tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185829402024-03-07T08:55:38.015+00:00knitaroundMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-28083928100878074912013-08-12T16:56:00.003+00:002013-08-12T16:56:49.211+00:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Moving over to a new blog</b></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I am doing more than just knitting, check me out at my new home at <a href="http://www.handmadeallaround.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Handmade All Around</a>. See you there!</span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-52942469637233451122011-09-03T19:42:00.000+00:002011-09-03T19:42:02.582+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finished Objects</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is coming to an end. I had a great time hanging out with my kids, and got some good knitting done as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, I did the Westknits Mystery Shawl. Thank goodness I chose fantastic yarn, because the pattern could have been designed by a 2 year old. Not sure why I finished it at all, but the yarn and colors make it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/6109520078/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6109520078_0c89071e46_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See my girl hanging out in the background?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/6109521916/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6109521916_dc4bb3b3ea_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also finally finished these socks, the pattern is Cusp by Cookie A. I vow never to knit a Cookie pattern again, waaaay too much work for socks. They look fantastic in the end, but my energy could have been better used on a sweater. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/6108723925/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6108723925_06a74738c8_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/6108724695/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6108724695_c44b54c42c_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Labor Day weekend. Now for some fall knitting!</span><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-87487876245878210292011-06-10T19:59:00.000+00:002011-06-10T19:59:46.826+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finally Finished</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This project was sleeping on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> for the past three years! Yes, I began this one nearly four years ago. Its the first large lace shawl that I have ever completed. The yarn is fabulous, Camelspin from Handmaiden, and its super soft. I was a little concerned about how the color would turn out, if the lace pattern would be hard to see with all of the tone variations, but its fantastic. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5797053774/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5073/5797053774_bf323c03bd_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and close up</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5797052196/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/5797052196_b3b7e35911_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/icarus-shawl">Icarus, by Miriam Felton</a>, a well written pattern. Highly recommended. It feels so good to get that one on my finished list.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-7663633314477822302011-06-04T13:24:00.000+00:002011-06-04T13:24:43.016+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Decisions, Decisions</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While perusing Ravelry yesterday, I came across this pattern and immediately fell in love. Since I just finished my Icarus shawl (its blocking, photos to come), its time for a new project. My only problem is which color to make. I went shopping in my stash and came up with these combinations.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First the pattern</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the choices:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Blue Version</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the left is a </span><a href="http://www.knitwitchesyarns.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knitwitches</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> yarn in Purple, and on the right is also Knitwitches in blue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pinky Red Version</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the left is Dream in Color Starry in Punky Fuscia, it has sparkle in it. Not sure if that will be distracting. On the right is </span><a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malabrigo</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Rayon Vert. It is not exactly a solid, but has many of the same colors as the Noro in the center.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pinky Green Version</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5796019787/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/5796019787_b066e7446d_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the left is Wollemeise, which I have been dying to use, but think it might be a bit too bright. On the right is </span><a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dream in Color</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Smooshy in Happy Forest (I used this color to make the February Lady Sweater)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red one</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5796019761/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/5796019761_a211697bfc_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my original choice. It is one of the Spirit Trail club colors. I love it, but think it might be too red.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am leaning toward the Blue Version with the blue, or the Pinky Red with the Malabrigo. Would love to do the Red.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Help!!!!!!!!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-36257611938393467402011-05-21T18:18:00.000+00:002011-05-21T18:18:16.516+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Little Bundle</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://justonemorerowplease.blogspot.com/">Estella</a> gave me the idea to make this for my friend Alexcia at </span><a href="http://www.makeandmingle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make and Mingle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Its from the fantastic book </span><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Books/One-Skein.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One Skein</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, by Leigh Radford. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5738087848/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/5738087848_98b1cf2782_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The yarn is Spud and Chloe Sweater, a favorite of Alexcia. I embellished with a little flower made of some Moda precuts that I cut into circles, and hot glued down.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5737535433/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/5737535433_2370a4c5c5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it cute! Can't wait to see that little one wearing it.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-19041272100732245932011-05-17T18:36:00.000+00:002011-05-17T18:36:17.675+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Projects Abound</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its been pretty quiet here lately, but that doesn't mean that I've been completely idle. The Crochet Club project has gone by the wayside. I think that Jane is a fantastic teacher, and a technical expert. As for the design aspect of this project, it seems to be an afterthought. I think that there are a few others out there that agree. I've decided not to finish the project as per the pattern, but to make cushions out of what I made the first couple of months, and use the rest of the yarn to finish them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather is warming up, and other crafts have taken the forefront in my crafty world. I've done some sewing. Excuse the photo quality on this one, but it was not taken in the best lighting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5727828178/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5727828178_02ce7b0783_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its the Amy Butler Barcelona A-line skirt. I got the fabric last year at </span><a href="http://www.makeandmingle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make and Mingle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and finally finished it. I love it so much that I just did another one, which is waiting to be hemmed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next was a little cosmetic bag for me</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5600690730/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5600690730_cc6832ec22_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and one for my sister</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5727272761/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/5727272761_ccce9bd7e4_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then this weekend, I had the honor of taking a class in Dying with Trish from </span><a href="http://tanglewoodfibercreations.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tanglewood Fiber Creations</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at </span><a href="http://www.westportyarns.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Westport Yarns</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I've taken some dying classes before, but I am in love with the colors that Trish uses, and was hoping to get some tips from her. I even brought along some fiber to try. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5727268057/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/5727268057_8cb2b261ac_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the thing I was most happy about was that it didn't felt! I can't wait to spin it and see what happens. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but not least is the yarn</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5730605345/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/5730605345_28f55fbe03_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as you can see, crafty things have been happening over here. I've just been a little lax about writing about them!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-56716566576581269392011-04-08T15:48:00.001+00:002011-04-08T15:49:21.485+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What I've been up to</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much actually. I feel like nothing is getting accomplished around here. I got fed up with the Crochet Club blanket this month, and was going to skip it altogether. I was given a bit of encouragement by my knitting group, and have at least finished part of it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did the corner squares, and this center piece. Each one is beautiful on its own, but doesn't seem to match up at all. I decided to go for it, since it is a mystery blanket. I am hoping that in the end, it will all make sense. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5600690482/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5600690482_3c638fe6e5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still not sure, but next months pattern is almost upon us. Just a week to go. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one was super boring, but looks nice finished. I still have to make one more. I am praying for something other than single crochet next month. (Double Crochet to the UK people)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5600689784/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5600689784_2e60bf339d_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many ends to weave in! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed a break from this project, and decided to do a little sewing yesterday. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5600690730/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5600690730_cc6832ec22_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with a little surprise inside</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5600690200/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5600690200_6cafb66957_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm definitely taking this to Florida next week!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-26620628783870344952011-03-23T20:23:00.000+00:002011-03-23T20:23:47.783+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Chicken Party</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanted to share some of the photos from our little chicken party at knitting group today. Most of them are </span><a href="http://www.majorknitter.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennifers</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, six are Lori's, and three are mine. It was so much fun!</span></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5553481299/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5553481299_98e23b0b75_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5554071248/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5554071248_f3c7738b21_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5553483347/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5553483347_ee81e3aaa4_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-39021560119406261532011-03-23T00:20:00.000+00:002011-03-23T00:20:05.658+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Viral Chickens</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a week or so ago, I was checking out Friends Activity on Ravelry, as you do. I noticed that one of my friends was looking at this pattern for </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chicken-and-duck-egg-cozies-easter"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken Egg Cozies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I thought they were so cute, that I send the link to </span><a href="http://www.majorknitter.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennifer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thinking that she might like them. What I didn't know was that it was to become an obsession not only with her, but with my entire knitting group. I believe that several others are making them as we speak. I am hoping that we can get them all together tomorrow at our weekly meet-up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure what it is about them, Jennifer says that they are "Happy". That's true, but I just can't stop thinking of the name "Chicken Egg Cozy". Its just hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing when I was sewing them up, the shape is perfect. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my little crowd</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5551749276/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5551749276_72dc4b514f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5551165741/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5551165741_f595a1e683_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't you love the little combs on top of their heads. </span><br />
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</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-11094655668868243102011-03-19T16:53:00.000+00:002011-03-19T16:53:07.743+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Non Knitting </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year since I was about 11 years old, I have baked Hamantashen on the Jewish holiday of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim">Purim</a>. I've never been very religious, and its quite a minor holiday as well. For me its just a good excuse to make the cookies. I received this recipe from a woman that worked with my father ages ago. I've never really eaten another Hamantashen as this one is so good, it uses almond extract in the dough. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, my youngest daughter announced that she wants to be a Chef when she grows up. Go her! We baked these together, prune and apricot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5540372650/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5540372650_5ab0a71da0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5540372662/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5540372662_2e8e64279d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strangely, Lola doesn't look very interested</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5540372054/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5540372054_8cbeefdd92_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you to Ruby Bernstein if you happen to read this, your recipe lives on!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-81325247220812257042011-03-16T18:13:00.000+00:002011-03-16T18:13:15.496+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Field Trip...again</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My knitting group is such a wonderful bunch of women. Not only are they all great knitters, but they like to venture out and see whats going on in the knitting world. Did I mention that they are all super nice, and fun as well! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we took a short ride up to </span><a href="http://www.knitnewhaven.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knit New Haven</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I had visited about a month ago, and thought it would be fun for the group to go for the morning. It reminds me so much of Stash. The owners, June, Julia, and Linda are always there, ready to help you find what you need or just talk about knitting, spinning, or anything fiber related. There is a big table in the middle of the shop, inviting you to sit down and knit, sort of like another yarn shop I remember very well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been in a little bit of a slump the past week. The Crochet Club installment for this month has me baffled. The photos of the finished product are not what I was expecting, so I've decided to wait a while before I begin. My Cusp sock is in limbo after a mistake that made me unpick 10 rounds on size 2mm/US0 needles. I am in need of a new project. Ta Da!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5532683508/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5532683508_b3011400f7_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its </span><a href="http://www.berroco.com/ng5/ng5_cormorant_pv.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cormorant</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> by Norah Gaughan. I've been eyeing it on </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ravelry</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for a while. It calls for </span><a href="http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/ultra_alpaca_sh.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Berroco Ultra Alpaca</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a yarn that I've been wanting to use again. A perfect solution to my doldrums. I'm using Salt and Pepper, 6207. Let the swatching begin!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were there, Jennifer continued her quest to make a Cluck of Chickens</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5532683024/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5532683024_633c3a15f5_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chicken-and-duck-egg-cozies-easter"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken Egg Cozies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, can you stand it. I can't wait to see them finished. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we are with our purchases</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5532682324/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5532682324_8ac41f2b2e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget lunch at </span><a href="http://www.judies.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judies</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> if you are in New Haven. They have the most fabulous bread, and its still warm when you buy it. Yum!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-8647162951520920752011-03-12T01:41:00.000+00:002011-03-12T01:41:58.393+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Time Out</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past couple of weeks my knitting and crochet projects haven't been the most fun. I was frantically working on my Crochet Club for this month. This month focused on beading, which was beyond boring! It was tons of work, all in single crochet (of double for those of you in the UK). It was driving me crazy, but I finally forced myself to finish so that I could get a week away from it before the next installment arrives. Here are a few photos of some pieces so far. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518147393/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5518147393_f0f390113b_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518738916/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5518738916_345655415f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think its going to be fantastic when its finished, but I can't say that I am entirely enjoying it. I guess my first love is knitting, and its taking me away from that, and I'm not happy!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My other project, the Cusp sock isn't going well either. I made a big mistake along the way, and had to unpick a bunch of rounds. That is when I decided to do a quilting project. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I was inspired by last weekend, or maybe it was the fact that I have had this quilt since November waiting to go in the spare room. Back in November I went to a sample sale at </span><a href="http://www.dsquilts.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Denyse Schmidt</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s studio. I am a big fan, and grabbed a bargain. The problem was that it was a $350 quilt that I got for $75. The matching pillow shams were $65 each, and I needed three, so I decided to make my own. I ordered matching solid fabric, which has been sitting around since December. When all of my other projects got annoying, it was time to break out the sewing machine. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, I got to try out the new quilting extension table that I bought last year</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518846538/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5518846538_a2eba68571_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I am trying out my new Walking Foot</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518739552/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5518739552_cedc4ddce2_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to make them in the spirit of Denyse Schmidt, nothing would be exactly square, and the quilting didn't have to be straight. Basically the idea was for it to be all wonky (one of my fave British expressions). Here is one after quilting. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518258499/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5518258499_9bd96c87c1_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and here is the finished product, on the bed</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518739328/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5518739328_51e9978d31_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5518148145/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5518148145_52a16dc1bb_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think there is going to be more quilting in my future. Back to knitting for the weekend though.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-11018156145408893542011-03-05T18:56:00.000+00:002011-03-05T18:56:23.461+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Two Seconds of Fame</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend is the Fabric and Fabrications Quilt Exhibit at the Southport Congregational Church. I went last year with </span><a href="http://www.majorknitter.typepad.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jennifer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and Lisa. Unfortunately, Jennifer is away, so it was just Lisa and myself this year. This is the ninth year of the exhibit, and it features over 150 quilts. They never use a quilt twice, so thats about 1000 quilts that have been shown so far. Some of them date back to the 1800's, and most are hand quilted and/or embroidered. Even if you don't like some of the designs, you can appreciate the work that went into these works of art. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a small example of some embroidery. Keep in mind that this is only one square of not one, but two matching quilts. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5500237744/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5500237744_04b0df1479_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a bit farther away</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5499641217/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5499641217_17ee8cf7f7_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of the day, aside from the lovely lunch that the ladies put on, was the fact that Lisa and I were the subject of several photographers. We appeared in not one, but two articles today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first from the </span><a href="http://fairfield.patch.com/articles/quilts-fill-church-spaces-delight-visitors"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fairfield Patch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. You can scroll through the photos to find us after you read the article, or here we are</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5499614605/" title="Quilt2 by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt2" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5499614605_39d73fd61d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The quilt we are in front of was one of our favorites, a modern quilt done by several different people in the same style. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we appeared in the </span><a href="http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/Stitches-in-time-rainbow-fabrics-Quilts-as-art-1043466.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CT Post</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> along with this photo. Don't we look mesmerized. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5500210984/" title="Quilt1 by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt1" height="161" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5500210984_5060ecf83c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can't make it today as its getting a little late, try not to miss this fantastic exhibit next year. Who knows, maybe you can enter one of your own quilts, they are always on the lookout!</span><br />
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</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-67395771826258237772011-03-03T15:20:00.001+00:002011-03-03T15:21:41.898+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Make and Mingle</b></span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a year ago, through the </span><a href="http://wywl.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Westport Young Womens League</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I discovered a hidden treasure in Fairfield called </span><a href="http://www.makeand mingle.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make and Mingle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I'm pretty positive that I've mentioned it before. I tell everyone about them! Its a shop dedicated to all things crafty. There are fantastic fabrics from all of my favorite designers, sewing classes, ribbons, buttons, hand made items, the list just goes on. Anyway, I was over there a while back talking with Alexcia, the lovely and super creative owner about my favorite subject...yarn and fiber....what else! She mentioned that she was thinking of ordering the new Amy Butler yarn as it would go well with the fabric that she already stocks. Being a knitter herself, she wanted have some yarn around the shop. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here it is, the colors are lovely.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5494605494/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="161" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5494605494_34ec10e98f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its called Amy Butler Belle Organic DK, 50% wool and 50% cotton. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5494605654/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5494605654_6e55fa0201.jpg" width="214" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used it to make a pair of Saarjtes Booties. They are awaiting buttons from Alexcia. I'll be bringing them over today. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5494006267/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5494006267_dd425a6ed6_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in knitting classes at </span><a href="http://www.makeandmingle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M&M</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, you can contact Alexcia. I'll be the teacher!</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-87852093998205824302011-02-28T21:04:00.002+00:002011-02-28T21:22:12.704+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Too many projects, too little time</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I definitely have too many projects going on right now. I don't know which one to work on first, so I have been working on each a little at a time. Yesterday, I did some spinning, knitting, and crochet all in one day. I started off by stringing the remainder of the beads onto the yarn for the last piece for the Crochet Club. I knit booties for the display at </span><a href="http://www.makeandmingle.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Make and Mingle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. As soon as I sew them up, there will be photos. The rest of the time was spent spinning my yummy Polworth top from Spirit Trail Fiberworks. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">At first I was having a bit of a fight with this stuff. I looked around on the internet, and discovered that this fiber is supposed to be easy to work with, softer than Merino. I'd say that the first portion of the bobbin is not going to be great, I was pulling way too hard to draft. Then I discovered that if I fluffed it up a lot, and took it in small pieces, it drafts like a dream. I am making a worsted yarn using the Short Draw, or Inchworm method. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am convinced that spinning to music helps, currently addicted to The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. It won Album of the Year at the Grammys, and it was much deserved! Check it out, its amazing!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5486925092/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5486925092_7b6bc540de_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Excuse my slippers on the floor! I had to get my daughter to take the photo. Here is a closeup of the color. Its going to be a beautiful semi-solid of sea blues. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5486925570/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5486925570_831282b9a0_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">May I also add how much I am enjoying my </span><a href="http://www.thewooleewinder.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Woolee Winder</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. I bought it at Rhinebeck this past October. It's so nice not to have to stop all the time to adjust the yarn on the bobbin. Everything winds on so evenly, and the bobbins are larger than the ones that came with my wheel. The guys over there are super nice as well. This was a great addition to my wheel!</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-90084435633117698612011-02-25T22:47:00.002+00:002011-02-25T23:22:20.591+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Vermont Yarn Crawl</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Went to Vermont for a few days this week. I don't ski, have tried, but its not going to happen. I have an unnatural fear of heights, and anything related to speed. I always say that I don't do anything where I have to strap something on my feet and slide. Anyway, I set out to find yarn and fiber. The first day in Rutland, I found a fantastic and friendly shop called </span><a href="http://www.greenmountainfibers.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Green Mountain Fibers</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. I had a great morning hanging out with Sandy. They had some lovely local yarn, and of course, I couldn't stop myself from buying a hat kit from </span><a href="http://www.spinnery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Green Mountain Spinnery</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. I didn't get a chance to take photos from the inside of their shop, but I love these sheep over the top of the entrance!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5477032471/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5477032471_68b8f4e767_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Notice the palm trees behind them! So cute!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The next day was a stop at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.fiberartsinvermont.org/">Six Loose Ladies and Friends</a> in Proctorsville, near Ludlow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. I had stopped there on the last ski trip. What I didn't realize is that their shop is a Not for Profit. It is run by Fiber Arts in Vermont, and the ladies all volunteer their time. They sell lots of local yarns, and items made by local crafts people. The ladies are super friendly, offering me tea. I stayed for the entire morning, happily knitting my sock. This was my vantage point.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5477629978/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5477629978_21bfcf7a27_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Lastly, I am moving along on the Crochet Club for this month. I finished two of these. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5477042267/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5477042267_bb1c7ef408_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I want to take a break now, as I have until the 15th of March, and am nearly done for the month. I am going to concentrate on spinning my fiber, and another craft that I am about to begin. Hopefully by my next post!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-54914986759643921612011-02-19T22:33:00.002+00:002011-02-19T22:47:30.244+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Fluffilicious</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In another one of our TransAtlantic moments, Nathalie and I both joined the <a href="http://www.spirit-trail.net/">Spririt Trail Fiberworks </a>Combination Club. I really don't need any more projects right now, but I love her stuff. I also thought it was a fantastic idea, half yarn and half fiber. It runs for 6 months. The first installment just arrived, and I don't know whether to just cuddle with it, or start spinning immediately! Its 100% Polworth Top.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5459196319/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5459196319_5a6c4bc28d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is SOOO Nathalie's color by the way. She is going to flip. I've sent her a spoiler photo as I don't think it will reach her for a few days. I think I have to cuddle it before I start spinning because... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> I have begun the second installment of the Crochet Club. She has us beading this time. Its not the best photo, not blocked, but you can get the idea. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5459228667/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5459228667_1bde8d9687_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The next panel has over 200 beads. Will post a photo when its finished. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-24324221036219217792011-02-16T20:39:00.003+00:002011-02-16T20:46:46.032+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>Been there, done that?</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I've been there before, and I think you may have too. You know, its Saturday night...back from dinner...had a few glasses of wine...start looking at your favorite Etsy Shop! Over the past week or so, I have been eyeing the spindles on </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stseraphinaknits"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">St. Seraphina's</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> shop, so I guess it was going to happen one of these days, sober or not.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This beautiful new spindle arrived in my mailbox today. Check out the lovely sample of fluffy stuff that came along with it!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5451846136/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5451846136_642d2bd245_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I have to admit that I don't use a drop spindle very often, but there is something about them that makes me want a collection. This one is from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.kundertspindles.com">Kundert Spindles</a>, its Walnut with a Cherry accent. Off to try it out now! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-60171172067101030032011-02-11T19:57:00.002+00:002011-02-11T20:11:03.716+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>TransAtlantic Knitalongs</b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nearly two years ago, when I broke the news to Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, the first thing we decided to do was to keep doing Knitterly things together. One of them is our annual trip to Rhinebeck, which has been a huge success the past two years. The other is that we knit projects "together". At the moment, we are both doing the Crochet Club mystery blanket. I am getting close to finishing this months pieces, just in the nick of time for next weeks update. I still have the 4 corner pieces to go. These are a couple of close ups of the others</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5437056298/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5437056298_404b85e673_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5436445735/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5436445735_2249152912_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So far, I love them. The colors are great, and the patterns have been fun, but not too complicated. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As if we don't knit enough together, we decided today to start this one, from Cookie A's new book </span></span><a href="http://www.cookiea.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Knit Sock Love</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. It's called Cusp, and we chose it mostly because it is pretty, and didn't look as complicated as most of the others in the book. We are talking socks, they shouldn't drive you crazy, or so we think.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5436446119/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5436446119_c42e416cce_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I decided to use ShibuiKnits sock yarn in a lovely shade of Mulberry. Not sure what the actual shade is called, but the number is 229. Here is a better photo with Lola in the background.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5436446143/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5436446143_dcc4a47401_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-21910224862401290342011-01-28T20:24:00.003+00:002011-01-28T20:38:13.049+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cute little Cards</span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since I am starting anew, I thought that some business cards were in order. They just arrived in my mailbox. How cute! The photos are from items that I have knitted or spun, and pale skeins were from Stash. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will be auctioning off my teaching services at two upcoming events. One this Saturday for Westport Chabad, and the other next weekend at the Surfs Up party for A Childs Place. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5396504144/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/5396504144_6809854d46_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-48346146714553210522011-01-25T19:21:00.005+00:002011-01-25T19:55:29.408+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Awesome</span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I attended Vogue Knitting Live this past Sunday, and was not only able to be in the same room with the famous </span></span><a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Meg Swansen</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, I also got to listen to her speak for nearly 3 hours. I was awe struck not only by how down to earth and graceful she is, but also by how much information is in her brain! I wish there was a way to get more of her knowledge straight into my head. I came away with quite a few excellent tricks, and an itch to make a sweater with the EPS system (Elizabeth's Percentage System). Needless to say, I have ordered a book on fairisle patterns, and hope to get working on that soon. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Marketplace was pretty good, but for someone with as much yarn as I have, there wasn't much to entice me. What did impress me were some of the knitted items on display, such as this</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5387676855/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5387676855_55a0128a50_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I couldn't believe it when I saw this, a giant whale knitted entirely in Stockinette stitch! It reminded me of the one in the Museum of Natural History when I was a little girl. It might even still be there!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On another note, I have finished my Shaelyn Shawl. I know the photo is a bit backwards, but you get the idea....I think.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5385200528/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5385200528_e84c4f4749_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last but not least...I am a proud member of the Crochet Club 2011 with the wonderful </span><a href="http://www.janiecrow.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jane Crowfoot</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I decided that I needed to be more proficient in crochet, and I think this will do the trick. So far, the colors are lovely. The yarns are Rowan Cotton Glace, and Lempur Linen (which might be one of the most horrible yarns ever). So far, so good. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5388292664/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5388292664_7c6986150f_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-43749333291282515702011-01-21T20:00:00.007+00:002011-01-21T20:36:56.495+00:00<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>New and Improved</b></span><br /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So, I've been back in the US for over a year. I have built a house, gotten the family settled in, and now I am ready for the next chapter. What could that involve...Knitting of course! I will be offering Knitting lessons, either private or in groups, your house or mine. Whether you are a beginner, or ready to move on from making scarves, I can work with you to get you up and running with your projects. Just send me a message on my <a href="mailto:%20michlieberson@me.com">email</a>, and we can pick a time that works for everyone involved.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Meanwhile, I'll keep you up to date on what I am doing in the crafty world. As most of you know, the weather here has been horrible, and every other day seems to be a snow day. Its not been easy to get projects done. I have been able to work on my Shaelyn Shawl, which is nearly finished. I haven't worked on it for a few days though as I have so little yarn left, I am in fear of running out! I did the required number of pattern repeats, and still had nearly half a skein left. Decided I would go for one more repeat, but its getting kind of tight. I keep weighing the skein after every row. I have to just get on with it and get it blocked. I am using Madeline Tosh Pashmina, which is so soft and lovely. I can't wait to have it snug and cozy around my neck!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9tFTTlq8o_jS2O4KTB9ddhvwKBM8CMVoIS9_wpOdQLolTHjb3yRZVUqAdWwNHjZSIqrS_7mNKXZ_vqE0SRqUZkNZW-A0rdl6rJ6xybyBQsPQOlmjTgMKN__iaeYL16uCkiow/s1600/shawl.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9tFTTlq8o_jS2O4KTB9ddhvwKBM8CMVoIS9_wpOdQLolTHjb3yRZVUqAdWwNHjZSIqrS_7mNKXZ_vqE0SRqUZkNZW-A0rdl6rJ6xybyBQsPQOlmjTgMKN__iaeYL16uCkiow/s320/shawl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564734211150816194" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9tFTTlq8o_jS2O4KTB9ddhvwKBM8CMVoIS9_wpOdQLolTHjb3yRZVUqAdWwNHjZSIqrS_7mNKXZ_vqE0SRqUZkNZW-A0rdl6rJ6xybyBQsPQOlmjTgMKN__iaeYL16uCkiow/s1600/shawl.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I recently finished a pair of Thrummed Mittens, which I have wanted to make for about 2 years now. I finished them just in time for the frigid weather. They come in nice and handy at the dog park every morning!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/5298013135/" title="Untitled by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5298013135_8baa5d342e_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend I am off to Vogue Knitting Live, which should be very exciting. I am taking the EPS Percentage system class with none other than the famous Meg Swansen! I have to be on a train at 6:30 am to get there, but it will be worth it! Keep you posted...</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div></span></span></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-89306564099269321422010-04-11T21:00:00.001+00:002010-04-11T21:00:18.301+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Crafty Pay It Forward: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment to this update. They must in turn, promise to post this and send something they made to the first 5 posters on their status (or post it on your blog). The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2010.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-3866291888898447852009-11-20T22:01:00.002+00:002009-11-20T22:17:46.152+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Spinning Away</span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After my classes at Rhinebeck on dyeing, I have become sort of obsessed, what a surprise. First I bought a bunch of books, then I bought some dyes. Have done a little dying on the kitchen table, some good and some bad. Anyway, one evening I was surfing around on message boards about dying, and came across an interesting post. One thing lead to another, you know how it goes... found her blog, and then her </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Etsy</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> page. Next thing I knew, I was buying fiber, as I tend to do. This is what turned up in my mailbox...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4120068925/" title="wineand roses by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4120068925_3d4c00473c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="wineand roses" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not only is the color gorgeous, but I cannot tell you how soft this stuff is. I won't keep you in suspense any longer, she is </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stseraphinaknits"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">stseraphinaknits</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, and the fiber is called Lambkin superwash merino. I spent about a day or two cuddling this lovely, fluffy stuff, but I just HAD to spin it up. Let me tell you that it practically spins itself. I have since bought some to bring to Nathalie as I am sure she will love it as much as I do. Here is the finished product, plied it up last night. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4120068893/" title="stseraphinaspun by michlieb2, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4120068893_ece86559cd_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="stseraphinaspun" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was aiming for a DK, but I think that I got a little lazy and it is probably closer to a light worsted. Never mind, now I just have to decide what to knit with it, or I could just keep cuddling!</span></span></span></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18582940.post-13269835545213490062009-10-29T00:29:00.003+00:002009-10-29T00:44:06.426+00:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Finally got around to going through my photos, and came across this one from my last day at </span></span><a href="http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stash</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, one last one of the girls together. Its making me feel a little nostalgic. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4054434148/" title="stashlast by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/4054434148_ef1c2ba07e_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="stashlast" /></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fast forward to Rhinebeck, and the reunion has begun!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4047163326/" title="stashgirls by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/4047163326_4b5bac539b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="stashgirls" /></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nathalie and I had a blast, and it was great to see Alice. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When I told Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, we decided right away to make the trip to Rhinebeck. We thought it would be good to have something to look forward to. Took a couple of great classes as well. On Saturday it was "A rainbow of natural dyes". We learned how to dye with indigo, and cochineal (basically bugs!). Here is a little sneak at what we dyed during the morning. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4046418647/" title="naturaldyes by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/4046418647_ea8a4f74e0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="naturaldyes" /></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of course I left with some supplies to do a bit of dying. I am thinking of trying it out on the burner of the bbq. More about that to come of course. Sunday was "How to dye yarn guaranteed not to stripe". Here is Nathalie hard at work.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4046418679/" title="dyenotstripe by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/4046418679_3770eda9e7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="dyenotstripe" /></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and the finished products. Needless to say, I left with lots of dyes and undyed wool to work on! </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4046418691/" title="finishedyarn by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4046418691_cb34578a51_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="finishedyarn" /></span></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Can't leave without a photo of this guy...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stashyarns/4047163542/" title="sheep by michlieb2, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/4047163542_1c354bd7ed_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="sheep" /></span></a></span></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505580086893473468noreply@blogger.com1