tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23447684661252805312024-03-13T04:49:14.544-05:00To Live A Life *but mostly yarnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-6639962172414755212014-01-12T23:55:00.004-06:002014-01-12T23:55:24.044-06:00#SherlockLives (on a pillow)I have big news, lovely people who spare my blog a glance.<br />
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I made something!<br />
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For those of you who know this blog well, this remark will probably be met with the theory that I am developing amnesia and have forgotten that I have been a long-time maker of things. And so let me elaborate: I made something using material and a sewing machine and that had absolutely nothing to do with knitting needles or yarn. In short, I stepped out of my comfort zone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nytjIuNRnK1WJjF_LS-6Jxko5YzQoJTYHG0vB1fW6DvfIn8eyG35PEtUsNZyap1E8H18B_b3AMi5WCNTejnjTsiSbWWELnWRLydxphZRz8oJLStkIL5Ba5G18NHoielKb3ThvNV0rdk/s1600/SAM_2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nytjIuNRnK1WJjF_LS-6Jxko5YzQoJTYHG0vB1fW6DvfIn8eyG35PEtUsNZyap1E8H18B_b3AMi5WCNTejnjTsiSbWWELnWRLydxphZRz8oJLStkIL5Ba5G18NHoielKb3ThvNV0rdk/s640/SAM_2548.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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What choice did I have? Because when I saw this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112979379/sherlock-holmes-pillow-watson-plush?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" style="font-weight: bold;">Sherlock Holmes pillow</a> on Etsy, I knew I had to have one and I knew that I could make it myself for cheaper than $30. (Though, $30 is really a fantastic price for a hand-sewn appliqué pillow, so if you're in the market for a Sherlock pillow and don't have the talent to make one yourself, I would advise you to add the aforementioned one to your Etsy cart.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0rjLLdkLhKAqXFYyjeJm5GXfdp6d_xcI3jR4rJRkqs1nwnyvwHqJDvlOQApS8GcRDK91oudrcEJzkIUKCjK2TodSHDnJmz4fdwxqQkKI11S1f1uSrI9_p-f56rkMWpyyzlc7OkXmmw0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-12+at+11.52.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0rjLLdkLhKAqXFYyjeJm5GXfdp6d_xcI3jR4rJRkqs1nwnyvwHqJDvlOQApS8GcRDK91oudrcEJzkIUKCjK2TodSHDnJmz4fdwxqQkKI11S1f1uSrI9_p-f56rkMWpyyzlc7OkXmmw0/s320/Screen+Shot+2014-01-12+at+11.52.12+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
If you looked at the Sherlock pillow that inspired mine, you'll notice that I made a few changes in my design, mostly to the coat and scarf. Possibly my favorite change was the addition of the red buttonhole on the coat's lapel, which is one of the things I love about the actual Sherlock's coat. It's a tiny detail, but I love it nonetheless.<br />
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Out of respect for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/telahmarie?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="font-weight: bold;">Heart Felt Design</a>, I won't publish any instructions on how to make your own Sherlock pillow. But I will say that it was fun and easy to make, and I may well be taking inspiration from some of her other pillows…<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-9296589821478718102014-01-10T20:47:00.001-06:002014-01-10T20:47:43.435-06:00Shark AttackToday's FO is actually almost a month old- but due to my lengthy blogging hiatus/ the project being a gift, this is the first chance I've had to blog about it. But, without further ado, I present to you:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hyphenhyphenisclXo9DhaA_hyiQ7MKwaRcNMtaysshp9MVSGcfKMUc1CTkiPlcfl77xoyIG6GLsBMmD5HWnnxkDyYHIBMxMqL43xb13YFGe7cTJkcrNsMhFgrnz345s8gD1aSoeyEtrLd5MewYAo/s1600/sharkmittens21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hyphenhyphenisclXo9DhaA_hyiQ7MKwaRcNMtaysshp9MVSGcfKMUc1CTkiPlcfl77xoyIG6GLsBMmD5HWnnxkDyYHIBMxMqL43xb13YFGe7cTJkcrNsMhFgrnz345s8gD1aSoeyEtrLd5MewYAo/s1600/sharkmittens21.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Shark mittens! These were a gift for a swap, but they're so much fun I think I might make a pair for myself. Let me clarify- the finished thing is fun, but the knitting was not. In part, because the pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/deep-blue-sea-shark-mittens" style="font-weight: bold;">Deep Blue Sea: Shark Mittens</a>, contained several design choices that I decided to rewrite entirely. The biggest change I made was to the mouth, and I intended to write my modifications on my project page but never did. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_R3rEgPMKG_1WWGAwR_t-gVHDpjSbW4A4V708Jz3fUw5b-2MocesN90SwQITFl2rTM1pT9ukzlI916JS7utWFrS7VynMT5nS49p9LYhmZxYQORbt5GGIbongyCbR7TGoBmpqlZMnq0c/s1600/sharkmittens12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_R3rEgPMKG_1WWGAwR_t-gVHDpjSbW4A4V708Jz3fUw5b-2MocesN90SwQITFl2rTM1pT9ukzlI916JS7utWFrS7VynMT5nS49p9LYhmZxYQORbt5GGIbongyCbR7TGoBmpqlZMnq0c/s1600/sharkmittens12.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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The best part about these mittens? The second you put them on, you can't resist going into full-on puppet mode and trying to bite everything within reach. Many thanks to my sister Rebecca for being a perfectly un-self-conscious puppeteer/model for these pictures. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-70361845571462574282014-01-08T13:19:00.000-06:002014-01-08T13:19:04.156-06:00WIP Wednesday: Happy New Year!New Year's Resolutions:<br />
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<li>Knit more</li>
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I don't usually make many New Year's Resolutions, but this year I think it would definitely be good for me to have the goal to more frequently update this blog. Sorry, readers. </div>
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I don't really need to make the resolution to knit more, because knitting is something I do all the time whether I have to or not. But it's always good to throw in at least one easily achievable resolution, right? </div>
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I started off the New Year with two knitting projects, both of which I worked on quite a lot on my week-long trip to New Mexico, where I did nothing but sit in a cabin and knit all day, pausing occasionally to eat something (because every knitter knows it's impossible to knit on an empty stomach). </div>
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The first is a new sweater by Mel Ski called <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/halelea">Halele'a</a></b>. I'm joining in with the <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/must-stash-podcast/2782521/1-25">Must Stash Podcast's KAL</a></b> for this sweater, without which I doubt I would have the fortitude to knit a fingering-weight cardigan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIjXp7Vedv08DiGNvj6NtVGkdJ1QNJ9mUp2yPhtioIH644EabKcqVBqioLc6ErYeWlshxPCGtC43Py2PJMFwa96SdJlqDZWRVbQZUW6puAyJnYBtUAX7mAKuTeJWynpVG-XDcmEHHelU/s1600/haleleakal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIjXp7Vedv08DiGNvj6NtVGkdJ1QNJ9mUp2yPhtioIH644EabKcqVBqioLc6ErYeWlshxPCGtC43Py2PJMFwa96SdJlqDZWRVbQZUW6puAyJnYBtUAX7mAKuTeJWynpVG-XDcmEHHelU/s1600/haleleakal.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am not using the <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/must-stash-yarn--fiber-helluva-skein">recommended yarn</a></b> for this sweater because I do not have a large enough yarn budget to use hand dyed yarn for sweaters (not yet, anyway). No, I'm using the much more affordable <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Stroll_Sock_Yarn__D5420133.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Knitpicks Stroll</a>, made even more affordable by purchasing it during the Cyber Monday sale for $15. </div>
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Because I'm using a yarn slightly thicker than the recommended yarn, I had to go down three needle sizes to get gauge. Having to make so many swatches set me back on the sweater a little, but now I'm going strong and am hoping to get the fronts of the cardigan (which are being knit two at a time) done this week. </div>
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The second project is a pair of plain vanilla socks, knit with <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/manos-del-uruguay-alegria">Manos Del Urguay Alegria</a> </b>in the color way Carnival. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEXCdFhZUYHMsgITl-Q2lFBkIoHxI2RwUkSKFHS9xlWTKrNV63DhPVlZf75eQue_lbU-e_cYaCMdzXRdOgZSQEduOrBIdmKy1U3OzbKFVnxRaY5eRLFWT-0eTXNB1xU8U8VUw2yzklZI/s1600/carnivalsocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEXCdFhZUYHMsgITl-Q2lFBkIoHxI2RwUkSKFHS9xlWTKrNV63DhPVlZf75eQue_lbU-e_cYaCMdzXRdOgZSQEduOrBIdmKy1U3OzbKFVnxRaY5eRLFWT-0eTXNB1xU8U8VUw2yzklZI/s1600/carnivalsocks.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's my first time knitting with hand-dyed sock yarn, and I'm loving how the yarn is pooling. Even my mom, a devoted hater of hot pink, says that these socks look nice. I'm about 5 inches into the leg- another couple of inches and I'll be ready for the heel! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-39055079067655288142013-12-19T12:43:00.001-06:002013-12-19T12:43:51.184-06:00Construction Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey would you look at that- I wrote this draft nearly a month ago and never posted it! Who's a bad blogger? I'm a bad blogger. But anyway. Onto the now-dated account of one of my favorite pairs of socks.</div>
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I love these socks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNShM0LROsvwRy5jUjZcMRbivmM6tdvTCzLjzCYy-MTm3xwmeUzrhcMqrAO4tjiqOAYtu9WNhdNQ_4lyCeBbE7z967TD89mz-jI9Km3XUBXf6andeMYT60a9v2GoQGWZGhypv_3Luyduc/s1600/SAM_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNShM0LROsvwRy5jUjZcMRbivmM6tdvTCzLjzCYy-MTm3xwmeUzrhcMqrAO4tjiqOAYtu9WNhdNQ_4lyCeBbE7z967TD89mz-jI9Km3XUBXf6andeMYT60a9v2GoQGWZGhypv_3Luyduc/s640/SAM_2337.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wove in the last end this morning and promptly put them on, and haven't taken them off since. They fit perfectly, and have just the right amount of negative ease. (I like my socks to have a lot of negative ease, which is why I can't wear <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/vanilla-socks">these socks</a></b> very much- the 2x2 ribbing isn't snug enough.) I followed the pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pin-striped-socks" style="font-weight: bold;">Pin Striped Socks</a> by Julia Swart. The only modifications I made were to use US1 needles, knit them two at a time on one circular, and put two inches of 1x1 ribbing at the cuff. </div>
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The yarn I used is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfYarns/Yarn_Display.cfm?ID=5420165&media=RVYL12Q1&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=RVYL12Q1"><b>Knitpicks Felici</b></a> in the color way Building Blocks. I also have another couple of balls in the color way Spooky, which I'm planning to knit up after my Christmas knitting is done- maybe in the pattern <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/froot-loop">Fruit Loops</a></b>? </div>
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Note- after using these socks for about a month, I'm happy to say that they have, thus far, held up beautifully and are very comfortable. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-16953755732467346582013-11-08T12:46:00.000-06:002013-11-08T12:54:25.941-06:00FO Friday: November Rain!Long time no see, blog world! Where did October go? It was such a busy, crazy month, I don't have enough room to talk about everything that happened! Maybe in another post...<br />
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Anyway, I'm here today to show off a brand new finished object. It's actually been finished for a couple of weeks, but as it was for my sister's birthday (which was on Monday, happy belated birthday Becca) I couldn't share it. But it was worth the wait- I managed to get her to model her knew knitwear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRrZdDjVMbrhKsqZVKFN0YVhyhA2yZTZwEOk_o7cc8qPYzSoSn0219fwnp72ZscRHcWMVTig2QG5hOQzEUnduQRn62VxP17w6GuCsr8LF6YK8hXTGvdhYF-PcrJB2FIEHLolM4QxREZw/s1600/novemberrain1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRrZdDjVMbrhKsqZVKFN0YVhyhA2yZTZwEOk_o7cc8qPYzSoSn0219fwnp72ZscRHcWMVTig2QG5hOQzEUnduQRn62VxP17w6GuCsr8LF6YK8hXTGvdhYF-PcrJB2FIEHLolM4QxREZw/s640/novemberrain1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! Leg warmers! Several months ago, Becca saw the pattern (<b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/some-cloudy-day">Some Cloudy Day</a></b>, by Tiny Owl Knits) and exclaimed, "Make me some!" I did an excellent job keeping these a secret while I was knitting them, and she was completely surprised on her birthday. According to her, they're extremely warm- probably too warm for Texas, but I think she'll wear them anyway. (And if she doesn't, I'll steal them back. The heat ain't keeping me from wearing woollies all year round.) </div>
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Because her birthday is in November and the pattern is called Some Cloudy Day, I've decided to put two and two together and call this project November Rain, as both me and my sister love that song. Is it a bit weird that I name my knitting projects? Do you name your projects?<br />
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Thanks for reading! I'm linking with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/11/fo-friday-161.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCxR5NCVDcmvawhnUbUnwqHzIkOnNAyJw6YOkikDd8DwBa363KVFInqrerVoy1r4T4o5B3Ds8J_Y3ZByGMb2bUlZ-rIJKZYiB0unOSZXiaiHed4-3m-vK4XcaqeXuSF_WNn64MWERV00/s1600/novemberrain2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCxR5NCVDcmvawhnUbUnwqHzIkOnNAyJw6YOkikDd8DwBa363KVFInqrerVoy1r4T4o5B3Ds8J_Y3ZByGMb2bUlZ-rIJKZYiB0unOSZXiaiHed4-3m-vK4XcaqeXuSF_WNn64MWERV00/s400/novemberrain2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-84002719305369977592013-10-01T22:57:00.003-05:002013-10-01T22:57:55.982-05:00Spinning Show & Tell: Old News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My contribution to the <b><a href="http://ayarnlovingmama.com/salkal-age-of-brass-steam-shawl/">Age of Brass and Steam SAL/KAL</a></b> has gotten about ten stitches worth of attention since it's beginning burst of progress. I've been knitting other things, which you'll know if you were here <a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-cant-wait.html" style="font-weight: bold;">yesterday</a>. But I also have a WIP on the wheel, which was began back in August but still isn't finished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuUOrGHnJ8aW_gb253Q2c0e7iLFZyNPxcxiOZMf_nRrG_ZecpK3TmFZ3xu-_6p-7M480FSrLkEhb85omqugKA_9ud-sZpq1WPl4rGuZ0lgnWu49EG66Zd2z94Nh3Zgb8s5Hmv1D20c44/s1600/roving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuUOrGHnJ8aW_gb253Q2c0e7iLFZyNPxcxiOZMf_nRrG_ZecpK3TmFZ3xu-_6p-7M480FSrLkEhb85omqugKA_9ud-sZpq1WPl4rGuZ0lgnWu49EG66Zd2z94Nh3Zgb8s5Hmv1D20c44/s400/roving.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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My sister bought these two braids for me from <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleLibellule">Little Libellule</a> </b>on the condition that I would spin and knit for her a shawlette out of the more neutral of the two braids we selected. This bargain suited me fine, because I got two gorgeous braids of hand dyed Falkland wool and I even got to keep one of them. I immediately began spinning the yarn for her shawl, and two months later I'm still only half way done. </div>
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I think the main reason for this is that I'm spinning it extremely fine. I'm spinning it extremely fine in the hopes that I will get a light fingering or fingering weight yarn, though if I managed finer than that I wouldn't complain. I also don't dedicate as much time to spinning as I do to knitting. </div>
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I'm hoping to finish the yarn sometime soon- before my sister's patience wears thin. Thankfully, by not updating her on the progress of the yarn, I think she has forgotten it's existence, and perhaps I will surprise her one day in mid December with a lovely drapey shawl knit from gloriously thin handspun. (That plan is pretty much dashed now because she reads this blog.) </div>
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Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for progress on this spinning project, whose end is not quite in sight. Be sure to check out <b><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/10/spinning-show-tell-not-enough-meterage.html">Crafts from the Cwtch</a></b> for more spinning tales. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-7329103772137082742013-09-30T15:43:00.000-05:002013-09-30T15:43:47.648-05:00I Couldn't WaitI mentioned in my <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/09/fo-friday-couple-weeks-late.html">last post</a> </b>that I'd stupidly started a pair of socks with less than three months to go until Christmas. I haven't gotten a lot done on them, because starting a selfish project doesn't necessarily mean I've been neglecting the selfless ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP1I7pW7VWMvJf9l1OBu3cJokm_FvZCKulv__3S-Kx_MlhxpxqV5SbGWCtYuSmxtyitKe_GIDSB7ctkp6dHgB8lWqn6xir0UN_tIJQHFgsivbF4-P74vzZzzXfGqObanBd6_ZjQF9L0A/s1600/361d2e2c2a0c11e3bb5822000a9e060e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP1I7pW7VWMvJf9l1OBu3cJokm_FvZCKulv__3S-Kx_MlhxpxqV5SbGWCtYuSmxtyitKe_GIDSB7ctkp6dHgB8lWqn6xir0UN_tIJQHFgsivbF4-P74vzZzzXfGqObanBd6_ZjQF9L0A/s400/361d2e2c2a0c11e3bb5822000a9e060e_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I started these socks on a whim because I was feeling entirely uninspired to knit any of my seemingly endless WIPs. I'm following the pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pin-striped-socks" style="font-weight: bold;">Pin Striped Socks</a>, which I discovered from watching the <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Must Stash Podcast</a>, which I highly recommend. The only changes I'm making to the pattern are to knit the cuff for 2 inches in 1x1 ribbing and to knit the socks two-at-a-time on one circ. I've knit a few pairs of socks toe-up 2aat, but this is the first time doing them cuff down.<br />
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The yarn is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn-fiber/felici-fingering-self-striping-sock-yarn.html?media=RVYL12Q1&" style="font-weight: bold;">Knitpicks Felici</a> in the colorway 'Building Blocks.' This colorway is about to sell out and the last few balls are greatly reduced in price, which is the sole (no pun intended) reason I bought them. Despite the colors being reminiscent of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_the_Builder" style="font-weight: bold;">Bob the Builder</a>, I quite like them and look forward to seeing the finished socks.<br />
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See you tomorrow for a spinning update- though, in the light of these socks, my <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief">Age of Brass and Steam</a></b> shawl hasn't been getting much love!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-53128084294801174022013-09-27T21:20:00.002-05:002013-09-27T21:20:53.974-05:00FO Friday: A Couple Weeks Late<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27ekavYDM6_B1A1fx_QbH47DWwhg1c_inA9iUD94B-0iMgYtsjNT1cSZJOiLNilzQld63cKhhbClveYT71O8qxUaWgna4rrDZet-9DSYlA-uFBU_pZVZOY1yW5HCYwzyP-iuOo33H7o8/s1600/SAM_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27ekavYDM6_B1A1fx_QbH47DWwhg1c_inA9iUD94B-0iMgYtsjNT1cSZJOiLNilzQld63cKhhbClveYT71O8qxUaWgna4rrDZet-9DSYlA-uFBU_pZVZOY1yW5HCYwzyP-iuOo33H7o8/s640/SAM_2086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been delighted with my <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/pogona">Pogona</a> </b>shawl since I finished it almost two weeks ago. Every time I look at it, every time I wrap it around my shoulders, I'm reminded just how amazing it is. Most of this amazingness is due to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pogona" style="font-weight: bold;">Stephen West </a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-tosh-mo-light" style="font-weight: bold;">Tosh Mo Light</a> (colorway earl gray), but I'd say about 12% of it is my talent (subtle Avengers reference? Maybe not so subtle? See what I did there?). </div>
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Overall, I enjoyed knitting this as much as I enjoy having it in my hands (I suppose technically it was in my hands the entire time I was knitting it, but you know what I mean), but the 600+ stitches per row near the end were a bit trying. The stitches were so bunched up on the needle I couldn't really see what it was going to look like, and the yarn gave me trouble in a few places. I think this was more because of how I wound the ball than the actual yarn, and I would happily buy another skein. I also want to try some other Madeleinetosh yarns, after I sample I skein or two of Malabrigo of course. </div>
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That's it for me. In other news, I finished Peter Pan today instead of yesterday because yesterday was super busy for me and I had no time to knit or listen to anything, and I also started a pair of socks today which was probably not the wisest thing to do with Christmas 88 days away. I'll be blogging about those two topics on Wednesday... if I can wait that long! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm linking with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/09/fo-friday-156.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-3002916880827166762013-09-25T20:19:00.002-05:002013-09-25T20:19:45.826-05:00WIPs & Books: Hexipuffs and Neverland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJVOsfO-WL-ZecaKVuHsB5XFbSTI5R8eFpBHg_PlEcI6bXTHfUxuwkNSa5dxjzK-zI09RrM4kxA-wo3ZMw7r2cGJp9dTlV1460O4NszaVMiQIWt-j5vtovLUDlErGrbho7HpeOLdkmrA/s1600/SAM_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJVOsfO-WL-ZecaKVuHsB5XFbSTI5R8eFpBHg_PlEcI6bXTHfUxuwkNSa5dxjzK-zI09RrM4kxA-wo3ZMw7r2cGJp9dTlV1460O4NszaVMiQIWt-j5vtovLUDlErGrbho7HpeOLdkmrA/s640/SAM_1929.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt">The Beekeeper's Quilt</a> by Tiny Owl Knit<br />YARN: Various scraps<br />READING: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan">Peter Pan</a> by J.M. Barrie </td></tr>
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My Beekeeper's Quilt hasn't been getting as much attention as it wants, of late. I've been too busy knitting bigger and better things. But when you look at a big pile of over 160 hexipuffs lying on the floor, that seems pretty big. The hexipuffs themselves, unfortunately, are small and slightly boring, which is why they've become occasional TV knitting and little else. This is why I've only completed 14 out of the 30 I had planned for September, and with less than a week of the month remaining, it doesn't look like I'll be knitting many more. <div>
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One of the things I been watched while I knit hexipuffs is the 2003 <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0316396/">Peter Pan</a></b>, which I hadn't seen for years. Having completely adored it when I was an under ten, I was surprised to love it even more this time. Possibly this is because I also recently watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308644/" style="font-weight: bold;">Finding Neverland</a>, which has become one of my favorite films and gave me a new appreciation for J.M. Barrie's creation.<br />
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Anyway, watching Peter Pan inspired me to read the book, and when I happened upon the audio book instead I took my chance to listen to it. I only started it yesterday and already I'm almost done- I hope to finish it tomorrow if not tonight. I'm enjoying it quite a lot, though at the beginning Peter frequently got on my nerves. Also, one thing I love about the movie is how important they seem to make Tinker Bell's revival to Peter, and in the book I almost missed that part it went by so quickly. I grant you, this could have been because I was doing Algebra at the time and the book only received half of my attention.<br />
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That's all for me tonight! Thank you for stopping by, and check out <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/09/work-in-progress-wednesdasy-163.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> for more WIP posts! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-215312394042574382013-09-24T17:19:00.003-05:002013-09-24T17:19:44.728-05:00Spinning Show & Tell: Just in time for fallSince knitting became my main hobby, the fall and winter seasons have become my favorite, for the sole reason that I can actually wear the multitude of things that I knit. That's not to say I don't wear my cozy wool sweaters in July- after all, what else is air conditioning for?<br />
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The day after the start of autumn, a <b><a href="http://ayarnlovingmama.com/salkal-age-of-brass-steam-shawl/">Spin-along/Knit-along</a></b> was started by <b><a href="http://ayarnlovingmama.com/">A Yarn Loving Mama</a> </b>in which participants will be spinning the yarn and knitting <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief">Age of Brass and Steam</a> </b>by Orange Flower. I made a last minute decision to join, because I've had my eye on the pattern for a long time and I needed something to knit with my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/atlowery/handspun/tdf-alpaca" style="font-weight: bold;">TdF Alpaca</a>. While this yarn was spun before the SAL/KAL began, I've received permission from AYLM herself to include myself in the spinning and knitting parts.<br />
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I started yesterday evening, and I already feel like I've made tons of progress:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMKimbUYH1Gw28JIDPws2BYygKL73YSTvuIdt4JdZy42CC9xM7UpvAam_br7jELIeDPNfAxIZtUHjNC4N5Jkk2GDAPgBHq-BCpiIqDvWYCIt8upTJp6Ge6XXyay97-BD0GNGLWJ1AjtA/s1600/salkalageofbrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMKimbUYH1Gw28JIDPws2BYygKL73YSTvuIdt4JdZy42CC9xM7UpvAam_br7jELIeDPNfAxIZtUHjNC4N5Jkk2GDAPgBHq-BCpiIqDvWYCIt8upTJp6Ge6XXyay97-BD0GNGLWJ1AjtA/s640/salkalageofbrass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never done a shawl in anything but fingering weight, and the sport weight/ DK weight seems to be going much faster! I think the 100% alpaca squishiness of this yarn is making me knit quicker, too. While the KAL goes on indefinitely, I think I should be able to finish in just a few days. </div>
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In other spinning news, I have another handspun project that I see being cast on in the near future- a bit of selfish knitting to tide me over while I'm working on Christmas knits. The pattern is <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/capucine">Capucine </a> </b>and I plan on making a stripy festive one out of these two yarns:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVAhawsQVLQAXD9hzIYO1Ap1WCKtLXow-YWDxjfKFfQsr-V-M4TGL39jfq5PHyRqtMku0O3vntJZ0Dl-AX8cuRi-DmgXKj_XdGVbA2EfwbPgWEfKrSqKXA7CX1fcnwnJkOUc7A_DZbl0/s1600/capucine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVAhawsQVLQAXD9hzIYO1Ap1WCKtLXow-YWDxjfKFfQsr-V-M4TGL39jfq5PHyRqtMku0O3vntJZ0Dl-AX8cuRi-DmgXKj_XdGVbA2EfwbPgWEfKrSqKXA7CX1fcnwnJkOUc7A_DZbl0/s640/capucine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Both were dyed and spun by me, and each is a little over 100 yards. I'm hoping I have enough to add full-sized tassels! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm linking with the lovely Sarah at <b><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/09/spinning-show-tell.html">Crafts from the Cwtch</a></b> today. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-40685604461166987452013-09-08T15:35:00.000-05:002013-09-08T15:35:15.363-05:00What's Up?How did the entire week go by without me blogging once? Truth is I've been busy- busier than I like! Between school, writing, and trying to get as much knitting done as possible, I've been continuing to neglect this poor old blog. But, to quote Batman's dad, "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up." (Another thing I've been doing while not blogging is watching Batman, which is why that phrase comes so easily to mind.)<br />
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Today's blog post deserves only one subject, though in fairness it is quite a big subject:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AneWCIf79ZF71Tfryl9FWIGFW5T0SsgddPCro5pmS2laoYfxU2bNigCNdjloQ03IYc9XkfH1Afbyy0gKZb30c1IGoK4Ddi7ikt51iVDyB4w_3sJT4uG7ewqTWs-_xlpjUNqPhJ-LP4g/s1600/pogona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AneWCIf79ZF71Tfryl9FWIGFW5T0SsgddPCro5pmS2laoYfxU2bNigCNdjloQ03IYc9XkfH1Afbyy0gKZb30c1IGoK4Ddi7ikt51iVDyB4w_3sJT4uG7ewqTWs-_xlpjUNqPhJ-LP4g/s640/pogona.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm knitting<b> </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/pogona" style="font-weight: bold;">Pogona</a> by Stephen West- I bought the yarn, <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-tosh-mo-light">Tosh Mo Light</a></b>, at the DFW Fiber Fest this past April. The colorway is Earl Gray, but it reminds me of Rivendell from Lord of the Rings. I love the pattern- it's my first Stephen West pattern, but I see myself knitting many more in the future! <div>
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This project was recently on a quick time out because the other night while watching Foyle's War (I do love my British TV shows) with my sister, a huge knot came out of my ball of yarn, quickly followed by another one. I spent most of the episode trying to untangle yarn! (And that's saying something, as these episodes are a good hour and a half long.) But it's all been sorted out now and I'm making good progress again. </div>
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That being said, I just picked up a pair of socks that desperately need to be finished, so Pogona may not be getting as much attention as it wants in the next week or two! And, to add in another distraction, a box full of yarn for Christmas knitting (after all, the holidays are less than four months away!) is coming in the mail tomorrow. I keep telling myself that getting started on Christmas knitting now will mean I'll be done well before Christmas and I'll have a stress free December, but honestly I think Christmas knitting will make the time come more quickly! Then again, speaking as a kid at heart, that's not necessarily a bad thing...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-59719547021691546642013-09-01T22:45:00.001-05:002013-09-01T22:45:56.275-05:00FO Friday: Oh Wait, it's SundayWow! I have a great many lame excuses for my <i>three week long </i>hiatus. To name a few, my sister left for college two weeks ago, I've been spending plenty of time nurturing a newfound love of the Disney Musical <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104990/">Newsies</a> </b>and the music found within it (I'd say this mild obsession has started to tone down a bit, but considering I'm listening to Seize the Day as I type, I know that's not really true), and I started high school a week ago (I'm homeschooled, so high school isn't all that big a deal, but it is an awful lot harder than what I was doing in the past few years).<br />
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Though I haven't found time to blog, I have found plenty of time to knit, and I have a few new projects to show you. Tonight, I present a pair of fingerless mitts that I finished just the other day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMWc4CQvtxDJ3zlhdpNl5u2U8F9j-DcY5Rea8WeY3ftN9KSmrVZKJ18FKg9-xfv9V5i4ic0g67VV32U9O6fRJIsStFg80fPPxoT0qsjbNwi1lprM6V055wwe4doVqIQzhkr48bl6BLxQ/s1600/SAM_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMWc4CQvtxDJ3zlhdpNl5u2U8F9j-DcY5Rea8WeY3ftN9KSmrVZKJ18FKg9-xfv9V5i4ic0g67VV32U9O6fRJIsStFg80fPPxoT0qsjbNwi1lprM6V055wwe4doVqIQzhkr48bl6BLxQ/s640/SAM_1841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Though it took me a few weeks total to knit these <a href="http://ravel.me/atlowery/oww" style="font-weight: bold;">Owlie Mitts</a>, the time actually spent knitting them was pretty short. The pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-wrist-warmers" style="font-weight: bold;">Owl Wrist Warmers</a>, had been on my mental to-do list since well before last Christmas, but I've only now gotten around to knitting them. They were easy while the color work kept them exciting, and they've inspired me to do more colorwork projects (such as <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blaithin">Bláithín</a> </b>by Kate Davies. Just kidding, I think steeks are a little more than I can handle with Christmas just around the corner). </div>
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For these mitts, I used <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/palette-yarn.html?intmedid=HomeBottomImg--PaletteYarn">Knitpicks Palette</a></b> in Alfalfa for the main color, and random scraps of other yarn for the contrasting colors. As I'm not in possession of US2 DPNs, I used US1s and tried to knit loosely- I wasn't too concerned about gauge with a project like this. Because of this, the mitts were slightly different in size when I finished them, but blocking sorted this out, and helped to straighten out some of the imperfect color work. </div>
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That's all I have to say about that! For those of you who had given this blog up for dead, I hope you will come running back screaming about miracles, and if you happen to be new, please know that it is extremely abnormal for me to go on long breaks like this! I'll be back tomorrow (hopefully) with more stories of my adventures while on blogging break! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-13502336838959625312013-08-11T12:43:00.001-05:002013-08-11T12:43:48.814-05:00AlgernonKnits Giveaway Winner!The time has come to select the winner of my very first <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/08/algernonknits-giveaway.html">giveaway</a></b>! Is anybody else as excited as I am?<br />
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And the truly random number generator says...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY9GPgwjr-Lg2V9_GB2m2toLyhEON43ygBnYaw6UiIppvjAWaTaXZMB4gecqZieZYAWJRHmPWWQciC7CAD6YtpTp2eEYYw2DaHnHmxdTU2lx9-G-E4JO2vyvKAb_vxhjS_bUMa1el1XA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-11+at+12.40.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY9GPgwjr-Lg2V9_GB2m2toLyhEON43ygBnYaw6UiIppvjAWaTaXZMB4gecqZieZYAWJRHmPWWQciC7CAD6YtpTp2eEYYw2DaHnHmxdTU2lx9-G-E4JO2vyvKAb_vxhjS_bUMa1el1XA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-11+at+12.40.18+PM.png" /></a></div>
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Congratulations MEESHELLE! I'm contacting you for your contact information now!</div>
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Thanks for playing everybody, and stick around for future giveaways! Don't forget to check out my (now open) shop, <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlgernonKnits?ref=search_shop_redirect">AlgernonKnits</a></b>! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-33604799584666733372013-08-07T22:45:00.000-05:002013-08-07T22:54:09.515-05:00WIPs & Books: Lots of Both!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6007WPopGwblImcpVhKWSPU-brdJiyq9ga-aXcNEYf4AFBHFm5Mpa5MDWkbF9eU6Ejgm0sRu-F-prhjMmwt_oHjNLNV2gZBZHpdG9WvesDtKLW_QfiHJNIorz0gy8P1vhaT_wJz1vNgE/s1600/SAM_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6007WPopGwblImcpVhKWSPU-brdJiyq9ga-aXcNEYf4AFBHFm5Mpa5MDWkbF9eU6Ejgm0sRu-F-prhjMmwt_oHjNLNV2gZBZHpdG9WvesDtKLW_QfiHJNIorz0gy8P1vhaT_wJz1vNgE/s640/SAM_1669.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-summer-socks">Simply Summer Socks</a> by Liz Pankratz<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt">Beekeeper's Quilt</a> by Tiny Owl Knits<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mr-fox-stole-my-heart--mini-fox">Mr Fox Stole My Heart & Mini Fox</a> by Tiny Owl Knits<br />
YARN: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/yellows/comfy-fingering-yarn.html">Knitpicks Comfy Fingering</a> in 'Peapod' and 'Hollyberry' (socks)<br />
<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/full-circle-yarn-family/full-circle-bulky-yarn.html">Knitpicks Full Circle Bulky</a> in 'Mocha' (Mr Fox)<br />
Various mini skeins and sock weight leftovers (hexipuffs)<br />
READING: Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney<br />
The Reluctant Assassin (W.A.R.P #1), by Eoin Colfer<br />
LISTENING: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams<br />
My Ántonia, by Willa Cather</td></tr>
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Wow! That's quite a busy week, isn't it? So much to cover! Let's start with the knitting stuff.<br />
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Upon request, I'm knitting a pair of Simply Summer Socks each for my sister-in-law and her daughter/my friend. I just started the first pair yesterday, and got the majority of what I've thus far completed finished while watching the BBC production of <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167872/">David Copperfield</a></b> this afternoon. (A word or two about the movie- it's not a great adaption of a great book, and I would have gotten very little out of it had I not recently read the book. Despite it having a multitude of actors who I have seen in the various British shows and movies I watch, few were truly memorable, the exception being Sir Ian McKellen, whose portrayal of Mr Creakle is absolutely stunning.) I'm doing green heel and toe contrasts for the red socks, and right now I can't decide if the color combination is reminding me more of Christmas or strawberries. </div>
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As there is a <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/tiny-owl-knits/2650521/1-25">KAL</a></b> for the Mr Fox Stole My Heart & Mini Fox going on in the <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tiny-owl-knits">Tiny Owl Knits</a></b> group on Ravelry right now, I'm taking the chance to knit a Mr Fox. I knit a <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/02/finishing-and-starting.html">Mini Fox</a> </b>a while back, but never did get around to knitting the full sized thing. Upon hearing of the KAL, I managed to find some yarn in my stash... of finished objects that I never, ever use. I ripped back the <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/02/wips-and-books-tom-sawyer.html">Instant Gratification Scarf</a> </b>that I knit but have only worn once on a very, very cold day. As I don't think a Mr Fox would find much love in my own wardrobe either, I'm going to gift him to somebody- I won't say who, though, because the recipient may read this blog and I don't want her to find out! </div>
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As for my Beekeeper's Quilt, I've been much more productive this month than I was last month. In July, I knit 3 hexipuffs, but this month I'm aiming for a higher goal- one a day. So far I'm doing quite well, and have completed a total of seven and a half. </div>
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I've been reading a lot this week, as well- firstly, Beowulf, which I have to read for school this year but I'm getting a head start on. The copy I'm using has both the English translation and the original Old English, and while I can't make heads or tails out of the latter it's interesting to compare the two. So far I'm enjoying it much more than I have any other book I've read for school, and I look forward to studying it in the coming year.<br />
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I'm also reading Eoin Colfer's new book, The Reluctant Assassin. I only got it today and I've only read a few chapters, but it's already enjoyable and has the same delightful humor as his other books. I have yet to see if it will live up to the standards set by Artemis Fowl, though.<br />
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In terms of audio books, I listened to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, a few days ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read about half of it a few years ago, but never finished it- having done so now, I can't think what stopped me in the past. I also started My Ántonia last night, but I've only listened to the beginning of it and haven't had time to form an opinion of it yet.<br />
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Sorry for this novel of a post! But, at long last, it is finished. I'm linking with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/08/work-in-progress-wednesday-156.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today!<br />
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P.s. Be sure to enter my Etsy shop giveaway <a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/08/algernonknits-giveaway.html" style="font-weight: bold;">here</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-31630147096587013992013-08-06T22:01:00.002-05:002013-08-06T22:01:42.844-05:00Spinning Show & Tell: Finally, some Productivity In the past few days, I've finally picked up some spinning projects. I haven't done much spinning since the Tour de Fleece, but I think I'm back in gear now. <br />
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I have two braids coming from Etsy in the next few days. I'm going to spin one of them to knit a shawlette for my sister, and as she's paying for them I can't afford to make a mistake with <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/spinning-show-tell-tour.html">the yarn weight</a> </b>I decided to practice spinning a fingering weight on the same fiber I <a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/spinning-show-tell-opposite-of-busy.html" style="font-weight: bold;">didn't finish spinning a couple of weeks ago</a>. I successfully spun about 15 grams of fiber into and 83 yard mini skein of 2-ply fingering weight, which I promptly knit into a hexipuff.<br />
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<br />I also have been working on a second spinning project, this one on the drop spindle. Remember that fiber I dyed a <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/spinning-show-tell-opposite-of-busy.html">few weeks ago</a></b>? Well, I found out why it was difficult to spin... Unfortunately, I managed to felt it just slightly when I dyed it, which made it almost impossible to spin- on the wheel, that is. However, on the drop spindle it's much easier. I'm able to draft more slowly, and I'm getting a somewhat consistent and quite fine single. </div>
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I love the colors- there's a lot of red and pink, with splashes of green and grey. It reminds me a lot of the 2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Snowmen, with the red and grey of Clara's outfits and the general greenness of Madam Vastra. I still need a colorway name, though- any suggestions would be welcome! </div>
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That's all the spinning for me this week- I'll have more next week! I'm linking with <b><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/08/spinning-show-tell-fearless-spinning.html">Crafts from the Cwtch</a></b> today. </div>
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P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/08/algernonknits-giveaway.html">here</a></b>! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-26526535497108168002013-08-03T20:37:00.000-05:002013-08-11T19:56:30.696-05:00AlgernonKnits & a GIVEAWAY!!! So, for the past few months I've been making a few very small hints that I've been working on something secret. I kind of doubt any of you noticed, but nonetheless, they have been leading up to something big... and it's time that something big was made known.<br />
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For several months now, I've been working on setting up an <b><a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a></b> Shop. It's gone through some rough times, but I'm finally ready to open. However, I'm holding off for one more week. Why would I wait seven whole days to release my hard work into the world? Because I want to do something special to kickstart AlgernonKnits (the name, if you hadn't realized, of my new business). And that something special is a giveaway. </div>
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Yes! To Live A Life's first ever giveaway! And, what's more, I'm going to be holding a <i>second</i> giveaway on my <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/algernonknits-2">Ravelry group</a></b>! First, let's have the details on the blog giveaway. </div>
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What I'm giving away: </div>
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An entire skein of gorgeous yarn, hand dyed by me! This is just a sample of the heavenly goodness I'll be selling in my shop. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKqv4uC4P-nfSd-RExmlCAG7I96xyLZNJmuaYy0lMtX5C6PoKIF4b6Gnz4TTDA-8x_y8eamuXVekM28r4dSf-FSystD0WlfkSsFB3nAPbl23WvbvlPrLr7L181DltMIbGndYA3-onDeE/s1600/SAM_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKqv4uC4P-nfSd-RExmlCAG7I96xyLZNJmuaYy0lMtX5C6PoKIF4b6Gnz4TTDA-8x_y8eamuXVekM28r4dSf-FSystD0WlfkSsFB3nAPbl23WvbvlPrLr7L181DltMIbGndYA3-onDeE/s640/SAM_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a variegated yarn, most lime green and white, with hints of mint at the color changes. I'm telling you, it's really difficult to part with this beauty. It's a worsted weight superwash merino (though I would recommend hand washing in cold water and drying flat), and you get an entire 100g/220 yards! Sounds pretty good, huh? </div>
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Here are the rules:</div>
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-To enter, leave a comment on this blog post. Don't forget to give me your Ravelry username or email, so I can contact you if you win! I will randomly select one person at the close of the giveaway.</div>
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-One comment per person! Any extra comments will be deleted. </div>
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-This giveaway is worldwide! Don't let your place of residence stop you entering!</div>
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-The giveaway closes on SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH at midnight! I will draw a winner on Sunday the 11th.</div>
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-This isn't a rule, just a request. Please share links to this post everywhere you can- the more the merrier! </div>
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So, now that the BLOG giveaway is all explained, let's go onto the Ravelry giveaway! </div>
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What I'm giving away:</div>
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A pack of four mini skeins, dyed by me! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc31_JjJDkjIapVcgtjWSnHgDB6aUVENuY2e65MZ-G840y7TVbdulZvnrmN_EgPib7pERGxGQmEvCglKigOqvTMQqteXuhC-xX8mP9FiW5aEXXXvNv5LMHSsf67dh488GcGFxK7rehsk/s1600/SAM_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc31_JjJDkjIapVcgtjWSnHgDB6aUVENuY2e65MZ-G840y7TVbdulZvnrmN_EgPib7pERGxGQmEvCglKigOqvTMQqteXuhC-xX8mP9FiW5aEXXXvNv5LMHSsf67dh488GcGFxK7rehsk/s640/SAM_1579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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From left to right you have a beautiful spring green, a delightful sky blue, cheerful sunny yellow, and a dusty purplish-pink! These fingering-weight mini skeins each have 25 yards. They are 100% wool; hand wash and dry flat! This yarn <i>will</i> felt (and does so beautifully, if that's what you're going for). Perfect for a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt" style="font-weight: bold;">Beekeeper's Quilt</a> or an addition to a stripy scarf! </div>
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Here are the rules:</div>
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-This giveaway is taking place in <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/algernonknits-2/2653713/1-25">this thread</a> </b>on my Ravelry Group. To enter, all you have to do is write up a post. I will randomly select a post when the giveaway closes.</div>
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-You can enter as many times as you want! Bring your friends and have a nice big chat! </div>
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-The giveaway closes on SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH at midnight! I will draw a winner on Sunday the 11th.</div>
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-This giveaway is worldwide! Don't let your place of residence stop you entering!</div>
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-This isn't a rule, just a request. Please share links to this post everywhere you can- the more the merrier! </div>
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Doesn't this sound fun? I hope you will all enter both giveaways and the best of luck to everyone!</div>
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xxx</div>
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<b>IMPORTANT UPDATE: good news, all of my non-knitting readers! If you should happen to win, I will knit you something with the yarn I'm giving away! This is only open to the blog giveaway. I will knit a hat, cowl, or fingerless gloves- pattern of your choice! Also, if you are a knitter/crocheter but would still prefer an FO to the yarn, that's okay too! Just let me know.</b></div>
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<b>Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you! </b></div>
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both giveaways are now closed. thanks for playing and congratulations to the winners!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-7486352494579627972013-08-02T16:10:00.001-05:002013-08-02T16:10:56.897-05:00Another Friday, another FO<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfzi2GtiPe91qYaBdNwXretgIvq3vgjswnWIjRFEIr_9nNSudUy-LxaJeHViFMfwmCmU0o-WEdjaBDfDmaFbaFlxLmdA-MCfqzI8ayzmiiIGCJXAMw_GWefgwjHy_PVVMqhlvvdrRCFM/s1600/vanillasocksFO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfzi2GtiPe91qYaBdNwXretgIvq3vgjswnWIjRFEIr_9nNSudUy-LxaJeHViFMfwmCmU0o-WEdjaBDfDmaFbaFlxLmdA-MCfqzI8ayzmiiIGCJXAMw_GWefgwjHy_PVVMqhlvvdrRCFM/s640/vanillasocksFO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/vanilla-socks">Vanilla Socks</a></b> of my own design<br />YARN: <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/yellows/stroll-hand-painted-sock-yarn.html">Knitpicks Stroll Handpainted</a></b> in the colorway 'County Fair'</td></tr>
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I finished my socks! Woo hoo! I only cast off a few hours ago, and already I'm wearing them all around the house. If I were going out today, I'd wear them out too! <div>
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I used one of the super stretchy bind offs out there, I'm not entirely sure which. But I think I did it a bit too loosely and now the socks have a ruffly bit at the top. I considered redoing the bind off, but I didn't, the reasons being that a) I rather liked that girly touch, b) I am an incredibly lazy person and the thought of undoing 60 stitches was too much for me. Now, a few hours later, I'm completely in love with the ruffly edge. </div>
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Now that I've finished these socks, I have two more pairs– gifts –to knit up as quickly as possible. No rest for the weary! (Actually I'm quite looking forward to knitting these socks. I have to say that because the recipients might read this and I wouldn't want them to think I'm suffering for their socks.)</div>
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I'm linking up with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/08/fo-friday-149.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-54884127602882322882013-08-01T12:32:00.001-05:002013-08-01T12:32:49.239-05:00Pick A Boo: Done!!!After many stumbles and falls, I am delighted to say that I completed my <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/dragonfly-wings">Dragonfly Wings</a> </b>as part of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/knitalong-with-crafts-from-the-cwtch" style="font-weight: bold;">Pick A Book KAL</a>. A couple of days after <a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/pick-boo-stalling.html" style="font-weight: bold;">last week's update</a>, I picked up my needles and got through those dreadful Cast On rows in one afternoon, the next day I did the lace section, and finally, on Tuesday I bound off and blocked it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUwTW9pYiMBW9gxlDcmZ2cKE1P8M3aUIOxCLr0dBytBeiueYm6N4mVN5Y8ymW_oyJlVTBeDzuML4q8WO4gVGvuAAh_fRhZOlQLbUJzyF7D8AQTr0NY6zftkmlqv1fXiz4mCu6JMDI5J0/s1600/dragonflywings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUwTW9pYiMBW9gxlDcmZ2cKE1P8M3aUIOxCLr0dBytBeiueYm6N4mVN5Y8ymW_oyJlVTBeDzuML4q8WO4gVGvuAAh_fRhZOlQLbUJzyF7D8AQTr0NY6zftkmlqv1fXiz4mCu6JMDI5J0/s640/dragonflywings.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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It blocked out very, very long and quite shallow, but it works beautifully if I wrap the ends around a couple extra times. It's so light and lacy, but as it's 100% wool it's also super warm. This means that I won't be able to wear it for several more months, but it'll be wonderful all throughout fall and winter. Perhaps on Halloween I'll be adventuresome and wear it with black.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERCPLdZveJ0HwLD4qhArAsB7kTPJhoRZNJ0eBq3b-3QVfP1GLftfBbF25hSwBIB1Z7KOgWkUrrI9qV8ePRnDP5h95_yJjCG3hrx__7QbifG6tbv4t0Dum6wmGHO3A3KG_PxTlpvM4BE/s1600/dragonflywings.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERCPLdZveJ0HwLD4qhArAsB7kTPJhoRZNJ0eBq3b-3QVfP1GLftfBbF25hSwBIB1Z7KOgWkUrrI9qV8ePRnDP5h95_yJjCG3hrx__7QbifG6tbv4t0Dum6wmGHO3A3KG_PxTlpvM4BE/s400/dragonflywings.1.jpg" width="400" /></a>As I knit it, I wasn't sure I was going to like the finished result- my tension was slightly uneven and I made a good many mistakes on the increases. But now that it's done, I'm absolutely delighted with it. However, I wish that the lace section was a bit longer and a more central part of the shawl. As it is, when I wear it all I see is orange. While it was a lot of fun, I don't think I'd knit this pattern again. With a month left to the KAL, I'll have to find another pattern to try my luck with! </div>
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I'm linking with <b><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/08/pick-boo-disaster.html">Crafts from the Cwtch</a></b> today. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-62693585264624063142013-07-31T18:09:00.004-05:002013-07-31T18:09:53.988-05:00WIPs & Books: Oh, CopperfieldStraight onto the books part of the post. I finished <i>David Copperfield</i> a couple of hours ago, and I nearly cried at it being over. There were parts of it I loved (all concerning Betsey Trotwood) and parts of it that made me cringe (all concerning Uriah Heep). It took me a little longer than a month to listen to the 36 hour long book, which is pretty incredible for me. I look forward to reading- or listening- to it again in the future, but for now all I seek to do is remove it from my iPod and replace it with <i>My Antonia </i>by Willa Cather, the next book to receive my attention.<br />
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Now onto what you've all been waiting for- the progress on my knitting projects. Actually, I have only one to show you today, and it's the same I've shown for the past couple of weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04YRQmnb753j1RUIcag_Ju8x7I_d_lHtXlYQjjFPWy0U-BjxtSNHk55OVR0m-lj-h9xlxmdBX6KllaHSUcZhKZkDEGljx_DUnMnwlblI3UvFRA4VVwkOeW_kRFoAXGia8GUWpK8X5QgA/s1600/vanillasocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04YRQmnb753j1RUIcag_Ju8x7I_d_lHtXlYQjjFPWy0U-BjxtSNHk55OVR0m-lj-h9xlxmdBX6KllaHSUcZhKZkDEGljx_DUnMnwlblI3UvFRA4VVwkOeW_kRFoAXGia8GUWpK8X5QgA/s640/vanillasocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/vanilla-socks">Vanilla Socks </a></b>of my own design<br />YARN: <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/yellows/stroll-hand-painted-sock-yarn.html">Knitpicks Stroll Handpainted</a></b> in 'County Fair'<br />READING: David Copperfield by Charles Dickens; My Antonia by Willa Cather</td></tr>
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As I listened to the last ten hours of David Copperfield in the last three days, I got a good deal of knitting done on my Vanilla Socks, and have completed the heels and am about halfway done with the legs. I'm hoping to have them finished by Friday, especially as I have no other projects to work on, but no guarantees!<br /><br />
That is all I have to say today- I'll see you tomorrow for an update on the <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/knitalong-with-crafts-from-the-cwtch">Pick a Boo KAL</a></b>! Linking with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/07/work-in-progress-wednesday-155.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-25876762748334395772013-07-26T17:09:00.000-05:002013-07-26T17:09:19.200-05:00Lots of LoveHappy Friday! I have a quick, cheerful finish object today that has nothing to do with knitting or crocheting, and was only finished about half an hour ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZII35-IN7ai1x66ZMBXTNLRVeitN8fj1AURQQphYKYR8iFRTo1ALbZh7AziqcDw9e5nqgaLIEOHKyFeowR4lv9joXyITqMt2ozjAnwfs8bcyJ5sOhS3uCktX8CYvaADgNOG7GGIeNnFY/s1600/hearts_tolivealife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZII35-IN7ai1x66ZMBXTNLRVeitN8fj1AURQQphYKYR8iFRTo1ALbZh7AziqcDw9e5nqgaLIEOHKyFeowR4lv9joXyITqMt2ozjAnwfs8bcyJ5sOhS3uCktX8CYvaADgNOG7GGIeNnFY/s640/hearts_tolivealife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made this rainbow of origami hearts following the instructions from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/466544842618606362/" style="font-weight: bold;">this pin</a>, which I originally thought would be extremely difficult due to my inaptitude at origami (and, indeed, at following instructions with nothing but pictures to guide me), but after making one heart I realized that this is so easy even I can do it. </div>
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I originally intended to use as bookmarks (which they are meant to be), but considering I don't read nearly enough books at any one time to use six (plus three practice) heart bookmarks. I'm thinking of making them into a mobile for my <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/p/hello_13.html">lair</a></b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkomiaw81ljrO4p5Kce8UZgQ5N5HFPsen-oKxoVCbZynNoQ8lzenE0w7ux03H2dPELxw_-mx80EMbroB1ftIJl69O-1LGDHevnoG470U78Q7YV_uokpx-D1-qnd4MGvmaL35otmAc8F8/s1600/felt_heart_tolivealife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkomiaw81ljrO4p5Kce8UZgQ5N5HFPsen-oKxoVCbZynNoQ8lzenE0w7ux03H2dPELxw_-mx80EMbroB1ftIJl69O-1LGDHevnoG470U78Q7YV_uokpx-D1-qnd4MGvmaL35otmAc8F8/s320/felt_heart_tolivealife.jpg" width="320" /></a>The pin was one of two heart bookmarks I had found, unfortunately I can't remember where I pinned the first and I can't find it anywhere (not that I looked particularly hard). But I acted on that inspiration as well, purely from memory, and came up with what you see to the right. </div>
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This is actually the second one I made, but the first wasn't as good. It's fairy simple to make- you just cut out two identical hearts from a piece of felt and stitch them together at the straight part using a blanket stitch. I don't remember the original picture I found to have stitching along the top parts of the heart, but I thought it gave the heart a more finished look. </div>
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I like the appearance of the felt hearts more than the origami ones, and I don't think I'll make any more origami hearts for the purpose of a bookmark, though I think they would make cute envelopes for a Valentine. </div>
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I'm linking up with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/07/fo-friday-148.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-36029455595235380462013-07-25T11:12:00.000-05:002013-07-25T20:14:01.668-05:00Pick A Boo: StallingI first mentioned <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/i-have-no-idea-what-to-title-this-post.html">here</a> </b>that I am participating in the <b><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=2630561&group=0&frame_type=b&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jcmFmdHNmcm9tdGhlY3d0Y2guY28udWsv&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Pick A Boo KAL</a> </b>hosted by the lovely Sarah at <b><a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2013/07/pick-boo-week-4-onto-lace-at-last.html">Crafts from the Cwtch</a> </b>(with whom I am linking today). That was three weeks ago, and yet this is my first blog post of the KAL.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmp9xqYIfDamLWseKWDsmhwyta1zzAmnt1rxb9QOLt4N4cTg5TxJpt1MOXBRhBufQlXmcLIV1PFOVWYCoLRqUbzeOAzsJw2cIzZ3spYMz-uSMtqjIb51BJA3_8TqxrvI2g1ObcxZdAmI/s1600/pickabookal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmp9xqYIfDamLWseKWDsmhwyta1zzAmnt1rxb9QOLt4N4cTg5TxJpt1MOXBRhBufQlXmcLIV1PFOVWYCoLRqUbzeOAzsJw2cIzZ3spYMz-uSMtqjIb51BJA3_8TqxrvI2g1ObcxZdAmI/s640/pickabookal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragonfly-wings">Dragonfly Wings</a></b> by Boo Knits</td></tr>
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I am currently at the stage in the pattern where you begin to cast on stitches. I've been at that stage for about two weeks. I'm a bit confused as to what I'm supposed to do, but I'm going to get around to asking for advice on Ravelry soon. No matter what, I won't have time to work on my little orange shawlette until August. Thankfully the KAL goes all the way to September, so I'll still be able to finish at least one shawl.<br />
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And that's all I have to say about my participation in the KAL! Maybe by next week I'll have some more progress to show you?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-526895353687321822013-07-24T18:21:00.000-05:002013-07-24T18:21:00.192-05:00WIP Wednesday: Secret Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Howdy, kind readers of my blog! </div>
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I'm afraid that, though I have many spectacular projects on my needles, I cannot yet show you any of them save one. And that one hasn't grown much since <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/wip-wednesday-almost-done-and-just.html">last Wednesday</a> </b>because my 'secret projects' have been taking up most of my time! However, I have gotten a few more rounds done on my current pair of socks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqgNGkHUKp18Y832rAfaY2upM-X6V7kdTbN5qe_7ZjTTWKe-_GGeFjXx8m9SAcnqJKu_9AlNS8LB4uMNSTY1YrdghEOyJiPEDo-Olk6JZpfegnuRZ6F3csX2WFkHFsuvTOzN0D_MV9uE/s1600/vanillasocks_tolivealife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqgNGkHUKp18Y832rAfaY2upM-X6V7kdTbN5qe_7ZjTTWKe-_GGeFjXx8m9SAcnqJKu_9AlNS8LB4uMNSTY1YrdghEOyJiPEDo-Olk6JZpfegnuRZ6F3csX2WFkHFsuvTOzN0D_MV9uE/s640/vanillasocks_tolivealife.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The yarn I'm using is nothing special- <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/yellows/stroll-hand-painted-sock-yarn.html">Knitpicks Stroll Handpainted</a></b> in the colorway 'County Fair.' I've decided since my <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/06/wip-wednesday-socks-murder-and-pinterest.html">first pair of socks</a> </b>to never knit with boring sock yarn again, as socks are one of the few things you can wear without worrying about the colors being too vibrant and/or gaudy. Maybe my next pair will contain <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/fiber-content/wool-and-blends/stroll-glimmer-yarn.html">sparkles</a></b>? </div>
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I'm not using a pattern for these socks, just winging it and hoping for the best. As it's only my third pair I doubt this was the best idea, but we'll know for sure when I get to the heel turn. </div>
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This week I've been listening to David Copperfield some, but not much. I'm on track 20 or 21 out of 36, and as each is about an hour long I don't think I'll manage to finish it by the start of August. I've been writing plenty as usual, but my novel has suffered a rather severe injury and I've decided to let it rest for a few days before continuing with it.</div>
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On a completely unrelated note, I finally bought a charger for my camera yesterday, after the old one had been lost for nearly two months. I've been taking pictures like crazy, but unfortunately almost all of them are of secret things so I can't show them off! But I'm delighted to be able to use my camera again, and it's a relief to be free of the iPhone camera. The question is, will my Instagram suffer from my proper camera's reinstatement? </div>
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See you soon! I don't know if I'll have an FO on Friday, but one can always hope! I'm linking with <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/07/work-in-progress-154.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> today. Thank you for stopping by my blog! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-87323182708958315402013-07-19T17:32:00.000-05:002013-07-19T17:32:39.092-05:00FO Friday: A Big One! Ta-dah! I finished my February Lady Sweater! Since I only had one sleeve to go on <a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/07/wip-wednesday-almost-done-and-just.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</a>, I knew I was going to finish it, but I did not meet my goal of having it done by 8 o'clock Thursday night. Fortunately I did finish it exactly six hours later and blocked it overnight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppHNlg7CAO0NT_KTeVTHhsEWq3mSHN9DKyzydqCYTd8mVLmvHvN0ZxMgcznZ61Z87Xdv1aURWc_O1EigelVFlhEFlOgYWsflpEDUlMctyu8R1fyMMKNgg9vWEA7FSs_fp2XNzdqe5wcc/s1600/februaryladysweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppHNlg7CAO0NT_KTeVTHhsEWq3mSHN9DKyzydqCYTd8mVLmvHvN0ZxMgcznZ61Z87Xdv1aURWc_O1EigelVFlhEFlOgYWsflpEDUlMctyu8R1fyMMKNgg9vWEA7FSs_fp2XNzdqe5wcc/s640/februaryladysweater.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater">February Lady Sweater</a> </b>by Pamela Wynne<br />
YARN: <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/blues/swish-worsted-yarn.html">Knitpicks Swish Worsted</a> </b>in Amethyst Heather (8 balls)<br />
And yes, I am using a DPN to hold my hair up</td></tr>
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If you did the math correctly, you'll know that I was up until about 2am last night. I was exhausted, but happy to have the sweater off the needles and all of the ends woven in. I thought, I really don't want to block this tonight, I'll just do photos tomorrow with it unblocked. I'm sure it won't change that much. (I don't know why I thought this, because I've done lace knitting before and I definitely know how much better it makes the knitting look. I guess I was too tired to think straight.)<br />
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But, I went ahead and soaked it, put it down on the floor to pin it out... and it stretched. The body stretched down about 6 inches, going from just at my hips to just below my hips. So <i>that's </i>why I used 880 yards of yarn instead of 750! I guess that's why people block their gauge swatches. When I tried it on this morning, I was delighted with the length and I'm so glad this is how it turned out. The sleeves also lengthened a bit, which is great because I was a little worried about their length. </div>
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One of my favorite things about this sweater is that it only took me one day less than three weeks to knit it. My last sweater, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/atlowery/oh-my-bear" style="font-weight: bold;">Oh My Bear! </a>, took almost four months to complete. Granted, I knit several things in between, but February Lady was put on pause a few times to knit a pair and a half of socks, a gnome and part of a shawlette.<br />
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The only problem is I only made two buttonholes (completely by accident) and I don't have enough buttons for even those yet. But that isn't stopping me from wearing my sweater (inside with the AC- it's too hot outside!) and I doubt anybody will notice.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by! Check out <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/07/fo-friday-147.html">Tami's Amis</a> </b>for more FO Friday posts! x </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-90720456451941383952013-07-17T23:19:00.000-05:002013-07-17T23:19:21.299-05:00WIP Wednesday: Almost Done and Just Started! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_KXMKCL5IodRWGLSZK4PLYNB_vSfIrSPoAW9IYNUTVnzSWHwYfvalg1MWzPSyg8L1UyYwQWONNlG_Tplw_9HGLeKoVhNOVQ5HNFEEIlbCoT8f2gEPgpTdHj6cUygr_aWrGZYsqk18oQ/s1600/bb63621aef3611e2a73522000a1faf50_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_KXMKCL5IodRWGLSZK4PLYNB_vSfIrSPoAW9IYNUTVnzSWHwYfvalg1MWzPSyg8L1UyYwQWONNlG_Tplw_9HGLeKoVhNOVQ5HNFEEIlbCoT8f2gEPgpTdHj6cUygr_aWrGZYsqk18oQ/s640/bb63621aef3611e2a73522000a1faf50_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNITTING: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater"><b>February Lady Sweater</b></a> by Pamela Wynne<br />
Socks (no pattern)<br />
YARN: <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/blues/swish-worsted-yarn.html">Knitpicks Swish Worsted</a></b> (sweater) and <b><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/yellows/stroll-hand-painted-sock-yarn.html">Knitpicks Stroll Handpainted</a></b> (socks)</td></tr>
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I've been doing lots of knitting this past week! (And very little spinning, which is why you didn't get a post yesterday.) I finished the body of my February Lady Sweater and have finished one sleeve, however I have yet to pick up the second (perhaps tonight I'll get around to that; it's only 11pm after all). I used exactly one ball of yarn on the first sleeve, and thankfully I have exactly one ball left for the second!<br />
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I also started a pair of socks on Monday, and I absolutely love them so far. I'm doing a stockinette sole and 2x2 rib instep, toe-up two-at-a-time on US1 needles. I didn't check my gauge, I just cast on and did the toe increases until it felt like it would fit my foot, which happened at 60 stitches per sock.<br />
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This week hasn't seen much literary action (unless you count my own writing, which is thriving), because whenever I get my headphones out to listen to David Copperfield I suddenly feel like listening to music. However, the good news is that my best friend has started reading it and she is an incredibly fast reader, so in order to finish before her (competition, competition) I'll have to listen to it a lot more. Perhaps another thing to do tonight while I start the second sleeve?<br />
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Thanks for stopping by! Check out <b><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2013/07/work-in-progress-wednesday-153_17.html">Tami's Amis</a></b> for more WIPs! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2344768466125280531.post-72312576280927902302013-07-15T15:10:00.000-05:002013-07-15T15:10:27.626-05:00Walking in the RainI just got inside after walking around outside in the rain. It started out as a drizzle, and it just kept on drizzling and drizzling until it was pouring and I was soaked to the skin. It was like an all-natural shower (though I wasn't naked). Now I'm inside, snuggling up in a big turquoise sweater with llamas and snowflakes on the button bands and cuffs and wearing the most comfortable sweat pants. I've got a huge cup of hot chocolate to one side and a slice of cold pizza on the other (the two go together surprisingly well). I have a new pair of socks on the needles and a novel to write.<br />
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It's been a long time since I've done a 'random' post, hasn't it? I think my last truly random one was back in <b><a href="http://anyalowery.blogspot.com/2013/01/cozy.html">January</a></b>! It looks like a lot of my posts about the weather seem to fit nicely into the random slot, I suppose because my mind tends to wander when it's raining or snowing out.<br />
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My sister is making muffins currently. If she doesn't share with me, a combination of the Hufflepuff and Slytherin inside me will force a few of those pumpkin cream cheese muffins into my stomach. On the topic of food, I have now finished my hot chocolate and pizza and I'm only somewhat full. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, because they were very liberal helpings of both. My stomach must be growing. Or these sweat pants allow me to eat more than I normally could.<br />
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And now I have to go and either do some knitting or writing. See you soon!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13314180003583715732noreply@blogger.com1