:18.073-04:00MKAL = Mystery Knit-Along<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-923tqxfUPeA/Uek9yzv32YI/AAAAAAAABHs/VPkziqMeGO8/s1600/DSC09901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-923tqxfUPeA/Uek9yzv32YI/AAAAAAAABHs/VPkziqMeGO8/s400/DSC09901.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yarns and beads even came with stitch markers and a tiny parasol!!!</td></tr>
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I'm participating in my first-ever MKAL (Mystery Knit-Along) project this summer. The project is called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-summer-of" target="_blank">"The Summer of..."</a>, from <a href="http://wpknits.com/" target="_blank">Wild Prairie Knits</a>, and consists of 7 weeks of clues. Each clue arrives via email on Friday morning, and participants are encouraged to finish that section by the next Friday. Of course, it's all pure fun, not a competition, and some of us are bound to fall behind. And that's fine. I've managed to keep up so far, and am excited to get started on Clue #5, which arrived this morning.<br />
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As for the project itself, all we were told is that the project is a shawl, in two colors of fingering weight yarn (colors are our choice), with the option of adding in some glass beads if we preferred to. I did. My colors are a lovely kettle-dyed navy and a beach sand, with clear glass beads knitted into parts of the navy sections. There are garter stripes and solid lace panels. <br />
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Participants have been asked not to spoil the surprise by posting photos of the work-in-progress, but I can share a photo of the yarns and beads I chose. They are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/StunningStringStudio" target="_blank">Stunning String Studio</a>, and I couldn't be happier with my selection.<br />
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The entire experience thus far has been a delight!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-60694067641399748112013-07-18T09:03:00.001-04:002013-07-18T09:03:12.761-04:00More Backlog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are, sadly, the only socks I've knitted this year. The brightly colored ones were knitted for Jess, my daughter-in-law, for her birthday. The charcoal gray socks were a parting gift to our school superintendent, who retired this past June. Gone (at least for now...) are the days when I knitted a pair of socks each month. Why, then, do I keep buying MORE of the stuff needed to make footwear???<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gj18u14QDM/Uefldb6Rc1I/AAAAAAAABHg/UaleT9BxjRo/s1600/DSC09780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gj18u14QDM/Uefldb6Rc1I/AAAAAAAABHg/UaleT9BxjRo/s320/DSC09780.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4_64" target="_blank">Blue Moon Socks That Rock Lightweight</a> in "Fire on the Mountain" colorway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv__7epLNGs/UeflQM8i6BI/AAAAAAAABHY/uTqwcxl9u8s/s1600/DSC09850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uv__7epLNGs/UeflQM8i6BI/AAAAAAAABHY/uTqwcxl9u8s/s320/DSC09850.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.swansislandcompany.com/catalog/merino-yarn" target="_blank">Swans Island Fingering Organic Merino</a> in Charcoal. Pattern is <a href="http://thetexturedknitter.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sherry Menton's</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elementary-watson-socks" target="_blank">"Elementary Watson" </a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-60219454064234760952013-07-17T06:40:00.002-04:002013-07-17T06:40:20.340-04:00Yarn Diet Not Working!I keep telling myself I'll stay away from yarn shops, websites, eBay, etc., but then I somehow "find" myself inside a shop, drooling over, ogling at, and touching all the lovely yarns. The latest mishap was in <a href="http://www.yarn.com/" target="_blank">Webs</a> (Northampton, Mass.), where I barely managed to escape with ONLY two skeins of <a href="http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/tosh-merino-light.html" target="_blank">Madeline Tosh Merino Light</a>. What for? Ah, I can at least answer that - no impulse buying for me! These were made to become a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bolt-2" target="_blank">Bolt</a> Shawl, designed by <a href="http://www.rainknitwear.com/" target="_blank">Veera Valimaki</a> (my new favorite designer) and found in <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/wp5lookbook.html" target="_blank">Jared Flood's latest, Wool People 5</a>. The colors, as shown below, are saturated and vibrant. Can't wait...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaPdJU9oeW4/UeZz9XBCgQI/AAAAAAAABGs/JTc7lndk5dw/s1600/DSC00144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaPdJU9oeW4/UeZz9XBCgQI/AAAAAAAABGs/JTc7lndk5dw/s320/DSC00144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cathedral" colorway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dahlia" Colorway</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-76754045187152105052013-07-16T17:27:00.003-04:002013-07-16T17:27:53.112-04:00Geometry, Hexagons, BeekeepersI'm reading <a href="http://kellymcgonigal.com/willpowerinstinct/" target="_blank">The Willpower Instinct</a> by <a href="http://kellymcgonigal.com/about-kelly-mcgonigal/" target="_blank">Kelly McGonigal</a>. Good book. Rather than focus solely on "Willpower, it discusses "Will-", "Won't-", and "Want"-power, along with a number of different strategies for sticking to one's goals. I'm not very far into the book, and I'm hoping for a chapter on how to smash the broken record that plays in my head, the one that tells me, over and over ad nauseum, that I'll never be able to do it, so I might as well give up before I even try.<br />
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It's hot and humid and not the best weather for feeling energized, motivated, positive.<br />
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On with the fiber update. A few years ago, <a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/the-beekeepers-quilt/" target="_blank">"The Beekeeper's Quilt"</a> pattern hit Ravelry and took the knitting world by storm. <a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/about-2/" target="_blank">Stephanie Dosen</a> is a genius, and a funny one at that. This year I decided to get in on the fun, and not coincidentally, start to make a dent in my serious sock yarn leftovers. I've knitted 183 of the little puffs so far this year. At first I stored them in a large glass bowl on the dining room table, but they soon spilled over into a larger basket. It takes at least 350 of them to make a lap blanket, so I've got my work cut out for me. Each one takes just about 30 minutes to complete. I've got NO shortage of sock yarn, so I imagine I'll be working on this project throughout the remainder of 2013 and pretty far in 2014, at a minimum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mimRCuv9mA/UeW6kUuWbKI/AAAAAAAABGc/LJiN1z1RUm8/s1600/DSC00143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mimRCuv9mA/UeW6kUuWbKI/AAAAAAAABGc/LJiN1z1RUm8/s400/DSC00143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowl o' Puffs!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-59341839128783767262013-07-15T07:29:00.001-04:002013-07-15T07:29:19.898-04:00Backlog...BackBlog<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ruched-scarf--wrap" target="_blank">Ruched Scarf</a> from <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/" target="_blank">Churchmouse Yarns & Teas</a></td></tr>
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I'm back, and it's been less than 24 hours. More to show, featuring scarves and shawls and cowls knit since Christmas 2012. Shown in no particular order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8NvbWIGxcs/UePYrN2MmZI/AAAAAAAABFE/r9CRnVZwdvY/s1600/DSC09705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8NvbWIGxcs/UePYrN2MmZI/AAAAAAAABFE/r9CRnVZwdvY/s200/DSC09705.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bubble-ball-cowl" target="_blank">Bubble Ball Cowl</a> - it looks much better against black</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail showing beads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwCMn75JKZA/UePZUUOjzSI/AAAAAAAABFc/XslOKkbiI5w/s1600/DSC09776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwCMn75JKZA/UePZUUOjzSI/AAAAAAAABFc/XslOKkbiI5w/s320/DSC09776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/334h-heather-undulating-waves-scarf" target="_blank">Heather Undulating Waves Scarf</a> by <a href="http://www.nelkindesigns.com/" target="_blank">Laura Nelkin</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb_1WCSZUB4/UePaMqEthUI/AAAAAAAABFs/AvFkFHprsbY/s1600/DSC00134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb_1WCSZUB4/UePaMqEthUI/AAAAAAAABFs/AvFkFHprsbY/s400/DSC00134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-affection" target="_blank">Color Affection Shawl</a> by <a href="http://www.rainknitwear.com/" target="_blank">Veera Valimaki</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoyG5QVGhI/UePZgnPDSDI/AAAAAAAABFk/IimdBGmDRs0/s1600/DSC09800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoyG5QVGhI/UePZgnPDSDI/AAAAAAAABFk/IimdBGmDRs0/s320/DSC09800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olanthe" target="_blank">Olanthe</a> Scarf by <a href="http://www.louisaharding.co.uk/" target="_blank">Louisa Harding</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-53624568322867484402013-07-14T14:26:00.000-04:002013-07-14T14:26:17.411-04:00I Guess You Could Call It a HiatusJuly 14, 2013. Back from blogging limbo. It's summer vacation, which is supposed to mean that there is more time to do all sorts of leisurely things. We'll see.<br />
<br />
Updates:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Younger son is now married</li>
<li>Older son has a love interest</li>
<li>I am 54 now</li>
<li>I am still in love with my 55-year-old husband </li>
<li>We just bought a treadmill </li>
<li>My two older sisters are both retired, leaving me just a BIT envious</li>
</ul>
So, what have I been up to craft-wise? Lots. So here's what I'll do - I'll post photos of different types of items/projects that I've finished since (gulp) last November. Since the last post mentioned secrets, I'll out myself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNna2TGgBCk/UeLoTLKF1vI/AAAAAAAABC8/9khsqc-iA10/s1600/DSC09609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNna2TGgBCk/UeLoTLKF1vI/AAAAAAAABC8/9khsqc-iA10/s400/DSC09609.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hats were a big theme for Christmas 2012. I knitted a total of eight <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-tab-hat">Button-Tab Hats</a> and gave them all away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pVDyfdZPQo/UeLodJuT3FI/AAAAAAAABDI/02HetFU32Nk/s1600/DSC09622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pVDyfdZPQo/UeLodJuT3FI/AAAAAAAABDI/02HetFU32Nk/s320/DSC09622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Button-Tab Hats by <a href="http://i-like-lemons.blogspot.ca/2008/05/scooped-knit-ice-cream-cone-patterns.html">Marcie Nishioka</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViKDgmxa6PI/UeLotK5ksKI/AAAAAAAABDQ/Z0Fi3Z8zDwA/s1600/DSC09529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViKDgmxa6PI/UeLotK5ksKI/AAAAAAAABDQ/Z0Fi3Z8zDwA/s320/DSC09529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-snowy-owl">Big Snowy Owl</a> from <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl" target="_blank">Purl Soho</a> was for my future daughter-in-law. It's really more like like a Gray Owl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r9VoMEmqbo/UeLpSY0cNvI/AAAAAAAABD4/O6YvLlOTpbs/s1600/DSC09696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r9VoMEmqbo/UeLpSY0cNvI/AAAAAAAABD4/O6YvLlOTpbs/s320/DSC09696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ferryboat-mitts" target="_blank">Ferryboat Mitts</a> for a dear friend. One skein, quick knit, lovely. From <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/" target="_blank">Churchmouse Yarns & Teas</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2O3wbXHUlqM/UeLo27GARcI/AAAAAAAABDY/Q2eXdfZ9cb8/s1600/DSC09572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2O3wbXHUlqM/UeLo27GARcI/AAAAAAAABDY/Q2eXdfZ9cb8/s320/DSC09572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferryboat Mitts redux for another dear friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ES0xYGqqkQ/UeLo7Nl5HgI/AAAAAAAABDg/lHqgHRvSZT4/s1600/DSC09658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ES0xYGqqkQ/UeLo7Nl5HgI/AAAAAAAABDg/lHqgHRvSZT4/s320/DSC09658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many, many <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/colorwork-ornaments" target="_blank">Colorwork Ornaments</a> by <a href="http://www.in-the-fold.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy Munson</a> were given to friends and family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAZrCXZ2Jcw/UeLpB2t7iKI/AAAAAAAABDo/LGjB56s6V3g/s1600/DSC09628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAZrCXZ2Jcw/UeLpB2t7iKI/AAAAAAAABDo/LGjB56s6V3g/s320/DSC09628.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own needle-felted Santa. Selfish ruled - I kept him for our tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT0tOUEHZso/UeLpKu8xRNI/AAAAAAAABDw/3FJGiq3ee98/s1600/DSC09703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT0tOUEHZso/UeLpKu8xRNI/AAAAAAAABDw/3FJGiq3ee98/s320/DSC09703.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boot-toppers" target="_blank">Boot Toppers</a> by <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristin Nicholas</a> for Jess</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-73157493196820524682012-11-27T16:40:00.003-05:002012-11-27T16:41:27.713-05:00Shhhh...It's a SecretI can't post any photos because everything I've completed lately, or that I'm still knitting, or that I'm GOING to be knitting, is meant to be gifts at Christmas.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say that the fingers are flying.<br />
<br />
<div class="tab-content active" id="poem-top">
<h1>
First Snow, Kerhonkson </h1>
</div>
<span class="author">By <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/diane-di-prima"> Diane di Prima</a> </span>
<br />
<div class="epigraph">
(excerpted<i>)</i></div>
<div class="epigraph">
<i>for Alan</i></div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
This, then, is the gift the world has given me</div>
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(you have given me)</div>
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softly the snow</div>
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cupped in hollows</div>
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lying on the surface of the pond</div>
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matching my long white candles </div>
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which stand at the window</div>
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which will burn at dusk while the snow</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
fills up our valley</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
this hollow</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-79599869047016911702012-11-17T10:18:00.003-05:002012-11-17T16:45:54.029-05:00Jane Eyre<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq9sp4L-4Xs/UKeo60xucxI/AAAAAAAAA_8/4trjwYnf3MY/s1600/DSC09514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq9sp4L-4Xs/UKeo60xucxI/AAAAAAAAA_8/4trjwYnf3MY/s400/DSC09514.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane's Ubiquitous Shawl</td></tr>
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I just finished knitting, blocking, and photographing this shawl. It took almost 1400 yards of sport weight alpaca yarn. I knitted it during a KAL (knit-along) organized by the WWMDFK? group on Ravelry. WWMDFK? stands for <a href="http://www.wwmdfk.com/"><u>What Would Madame DeFarge Knit?</u></a>, a book edited by <a href="http://flavors.me/hordover">Heather Ordover</a> of the <a href="http://craftlit.blogspot.com/">Craftlit</a> podcast, and published by Cooperative Press, which features patterns inspired by a variety of characters from classic literature. This particular shawl, known as "<a href="http://www.wwmdfk.com/vol-1-wwmdfk/patterns/jus">Jane's Ubiquitous Shawl</a>", was designed by <a href="http://www.ericah64blog.blogspot.com/">Erica Hernandez</a> as a tribute to that most upstanding heroine, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Eyre">Jane Eyre</a>.<br />
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Whew. I think that's enough links, thank you! Now, on to Christmas knitting...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyWBced4rq0/UKepGUc-hYI/AAAAAAAABA0/zzqW-7_9XOc/s1600/DSC09520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyWBced4rq0/UKepGUc-hYI/AAAAAAAABA0/zzqW-7_9XOc/s320/DSC09520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Next day, by noon, I was up and dressed, and sat wrapped in a shawl by the nursery hearth." </i>- <u>Jane Eyre</u>, Chapter 3<br />
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<i>"I folded my shawl double, and spread it over me for a coverlet; a low, mossy swell was my pillow."</i> - <u>Jane Eyre</u>, Chapter 28<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaGKP83O2Vo/UKepA16WzvI/AAAAAAAABAU/QKEnX3CMUyI/s1600/DSC09517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaGKP83O2Vo/UKepA16WzvI/AAAAAAAABAU/QKEnX3CMUyI/s320/DSC09517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-60016689176293537252012-11-11T09:36:00.001-05:002012-11-11T11:53:16.174-05:00Wovember<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="author"><br /><a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/samuel-taylor-coleridge"></a> </span>
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<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Thicker than rain-drops on November thorn.<br />
<span class="author">Fragment 8 By <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/samuel-taylor-coleridge"> Samuel Taylor Coleridge</a></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhplRAhVtVE/UJ-1CNeC82I/AAAAAAAAA-c/8oV_JPO0Uc8/s1600/DSC09469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhplRAhVtVE/UJ-1CNeC82I/AAAAAAAAA-c/8oV_JPO0Uc8/s320/DSC09469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handspun 3-ply Blue-Faced Leicester</td></tr>
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November? Nope. <a href="http://wovember.com/">Wovember</a>. Click the link and you'll see what I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
As Wovember settles in - or I settle into Wovember - I am surrounding
myself with wool. As of today, when I sit down to knit I am literally
covered in the stuff: I'm working on <a href="http://www.wwmdfk.com/vol-1-wwmdfk/patterns/jus">Jane's Ubiquitous Shawl</a> as part of a
knit-along for <a href="http://crafting-a-life.com/craftlit/">Craftlit</a>'s reading of Jane Eyre. The reader, <a href="http://www.iambik.com/narrators/elizabeth-klett/">Elizabeth Klett</a>, is doing a marvelous job of portraying the mood, landscape, and persona of heroine. The project uses 10
skeins of <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-berroco/webs-knitting-yarns-berroco-ultra-alpaca-light/?gclid=CPuKs72Mx7MCFegWMgodukcA_g">Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light</a> - almost 1500 yards of yarn. The
KAL started in late October and ends in December, but for some reason
I'm feeling driven (in a good way) to power through and finish before
Thanksgiving...probably because of all the Christmas knitting I hope to
accomplish. This shawl currently looks like a great lump of
charcoal-gray fuzzy stuff. I anticipate the miracle of blocking, and
hope that I will end up with a large square of lacy goodness when I am
done. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLCLqNKf9W4/UJ-xY2bcmyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/xd2b-Jp-hTA/s1600/DSC09511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLCLqNKf9W4/UJ-xY2bcmyI/AAAAAAAAA9w/xd2b-Jp-hTA/s320/DSC09511.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The center section of Jane's Ubiquitous Shawl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Zig and I are making plans - BIG plans - an actual BUSINESS PLAN - for opening a yarn shop. We sat on the beach this past summer and brainstormed (well, MY brain was storming and Zig was recording the thunder and lightning) ideas for creating the be-all and end-all yarn and fiber paradise for knitters and spinners. It was fun to come up with a list of things, people, and events that would have to be in place.<br />
<br />
Now we're (well, he) is slogging through the work of figuring out if this idea is even remotely feasible in a financial sense. What to call the enterprise? How much inventory to stock? Where to rent a storefront? When to open for business? Who to hire, if anyone? Why does our chosen location need a yarn shop?<br />
<br />
Whether or not we actually see this through, and end up the proud owners of a fiber-related business, remains to be seen. But it's SO interesting to take the idea - the dream - and tease it apart into its separate elements (mission, location, financing, store layout, hours of operation, inventory, education, special events, licensing) to see how we could actually open for business.<br />
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Apologies for the long absence. In lieu of blogging, I have been knitting a LOT:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX7vxmkaJSw/UJ-1iDCCXsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/XEFZxpycnIs/s1600/DSC09503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HX7vxmkaJSw/UJ-1iDCCXsI/AAAAAAAAA-k/XEFZxpycnIs/s320/DSC09503.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.berroco.com/304.309/308/308_jidai_pv.html">Jidai </a>Raglan Pullover in Berroco Vintage DK</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UACYPkkvxX0/UJ-yyou-DcI/AAAAAAAAA94/5WT_8Ge-eFA/s1600/DSC09510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UACYPkkvxX0/UJ-yyou-DcI/AAAAAAAAA94/5WT_8Ge-eFA/s320/DSC09510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19345278@N03/7107010417/">Wingspan</a> shawlette knitted with Colinette Jitterbug Sock in "Mardi Gras"</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Soak2iLRB6o/UJ-zVYKBGjI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ocW3xpqEWAY/s1600/DSC09507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Soak2iLRB6o/UJ-zVYKBGjI/AAAAAAAAA-A/ocW3xpqEWAY/s320/DSC09507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/norah-gaughan">Norah Gaughan</a>'s <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ostrom">Ostrum Cowl</a> in Berroco Boboli</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3O5VtPuRvA/UJ-2LdEeNJI/AAAAAAAAA-s/EKOFOB5fbl0/s1600/DSC09470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3O5VtPuRvA/UJ-2LdEeNJI/AAAAAAAAA-s/EKOFOB5fbl0/s320/DSC09470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polka-Dot Ribbon Scarf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbxuDRn6_Is/UJ-2M79UqLI/AAAAAAAAA-0/lzD0amosHZs/s1600/DSC09471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbxuDRn6_Is/UJ-2M79UqLI/AAAAAAAAA-0/lzD0amosHZs/s320/DSC09471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=190">Penelope Shrug</a> knit in Quince & Co Finch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gSWCtGapDNM/UJ-2Og9-knI/AAAAAAAAA-8/2no2mmAB5OQ/s1600/DSC09472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gSWCtGapDNM/UJ-2Og9-knI/AAAAAAAAA-8/2no2mmAB5OQ/s320/DSC09472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick broken rib scarf in <a href="http://www.mistialpaca.com/yarns/collection/chunky/">Misti Alpaca Chunky</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and doing a bit of spinning, as well: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVdqKcDNMg/UJ-0ai1waUI/AAAAAAAAA-U/dPpr_62XDCQ/s1600/DSC09506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVdqKcDNMg/UJ-0ai1waUI/AAAAAAAAA-U/dPpr_62XDCQ/s320/DSC09506.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://riversedgefiberarts.com/">River's Edge Fiber Arts</a> Mountain Mist 60/30/10 Merino Bamboo Nylon in "Riverstone" colorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-20479477568653132172012-09-03T12:24:00.000-04:002012-09-03T12:24:06.340-04:00Time Folded<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="tab-content active" id="poem-top">
<h1>
Green Pear Tree in September</h1>
</div>
<span class="author">By <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/freya-manfred"> Freya Manfred</a> </span>
<div class="poem">
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
On a hill overlooking the Rock River </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
my father’s pear tree shimmers, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
in perfect peace, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
covered with hundreds of ripe pears </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
with pert tops, plump bottoms, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
and long curved leaves. </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Until the green-haloed tree </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
rose up and sang hello, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
I had forgotten. . . </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
He planted it twelve years ago, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
when he was seventy-three, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
so that in September </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
he could stroll down </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
with the sound of the crickets </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
rising and falling around him, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
and stand, naked to the waist, </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
slightly bent, sucking juice </div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
from a ripe pear.</div>
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEMAT4XN6w8/UETWQ1FQW7I/AAAAAAAAA88/KRlkcdV-ewk/s1600/DSC09370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEMAT4XN6w8/UETWQ1FQW7I/AAAAAAAAA88/KRlkcdV-ewk/s320/DSC09370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Robin Red Breast" Gotland 2-ply</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
August is gone and I don't really know where it went. That tends to happen in August. Now it's September and I'm back at school, beginning my 29th year as a children's librarian.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXv-gMz2CTo/UETVvHDMm7I/AAAAAAAAA8s/Z5bq6RKE5lM/s1600/DSC09377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXv-gMz2CTo/UETVvHDMm7I/AAAAAAAAA8s/Z5bq6RKE5lM/s320/DSC09377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Field of Dreams" shetland 3-ply</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This summer I spun more yarn than I ever have in such a short period. Now that work intrudes, the wheel sits more than it spins, but that's okay - a significant dent was made in the fiber stash.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_04zKtzK79Y/UETWCoFW-yI/AAAAAAAAA80/u9vH4zNlmeg/s1600/DSC09374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_04zKtzK79Y/UETWCoFW-yI/AAAAAAAAA80/u9vH4zNlmeg/s320/DSC09374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Big Bang" BFL 2-ply</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Very little knitting happening, since finishing the Elm socks a few weeks ago. I've started the 8th pair of socks for the year - just a vanilla pair but with most lovely Cherry Tree Hill sockweight merino. This knitting competes for attention with the Penelope Shrug I'm knitting from Quince and Company Finch in a deep charcoal gray. Usually I can find a few minutes during lunchtime at work, but the first few weeks of school are too busy to breathe, let alone knit. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AMUaj9PLhI/UETW3c-HaHI/AAAAAAAAA9I/mwmv5TeJlcQ/s1600/DSC09391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AMUaj9PLhI/UETW3c-HaHI/AAAAAAAAA9I/mwmv5TeJlcQ/s320/DSC09391.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Northern Lights" Targhee - what I'm working on in early September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105137820362001239.post-33636045123173267712012-07-31T11:14:00.001-04:002012-07-31T11:14:43.690-04:00July Ends<div class="tab-content active" id="poem-top">
<h1>
At Popham Beach</h1>
</div>
<span class="author">By <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/thorpe-moeckel"> Thorpe Moeckel</a> </span>
<div class="poem">
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Haze of wave spume towards Small Point,
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Seguin Island Light like a whale's spout—
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
maybe life washes itself here, cools off.
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
It never comes clean. See all the sails up
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
and full in the windy parade of skin
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
and sand and brine. Soon the rocks will pluck
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
each wave's feathers. Soon the beach
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
like the moon, waning, will be 1/8th its size.
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
Somewhere else—maybe Ireland—the tide
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
will bottom out then. For now the sun
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
blesses the bodies at home in theirs,
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
and those less so, to ruin and ruin's aftermath—
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
whatever that is—and the waves rolling in,
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
little snowplows, nimbus in miniature; how
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
the beach fishhooks east, one child—
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
is that mine, or some spirit I was one more
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
usher of?—face up, arms and legs
</div>
<div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">
scraping a temporary angel in the sand.</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Still in Maine, though it is our last week here. Sigh. Difficult to leave, but I do love my little house in the Hartland hemlocks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnbnFl9hUa0/UBfuw4qh6nI/AAAAAAAAA7c/Bs4DhWPyWvI/s1600/DSC09357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EnbnFl9hUa0/UBfuw4qh6nI/AAAAAAAAA7c/Bs4DhWPyWvI/s400/DSC09357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky Eclectic</a> "Little Fishes" Merino Top 2-ply</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Still getting lots of spinning done, with a bit of knitting, too. The "<a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Little Fishes</a>" merino top, pictured below, came in at 554 yards. That might be the finest (as in thinnest) I've spun. Planning to use it for the <a href="http://sharppointysticks.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452325969e20133f36caaae970b-500wi">Holden Shawlette.</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukEwn2VCSh0/UBfx1p1uC7I/AAAAAAAAA70/BDeXRDf9uK0/s1600/DSC09120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukEwn2VCSh0/UBfx1p1uC7I/AAAAAAAAA70/BDeXRDf9uK0/s320/DSC09120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky Eclectic</a> "Robin Red Breast" Gotland fiber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also just finished thwacking 194 yards of worsted weight (methinks - I forgot my WPI tool at home) Gotland sheepswool. It's very hairy - coarse, even - but the color is pretty-<a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky Eclectic</a>'s "Robin Red Breast" - the April 2012 shipment. Photo of the finished yarn is forthcoming...<br />
<br />
Just began spinning, for a fingering weight, the May 2012 <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky</a> shipment - "Big Bang". Man, this is lovely BFL top. The colors are to die for. So lustrous, too. I'm catching up to you, <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky Club</a>!!! "Only" May, June, and July shipments to do. But then comes the August 2012 shipment...and then school begins and spinning time disappears...if I've got to have a problem, that's a pretty good problem to have.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTDnGumyXr0/UBfy1RNJ-RI/AAAAAAAAA78/TYas_xEQb5M/s1600/DSC09202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTDnGumyXr0/UBfy1RNJ-RI/AAAAAAAAA78/TYas_xEQb5M/s320/DSC09202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Spunky's</a> "Big Bang" Blue-Faced Leicester Top fiber - yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm actually using some of my handspun this summer - knitting up a quick, bulky garter stitch scarf using <a href="http://frabjousfibers.com/">Frabjous Fibers</a>' "Stained Glass" merino - spun during the winter of 2010. Size 11 needles. Easy pattern. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/graceful-shawl">Graceful Shawl</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icpSbzc7Te0/UBfvWGFgwFI/AAAAAAAAA7k/dz3BxeEl2hk/s1600/DSC09366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icpSbzc7Te0/UBfvWGFgwFI/AAAAAAAAA7k/dz3BxeEl2hk/s320/DSC09366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/graceful-shawl">Graceful</a>" Shawl using bulky handspun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sock knitting continues with the second of <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A</a>'s "Elm" pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0307586804/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=11974299248&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=424632207511756806&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_3klui1iosx_e"><u>The Knitter's Book of Socks</u></a> by <a href="http://claraswindow.blogspot.com/">Clara Parkes</a>. Decided to make these for Zig, as the leg is very slender and thus will fit him well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA8Fe4Rf7xs/UBfvcLqwMXI/AAAAAAAAA7s/p4PED6FpNn0/s1600/DSC09367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA8Fe4Rf7xs/UBfvcLqwMXI/AAAAAAAAA7s/p4PED6FpNn0/s320/DSC09367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A</a>'s "Elm" Sock #1 for Zig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I did some SERIOUS stash enhancement over the last two weeks, visiting two local yarn shops - <a href="http://www.eaglesnestyarns.com/">Eagle's Nest Yarns</a> in Waldoboro and <a href="http://www.purldiva.com/">Purl Diva</a> in Brunswick, as well as scoring some locally produced yarn and fiber at the Pemaquid Farmers' Market just up the road from us. So much for stash reduction/control. <br />
<br />
Now it's off to the beach for some sun, reading, and knitting. More later...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0