tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201682032024-03-13T00:32:21.020-04:00Yarn TherapyRenewal, down to the fiber of my being.....(snicker)!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-65238818810015992872008-03-18T21:52:00.004-04:002008-03-18T22:25:48.895-04:00New BlogI've started a new blog at <a href="http://www.yarntherapyblog.wordpress.com">www.yarntherapyblog.wordpress.com</a>. Come and visit!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-9143670349674852512008-03-18T15:03:00.002-04:002008-03-18T15:15:19.476-04:00A Nice Surprise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFybWF0G3S2QIhSmli79gvxZtw1tTiju2VUUNIn8OKvWCmNT0Z7HIarg6qHJCgSPhhVco5PTJUjwZ536YQfw0aXYyi0oDLIeFK0-9NSfpfl-d-bglI5u5oxNiIXnpzUszvN_n1wg/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFybWF0G3S2QIhSmli79gvxZtw1tTiju2VUUNIn8OKvWCmNT0Z7HIarg6qHJCgSPhhVco5PTJUjwZ536YQfw0aXYyi0oDLIeFK0-9NSfpfl-d-bglI5u5oxNiIXnpzUszvN_n1wg/s320/flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179159740584064418" /></a><br /><br />Once in awhile, I get a nice surprise at work. Today, I received some mini-daffodils. I don't feel well, so this tiny bit of spring cheer is just what I needed.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-594021940674878792008-03-15T21:49:00.002-04:002008-03-15T21:51:35.264-04:00I Am So Upset!Somehow, I lost most of my graphics, buttons, do-dads, etc. on my blog today. I really don't know how it happened. I'll probably just have to live with this for awhile, then I might investigate Wordpress or another blog service. Anybody have any suggestions?yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-36303078271301687352008-03-13T23:01:00.005-04:002008-03-14T10:25:30.062-04:00Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire<span style="font-weight:bold;">Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire </span><br /><br />1. What are your top three favorite colors?<br />Green, purple and blue<br />I like saturated colors, not pastels<br /><br />2. What crafts do you really enjoy?<br />Knitting and crocheting, mostly. Have done cross stitch and beading, among other things. I don't sew. <br /><br />3. What products do you really covet?<br />Pretty or novel buttons, hand-dyed yarns, knitting books and patterns, cute stitch markers<br /><br />4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?<br />spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, cooking, working out (cause I have to)<br /><br />5. Is there anything you collect?<br />sheep, hearts, teapots<br /><br />6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?<br />Sun sign, Cancer and Chinese year of the Tiger<br /><br />7.What are your favorite…<br /><br />…scents/smells?<br />grapefruit, roses<br /><br />…types of music and/or bands?<br />very eclectic musical tastes, like world music, classical, rock, pop, etc.<br /><br />…authors?<br />I read mostly knitting books and psych books; nonfiction. Would like to read Friday Night Knitting Club.<br /><br />…animals?<br />cats, dogs, sheep, alpacas (I only have cats)<br /><br />…places to shop?<br />Sephora, Nordstrom, LYS, Kohl's, Torrid, Target<br /><br />…season? <br />Spring<br /><br />…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?<br />Yarn: Malabrigo, Noro, Koigu, would like to try some indie dyers/spinners.<br /><br /><br />…candies or goodies?<br />good chocolate with nuts or cookies<br /><br />8. Do you have any wish lists?<br />Amazon (on the sidebar) there is a knitting and a non-knitting one<br /><br />9. Are you allergic to anything?<br />SMOKE and pollen<br /><br />10. Do you have any pets? What are they?<br />2 funny cats<br /><br />11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. Also, if you have a Ravelry ID, please include it here.<br />I'm yarnmaniac on Ravelry. I think that's about it!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-60271244647900664512008-03-05T22:01:00.004-05:002008-03-05T22:08:08.479-05:00Great Swap Package<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXZ1PohCc9KZKaEK6FKqOYmZ1M9g09QswVzrWGMrTBHRXUsxnrd3J2XTz3vl2AdUtwGzjrYc_c6VT0W6oJxxWEvsq42ScIqITlBRXJfwOYTzgwphY7WbuUo8Jg2C1tlt81Tqm-w/s1600-h/haul.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXZ1PohCc9KZKaEK6FKqOYmZ1M9g09QswVzrWGMrTBHRXUsxnrd3J2XTz3vl2AdUtwGzjrYc_c6VT0W6oJxxWEvsq42ScIqITlBRXJfwOYTzgwphY7WbuUo8Jg2C1tlt81Tqm-w/s400/haul.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174458705142629618" /></a><br />Amelia lurked over the package until I took the photo because she wanted the purple Peeps. Everything else was mine!<br /><br />For more details, see the <a href="http://knittersscavengerhunt.blogspot.com">Scavenger Hunt Swap blog</a>. It was a really fun swap, so if you are interested, email the leader and she'll notify you for the next one.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-11172283047489775982008-02-24T22:33:00.000-05:002008-02-24T22:34:12.372-05:00Not Bad<div style="width:250;"><table align=center bgcolor=#9acbdf cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 style="padding:1em; border : 1px dotted black;"><tr><td><a href="http://quizzes-online.com/map/fiftystates.html"><img src="http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x192/gihanuk/USAbadge2.jpg" style="border-style:none;"></a></td></tr><tr><td align=center><font face="verana,arial,sans-serif" style="font-size:20pt;"><br /><br />In 4m 1s</font></td></tr><tr><td align=center><a href="http://quizzes-online.com/map/fiftystates.html"><font color=#0000cd style="font-size:11pt;"><br /><br />Click here to Play</font></a></td></tr></table></div>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-28389090639442649462008-02-17T20:41:00.003-05:002008-02-18T10:16:36.850-05:00Fake, But Fair Isle Nonetheless<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-lPcX6fwbNKgGghX9viUYWPxFzvJc27r5jsgDb96j5Bjeah0on2bggN6EcPKygEW8VWXHRrOEJGM0Mc3wfvd9tFykhfLNuA0ByB2ugG_oPOR42CJydnAjl__Ek7pHQ038pXh7Q/s1600-h/fake+isle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-lPcX6fwbNKgGghX9viUYWPxFzvJc27r5jsgDb96j5Bjeah0on2bggN6EcPKygEW8VWXHRrOEJGM0Mc3wfvd9tFykhfLNuA0ByB2ugG_oPOR42CJydnAjl__Ek7pHQ038pXh7Q/s320/fake+isle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168339372481731122" /></a><br />One of the long-time items on my knitting to-do list has been to learn fair isle. I have several patterns picked out--Fairly Easy Fair Isle from S n B Nation and Easy Child's Fair Isle sweater pattern by Louise, to name two. <br /><br />Today, I decided to try Fake Isle Hat from Mag Knits. I dug some Noro Kureyon and Knit Picks WOTA out of the stash box and jumped in. Well, it is very addicting! So much so that I didn't go to the knitting group because I didn't want to stop knitting long enough to drive there (do you see the irony?)<br /><br />It is definitely not hard. I can even do it two-handed, which I wasn't sure I'd be able to do, but my hands are a bit cramped. I hope I'll get used to it. Just look!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-9117828373603809332008-02-09T15:12:00.000-05:002008-02-10T13:36:34.388-05:00Much Needed Knitting Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHli58PVig1uU8xts_oK3ExYXI3A-koZSzEZW2SxxGhCtLSZJcAZf4d8yJDmzitGEAfmgqL7-6HuSC0tGuHhiFLRNy2OZRasJ-n89X4MNQYqpyQhcdD5HPASedC9VynfSSKQScQ/s1600-h/puppy-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHli58PVig1uU8xts_oK3ExYXI3A-koZSzEZW2SxxGhCtLSZJcAZf4d8yJDmzitGEAfmgqL7-6HuSC0tGuHhiFLRNy2OZRasJ-n89X4MNQYqpyQhcdD5HPASedC9VynfSSKQScQ/s320/puppy-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165422064467378706" /></a><br />I suppose some of you may wonder what I am knitting right now. Here is the progress report. I must say that I am allowing myself to cast on more projects at a time than I used to. There are just so many projects I want to make, and who cares if I do lots at a time? Do you? I didn't think so. Can you tell I've been reading EZ? I am starting to sound like her.<br /><br />Cobblestone: I got about halfway up the body and realized it would have fit my dh, me and our dd all at once, so it's been frogged. When I get over it, I will cast on again with smaller needles! Or maybe different yarn! I don't know!<br /><br />Shawl Collar Cardigan: I have done quite a bit of the back, and it looks nice, but I have to admit I am ready for so much more than just stockinette stitch, that I am bored to tears knitting this. I have impulses to frog it and use the yarn for something else, probably for Amelia, but there is an awful lot of it. 12 balls, to be exact. Sigh.<br /><br />Chevron Scarf: This looks good, I like the color combo, but it seems it will take forever. I tend to lose interest after awhile, so I keep putting it down.<br /><br />Seamingly Simple Vest: I <span style="font-style:italic;">love</span> the way the BMFA Twisted is knitting up. Very pretty. The saving grace of this vest is that it is done on large sized needles, otherwise the constant 2x2 rib could be enough for some homicidal ideation on my part. It is growing, but slowly.<br /><br />Baby Sweater (above): This is a delightful knit, especially given the boredom factor of all of the above projects. The box stitch gives it just enough to focus on without being too fussy. The yarn, Valley Yarns Sugarloaf, is a good fit. It feels like cotton, but has the stretchiness of wool. It is a bit splitty for my taste, but not terrible. I love the way it turned out!<br /><br />Thank Goddess for quick knits to break up the boredom.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-36291613283382762532008-01-30T18:45:00.000-05:002008-01-31T19:19:18.555-05:00Beautiful and Artistic? Or a Fugly Mess--You Be the Judge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljXFvwfnZBV1L1O1Qli3UBKBLHARNB9RllAuwJgO09PZ9vUqPvLSBpU-sL96TXmG9twZET2gSoWePIF0gFI4jjpwThBB0jjXqzu_YIhlTY2ywW3uWZZ4R1FAI24o0sMs6xTX0w/s1600-h/P1010001-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljXFvwfnZBV1L1O1Qli3UBKBLHARNB9RllAuwJgO09PZ9vUqPvLSBpU-sL96TXmG9twZET2gSoWePIF0gFI4jjpwThBB0jjXqzu_YIhlTY2ywW3uWZZ4R1FAI24o0sMs6xTX0w/s400/P1010001-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161799648466016850" /></a><br />For a long time, I have wanted to devise a good way to use up those "scraps" of yarn; partial skeins that can't be used on their own. I have tried doing sweaters, shawls and the like, only to find I hate the project mid-way through and frogging it. This time, I think I may have arrived at a more "legitimate" way to use those scraps. I started crocheting a scarf long-ways using a single crochet stitch. I used one color for each row, creating random stripes. <br /><br />I go back and forth. Sometimes I think it is very cool and funky, other times I hear "yarn vomit" in my head. It has been kind of fun to make, so that's positive. It's a good use of what would otherwise be trash, so it's recycling. <br /><br />At any rate, it is one of a kind.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-10436055269209158752008-01-27T21:11:00.000-05:002008-01-27T21:12:57.156-05:00What Kind of Knitter Are You?According to this <a href="http://www.knittingbrain.com/personality.php">test</a>, I am an Artistic Knitter. I like that!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-64153880669296110582008-01-27T14:26:00.000-05:002008-01-27T14:35:55.947-05:00My First Lace Shawl and Naptime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE4-Sfop80apOQV9X6ppsZEJXLfd4W196qEZYTSvcgzQJdVR5s3W7DUPJdruQO-vk-IY0e3pfVJsnPyiOZ4hTEdOnvlfdZFRpJh_272jfW8Q8bWwnFiA0Xdv25HK2v8JztqnNbQ/s1600-h/melie.jpg-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE4-Sfop80apOQV9X6ppsZEJXLfd4W196qEZYTSvcgzQJdVR5s3W7DUPJdruQO-vk-IY0e3pfVJsnPyiOZ4hTEdOnvlfdZFRpJh_272jfW8Q8bWwnFiA0Xdv25HK2v8JztqnNbQ/s320/melie.jpg-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160242220310043202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt2dKC7lNVO_Epz3xY2yht-prDYiHhTdfL14PxQ2HUHkHCclAL4hj57PFqDZfr9IlGduDVShmMiXbfCD5ZjozHTaufRvBCO88bkDxjwFZiq77r6JWy2-tS_xKqpGTXMTJcNPxVQ/s1600-h/leaves.jpg-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt2dKC7lNVO_Epz3xY2yht-prDYiHhTdfL14PxQ2HUHkHCclAL4hj57PFqDZfr9IlGduDVShmMiXbfCD5ZjozHTaufRvBCO88bkDxjwFZiq77r6JWy2-tS_xKqpGTXMTJcNPxVQ/s400/leaves.jpg-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160240833035606578" /></a><br />I happily finished my Falling Leaves Shawl. This was a great pattern for a first lace project. I used Lush, a wool/angora blend. I think it turned out pretty, and it will be warm, too. I look forward to wearing it. For the purpose of actually blocking it, I invested in some T-pins. Right now, the "blocking board" is the chaise in our bedroom. The tough part will be keeping the cats off of it.<br /><br />Now, it is naptime at our house. Amelia has company! I am going to work on the scrap-scarf I decided to crochet. It's a funky way to use of leftovers (yarn, that is). <br /><br />I also ordered a few things for my Scavenger Hunt Swap partner. I think she'll like them. I've been trying to guess who will be sending to me.....yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-24274635124206745062008-01-19T23:18:00.000-05:002008-01-19T23:20:24.084-05:00Conversation at My HouseMe: Amelia, Daddy's birthday is coming up. What do you think he would like for a present?<br /><br />Amelia: Hmmm...I fink he would like some boy stuff.<br /><br />Me: What kind of boy stuff?<br /><br />Amelia: (after some deep thought) Hmmm..... I fink a lightbulb.<br /><br />Me: A lightbulb?<br /><br />Amelia: Yes.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-41729332462676607972008-01-16T22:29:00.001-05:002008-01-16T22:29:29.007-05:00I Dunno....<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><b>The Recipe For Wendy</b></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatstherecipeforyourpersonalityquiz/drink.gif" height="100" width="100"></center><font color="#000000"><br />3 parts Flirtation<br />2 parts Charisma<br />1 part Fearlessness<br /><br />Splash of Fascination<br /><br />Sip slowly on the beach</font></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatstherecipeforyourpersonalityquiz/">What's the Recipe for Your Personality?</a></div>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-25256519835827950812008-01-12T14:09:00.000-05:002008-01-12T21:30:12.300-05:00What I Bought With My Amazon Gift Certificate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKl9QDArUwUBhuMx5hCHKGyx153fyxMPqrCd2Q6a2J9f1rlkd9j7O0oyhRoVQxeDOlz8CSaLr1IMEJh6o84_oP0mbMwd29gYnwKBiJhNkZbgS85PsoyEhstC6d2KsGkgnQmQvzQ/s1600-h/IMG_0112.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKl9QDArUwUBhuMx5hCHKGyx153fyxMPqrCd2Q6a2J9f1rlkd9j7O0oyhRoVQxeDOlz8CSaLr1IMEJh6o84_oP0mbMwd29gYnwKBiJhNkZbgS85PsoyEhstC6d2KsGkgnQmQvzQ/s400/IMG_0112.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154782027338467858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLcMvqvNicFj40t6cUNxPEDRg1nebNJge_NGTwQjo-ov_j0XXZ_Pcqqt3cDcX8lDyBgqzg5IeKZgs5vclZouA89bh2IQ1g329RYqLZKsK825YNN-1f2V3U-4pR1XZWylXenm__Q/s1600-h/swift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLcMvqvNicFj40t6cUNxPEDRg1nebNJge_NGTwQjo-ov_j0XXZ_Pcqqt3cDcX8lDyBgqzg5IeKZgs5vclZouA89bh2IQ1g329RYqLZKsK825YNN-1f2V3U-4pR1XZWylXenm__Q/s320/swift.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154669756893350402" /></a><br />Among all the knitting books (I know I buy too many), I decided I needed THIS<br /><br />Now it is one of those things I wonder how I ever did without!<br /><br />If you like Elizabeth Zimmerman, her DVDs are invaluable. I have learned a ton already! She makes knitting so unintimidating and user-friendly.<br /><br />I need to grow a few more arms, but otherwise this is a good knit-year already.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-91186288727328880562008-01-08T12:06:00.001-05:002008-01-19T23:25:05.307-05:00Knitter's Scavenger Hunt Swap Questionnaire1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?<br /><br />I have been crocheting for almost 7 years and knitting about 3<br /><br />2) What is on your needles/hook right now?<br /><br />A lace shawl, a cardigan and a vest for me, and a sweater for dh. Also trying the Chevron Scarf.<br /><br />3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?<br /><br />I guess measuring tape. I check gauge a lot. Next would be the Chibi Darning Needles<br /><br />4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?<br /><br />Faves: Malabrigo, Cascade 220, Noro. Socks that Rock next.<br />Least Faves: Anything novelty or scratchy or sheddy <span style="font-weight:bold;">and don't</span> prefer cotton<br /><br />5) What is your favorite color?<br /><br />purples/greens but I like most colors.<br /><br />6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?<br /><br />I'd list the projects I want to make and take yarn for that first, then just pull everything else I like! I'd probably ask friends what I should get for them!<br /><br />7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)<br /><br />My Mr. Greenjeans in Malabrigo! It's on the blog further down.<br /><br />8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?<br /><br />Sweaters for myself and my daughter, especially top-down in the round.<br /><br />9) Do you collect anything?<br /><br />Teapots and sheep. I collect mugs, but don't have any more room for any. Also love any unusual buttons or knitting tools.<br /><br />10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?<br /><br />My daughter<br />My husband<br />My cats (2)<br />Knitting books<br /><br />11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?<br /><br />Yes, Yarnmaniac<br /><br />12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?<br /><br />TEA. I prefer flavored black teas and oolongs. I don't drink coffee and I am lactose intolerant, so cocoa is out unless I make it.<br /><br />13) Favorite Sweets?<br /><br />Chocolate and nuts, cookies, cinnamon things.<br /><br />14) Any allergies?<br /><br />smoke and milk<br /><br />15) Do you have pets? kids?<br /><br />Two cats and a 4-year-old girl. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. They all yell at me.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-68852707516980949232008-01-01T20:59:00.000-05:002008-01-01T21:02:01.922-05:00A New YearI've heard that what you are doing at the stroke of midnight on the First of January may foretell your year. <br /><br />What were you doing? Drinking? Sleeping? Hugging someone special?<br /><br />I'll tell you what I was doing: buying yarn on <a href="http://www.yarn.com">WEBS.</a><br /><br />So, is that how my year will go? Kinda hope so.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-1828219149635158262007-12-23T12:35:00.001-05:002007-12-23T12:36:38.582-05:00Happy Holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8unFjiKaf4nMGe2iD0IpUK4IjvmHoejt7lrtGlEhTnWuFdQjJcUq7fuetwWW3O2mmpHIq-qQ0yxVq7YTj7uRNSHsPGayAJ9esyHW4jEZDRURhrgeY5QTUFcGwtfLBqg65gHgrZQ/s1600-h/rudy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8unFjiKaf4nMGe2iD0IpUK4IjvmHoejt7lrtGlEhTnWuFdQjJcUq7fuetwWW3O2mmpHIq-qQ0yxVq7YTj7uRNSHsPGayAJ9esyHW4jEZDRURhrgeY5QTUFcGwtfLBqg65gHgrZQ/s400/rudy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147223615041948130" /></a>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-6915527382232205612007-12-22T15:14:00.000-05:002007-12-22T23:24:56.695-05:00A Color Distorted FO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66KEXttxHbVf5qh3zRWJNVbyzSFTnixaiuhB67c6pU8QcTX1Aq6GIbTWAZEtl3IBBOewhUjRQPRKpDDUAaGrAyo9vphew74QMr5FCrAu4yrQJApSg_dHIkAryoBT96LiB79E3Fw/s1600-h/greenjeansdone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66KEXttxHbVf5qh3zRWJNVbyzSFTnixaiuhB67c6pU8QcTX1Aq6GIbTWAZEtl3IBBOewhUjRQPRKpDDUAaGrAyo9vphew74QMr5FCrAu4yrQJApSg_dHIkAryoBT96LiB79E3Fw/s320/greenjeansdone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146893984891914706" /></a><br />Merry Christmakahh to me!<br /><br />I finished this today, and I really love it. It is very cozy and warm. I ordered a button online today, so I should get that in a few weeks. <br /><br />The color is very distorted in this picture. It is more accurate in the previous photos I have posted.<br /><br />This just in: for those of you who hate Kitchener stitch as much as I do, Sandy Wisehart has instructions for doing it with knitting instead of sewing! <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/posts/legwear/306-1.html">Knitting Daily has the scoop.</a>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-47406176899836933142007-12-05T23:29:00.001-05:002007-12-05T23:29:54.601-05:00Well, OK....<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#999999" align=center><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><b>In a Past Life...</b></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><center><img src="http://images.blogthings.com/pastlifegenerator/past-life.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><font color="#000000"><br />You Were: A Mute Warrior.<br /><br />Where You Lived: Ontario.<br /><br />How You Died: Decapitation.</font></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/pastlifegenerator/">Who Were You In a Past Life?</a></div>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-81007147459715637642007-12-03T16:03:00.000-05:002007-12-04T14:20:30.098-05:00Almost Year-End Wrap UpLast December, I made New Year's Knitalutions. Looking at them now, I did pretty well. Let's review:<br /><br /><br />1. Finish UFOs (a good attempt)<br /><br />There were some failed projects, but they got frogged if I didn't finish them. The exception is my one Inside-Out sock. I have very bad SSS.<br /><br />2. Take time to use good finishing<br /><br />I am getting much better at this, because I realized that I can knit pieces perfectly, only to finish them into something that looks like doo-doo. I tried to take a finishing class at a LYS, but it was a terrible bust. Not sure if I will try again at another LYS, or just continue on myself.<br /><br />3. Frog and redo, when necessary<br /><br />Yes. Getting much better at this, realizing that, if I go to the trouble of buying expensive yarn and many hours knitting something, I might as well redo parts if they aren't the way they should be. <br /><br />4. Start xmas presents earlier<br /><br />I am not doing as many this year, which helps. However, I did start earlier. <br /><br />5. Make one thing with lace<br /><br />I made Camelia, by Stefanie Japel. I love the way it turned out.<br /><br />6. Make one thing with cables<br /><br />I am making Mr. Greenjeans out of Malabrigo worsted in a lovely teal green color. It is going so well, I vow to make many more things with cables in the near future.<br /><br />7. Make one thing with intarsia<br /><br />Nope. I tried the Heart Hoodie from Knit Picks and the gauge was just off, so I will try again later. I also want to start some fair isle projects. <br /><br />8. Make Jaywalkers!<br /><br />My attempt just failed miserably. I just can't seem to get the right gauge and don't have the patience to play with it. So I am the only knitter in the universe who is Jaywalker-less. Maybe I'll try Monkeys next.<br /><br />9. Make a vest<br /><br />Yes, did Sloane. I love wearing it, although I need to take in the side seams. I have two more vest patterns to try, one for me and one for dh. <br /><br />10. Make the Yarnplay sweater!<br /><br />Did it! <br /><br />11. Make a shawl<br /><br />Again, I tried, but lost interest in the scrap shawl idea. I have a shawl pattern from WEBS that I want to start, but haven't found the right yarn yet. That will probably be my first shawl.<br /><br />12. Use circular needles whenever possible.<br /><br />I think I have used circs almost all the time. What has made that easier is that I have made a bunch of things in the round from the top down. I also bought the Harmony needle set from Knit Picks, the pretty, colorful, wooden ones, and I LOVE them. <br /><br />So that is my wrap up! I think I did pretty well, and it has been a good knitting year. Now that I'm on Ravelry, I am more organized and have increased access to LOADS of information and inspiration. I also started going occasionally to a knitting group that meets weekly (I don't go every week). I learn a lot from being around other knitters.<br /><br />This year I also got up the nerve and submitted several items to the local county fair and won 3 ribbons! <br /><br />My secret wish is to meet a fellow knitter with whom I really connect (locally or on the net) and develop a close friendship. Maybe in 2008! <br /><br />How was your knit-year? What do you hope to do in the next one?yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-29700851825874586712007-11-24T19:06:00.000-05:002007-11-24T19:10:22.516-05:00Cuteness Alert!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQzcz6wEKMGpM48Ip8T6aC3SyQ36OY-8ot2mUGEoXLq8QB-4w2eRXiz-mSKCCWaXJCty5ux-XXiTlJWBCMM4_EXRfhq_-RZJhVPjr3TmH44gxWkrvtFs2WE1bHwGPOl2lbU1Oog/s1600-h/hoodie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQzcz6wEKMGpM48Ip8T6aC3SyQ36OY-8ot2mUGEoXLq8QB-4w2eRXiz-mSKCCWaXJCty5ux-XXiTlJWBCMM4_EXRfhq_-RZJhVPjr3TmH44gxWkrvtFs2WE1bHwGPOl2lbU1Oog/s400/hoodie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136563249861963506" /></a><br />Wrapped in Baby Alpaca Grande!<br />This was a fun knit and I think it looks so adorable on her.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-22641097628954556752007-11-02T21:00:00.001-04:002007-11-02T21:03:31.197-04:00Delightful FO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QcF8V1JSkMbFkyOdVsHz-iuYYQ3mCiRgEH4G2Ra5oLYC7PXYDHgrtjza-wFknyPqlc2tL_4fr96LmH9vZkU96V96_Yxrd0_kQBiTNMpBr6IABIKwv7ozFl7qTLxGDfa7nTDz2A/s1600-h/melie4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QcF8V1JSkMbFkyOdVsHz-iuYYQ3mCiRgEH4G2Ra5oLYC7PXYDHgrtjza-wFknyPqlc2tL_4fr96LmH9vZkU96V96_Yxrd0_kQBiTNMpBr6IABIKwv7ozFl7qTLxGDfa7nTDz2A/s320/melie4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128412861050500354" /></a><br /><br />Amelia is modeling the new sweater I made her. It was a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern of a child's bolero. The yarn was Plymouth Encore Worsted, a nice self-striping acrylic/wool blend. I have gotten away from using acrylic lately, but this is good for a messy girl because it's machine washable. I think it knit very well for this type of yarn. I may make another one, this was a very enjoyable project and I love the way it turned out!yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-15580444249592909102007-10-30T11:40:00.000-04:002007-10-31T21:37:31.789-04:00KTS4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlBKGrXemnIVf86wogloQ4wSOp5yUlDzBUy84MoOfcYrHUqfAKY51qLJQ0jpVYAjV3bUTsVoyKZmQ1bTK8TU5L6vYr2MokrDBke9kO0bzEztF-ZfsjKa2ua0KBcb5Y_29rMK_2w/s1600-h/teaswap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlBKGrXemnIVf86wogloQ4wSOp5yUlDzBUy84MoOfcYrHUqfAKY51qLJQ0jpVYAjV3bUTsVoyKZmQ1bTK8TU5L6vYr2MokrDBke9kO0bzEztF-ZfsjKa2ua0KBcb5Y_29rMK_2w/s400/teaswap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127155658370506802" /></a><br />I am happily sipping my Huckleberry Tea while I write about my fastasmic package from Emily in Seattle. She really found some unique items that I would definitely never come across here in Virginia. The teas: besides the aforementioned Huckleberry, she sent some spice tea and some Thai Oolong, which I tried and really enjoyed. (BTW, do readers know you can brew oolong leaves twice?) Also in the package, some gorgeous LP Brown Sheep Bulky Superwash in a lovely green, some nice handmade soap (another nice treat), two boxes of cookies with chocolate which I may not share, some Japanese teabags for putting loose tea in, some cute little teapot cookie cutters, and a journal with a cat inside of a teacup! Wow!<br /><br />I love it all, and can't wait to hear her reaction to her package. A fine swap, indeed.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-46594783373836237902007-10-21T19:46:00.000-04:002007-10-26T22:46:03.265-04:00Stitches East ReportIt was a week ago, but I did want to report on my attendance at my first Stitches conference. My friend, Fran, and I went up just for the day to shop at the Market. It was a blast. Yarn, yarn, yarn everywhere! <br /><br />Besides a whole lotta buying and ogling yarn, some other fun things happened: <br /><br />Fran won a doorprize. I shrieked "Whoo!" I just couldn't help it. Knitting+prizes=Whoo! <br /><br />I met some of the BMFA folks and they were cool ladies, as you would hope they would be.<br /><br />I received a lot of positive responses to my shirt, which proclaimed, <span style="font-weight:bold;">"If I knit fast, does it count as aerobics?" </span>This included Lily Chin, who sat in a booth crocheting so fast you couldn't see her hand. She liked my shirt! <br /><br />I also received many compliments on my Two-Toned Shrug I was wearing. Yay. <br /><br />I also was in the presence of Lisa Souza herself ("I'm not worthy!!")<br /><br />I almost got inappropriate with the Malabrigo representative, I just love that yarn so much. Ooh.<br /><br />I also ran into the <a href="http://www.skrillaknits.blogspot.com">pretty black-haired girl</a> who appears in the WEBS catalog. I probably sounded so lame, shouting, "Oh! It's you! You are the one in the catalog! You're famous!" She was very sweet and looked just like she did in the catalog, although she said some people said she didn't. <br /><br />We ate crabcakes across the street (well, at was Baltimore, hun) and agreed it was a great day.yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20168203.post-28023151695991130232007-10-14T21:37:00.000-04:002007-10-14T21:42:10.597-04:00My Baby Turns 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5j9-V8Eij1UOeOgmu6jQcqwXB3a-evh875M88dJPsU83ayyPbrVgWR_FGoQtrVSxuwJ2Way7ifoU8f3b3T7vjnHGgGDe3cLtrM41alvjrMFJH2lYXDwQ1ndbLdi0QnugRkSXFQ/s1600-h/teddycake.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5j9-V8Eij1UOeOgmu6jQcqwXB3a-evh875M88dJPsU83ayyPbrVgWR_FGoQtrVSxuwJ2Way7ifoU8f3b3T7vjnHGgGDe3cLtrM41alvjrMFJH2lYXDwQ1ndbLdi0QnugRkSXFQ/s400/teddycake.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121372234101271298" /></a><br />OK, she doesn't really turn 4 until the 29th, but the relatives could come this weekend, so....it's a party, and the little girl doesn't know the difference. The theme was teddy bears, so the cake was appropriate.<br /><br /><br />Amelia's favorite gift was the laptop she got from Grandma and Grandpa. Now she is just like Daddy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVE97Tos5CpvmPDxbxzhTVbjhV5GbH_mFcs7YradaIv9EYiMWbreWqTn4Ui02RPv1KVxnPT-shFacmO6ZawF7AQvCdc2Zn9PEgVINyECAteD2jOj5otzDkhhbJxxj1dzJM-bPkQ/s1600-h/laptops.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVE97Tos5CpvmPDxbxzhTVbjhV5GbH_mFcs7YradaIv9EYiMWbreWqTn4Ui02RPv1KVxnPT-shFacmO6ZawF7AQvCdc2Zn9PEgVINyECAteD2jOj5otzDkhhbJxxj1dzJM-bPkQ/s320/laptops.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121372612058393362" /></a>yarnmaniachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685819310208417679noreply@blogger.com0