tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200131162024-03-23T13:20:32.553-05:00Singular StitchesKnitting, Cross-Stitch, Sewing and Crochet...One stitch at a timeSingular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-29800754499207056602011-01-08T15:19:00.003-05:002011-01-08T15:33:20.523-05:00Recycle and ReuseI'm so glad it's the weekend!<br /><br />This past week has been so busy at work. I'm on a team that's designing/testing/implementing a new business system for our manufacturing floor. We go live in April, so it's been crazy. Usually, I cross stitch or knit during lunch to help chill out, but I haven't had time for that. They just don't seem to feel that my crafty therapy is a higher priority than Oracle. *sigh*<br /><br />So, in the absence of astonishing numbers of Xs to share, I thought I would share my new project containers.<br /><br />The brands of skin care and cosmetics that I use periodically offer those lovely GWPs, and so I wait to buy anything I need until there's an offer. Most of these come with cosmetic bags, and over time, I've accumulated more than I'll ever use for my cosmetics, so I thought I would upgrade my normal project case of a Ziploc bag to one of these nifty (and much prettier) freebie bags.<br /><br />Way better than Ziplocs!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-5BIjdhlT5aeykyfjpTrNHxiwobRYVuyF72GSLOeiRIKokuagnWk18ErslfOgmSRVSZLDYxILiSr5eFd59HH7FWSGPoExkRkazS3cZe4mIIwq_Ta7sPqBahNatZhoZGxQ2lY/s1600/P1020210.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-5BIjdhlT5aeykyfjpTrNHxiwobRYVuyF72GSLOeiRIKokuagnWk18ErslfOgmSRVSZLDYxILiSr5eFd59HH7FWSGPoExkRkazS3cZe4mIIwq_Ta7sPqBahNatZhoZGxQ2lY/s320/P1020210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559915338913339202" /></a><br /><br /><br />And (and I have no affiliation) if you do buy the brands that offer GWPs, I found a fabulous blog that lists which department stores are offering them. It's called <a href="http://mygiftwithpurchase.com/">My Gift With Purchase</a>.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-16240471566358433762011-01-02T15:59:00.004-05:002011-01-02T17:18:51.756-05:00And a Happy New Year!Welcome to 2011, Everyone!!<br /><br />Ready to start a fresh new year? Yes? Good to hear!!<br /><br /><em>Though it's going to be incredibly hard getting used to being at work, focusing for 8 hours, no Farmville, Farmtown or Frontierville for hours, after over two weeks out of the office. And dressed - no sweats, with makeup and hair somewhat styled. </em><br /><br />Oh, shiver.<br /><br /><br />I sort of, kinda tried to start the blog back up last summer, but it just didn't go, so I'm using the new year as sort of a kick start to get back out there on the blogging circuit. Yay, me. :o)<br /><br />Anyways, another incentive is that I'm cross stitching more than I was previously, and other than my own blog, there's really not a good place to offer up what I've been working on, and quite honestly, it's even more incentive to keep stitching, because, otherwise, it would make for very boring progress photos.<br /><br />Here's what I've been working on recently, and since I didn't realize I was going to blog about it, you'll just need to take my word for it that I've actually made progress. It's called <a href="http://www.carriagehousesamplings.com/favorites01.htm">Live With the Creatures </a> (you'll need to scroll down a bit on their website) by Carriage House Samplings:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKApx4v7nYj9TU5BVJE0A2XbKQs9wBEmjeAXZjmspHaddP75dWKlaWf8L1wB-KSA3EEhJGtSV762rPRuRUHIuTplcpEsF1Q0qR4-str51PTek_lFsh6Y3iNpT8_By_IsEwvU1/s1600/P1020208.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKApx4v7nYj9TU5BVJE0A2XbKQs9wBEmjeAXZjmspHaddP75dWKlaWf8L1wB-KSA3EEhJGtSV762rPRuRUHIuTplcpEsF1Q0qR4-str51PTek_lFsh6Y3iNpT8_By_IsEwvU1/s320/P1020208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557708271124136338" /></a><br /><br /><br />Any of you who may have read my blog previously might remember (because I know you all remember what I've blogged about maybe 3 or so years ago...), DH and I love BBC tv, miniseries, and movies. Since we've been off over the holidays, we've watched a bunch that I've stitched along to:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1077744/">Lark Rise to Candleford</a> - Yes, I love British period pieces, and this one is probably one of my favorites. I want Dorkas Lane's wardrobe!! And I loved <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0768018/">Julia Sawalha </a>as Dorkas (Lydia in A&E Pride & Prejudice). It's uncertain if this series is going to be canceled or not, but we're keeping our fingers crossed for season four.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092355/">French & Saunders</a> - It took me a little bit to get into these two, and only after seeing Dawn French in Lark Rise, did I give them a try and I'm glad I did. Dawn French is a little much for me, but Jennifer Saunders is a great balance (and actually my fave of the two), and we've worked our way through this set of DVDs. Hysterical!!! I'm terribly bummed that the BBC said they could no longer work together. <em>Anyone know why??</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0974077/">Cranford</a> - We watched Return to Cranford a couple years ago, but didn't realize there was a second part. It was less happy than the first part, but it has an overall happy ending. There are <strong>SO</strong> many of our favorite British actors in this one, too many to mention, but it's got one of my all-time faves, Dame Judi Dench.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/">Sherlock</a> - I must admit, I'm a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098765/">Jeremy Brett</a> diehard for Sherlock Holmes, but oh. my. gosh., Benedict Cumberbatch is the next best updated version of Sherlock since Mr. Brett left this earth. It's funny, Benedict was in a BBC series we recently watched (no surprise there) called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0370139/">Fortysomething </a>with Hugh Laurie. He was Hugh Laurie's oldest son, so it's funny to have seen him as a college-aged kid to being the next Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, this series debuted in 2010, and there were only three episodes in series one, so we'll have to wait a while 'till we get to see series two. Maybe they'll put it on BBC America. Oh, pretty please......<br /><br />And, last night, we just finished up series two of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485840/">Clatterford</a> (AKA Jam and Jerusalem) - This is another French and Saunders series, and they're both in it, and I think Jennifer Saunder wrote them. It's about a group of women in a branch of the Women's Institute (Remember Calendar Girls?), and they're really a bunch of misfits from totally different walks of life, and the only thing some of them really have in common is membership to the ladies' group. It's really grown on us, and we're hoping to get the third series shows up at the library. I heard they may cancel the series before they film series four, which is really a bummer.<br /><br />Wow, didn't realize we watched so much over the holidays! Oh, well. It's cold outside and what's better than to curl up in a warm family room with DH, a kitty on your lap, watching good BBC tv while cross stitching??<br /><br /><br />And, I'll leave you with a recent photo status of the kids. They're going to be 15 this year. It's hard to belive they were just little balls of fuzz when we adopted them so long ago. They're doing well, still active, still in good health, but slowing down. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_O1xxD_6qaOZaNp06OT7g1ismwFmKtne7L0QCbLMfSyEN4ajXoIMYVtwOq3ttTgg_vWRz-IgEGjcKMN4Yn3TsY4abnxm_eXWgaTEF3vmNWCCrrcwbQFWj7Ulkc6ZayPzrzZq/s1600/P1020171.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_O1xxD_6qaOZaNp06OT7g1ismwFmKtne7L0QCbLMfSyEN4ajXoIMYVtwOq3ttTgg_vWRz-IgEGjcKMN4Yn3TsY4abnxm_eXWgaTEF3vmNWCCrrcwbQFWj7Ulkc6ZayPzrzZq/s320/P1020171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557710485777496386" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-11606152070888895502010-07-27T17:03:00.008-05:002010-07-27T17:35:10.206-05:00Keeping up the cutenessI won't bemoan the weather. It's hot and miserable, and I'm trying to move on. Soon it will be September and it will be 'all good'. <em>OK, done.</em><br /><br />To fill the time until then, I've been busily knitting and stitching in the dark coolness of The Bat Cave (what my sister calls my house). Below are some updates. The kitties felt they had much to offer and took it upon themselves to help with improving the overall cuteness of my projects.<br /><br />First up, the 'before' of my Batch of Pumpkins:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFifHru5SBN7olzuLJM98mOO6JZGv0SJ_PrNV53r_pib35i6V6o8KNvJdISBBbSmuzGCYM2jdbjS6qlltcqPAOlA0wpgBiMq-wXCZqHbGHzUy5fzMmgYbG9Jgxp88pOMA4zfgb/s1600/P1010968.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFifHru5SBN7olzuLJM98mOO6JZGv0SJ_PrNV53r_pib35i6V6o8KNvJdISBBbSmuzGCYM2jdbjS6qlltcqPAOlA0wpgBiMq-wXCZqHbGHzUy5fzMmgYbG9Jgxp88pOMA4zfgb/s400/P1010968.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498712082677580450" /></a><br /><br />And the 'after' with a nice dose of cuteness, thanks to Abner:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwalnj8u-eDvTfaPYs6S_K3XAApD8EXgeCYG3ZBrFZmc_o0G3NfhD901HRdwmdSt9Id-KSYC1hA4j0dpXS5eBm1Yr8GAz6HVAhN_lqEI52To-RJmRQP1To-98V31dPsYByYh6n/s1600/P1010972.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwalnj8u-eDvTfaPYs6S_K3XAApD8EXgeCYG3ZBrFZmc_o0G3NfhD901HRdwmdSt9Id-KSYC1hA4j0dpXS5eBm1Yr8GAz6HVAhN_lqEI52To-RJmRQP1To-98V31dPsYByYh6n/s400/P1010972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498712551844589202" /></a><br /><br /><br />Onto some knitting content. I finished the first and started the second of my Dad's Christmas socks. Here's Itchey to increase the cuteness quotient by at least 10X:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUlooKyUQ6oixqyjtuy6z6pN5CB8y26Zoxnxst7-1dPLmWCArf_par8I2N9pdkt80umIYfDDCAgSzOu1puZym-T9RDe80Cc5gJYeV8AV3-89kOR6MyJXTclbjDcEZvko9hvXM/s1600/P1010973.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUlooKyUQ6oixqyjtuy6z6pN5CB8y26Zoxnxst7-1dPLmWCArf_par8I2N9pdkt80umIYfDDCAgSzOu1puZym-T9RDe80Cc5gJYeV8AV3-89kOR6MyJXTclbjDcEZvko9hvXM/s400/P1010973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498712983294073826" /></a><br /><br /><br />I thought it would be fun to join the over 4000 other knitters on Ravelry who are already making their very own <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> shawl. It's a half circle shawl with varying rows of increases and decreases to make rings of puckery knitting. I just started it last night, using a variagated yarn of mid to dark purples. The colors remind me of blueberries. Mmmmmm.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwQDfML478JelW047dIhhOKOFM06a3wYW1-eN8E1mBaOAOcGYG-1zvlwNmgKmbMX4OOJrd3TFKnFw8-tv4hf2yU9dP6qifjUUPxrI2YO3cG38xGMH-i2okwyyVr-MegNfYEfP/s1600/P1010976.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwQDfML478JelW047dIhhOKOFM06a3wYW1-eN8E1mBaOAOcGYG-1zvlwNmgKmbMX4OOJrd3TFKnFw8-tv4hf2yU9dP6qifjUUPxrI2YO3cG38xGMH-i2okwyyVr-MegNfYEfP/s400/P1010976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498714223103371202" /></a><br /><br />Abner wanted to help add to the overall cuteness of this project, but suddenly became enamored with the needles and decided they'd make a good chew toy. I didn't quite care for *that* kind of cuteness, so he was removed from the photo shoot.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-71066972294117243292010-07-17T15:44:00.004-05:002010-07-17T15:56:16.079-05:00I feel like such a heel...<em>Perhaps a poor try at humor.</em> :o)<br /><br /><br />I've finished the heel part of Dad's first sock. I've finally had the mental capacity to sit down to comprehend the instructions. It's not that they're hard, but it just requires concentration, that I just wasn't able to give it until yesterday evening.<br /><br />Now, it's just the same until it's time for the toe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstAv3bFuCCIQxS9KkZ8D-nkBuuVACN_7VwJ0n5QLyIE4Yo2VLcP4KR8eDsifOn768pgq5v_RU0fzIX9QS-QKsAAaA8zKIheGkeU0VokpxQ5Wu3In4ks7bVB4QB4phRSY64r4Y/s1600/P1010969.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstAv3bFuCCIQxS9KkZ8D-nkBuuVACN_7VwJ0n5QLyIE4Yo2VLcP4KR8eDsifOn768pgq5v_RU0fzIX9QS-QKsAAaA8zKIheGkeU0VokpxQ5Wu3In4ks7bVB4QB4phRSY64r4Y/s400/P1010969.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494980468638015666" /></a><br /><br />Onto happily knit in the cool darkness of The Ladies' Parlour with a kitty or two...Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-21792173124860789842010-07-07T17:55:00.003-05:002010-07-07T18:36:52.197-05:00Christmas Knitting in July<em>When I begin knitting a pair of Christmas Socks, I get the sensation that I'm in a little black bikini, jet skiing in the Arctic Ocean just off the coast of northern Greenland, with fine ice crystals spaying up and hitting my... </em><br /><br />Ahem.<br /><br /><br />I've decided to try mind power to keep cool with the current hot, muggy and oppressive weather plaguing the Mid-Atlantic. I'm hoping that by imagining how nice and cold it will be outside when I present Dad with his yearly installment of hand knitted socks on Christmas Morning, it will make it feel like 32F instead of 92F. Yeah. We'll see.<br /><br />I just don't like how any of the socks fit that I've knitted for myself. So, I've stopped making them for me. I've tried different patterns, adjusting those patterns, using different sized needles, etc, but I still don't like how they fit. They just feel wrong. Since I'm able to knit socks for my parents that fit them perfectly, they can benefit from my love of sock knitting.<br /><br />Typically, I make Dad patriotic socks. He loves all things American Flag or some combination of red, white and blue. Part of the fun is hunting down yarn that fits the bill, but looks different from anything I've made him previously. This year, I found yarn, that by the colorway name alone, I've opted to briefly forgo patriotic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VLnHT60xZTRPLhBRO1V_GNjw-mM61k9yx9fHM42md2IQRhp-uN6BKVrnANdEQ_kzppTXs8ND4NObkHZvg9BQhkbvg_zU0tiuXlffyNbFhrsPvNbf_gymyz8FcvDhSruiclCK/s1600/P1010964.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VLnHT60xZTRPLhBRO1V_GNjw-mM61k9yx9fHM42md2IQRhp-uN6BKVrnANdEQ_kzppTXs8ND4NObkHZvg9BQhkbvg_zU0tiuXlffyNbFhrsPvNbf_gymyz8FcvDhSruiclCK/s400/P1010964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491308203641098210" /></a><br /><br />The colorway is called Poison Ivy, and it's varying shades of green. It's just so perfect for my dad. Hard to explain, but if you knew him, you'd totally agree.<br /><br />The pattern is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Vintage-Socks-Classic-Patterns/dp/1931499659/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278545408&sr=8-1">Knitting Vintage Socks</a>. It's called Maddler Ribbed Socks, and is a simple (6X1X2) ribbed pattern, which is great to show off the variagated color way. You do notice, however, that I am using a patriotic row marker...<br /><br />Well, the mind thing is just not working. I'm still too darn hot, but at least Dad will get a lovely pair of socks, even though right this minute, it's difficult to believe that it will ever cool off enough to need them!Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-55383918232459706402010-07-05T17:40:00.007-05:002010-07-05T18:28:43.061-05:00Indoor ActivitiesI couldn't wait to get some stitching done so I could post! Ooooh, it's so fun to get back into blogging. Facebook is fun, but sometimes I just have much more to type about than a single sentence! :o) <br /><br /><em>It was even more fun to see that many of my blogging friends are still around! Boy, do I have a lot of catching up to do to read what you lovely ladies have been up to while I was away! </em><br /><br />No surprise that with July, the three H's have come again (hazy, hot and humid), so the order of the holiday weekend was to stay inside with the air conditioning and, of course, get some needlework done.<br /><br />I worked on <a href="http://www.thesilverneedle.com/images/carriage/carriagehouse-blackwillowfarm400.jpg">Black Willow Farm (Carriage House Samplings)</a> this weekend. Lately, I've been drawn towards more primative designs, which I think will look good in my dining room. I'm really liking Primative Needle designs, too (<a href="http://www.theprimitiveneedlehome.com/store/image-window.asp?pic=Hornbook_Angel.jpg&w=480">Hornbrooke Angel</a>, and <a href="http://www.theprimitiveneedlehome.com/store/image-window.asp?pic=newfollowme.jpg&w=319">Follow Me</a>).<br /><br />Here's the before:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGzap3ErZhm8Jr86QBt18bwiaGp84CljabwTZkRJVYF3YO4AoqVwfnPZXTnsk2L6KeJEBt99gT7Vdw7YWmfGg7T8o63xdw63_b7ZnHRwi1QIp7ifUqNH0XKv3CtR5WZ__Vh20/s1600/P1010960.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGzap3ErZhm8Jr86QBt18bwiaGp84CljabwTZkRJVYF3YO4AoqVwfnPZXTnsk2L6KeJEBt99gT7Vdw7YWmfGg7T8o63xdw63_b7ZnHRwi1QIp7ifUqNH0XKv3CtR5WZ__Vh20/s320/P1010960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490557713913705954" /></a><br /><br />And the after:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xPVwVgdat9yftTui7hQvI8R_WusQoskX9J9LfGBT_rNgjLvvwNjVrIEmLa5v9u0900WaEKw4oSPSgAKaQ0xslaBwl0zMgbHSPKtI8ll07PpcZu0F2QofA_joMYjJeJMRlpuv/s1600/P1010961.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xPVwVgdat9yftTui7hQvI8R_WusQoskX9J9LfGBT_rNgjLvvwNjVrIEmLa5v9u0900WaEKw4oSPSgAKaQ0xslaBwl0zMgbHSPKtI8ll07PpcZu0F2QofA_joMYjJeJMRlpuv/s320/P1010961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490559900760460658" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-92175708631051306542010-07-04T08:50:00.000-05:002010-07-04T08:51:00.015-05:00Wow, it's been a whileHello again. Nothing drastic has happened to stop me from blogging, in fact, life has happily moved on as usual. I guess I just wanted a break from the blog.<br />
<br />
I look forward to reconnecting with all the wonderful stitchers I've met along the way.<br />
<br />
It's nice to be back. :o)Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-61399493735362206262008-12-20T13:52:00.017-05:002008-12-21T20:35:23.313-05:00Lying face down in a dark room...For the knitters reading this, Elizabeth Zimmermann mentions in one of her books that after putting steeks (slits cut - <em>with scissors!</em> - into the sweater body so that sleeves can be added), because of the stress of cutting into a knitted item, go into a dark room and lie on the floor face down.<br /><br /><em>I can totally relate.</em><br /><br />I've made almost a dozen cross-stitched Christmas stockings, and every time I go to sew them into a finished stocking, my stress level goes off the charts. Taking scissors to completed cross-stitch just feels <em>wrong</em>.<br /><br />Since DSis's DH is now 'official', he gets the 'Now-you're-part-of-the-family-and-there's-nothing-you-can-do-about-it-now' Christmas Stocking. Every family member has one made by me. I made DSis a Shepherd's Bush stocking in 1998. The design was Sophie's stocking:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U2JgNG_TJU6zMkN2RGwZ9caiSTM60-mq9xfSv_jZbGDVm85LFlGVDqIYH1g4En2t1NZZbOHgPk6itYbN8OHmUKdKomyhX3PKsfnZgUaeGiN5VE99Sl3B1gcGzQ8DHveH6Lt9/s1600-h/PICT1765.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U2JgNG_TJU6zMkN2RGwZ9caiSTM60-mq9xfSv_jZbGDVm85LFlGVDqIYH1g4En2t1NZZbOHgPk6itYbN8OHmUKdKomyhX3PKsfnZgUaeGiN5VE99Sl3B1gcGzQ8DHveH6Lt9/s400/PICT1765.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281950845479131602" /></a><br /><br />The stocking I made for DSis's DH is Christian's stocking, also by Shepherd's Bush. I did a personal best for completing it in record time. I started stitching it on December 3rd, and completed it on December 20th.<br /><br />Come, share in my stress....<br /><br />1. Draw the desired shape of the stocking and cut it out (don't forget the seam allowances!) I'm really, really picky about the shape of the stocking. Just getting the shape right is the most stressful for me. This was even worse, because I also had to make sure it matched the size and shape of the one I already made DSis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBNmDFXB0wSCJPHj4B9zoxKOB4HfAnuOnRwLOt0QPcplaft42wljK7zGms3RxaDTlQR-bDmNhOx5PqUVCp3L2ebnsp7tks4KsuaZLqssumJz_xd5vIQE6HpiUjuW5ZrsZBINX/s1600-h/PICT1754.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBNmDFXB0wSCJPHj4B9zoxKOB4HfAnuOnRwLOt0QPcplaft42wljK7zGms3RxaDTlQR-bDmNhOx5PqUVCp3L2ebnsp7tks4KsuaZLqssumJz_xd5vIQE6HpiUjuW5ZrsZBINX/s400/PICT1754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281951706086067922" /></a><br /><br />2. Cut out the backing and lining fabric. The plaid is the backing, and the stars are for the lining.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ESmJEeGh0GHY9dWH2_wpcSJHNdX1O538-hJvI0PHofuzqqbhSG8YiXPaoLfNWs8rpREtYCKNOutasWFiDhxVdAghc9RAdJfnb40Uvi-D0H3VzW-PtaSCAVJ9uD1BmfewlC0I/s1600-h/PICT1756.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ESmJEeGh0GHY9dWH2_wpcSJHNdX1O538-hJvI0PHofuzqqbhSG8YiXPaoLfNWs8rpREtYCKNOutasWFiDhxVdAghc9RAdJfnb40Uvi-D0H3VzW-PtaSCAVJ9uD1BmfewlC0I/s400/PICT1756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281952171288129874" /></a><br /><br />3. Make the piping. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEypdMJzMTYFLrk1UKPn5Nygif2pgMLO52XM1eMl-h_kfwzupJzYZyDZPKCWems8ts15f_wv0ulHSZ86CYBUldMMFEtdN4HjKHqD51D6qufNw1lgFOCLizxQUYiRMw1SYwCC1t/s1600-h/PICT1757.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEypdMJzMTYFLrk1UKPn5Nygif2pgMLO52XM1eMl-h_kfwzupJzYZyDZPKCWems8ts15f_wv0ulHSZ86CYBUldMMFEtdN4HjKHqD51D6qufNw1lgFOCLizxQUYiRMw1SYwCC1t/s400/PICT1757.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281952682450941730" /></a><br /><br />4. Make sure the shape matches DSis's before sewing on the piping.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwRxmmsJwJxV87aISmweaH44aQW9T7gu1O2k3Y0Ag1oLqIn_DVA4lczmQFc7oJttZcpNpKXLCp5ZyDBVj1e0QvahnV0rEQFpHVK4og03D9CM1avyqXFzDujXre0fXCE6_xl1X/s1600-h/PICT1758.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwRxmmsJwJxV87aISmweaH44aQW9T7gu1O2k3Y0Ag1oLqIn_DVA4lczmQFc7oJttZcpNpKXLCp5ZyDBVj1e0QvahnV0rEQFpHVK4og03D9CM1avyqXFzDujXre0fXCE6_xl1X/s400/PICT1758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281953155926572594" /></a><br /><br />5. Sew the backing to the front, and sew the lining pieces together. Then sew lining to outside of stocking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ6rhKu3Td0CLSYPGMeb051T4KK-1LKGByYqiFjJ3A8yFBDjo1eIqXri5A42q37G1BmvAHjs1NnnkfGKa0LywnU6q7XrVRG5LUcILCIv39TE-apwEiiSAdsUcYuMvcyQe0IQD/s1600-h/PICT1760.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ6rhKu3Td0CLSYPGMeb051T4KK-1LKGByYqiFjJ3A8yFBDjo1eIqXri5A42q37G1BmvAHjs1NnnkfGKa0LywnU6q7XrVRG5LUcILCIv39TE-apwEiiSAdsUcYuMvcyQe0IQD/s400/PICT1760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281953458678470722" /></a><br /><br />6. Finished!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwsLENX7p4okXANJdLl5C3wUKLEru9G0uqK-HEN2J2IFKKd6Gu5bBpeZT7jzWUYzkjS85Y9mKJD8l4r1rlrkfWmuuPNo3AfOjDuOMWPdregS-TdiHrPpj3EQ1NinNRcq6ClX9/s1600-h/PICT1763.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwsLENX7p4okXANJdLl5C3wUKLEru9G0uqK-HEN2J2IFKKd6Gu5bBpeZT7jzWUYzkjS85Y9mKJD8l4r1rlrkfWmuuPNo3AfOjDuOMWPdregS-TdiHrPpj3EQ1NinNRcq6ClX9/s400/PICT1763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281954009168417474" /></a><br /><br />7. Testing them out on the fireplace.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U7TmISDMNpU2rI3sHFVpdzsG5BxQ6y6kWdY4qq1VKVdMSIiXQ5WvlhXOrk2ATKKJ8-RQz4pQPnpGSxWrAqOMx5YkJaAQ-o3RxwFD-dm1xph48fdDJSaz7jCkWkCbdnU1sZC3/s1600-h/PICT1764.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U7TmISDMNpU2rI3sHFVpdzsG5BxQ6y6kWdY4qq1VKVdMSIiXQ5WvlhXOrk2ATKKJ8-RQz4pQPnpGSxWrAqOMx5YkJaAQ-o3RxwFD-dm1xph48fdDJSaz7jCkWkCbdnU1sZC3/s400/PICT1764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281957998762375298" /></a><br /><br />It's at this time that I realize how much my hands are shaking!<br /><br />I'll be going to lie face down in a dark room now...Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-62598295040240500772008-11-16T11:18:00.005-05:002008-11-16T11:37:31.749-05:00In the merry old land of Oz!<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/">The Wizard of Oz </a>was on TV last night, so I was looking for something mindless to knit. I've been wanting to make the <a href="http://cabledsheep.com/bristol.htm">Bristol Neck Warmer</a>, so I pulled out some Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk, US#6 needles, and cast on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaXwpGzVq6YHqP_-naRgjoyumeypLyQu6VMKkvCvXiA5h-v5M_Aevk2-FjX9bgLYfbelGnKvw32mRXUEn40dylz_G1o331PabqsPV1pThZNMgfIlxg_A7r3isK-Ohq2lAzM5U/s1600-h/PICT1742.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaXwpGzVq6YHqP_-naRgjoyumeypLyQu6VMKkvCvXiA5h-v5M_Aevk2-FjX9bgLYfbelGnKvw32mRXUEn40dylz_G1o331PabqsPV1pThZNMgfIlxg_A7r3isK-Ohq2lAzM5U/s400/PICT1742.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269291379735750626" /></a><br /><br />It's a four stitch repeat across all 120 stitches, and you repeat every row, so it's easy to remember, especially while singing along with Judy Garland.<br /><br />The yarn is doubled, so there's nice body to it. In the picture, I have about 2" done, so I only need about 3" more to finish. It's such soft yarn, and it's going to be very warm, so I'm really looking forward to getting this done as soon as possible. Next week we're going to have highs in the 30Fs (Snow!!! Yay! :o)<br /><br /><br />Earlier last night, I was catching up on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413573/">Grey's Anatomy </a>(how did I manage to get behind <em>three</em> episodes???), and was working on Mum's Noro Vneck Cardigan. I finished the second sleeve and all that's left is the front/neck band. I talked with Mum last night, and she only wants one button at the V, so that will make it even easier to complete.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiQ9fxmFAVL2jkLxQT7-L1biTqNM5vkbKT7RP4A5Q8W2XAziiY2o6QWCwC8CmbENKfirTRqP175yu0gm6GbAVMjx-D9feLYh3BMRR-ub-Q08QXJWgMQZeKvGcCWnRcReMbGbT/s1600-h/PICT1740.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiQ9fxmFAVL2jkLxQT7-L1biTqNM5vkbKT7RP4A5Q8W2XAziiY2o6QWCwC8CmbENKfirTRqP175yu0gm6GbAVMjx-D9feLYh3BMRR-ub-Q08QXJWgMQZeKvGcCWnRcReMbGbT/s400/PICT1740.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269292547380346162" /></a><br /><br /><br />See you in Oz, folks! (yes, different movie!)Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-51088208770238022382008-11-14T08:37:00.008-05:002008-11-14T22:11:08.910-05:00Mr & Mrs DSisDSis and her husband just passed their one week anniversary, but here are some pictures of the happy couple on their day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8wknm8X6X1Zedqx6FEyu1nw0N0u_x4e2s4fvU8_72m0IdccHew-mfhZX-UlYDnf-MwplObGzc_U2G-DtINH01BE_dZSL-9TnhhdDI039yb3f5JyuYQ62JYLMlxrBa0Ux76dD/s1600-h/PICT1679.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8wknm8X6X1Zedqx6FEyu1nw0N0u_x4e2s4fvU8_72m0IdccHew-mfhZX-UlYDnf-MwplObGzc_U2G-DtINH01BE_dZSL-9TnhhdDI039yb3f5JyuYQ62JYLMlxrBa0Ux76dD/s400/PICT1679.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268508609138120402" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrAVDr9auGKFW9Mf5JMvCBYcVSVSYjqp29shWBLm963bnYmWhlB1ZF7fi-zgQ-b7bcbBGrFcf1mIuCJMGRx-f4pSpHzseaErpsAxcpvt5OEFWHlOgWCGEaapdb6GWs9mwWdDT/s1600-h/PICT1686.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrAVDr9auGKFW9Mf5JMvCBYcVSVSYjqp29shWBLm963bnYmWhlB1ZF7fi-zgQ-b7bcbBGrFcf1mIuCJMGRx-f4pSpHzseaErpsAxcpvt5OEFWHlOgWCGEaapdb6GWs9mwWdDT/s400/PICT1686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268509012260403746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7lsDVyEz-S0Q_dj1HEYpDtM4aLlqVSeduZz1VKOdDvMgNiNmk0JkQxF6huAed6vyWycC_QF6jNB6mXghQqbxw6r3gWnnNDKq-mjCusMYmy_7KKczhu5LgS_WSW-cmF68NMBo/s1600-h/PICT1703.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7lsDVyEz-S0Q_dj1HEYpDtM4aLlqVSeduZz1VKOdDvMgNiNmk0JkQxF6huAed6vyWycC_QF6jNB6mXghQqbxw6r3gWnnNDKq-mjCusMYmy_7KKczhu5LgS_WSW-cmF68NMBo/s400/PICT1703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268516942674948098" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW_JrjNjuHSe3-1M9DwQZNXizTbzaLnCcy-UPC15el6WK7X6QBvpjAO-QLlN_mvzXPWgGmC3mPVJz2b5LTn6foaKsqRjK7bcHy2FAesRFbvJISFTQCXcYftm0igPPFoHI5sIr/s1600-h/PICT1722.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW_JrjNjuHSe3-1M9DwQZNXizTbzaLnCcy-UPC15el6WK7X6QBvpjAO-QLlN_mvzXPWgGmC3mPVJz2b5LTn6foaKsqRjK7bcHy2FAesRFbvJISFTQCXcYftm0igPPFoHI5sIr/s400/PICT1722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268517259485721970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAMqSlRYaH6C5MalRpNywm6SrJ5I7oeBPF7Vr5hmv0Ruul7HkOJUvVRjzayVtovqmvN4_7l4ar4OftP033jXOIlstU4Qf8aATxPsGvbitX_faJQ5Huf_d0FwgOZKUHK0VyXX/s1600-h/PICT1725.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAMqSlRYaH6C5MalRpNywm6SrJ5I7oeBPF7Vr5hmv0Ruul7HkOJUvVRjzayVtovqmvN4_7l4ar4OftP033jXOIlstU4Qf8aATxPsGvbitX_faJQ5Huf_d0FwgOZKUHK0VyXX/s400/PICT1725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268517496387713730" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNjrQSvueqK17Pmkck2DyEl_yVJFlfh-1C7P8_6k08SLviNNEreI5ZA8depX7WUB6wdc7aJmIY8AZhSypwd7QkxXl6RLkfk7WkBeiwbnrLfG0wZ9Ai6L1t2EQr36FIN4e57Fw/s1600-h/PICT1734.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNjrQSvueqK17Pmkck2DyEl_yVJFlfh-1C7P8_6k08SLviNNEreI5ZA8depX7WUB6wdc7aJmIY8AZhSypwd7QkxXl6RLkfk7WkBeiwbnrLfG0wZ9Ai6L1t2EQr36FIN4e57Fw/s400/PICT1734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268517802888696082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NJwtvu89Ly6H93YYjrRYBrLPWH841n-ZPPokBLcTS7pqgqyve3gb6P1Zj3YmcYUBW8rdiIkFDTdlSg3oOGyzmcFk0lnhf10hQ0elUBlNDaj1oYHqpdFYMdtZ3EzQoUhEYAOL/s1600-h/100_1507.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NJwtvu89Ly6H93YYjrRYBrLPWH841n-ZPPokBLcTS7pqgqyve3gb6P1Zj3YmcYUBW8rdiIkFDTdlSg3oOGyzmcFk0lnhf10hQ0elUBlNDaj1oYHqpdFYMdtZ3EzQoUhEYAOL/s400/100_1507.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268716412222186018" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-22399972636452825012008-11-05T10:51:00.009-05:002008-11-05T11:16:06.402-05:00Mum of the Bride ShawlAs I've mentioned in my last post (so long ago in September!), DSis and The-Guy-Formerly-Known-As-DBF-Then-DFiance-And-Now-DH-After-11amEST are running off to get married on November 5th (That's today!). I was asked to make a 'Mum of the Bride' shawl for my mum to wear to their reception later today. <br /><br />For the last two months, I've ate, slept and breathed pink laceweight wool, knitting it up into a Swallowtail shawl. Mum wanted it larger, so I approximately doubled the pattern size (maybe a little more). It went quite well, with minimum error, and no major frogging!<br /><br />The details:<br /><br /><strong>Pattern: </strong>Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark (Interweave Knits Magazine)<br /><strong>Needles: </strong>Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeable Circulars, US#4 (Hated the join on these!) and Crystal Palace Bamboo DPN, US#0 (Used for the p5tog's of the nupps)<br /><strong>Yarn: </strong>Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Peppermint Twist (Used 1.5 skeins - <em>very</em> nice to work with)<br /><strong>Modifications: </strong>Increased the main pattern from 14 repeats to 24 repeats<br /><strong>Begun: </strong>September 1, 2008<br /><strong>Finished: </strong>November 1, 2008<br /><br />Just off the needles:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0IfAXN1pyfqddCFvH0g9tdgcQvs_ZusigPKI4h8Xt-fvvUiMB30ZfGIsSUEDLI4jdomjhpcevFLUEPdbvd2yAxYKFi55NBeasg52jNXEZAhswoUye9OYGe3fE-8euYM9yhVz/s1600-h/PICT1671.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0IfAXN1pyfqddCFvH0g9tdgcQvs_ZusigPKI4h8Xt-fvvUiMB30ZfGIsSUEDLI4jdomjhpcevFLUEPdbvd2yAxYKFi55NBeasg52jNXEZAhswoUye9OYGe3fE-8euYM9yhVz/s400/PICT1671.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265204681499637554" /></a><br /><br />Blocking:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtrGtk-XW0ID-JnB_8s61a16jIj07cBNyccE3csXANCQH00aqj_PnLR4JAHayILVzVbORM9HVitlMaYpp8mtIeyjFUeY95djZEOUvHAB0V4c8saagZTvALTnobB3NAmrob48V/s1600-h/PICT1673.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtrGtk-XW0ID-JnB_8s61a16jIj07cBNyccE3csXANCQH00aqj_PnLR4JAHayILVzVbORM9HVitlMaYpp8mtIeyjFUeY95djZEOUvHAB0V4c8saagZTvALTnobB3NAmrob48V/s400/PICT1673.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265204877240978850" /></a><br /><br />Detail:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EIm6v_jnvVHOliXhFjNQQtgabIEf3R0CmVRuHB8QD8F2KXw4pa47UkYyZWCqpW5euGHDLQgW4jhp5opuhzyjDDoP82zHWYxQMSL4UQtXkNeeWO74xKhikLShyO0SbMEBny2l/s1600-h/PICT1675.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EIm6v_jnvVHOliXhFjNQQtgabIEf3R0CmVRuHB8QD8F2KXw4pa47UkYyZWCqpW5euGHDLQgW4jhp5opuhzyjDDoP82zHWYxQMSL4UQtXkNeeWO74xKhikLShyO0SbMEBny2l/s400/PICT1675.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265205072183956642" /></a><br /><br />Finished!:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiy1XBE0Y7DjpCg0lVy_oTGwEbmc-hYNJydpOvvjDdm0QLlzKxJLJ7UEAHzYycusqnj1ZrkZn3OyU8nbNxsjxDLOqARohf2s8iaiYoKzOaAQqt8WwKmqUAxlkkuowAZG4Bzv9/s1600-h/PICT1677.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiy1XBE0Y7DjpCg0lVy_oTGwEbmc-hYNJydpOvvjDdm0QLlzKxJLJ7UEAHzYycusqnj1ZrkZn3OyU8nbNxsjxDLOqARohf2s8iaiYoKzOaAQqt8WwKmqUAxlkkuowAZG4Bzv9/s400/PICT1677.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265205249698180754" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Congrats to Mr & Mrs DSis!!! </strong><br /><br /><em>Pictures to follow!</em>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-29788825809077246802008-09-02T08:00:00.009-05:002008-09-02T14:45:52.234-05:00A Wedding InterruptWhen the president of the company for which I work has a data request, we call that a "Bob Interrupt". If someone else needs data from me, I tell them I'm working on a "Bob Interrupt" and it's a given that Bob requests pre-empt all other requests. (Bob is a really, really great guy, so everyone totally understands the "Bob Interrupt" concept)<br /><br />I've just been given a "Wedding Interrupt". A knitting project that puts all other projects I'm currently working on in hibernation until this project is completed. <br /><br />DSis is <em>"going to the chapel and she's gonna get ma-ah-ah-rried..."</em> (I never was a particularly good singer :o) Although she won't be going to a chapel, she is getting married. She and DFiance (the guy formerly known as DBF) are having a very small, private ceremony with an intimate soiree afterwards, gathering only family and very close friends.<br /><br />Blush and Bashful are her signature '<em>cahlahs</em>', so she's asked our "Mum of the Bride" to wear something to coordinate. Mum has asked me to make her a lacy shawl. I bought <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarns/prism/lace/pr-l-blush-403/">Prism Lace </a>from The Loopy Ewe in, can you believe it, the <em>Blush</em> colorway. How perfect is that??<br /><br />Mum likes the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/SingularStitches/swallowtail-shawl">Swallowtail Shawl </a>I made for DSis, but would want it bigger. Just to try some things out, I cast on for the <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/S2014.htm">Flower Basket Shawl</a>, with some <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Alpaca+Cloud+Lace+Yarn_YD5420108.html">Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud (Peppermint Heather)</a>, which I had on hand, but am not sure if the Flower Basket pattern is formal enough.<br /><br />I have two months to complete this shawl, as DSis's special day is November 5th. Since I've already made the Swallowtail Shawl once, and it was a very quick knit, it's sort of the front runner. And thanks to all those wonderful knitters on Ravelry, I was able to find some knitters who have increased the Swallowtail, so I know what I'd need to do to make the shawl larger without having to figure it out myself. I also have time until I the Prism yarn shows up on my doorstep, so I'll keep an eye out.<br /><br />Here's what I've knit so far on the Flower Basket:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98KTm1zRH2VJFcqiCLNR4q6FrpXONZe0Yqrceb25Xq6Aas3b0lVS-2Mk65KoH6zCuYo6XSaRhB5Ohi0ABALvw4Quz0kaIkb10eglB_hP6Z-qpmDqzKnX63MzTFqGlKj6P429N/s1600-h/PICT1652.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98KTm1zRH2VJFcqiCLNR4q6FrpXONZe0Yqrceb25Xq6Aas3b0lVS-2Mk65KoH6zCuYo6XSaRhB5Ohi0ABALvw4Quz0kaIkb10eglB_hP6Z-qpmDqzKnX63MzTFqGlKj6P429N/s400/PICT1652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241440243442495122" /></a><br /><br />And a closeup of a basket:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqNmfuKFYmzK307FfVm0yS6AAc3bbUx4hlq4XLwYJQ6rxq-e-LTO_q5EG5OgKT7NMffnqQ5s5SybAK7f2njF6-JmNzVpSuujp7TgiQoPiOeTX5HS-moeZpFqaifWStLLtOy16/s1600-h/PICT1653.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqNmfuKFYmzK307FfVm0yS6AAc3bbUx4hlq4XLwYJQ6rxq-e-LTO_q5EG5OgKT7NMffnqQ5s5SybAK7f2njF6-JmNzVpSuujp7TgiQoPiOeTX5HS-moeZpFqaifWStLLtOy16/s400/PICT1653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241440455959728178" /></a><br /><br /><br />I made this swatch using a US#5 needle, which is what the pattern called for. I don't like how it looks. It looks too 'thin', like the yarn is spread too thin. I'm a loose knitter anyway, so I'm going to try a repeat of the basket lace using US#4 needles to see how that looks.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-86790470743133664102008-08-16T13:58:00.005-05:002008-08-16T14:36:41.262-05:00A Chevron Scarf of My Very Own!<em>Well, it's not quite a fully grown scarf...yet.</em><br /><br />I've been coveting all the gorgeous Chevron scarves I've seen on Ravelry. I finally decided to start my very own. I've had two skeins of Koigu KPPPM for ages. They're two different colors. I have no idea why I bought two single skeins of two different colors. Maybe I was clairvoyant and just knew, that some time in the future, a pattern like The Chevron Scarf would come along and I could use up those two single skeins of Koigu. <em>Yeah, right.</em><br /><br />When I finally pulled out those two skeins out to start my scarf, I didn't think they'd make a good Chevron scarf. The colorways were too similar. So, last night, at <a href="http://www.knitone.biz/">Knit One North's </a>first Ladies' Knit Night Out (which was very fun!), with the kind help of Dawn, I was able to find another colorway to go with one of the skeins I already had. It's a beautiful pumpkin, gold, and coral mix (it's the skein on the right, below). The result is a really pretty Autumn colorway.<br /><br /><em>Thanks, Dawn!!</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT1oNYqKxpRgYYOlNfM40fNo82WgJ-UdGHqQjNtyqw1mq_Ly_6isK7dTz9f2srzu327hvdUxsaDpat06kVzkRMgTXtu2MOUV7GJ5H283u2qojDQsPfwAYXyU8Y8oEuVvxwzk7/s1600-h/PICT1646.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT1oNYqKxpRgYYOlNfM40fNo82WgJ-UdGHqQjNtyqw1mq_Ly_6isK7dTz9f2srzu327hvdUxsaDpat06kVzkRMgTXtu2MOUV7GJ5H283u2qojDQsPfwAYXyU8Y8oEuVvxwzk7/s400/PICT1646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235194759951131410" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also completed another pair of socks. They're just plain socks, using some skeins of Regia I had in my stash. <em>Itchey approves.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jdziBqsHbM8_5WuwkHL2MDWSk_b5zNkteNlp4rg0wd75coGr0OgOoLcpCyTFvsCx607JyfYajjq8qswWvNdq1aCseIE09pHaGW7gA91lPVkSHNj6g4Z7lpW5uLpLz1gREiyf/s1600-h/PICT1644.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jdziBqsHbM8_5WuwkHL2MDWSk_b5zNkteNlp4rg0wd75coGr0OgOoLcpCyTFvsCx607JyfYajjq8qswWvNdq1aCseIE09pHaGW7gA91lPVkSHNj6g4Z7lpW5uLpLz1gREiyf/s400/PICT1644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235195116475846658" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here's Itchey, enjoying the breeze coming in the front door. August, which is usually 3H weather here (hazy, hot and humid), has been absolutely gorgeous, and very much like September weather. <br /><br />I can just imagine what the neighbors think we do to the cats. Just before I snapped this picture, she was on her back with her paws up in the air. She looked like rigor mortis had set in! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JwnYmm_DCExzpakAKwJQaIfI88gLy4sVJoDVoelMISs2clpS_lqDDLXAoyX_ifs4Gdrm_mKBUL7aIQO4EkM_eLG42Kf5R1NQunfkcMUeuTw6a6RCdkWHmNPwa6cC_325U3GT/s1600-h/PICT1629.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JwnYmm_DCExzpakAKwJQaIfI88gLy4sVJoDVoelMISs2clpS_lqDDLXAoyX_ifs4Gdrm_mKBUL7aIQO4EkM_eLG42Kf5R1NQunfkcMUeuTw6a6RCdkWHmNPwa6cC_325U3GT/s400/PICT1629.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235196203216061634" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today, DH and I got together with my parents, DSis and her DBF to celebrate my Mum, DSis, and my August birthdays. We all met for lunch and exchanged gifts. DSis and I both pulled out Sephora bags for each other, because we both got each other Sephora gift cards! (<em>great minds think alike!</em>) It was really funny, because the GCs come in a little black mirrored compact, and we both thought how cool they were as we were wrapping our gifts for the other. Now we each have one!Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-32264081842862964892008-08-02T14:28:00.006-05:002008-08-02T15:02:50.323-05:00Knit One NorthFellow knitters, we finally have a knitting store up in the northern far reaches of Pittsburgh. Woo hoo! <a href="http://www.knitone.biz/">Knit One (North)</a> has finally opened!<br /><br />I managed to trick DH into making a <s>pilgrimage</s> trip on the way back from picking up kitty food at the vet. The store is just as happily painted as the one in Squirrel Hill. There's lots of great nooks and crannies for yarn to be stashed, and plenty of room, so you're not climbing over other people to see the yarn. I got to meet Stacey (proprietress), and Caroline (manager) and two other ladies who will be working there (unfortunately, I didn't catch their names). They were so nice!<br /><br />Of course, I couldn't leave empty-handed, so I picked up the cutest pattern for an enclosed kitty bed, called (aptly!) <a href="http://www.joslynsfiberfarm.com/catcuddler.htm">Cat Cuddler </a>by Gooseberry Designs. For this project, I selected Cascase 220 (Color #9539), which is a brand-spanking new tweed colorway with dark brown, tan, light gray and dark gray (all colors that coordinate nicely with both of my kitties).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujBTC4k7byqlbjBpp7d_-3nApxjnH908PAJonyBxmyDvkySTv3lqi5rbNXIJb3h42Ar9GayF7iOV2XdNQiaKOirfCLWjCVPm7nW2Wkh1IvM5AHfKvuEU1gMkoZssLZ611Wqpg/s1600-h/PICT1614.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujBTC4k7byqlbjBpp7d_-3nApxjnH908PAJonyBxmyDvkySTv3lqi5rbNXIJb3h42Ar9GayF7iOV2XdNQiaKOirfCLWjCVPm7nW2Wkh1IvM5AHfKvuEU1gMkoZssLZ611Wqpg/s400/PICT1614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230009788200910418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0op9VeNEedLp3QGUKRvnQzfUFFlMu69SePPt5E8PeaHZxdYsRSdqC-UriTI4AU0ZW0k0Cf9WDJgB3lj0ADNyJoW6oDkHRQoDYT2wqt8ouRrK_3kZMFK_3zRqk6xbn9yV3Tgg/s1600-h/PICT1617.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0op9VeNEedLp3QGUKRvnQzfUFFlMu69SePPt5E8PeaHZxdYsRSdqC-UriTI4AU0ZW0k0Cf9WDJgB3lj0ADNyJoW6oDkHRQoDYT2wqt8ouRrK_3kZMFK_3zRqk6xbn9yV3Tgg/s400/PICT1617.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230010005576837426" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've also almost finished Mum's Kitchen Hand Towel. This has been such a fun knit!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOCRIiqBSiqdoRabTxC7bojAuni8eRCgkrc0TpPhZKmhFEb6k22QqBBkFGjCwKQja8wqMvdlDGGjX_1Fi0UnBVMh7EPu8XTwEHKD73uJLqv54SRDhrwZRDNhKpVCyKjnmTKFb/s1600-h/PICT1621.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOCRIiqBSiqdoRabTxC7bojAuni8eRCgkrc0TpPhZKmhFEb6k22QqBBkFGjCwKQja8wqMvdlDGGjX_1Fi0UnBVMh7EPu8XTwEHKD73uJLqv54SRDhrwZRDNhKpVCyKjnmTKFb/s400/PICT1621.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230010298351976866" /></a><br /><br /><br />And finally, after knitting about 5" of the bottom ribbing, I realized I was doing it wrong. I made all the ribs cables, so, after about 5" I ripped them out and started again. I took a look at some of the other finished Mr. Greenjeans, and saw one where the knitter made the bottom with just plain 4X2 ribbing, without any cables, which I really liked, so that's what I'm doing:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xTVjMy6cIfu36BGGqGXvGV88UnjgG1HQAIt9Saa7pTijiRgDC9iAO1ETwKD4bzTdmWObOP10Meu2mfdc2AnhTo00AtRMXuGoqtoKH7FiNh74OGoiXnXSikWjQfeoxQFWtp2m/s1600-h/PICT1619.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xTVjMy6cIfu36BGGqGXvGV88UnjgG1HQAIt9Saa7pTijiRgDC9iAO1ETwKD4bzTdmWObOP10Meu2mfdc2AnhTo00AtRMXuGoqtoKH7FiNh74OGoiXnXSikWjQfeoxQFWtp2m/s400/PICT1619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230011317671076818" /></a> <br /><br /><br />And, here is Abner, on the arm of my cushy chair, feverishly helping me blog this afternoon...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS7UMSLDL6KRtG6-3ZX2JbzyY6YJPAh20rVY5i2DtW_Y7IWXUIt6fjCod-DRe-1j15jCcj7l3OTifLD9ExqPb4aUba2zxYGTJXcG2csWQGAJxgv1t0ooHsLcxj8mKcVyakTEA/s1600-h/PICT1623.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS7UMSLDL6KRtG6-3ZX2JbzyY6YJPAh20rVY5i2DtW_Y7IWXUIt6fjCod-DRe-1j15jCcj7l3OTifLD9ExqPb4aUba2zxYGTJXcG2csWQGAJxgv1t0ooHsLcxj8mKcVyakTEA/s400/PICT1623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230012176927704146" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-55546162093321908982008-07-31T18:09:00.004-05:002008-07-31T18:24:14.887-05:00This is the way we wash our handsI have no idea if that's really lyrics to that nursery rhyme, but it sounds good and it's appropriate.<br /><br />I've taken a little holiday from my regularly scheduled knitting to make my Mum a little something. On Ravelry, I came across the cutest <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/patterns/pdfs/ttw_towel.pdf">dishtowel pattern </a>that has a little tab on top with a button that can be hung on a kitchen drawer handle. It was a freebie from <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/">Kraemer Yarns</a>, featuring their <a href="http://www.kraemeryarns.com/yarn/ttworsted.asp">Tatamy Tweed </a>cotton yarn. With a name like Tatamy, I just had to use that yarn for the towel. I bought two skeins in a really pretty oatmeal color, which I think they call Birch, and another in the color of coffee with cream (or coffee flavored cream, as I tend to have my coffee). I plan to make one for Mum, one for DSis and one for me. Each towel takes one skein.<br /><br />The Tatamy Tweed is so soft and has been fabulous to work with. I've never heard of Kraemer Yarns before, but they're located somewhere in Eastern Pennsylvania. I might have to try some of their other yarns.<br /><br />Here's my progress so far:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGjeIVmdaqLSdTX2fZ5EJGQYyl2XajvuTl4eL1Qg7pqjYubSFdvXCMFeK_vXVUFaB6ZKBORJuOED596I3dXlZeqQepudQugrae4Qv4APS-b9VDTTY8JHHdB0m57Bbk_at8j8Q/s1600-h/PICT1607.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGjeIVmdaqLSdTX2fZ5EJGQYyl2XajvuTl4eL1Qg7pqjYubSFdvXCMFeK_vXVUFaB6ZKBORJuOED596I3dXlZeqQepudQugrae4Qv4APS-b9VDTTY8JHHdB0m57Bbk_at8j8Q/s400/PICT1607.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229322573224442802" /></a><br /><br />I have about two more inches before I start the decreases for the tab on top.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-14669884357515848112008-07-14T09:09:00.006-05:002008-07-14T09:22:56.087-05:00Summer corn!Another hot and humid weekend, so I stayed inside and knitted.<br /><br />I finished my first Nibblet sock! I'm not really enjoying this pattern, or yarn. There's a lot of switching between purl and knit stitches, so it's hard to get a good rhythm, and the yarn doesn't move easily on the bamboo needles, so that slows me down, too. I'm looking forward to finishing these socks (to get them OFF the needles)!<br /><br />Here's the first sock:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyC4DdeANw7IkNWB4fLD7FlXY37IcwwzuOA41Jzy2EvCw2lV0NTxDrP4jBx-yRxBr24pViYd_7oylpEDsdzQF_VPWLcxoM5cUzk5eXspu220pfa9u4rwqS5ktKMSDuLCi7W-u/s1600-h/PICT1576.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyC4DdeANw7IkNWB4fLD7FlXY37IcwwzuOA41Jzy2EvCw2lV0NTxDrP4jBx-yRxBr24pViYd_7oylpEDsdzQF_VPWLcxoM5cUzk5eXspu220pfa9u4rwqS5ktKMSDuLCi7W-u/s400/PICT1576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222872830008655362" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also picked up Hecate a little this weekend. I just started the second section, which are the Crossroads. It's a nice, easy to follow 27-row repeat. Which is good, because I'll be in this section for the majority of this project!<br /><br />Here's the start of the Crossroads:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX01Exi4v3C5w80JPi2pY7SGOYh6Qiq4joqyHJEhTI76hcy5l8lpVShC5Tnp9L96ds-h3r9hSv1AjE8T_cszEL8qSlQAjEF6E-koSgiRzVx6u_Kbp8WhcX2uGTRrzfn2Dced0/s1600-h/PICT1574.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX01Exi4v3C5w80JPi2pY7SGOYh6Qiq4joqyHJEhTI76hcy5l8lpVShC5Tnp9L96ds-h3r9hSv1AjE8T_cszEL8qSlQAjEF6E-koSgiRzVx6u_Kbp8WhcX2uGTRrzfn2Dced0/s400/PICT1574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222873441821456722" /></a><br /><br /><br />And, I also worked on Mr. Greenjeans. I'm to just below the arms. I have the arm stitches resting nicely on ribbon, so I can finish the body, then go back and knit them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAH16E-CudEtl0YKYcHaQACL-6WXkLxOAhdW06tbsXwpKzKI0xNKH424kSK2qSVyjhlvx4tFto35nE26GnCmB-S5rQfTLmmS7ejQuOX96mXWdBoUEi6dHt81L1rWkcDAQJOzU/s1600-h/PICT1575.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAH16E-CudEtl0YKYcHaQACL-6WXkLxOAhdW06tbsXwpKzKI0xNKH424kSK2qSVyjhlvx4tFto35nE26GnCmB-S5rQfTLmmS7ejQuOX96mXWdBoUEi6dHt81L1rWkcDAQJOzU/s400/PICT1575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222873814880785858" /></a><br /><br />Not sure what happened with the color, but this is nowhere near what the actual color is!<br /><br /><br />I did have some movie action to go with my knitting. We watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465551/">Notes on a Scandal</a>. Judi Dench shows again how she can play any role! (Though it's a rather creepy character!) It was a really odd movie, but I recommend it.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-90878494750150001832008-07-04T14:00:00.010-05:002008-07-04T14:43:11.290-05:00Hecate...Goddess of the crossroads.<br /><br />I'm finally at a point where I can post some pictures of (one of) my latest knitting pursuits. I've been craving lace knitting, and so I cast of for the Hecate Stole, which I'm making for DSis.<br /><br />The pattern:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBOUHyFBJLuAzDnZXsb4HViDvTk392GgX6SK71FxqgF2gRtO2IrCih9N3WS6VHe9WgAbMEys6fhqe9ndW_K2wrrcopXZROepIhhsscMUAxX9QmlRyqhJfj2Fkc1U2GGVLS5_0/s1600-h/Hecate+Stole.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBOUHyFBJLuAzDnZXsb4HViDvTk392GgX6SK71FxqgF2gRtO2IrCih9N3WS6VHe9WgAbMEys6fhqe9ndW_K2wrrcopXZROepIhhsscMUAxX9QmlRyqhJfj2Fkc1U2GGVLS5_0/s400/Hecate+Stole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219238075166335330" /></a><br /><br />I've just completed the first section, called the Moonrise panel, which is the small edge on the bottom, just below the 'crossroads' (the criss-crossy section). It's the part circled in yellow:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY-fB7mV0z3dM6bfcFTqYrp8oTMU0U0mrc7x5g4NgigmEGqkmVccO9DDNrOTJxf0iYT_jhMCbN-xTYnPj8PVnVKgIlBDjTEWsyCES8Ay58PZ0bwWw2jN819kEUxH5mn4Lkzv3/s1600-h/Hecate+Stole+Moonrise+panel.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY-fB7mV0z3dM6bfcFTqYrp8oTMU0U0mrc7x5g4NgigmEGqkmVccO9DDNrOTJxf0iYT_jhMCbN-xTYnPj8PVnVKgIlBDjTEWsyCES8Ay58PZ0bwWw2jN819kEUxH5mn4Lkzv3/s400/Hecate+Stole+Moonrise+panel.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219243252146038306" /></a><br /><br />Here's my progress so far, helplessly pinned down on my dining room floor:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenb3CF1laoveGCpAedoZUSujm6x5Y6Po4ZYE-A7WGUZIo4Z7FG7BMQZ03W62G8poWfMtfGLnwvqj9GJ2tdnp4snmWlZz0u36AvECw0737_OhYp2Ry0ABlQwgDCgJJBQSdStC-/s1600-h/PICT1560.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenb3CF1laoveGCpAedoZUSujm6x5Y6Po4ZYE-A7WGUZIo4Z7FG7BMQZ03W62G8poWfMtfGLnwvqj9GJ2tdnp4snmWlZz0u36AvECw0737_OhYp2Ry0ABlQwgDCgJJBQSdStC-/s400/PICT1560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219238714581136178" /></a><br /><br />That ugly seafoam green yarn at the bottom is a crochet chain I used for a <a href="http://www.knittingatknoon.com/provisional.html">provisional</a> cast on, so I can pick up those stitches later to complete the knitted edge.<br /><br />A closeup, where you can see the pink beads:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N8RZnpbtmqSoU4R52mDv74_UjhxW1PyRCQrwJNY3Ttg47Q1upncHqRRvJCLAioTbqZS3tRvU-xCe1gPocNpxQ49qF2P17GERI3CDu9gbrRQo1y5OQ1GtrRuIwINQjsCKU8G8/s1600-h/PICT1562.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8N8RZnpbtmqSoU4R52mDv74_UjhxW1PyRCQrwJNY3Ttg47Q1upncHqRRvJCLAioTbqZS3tRvU-xCe1gPocNpxQ49qF2P17GERI3CDu9gbrRQo1y5OQ1GtrRuIwINQjsCKU8G8/s400/PICT1562.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219239066663038802" /></a><br /><br /><strong>The vital statistics:</strong><br /><strong>Pattern: </strong>Hecate Stole (from Bad Cat Designs)<br /><strong>Yarn: </strong>Lane Borgosesia Cashwool in black<br /><strong>Beads:</strong> Smoky gray lined with pink (because pink is DSis' signature color)<br /><strong>Needles: </strong>US#3 circular needles. <br /><br />This is my first time using Knitpick's <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/wood+knitting+needles_NL300306.html">Harmony wood needles</a>. Besides being absolutely gorgeous to look at, they're very decadent feeling and the tip of the needles have nice sharp points, which work well with lace knitting. And the joins are far better than the <a href="http://singularstitches.blogspot.com/2006/10/what-ive-been-up-to.html">Addi Naturas</a>!<br /><br /><br />Abner, as always, supervised. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxB3T1yKgecMIfd1ZdPd2NMQE7sdzuJtw-F5vf68ZUVOI72Ew1F-hQ5JJTeSTz_2rJc4iRGZOizvgn-L70l4Pd2nCqDjVGKiUDWjA3X_acaSEw1ufHJYgF3RYGS06s13bq_a4B/s1600-h/PICT1565.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxB3T1yKgecMIfd1ZdPd2NMQE7sdzuJtw-F5vf68ZUVOI72Ew1F-hQ5JJTeSTz_2rJc4iRGZOizvgn-L70l4Pd2nCqDjVGKiUDWjA3X_acaSEw1ufHJYgF3RYGS06s13bq_a4B/s400/PICT1565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219241483528164882" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>And a Happy Birthday to the U.S.A.!!</strong></em>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-37861805905090452008-07-01T13:03:00.002-05:002008-07-01T13:08:45.541-05:00Getting ready for the harvestA little knitting content today. I came across a yarn by Crystal Palace called Maizy, which coincedentally, is made from 85% Corn Silk and 15% Nylon. I bought a couple skeins in the Iguana colorway (which I picked because the colors are yellow, green and brown - planted corn!) and cast on for a pattern I found on the CP website called...OK, you can laugh...Nibblets. It's a lot of knit and purl stitches (kind of like seed stitch), so it's been slow going for me, but I'm really liking the results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV_ir5WvetA708vztgNJW_H-W1PTi3QXMamOP7Yarn-e9j8vovm9tEaoZe_UCFUkRf312VM6a8gO53KoQY8bd7fZMgQm5fPRMTgbcJKIFxKXtGok7wv4C029E5-hLRcD1Lz6q/s1600-h/PICT1558.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibV_ir5WvetA708vztgNJW_H-W1PTi3QXMamOP7Yarn-e9j8vovm9tEaoZe_UCFUkRf312VM6a8gO53KoQY8bd7fZMgQm5fPRMTgbcJKIFxKXtGok7wv4C029E5-hLRcD1Lz6q/s400/PICT1558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218108153492983570" /></a><br /><br />Should be done in time for first harvest on August 2nd! :o)Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-81121254981909345462008-06-23T12:44:00.013-05:002008-06-23T14:37:15.566-05:00Very overdue...I've been around, and have been crafty, just not posting about it. <em>The dying battery in my camera may have something to do with it...</em><br /><br />A few weeks back, we got an early dose of 3H weather (hazy, hot and humid), which ususally doesn't start until late July, early August. So, inside with the AC, I decided to go through my cross stitch projects to see if something caught my eye. A couple did, and I pulled out:<br /><br />1. Homespun Elegance, <a href="http://yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2292">Love is the Star</a>. It's one of those projects I started years ago, but knew I'd come back to.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuQmnBKTnAWnIv8Ixzmmy1yDIiSji146ew3TlYWFUKCAng15pydluIA8s0Cpptyh6nS7ciPyb3FajhHNNK3RUSuYUTRosA9UBQxhf2HFjS5lQ1MBQOhWAhRZunTwYHiQ5VgDO/s1600-h/PICT1535.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuQmnBKTnAWnIv8Ixzmmy1yDIiSji146ew3TlYWFUKCAng15pydluIA8s0Cpptyh6nS7ciPyb3FajhHNNK3RUSuYUTRosA9UBQxhf2HFjS5lQ1MBQOhWAhRZunTwYHiQ5VgDO/s400/PICT1535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215136888187723890" /></a><br /><br />I've always loved the sentiment of this piece: <br /><br />"<em>Love is the star that lights our way when evening brings us home</em>". <br /><br />Since I last worked on this piece, I finished the bricks on the house and started the front walkway, fence and little fir trees. Which I did while listening to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Historian-Elizabeth-Kostova/dp/B000EGF0OG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214249767&sr=8-1">The Historian</a> by Elizabeth Kostova - an excellent book which I highly recommend!<br /><br />2. Prairie Schooler Book 60 Spring Samplers, again, something I started years ago. This is so old, that it's discontinued, and so I had to find a picture on eBay. I'm doing the one on the far left:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnOsDpMeUXlxuizZOypsXNMkKz8dOHoNGFHxxV0sbX0XnBzA0j6kqzxNVmjHlS3vpKuHg3d1B2ZBBY3kMajfjfmce7Xv35AyYFVdtPB53KEhx9VwJNnfYxI5uNuD79ZOXcOw2/s1600-h/Spring+Samplers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnOsDpMeUXlxuizZOypsXNMkKz8dOHoNGFHxxV0sbX0XnBzA0j6kqzxNVmjHlS3vpKuHg3d1B2ZBBY3kMajfjfmce7Xv35AyYFVdtPB53KEhx9VwJNnfYxI5uNuD79ZOXcOw2/s400/Spring+Samplers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215147594875662098" /></a><br /><br />And here's <em>my</em> progress:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7lU3XUzgyatqNXOIdkz89ddykwpZD95AlYsowQ3Tfj1sDz6hja6vFjsrjYIPhrvKRWwAVUxuVAyjFg774hVB9fshlIPZaWzzs5NUbv7WrsfbviudOwsF8MVXGEBTdqj_UB6/s1600-h/PICT1553.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW7lU3XUzgyatqNXOIdkz89ddykwpZD95AlYsowQ3Tfj1sDz6hja6vFjsrjYIPhrvKRWwAVUxuVAyjFg774hVB9fshlIPZaWzzs5NUbv7WrsfbviudOwsF8MVXGEBTdqj_UB6/s400/PICT1553.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215148564026410258" /></a><br /><br /><em>I guess you'll have to wait until I stitch some more to see who all is working together! ;o)</em><br /><br />The green border at the bottom, looking like it's going nowhere is what I worked on during lunch today. It was so beautiful outside that I gathered up my ziploc of cross stitch (it keeps it fresh!) and went out to the front of our building, and sat on a wall by some flower beds. I did not want to come back in!<br /><br /><br />I've also been knitting. I almost always try to have a sock on the needles. They're so portable, and if you get stuck waiting somewhere, you can pull it out and feel like you've accomplished something! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQxF9m4FXbIe4N6R_h5YVZvoJ0OSEbZ7WT2VofkzLHPiNbUdvP1SRfzwpRFvNbiZiQb2OMhZWNxl3_odRZcqJpVUn82NR2sh-ogLP4xx-gUBMhiNfzfPNQ2rHNPxzMzqVEaes/s1600-h/PICT1548.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQxF9m4FXbIe4N6R_h5YVZvoJ0OSEbZ7WT2VofkzLHPiNbUdvP1SRfzwpRFvNbiZiQb2OMhZWNxl3_odRZcqJpVUn82NR2sh-ogLP4xx-gUBMhiNfzfPNQ2rHNPxzMzqVEaes/s400/PICT1548.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215149872837845698" /></a><br /><br />It's funny, I started a post a little while back, and had an update picture for the first sock of this pair of socks, but from the time I took the picture until this post today, I finished the first sock and cast on for the second! :oP<br /><br />I was shopping for some lace yarn (for a stole I'm making for DSis - I'll post more about that when I actually have some progress to show!) at <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/?gclid=CKHr__udi5QCFR30IgodTk1uWg">The Loopy Ewe </a>- Excellent sock/lace online yarn store!! - when I came across <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/patterns/monica-knits/mk-riblitts/">Riblitts</a>. <br /><br />What an adorable design! I bought <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarns/dream-in-color/baby/dc-baby-gothic-rose/">Dream in Color's Gothic Rose </a>, a fingering (sock) weight yarn, and am knitting it on US#0 DPNs. The colors are a dusty brownish mauve and a muted violet, almost like the colors of faded roses and violets. Very gothic looking.<br /><br />It's been a fast, enjoyable knit. This is the first mitt, and up just up past the thumb opening. The thumb stitches are patiently sitting on a green ribbon, and when I finish the hand part, I'll go back and work the thumb. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9xZO4yw085YgedT9qdwK_TaABK3bWQrF_JCl38JAJDepkCwVRPu6W36hNywxeRz-ch1mSwGpGEiMP0xHaN2QcFOi6_RaZN000fA0aWZ26Ms_ZQ5KFrWzDqTe33ftxqdgxK1h/s1600-h/PICT1551.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9xZO4yw085YgedT9qdwK_TaABK3bWQrF_JCl38JAJDepkCwVRPu6W36hNywxeRz-ch1mSwGpGEiMP0xHaN2QcFOi6_RaZN000fA0aWZ26Ms_ZQ5KFrWzDqTe33ftxqdgxK1h/s400/PICT1551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215161049134122850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3piOv4H3Oq02G8-VtV0blJ1AfK5LFVOqJvn_3or4RKI2MZsGovqK5jQO7sutOPjGrCcS7IchYRBZdOtgXHujC7pHPpJqraVGnvE8XD650IXnO8ymcA1WCcSYocViT5zULyHqR/s1600-h/PICT1549.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3piOv4H3Oq02G8-VtV0blJ1AfK5LFVOqJvn_3or4RKI2MZsGovqK5jQO7sutOPjGrCcS7IchYRBZdOtgXHujC7pHPpJqraVGnvE8XD650IXnO8ymcA1WCcSYocViT5zULyHqR/s400/PICT1549.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215151983199366306" /></a><br /><br />And here's a closeup on the under-wrist, which is cleverly knit in 1X1 rib, so they fit snugly at the wrist:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vn1-6-JsdZSVGExGebf-2gzhFDtZ_SkDKH6iaxxJm6HmD3bxpi4wd1aB4s2ZpY_wZzHpd5QY_4y0Q24A4xZ5a2RouzcvZ7kKb1Ot7uvX6UwZ5AeupzGtCUkTXI8hLBpHO137/s1600-h/PICT1552.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vn1-6-JsdZSVGExGebf-2gzhFDtZ_SkDKH6iaxxJm6HmD3bxpi4wd1aB4s2ZpY_wZzHpd5QY_4y0Q24A4xZ5a2RouzcvZ7kKb1Ot7uvX6UwZ5AeupzGtCUkTXI8hLBpHO137/s400/PICT1552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215152387878755730" /></a><br /><br /><br />DH and I went to the <a href="http://www.artsfestival.net/">Three Rivers Arts Festival</a>. It's a well-known Pittsburgh fact that it always rains during the Arts Festival. And, while we were there the weekend before last, it didn't disappoint! We were able to see all the arts & crafts booths before the rain really let loose, and even found a bench sheltered by a leafy arbor (so we only got dripped on occasionally) to listen to a steel drum band made up on local high school kids. They were fabulous and the music was awesome!! (The bench was behind the stage)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e5kjS-iRWn8zho5f67MMjXlVWz1BZ-7MabNGEXhWLD605Ppiawy2HGypYFsYIrT8o5XILU4_mozj6eYF2eORQ9GFsI4umR3NCkztIwzzq02aXqIOA0qesz9yYGI-AJoVY9Vf/s1600-h/PICT1541.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e5kjS-iRWn8zho5f67MMjXlVWz1BZ-7MabNGEXhWLD605Ppiawy2HGypYFsYIrT8o5XILU4_mozj6eYF2eORQ9GFsI4umR3NCkztIwzzq02aXqIOA0qesz9yYGI-AJoVY9Vf/s400/PICT1541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215155262319136098" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C1LuiO1tuy5TdimTy1Ovm8mW_ZxkudA8eaA6v2ZszltLilDYdj1h4HCBIhnBgRCKcsQbXNGKPYuNFQP4vCCb0i0aWh2n0X1Q-LiNbza5woe9paRibBUexQTCmmEWqHPqQlP0/s1600-h/PICT1538.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C1LuiO1tuy5TdimTy1Ovm8mW_ZxkudA8eaA6v2ZszltLilDYdj1h4HCBIhnBgRCKcsQbXNGKPYuNFQP4vCCb0i0aWh2n0X1Q-LiNbza5woe9paRibBUexQTCmmEWqHPqQlP0/s400/PICT1538.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215155080796758338" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-46655513502315980742008-05-26T13:40:00.007-05:002008-05-26T14:26:49.141-05:00Memorial DayFor those living in the US, today is Memorial Day, the day we honor those in the military who have died dedending our freedom.<br /><br />DH and I took Friday off to give us a really long weekend (we're also off today). Yesterday, DH, me, DSis and her boyfriend went to my parents' home to cookout and spend some time together. Unfortunately, we didn't get around to playing Jarts.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrbONc3I-js83qK1WtQHmYsJhVIPmabXH4eytchH1vAAnCXAx5stunmcxnGoCO4QfhkHcx6zxzPkvzWg0Xdl9-ppI3Rk87NkRde_CXI2VvB4OPx1Su851XEd9SxP1e_HXf7hB/s1600-h/PICT1530.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrbONc3I-js83qK1WtQHmYsJhVIPmabXH4eytchH1vAAnCXAx5stunmcxnGoCO4QfhkHcx6zxzPkvzWg0Xdl9-ppI3Rk87NkRde_CXI2VvB4OPx1Su851XEd9SxP1e_HXf7hB/s400/PICT1530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204762979696570722" /></a><br /><br />I want to thank Erin, at <a href="http://ftnfk.blogspot.com/">Fairytales and French Knots</a>. She completed this project a while ago, and I loved it! She kindly asked if I would like the chart, and it recently found itself delivered to my doorstep. <br /><br /><em>Thank you, Erin!! I love this chart and can't wait to get it started! :o)</em><br /><br /><br />I've been knitting a good bit, and was able to finish two pairs of socks recently, my Jaywalkers and my Popcorn socks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrD3VMHlqg6LjABr8D-6JmfD6K3venIUDc6ZdhpLCC1MKZ7TEw_CJecsmAZtqSENG1Ah1elO5hfrhWkVUncADY40LWn9RGOz_BsYE2BVTaySqvUbbrPg7LibLjufDliVJySk_/s1600-h/PICT1534.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrD3VMHlqg6LjABr8D-6JmfD6K3venIUDc6ZdhpLCC1MKZ7TEw_CJecsmAZtqSENG1Ah1elO5hfrhWkVUncADY40LWn9RGOz_BsYE2BVTaySqvUbbrPg7LibLjufDliVJySk_/s400/PICT1534.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204769963313394082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvC80QxpFmH-ugPH9Emh9iKai9veuY5vnTqgGGEaxFNII4jXpdsiQd5yAwlsiuKbRcqlP7ycYDUukUkyVKqYs4sj5ZtIejsH8Tr6CB9f7nM6qzznp05HHbRIoemPOfaIfwNnl/s1600-h/PICT1531.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvC80QxpFmH-ugPH9Emh9iKai9veuY5vnTqgGGEaxFNII4jXpdsiQd5yAwlsiuKbRcqlP7ycYDUukUkyVKqYs4sj5ZtIejsH8Tr6CB9f7nM6qzznp05HHbRIoemPOfaIfwNnl/s400/PICT1531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204764680503619970" /></a><br /><br />These are the first socks I've made using a short row heel, which resembles the heels of purchased socks. The silver stuff by my toes is a ribbon from a Christmas present that the kitties decided makes a wonderful toy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFgfYewhKdWhywRmb1sOsVw9VZt4a_PL2nM8MB7dzAWLesuFnj-VXIOCv0K6LgkrYhDPdSzqe-rhSG_lkwJMgaBMukkMfIasG8BilJK87VGW-hG2XFyYZ6E8HowvPDIn6aC0U/s1600-h/PICT1533.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFgfYewhKdWhywRmb1sOsVw9VZt4a_PL2nM8MB7dzAWLesuFnj-VXIOCv0K6LgkrYhDPdSzqe-rhSG_lkwJMgaBMukkMfIasG8BilJK87VGW-hG2XFyYZ6E8HowvPDIn6aC0U/s400/PICT1533.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204765036985905554" /></a><br /><br /><br />While watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169547/">American Beauty </a>(an odd, but interesting film) today, I cast on for a new pair, though there's not enough to photograph yet.Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-77484319831065452502008-05-12T10:51:00.004-05:002008-05-12T11:02:57.165-05:00Gifts from natureThis is what my lilac bush looked like on Friday afternoon. I can't remember it ever flowering as much as it has this year. The branches are bending under the weight of all the blooms!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocsN5lZIEW7JjWKwU8pek3UFkRYe3U3D_5B6bWrvI5rYKM45xXD3O9_jNvXjYmQ0ifkZ0xUsiiY6KLofLeCD-Fp1mARYKkyTkSTj5CD5ERTWNX0lSs8tGhZWDtgvxx3lOujNi/s1600-h/PICT1526.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocsN5lZIEW7JjWKwU8pek3UFkRYe3U3D_5B6bWrvI5rYKM45xXD3O9_jNvXjYmQ0ifkZ0xUsiiY6KLofLeCD-Fp1mARYKkyTkSTj5CD5ERTWNX0lSs8tGhZWDtgvxx3lOujNi/s400/PICT1526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199520004353339282" /></a><br /><br /><br />Such pretty gifts from nature really brightened up my kitchen island. (And surprisingly, there weren't any kitties up on the island inspecting it, either!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZJNlErtJ__EeordVMt2-HsUVSeXgh-6mMEIhZTXQYG9ou0QaOvzGtJUBM2-Y_vAVj-UCEZ3s2a4FYZkGQA-Rep-Q6dASiccAYLHUBC9GbwUqi-cpbMlQIRetl7c8kynAxpm/s1600-h/PICT1525.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZJNlErtJ__EeordVMt2-HsUVSeXgh-6mMEIhZTXQYG9ou0QaOvzGtJUBM2-Y_vAVj-UCEZ3s2a4FYZkGQA-Rep-Q6dASiccAYLHUBC9GbwUqi-cpbMlQIRetl7c8kynAxpm/s400/PICT1525.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199520137497325474" /></a><br /><br /><br />This weekend was a bit on the cool, gloomy side here in the Mid-Atlantic, which was perfect weather to curl up in The Ladies Parlour with some hot tea, two kitties and my knitting. I was able to get the entire heel section completed, and started the foot part.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1NWPfr1V3ml5bvKPd0dXyq55wXhzTbJPan5NaYjbdTl_ly-rkznxAYMSVDLZl8d6GIjmCA8P7JVogq4zDFi6q6qn3oWGYpZckcZ6Oygrw8BddD9VIW-8LilKLytvcSryoi9u/s1600-h/PICT1527.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1NWPfr1V3ml5bvKPd0dXyq55wXhzTbJPan5NaYjbdTl_ly-rkznxAYMSVDLZl8d6GIjmCA8P7JVogq4zDFi6q6qn3oWGYpZckcZ6Oygrw8BddD9VIW-8LilKLytvcSryoi9u/s400/PICT1527.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199520244871507890" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-63741145047418623652008-05-09T11:50:00.004-05:002008-05-09T12:27:36.498-05:00Popcorn!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLuo9ibWXoCCxQpB-afkAx5S6otXbgQ0yOtlS_PFxZ01fjPe9Hb56x8L98kusP4q7swL0B7SODrIfhPqpqq_TCQzkBMNzJ6QMhuB3JxS1mqNfVIPVX4k0YT_-P0P26JWcaqao/s1600-h/PICT1522.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLuo9ibWXoCCxQpB-afkAx5S6otXbgQ0yOtlS_PFxZ01fjPe9Hb56x8L98kusP4q7swL0B7SODrIfhPqpqq_TCQzkBMNzJ6QMhuB3JxS1mqNfVIPVX4k0YT_-P0P26JWcaqao/s400/PICT1522.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198423076740377570" /></a><br /><br />I finished the first popcorn sock, and started the second one. I call them popcorn socks not because of some fantastically intricate stitch I've mastered, but becauase the colors remind me of those <a href="http://www.promopeddler.com/Detail/79975/GPOPBCL">jars of popcorn kernels </a>you put in a popper that are multi-colored. <br /><br />This is the first socks I've made with a short row heel, which looks like store-bought socks, rather than using a heel flap. I found a fantastic set of directions for the heel, but for the life of me, can't remember where I found it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvAfhppnvteadE8cdldZ5W0sam4X7R37XElCfyOoTjAIgtN6OBsZudbfRRUp6EXMj-M4ugVO2DuV2WImEvNnDYS-cj-gvV-ybvJA2Oe2NMmS45McknwNcipgYEI4RwljI8YCn/s1600-h/PICT1523.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvAfhppnvteadE8cdldZ5W0sam4X7R37XElCfyOoTjAIgtN6OBsZudbfRRUp6EXMj-M4ugVO2DuV2WImEvNnDYS-cj-gvV-ybvJA2Oe2NMmS45McknwNcipgYEI4RwljI8YCn/s400/PICT1523.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198422943596391378" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-78960681860867105002008-05-08T11:58:00.005-05:002008-05-08T12:24:23.719-05:00Dusting the cobwebs off the needlesI decided to start a new project, one I've been coveting for <em>ages</em>: <em>The Village of Hawk Run Hollow</em>, from Carriage House Samplings. I'm not particularly enamored by silk floss (nothing against it, but it doesn't excite me), so I'm doing this with DMC floss, which <em>really</em> reduces the cost of this project. <br /><br />I also know I'd go blind stitching it on 40ct fabric (maybe 10 years ago!), so I chickened out and am using 28ct lunana in a cream color. For something this small, I'll do better with an evenweave over linen, and because it's so small, lugana is a more substantial fabric.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXdcuLAOQEpZTk6y9pfdZ9uF3tkPR-422DpM8MPXy0CcRwEBhGT1ehQdIW_5CpeJmbf7J98s3TkNU_F20KmXjH_Dg66FJgdj83o66USHL_gcbwY1_vvke6ZZIH47KhYNLMmBo/s1600-h/PICT1519.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXdcuLAOQEpZTk6y9pfdZ9uF3tkPR-422DpM8MPXy0CcRwEBhGT1ehQdIW_5CpeJmbf7J98s3TkNU_F20KmXjH_Dg66FJgdj83o66USHL_gcbwY1_vvke6ZZIH47KhYNLMmBo/s400/PICT1519.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198056048997672626" /></a><br /><br />Will it be 'ezee'? I doubt it!<br /><br /><br />Egads, the last time I posted was March!<br /><br />I really can't blame it on anything, except that I haven't been particularly crafty. In April, I finished up yet another class in my quest for my masters. I can't even say it kept me away from my crafty pursuits, because it wasn't a terribly time consuming class. It was TQM (Total Quality Management), and was quite interesting because it was taught by a VP at a local manufacturing company, who actually uses the tools he teaches, so it was a very practical class.<br /><br />Here and there I did a little knitting (My Jaywalkers and Popcorn Kernel socks), worked a little on Fairy Flora, but otherwise, I've been reading, and discovered Peggle (which is even more addicting than Bejeweled). <br /><br /><br />And, I worked a little more on Hawk Run during lunch today:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTvoRJ0thzsPjtMnqW1t2zEAfryfvjEyMiLpvclhu9vksNFi7XflNTLe16O_WHJ1CWcgNoXGIH6EWuG0BgcQ9inTffmJh-1nZnQz8kORkeiKEg6v1CcAcDmzA-VjJGtrC7mCx/s1600-h/PICT1520.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTvoRJ0thzsPjtMnqW1t2zEAfryfvjEyMiLpvclhu9vksNFi7XflNTLe16O_WHJ1CWcgNoXGIH6EWuG0BgcQ9inTffmJh-1nZnQz8kORkeiKEg6v1CcAcDmzA-VjJGtrC7mCx/s400/PICT1520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198056293810808514" /></a><br /><br />Will it be a 'breeze'? Ummm, probably not, but it will be fun!Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-38315415065226914212008-03-19T14:11:00.005-05:002008-03-19T14:53:55.938-05:00Been around, doing this and that...Although I haven't been blogging, I have been stitching. Flora is still in my good graces, and so, has received my full stitching attention. She has been sharing it with my colored popcorn socks, but being the sweet-mannered faerie she is, doesn't mind a bit.<br /><br />The bottom left is almost totally filled in, and I've been working on the very bottom of her gown.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KRpiE0JO3bGw6FpKWyLaXDCsxMnAuLUDUE4x9QWdH1v9VEoZ_DXUBI2wU4bJGblfV687mdGfhPBUTfJkwYSOXXjHGC6YIx2JC8mzb6J3VqQZifY6d24CiO6OqHVZCPs8TAk9/s1600-h/PICT1492.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KRpiE0JO3bGw6FpKWyLaXDCsxMnAuLUDUE4x9QWdH1v9VEoZ_DXUBI2wU4bJGblfV687mdGfhPBUTfJkwYSOXXjHGC6YIx2JC8mzb6J3VqQZifY6d24CiO6OqHVZCPs8TAk9/s400/PICT1492.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179539262929133794" /></a><br /><br /><br />And, I couldn't resist this one. A couple weeks ago, I was working from home because of the weather. When I work from home, I set up my laptop in the dining room, close to the back window, and open the draperies so that I can enjoy the view while working. Since it was cold and icy, I left them closed to keep out the cold, and bumped up the heat a little. Itchey wanted her privacy while enjoying the heat...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdyBBY1z6Oh6MqlByDvm98_5ayzujQcfcbC5MOxcV4cZsCG7EAN-gsoKKK-nIf-RWoBstdmf9Jo2-TWlPuxX97d2SbqJlhiCCjXW-cJXQmo9NYRf_Gph4Xw5iilHuFEvly7EJ/s1600-h/PICT1489.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdyBBY1z6Oh6MqlByDvm98_5ayzujQcfcbC5MOxcV4cZsCG7EAN-gsoKKK-nIf-RWoBstdmf9Jo2-TWlPuxX97d2SbqJlhiCCjXW-cJXQmo9NYRf_Gph4Xw5iilHuFEvly7EJ/s400/PICT1489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179540143397429490" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is their typical configuration when I work from home. <em>Notice Abner in the background.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr3hOhKccbvW7aAj4S0k7wb_WHkG1OvI6dO5EqDtgAwMx2NEOtcDJDGY1vfyqP8BQoQ8wOTtqP63I1kh-QuwUV0Mhb_tJAkZBrgWlF9dZoGB1mn_v7Zhlh-UqaOqzdQL0vcIB/s1600-h/PICT1443.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr3hOhKccbvW7aAj4S0k7wb_WHkG1OvI6dO5EqDtgAwMx2NEOtcDJDGY1vfyqP8BQoQ8wOTtqP63I1kh-QuwUV0Mhb_tJAkZBrgWlF9dZoGB1mn_v7Zhlh-UqaOqzdQL0vcIB/s400/PICT1443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179543265838653698" /></a>Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20013116.post-3465464368201695092008-02-20T19:19:00.007-05:002008-02-20T19:43:46.174-05:00A little visitor......for the kitties. :o)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlTkkqF6EeC0BL_V2YhsMWySFRgYKIuKi-DBR8JnAImXoJ7mSgl8-Aj5tUUQYGNA962xMK1fd8nd7DMlIJJYBfFEEMwTcTy6kJFWJpI077Ufbl-kycrsmshELNTr2-8pCNTn/s1600-h/PICT1450.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFlTkkqF6EeC0BL_V2YhsMWySFRgYKIuKi-DBR8JnAImXoJ7mSgl8-Aj5tUUQYGNA962xMK1fd8nd7DMlIJJYBfFEEMwTcTy6kJFWJpI077Ufbl-kycrsmshELNTr2-8pCNTn/s400/PICT1450.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169223102035111378" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've been a little travelling lass these past two weeks. I was in Austin last week and St. Louis the week before. Of course, going from 62F in Austin, catching two connecting flights, and coming back to 20F has thrown my sinuses into utter chaos, but otherwise, they were great trips. Unfortunately, I had little time to sightsee, but it was nice to have a change of scenery.<br /><br />Would you believe that when I went through security at Pittsburgh International, they didn't question my two sets of circular needles, my extra emboirdery needles, or even my Gingher scissors (which could easily amputate a finger), but the way my car keys were lying in my bag looked funny and they had to pull them out and examine them. Go figure.<br /><br /><br />The flights were long enough to get some knitting and cross stitch done.<br /><br />I was able to finish one of my 'colored popcorn' socks, and start the second....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGrShB_5qtgHiNf1drMBFSnnkB70Q7Nr1hvxD9uQgv_VczIIIrOnk0cHfNQ36vT-bfDDl_No0Ves8mnI5N97Amz_9eZEvVhIqX89ihYDTwU2mr9kfv8QJntGfC5hFFYCueEio/s1600-h/PICT1451.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGrShB_5qtgHiNf1drMBFSnnkB70Q7Nr1hvxD9uQgv_VczIIIrOnk0cHfNQ36vT-bfDDl_No0Ves8mnI5N97Amz_9eZEvVhIqX89ihYDTwU2mr9kfv8QJntGfC5hFFYCueEio/s400/PICT1451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169225009000590818" /></a><br /><br />Here's a closeup of the colors:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcrKGAdWSy_ZvESaPEEYH44r55LvHizLZVJmXpPtodfAnc_-TPdaKWX2be4Grej2YcPERMqQlSH0k8w3dkueGDlb2Hb9jtahJ4T47w6ILaJdttcPXhGB7cxYYGZ-I9XQpClbo/s1600-h/PICT1452.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcrKGAdWSy_ZvESaPEEYH44r55LvHizLZVJmXpPtodfAnc_-TPdaKWX2be4Grej2YcPERMqQlSH0k8w3dkueGDlb2Hb9jtahJ4T47w6ILaJdttcPXhGB7cxYYGZ-I9XQpClbo/s400/PICT1452.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169227431362145794" /></a><br /><br /><br />And I finished in a little more of the bottom left side of Fairy Flora...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLEv-j_nokPeyivlgXnVsINDR8oCDiNgkE4Q62Yx6TqF-8seJbBHnaDfpB5Ez0dpVq9WHRCMnhMs766-fkZWR3iD4UhczwGzHKdwZcLjeFXG-BmyW-3tY8jF6Xc7T9KM1dmaZ/s1600-h/PICT1453.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLEv-j_nokPeyivlgXnVsINDR8oCDiNgkE4Q62Yx6TqF-8seJbBHnaDfpB5Ez0dpVq9WHRCMnhMs766-fkZWR3iD4UhczwGzHKdwZcLjeFXG-BmyW-3tY8jF6Xc7T9KM1dmaZ/s400/PICT1453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169225687605423602" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm so happy to be home with DH and the kitties...Singular Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06748417392812736919noreply@blogger.com4