tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74252560819015792092024-03-21T18:49:55.593-04:00Knit Lulu, KnitLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-36505070669322002612012-03-19T11:19:00.000-04:002012-03-19T11:19:28.269-04:00Something Non-Crafty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDTHfBfxpcTB_v-KxJp3JfsMJNU9_ql1Y4jfJFPKjuXJSQN1jozeCpadrVYRdNZ3XFLDKbOfpkwN2WK2UPvWyGCFVtzrwujWqR55Nbv_CWAQJRFxKjQiNGiTt_tXCjwCSmHruYjhejJs/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-19+at+11.04.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDTHfBfxpcTB_v-KxJp3JfsMJNU9_ql1Y4jfJFPKjuXJSQN1jozeCpadrVYRdNZ3XFLDKbOfpkwN2WK2UPvWyGCFVtzrwujWqR55Nbv_CWAQJRFxKjQiNGiTt_tXCjwCSmHruYjhejJs/s320/Screen+shot+2012-03-19+at+11.04.17+AM.png" width="167" /></a></div>Oh the power of the internet. I understand that this post has nothing to do with quilting, sewing, crafting, or my insanely adorable dog... BUT it has a lot to do with me. I love otters, the new Sherlock Holmes (and the classic books for that matter but they don't have someone named Cumberbatch in them now do they?), and wacky/zany/irreverent/absurd things. This post; "Otters that look like Benedict Cumberbatch" from <a href="http://redscharlach.tumblr.com/post/19565284869/otters-who-look-like-benedict-cumberbatch-a">Red Scharlach</a> has all of my favorite things. Also, did you know there is a website that just has pictures of <a href="http://dailyotter.org/">otters</a>? We truly are living in magical times.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-89785344868494294242012-03-18T19:19:00.000-04:002012-03-18T19:19:36.037-04:00Chevron Intervention Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreKQG5s1uBCuuej6ncU8jwdaPanDRL3v0u8PMfnq6Nd18IxptT0KG_jWav93_y3XI39zzhsqneclOcunqgu1H6QT5mAm0bwfGax5Undpcl-dVLEcezPAs5qS_yym4524sS38KAX9s3pE/s1600/417992_613251347499_27800337_32662566_1760734933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreKQG5s1uBCuuej6ncU8jwdaPanDRL3v0u8PMfnq6Nd18IxptT0KG_jWav93_y3XI39zzhsqneclOcunqgu1H6QT5mAm0bwfGax5Undpcl-dVLEcezPAs5qS_yym4524sS38KAX9s3pE/s320/417992_613251347499_27800337_32662566_1760734933_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Perhaps you remember <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2012/02/absentee-blogger.html">this sweater</a> that I <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluabroad/hollywood-herringbone-pullover">finished recently</a>. The awesome Hollywood Herringbone Pullover by Kate Gagnon Osborn. <br />
<br />
Then I recently attended a quilting workshop. The pattern was a Jacob's Ladder Quilt but unfortunately half way through the workshop something just wasn't gelling for me and I decided that if I was going to put in the time to make a quilt I had to like the finished result. So I scrapped the nine patch segments, rearranged the half square triangles, and am now putting together something that looks like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWmmMGg8uS8/T2ZtfNhDB2I/AAAAAAAACfU/4CZZmojRfZY/s1600/AoMNV0lCQAIGPn7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWmmMGg8uS8/T2ZtfNhDB2I/AAAAAAAACfU/4CZZmojRfZY/s320/AoMNV0lCQAIGPn7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Finally, let us look at the knitting project currently on my needles. The oh-so-awesome <a href="http://www.knitdarling.com/patterns/delancey-cardigan/">Delancey Cardigan</a> by Alexis Winslow which I am doing as knit-a-long with a friend (I posted about having the yarn for this a g e s ago and finally took the plunge and cast-on). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpurWHHXcyRVKSxhw5z5kYBqH_kLpIgQYgbnm-Cw4h9ICa7Fjo2roay1OgpvxyzyprR25YxjHYXw4FAd2lUzTRrqwoSQiYKadc4Q7yq2Y1WBW4cOKtc7pvrY8m9aNzvzYhxMyNP7QpVE/s1600/AoMLpdZCIAAvotd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpurWHHXcyRVKSxhw5z5kYBqH_kLpIgQYgbnm-Cw4h9ICa7Fjo2roay1OgpvxyzyprR25YxjHYXw4FAd2lUzTRrqwoSQiYKadc4Q7yq2Y1WBW4cOKtc7pvrY8m9aNzvzYhxMyNP7QpVE/s320/AoMLpdZCIAAvotd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Knitting this in Berocco Ultra Alpaca and so far it is coming out absolutely delicious!</i></span></div><br />
Hmm, notice any striking similarities between these? I obviously keep getting drawn to the zig zags. Heck, it's even the background on my blog! In my defense, I'm not the only one to jump aboard the chevron train. <a href="http://pinterest.com/luluabroad/">Pinterest</a> has been blowing up with chevron for awhile now. Do you find yourself drawn to similar patterns, colors, or styles time and time again? Do I need a chevron/zig zag intervention?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-64406104747122500202012-03-12T17:30:00.006-04:002012-03-12T17:30:01.811-04:00Knitting and Rules<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFDjeY-J4E68bM4mqYa6wmTDrU5AWCBGfSDEqlt8a6VuIVlnPPkCXXoxWkppRyVS-DoAnhL7OrFpT3j7vSpQ02V7Ka1hpvqPoItgpP451zkpRsICIPbxWhIAmATlwmGN8MV_H8Z8KCfs/s1600/421201_613250958279_27800337_32662555_1773476576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFDjeY-J4E68bM4mqYa6wmTDrU5AWCBGfSDEqlt8a6VuIVlnPPkCXXoxWkppRyVS-DoAnhL7OrFpT3j7vSpQ02V7Ka1hpvqPoItgpP451zkpRsICIPbxWhIAmATlwmGN8MV_H8Z8KCfs/s320/421201_613250958279_27800337_32662555_1773476576_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ruby knows that all rules are meant to be broken, like that one about not getting on the couch.</i></span></div><br />
I've been gathering quite the to-do list lately, and also creating quite the long craft rules list for myself.<br />
<br />
Anyone else out there create rules around their creating? You know, rules like "I cannot buy any more yarn until I use up my stash" or "no new fabric/patterns until I make something with the last fabric I bought" or my current rule "I can't sew anything new until I make progress on that quilt." Obviously my rules are meant to motivate me to complete projects, or use up supplies/avoid a yarn and fabric hoarding issue. I have to admit that I don't like having multiple unfinished projects lying around so I try to bust through them before they start to stress me out. However, today I caught myself thinking, why all the rules? Isn't crafting supposed to be my fun hobby? Why would I let my hobby stress me out?<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Do you make "rules" for yourself? If you do, do you keep them or are craft rules meant to be broken (like when you REALLY need a skein of that gorgeous alpaca or a yard of that adorable <a href="http://heatherross.squarespace.com/view-portfolio/fabric-design-and-fashion/">Heather Ross print</a>)? Also, please tell me I'm not the only one who stresses themselves out over something that is supposed to be fun!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-43499705248674565142012-02-19T14:49:00.005-05:002012-02-19T15:00:16.898-05:00Absentee blogger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwA9Z68df-MjOStiDwkiRQNSLZzaBIEp80gaVJ2X4-vaYMRkzwwJYCWJAmHDa3IpgLZddspP5A0Tn8vuUKX6r1bbDDsE_nuYq5NFJLKc4_cP61K4k-IMXA-YyutsBV7fmrr5IZ1J5WMdY/s1600/DSCN2773.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwA9Z68df-MjOStiDwkiRQNSLZzaBIEp80gaVJ2X4-vaYMRkzwwJYCWJAmHDa3IpgLZddspP5A0Tn8vuUKX6r1bbDDsE_nuYq5NFJLKc4_cP61K4k-IMXA-YyutsBV7fmrr5IZ1J5WMdY/s400/DSCN2773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710938564932947138" /></a><span ><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Oh my, a whole year? A whole year of blogger absenteeism? I have good reasons, I promise!</span></span><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 16px; ">That whole getting married thing was very exciting but time consuming, I also got an awesome new job which has been keeping me busy, and I've started getting into fitness and working out more. All of this has combined to me having less time/</span>energy<span style="font-size: 16px; "> to be crafty and also less enthusiasm to document said craftiness. I do have projects I've completed though, and I've started a whole new crafting endeavor: quilting. So as a way to force myself to be more creative and spend less time just watching Downton Abbey (can you blame me? the show is amazing!) I'm going to try to get back into the blogging. Here's hoping the next post from me is in a week and not in a year!</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 16px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Now more pictures of my completed <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluabroad/hollywood-herringbone-pullover">Hollywood Herringbone Pullover</a>:</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdEUxv9UEFisBQ4eLAvI3-_CassZT6_Sc0HshDX8Z04CftWp9_BDutmXNDsMsEGsM5A_POIaays9A1Vl7uTSe8H9p03-7iQiCrrkQ9l5CGspt6ESv4DQvE3WOAvOwLEWYOUaM2L42YhY/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdEUxv9UEFisBQ4eLAvI3-_CassZT6_Sc0HshDX8Z04CftWp9_BDutmXNDsMsEGsM5A_POIaays9A1Vl7uTSe8H9p03-7iQiCrrkQ9l5CGspt6ESv4DQvE3WOAvOwLEWYOUaM2L42YhY/s400/DSCN2774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710938371992947858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaeoExUBjBJpx9A24bRcmkfpWyrgGVGVRhrS2OWlVtIGhOEbtID6IYRvEb7g0Zl2bDVYmc7G53CJftdqkzxRnOzobCWPF70RRdmFHd9_gwWnrWHMjUhyphenhyphen2y75rgWcmQxGqItL8mTiW5Ck/s1600/DSCN2786.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaeoExUBjBJpx9A24bRcmkfpWyrgGVGVRhrS2OWlVtIGhOEbtID6IYRvEb7g0Zl2bDVYmc7G53CJftdqkzxRnOzobCWPF70RRdmFHd9_gwWnrWHMjUhyphenhyphen2y75rgWcmQxGqItL8mTiW5Ck/s400/DSCN2786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710936964205200706" /></a><span >I have a few plans for upcoming posts so stay tuned for more deets on this sweater, a recently finished beret, some more folk mittens (it's not an addiction if I can stop knitting mittens anytime I want, and I can), recent sources of crafty inspiration, and my full day quilting workshop!<br /></span><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div>Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-89621099178815961912011-01-26T17:21:00.003-05:002011-01-26T17:29:17.757-05:00Winter KnittingOutside it continues to look like this:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r7ylZditvtG_BITFIqVM0VltlCERzbfEnppJitx_2r6aDbzy6aYdtQe1pbvL9mrqtW-14lFs9ir7DpJWaDohVYyRB80Y-byECJU8K9IOYyqJznSm_Cu1MHu1t20f9hmcFCty6RSp4js/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r7ylZditvtG_BITFIqVM0VltlCERzbfEnppJitx_2r6aDbzy6aYdtQe1pbvL9mrqtW-14lFs9ir7DpJWaDohVYyRB80Y-byECJU8K9IOYyqJznSm_Cu1MHu1t20f9hmcFCty6RSp4js/s400/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566623866326979362" border="0" /></a>Which means that I will be inside knitting this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tBwi3gun1OTdNwD8Pjgrq_eJnCFUvHzInVNGZTtW2qoXZ_Ct_m9wkGoxrHNnAjg6EsBPh5ieqwqtUqEhmnjy5SDgER1BMm0T5FBk09xSuKUQXdX5t1Yh-Z5ZTgZGIV2JEcWIaoKe8ZM/s1600/road.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tBwi3gun1OTdNwD8Pjgrq_eJnCFUvHzInVNGZTtW2qoXZ_Ct_m9wkGoxrHNnAjg6EsBPh5ieqwqtUqEhmnjy5SDgER1BMm0T5FBk09xSuKUQXdX5t1Yh-Z5ZTgZGIV2JEcWIaoKe8ZM/s400/road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566623862835950978" border="0" /></a>Pattern is Road to Golden by Lisa Shroyer. I'm not totally in love with the colorwork design but I'm going to get a little farther into it before I decide if I should switch to something different. I've been browsing Ravelry and found some inspiring projects that might be more fun (like a hedgehog sweater!). <br /><br />Not going to lie, I consider myself to be a good knitter, and I happily brag about stuff I've made. Then I go on Ravelry and see someone who has a bazillion projects they've completed, all of which look amazing, and most of them are sweaters (not like my huge pile of mittens and easy hats!) Oh, what's that you're serving? Humble Pie? Oh, I don't want a slice, I'll take the whole thing...Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-78678000556203344752011-01-12T20:23:00.003-05:002011-01-12T20:39:39.532-05:00Shovel, knit, rinse, repeat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9ytvjsLtGVH-Kre8AtxciiLJ1TTSU_duoQHsJyrA_O4uIIIi03A_xe2NwQMVHwfsVFHKVy_gb54zeB2fw3qvDAy2ndjYcZHsqBGiJRJ_BiJRR7dmplgpbrYryiICURKsmQmMayHv52Q/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9ytvjsLtGVH-Kre8AtxciiLJ1TTSU_duoQHsJyrA_O4uIIIi03A_xe2NwQMVHwfsVFHKVy_gb54zeB2fw3qvDAy2ndjYcZHsqBGiJRJ_BiJRR7dmplgpbrYryiICURKsmQmMayHv52Q/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561475524737270962" border="0" /></a>We got hit with about 18 inches of snow overnight, the upside of which is that since I work at a college, it was closed and I got a snow day. I'm not sure if I'm a masochist or just a true Northeasterner, because I love a good storm. In bad weather I take a perverse sort of pride in being prepared for the weather. On go the lined L.L. Bean boots, the Smartwool socks, maybe some long underwear, my boiled wool sweater, and best of all, my hand knits. There is no greater feeling than stepping out into whatever weather mother nature throws at you and actually being prepared. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXbnIWEoFlJHFq8099QuprX7-b-1Ha4fsKZSDxPxMydPjx51VPMkUQCiYIfC6ktitBDaZ_6-M5jz7iwgAu9Zkr55kQkjcLoPpbi_-wIPNW5u7TCLhHzw3hpldsICRWKz1X-95FqFKnGs/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXbnIWEoFlJHFq8099QuprX7-b-1Ha4fsKZSDxPxMydPjx51VPMkUQCiYIfC6ktitBDaZ_6-M5jz7iwgAu9Zkr55kQkjcLoPpbi_-wIPNW5u7TCLhHzw3hpldsICRWKz1X-95FqFKnGs/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561475517561061794" border="0" /></a>Plus cold, blustery weather just reminds me of why it is so awesome to be a knitter. I can stay cozy and stylish in my hand knit cowl, hat, mittens, or fingerless mittens. Even with all the hard work I did on my snow day (aka watching <span style="font-style: italic;">No Reservations </span>and drinking hot cocoa) I've been able to get some knitting done. I recently finished a bulky garter stitch cowl in a lush single ply and a winter white hue, it was knit side to side and then kitchner stitched together. Then I fulfilled my dreams of having a slouchy beret. The pattern I made was inspired by folk knitting motifs and was knit in Beroco Ultra Alpaca (stash from the MIL mittens I made for Christmas). After blocking it's a little too slouchy and I tried soaking it in boiling water to get it to shrink down a little. Might have to give that a second go since the brim has lost all elasticity, or I could try sewing some elastic thread into the brim. I'm even thinking of ripping out the brim section and working it again on smaller needles since I have had visions of this hat dancing in my head for so long that I want it to be perfect! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnw1rOLguW8dGnxmkeWj8gNYE-x215Ab1H0cDc0XtSV2gUlF4s33ScSvk8SIA5AvOhD2KPInRkczFMngPj2JjOISpnr57_uQT76OLqKXgWMByZlGXw-tB41iffU4aQjGrzGUeeGEwepA/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnw1rOLguW8dGnxmkeWj8gNYE-x215Ab1H0cDc0XtSV2gUlF4s33ScSvk8SIA5AvOhD2KPInRkczFMngPj2JjOISpnr57_uQT76OLqKXgWMByZlGXw-tB41iffU4aQjGrzGUeeGEwepA/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561475511931760946" border="0" /></a>As for the fuzzy creature above... no, I did not knit her. But she is a good tool for measuring our snow accumulation. "Look, we got belly-height inches in the last 12 hours." If hoity-toity kings can make their own feet a standard form of measurement, why can't the distance between my dog's belly and the ground become the new standard? It can be called the Ruby system and I'm sure it will be all the rage within the next couple years!<br /><br />Now to get back to swatching my next project. More on that next post.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-85551799322853357902011-01-09T13:48:00.002-05:002011-01-09T14:08:05.929-05:00Christmas mittens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMvZgdLrRC4gbxEo0VdSWFXJ7mor_aXe9izcnHty3lwobij1qMqh9SidJ7CVtnMMMnn48TB9hJfSXoOdM7YPczOmqhXWI5GsjYAOOQP2WQbRRGRKIMOtpFD1PgsrwaOdZomDwo3Hnxms/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMvZgdLrRC4gbxEo0VdSWFXJ7mor_aXe9izcnHty3lwobij1qMqh9SidJ7CVtnMMMnn48TB9hJfSXoOdM7YPczOmqhXWI5GsjYAOOQP2WQbRRGRKIMOtpFD1PgsrwaOdZomDwo3Hnxms/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560260581457748002" border="0" /></a>This is one of the Christmas projects I wasn't able to show before. They were made for my mother in law out from Berocco Ultra Alpaca (so soft and delicious to knit with, plus I love the slight haze you get from the raised pile on them).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUyD3RxVQOf_4r0xx1ep0dMPSBO_KXHsD8Qj_baCHDsZusWEpK1xK8PZewesEGxyaA8P8vr7gnGg_BNVAPwloa7DjZCXwENdfuusX11xWqN_gebQaCD6_P9R_heL7Ob2XIILbHiMMxC4/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUyD3RxVQOf_4r0xx1ep0dMPSBO_KXHsD8Qj_baCHDsZusWEpK1xK8PZewesEGxyaA8P8vr7gnGg_BNVAPwloa7DjZCXwENdfuusX11xWqN_gebQaCD6_P9R_heL7Ob2XIILbHiMMxC4/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560260574862023986" border="0" /></a>The pattern was Lopi Mittens from the book <span style="font-style: italic;">Folk Mittens</span>. These at first were too small, so I added a pattern repeat on each side, and several repeats before and after the thumb to get a nice long cuff and a good comfy fit through the hand. I also did the same knit braid embellishment along the cuff that I used for the Inga hats I've made. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivGfTK-PKgM5elsgEm6TU5Q16SrxVsjKYC02O6MVsH7SGIOP7LlP1zodUaIxSdwHFQ2V4ypyLGYxoyNiM50Gds8hvXQht0XEfCoLx9_WOmgIUtZ6w618NqhuDslMaKXoYanZ6lPB0-eE/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivGfTK-PKgM5elsgEm6TU5Q16SrxVsjKYC02O6MVsH7SGIOP7LlP1zodUaIxSdwHFQ2V4ypyLGYxoyNiM50Gds8hvXQht0XEfCoLx9_WOmgIUtZ6w618NqhuDslMaKXoYanZ6lPB0-eE/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560260566002831490" border="0" /></a>Folk mitten patterns are pretty irresistible (bold graphics make them visually appealing, and the patterns often have simple repeats making them easy to remember and fun/fast to knit). I'd recommend this book to anyone since the patterns are great but the historical background information is even better! Did you know that mittens used to be used as currency; I wonder how my landlord would feel about me paying my rent in mittens. There also were a lot of traditions around marriage, such as knitting a pair of mittens for every guest at your wedding, or a pair for every member of your new family. I have toyed with the idea of knitting things for my bridesmaids, and I do knit things for R's immediate family, but I feel a little faint when I think of making 100 pair of mittens between now and September! EEK!<br /><br />Back to the book though... I love so many of the patterns in this book that I'm toying with the idea of knitting my way through the e n t i r e book ala Julie Powell who cooked her way through Julia Child's <span style="font-style: italic;">Mastering the Art of French Cooking</span> and her exploits then turned into the book <span style="font-style: italic;">Julie and Julia </span>(although I have NO plans to be as whiny or melodramatic as Ms. Powell!). 38 patterns would be a fun challenge and force me to get some more techniques under my belt, as well as work on perfecting some skills I already have (gapless thumb anyone?) however with a wedding coming up I don't think I would but a year deadline on myself, that just sounds like a recipe for pain rather than a fun learning experience.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-38220963020195606552010-12-18T15:00:00.003-05:002010-12-18T15:08:55.364-05:00Mission Accopmlished<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi229upKZwlzV50pzfU3vizCZbpUAJ7LUSIbfZaPXZWS46km15F04ASvrU7ti1-ET0NHTjAhltANWE5KOlssK74fWaSZ1wPbFOQNvy528LCfKkV-sVSVMRYQ_EdWydZhZx4c7rl3Yvt-lQ/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi229upKZwlzV50pzfU3vizCZbpUAJ7LUSIbfZaPXZWS46km15F04ASvrU7ti1-ET0NHTjAhltANWE5KOlssK74fWaSZ1wPbFOQNvy528LCfKkV-sVSVMRYQ_EdWydZhZx4c7rl3Yvt-lQ/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552115029688122354" border="0" /></a>All of my Christmas knitting is FINISHED!! All the bundles are wrapped under the tree, ready to be shipped off to their future homes. My mom selected this sweater pattern and has tried it on, so I figured I wouldn't ruin any surprises by showing it on the blog. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsmPAUr6TAsuZyZmsIJTfSENkCxZMA-RL59SQ0YCB93tcaCVfn_-i9_zIi5BaG4y3koOO2Zmy00HT6YX0Y1Korx6Vq3I4yKhOmAMBoqiW11Sii60ykThsw7Rc6kP_9SsC9FVwePmrpuA/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsmPAUr6TAsuZyZmsIJTfSENkCxZMA-RL59SQ0YCB93tcaCVfn_-i9_zIi5BaG4y3koOO2Zmy00HT6YX0Y1Korx6Vq3I4yKhOmAMBoqiW11Sii60ykThsw7Rc6kP_9SsC9FVwePmrpuA/s400/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552115026737389778" border="0" /></a>This project was a royal pain! I appreciated the unusual construction but the directions for the sleeve were archaic at best. I also had finished it, only to have to rip back on the sleeves and bottom of the sweater to add about an extra inch to each at my mother's bequest. Throughout I kept thinking "anything worth doing is worth doing right..." to get myself through my feeling that it was good enough. Luckily I pushed through and will now be proud to give this, rather than apologetic about a half-assed attempt. <br /><br />The other finished project? I'll keep that under wraps until after Christmas. Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Joyeux Knitting!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-59396190292585698722010-12-09T09:18:00.002-05:002010-12-09T09:49:30.739-05:00Delays in Santa's workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVpWAyHeu5XBLevB9sTbHofifPU5qXRqp-J2nv0CtOJZff85CNOgs-T1og3eybHDi6TJ_6NC1l5CgejogzB1tXlK8Q8wdGfJYwkwbzmUNFC4vubtuEUxDKAaeCsyKWfk2aiClG0A4Tt4/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVpWAyHeu5XBLevB9sTbHofifPU5qXRqp-J2nv0CtOJZff85CNOgs-T1og3eybHDi6TJ_6NC1l5CgejogzB1tXlK8Q8wdGfJYwkwbzmUNFC4vubtuEUxDKAaeCsyKWfk2aiClG0A4Tt4/s400/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548687278333343810" border="0" /></a>Oh knitting, you fickle, fickle art. Some projects positively fly off the needles (and I'm not just talking about those projects on bulky yarn and size 12 needles!) while others make me run and hide. I had been doing <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> well on my Christmas knitting and then I got completely stymied by the last pair of mittens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJQ_Js8S7gbeAVgsuja97MV-3685DBNyrjPTav3AiUjcg5jNb43XaPpSifdlOb5Czagd9OhaXDziFoZN7NObkxuP9dVkWCEEcuyhALSnwGCWVPwGy3sH2NMrrAU-QtSfEehOKbc5Mdx8/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJQ_Js8S7gbeAVgsuja97MV-3685DBNyrjPTav3AiUjcg5jNb43XaPpSifdlOb5Czagd9OhaXDziFoZN7NObkxuP9dVkWCEEcuyhALSnwGCWVPwGy3sH2NMrrAU-QtSfEehOKbc5Mdx8/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548687272071239266" border="0" /></a>There were mittens I made this year where I tried completely new techniques, and made up the patterns as I went (see above and below, the ones below are flip top mittens with an attached i-cord for the button loop, hello improvisation!) yet this last one is currently entering its fourth attempt. The first attempt was a new pattern I'm designing, I did the color chart on a hat and liked it, then I started adapting it for mittens, that's when I encountered problems. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinacWAS8TQw0Im2phyphenhyphenQ4fhQ1rJ8sXAAllSZdw0DE2kNFRDbChCjFOmdsXj_2pn7FIus4OSUGM0wDqla9pT9QXTe3hwBzHS-Ew9DUnt0S2PNeGB8Bb8pouM7ShglgTXh7lis9L4ZXG4oC0/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinacWAS8TQw0Im2phyphenhyphenQ4fhQ1rJ8sXAAllSZdw0DE2kNFRDbChCjFOmdsXj_2pn7FIus4OSUGM0wDqla9pT9QXTe3hwBzHS-Ew9DUnt0S2PNeGB8Bb8pouM7ShglgTXh7lis9L4ZXG4oC0/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548687258446855730" border="0" /></a>I have become a thumb snob on my mittens, when I started knitting, the afterthought thumb was sufficient (it has no gusset or gore which means no shaping, it is the easiest to add to a pattern as the name suggests). Now though I have come to prefer something with a better shape. I'm a big fan of the thumb gusset on the <a href="http://www.kelbournewoolens.com/giveahoot.html">Give a Hoot Mittens</a> which I posted on <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2009/07/mittens-doth-continue.html">here</a>. I incorporated it in the mittens above easily enough, but here's the thing about that gusset technique; it does not play nice with stranded colorwork! I figured a side seam gore would do the trick (thumb comes out of side of mitten and you do increases and then transfer the extra stitches to some waste yarn) but was having a hard time getting the colorwork pattern to line up with the increases. Add in the fact that this was going to be done on fingering weight yarn, size 0 needles, and I thought there was no way it would be done for Christmas. <br /><br />So I moved on to the second iteration of <a href="http://plantress.blogspot.com/">Plantress' </a>Christmas mittens: a folk mitten pattern titled "Mittens from Halland." They were all lovely and good, except that it was worsted weight yarn, on size 2 needles, and I was silly enough to use acrylic yarn. The knitting was at such a tight gauge, that with a yarn that doesn't have any natural give to it, I felt like I was fighting e v e r y single stitch. OUCH! My hands and wrists started hurting and I was making such slow progress that I just stopped by the <a href="http://franklinmillstore.com/">Franklin Mill Store</a> on my way home from work and bought two skeins of lovely Berocco Ultra Alpaca. Worsted weight, natural fiber yarn on size five needles? I did a mitten in a day! Then, disaster. This mitten was a little snug to begin with (7.5" diameter, and I tend to think 8" or 8.5" is nicer) and it had ... [dramatic pause] ... an afterthought thumb! GASP, the horror! I tried the mitten on and it was too snug, pulling in an unsightly manner around the thumb, and I just couldn't do it. Going with the mindset of "anything worth doing is worth doing right" this mitten is getting frogged. I cringed thinking about someone opening up their Christmas present only to try it on, be understandably disappointed, and then feel like they had to tell me how great they are. <br /><br />So tonight I start anew. Same pattern, same yarn, but I will add four extra stitches on each side and do some extra stitches before the thumb, and before the decreases to achieve a better fit. Hopefully I can bust through these mittens this weekend. Then I just have to sew buttons onto my mom's mittens and block them, lengthen the arms on my mom's sweater and block it, and Christmasknittingpalooza 2010 will be done!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-56121123302346590372010-12-06T19:00:00.000-05:002010-12-06T19:00:02.039-05:00Mouse MusingsI think we have mice in our house. I keep finding little singular mouse poops on our kitchen counter. When I told R that I think we have mice he said "oh yeah, I know." To which I had to query "you knew? why didn't you tell me?" I worry that my partner is a little too supportive of mouse rights. I understand he doesn't want to put traps out, but the day I find him hand feeding them Gruyere or asking me to knit them sweaters is the day I pack up and leave.<br /><br />Over share? I'm taking a page out of <a href="http://plantress.blogspot.com/">Plantress's</a> book and injecting some realism into my blog.<br />(Plantress is also R's mother and has had a bit of a mouse problem herself lately. You just have to love old houses with all their character).Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-35402466316303584152010-12-04T10:53:00.002-05:002010-12-04T11:09:36.627-05:00Christmas-palooza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico7pFwXvEohAEdiL42UeW4saPJWlzfoWGQMzCGv1miZjH7lqF1ohkcoUlRnjsQWoxu8l_CYi9TTCBTFAA1cUu1teqo3u4b2OTaO4Wrshz2oXdJonZEiXkNAFjEZFCNb7edM9NWobx72E/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico7pFwXvEohAEdiL42UeW4saPJWlzfoWGQMzCGv1miZjH7lqF1ohkcoUlRnjsQWoxu8l_CYi9TTCBTFAA1cUu1teqo3u4b2OTaO4Wrshz2oXdJonZEiXkNAFjEZFCNb7edM9NWobx72E/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546856009754030018" border="0" /></a>Everything is coming up Christmas here! Tree up. Wreaths up. Centerpiece made. Christmas cards started. Stocking made for dog (she <span style="font-style: italic;">obviously</span> had to have one to that matches ours!). <br /><br />But of course, what would Christmas be for a knitter, if not a time to have a heap load of projects to finish. I think so far I'm making better progress than last year (where I had to wrap someone's present that was still on my knitting needles, when they unwrapped it I said "hope you like it, now give it back to me so I can finish it!"). I have my mom's sweater to finish and ONE pair of mittens left to make (Plantress, they're yours if you're wondering), and then some projects that still need to be blocked and have their ends woven in. I had optimistic plans of crafting some felt bird ornaments for everyone a la <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/10/31/new-purl-soho-kit-felt-bird-ornaments.html">Purl Soho</a> but I think I just have to accept that it will not be happening. <br /><br />I'm not sure if this is part of growing up, but every year it seems harder and harder to get into the Christmas spirit. I try watching my favorite holiday movies, listening to Christmas music, decorating, drinking eggnog, making cookies, eating clementines (these are Christmas for me, not sure why), anything to get that spark of Christmas started. Is it because stores have been decorated for Christmas since Halloween? Or is it just that as an adult your Christmas involves more "have to's" and less of that holiday magic? What do you do to start feeling all Christmasy?<br /><br />Well I should stop musing and get back to knitting. I'm determined to not have to gift an unfinished project this year!<br /><br />Happy Holidays!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-49832371322087925652010-11-16T20:12:00.002-05:002010-11-16T20:19:51.867-05:00meet my new fiber animal...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNfCksUB3-cOfiI6K5DN92jnUWEqrKu7isDMTUIspny8Qg_MexgYuy34VXJSuhQ-9LHC5j7Q6pV0ews-fw9jPkp5_9mFghSWGnL1I403DTwg4Ts5k64LTGV4qW2YB-sC4qa4eHm-b31M/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNfCksUB3-cOfiI6K5DN92jnUWEqrKu7isDMTUIspny8Qg_MexgYuy34VXJSuhQ-9LHC5j7Q6pV0ews-fw9jPkp5_9mFghSWGnL1I403DTwg4Ts5k64LTGV4qW2YB-sC4qa4eHm-b31M/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540320817022168738" border="0" /></a>Wait, that's not a fiber animal in the picture above? Hmm, I'm confused.<br /><br />Really though, meet Ruby, the new member of my little family. In the last several months I have moved out of Boston and now have a home with land and a view of a pond. I got a car, a job, and a very drooly but loveable rescue dog. I also took an eight week long sewing class and have rekindled my love for sewing. Even with new job and settling into a new house (and cleaning up destruction from our little separation-anxiety prone dog) the knitting has been going strong... or at least going! I will have some finished objects coming up, mostly Christmas gifties for people and I'm planning on casting on for the Delancey Cardigan soon since a girl has to knit for herself sometimes, right?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-88900882622266274252010-08-19T10:02:00.003-04:002010-08-19T10:17:14.934-04:00Shrug it off<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4baEECYh0uU-_y8hqMmF5x7wFuXbxIqdeS-dCEbLUkvOzV64jMtmEXFkyBvlwQEYr5VIwozNlsQTdJ7m8r00jVOBxap2CQ1R-QWJeLT3hhhGayCuSqBnUwl1fCvV1dESmbrETdZOHVA/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4baEECYh0uU-_y8hqMmF5x7wFuXbxIqdeS-dCEbLUkvOzV64jMtmEXFkyBvlwQEYr5VIwozNlsQTdJ7m8r00jVOBxap2CQ1R-QWJeLT3hhhGayCuSqBnUwl1fCvV1dESmbrETdZOHVA/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121543551448210" border="0" /></a>As promised, here are the details of my latest finished project! (I love how the light in this picture makes it look like the sweater is the Holy Grail or something, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haha</span>).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvxh5LMMmm9mmft9tU8obNfC92Od5E8hvOu-84fY2V4G-lmcCSBM2ZUQTgSAupw_zhxp95oNCGC-WaXZ2GFEeyUpZZ7WOj_HHjtoscEyAZOGYAkpItnv0160PYgx4_C_T6-PWM-Hu0EU/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvxh5LMMmm9mmft9tU8obNfC92Od5E8hvOu-84fY2V4G-lmcCSBM2ZUQTgSAupw_zhxp95oNCGC-WaXZ2GFEeyUpZZ7WOj_HHjtoscEyAZOGYAkpItnv0160PYgx4_C_T6-PWM-Hu0EU/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121535823863362" border="0" /></a>I had two skeins of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seacolors</span> wool from my Mom that I wanted to use for a sweater. Last time my Mom gifted me some of this yarn it became the <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2009/05/sweater-updates.html">modified Cloud Bolero</a> by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ysolda</span>. While I'm normally not a huge fan of shrugs I decided it might be useful to have in my wardrobe and it seemed like a good solution to the "how to get a sweater-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ish</span> item out of two skeins of yarn" problem.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrIsr4FZo69GSiBxGGnXHcm1l3gdEJAY4UW1NlxYkTFIUaTbc3RKIWEi8R2dCnFdYnLYk40co1N1enm3l8oaFO9A2BlxuIwUOiHATkaxX7owOW1852oB3J7IREckujecTNtKCq0pRAAs/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrIsr4FZo69GSiBxGGnXHcm1l3gdEJAY4UW1NlxYkTFIUaTbc3RKIWEi8R2dCnFdYnLYk40co1N1enm3l8oaFO9A2BlxuIwUOiHATkaxX7owOW1852oB3J7IREckujecTNtKCq0pRAAs/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121530187204866" border="0" /></a>So here it is- a heavily modified version of the <a href="http://blog.lionbrand.com/2009/06/18/textured-circle-shrug-knit-along-final-post/">Textured Circle Shrug</a> by Stefanie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Japel</span>. While there are a lot of things I like about the original (namely the neck and the ribbing details) my yarn limitations required some big changes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RCQdK-E9Grv6vj8NJyaPF1gePnKhBgPFY48ju6CaCF3GZqLn-PmXH7xtbvpjfEZEkadHLNev2cD7dOYWGZJIj9ydwAALiRpABuCPRyhXSQbjr8D06m7CJelje0nmlHuoK4o2GRyZmMg/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RCQdK-E9Grv6vj8NJyaPF1gePnKhBgPFY48ju6CaCF3GZqLn-PmXH7xtbvpjfEZEkadHLNev2cD7dOYWGZJIj9ydwAALiRpABuCPRyhXSQbjr8D06m7CJelje0nmlHuoK4o2GRyZmMg/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121521188828434" border="0" /></a>The most noticeable difference is that I removed all the reverse-stockinette texture. I never liked it that much to begin with so that was an easy change. It was harder to say goodbye to the 1x1 ribbing sections but ribbing eats up yarn like the dickens, so that was a no-go. I also knew I wasn't going to be able to achieve the same length so I shaped the front with short rows to try to get as much bust coverage from the yarn and some length in the back, without using up yarn on the neck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFg2mbziHxsiRvtTAv3pGydXBsYfP4457RGeHEnNyqHNYVp_6xFBJouvrlN0rGPel2aQIYJKCdGDH-UcqZpVg3sRVsHTvrGTNDCn1LRfCRf-LksgcvdJ5GAdYAOVJkzvIGnrgH7i7i3E/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFg2mbziHxsiRvtTAv3pGydXBsYfP4457RGeHEnNyqHNYVp_6xFBJouvrlN0rGPel2aQIYJKCdGDH-UcqZpVg3sRVsHTvrGTNDCn1LRfCRf-LksgcvdJ5GAdYAOVJkzvIGnrgH7i7i3E/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121510734938082" border="0" /></a>This project was very free-form, I knit until I decided I wanted short-rows, then I added some in, then I knit some more. I kept my eye on the ball of yarn to try to figure out when I should start the border and cast-off. Then I decided I could add some length to the arms (and improve the shaping with decreases) so I ripped the arms back and knit them out again. <br /><br />I'm not totally in love with this project, and I'm not sure if it's because I'm not a shrug-lover in the first place, or if it's because the modifications make it a little odd. At least my stash-busting adventures have continued, and I'm hoping that once cool weather rolls in I'll find this to be a useful little sweater.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-87639264230447935842010-08-14T14:25:00.003-04:002010-08-14T14:40:51.171-04:00Knitting progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL4Xs3PqWjHpflLmk5OKY_a-bEq-5a3DWR2biCwKDvnZuIXzZ-aLLm543Had_xB2tj10RRgC0V8NBAJKqglPoErxH_NXwBbDIP0iZesYE3tlQrRMN9tysmxH-Y_z9V6jL3E6RCmEoGKw/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL4Xs3PqWjHpflLmk5OKY_a-bEq-5a3DWR2biCwKDvnZuIXzZ-aLLm543Had_xB2tj10RRgC0V8NBAJKqglPoErxH_NXwBbDIP0iZesYE3tlQrRMN9tysmxH-Y_z9V6jL3E6RCmEoGKw/s400/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505333685214859618" border="0" /></a>Please behold my newest finished project, the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTfoliage.html">Foliage</a> hat by Emily Mooney. This was a fun and fat project and I want it for myself (or to knit another one for myself). It has a really nice slouchy fit to it when it's on. Plus it used up another skein of spare yarn and will be gifted with that scarf I did the other day (forgot about it? <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2010/07/stash-scarf.html">here it is</a>) for a combo Christmas and Birthday present . I'll have to post more pictures of it in better light, and I have a secret project that is almost finished and ready for its time in the spotlight!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-68750483330661463392010-08-12T12:19:00.002-04:002010-08-12T12:22:20.441-04:00Awesome GiveawayOne of my favorite crafting (and general awesomeness blogs) is hosting a very cool giveaway. Go to <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/">Jones Design Company</a> and check it out. Or just get some very cool inspiration for DIY projects. I love the paper wreath they show (although my inner librarian definitely cringes at seeing pages ripped out of books!).Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-87763530972600016132010-08-08T12:26:00.001-04:002010-08-08T12:26:00.261-04:00Sweater LoveWe need to have a talk. About how in love with this sweater I am!!<br /><br />Meet the <a href="http://www.knitdarling.com/">Delancey Cardigan</a> by Alexis Winslow. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIS4Lw1TplKCVfYmkfxrbfAnDDXKTW5nnmg5DF2ESugOW1zFaTCQ29-lngbvOoQEXv_B1ZWR3HaF2WiR2fnqhzh4HDPUsiY7H65HUt4YLcBiltJUBpKOiw6ptfo6G1QBftpz8qbAiZZA/s1600/picture4-web_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIS4Lw1TplKCVfYmkfxrbfAnDDXKTW5nnmg5DF2ESugOW1zFaTCQ29-lngbvOoQEXv_B1ZWR3HaF2WiR2fnqhzh4HDPUsiY7H65HUt4YLcBiltJUBpKOiw6ptfo6G1QBftpz8qbAiZZA/s400/picture4-web_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502334368516231394" border="0" /></a>This is one of those sweaters that I see and I don't even want to knit, I just want to steal the sample so I can be wearing it Right NOW! Oh wait, it's still 90 degrees outside... But you get the idea, I think this sweater is amazing. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU48zg2zeuMaH06FjLd3GdhYw1f8wpLA1gu6Qjojr9R4gt1l2R35IJ36kYIuYQkRjPLq-6Sn70cixW2-vKWYieZ4aUdNV978l2VxMojo1zbdooq3cMv_wc3tbZYjcvqDAEJ0OH3dVDOA/s1600/Picture5-cropped_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU48zg2zeuMaH06FjLd3GdhYw1f8wpLA1gu6Qjojr9R4gt1l2R35IJ36kYIuYQkRjPLq-6Sn70cixW2-vKWYieZ4aUdNV978l2VxMojo1zbdooq3cMv_wc3tbZYjcvqDAEJ0OH3dVDOA/s400/Picture5-cropped_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502334363730974770" border="0" /></a>Not feeling it yet? How about the amazing back? And don't even get me started on the delicious shawl collar (my favorite in sweaters). I'm picturing doing one for myself with a soft heather/oatmeal color for the main color, and then a light heathered lavender or purple for the stripes, although the bold orange on white combo is perfect for the retro feel. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNRsxU0V4so5LwdbpGfViCBD5wBnO7W5cLUDm3ccxMv_5OicP4Vp0uBLzuFGbERDkbTdy-TBEUvRTFezvy6lZ14ublSk-ZmN0bYvDeKqwl38rH21nEMfbFiXYdXbUm8wggZfYT49aWP8/s1600/picture2-cropped_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNRsxU0V4so5LwdbpGfViCBD5wBnO7W5cLUDm3ccxMv_5OicP4Vp0uBLzuFGbERDkbTdy-TBEUvRTFezvy6lZ14ublSk-ZmN0bYvDeKqwl38rH21nEMfbFiXYdXbUm8wggZfYT49aWP8/s400/picture2-cropped_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502334355374781026" border="0" /></a>Aack! Too much awesomeness for just one garment! I think I'm going to try a little taste of reason however. I'm F O R C I N G myself to knit up more of my stash, and get through some of my Christmas knitting before I buy a whole bunch of yarn and dig into this amazing project. <br /><br />But Delancey, I'll be dreaming of you!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-88900685951953424642010-08-06T11:14:00.003-04:002010-08-06T11:37:42.503-04:00Twist CollectiveHi my name is Lulu and I have an addiction to Twist Collective.<br /><br />Really though, it's amazing, and if you don't know what I'm talking about go <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/fall/magazinepage_01.php">here</a>!<br /><br />Do it now, do not stop, you can thank me later.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfa-BXOMdW2qHU-cxqG2Aag6EWdxy5dwDLlpfyiVWRYamQIhYdt5RZgfXmS1hil_CkFTBXSs3E-MV9Vy_zzxDr_KkZ09iM3hRi39d4ZTbEg5KVcJnOpGf-39b82_a6PziABgd_v3X2kA/s1600/euro-1-carol_04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfa-BXOMdW2qHU-cxqG2Aag6EWdxy5dwDLlpfyiVWRYamQIhYdt5RZgfXmS1hil_CkFTBXSs3E-MV9Vy_zzxDr_KkZ09iM3hRi39d4ZTbEg5KVcJnOpGf-39b82_a6PziABgd_v3X2kA/s400/euro-1-carol_04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502316591161246610" border="0" /></a>If you needed a little incentive to click that link here is the amazing <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/fall/magazinepage_019.php">Acorns cardigan</a> by Carol Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgXdcCoSs9EmbzsAZbKySlKIj-kLrB2sFoY4E5mA7j3uVPSD5xM4egRdVuyKHRoubV8FTl0TsNb2OatwktFcR2HGoj3U-ZqMnEhjfpszf7PqBnXuc6UxAR-XOjQsFbbZhY6J18sWRh9E/s1600/euro-3-cheryl_03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgXdcCoSs9EmbzsAZbKySlKIj-kLrB2sFoY4E5mA7j3uVPSD5xM4egRdVuyKHRoubV8FTl0TsNb2OatwktFcR2HGoj3U-ZqMnEhjfpszf7PqBnXuc6UxAR-XOjQsFbbZhY6J18sWRh9E/s400/euro-3-cheryl_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502316583555561938" border="0" /></a>Or perhaps you prefer the more feisty <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/fall/magazinepage_050.php">Hazelwood</a> by Robin Melanson?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODzmyuA5dPOAEWd9vAN5Ept6GQI7uHm8exnU6iAkruML2DdeSEJ7iYIpwd3vvO7P0q_rU_WTRtHvSIumwFgrIKRkve_5z6JiW26C7940NUMKWW14Uv3xXCx7T2zpisRv83KXjMmTQbFQ/s1600/cityscape_z_500_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODzmyuA5dPOAEWd9vAN5Ept6GQI7uHm8exnU6iAkruML2DdeSEJ7iYIpwd3vvO7P0q_rU_WTRtHvSIumwFgrIKRkve_5z6JiW26C7940NUMKWW14Uv3xXCx7T2zpisRv83KXjMmTQbFQ/s400/cityscape_z_500_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502316578830847650" border="0" /></a>Don't tell me you could possibly resist this absolutely adorable cardigan. The whimsical <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/fall/magazinepage_040.php">Cityscape</a> by Laura Chau.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsnKg5SBWhVrnd81ZpBLPZGILzU_KTLgZCuEgRtZHlwrhJFGKkxR9-2epxSohE6BlzMEAoKr9dIrFufwALXdiypt-HzTakLwk4m0NsbBx6pL67KA7k0U8VgCZTry09y6kYOWBBPRkafY/s1600/anthera_z_500_medium.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsnKg5SBWhVrnd81ZpBLPZGILzU_KTLgZCuEgRtZHlwrhJFGKkxR9-2epxSohE6BlzMEAoKr9dIrFufwALXdiypt-HzTakLwk4m0NsbBx6pL67KA7k0U8VgCZTry09y6kYOWBBPRkafY/s400/anthera_z_500_medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502316574925381298" border="0" /></a>And if you're not already salivating on your computer, how about the lovely<a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/fall/magazinepage_022.php"> Anthera</a> by Janel Laidman which includes a beret, cowl, and cuffs (and I think we all know how I feel about a <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2010/08/winter-white-cowl.html">good cowl</a>). <br /><br />I absolutely adore Twist Collective, and I'd been itching over the last couple weeks to see when the Fall one would come up. With other pattern sources I might like a couple of items in them, especially with Knitty where I might be lucky to find one thing I like. But Twist Collective is totally my aesthetic; beautiful and classic. Remember my <a href="http://knitlulu.blogspot.com/2010/02/vine-yoke-cardigan-complete.html">Vine Yoke Cardigan</a>? That was Twist Collective at its finest. Plus they have some of the best articles, like <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/35-features/680-a-knitters-view-of-peru">knitting in Peru</a>, or life on a <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/35-features/210-yarn-farm-from-sheep-to-skein-part-1-shearing">fiber farm</a>. When a new one comes out I always make sure I have plenty of time to read everything and savor all the amazing-ness! <br /><br />Why are you still reading me ramble on about them? <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2009/winter/magazinepage_01.php">Go</a>. <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2009/autumn/magazinepage_01.php">Check</a>. <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2008/winter/magazinepage_01.php">Them</a>. <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2008/autumn/magazinepage_01.php">Out</a>!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-83343507543390320252010-08-06T10:43:00.003-04:002010-08-06T11:00:39.878-04:00Winter White Cowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOyDk3iive_j1RcmaOlbNwMjjeDcdfY3qM_WA_iSI6frH1cxR8nclbdDdPdDSIBvCZwSEpSwZbnoC4BxlAIhtDUFLD5IKnrLIf-ximwxQXAma6e3dRSEigm6MnwHSzx-t0gYqUpiOiOQ/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOyDk3iive_j1RcmaOlbNwMjjeDcdfY3qM_WA_iSI6frH1cxR8nclbdDdPdDSIBvCZwSEpSwZbnoC4BxlAIhtDUFLD5IKnrLIf-ximwxQXAma6e3dRSEigm6MnwHSzx-t0gYqUpiOiOQ/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502307867582851250" border="0" /></a>The herringbone cowl is complete! I now want to knit everything in herringbone. I'm so in love with the texture, the easy peasy stitch pattern, everything about it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21n8oEzcjzM9i9-y4VHgmLL5lerWw3ZeWFbFbx1FWk2yNk-Ux3jaf1WSnyLqShh8S2Jh51PUkPb7D6xwkxI-apudH4-J87at2tX-mELsS5IuqvXD3iVD7K-FSddyjsaEmOnVC3l9q9pM/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21n8oEzcjzM9i9-y4VHgmLL5lerWw3ZeWFbFbx1FWk2yNk-Ux3jaf1WSnyLqShh8S2Jh51PUkPb7D6xwkxI-apudH4-J87at2tX-mELsS5IuqvXD3iVD7K-FSddyjsaEmOnVC3l9q9pM/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502307860311007730" border="0" /></a>I think the cowl will be gifted, although I will need to make one for myself. I had always had a cowl aversion but then it's like a flip switched, maybe when I accidentally dunked one of my long scarfs in my coffee one too many times, or when I got it caught in my coat's zipper, again. But now I'm loving these super functional items, and they make amazing stash busting projects. I'm sure everyone is relieved that I have moved on from my love of hats. Just have to say that I never understand people who say "I don't really wear hats," ummmm, doesn't your head get cold?!? We live in New England people! Not Abu Dhabi!!, phew I feel better getting that off my chest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudAmcv-Y9-TKbVvf62Kuqj7GXIj8d1AVVRCwfE_88904uXU6lVAoEKEO3U_qgGgLyRnzPLnY1AJ817Y6_7nNMlhIDqslz0ehR6zlHlZTcKck4tKMUpxu1YGwjgseQuLFc9tneOFz6ufc/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudAmcv-Y9-TKbVvf62Kuqj7GXIj8d1AVVRCwfE_88904uXU6lVAoEKEO3U_qgGgLyRnzPLnY1AJ817Y6_7nNMlhIDqslz0ehR6zlHlZTcKck4tKMUpxu1YGwjgseQuLFc9tneOFz6ufc/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502307853244689234" border="0" /></a>Anywho, here is one last photo, and it is full of the ridiculousness that comes from finishing knit items in summer, oh the insanity, modeling cowls and summer dresses together in one photo.<br /><br />Time to pick my next project. Hmm, I would like a hat with a side of stash-busting.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-22554336102367531612010-08-04T13:44:00.005-04:002010-08-04T13:58:18.114-04:00Projects Projects Everywhere...But not a cold front in sight!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbKJB3RvkVC56j4VZVSSza6407siL67Q540JEyoQIFIpASKeq0EDXeIAnVl668iBXaIzbpxTY7AC4D4Pe4ANMp1DnhdDQNlVWwiMiTdX-D1UvNHX3qF_Zell_D96dDUkfmZh_Bra4BBg/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbKJB3RvkVC56j4VZVSSza6407siL67Q540JEyoQIFIpASKeq0EDXeIAnVl668iBXaIzbpxTY7AC4D4Pe4ANMp1DnhdDQNlVWwiMiTdX-D1UvNHX3qF_Zell_D96dDUkfmZh_Bra4BBg/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501612421431636962" border="0" /></a>I know in the knitting world there is often the discussion about summer knitting. As in, do you like to, can you, if so what do you make and with what fibers? While I wilt like a fern when summer rolls around, I have obviously not taken a complete hiatus from knitting. Some of my projects stick within the realm of traditional summer knits (aka little projects) such as the cowl above that I finally finished with a picot edge, and the herringbone cowl below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD6EvNHjwEOm7S3TEJ5RD3aaHRNJrr_dAL3_wjn3qNBbhB3Rer0mRl5NeaGHNJI60ct3j8avpL3KqKshJgPuM9yWijuu8TIHdEdNYGMEh_aIibPJSIVIIZfDCvZrF4wdrHLwXI_2XUNE/s1600/097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD6EvNHjwEOm7S3TEJ5RD3aaHRNJrr_dAL3_wjn3qNBbhB3Rer0mRl5NeaGHNJI60ct3j8avpL3KqKshJgPuM9yWijuu8TIHdEdNYGMEh_aIibPJSIVIIZfDCvZrF4wdrHLwXI_2XUNE/s400/097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501612420270466978" border="0" /></a>However my other project I'm currently working on is a sweater for my mom. And no, it's not cotton, bambo, silk, or any other summer-heat friendly fibers. Luckily though it really hasn't been that bad. I definitely took a break from anything fiber related while we had a heat wave in Boston that caused my apartment to be a steady, broiling, ninety-five degrees. That has now passed though and my knitting needles are back in my hands where they belong!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAHjpW95BZZhEsQXLKF2oVrMYCAy4HYEFUPG0odzLRZTFnSb_Eq8T6VvrJS73fAxlBy362eHyfvfj_Jt5f3JEQaQAteSOfkRUSbogWE9JsUZ38dKie3rHNduAtkdfSyw6NacymmoUoKo/s1600/094.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAHjpW95BZZhEsQXLKF2oVrMYCAy4HYEFUPG0odzLRZTFnSb_Eq8T6VvrJS73fAxlBy362eHyfvfj_Jt5f3JEQaQAteSOfkRUSbogWE9JsUZ38dKie3rHNduAtkdfSyw6NacymmoUoKo/s400/094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501612415495465794" border="0" /></a>I'm happy to get a start on my Christmas knitting, plus I take Elizabeth Zimmerman's advice in Knitter's Almanac to heart. When suggesting to start knitting mittens and hats in August and September she points out that if you wait till it's cold to start these cozy projects you are going to have some unhappy (and chilly) waiters!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3nWHkSRypo_ycNL9_xVl7eUvakTYlTtlyUMH5izE3697jcRFbtPxY7DQmJ-ywFH68PA_VeQtZaLQxrn16BQBH6GZEnCOjfKcnXYRMYzzaBleOsaaaSXvHGHjqxgHr2wKGTA0bzqkvv8/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3nWHkSRypo_ycNL9_xVl7eUvakTYlTtlyUMH5izE3697jcRFbtPxY7DQmJ-ywFH68PA_VeQtZaLQxrn16BQBH6GZEnCOjfKcnXYRMYzzaBleOsaaaSXvHGHjqxgHr2wKGTA0bzqkvv8/s400/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501612404117343362" border="0" /></a>However that should not be my fate as some of my Christmas knitting is already done! Plus I made a lot of progress over the last week on this sweater for my mom. It now has a front and a back, which is good for modesty sake, and they have been joined together. Now it just needs some sleeves and for A L L of those loose ends to be woven in. Eek! I guess that's why God created the audio book though! To distract me through all of those pesky little finishing parts of knitting!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-16930231947441670302010-07-24T11:29:00.003-04:002010-07-24T11:42:42.703-04:00Stash Scarf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuyExvk95uj28udDph01Lp21my-x-g0f_SUFex9MqPlNhlIHjoviKWTqu_SuR2cPtR-5PqA8dnwpFTgm_7tEQuc6Hxvssk46Xzmr0OAFDYYKx7eeee0UGk8P9cXfuz6Nb06aadrZtxCU/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuyExvk95uj28udDph01Lp21my-x-g0f_SUFex9MqPlNhlIHjoviKWTqu_SuR2cPtR-5PqA8dnwpFTgm_7tEQuc6Hxvssk46Xzmr0OAFDYYKx7eeee0UGk8P9cXfuz6Nb06aadrZtxCU/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497495760911891314" border="0" /></a>Last night I was up until 2am finishing this scarf, but it is done! My late night knitting was fueled by an America's Next Top Model marathon (I never professed to have good taste in television so don't judge me too harshly) and I was able to get it blocking before I went to bed. I forgot just how amazing blocking is, before I soaked this scarf the purl ridges were super close and this scarf was super short. It was not my favorite project and I was fretting about the proportions: too wide and too short. But, one magic bath and a whole lot of pins later and my scarf r e l a x e d and stretched out. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R2G7DUuB5WHr1YodAQk94FI2IuaSP86Qgikm6SaiDQL3IAW3x-v3qYWDLSjEhdUtnwN7nPOM2-IabQgswyA7UbcYPvC7QcADZKzxMY2xxwOdBShTPLpxcmFNRmuw5FHA6R_BLpYaW7w/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R2G7DUuB5WHr1YodAQk94FI2IuaSP86Qgikm6SaiDQL3IAW3x-v3qYWDLSjEhdUtnwN7nPOM2-IabQgswyA7UbcYPvC7QcADZKzxMY2xxwOdBShTPLpxcmFNRmuw5FHA6R_BLpYaW7w/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497495752679136866" border="0" /></a>I'm now very happy with this little guy, and come Christmas I will be able to gift it without shame! Not only is it longer but the fabric is now much more open and relaxed, giving it a nice drape. It should look cute either slung simply around the neck, or doubled up and pulled through the loop (my personal favorite for wearing scarves or pashminas). I'm happy it worked out since I completely improvised on the pattern and instead of doing the feather and fan all the way through the scarf I decided to have it be more solid in the parts around the neck (for warmth and stability of the fabric, and honestly, I just got sick of doing feather and fan). I did two separate parts since the feather and fan stitch has a "direction" and I wanted them to match, once the two sides were knit up I just used the Kitchener stitch to graft the two sides together. Presto!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3NaOxYBD2pjZAjjpbU_ulMJPDJOkl4eodSlj1jMLICroOON-Zl6DDPyAHWtPHlFeK8LpW-2-8Cx8ZcfKyuyRD0M3EX6RmusN53mmoi1tLoiJ_CO3_kkgRKMUsVeWh2GTorU1FQFDnvo/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3NaOxYBD2pjZAjjpbU_ulMJPDJOkl4eodSlj1jMLICroOON-Zl6DDPyAHWtPHlFeK8LpW-2-8Cx8ZcfKyuyRD0M3EX6RmusN53mmoi1tLoiJ_CO3_kkgRKMUsVeWh2GTorU1FQFDnvo/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497495744226171122" border="0" /></a>The best part is that this was stash yarn. A good friend of mine sent me a box full of spare yarn (stash) and some knitting books a couple months ago in preparation for her first baby arriving. I have had a lot of fun finding projects for this gifted yarn. Plus I love any project where I use up some of my stash and this scarf used EVERY LAST BIT of the two skeins that I had. <br /><br />Goodbye clutter, hello finished project!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-44440730287045957022010-07-22T10:44:00.005-04:002010-07-22T11:12:32.660-04:00I'm back?I apologize for my absenteeism, and for what I'm sure will be more of the same in the future. Let me explain by saying that being done with school forever is not as easy as I thought it would be. I completed my Masters degree in May and am now trying to find a job in a competitive and seemingly declining profession. I'm not a big fan of unknowns, I'm a planner, and lately I feel like my life can be summed up as this "no job, no place to live in September, and no idea where our wedding will be." My fiance has taken over the apartment searching which thankfully leaves me with just job searching and intermittent wedding planning.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxb4MC-93TTdyA_XGEGxp04aWw9Boxv5G11jBXMNBVKb9MYT13ZHVYDej6hqCDk_0TMQL_HpE6rNsbTAoSW9R5cWWL_oo8Qld64u02tCw64J4YR_KhaezC2AE9uk4VoZSs-yW09jmFe8/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxb4MC-93TTdyA_XGEGxp04aWw9Boxv5G11jBXMNBVKb9MYT13ZHVYDej6hqCDk_0TMQL_HpE6rNsbTAoSW9R5cWWL_oo8Qld64u02tCw64J4YR_KhaezC2AE9uk4VoZSs-yW09jmFe8/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496744425330844434" border="0" /></a>After I graduated I thought I would do a lot of knitting on our road trip but I ended up just relaxing and looking at the scenery. Then once we got back I slept a lot, read a ton of great books, and kept applying to jobs. It took me awhile to rest up and get back into all the projects I thought I would accomplish during my unemployed summer. It has only been in these last couple weeks that I've felt the urge to knit at all (I blame part of this on the obscene heat wave on the east coast) but first I felt I had to tackle some loose ends around my apartment. I cleaned, and cleaned, and organized, and felt so much better about the world. Above you can see my knitting and sewing supplies, all now tidily organized, bizarre stash purged, other stash sorted into future projects and ziplocked up, and finished objects set aside for Christmas (I even sewed a little bag to hold all my buttons and thread). Once our entire apartment was cleaned and organized, I finally felt like knitting again!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjyT6rJlESfe0khDALthfbhmiZxIC45AUGuRmC9b4BkaBqJetAyINA_QQCl_g4l2byvzXRtqSF0_K66dSVYgSbvAke1LKUtxsvw2RdWkFHRoHimK6d_fzE75C_tF5G9JaXIGyV-FaQH4/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjyT6rJlESfe0khDALthfbhmiZxIC45AUGuRmC9b4BkaBqJetAyINA_QQCl_g4l2byvzXRtqSF0_K66dSVYgSbvAke1LKUtxsvw2RdWkFHRoHimK6d_fzE75C_tF5G9JaXIGyV-FaQH4/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496744353100862562" border="0" /></a>This little cowl was the one project I worked on during our road trip and it needs to be finished up. I'd like to add a little picot edge, and sew on a button so it can be worn snug or loose (and I'll conveniently place where I have a wonky stitch happening for a little cover-up).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4oITaKbY-Zc4BGUPtSur7XGO6uityGvo9dNsUFhevERg0HuOXVwURJgn-YDm8-g6qpDO_jd4OZ7Zml3SN4Pq0tHa46Wy1nzlD5X0qOMTDuHm6yrpIsuyBvI4mDBqQbn_KqdNZp-V-_g/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4oITaKbY-Zc4BGUPtSur7XGO6uityGvo9dNsUFhevERg0HuOXVwURJgn-YDm8-g6qpDO_jd4OZ7Zml3SN4Pq0tHa46Wy1nzlD5X0qOMTDuHm6yrpIsuyBvI4mDBqQbn_KqdNZp-V-_g/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496744191912482770" border="0" /></a>But first I've been working on this scarf. I dug into my stash and have decided to make it a stash busting Christmas (three hats for future sister-in-laws are done). This scarf will take up a spare skein and a half, and then I have some cowls, hats, and fingerless mitts planned to take a chunk out of my hefty yarn supply. I know my stash is microscopic compared to most knitters, but I've never loved having a lot of stuff around so my two little baskets full feels like a LOT to me!<br /><br />So I guess I am somewhat back in the knitting world, or at least organized and ready to start digging into projects a little bit more.Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-41711784800426121602010-04-25T09:50:00.003-04:002010-04-25T10:05:35.826-04:00Baby Clothes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUE68rGMUehD7U7lQSHTXxvxfontDl2epvfKkyy9XaFR8AwPiK5_jmi4d41DlQASOm4riyju_xD1JZbUks95Cv8PyAPMjOo67nahmB-JFoyTWhnOQmvuZCOcfpH0Wu9e4FMi_aBobIYg/s1600/005+copy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUE68rGMUehD7U7lQSHTXxvxfontDl2epvfKkyy9XaFR8AwPiK5_jmi4d41DlQASOm4riyju_xD1JZbUks95Cv8PyAPMjOo67nahmB-JFoyTWhnOQmvuZCOcfpH0Wu9e4FMi_aBobIYg/s400/005+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464072337454117810" border="0" /></a>My friend's baby shower was yesterday so I can now happily post the finished objects!! It was a wonderful shower, and another friend of mine made a beautiful blanket and bibs (sewn), and there were also a few other knitted sweaters and blankets (this boy will be the most well dressed baby ever!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw2Kl1nSBhJtB2yo2L1RnhIRCOkkWuBQEBLBb3bzQNkk7z1_YxS6Gy2vlZll77tKJNO0eRlhApooJyFn2E3XriXm_8Md9xJmq-XDPBO6fqtPtE1mNLFWdZp7EPQQYgmYNfLZpkKXX_3A/s1600/003.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw2Kl1nSBhJtB2yo2L1RnhIRCOkkWuBQEBLBb3bzQNkk7z1_YxS6Gy2vlZll77tKJNO0eRlhApooJyFn2E3XriXm_8Md9xJmq-XDPBO6fqtPtE1mNLFWdZp7EPQQYgmYNfLZpkKXX_3A/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw2Kl1nSBhJtB2yo2L1RnhIRCOkkWuBQEBLBb3bzQNkk7z1_YxS6Gy2vlZll77tKJNO0eRlhApooJyFn2E3XriXm_8Md9xJmq-XDPBO6fqtPtE1mNLFWdZp7EPQQYgmYNfLZpkKXX_3A/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464072332934441538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The sweater is Sheep Yoke Cardigan by Jennifer Little (a free pattern!) and the hat is Baby Sheep Hat by Melissa Burt and the buttons are little sheep I found at A Good Yarn in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brookline</span> MA.<br /></span></div><br />This was my first time knitting baby clothes and it was so much fun. You have to love working on something that is instantly cute, plus a very quick project! Although for anyone else working on this project I would caution two things. First, beware the floats; I chose to do the sheep stranded rather than with intarsia and I was working with cotton so there wasn't wool's fantastic tendency to stick which always makes my colorwork much more secure. My other recommendation would be to be careful with your color selection. While I love the colors I chose, the black of the sheep heads and legs, do not show up well against the dark green of the field.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OglRr-uNjUA2bYB_QRpyxaFlqwwBsHtvMYUl2v5krD8seIDPd3XyvXmpgMG1Tqc0v0W5r8wrBkq4qRxJ0j03K6jrsYXeFS_4QoSE0HvMj80KCwVky7JcqSJEhVtgbqspNr9CiB7vQas/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OglRr-uNjUA2bYB_QRpyxaFlqwwBsHtvMYUl2v5krD8seIDPd3XyvXmpgMG1Tqc0v0W5r8wrBkq4qRxJ0j03K6jrsYXeFS_4QoSE0HvMj80KCwVky7JcqSJEhVtgbqspNr9CiB7vQas/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464072323486507842" border="0" /></a>At the shower I got some really positive feedback about my projects, women kept coming up to me telling me I should be selling my work (although obviously not this set since I didn't write the patterns for them) which was really nice to hear. While their comments were very flattering I feel like I'd have to become a much better knitter (there are still a number of things in my technique I'd like to improve) before I could actually sell my finished work. Also, right now I love knitting, and I love making gifts for people and seeing how happy they are. I'm not sure I would feel the same if I was selling my work and I would hate to lose my love of knitting. Finally there's always the price issue. How do I charge something that is an adequate reflection of my effort? I'm not sure many people would pay 60$ for a baby sweater, but I feel that's what I would have to charge for something like this.<br /><br />Any thoughts or comments from anyone who has sold their craft or artwork?Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-40547926890868418122010-04-18T23:26:00.001-04:002010-04-18T23:26:26.306-04:00Giveaway and procrastinationMy deadlines for grad school are looming nearer, and as graduation approaches the toxic question of "so, do you have a job yet" occurs with dastardly frequency. This of course means that I'm spending my time knitting, reading about knitting, and planning my next knitting projects (a girl has to have an outlet right?)<br /><br />I was on <a href="http://nevernotknitting.blogspot.com/2010/04/color-by-kristin-giveaway.html">Never Not Knitting </a>and saw she had an awesome giveaway going. If you too like pretty colors and procrastinating in a world where things are fuzzier and kinder (or at least fuzzier) then scamper on over and give her blog a read.<br /><br />Hmm, I think I should go sleep now, but to all my fellow Bostonites, Happy Marathon Monday!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-43278924017150826142010-04-05T11:29:00.003-04:002010-04-05T11:38:47.309-04:00Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKTcnQYEo63e-atT91DABgGCgY36hXmB0YPqWvRtmCEulcRKOhQKreFcAZND_jdUghbpVFsrRWyUFS558I4OoHif2MbKsToSGjhh3kQv5l1659NkvGPpj3J9irio4KKL6UnMSKP6_FV0/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKTcnQYEo63e-atT91DABgGCgY36hXmB0YPqWvRtmCEulcRKOhQKreFcAZND_jdUghbpVFsrRWyUFS558I4OoHif2MbKsToSGjhh3kQv5l1659NkvGPpj3J9irio4KKL6UnMSKP6_FV0/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456676064032181250" border="0" /></a>I'm sitting here with 40 days between myself and graduation (33 days before classes are done) and I have no motivation to start tackling my pile of work, although I did clean our apartment this morning so that should count for something. <br /><br />Even with the stress of job searching and finishing school mounting up, I have had some time to knit. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that knitting has become a very necessary stress reliever. Either way, above is my finished beret, it's not as slouchy as I'd like but another blocking session or two might bend it to my will. It was gross and rainy while I was knitting this, making me very much crave a cute cap to see me through to spring, and of course now that it's completed it is beautiful weather here in Boston. I guess that means the hat did it's job huh?<br /><br />More to come on knitting projects: my friend and her husband are currently expecting their first child. This of course gave me free license to look at baby knitting patterns which I have done. I'll post the pictures of the full set after the baby shower in late April.<br /><br />Happy Knitting and Happy Spring!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7425256081901579209.post-36960204528097930502010-03-19T09:27:00.002-04:002010-03-19T09:37:42.383-04:00Back to the grind..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BCUhPhYBLYn9Yrfg1bJVZTo2izfCumJKw44AUahjaTfiOVP6J4IDl9z8Ti_0B_Lr0cYfiKa7wdqhFrIIJpZj8Ba62oNdPX-QauafIXPisEPKNAgIMGJNHSxzU7U-DaKkYnZNc5drvi0/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BCUhPhYBLYn9Yrfg1bJVZTo2izfCumJKw44AUahjaTfiOVP6J4IDl9z8Ti_0B_Lr0cYfiKa7wdqhFrIIJpZj8Ba62oNdPX-QauafIXPisEPKNAgIMGJNHSxzU7U-DaKkYnZNc5drvi0/s400/026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450336274969400210" border="0" /></a>As some of you may know I had a class in Nicaragua over spring break. The class went well (volcanoes and earthquakes non-withstanding) and then we got stranded in Miami for several days due to weather issues in the Northeast. While we ended up making the most of it I was positively itching for my knitting! Airports are the worst in that there's all that idle time that's calling, nay SHOUTING, for a little productive knitting, at the same time airport security is far too much of a bother for me to risk it. <br /><br />Luckily I am now back in Boston and among other things this means I can keep working on my Selbu Modern beret (shown above). I made a modified version for my future-MIL for Christmas. That one was worsted weight and more of a snug cap than a slouchy beret. I loved the pattern though, very easy to learn but still interesting and a pretty quick knit, and wanted to take a second go at it. The cream yarn is Knit Picks Palette and the purple is a handspun my mom purchased for me. The purple is a super light lace weight and the two skeins I was given were apparently the same colorway but drastically different, my solution has been to knit the two together and it's creating a lovely heathered effect if I say so myself (and I do!). <br /><br />My calendar shows that I have 57 days between me and my master's degree. This means that sadly the next several weeks will most likely need to be light on the knitting and heavy on the homework. As it is I must now go an analyze HTML code and CSS.<br /><br />Oh and for anyone interested in pictures from my Nicaragua/Miami trip they are available on my other blog <a href="http://luluabroad.blogspot.com/">Lulu Abroad</a>, enjoy!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185935882965862296noreply@blogger.com0