tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15110081304142109032024-03-13T01:57:37.128-07:00Yarns From The SouthlandFrancois Stewart Designs
Yarns From The SouthlandLenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.comBlogger679125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-56834004267176912762016-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:002016-05-23T08:23:10.157-07:00What Constitutes Happiness For One. . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corra-2" target="_blank">Corra</a>, a top down pullover by Jo Allport makes for quick and successful knitting. The original pattern is knit in one color of Araucania Kiñe. But with a blank canvas of stitches to work with, I did perhaps go off scheme.<br />
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<i> - - - - Step up on Soap Box - - - -</i> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HMFqUf12pGt63hJ5YQX1izqiLM2VZQwlL8EXl18gU8USO5IwrtUZEVR1v_JLHwPtQsXnX9JDr3V33MNP7rQHageRksftEcQpIr0-fkw8UYPFjqq5xY7E6FVXf_NXXAWCk8St4i_qYYY/s1600/WonkyFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HMFqUf12pGt63hJ5YQX1izqiLM2VZQwlL8EXl18gU8USO5IwrtUZEVR1v_JLHwPtQsXnX9JDr3V33MNP7rQHageRksftEcQpIr0-fkw8UYPFjqq5xY7E6FVXf_NXXAWCk8St4i_qYYY/s320/WonkyFSD.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Color! I love color. Asymmetrical color makes me very pleased and nigh on to giddy. Where is it written that sleeves must be the same color? Who ever said that a pocket must be aligned with some vertical or horizontal perfection? <br />
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My style might not be to your liking. And your style might not be to my way of thinking. However - and this is the whole point - <b><u>t</u><u>his yarn thing lets each person decide personally what constitutes happiness</u></b>. <br />
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<i> - - - - Exit Soap Box - - - -</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIOhOyaTDa2Cao3RQI03-MOdqvXqtsBUbwo8XWi_NTN0Qv0hRTlubH9OZ_p3ra4ItKlu6A4E3m4jkJEkbIVrQqnoHEj2-0nNZdKWoEX87Ld2-zl8DHyU7Pf_eTplf7pUL6VjxGBf0K5o/s1600/WonkyStripesFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIOhOyaTDa2Cao3RQI03-MOdqvXqtsBUbwo8XWi_NTN0Qv0hRTlubH9OZ_p3ra4ItKlu6A4E3m4jkJEkbIVrQqnoHEj2-0nNZdKWoEX87Ld2-zl8DHyU7Pf_eTplf7pUL6VjxGBf0K5o/s200/WonkyStripesFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/stewlf/corra" target="_blank">Wonky</a> version of Corra is two colors of Kiñe interrupted by <a href="http://baahyarn.com/users/editorialdisp.php?mn=713388&fn=LaJolla" target="_blank">Baah! La Jolla</a> (a mini skein did all of this striping!) <br />
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Yes, the Kiñe is dk. Yes, the La Jolla is fingering. Who cares? Not me. I just keep knitting and let the needle circumference & surrounding stitches take care of making it all work out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX4ofLvdRjLc9RKF-VL5GBjGNs4Jh7nhZis5sStYbLni30KCqtexjuXAbL7HuILOhTvjq99RvsaoiQVoCLdboi-S3cUXeEzZNngx0xJQwUkG0Fbp06Q-BkZz18fSPgMENNJN2qf6Prbc/s1600/WonkyPocketFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX4ofLvdRjLc9RKF-VL5GBjGNs4Jh7nhZis5sStYbLni30KCqtexjuXAbL7HuILOhTvjq99RvsaoiQVoCLdboi-S3cUXeEzZNngx0xJQwUkG0Fbp06Q-BkZz18fSPgMENNJN2qf6Prbc/s200/WonkyPocketFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<i> </i>There is no pocket on the pattern. I added this one by picking up at the bottom seed stitch edge. No, it isn't exactly on the front. It isn't exactly centered on the middle stitch of the side. It is skewed toward the front and of a size that it will not hold a phone. But it will hold keys or mad money and that pop makes me happy.<br />
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Go back to the first photo of smiling me and notice that the sleeves are different. One is black. Why. Because I like it that way. No other reason. Well, it does cause the casual observer to take a second look and admire my handknit sweater and wonder how they, too, might own such a marvel of happiness. And that also make me happy.<br />
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Always keep 'em guessing. <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-53509176189156192372016-05-09T08:44:00.000-07:002016-05-09T08:44:06.215-07:00Eleventy Million Stitches Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC1b-i-eNh_zOxpNvmJEm-_I6BLhmkeNHZF7V3Mn6eu5hvG__-JjoxS52QSlx0ICWtbNzFI1HjYKgsam62ATZigbnOZ6QLlv45fD8qn4ZLO2cDN2zWlvdJMAz-gYQGLBasTlgiN5zCT4/s1600/WesterlyBreezeEndsFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFC1b-i-eNh_zOxpNvmJEm-_I6BLhmkeNHZF7V3Mn6eu5hvG__-JjoxS52QSlx0ICWtbNzFI1HjYKgsam62ATZigbnOZ6QLlv45fD8qn4ZLO2cDN2zWlvdJMAz-gYQGLBasTlgiN5zCT4/s200/WesterlyBreezeEndsFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wqxbi91AfQOXaZvrjNRx2TAZiEK65YHdnBr9RYTgGIWu3NPy3YTMvxUDcDfuZnekvBfQKhNF5_S0OBKfFpk9oD3d1PN67XV4DTDlNSb0W2_A3AFEm2w9SuCGjFAL_UlGrPfkjIjYGeU/s1600/WesterlyBreezeEdgeFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wqxbi91AfQOXaZvrjNRx2TAZiEK65YHdnBr9RYTgGIWu3NPy3YTMvxUDcDfuZnekvBfQKhNF5_S0OBKfFpk9oD3d1PN67XV4DTDlNSb0W2_A3AFEm2w9SuCGjFAL_UlGrPfkjIjYGeU/s200/WesterlyBreezeEdgeFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a>The<span style="font-size: small;"> deed is done! Yes, it did feel like eleventy million stitches to bind off and I might have uttered frustration toward anyone who would listen. But, 'tis done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">And properly washed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">On a side note, I don't weave in ends until all the blocking is done and fully dry. This allows the ends to match the blocked gauge rather than the unblocked gauge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It works for me. </span> <br />
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Many who have graciously posted Knit 'n Slide photos on Ravelry indicate an aggressive blocking. For a moment, I to went that route.<br />
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But, as if often the case with this old Cajun, my gears shifted mid-pin & wire.<br />
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The yoga mat that is my go-to-blocking-mat wanted to grab & hold the fiber. So. I let it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjFQ23gleb0YIS84-rZEkkB4HPI0NA6Z_0qNEdqJFFgGMnNv_r8Mzz-Jh8rE6MuOp7iUbwUYi5fUmF7FP8jX76pQtMj7ZG0XTNwASbTYI6UrphirdsxIKld7j9e4iLjEHLdq1p4peORQ/s1600/WesterlyBreezeFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjFQ23gleb0YIS84-rZEkkB4HPI0NA6Z_0qNEdqJFFgGMnNv_r8Mzz-Jh8rE6MuOp7iUbwUYi5fUmF7FP8jX76pQtMj7ZG0XTNwASbTYI6UrphirdsxIKld7j9e4iLjEHLdq1p4peORQ/s200/WesterlyBreezeFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a>A nice soft undulating edge was the result. And I like it. Mostly I like it because 1) it saved a whole heap of time, and 2) the plan is the wrap and wear this one with jeans or my cotton jersey grey summer dress. And the soft edge is casual enough for both of those ensembles.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-12759013088660134152016-05-02T08:37:00.000-07:002016-05-02T08:37:00.667-07:00Knit 'N Slog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It started out so innocent. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knit-n-slide" target="_blank">Knit 'n Slide</a> by <a href="http://westknits.com/" target="_blank">Himself</a> - Stephen West.<br />
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Look at how cute and not daunting it is. Just a few knit stitches, a slide back to the beginning and a few more knit stitches. Turn and repeat.<br />
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Awwwwwww. <br />
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And then this happened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeEd4547ocnWXyoBKwO1Qk-OgY3YRx5wTXeyRnd0GqO46w8Q9J1CUm0pExFTH8MNnrdy3JA3rfljjcGTVXspZoL6jQr5QEdiAVxQnnBJShmrYopnWmPxBEDNkBas0Ke5zV2keXr5o2YI/s1600/KNSlideBodyFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeEd4547ocnWXyoBKwO1Qk-OgY3YRx5wTXeyRnd0GqO46w8Q9J1CUm0pExFTH8MNnrdy3JA3rfljjcGTVXspZoL6jQr5QEdiAVxQnnBJShmrYopnWmPxBEDNkBas0Ke5zV2keXr5o2YI/s200/KNSlideBodyFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It grew. The only excitement was the occasional row of k2tog and yo.<br />
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YO, YO, YO, YO. The knitter's life for me.<br />
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I knit. A lot. Boredom set in. <br />
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But I kept knitting.<br />
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Finally the excitement began. Color 3 was introduced and there was actual reading of the pattern in order to knit a pattern. Boredom vanished.<br />
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Enter a state of slogging along.<br />
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I carried the thing around whilst doing domestic chores. Every spare block of time was devoted to the thing.<br />
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A lot of stitches became even more stitches.<br />
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And those stitches barely fit on the longest #4 needle I own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiJXVwNWLxm6gVtkDb2oRrzzUQYaX8M0DOf0soo-UEz41OuDGTSTOwZWguapf60dExAO4p71srcESMcmBGOPDoZGRDjnjicuiSpFd9J2-hbkLsLZW0HN1ufLVArr-jwA6SI9LE1fvbQk/s1600/KNSlideBumpsFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiJXVwNWLxm6gVtkDb2oRrzzUQYaX8M0DOf0soo-UEz41OuDGTSTOwZWguapf60dExAO4p71srcESMcmBGOPDoZGRDjnjicuiSpFd9J2-hbkLsLZW0HN1ufLVArr-jwA6SI9LE1fvbQk/s200/KNSlideBumpsFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I knit big holes. I knit short rows.<br />
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I knit a lot!<br />
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One hour per row.<br />
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One friggin' hour just to knit one row. How am I supposed to find enough hours in the day to make row progress and still have time to get in the 10,000 steps that keep a girl healthy?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I've started counting stitches as steps and calling the knitting thing exercise.</i></span> </div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-65251786626514873882016-04-22T08:12:00.000-07:002016-05-21T08:29:52.154-07:00Ready For Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rectangles Rock! While my real mantra might be "I am the Master of my yarn, I am the Captain of my stick(s)," my second mantra is probably "I can make anything from a rectangle."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsYbueWHBVAbNNWd9rYo0VaSSfyq2Npb4j3hO32HYVPUTtuzc6g0NpP7n4ll5SieotAJzC3T2O6whmlPRQoLMokpZMBqbUjt6TY9Xqwt3m1r903WYquQdS3_l8Dp03zrNzg4_qrru9X8/s1600/VoyageIIFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsYbueWHBVAbNNWd9rYo0VaSSfyq2Npb4j3hO32HYVPUTtuzc6g0NpP7n4ll5SieotAJzC3T2O6whmlPRQoLMokpZMBqbUjt6TY9Xqwt3m1r903WYquQdS3_l8Dp03zrNzg4_qrru9X8/s200/VoyageIIFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><i>Voyage</i> is my latest rectangle based sleeveless top. It has a basic boat neck design. The <a href="https://www.plymouthyarn.com/yarn/nettle-grove-item-802" target="_blank">Nettle Grove from Plymouth Yarn</a> has the look of watercolor when knit up. It is a unique blend: 45% Cotton, 28% Linen, 12% Nettle, 15% Silk. AND - get this - it is machine washable and can be tumble dried. Ain't that cool???<br />
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I don't really write up a pattern for these rectangular tops. Sometimes I cheat and make the body part in the round. However this yarn wanted side seams, so it is knit flat.<br />
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The basic recipe is this:<br />
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<li>figure out YOUR gauge (using intended needles) and cast on for front. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This is called Knitter's Math. I've finally gotten over the horror. You can too.</i></span></li>
<li>knit any ribbing for 6 - 8 rows or as desired.</li>
<li>SS until the length will reach your underarm.</li>
<li>Change to garter*: RS= k5, YO, ssk, k to last 7 sts, k2tog, YO, k5. WS = knit across.</li>
<li>Bind off when piece measures desired length.</li>
<li>Make a back exactly the same. </li>
<li>Sew side and shoulder seams. </li>
</ul>
That's it, folks. <br />
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Well except if you want a different neck line. Then you knit in shoulders on each side (aka little rectangles) and proceed along. <br />
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* The change to garter is not really required. The majority of the upper section can be seed, ss or rss or what ever floats your boat. BUT - and this is<b> quite important</b> - keep 5 - 6 (or more) edge stitches in a flat stitch pattern (ie garter, seed, double moss, etc.) so that the arm hole edge does not curl.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-28337588907049703932016-04-19T08:07:00.000-07:002016-04-19T08:07:08.658-07:00Thriving and Surviving In A Yarn World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While the world whirled onward, the Los Angeles County Yarn Crawl swiftly moved through four days of fabulous thrills and lots of "stashing."<br />
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For two days I worked <a href="http://layarncrawl.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Crawl</i></a> and loved every minute of meeting, greeting, stamping, pinning and encouraging participants. We gave out prizes! And surprised many a crawler who did not know about our secret unannounced door prizes (a staff alarm randomly sounded and the next customer to walk in received yarn!)<br />
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The real heroes down at <a href="http://www.theknittingtreela.com/" target="_blank">The Knitting Tree, LA</a> are Jane (mastermind of the plan and the one with all knowledge ), Chris (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/christopher-bahls" target="_blank">brilliant designer</a> and super colorist), Annette (owner and the personality behind the vibe & community spirit) and Bruce (owner and proponent of superb customer service). <br />
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To all the crawlers, we raise a glass in salute. Thank you one and all.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-77261089384197777012016-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:002016-04-18T08:18:04.475-07:00Tree Topper - Free Pattern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just making it a little easier to have the pattern. The PDF is downloaded from the home page of our <a href="http://francoisstewart.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But. . . . some people like to see before they download.</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDBxTprW7Y8QePCSXOiSkFQWQcDUwaIERb9Ogcn3fxdweDdia9ANGXa2VAPU3OPSTP32yxc-Puy1WtaGU53hpeQ618zk9efZDGGc1eILl4BoAM-YsK1wxy3tWpiAfMhgHw_snVScaTLw/s1600/TreeTopperPonchoFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDBxTprW7Y8QePCSXOiSkFQWQcDUwaIERb9Ogcn3fxdweDdia9ANGXa2VAPU3OPSTP32yxc-Puy1WtaGU53hpeQ618zk9efZDGGc1eILl4BoAM-YsK1wxy3tWpiAfMhgHw_snVScaTLw/s200/TreeTopperPonchoFSD.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Tree Topper</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">
is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cowloncho</i> – part cowl, part
poncho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extended crochet stitches
created a flexible fabric with just the right amount of stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrast edging is finished with an armhole
that converts the cowl into an asymmetrical poncho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worked side-to-side the pattern is easily
adaptable for both chest and height measurements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Bust: S (34), (M (36), L (40))
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Length: Petite 16 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tall 20 inches<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Crochet Hook I (5.5mm) or size
to get gauge</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">Gauge<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15 stitches & 6 rows = 4” in Body stitch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"></span>Yarn:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MC 1 (1,2) balls Cascade Roslyn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Color 12</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">CC 1 (1,1) ball Cascade Roslyn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Color 16</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">FDC</span></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"> –
Foundation Double Crochet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and insert hook into chain furthest from
hook, YO and pull up a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and pull
through first loop on hook (extra chain stitch inserted), YO and complete DC as
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For subsequent FDC stitches YO
and insert hook into the V at bottom of previous stitch (that extra chain), YO
and pull up a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and pull through
first loop on hook (extra chain stitch inserted), YO and complete DC as normal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">EDC</span></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"> – Extended
Double Crochet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and insert hook into
stitch. YO and pull up a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and
pull through first loop on hook (extra chain stitch inserted), YO and complete
DC as normal.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">FPETC</span></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"> – Front
Post Extended Treble Crochet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">YO twice, insert hook from front to back around post of
indicated stitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YO and pull up a loop,
</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">YO and pull through first loop on hook, </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">[YO and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Body</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">With MC work 60 fdc (petite)
or 75 fdc (tall); turn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">RS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 4 (counts as edc here and throughout),
edc, fpetc (worked in foundation row<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>below), edc to last 3 sts, fpetc (worked in Row below), 2 edc .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(60/75 sts for petite/tall)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">WS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 4, work edc in each stitch across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn (60/75 sts for petite/tall)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">RS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 4, edc, fpetc (worked around fpetc below),
edc to last 3 sts, fpetc (worked around fpetc below), 2 edc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Repeat these last 2 rows
22(22, 25) times ending having just worked a RS row.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Break yarn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Edge</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">With RS facing, attach CC to
right corner of edge just completed (in turning chain)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Set up:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 3, skip 2 st, *[(2dc, ch2, 2 dc) in next
stitch, skip 4 st].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat from * to
last 3 sts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work (2dc, ch2, 2 dc) in
next stitch, skip 1, dc in last stitch. Turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPdh4vFIlujb_t8mAQQCi_ua5Knd8b0cMiBmH65oqzbjhPBp17ec04KM2Ev-lF03b_RWBkWRruvbfEGFMdyIvsTEfCAdE51TqDqasBKhH4iVRzsXq1TL7ReLK0oqGW6Jb8fxLqHvi7TY/s1600/TreeTopperCowlFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPdh4vFIlujb_t8mAQQCi_ua5Knd8b0cMiBmH65oqzbjhPBp17ec04KM2Ev-lF03b_RWBkWRruvbfEGFMdyIvsTEfCAdE51TqDqasBKhH4iVRzsXq1TL7ReLK0oqGW6Jb8fxLqHvi7TY/s200/TreeTopperCowlFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Pattern Row:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ch 3 *(2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2 sp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat from * across ending with dc in top of
turning chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Repeat Pattern Row 4(6, 8)
more times or to desired width.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Repeat Edge for other side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Side Seam</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">With WS together and working
from RS, attach CC yarn to lower Edge with a slipstitch<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- catching both front and back together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Ch2, *(skip 2dc, 2sc through
ch2 space (front & back held together), ch4). Repeat from * for desired
seam depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End with slip stitch in a
ch2 space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>END.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sew shoulder seams across CC
Edge and as far into MC body as desired.</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">
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<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">©2016 Lenora
Francois Stewart. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of
these instructions, we cannot be held responsible for human or typographical
errors, variations in individual work, or misinterpretation of instructions.
|www.francoisstewartdesigns | on Ravelry: stewlf</span></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-35110329840135479402016-04-15T08:30:00.000-07:002016-04-15T08:30:19.251-07:00Tree Topper Cowloncho<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This year has been filled with twists and turns. Happy thrilling moments and a few days best left in the "forget about it" column.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In and among all of the action, the rectangle has been my friend. I often joke that I can make anything out of rectangles! And thus began my exploration of the <i>cowloncho</i>. I've made them with knit as the body and crochet edging. I've made them with a crochet body and a knit edge. And now, a pure crochet version is off the needles and ready for its release.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<b>Tree Topper</b> is
a <i>cowloncho</i> – part cowl, part
poncho. Extended crochet stitches
created a flexible fabric with just the right amount of stretch. Contrast edging is finished with an armhole
that converts the cowl into an asymmetrical poncho. Worked side-to-side the pattern is easily
adaptable for both chest and height measurements.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKULPPgSY98mCKuqivQqtFLXDVjoSAmzME4aCyuPhDCd3oLwB_7V0tP5-l3g_q6wOHKsa8GjsuXssQOJYwhdNOmdaLvrnbWQZJXkgLR_eIa8dsFZ7OLmxPczx9XtDzbpXQA3uvY2I58X4/s1600/TreeTopperPonchoFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKULPPgSY98mCKuqivQqtFLXDVjoSAmzME4aCyuPhDCd3oLwB_7V0tP5-l3g_q6wOHKsa8GjsuXssQOJYwhdNOmdaLvrnbWQZJXkgLR_eIa8dsFZ7OLmxPczx9XtDzbpXQA3uvY2I58X4/s320/TreeTopperPonchoFSD.jpg" width="177" /></a> This is Tree Topper worn in a poncho style. The armhole in the contrast edge holds the thing in place.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And here is the same Tree Topper worn as a cowl. The contrast edge that includes the armhole becomes a fun statement on the fabric swath.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Go ahead and give it a try. The pattern is available for FREE at this link:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/46427863/TreeTopper_FSD2016.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tree Topper by François Stewart Designs</a></span></span></div>
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-66665079718444597022016-02-23T08:30:00.000-08:002016-02-23T08:30:07.298-08:00The Rest Of The Cleaning Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_OnPuFDojUx9neXNX-zL1wCtcPUXKGTnqJRm3ii41UZi6q51gZM79Ymx3vVRwE2-V0wLlPGBx-DM-AlZi2XIgtaZsdKpylU6KQsz6U09ciJRbhZ8YrUAWz6dGpup8OraZ71qGcQUREU/s1600/IMG_9334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_OnPuFDojUx9neXNX-zL1wCtcPUXKGTnqJRm3ii41UZi6q51gZM79Ymx3vVRwE2-V0wLlPGBx-DM-AlZi2XIgtaZsdKpylU6KQsz6U09ciJRbhZ8YrUAWz6dGpup8OraZ71qGcQUREU/s320/IMG_9334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The great yarn studio cleaning and organizing resulted in a pile of trash. <br />
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Shipping boxes and bags, little bits of left over yarn, ruined items, and just plain junk that could not be used by anyone. We were ruthless in tossing.<br />
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Not to worry.<br />
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We were careful and generous in the donating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQpGbdHAiVWtrrQPve1vvZ-DEc4BtXnMCa7aYO3Gjggss2UgYquI9IiqjKDukfxXBRAI4L1GbyS6uzffkxPC42J_EVl31Kpr8Q6QMt0zWmxqEDww4jZDnRCe5cys4k1zsyRphUEcv13s/s1600/IMG_9368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQpGbdHAiVWtrrQPve1vvZ-DEc4BtXnMCa7aYO3Gjggss2UgYquI9IiqjKDukfxXBRAI4L1GbyS6uzffkxPC42J_EVl31Kpr8Q6QMt0zWmxqEDww4jZDnRCe5cys4k1zsyRphUEcv13s/s320/IMG_9368.jpg" width="240" /></a>Twenty hats, scarfs and cowl were donated to three worthy causes. The box in this photo is filled with yarn destined to a group that knits and crochets for foster youth. And the white bag is filled with yarn skeins that went to a fundraiser at my local guild.<br />
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Getting rid of the junk was cathartic. <br />
Giving was a blessing.<br />
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Life is good.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-87230568008061584442016-02-22T09:26:00.000-08:002016-02-22T09:26:00.214-08:00Yarn Work Is Not Always Glamorous<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
She who is a crocheting miracle and I set out to clean the yarn studio. Actually, she told me that "we" were going to do it. I had no choice. But once we started we worked without stopping and at such a speed that a mere three hours later, the deed was done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Hy8eRES34lNwnack2cupSogANfb6taiijqRIRJrST6XjIM6HquABDC-CVLilv3WkHdxlj9lefB9gGPIiMWc4vf_2HtyvmEFhhhZ-7qD3meqGIK1eb-VxztZ5RTYouqCGDZHYbx4DyE/s1600/IMG_9338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_Hy8eRES34lNwnack2cupSogANfb6taiijqRIRJrST6XjIM6HquABDC-CVLilv3WkHdxlj9lefB9gGPIiMWc4vf_2HtyvmEFhhhZ-7qD3meqGIK1eb-VxztZ5RTYouqCGDZHYbx4DyE/s200/IMG_9338.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
The day started with dumping and pulling and culling. Great thought was put into the task.<br />
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<i>Is this ten yards actually usable or tossable?</i><br />
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<i>Can this half skein be donated?</i><br />
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<i>What program benefits from these hats we forgot about?</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51mA89T1VDk3YzPBW7iesecPH9ZOe9vtKc7JU-Bo_aSQ5khbMFMhDoYQvnlotE8XVITMv4agn8KnbkMdKM9xX4iy7G9TbhCNqiTI0RJONHVJZWnBNJfWAhJzziclhsRzso6T_uW5wTrU/s1600/IMG_9341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51mA89T1VDk3YzPBW7iesecPH9ZOe9vtKc7JU-Bo_aSQ5khbMFMhDoYQvnlotE8XVITMv4agn8KnbkMdKM9xX4iy7G9TbhCNqiTI0RJONHVJZWnBNJfWAhJzziclhsRzso6T_uW5wTrU/s200/IMG_9341.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
She who crochets started in the far dark corner. The good news is that we own a bag of stuffing. The bad news is I never sewed up the bear. <br />
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Some areas were easy to reorganize. I'm not much for color organization - or yarn weight either. Most of the sock yarn is in bins, but the open hanging things let me see a lot at one time.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSoO6edzIZJ25_K-Dy-zSSJNUd-zQIuH7PrR-VnQUUzzMvO8EnLXGiXlKA0w7skAYLXt7SZJFJL7F0QRfCYjF3oj1KERgt95AVVn2b7UUfy6Jzr7W3qa9f3xhfr4Q-BviSJ-NDC00Jc8/s1600/IMG_9342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSoO6edzIZJ25_K-Dy-zSSJNUd-zQIuH7PrR-VnQUUzzMvO8EnLXGiXlKA0w7skAYLXt7SZJFJL7F0QRfCYjF3oj1KERgt95AVVn2b7UUfy6Jzr7W3qa9f3xhfr4Q-BviSJ-NDC00Jc8/s200/IMG_9342.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
I'm a big picture type and being able to see "it all" encourages me to mix and mingle in new ways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaFs7PcEGje8hSNqE0sy8vcCBDjvomHHYC0LC5GbbbrwAaK0r-GH8doa5-5GaLxfXlAQVkBrNvrPG5U3HPaeo7SYXXBfMkjG8n4xoUuhdU9Cfwo9iQGrG60zcEV_oaJjdH6amubaYSKg/s1600/IMG_9344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaFs7PcEGje8hSNqE0sy8vcCBDjvomHHYC0LC5GbbbrwAaK0r-GH8doa5-5GaLxfXlAQVkBrNvrPG5U3HPaeo7SYXXBfMkjG8n4xoUuhdU9Cfwo9iQGrG60zcEV_oaJjdH6amubaYSKg/s200/IMG_9344.jpg" width="150" /></a>Someone else is more of the "whole project in one spot" type of organizer. One room, one closet and we are both able to have our own method.<br />
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Over the years, our storage devices have been cobbled together. It's mostly a mix of left over organization methods that we stuffed into the closet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcekVdl4Q-HiJPewxN7fLdp7M3pC2newCFzbJzPJtQ7H74x9BO1wb9hQn9Y8Oc87h3m3V-GweuCqV6i0xQn-vRjztgiBlVICyeNpNBcqWHE1FpT80zD_GoFuyD1ykiThmiq1aHpuH0_GU/s1600/IMG_9345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcekVdl4Q-HiJPewxN7fLdp7M3pC2newCFzbJzPJtQ7H74x9BO1wb9hQn9Y8Oc87h3m3V-GweuCqV6i0xQn-vRjztgiBlVICyeNpNBcqWHE1FpT80zD_GoFuyD1ykiThmiq1aHpuH0_GU/s200/IMG_9345.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
She is really organized. <br />
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All in all, it was a super morning. And we did such a fabulous job of getting "everything" stored away, that the floor could be cleaned. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmuue8d2hKJnr6Bo_C5pJmBhauBKkBdEYFUldjh-h2karzWPMB98-JcRcPKac3eE8arUjKJ8Y6bO2iSbMHMdaNlXnCcfdd8ca25KsWvP4ZdhGrbafY5UFwTiftUG8EncHvBWY0kFVJb0/s1600/IMG_9349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmuue8d2hKJnr6Bo_C5pJmBhauBKkBdEYFUldjh-h2karzWPMB98-JcRcPKac3eE8arUjKJ8Y6bO2iSbMHMdaNlXnCcfdd8ca25KsWvP4ZdhGrbafY5UFwTiftUG8EncHvBWY0kFVJb0/s200/IMG_9349.jpg" width="150" /></a>Yes, I actually vacuumed! It felt good. <br />
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What you are not seeing (yet) is the pile of hats, scarfs and yarn that we can donate. Everyone benefits from the effort. And that feels really really good.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-85025523739730605262016-02-03T08:30:00.000-08:002016-02-03T08:30:00.589-08:00Living And Knitting Silicon Beach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Silicon Valley might have a longer history, but <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Beach" target="_blank">Silicon Beach</a> is hot, hot, hot. For the last three and a half years, the area has be command central for Clan Stewart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pYMvIt9qWcfgv3NrHW8f_H_EWohbITagRJVHr3TrAZtRWL79PJ0mX0oDKmFRdyq0WFa3B-qm81vf6d9Ji9MzJxNO-hJytM6ZfrlqcWXLEwQtl_VoL31YEC7FAJSkYMWlQPYR7gABxjA/s1600/SiliconBeachEdgeFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pYMvIt9qWcfgv3NrHW8f_H_EWohbITagRJVHr3TrAZtRWL79PJ0mX0oDKmFRdyq0WFa3B-qm81vf6d9Ji9MzJxNO-hJytM6ZfrlqcWXLEwQtl_VoL31YEC7FAJSkYMWlQPYR7gABxjA/s200/SiliconBeachEdgeFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This was the beginning of my long scarf which is now named Silicon Beach. Every day, the tech employees can be seen walking, biking, boarding and even driving around sporting neck wear that is wrapped and wrapped into a personal statement. <br />
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Silly me. I cast on twenty-nine gazillion stitches in lace weight and set out to knit a sideways scarf with one beaded edge. Well. The thing did end up long enough to wrap and twist and gather into an expression of the wearer - all 125.5 inches of the thing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8htMFganHUP593K06AYDZ7sY4K54nJ9FbPBHIGVHToZR8HA4fyin5MeBZHaWlcfAiNGzi3krMC7ue7VFLcjjxGmaFLk6Pfn9CwfPcRXRhgpqlykciFI9rkMLjq7veN0BhuTczxfcv0dg/s1600/SiliconBeachScarfFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8htMFganHUP593K06AYDZ7sY4K54nJ9FbPBHIGVHToZR8HA4fyin5MeBZHaWlcfAiNGzi3krMC7ue7VFLcjjxGmaFLk6Pfn9CwfPcRXRhgpqlykciFI9rkMLjq7veN0BhuTczxfcv0dg/s320/SiliconBeachScarfFSD.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This is what it looks like all scrunched up. The <a href="http://happyfuzzyyarn.com/colorways/yarn-colorways/" target="_blank">Happy Fuzzy</a> lace is in the verdigris colorway which is a <a href="http://francoisstewartdesigns.blogspot.com/2015/10/knittus-interruptus.html" target="_blank">natural complement to the copper beads</a>.<br />
<span id="goog_42210139"></span><span id="goog_42210140"></span><br />
<span id="goog_42210139">There is no real pattern other than my desire to practice a new cast on edge - with a twist and the beads.</span><span id="goog_42210140"></span><br />
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All in all, the result makes me happy and fits the vibe of Silicon Beach.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">PS - yes, those are Mardi Gras beads under the scarf. Feb. 9 is fast approaching!</span></i></div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-80788723521260746682016-01-29T08:30:00.000-08:002016-02-01T11:29:50.200-08:00Cowloncho #2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh yes, I did it again. Meet Lockroy - a cowloncho with a crochet body and knit sides. I am really enjoying this "one rectangle, two seams" type of creation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi853Uu3HKa7g08oBYGTVlR2vqXgl4CAehYPou2XtwVQsiGOTM-bWBRhh8N-1uNzN_i0ezK2gVxwa-LUdHW-vPq2br98emTqlL1vL9F_SIvPJbbhAWMKfQXD901bi0BCMzN9KrB5VkfTWM/s1600/LockroyCowlonchoFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi853Uu3HKa7g08oBYGTVlR2vqXgl4CAehYPou2XtwVQsiGOTM-bWBRhh8N-1uNzN_i0ezK2gVxwa-LUdHW-vPq2br98emTqlL1vL9F_SIvPJbbhAWMKfQXD901bi0BCMzN9KrB5VkfTWM/s200/LockroyCowlonchoFSD.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
After completing all the stitchery, Lockroy looked flat. There was no pop even though the yarn textures and colors were complementary. <i> Just blah</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuRGmsyVG3MSo1xzGGzRse2-1sVgv1c7Whu8ORY-BixhFxkldz5JH2eEWMrczbqHGFhdnuiLEHK3l5tZpDUT3i7NMpo1m9ihCYvOZVk4gqI0AUwlOv1eFxJMjriKoFcLp-Xx8t4SLLgo/s1600/LockroyCowlonchoFullFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuRGmsyVG3MSo1xzGGzRse2-1sVgv1c7Whu8ORY-BixhFxkldz5JH2eEWMrczbqHGFhdnuiLEHK3l5tZpDUT3i7NMpo1m9ihCYvOZVk4gqI0AUwlOv1eFxJMjriKoFcLp-Xx8t4SLLgo/s200/LockroyCowlonchoFullFSD.jpg" width="141" /></a>A quick dive into the button stash revealed four wood buttons that were perfect for embellishing the transitional bridge from crochet to knit. There really are four buttons on this cowloncho. The last one is on the back side at the bottom.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">And aren't you glad that I spared the world a photo of my backside bottom?</span></i><br />
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The yarns are listed on this <a href="http://ravel.me/stewlf/lc" target="_blank">project page</a> if you are interested in specifics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F9KXz7FG0QQPXSCC_B89FDlmQHF4vSiokwMr_w5endJa52QHMgmM5MbxPJDAxZufuaUByG_4aqn-zJ2vNK2Kr2o2ADa8XvucObX8RpZcSTWif4dc7dQL0tv2lFOnfZMc-9HDhrJManQ/s1600/LockroySlCowlonchoFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F9KXz7FG0QQPXSCC_B89FDlmQHF4vSiokwMr_w5endJa52QHMgmM5MbxPJDAxZufuaUByG_4aqn-zJ2vNK2Kr2o2ADa8XvucObX8RpZcSTWif4dc7dQL0tv2lFOnfZMc-9HDhrJManQ/s200/LockroySlCowlonchoFSD.jpg" width="147" /></a>The crochet body is a swath of esc (extented single crochet) interrupted near the edges with a line of fpedc (front post extended double crochet). Those knitted side panels are pure silk - no fancy work needed to let the silk shine in simple stockinette.<br />
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Not much else to say except VOILA!<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-6264446324166872132016-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:002016-02-01T11:29:33.552-08:00Cowloncho: Part Cowl, Part Poncho<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One skein of this. One skein of that. Put them together and what have you got? A cowloncho!<br />
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I might be stuck in a groove. A wonderfully happy groove of mixing yarns and skills. Joining knit stitches with crochet work has always fascinated me. Whether as a simple edge, dimensional embellishment or full blown mix it up throughout, I love making texture with stick and hook.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw8K3d5xCefsAlyTr3tK3OYDz2ztl5eeB9JuX2SBfecrsq9EoG0O0HgGk9Uh2YpzdCMrCyH59G0k8cEPutydmY33ou37nuSrp2QRb4BGcsHi8FR-VryH0qIPX7L1p6wmXEk70kpxV8R4/s1600/LemaireChannelCowlonchoDetail_FSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw8K3d5xCefsAlyTr3tK3OYDz2ztl5eeB9JuX2SBfecrsq9EoG0O0HgGk9Uh2YpzdCMrCyH59G0k8cEPutydmY33ou37nuSrp2QRb4BGcsHi8FR-VryH0qIPX7L1p6wmXEk70kpxV8R4/s200/LemaireChannelCowlonchoDetail_FSD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ravel.me/stewlf/lcc" target="_blank">Lemaire Channel</a> is my first cowloncho. You can read about the yarns by clicking the link to the Ravelry <a href="http://ravel.me/stewlf/lcc" target="_blank">project page</a>. The main body is knit at a loose gauge. Then edges are crocheted on (can you say "sparkle yarn?"). A few strategic seams and the cowloncho is ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAKyM9iSPguFb05GORLI2Bcu_9MtfUM4qAvttgfhy9TVRf6tRMnoOy7ge0A-S6MoNB7QqoM489413b45mjBCi_VJ5U2jmJ7SVtzh0YGDluCKKHV61bJiJ_KDpv5hfrQHqICv8bYipewg/s1600/LemairChannelCowlonchoCFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAKyM9iSPguFb05GORLI2Bcu_9MtfUM4qAvttgfhy9TVRf6tRMnoOy7ge0A-S6MoNB7QqoM489413b45mjBCi_VJ5U2jmJ7SVtzh0YGDluCKKHV61bJiJ_KDpv5hfrQHqICv8bYipewg/s200/LemairChannelCowlonchoCFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a>It can be worn as a simple cowl if the arm hole is ignored.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3gB8Q5qMAfvnEJLF7wPuqrkR7pO1pNhGMBijS8L-45gC81pjfWIIT12s1By6xT6HXEW6J95YgKubDyEIrqgJ0-3DYfPUzsGlozn8RfvSDS30QRcY0E9_IOUS4ylIxgi9Zjmz7APRl_A/s1600/LemaireChannelCowloncho_FSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3gB8Q5qMAfvnEJLF7wPuqrkR7pO1pNhGMBijS8L-45gC81pjfWIIT12s1By6xT6HXEW6J95YgKubDyEIrqgJ0-3DYfPUzsGlozn8RfvSDS30QRcY0E9_IOUS4ylIxgi9Zjmz7APRl_A/s200/LemaireChannelCowloncho_FSD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24AzvJuluqpbhy8gtU4LuOsMhXjvMonuhGCt6-NTI3Qg1ziNhGUi510MWdWUUh-jjPbmrqvV4PAhaC-Sv74sw1j3XzHjjCJTpfvbruxLX2ahgXHcGd7kZ4d6pPPuKZO6suNJl7QBtgb4/s1600/LemairChannelCowlonchoMFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24AzvJuluqpbhy8gtU4LuOsMhXjvMonuhGCt6-NTI3Qg1ziNhGUi510MWdWUUh-jjPbmrqvV4PAhaC-Sv74sw1j3XzHjjCJTpfvbruxLX2ahgXHcGd7kZ4d6pPPuKZO6suNJl7QBtgb4/s200/LemairChannelCowlonchoMFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
That armhole allows it to be a poncho that stays put. <br />
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Use the armhole and scrunch up the rest like a cowl and you've got a cowloncho.<br />
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Those of you with eagle eyes will notice that it fits both me and she who crochets. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">If you are more in the large or tall category, more than one ball of each yarn will be required. </span><br />
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This made me so excited that I made another version with a crochet body and knit edges. I'm thinking that I'll have to write up both patterns and let you make your own cowloncho. <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-88816913181106225712016-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:002016-02-01T11:29:05.811-08:00The Wonder of Blocking Crochet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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She who crochets (aka Daughter #1) is at it again. Another wrap is off the hook! Place this one in the <i>Well, don't that just stand up and shout bonjour y'all</i> category because of the colorway. This is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CelestialStrings?page=1" target="_blank">Celestial Strings</a> Berry Lemonade in DK weight. And it is UV Reactive. Ain't that fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKs_MqybFaNCMTedcFalVeh1eZseY3GCJAT1dlsl-ll0kVM7NCKhdAYi7m11Dn1hCcB8vXD93HTEldZ1VjrjN5Hy00_-IQ2hcjwC4y8oH7wAqoZWPFf2xczWCg9j5ysjo0Ecvr_Ehm08/s1600/SESWrapUnBFSD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKs_MqybFaNCMTedcFalVeh1eZseY3GCJAT1dlsl-ll0kVM7NCKhdAYi7m11Dn1hCcB8vXD93HTEldZ1VjrjN5Hy00_-IQ2hcjwC4y8oH7wAqoZWPFf2xczWCg9j5ysjo0Ecvr_Ehm08/s320/SESWrapUnBFSD.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZvZA3MvBGc-r7bytSoIminT_w5H-EDNoLk_i75nIWWedW5DMIIL2w7II-kvNFD1Fp3NsQNWLCfeittxj2vuW06zGdnWcKx4uJO7s2G1loPyCvvmsGKmZMf45CtmKI1srd3Q_MaJu73s/s1600/SESWrapBFSD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZvZA3MvBGc-r7bytSoIminT_w5H-EDNoLk_i75nIWWedW5DMIIL2w7II-kvNFD1Fp3NsQNWLCfeittxj2vuW06zGdnWcKx4uJO7s2G1loPyCvvmsGKmZMf45CtmKI1srd3Q_MaJu73s/s320/SESWrapBFSD.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Unblocked.<br />
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Not much to look at and this would not make anyone happy.<br />
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It appears to be random blobs of color.<br />
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A little vinegar water.<br />
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A little soak.<br />
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Well placed blocking wires and sturdy pins opens up the stitchery and shows the grandeur of the work.<br />
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Once she adds a seam, that girl is going to be stylin'.</div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-31394019393473061102015-12-29T08:34:00.000-08:002015-12-29T08:34:06.093-08:00Blocking Tip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Warning: not every project is appropriate for this technique. Think before you block.</span><br />
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That final shawl for 2015 donating was giving me blocking fits. Actually the issue was drying - or rather not drying on the time schedule I needed. Yes, the knitting should not have been put off until the last minutes. Lesson learned.<br />
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The drying issue was of my own making. I picked up the "fold in half" tip from my daughter and lined every thing up. The top garter edge wanted to be put on a blocking wire for straightness. The bottom edge - the one with the mitered garter triangles was playing nice and behaving properly. One wire plus some patting and mushing <i>(technical blocking term)</i> and I turned my back on the thing planning on just an hour of drying time. <br />
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Guess what happens when you put wet wool - even superwash wool - on a towel that wicks away some of the water and then holds it nice and cool and wet? Wet towel under two layers of damp wool does not dry as fast as you expect. <br />
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<b>NOTE:</b> Watched wet wool never dries. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIjm7c388cp02RG26fKAGowGXZHFJLSZHOBF-okv66st8Avdt1FVFo05lLOk-vSmEqouUuG6pxBONGlIvIYIr4QqiEgME1uJRLYOS27f3m0NQopPRtBLglKQI1nin6WFInOFGZXq43Rw/s1600/HangDryFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIjm7c388cp02RG26fKAGowGXZHFJLSZHOBF-okv66st8Avdt1FVFo05lLOk-vSmEqouUuG6pxBONGlIvIYIr4QqiEgME1uJRLYOS27f3m0NQopPRtBLglKQI1nin6WFInOFGZXq43Rw/s200/HangDryFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Remember that part about the bottom edge playing nice? Well, it finally hit my thinking brain cell that I could suspend the wire across the knobs of an upper cabinet and let both sides dry.<br />
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Lickety split air drying. No wonder my mother hung all the laundry out on a clothes line to dry.<br />
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Everything old is new again.</div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-27304785595677156102015-12-21T09:00:00.000-08:002015-12-21T09:00:00.777-08:00Mixing It Up Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Knit stitches and crochet stitches together in the same piece! Yippie. I love mixing up stitches and playing with gauge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2CmgsfCdvzmj_7YEHTP8Bld7FveCg8ushui-L8aCHsbVEem5inZrB174LHmcA6_Ctvn8umS69wYyKyW9KbgUSoCIon68NPlqjEdzEp0UagEd7jfUEIXcGiDKCde2r851iC68PldN204/s1600/RelaxedFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2CmgsfCdvzmj_7YEHTP8Bld7FveCg8ushui-L8aCHsbVEem5inZrB174LHmcA6_Ctvn8umS69wYyKyW9KbgUSoCIon68NPlqjEdzEp0UagEd7jfUEIXcGiDKCde2r851iC68PldN204/s200/RelaxedFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a>Especially when a contrasting color crocheted slip stitch seam is worked on the public side. And maybe a little addition to the hem.<br />
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This seam work and asymmetrical hem belong to a simple pullover that will function as my weekend wear. <br />
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This is Malabrigo Rios. The superwash wool will make for easy care. Color scheme is black, coco and teal feather. <br />
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Oh, happy day.<br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-17555324589987652272015-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:002015-12-18T09:00:00.309-08:00Determined to Finish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvrbmIhXIyrniremnR5vEISH-XtMkrcU78A2U_1AVnA21fAZxF-gMG576UN6aoCRkVvvZbVL9qYx6Ay7YicrZOvH_UcY9WvHDHLczJgSBGLV4_fKNGoy9cNoDbff_ak9EctcgFKc3OwI/s1600/FireOnTheMountainCUFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvrbmIhXIyrniremnR5vEISH-XtMkrcU78A2U_1AVnA21fAZxF-gMG576UN6aoCRkVvvZbVL9qYx6Ay7YicrZOvH_UcY9WvHDHLczJgSBGLV4_fKNGoy9cNoDbff_ak9EctcgFKc3OwI/s200/FireOnTheMountainCUFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Months ago, whilst on summer vacation, these mitered triangles were worked. The yarn does all the work of changing colors. I love this style of yarn because it removed the need to weave in a gazillion ends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Summer was six months ago and still the thing isn't finished. But I am determined. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AMWU2UO4gltE3ierUiLzcqGECZPZBZmY5S_Cvvm5NHQhl_if5E8KIB0myOuhZcdBvkI7mRvxP17w3DEmXOiL0Y_vTt4GAQRjhQ78vLpYKhWpBcVYW7qOXScjYQ6HhJgLWijQvoIFOIg/s1600/FireOnTheMountainFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AMWU2UO4gltE3ierUiLzcqGECZPZBZmY5S_Cvvm5NHQhl_if5E8KIB0myOuhZcdBvkI7mRvxP17w3DEmXOiL0Y_vTt4GAQRjhQ78vLpYKhWpBcVYW7qOXScjYQ6HhJgLWijQvoIFOIg/s320/FireOnTheMountainFSD.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">It was a simple thing to pick up stitches across the wide part of the triangle strip. With simple garter edges and basic yarn over increases on each side a shawl is growing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If I stay focused, this will be done in 2015. The fact that the colors are very summery (at least for my way of thinking) I probably will not wear it until next summer. As in 2016. Which makes me wonder why I spend time trying to finish it this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">HMMM.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /></div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-44162579509706110152015-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:002015-12-15T08:38:01.539-08:00Bowl-ing With Yarn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkLXdQyaQTRdG4ZaF7LQM4wyQH1g-uY7l1qFvw78nsrXxibdZN0M1yHfOvFlw0jmtuUUp-vYzsUWKF3VMu7XAlelXJeOs9WOn8M3HXLqd83h-90pWOHymHy3WCqjpZhMtclaPzj4E2rk/s1600/GiftIdeaFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkLXdQyaQTRdG4ZaF7LQM4wyQH1g-uY7l1qFvw78nsrXxibdZN0M1yHfOvFlw0jmtuUUp-vYzsUWKF3VMu7XAlelXJeOs9WOn8M3HXLqd83h-90pWOHymHy3WCqjpZhMtclaPzj4E2rk/s200/GiftIdeaFSD.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
This is my kind of bowling! A yarn bowl. There are some who might think that this is a pure luxury item. After all, a plastic bag or an old sock or just the table top work fine.<br />
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And given the choice between more yarn or a hand made pottery bowl that just holds yarn one is tempted to purchase more yarn.<br />
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But I am here to tell you that putting a ball of yarn in such a beautiful addition to the room's decor elevates a simple project into a work of art!<br />
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This is my bowl and I use it often. Typically my "fill in" project is centered within and rests on the coffee table ready for a few stitches at any time of the day or night.<br />
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Yarn bowling. I knew this whole thing is really exercise in disguise.</div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-76387605691704268882015-12-04T08:07:00.001-08:002015-12-04T08:07:37.338-08:00No Knitting TodayWay before the alarm did the buzz buzz thing, my feet were on the floor. Coffee was brewed and email quickly scanned. The plan was to finish major work on a new pullover. I was so ahead of my normal time schedule that I returned from my morning two mile walk before I usually even get started on a normal day.<div><br></div><div>And now there is no knitting for me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hAd6Z6RwGClbk-ksZvNlIyC5XAR0X5GZ4gC94mG2CzMxFiW862IR39nqfgvbVhNglAsOvm3A_CLQUxXOGgn5apZQnu2_byAu5osSOft0kOlEGaWZhV5AbAmx2KY9zi1__5HiAaK9EbY/s640/blogger-image-489499538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hAd6Z6RwGClbk-ksZvNlIyC5XAR0X5GZ4gC94mG2CzMxFiW862IR39nqfgvbVhNglAsOvm3A_CLQUxXOGgn5apZQnu2_byAu5osSOft0kOlEGaWZhV5AbAmx2KY9zi1__5HiAaK9EbY/s640/blogger-image-489499538.jpg"></a></div>Someone has other plans. </div>Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-16621599817715379762015-11-30T08:32:00.000-08:002015-11-30T08:32:38.493-08:00Crocheting With Friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviuG1bE9qeXsAeeseWOjpST6sl0rZshkPJWBbffXRzafweOzHF6sFT-OtZ1q4NYvLLWH38YGLXX7HjGCzp1F_8shNTpr5rOmwBG1-EtNFn1iAwzxMyqcy_MlDOfPKlJhBgWdnJzuAGfw/s1600/CCFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviuG1bE9qeXsAeeseWOjpST6sl0rZshkPJWBbffXRzafweOzHF6sFT-OtZ1q4NYvLLWH38YGLXX7HjGCzp1F_8shNTpr5rOmwBG1-EtNFn1iAwzxMyqcy_MlDOfPKlJhBgWdnJzuAGfw/s200/CCFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a>How do these things get started? It is rarely my idea. At least I don't think so. There are a group of us who get excited about a pattern or "look" and then one person says the magic words and suddenly we have a small group knit/crochet - a - long.<br />
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Most recently, it was crochet. One pattern, different yarns, different thoughts and we were off and running. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/427-crochet-cowl" target="_blank">crochet cowl</a> we decided to make is huge. Humongous. Very long and wide. Thus, you will not be surprised to find out that I shortened the thing. Not in half like another in our motley group because I still wanted it to work doubled and be easy to pull over my head. But math (with the help of two other number-type people) was done.<br />
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Just looking at the width on the pattern was scary, so I nixed repeating rounds and came up with the perfect size for me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDTsrbyQCkviyJmxGmyaBTVxYp5Tzot97ogzjUiqsUeuPNw6Yr1CYgHl_PwaWx-ELbrAwkdw3zxlgpR4Mux6BgAV5ixvVIJNQL84QyJBKCHOJOXUd2cEKWLhXm_4ORJm-Qb25VoqanS0/s1600/IMG_8452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDTsrbyQCkviyJmxGmyaBTVxYp5Tzot97ogzjUiqsUeuPNw6Yr1CYgHl_PwaWx-ELbrAwkdw3zxlgpR4Mux6BgAV5ixvVIJNQL84QyJBKCHOJOXUd2cEKWLhXm_4ORJm-Qb25VoqanS0/s200/IMG_8452.jpg" width="150" /></a>The thing about the cowl that is most notable is the edging. What looks like crochet bobbles is better described as closed clam shells. It was a new stitch for me and I'm thrilled with the result. Caution: it takes a long time to work both edges; watch a movie and get a rhythm going.<br />
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About the yarn - also new for me. This is Cascade Roslyn which is a wool and silk. And I like it. A lot. Great for crochet work and I hear that it knits very well. <br />
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So, new math skills to reduce size of cowl, a new stitch for bobble edging and a new yarn to love. No wonder I'm hooked. <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-24147168538927130882015-11-27T07:47:00.002-08:002015-11-27T07:47:43.994-08:00Time Off<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There is nothing like taking a break to recharge the old enthusiasm for sticks and hooks. <br />
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One last chemo cap for donating was quickly finished and then a big and funky boredom set in. There was a friend based CAL on the hook. And the time-out-no-longer-a-rectangle beaded scarf was safely tucked into a bag. And I was b.o.r.e.d. with knitting and crocheting.<br />
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As it happened, she who crochets and has <a href="http://francoisstewartdesigns.blogspot.com/2015/11/shawl-blocking-tip.html" target="_blank">blocking skill</a>, called to say she was at the grocery store and wondered. . . . <br />
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"<i>Need</i> any thing?"<br />
"Nope."<br />
"<b><i>WANT</i></b> any thing?"<br />
"Food coloring."<br />
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I'm calling this colorway Mowing Grass.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">PS. I cast on two projects. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The funk is over. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy, happy, joy, joy. </span> <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-19658441481164704602015-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:002015-11-16T09:00:03.958-08:00Shawl Blocking Tip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This tip comes to you and me from she who crochets - aka Daughter #1. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS17CIUCDblXJ_79xULt5oUdjTZMQnqMbB4N6djivsiGR1tbL5S2VVN5rs3NVIlC1v5ALcsjEOhQWlQB0cxirwR1iZkjipobxmbgVvZh_mMB6SW7B1PvZOnKf7foyEtjEX2q7tVz155BM/s1600/IMG_8445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS17CIUCDblXJ_79xULt5oUdjTZMQnqMbB4N6djivsiGR1tbL5S2VVN5rs3NVIlC1v5ALcsjEOhQWlQB0cxirwR1iZkjipobxmbgVvZh_mMB6SW7B1PvZOnKf7foyEtjEX2q7tVz155BM/s200/IMG_8445.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
She finished crocheting a new shawl to wear to the recent opening of the Branches Gallery which is the latest venture of <a href="http://www.theknittingtreela.com/" target="_blank">The Knitting Tree, LA</a>. Every one who attended was bedecked in fiber of all forms. It was glorious.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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Check out the two stitch markers. The shawl has three spines and she who crochets had marked each spine which makes it easy to work the increases without all that counting and worrying.<br />
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Her tip is <i>leave the markers in place while blocking</i>. She wet blocked this wool/cashmere swath and then went to work folding it in half (the center spine marker) and matching up the points of the wings. The next step was to match the shoulder/arm spines and pin in place - that is the photo. It was so easy to get those points to be in alignment and make sure that the whole thing was equally blocked. Folding in half really helps; the markers guarantees precision; and then it takes almost no stress to pin or wire up the remaining edges.<br />
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What a great tip! </div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-91602911830631436102015-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:002015-11-11T08:30:00.969-08:00In There Somewhere<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoO6Y3Ht2jOZ3e5rqENr3FuMe-xUq6spY71EkD-gylM5H7zN8UiEFR_rSGLBMSJoX3DcQzZDyxI12_95D9sYL43oRopwpmjkdBp4WBBQj7z7s7bGF-2D85AC7TOx0ORBhPIIikgEM66g/s1600/SomewhereInThereFSD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoO6Y3Ht2jOZ3e5rqENr3FuMe-xUq6spY71EkD-gylM5H7zN8UiEFR_rSGLBMSJoX3DcQzZDyxI12_95D9sYL43oRopwpmjkdBp4WBBQj7z7s7bGF-2D85AC7TOx0ORBhPIIikgEM66g/s400/SomewhereInThereFSD.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Knitters and crocheters are so generous! Look at that pile of gifts. Amazing. <br />
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A six foot table filled with warm scarves, with the occasional hat tossed in for good measure. You will notice that each one plays around with the red colorway.<br />
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Why red? So glad you asked.<br />
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The <a href="http://riversideknittingguild.com/1.html" target="_blank">Riverside Knitting Guild</a> added the Red Scarf Project to a growing list of charitable endeavors. Now don't go thinking that anything else was short changed. Oh, NO. This was in addition to Precious Pals, hats for premature babies, lap robes for vets, toys for the animal shelter and more.<br />
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Somewhere in that huge pile is my contribution. <br />
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You can read about the Red Scarf Project <a href="http://www.fc2success.org/programs/student-care-packages/" target="_blank">over here</a>. Scroll down for info and links. It is not too early to raid your stash and find suitable yarn for 2016. <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-41985704980673071862015-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:002015-11-09T09:00:03.972-08:00TaDa! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There comes that point when every artist needs alone time. Can you say "retreat?" I'm not talking about going to a retreat with other artsy types and joining forces to enjoy the chosen medium. I'm talking about going away - A.L.O.N.E.<br />
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It might be hiding the the bathroom or a solo picnic or a long walk or whatever works for you, the individual.<br />
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<a href="http://francoisstewartdesigns.blogspot.com/2015/11/when-timeline-is-too-long.html" target="_blank">Those socks</a> kept staring at me. Waiting on me. Mocking me. <br />
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Well, not any more! I retreated all the way to the courtyard. Streaming video, an umbrella for shade and the breeze keeping me cool so that I could knit. And I knit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSarMlKXVIUok1NbBiH0LsUTaiNQ0lThvBaUWtGWAGAxgx8TnNXODJiRwK-NzwEIUP6vEB56TAhSyanzIJ0i9hD2Y3yt9UCqgPGwp0Fnsw5MKTfUR5KeAX_hNSdpuV9682FHQbuvXDvv0/s1600/StanleyFSD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSarMlKXVIUok1NbBiH0LsUTaiNQ0lThvBaUWtGWAGAxgx8TnNXODJiRwK-NzwEIUP6vEB56TAhSyanzIJ0i9hD2Y3yt9UCqgPGwp0Fnsw5MKTfUR5KeAX_hNSdpuV9682FHQbuvXDvv0/s200/StanleyFSD.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
And the socks, now named Stanley, are done. Nice squishy ribbed all the way like tube socks and friggin' wonderful. <br />
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The specifics:<br />
<a href="http://www.indigodragonfly.ca/" target="_blank">Indigodragonfly</a> yarn. Try it. It is fabulous.<br />
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Colorway "It's all fun and games until someone. . . " special from <a href="http://yarnovertruck.com/" target="_blank">Yarnover Truck</a>. They always have something exciting. <br />
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Pattern - what pattern. There ain't no pattern. Make a toe that fits you and then rib until you can't take it any more or your yarn ball, which for the most part was happy pulling from inside and outside so as to work 2@time, finally collapses on itself and flips over into a wad of knotted mess and the only way to save your sanity is to tease out enough yarn to bind off and call it a day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Postscript. It took less than two hours to untangle the remains of the yarn. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Extra Postscript. My blood pressure has returned to normal. </i></span></div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-70854835142339387322015-11-02T09:00:00.000-08:002015-11-02T09:00:03.000-08:00When The Timeline Is Too Long<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This "extra" pair of tube socks is not needed until mid-December. <br />
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And they are not knitting themselves.<br />
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Been putzin' on them for months.<br />
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And still not done.<br />
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Shoulda cast on with only one week to knit.</div>
Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511008130414210903.post-84314667526604353422015-10-25T08:47:00.000-07:002015-10-25T08:47:07.379-07:00Harmony - the waiting is over<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4unEwjQ4ys0UB9ddgzQrYPWxbfgai9tGlFThZA84nQDfvVs-KRfIY9MtVt9uafEnYnhVCGRkUw_bjrI9YZK6U_pe5SbuwoVLNgDQoeq60VMp0uM_NbIxltR-N0MTyTRzsW-FdCE1yzaQ/s1600/HarmonyLFSFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4unEwjQ4ys0UB9ddgzQrYPWxbfgai9tGlFThZA84nQDfvVs-KRfIY9MtVt9uafEnYnhVCGRkUw_bjrI9YZK6U_pe5SbuwoVLNgDQoeq60VMp0uM_NbIxltR-N0MTyTRzsW-FdCE1yzaQ/s200/HarmonyLFSFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a>Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/madrigal-2" target="_blank">Madrigal by Susan Dingle</a>. <br />
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Modifications were made:<br /><div>
No collar<br />Added beads<br />Changed a few color locations & patterns<br />Cuffs are just 5 rounds of ribbing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6IYdQJ-f_urc46pltPqXAk7FDwg6oKZoAJ-MSS_Zaa57hyVOnCSYLjkbtmZMlof7-wUpaql_8LaNOzhkimeEP_8AKmZgOBSskPLr0sEdmKw7cRGlhmp_Mi8AIv87zCfBf6JYXKaF9Ew/s1600/HarmonyFrogFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6IYdQJ-f_urc46pltPqXAk7FDwg6oKZoAJ-MSS_Zaa57hyVOnCSYLjkbtmZMlof7-wUpaql_8LaNOzhkimeEP_8AKmZgOBSskPLr0sEdmKw7cRGlhmp_Mi8AIv87zCfBf6JYXKaF9Ew/s200/HarmonyFrogFSD.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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My yarn selections (with much input from my friends at <a href="http://www.theknittingtreela.com/" target="_blank">The Knitting Tree, LA</a>):<br />
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Lana Grossa Lace Lux in Aubergine</div>
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<br />Lang Yarns Asia in color 25</div>
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<br />Baah! La Jolla in Amore</div>
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<br />Knitwhits Freia Handpaint Freia Ombre Sport in Cochinilla<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaqVevft9qEf8HYalVxy7cAosRIUXwlI3X77Zjg-VqHzPGyyWk2WoePXxV3PNlzSQGme1OVklzueKKO5FgeJqEJj8TKafXp4BRWBBLt8WzefmStX2T9hF7ZGazI25jcfw0LW2BlD5znI/s1600/HarmonyBackFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaqVevft9qEf8HYalVxy7cAosRIUXwlI3X77Zjg-VqHzPGyyWk2WoePXxV3PNlzSQGme1OVklzueKKO5FgeJqEJj8TKafXp4BRWBBLt8WzefmStX2T9hF7ZGazI25jcfw0LW2BlD5znI/s200/HarmonyBackFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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For me, having the darker colors at the bottom make sense. I like the way it grounds a piece. Take a look <span style="font-size: x-small;">(click on image to enlarge)</span> at the back to see how that impacts the use of the ombre. Starting with the darkest shade of the Freia at the first use on the bottom (bottom left just after the lace), the shades were then allowed to be what came off the ball as it was incorporated into various sections across the back - working both "sides" from the same ball so that the color flowed into the purple/pink toward the shoulder area. <br />
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It makes me happy. You do what makes you happy. That way we are all happy with our individual creations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXp3ypvDM7XM8pbZSlO3f68MsMwvBezQIb7LDqIxFecyRg9MW8wXCTqzVdkt332RTUC-QzL_SzaFvN_l1RIW3YJ3mZsPYwr6U7rpDa3bo500-MwN2fBAY-6AMZOYYiG8U3bvLEqH1P-U/s1600/HarmonyButtonsFSD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXp3ypvDM7XM8pbZSlO3f68MsMwvBezQIb7LDqIxFecyRg9MW8wXCTqzVdkt332RTUC-QzL_SzaFvN_l1RIW3YJ3mZsPYwr6U7rpDa3bo500-MwN2fBAY-6AMZOYYiG8U3bvLEqH1P-U/s200/HarmonyButtonsFSD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
About the buttons. These are glass. The moment that I saw them, I knew they were the perfect and necessary addition to what has become <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/stewlf/madrigal" target="_blank">Harmony</a>. Can you say serendipity?<br />
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Because the buttons are different shapes & sizes, one buttonhole is larger than the other. . .<br />
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Call the knitting police, cuz I am quite certain that isn't part of the rules. <br />
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Harmony is a statement piece for sure. The pattern requires time. Time for selecting just the right yarn and color combination. Time for deciding which is color A, B, C and D. Time for giving up on A, B, C, D and just going with your heart. Time for finding the right buttons to flow into your knitting. Time to give up on the thing and pull out the crochet hook and slip stitch all the pieces together. Time for gloating.<br />
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Thank you, gentle reader, for allowing me to gloat.<br />
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<i>Above photos Credit: She Who Crochets.</i> <br />
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Lenorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13279195004622138104noreply@blogger.com0