tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72347932024-03-13T20:17:12.099-04:00One Small Stitch for MankindMy extra-small contribution to the world of knitting blogs.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-82129415641691634482009-10-22T09:31:00.003-04:002009-10-22T09:51:40.128-04:00Because my buddies needed new hats.Since the last time I wrote, I've started far too many projects and knit on them and the ones that I already had in progress far too little. But when the weather turned earlier than expected, I found myself with no hats to keep the twins' still mostly hairless little heads warm. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/norwegian-sweet-baby-cap---djevellue">Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap</a> to the rescue!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4032444150/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4032444150_7cece8ba61.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4032447826/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4032447826_d9ae37507e.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4032452300/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4032452300_b28f79d914.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4031729293/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4031729293_965b9e15eb.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4032490530/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4032490530_6ae2eed3f6.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4032486272/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/4032486272_1e673d47d1.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/4031603565/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4031603565_95cb3ac60a.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/norwegian-sweet-baby-cap---djevellue">Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap</a> by Gro; 131 stitches cast on<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Koigu KPPPM; Addi Turbo circular needles (size 2.5mm and 3mm), and Knit Picks double pointed needles (size 3mm)<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> Added a couple of extra garter rows in beginning and completed 15 increase/decrease rows instead of the 11 rows the pattern called for; picked up 5 stitches on each side and knitted 10 inches of i-cord for ties<br /><br />I just love this pattern. Each hat took me only about two days to knit, and really, could they be any cuter? Now to get back to that pile of UFOs...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-88379127323158193322009-07-20T11:21:00.005-04:002009-07-20T12:00:49.874-04:00Not much knitting, and some gardening.It's a little sad that I last updated the blog back in April, so here goes. I haven't been getting a lot of knitting done as of late, as the kids have been crawling for a month or so. Most of my days are spent entertaining them, breaking up fights, or chasing after them. By the end of the day when they're in bed, I am completely wiped out. Ergo, not much knitting to show. But I have been working on a few things, off and on. The first is Evelyn Clark's Forget Me Not shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3612328498/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3612328498_06192550cd.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />That's about as far along as I am on that. It's a gift for someone with a January birthday, so my goal is to finish it by Christmas or the birthday. It's a fairly easy pattern, so it just requires some time to sit down and devote to it. <br /><br />The second is a February Lady Sweater for me:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3738635545/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/3738635545_09fb92dcc5.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />I've just finished the "eyelet increase row" on that one, though I've opted to use a knit front and back increase instead of the eyelets to avoid the holes. In a few more rows, I will separate the sleeves from the body. So far, I love knitting this one.<br /><br />I have been doing a fair amount of gardening this summer, and this is the first year that I've tried growing tomatoes. In the spring, I bought four heirloom tomato seedlings from Mildred's Daughters Urban Farm in Stanton Heights. Here are two of the plants:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3739416576/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3739416576_18822e9889.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br />That's Paul Robeson on the left and Pruden's Purple on the right. Dog for scale. Please ignore the terrible grass, we have a dog. Paul was the first plant to bear fruit:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3738630933/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3738630933_12bfeb42c3.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Paul is a "black" variety with a "distinctive smoky flavor". It also seems to be a very prolific producer, with it's many clusters of fruit. I'm excited to see how much it yields in the end.<br /><br />Pruden's has no actual fruit yet, but we've got lots of flowers that are quite pretty:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3738627003/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3738627003_f5b427f218.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Pruden's is a "pink" "potato leaf" variety, and supposedly does quite well in our growing region. All of my plants are organically grown, using natural fertilizers including bone meal and fish emulsion. The dog has an unfortunate habit of trying to eat the dirt after I feed them.<br /><br />I planted the other two seedlings - Jubilee and Green Zebra - in upside-down planters and am having less luck with those. I thought I would give it a try, but am now convinced that plants need to grow right-side-up! Here's Jubilee:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3739433312/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3739433312_bf410b7a0c.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br />And Green Zebra:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3739437346/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3739437346_87752c40b2.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br />The plants get morning and evening sun, so I thought they would do great. Jubilee has been a good grower, but has very few flowers on it, so I don't think I'll get much fruit. As you can see, Green Zebra's been kind of a dud so far. Next year, I'll be planting everything the way nature intended!<br /><br />In addition to the tomatoes, I'm growing my usual herbs:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3739441592/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3739441592_3394855f64.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Front to back, that's French tarragon, rosemary, thyme, oregano and flat-leaf parsley. I've also got two large pots of basil that are living next to the tomatoes. Also next to the tomatoes are peppers:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3739447012/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3739447012_9680de1bc7.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />That's Jupiter on the left and Lady Bell on the right. Here's to a summer of good eating!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-82150371133780515022009-04-25T09:04:00.005-04:002009-04-25T09:14:19.843-04:00380The number of lovely, gorgeous nupps on my latest FO:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3471043817/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3471043817_582f90df78.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3471844618/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3471844618_711fcc2cec.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3471848608/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3471848608_56c12b80cc.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3471040281/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3471040281_4dc6ef111d.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Baltic Blossoms Lace Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/baltic-blossoms-lace-shawl">[Raveled]</a><br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Dream in Color Baby, colorway "Blue Lagoon"; Knit Picks circular needles (size 5US)<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> None<br /><br />I am utterly, hopelessly in love with this shawl. Does it show? ;)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-46610533695270303142009-03-02T10:30:00.000-05:002009-03-02T10:44:54.949-05:00Hooray for tubes.Tubes seem to be just about the only thing that I am able to finish these days. Observe:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3257426197/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3257426197_e7f893b67d.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Plain vanilla socks in a 4x2 rib pattern<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Silk Color, colorway 0188; Knit Picks double pointed needles (size 1US)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3322830540/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3322830540_6f1f772d34.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3318754445/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3318754445_cf9d19a6ae.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/wicked-worsted-weight-version">Wicked (Worsted Weight Version)</a> by Sarah & Rachel from Zephyr Style<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers, colorway "Irelande"; Knit Picks circular needles (size 7US)<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> No pocket; short sleeves; cast on 4 extra sts under arms and picked up 8 extra sts to enlarge sleeves; knit 2x2 ribbing for waistband instead of seed stitch; used paired increases and decreases for waist shaping<br /><br />According to my Ravelry project page, I started this sweater in October 2007. Why it took me so long to knit such a simple sweater, I do not know, but I am very glad to have finished it. By the time I hit the waist, I was so over it. I think that a lot of that has to do with the fact that I now only really want to knit with Dream in Color yarns because I love them so much.<br /><br />Therefore, I have decided to give in to the siren song of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flintknits.com/blog/?p=151">February Lady Sweater</a>, which I will, of course, knit in Classy. <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/">SJ</a>, who knitted <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/2008/07/one-classy-lady.html">a gorgeous version</a> of the FLS last summer, was kind enough to let me try hers on for size recently, and I hope to buy the yarn and start my own this week. Here's hoping that I'll be able to make some fast progress on it, even though it's not a tube.<br /><br />As for <a target="_blank" href="http://onesmallstitch.blogspot.com/2008/11/crazy-me-yes-thanks.html">Loppem</a>? On the way to the frog pond, I'm afraid.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-83972612296863726122008-12-14T20:43:00.003-05:002008-12-14T21:41:24.911-05:00Cutest. Hat. Ever.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3108441369/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3108441369_8389a0967b.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3108431443/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3108431443_fd54babd45.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3108422457/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3108422457_82545d69b2.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/norwegian-sweet-baby-cap---djevellue">Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap</a> by Gro<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Koigu KPPPM, colorway P201; Knit Picks circular needles (size 0US and 1US), and Knit Picks double pointed needles (size 1US)<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> Added a couple of extra garter rows in beginning and completed 13 increase/decrease rows instead of the 9 rows the pattern called for; picked up 5 stitches on each side and knitted 10 inches of i-cord for ties<br /><br />Although I knitted a baby cap for each of the twins already, I've found that they don't really stay on their heads - particularly on Leia's head since she's a squirmer. I intended to pick up stitches on their hats and knit earflaps/chin straps to keep them on, and searched Ravelry for ideas on how to do that. During my search, I came across the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/norwegian-sweet-baby-cap---djevellue">Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap</a> by Gro on Ravelry, and just had to make it. This will definitely be one of my go-to patterns for baby gift knitting in the future. It was quick to knit, took less than one skein of Koigu and ohmygosh, have you seen how cute it is? Best of all, I think it is baby-approved:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3108414285/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/3108414285_6c3223daa1.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-12719980791699268322008-11-18T19:01:00.004-05:002008-11-18T23:10:12.282-05:00Crazy? Me? Yes, thanks.As soon as I saw Norah Gaughan's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/loppem">Loppem</a>, I had to have it. The bummer is that the pattern has <em>a lot</em> of errata, and definitely requires more concentration than I think I can actually muster at present, thanks to the twins. Also, some days, I don't even have the time to bathe. So, what's a girl to do?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/3041551061/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3041551061_d8e36e781a.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a><br /><br />I'm not sure what I am thinking, especially since I have many simple projects already on the needles that I haven't touched in months. It's taken me about two days to knit those 15 or so rows that you see there, sneaking in some knitting time between feedings, baths, diaper changes, screaming, etc. I want to wear this thing now, but I'll be lucky if I get it finished before next summer at the rate I'm going. Happily, the husband has agreed to stay at home with the twins tomorrow night so I can spend some quality time with Loppem and the Hurricane Knitters. Hurrah!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-19441740508651747032008-11-02T19:45:00.005-05:002008-11-02T20:50:28.326-05:00Wrapped in knitted love.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2992906715/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2992906715_6ee37dd23f.jpg" width="372" height="500"/></a><br /><br />These two wonderful blankets arrived by mail last week, courtesy of the wonderful Hurricane Knitters! From all of us, thank you <a target="_blank" href="http://hpwt.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/keemun76">Dana</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://unfinishedobject.blogspot.com/">Jenn</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/stitchinseminary">Melissa</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://meritwriter.typepad.com/">Yvonne</a>. The blankets are beautiful and you guys are the best!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2993751222/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2993751222_d735d56b5a.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-13104249937531008062008-10-20T00:24:00.003-04:002008-10-20T09:04:05.781-04:00Finished knits, now with finished babies!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2956654321/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2956654321_113f7d83d8.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a><br /><br />We were overjoyed to welcome our twins, "Luke" and "Leia" (names changed to protect the innocent) on Saturday, October 11, 2008. Leia is the older of the two by one minute and weighed in at an impressive 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Her little brother weighed in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Things are crazy around our house as we adjust to being new parents, but the twins are absolutely delightful and we are enjoying every minute (except maybe the sleep deprivation). Blogging and blog reading will be a little spotty for a while, as will knitting unfortunately, but I think it's all worth it. :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-86578412808153353372008-10-07T18:07:00.004-04:002008-10-07T18:47:52.019-04:00A couple of hats, and a scarf problem.So, the babies have decided to stay in and bake a little longer, much to my discomfort. Not wanting to start anything new or difficult, I turned to an old favorite - the one-skein hat pattern from Simply Noro:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2920851430/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2920851430_6c049e8458.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2920012455/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2920012455_e32d415875.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Hareton by Jane Ellison [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/hareton-4">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Noro Kureyon, colorway 134 (top photo) / Noro Silk Garden, colorway 201 (bottom photo); Addi Turbo needles, size US 8 / 5.0 mm<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> Cast on an additional four stitches for the Silk Garden hat, knit to seven inches instead of six and a half before starting crown shaping; no mods on Kureyon hat<br /><br />I think that this must be at least the tenth or eleventh time that I've knit this pattern, and I always find it to be quick and satisfying knit. Also, for whatever reason, just watching the colors change as I knit with Noro never fails to amuse me.<br /><br />After I finished the hats, I dug out an old UFO:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2920859932/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2920859932_d3589f9303.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a> <br /><br />That's My So Called Scarf, in a particularly gorgeous colorway of Manos. After I took this photo, I ripped it. I just was not happy with how sloppy the edges were looking, so I restarted it, increasing the stitch count and slipping the first stitch of every row. Unfortunately, it still looks sloppy, with big, loose loops on the edges. I love this yarn, but the pattern is driving me crazy. Anyone out there have any ideas on how to neaten up the edges?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-57290568759867976422008-09-30T08:39:00.007-04:002008-09-30T09:55:58.107-04:00Okay, done with the lace for a bit.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2896691256/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2896691256_033889e637.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2896695666/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2896695666_2ae7925797.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2896715334/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2896715334_f13de09b02.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/swallowtail-shawl">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn, etc.:</strong> Alpaca with a Twist Fino, Silver Belle (0098); KnitPicks Options needles, size US 4 / 3.5 mm<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> None<br /><br />Once I got past the main chart of this shawl, I loved knitting it. For some reason, even though it was the easiest chart in the pattern, it gave me all kinds of trouble and I ended up tinking back many, many times. This was my first time knitting nupps, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Following the advice of others on Ravelry, I kept those yarn overs nice and loose and used sharp needles, and had no problems at all. I'm looking forward to knitting Clark's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/products/product1-15.htm">Baltic Blossoms</a> shawl someday, another one including lots of nupps.<br /><br />Since I know I could have these babies any day now and I feel like I'm in a holding pattern, I'm going to keep things nice and simple for a while - simple hats and socks, lots of stockinette, practicing my spinning. Also, I still have <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item/2367447/3974522.htm">Wicked</a> on the needles and may actually get back to that soon. When I put it down last, I wanted to rip and rework the waist shaping:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2902024712/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/2902024712_e4bcf07e7a.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Since I won't be able to try it on for a couple more months at least, perhaps I will put the body on some waste yarn for now and start on the sleeves. Here's hoping that I actually get my waist back at all after the twins are born!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-1325746724558879282008-09-23T08:47:00.003-04:002008-09-23T09:12:44.131-04:00Nupps!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2879011175/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2879011175_0eb6819471.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Though I had originally planned to do some extra repeats of the Swallowtail's main chart to enlarge the shawl, I decided instead to knit the pattern as written in the interest of finishing it sooner so I can give this as a Christmas gift. I figure that lace knitting while trying to take care of two newborns is probably not going to work. I see lots of plain stockinette in my future!<br /><br />I've made it through the section that includes the nupps, and surprisingly, found that knitting them was much easier than I had expected. I kept my yarn overs very loose and used good pointy needles (Knit Picks Options) and had no problems. I love the way they look and can't wait to see them blocked!<br /><br />I have two charts with a total of 27 rows to complete to finish the shawl, and while I wish the twins would hurry up and get here already, my fingers are crossed to finish the shawl before finishing the babies. Wish me luck!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-69546853734820669712008-09-16T09:07:00.004-04:002008-09-16T09:36:34.036-04:00February Sweater for him.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2861599442/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2861599442_7f58d0976d.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2860767831/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2860767831_1998ddceca.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Baby Sweater on Two Needles (February) by Elizabeth Zimmermann [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february-2">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Sport in Lichen (SWS18), purchased at Natural Stitches; buttons purchased at JoAnn Fabrics<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> Used kf&b to increase in yoke (k1, kf&b, repeat across) instead of EZ’s suggested m1 to avoid holes; worked yoke to just before the sleeves before switching to stockinette instead of gull lace pattern; worked six buttonholes; knit sleeves in the round instead of flat, after completing the body; worked decreases for sleeves similar to bottom of body (k5, k2tog around)<br /><strong>Recipient:</strong> Baby B<br /><br />Now that the baby sweaters are finished, I think it's high time that I get back to the lace!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-74391963000644018562008-09-09T13:55:00.006-04:002008-09-09T14:48:41.139-04:00Cutest. Sweater. Ever.I probably say that all baby sweaters are the cutest sweaters ever, but I seriously mean it this time:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2828773694/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2828773694_6419682cea.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2827933427/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2827933427_fd7ac396d0.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Baby Sweater on Two Needles (February) by Elizabeth Zimmermann [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Sport in Cinnamon Twist (SWS197), purchased at Natural Stitches; buttons purchased at Yarns By Design<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> Used kf&b to increase in yoke (k1, kf&b, repeat across) instead of EZ’s suggested M1 to avoid holes; worked only two buttonholes; knit sleeves in the round instead of flat, after completing the body; worked decreases for sleeves similar to bottom of body (about every seven sts)<br /><strong>Recipient:</strong> Baby A<br /><br />Despite my trepidation over attempting an EZ pattern for the first time, I enjoyed this one so much that I headed back to Natural Stitches yesterday to pick up some more yarn to make a second February Sweater for Baby B:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2842868549/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2842868549_2454e27d0b.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />For this one, I'll continue the garter section a little further than the pattern calls for, then knit the remainder of the body and sleeves in stockinette rather than the gull lace pattern. I think I'll also work buttonholes for the entire length of the sweater. <br /><br />I'll probably be continuing to neglect Swallowtail until this sweater is finished. We're not sure if the twins will make an early appearance or not, but I'd like to have the second sweater finished before they arrive, since I know that my knitting time will be drastically reduced when they do. It's hard to believe that I "officially" have less than two months left to go until my due date!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-50774115969457701432008-09-02T16:17:00.003-04:002008-09-02T16:55:55.920-04:00Not a shawl, but still lace.I'm taking a little break from Swallowtail in favor of another lace project:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2822766240/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2822766240_488716b722.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />That is, of course, Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Sweater on Two Needles, aka the February Sweater. I've always thought that this sweater was so cute and have always wanted to knit it, but was a little intimidated about trying an EZ "pattern", because I usually require a little more hand holding than she provides. Happily, I really haven't had any trouble with the instructions, and have even deviated from them a bit (I used kf&b for the yoke increases rather than her suggested m1 and am knitting the sleeves in the round instead of flat before the rest of the body). I'm really enjoying this knit, and am looking forward to seeing it on my little girl someday! <br /><br />I've made a tiny bit of progress on the Swallowtail Shawl, and have now completed 11 repeats of the main chart, the last one using my new Knit Picks chart keeper. As promised, the chart keeper is wonderfully useful and I do love it. I only wish that it had a plastic pocket to slip the chart into, or maybe that the magnets provided were a little stronger, because they don't really hold a folded piece of paper on the keeper very well. No problem, though - the paper can be cut or I could always buy stronger magnets if I wanted to keep the pages with the charts on them intact. In any case, I am looking forward to getting lots more use out of the chart keeper once I resume work on the shawl and for future projects.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-85150438585921637152008-08-26T09:20:00.003-04:002008-08-26T09:58:39.711-04:00Fastest shawl ever? Not so much this time.I've made it through only ten repeats of the chart that makes up the main body of the Swallowtail Shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2799996456/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2799996456_84a1724233.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Though the repeats in this chart are shorter than in the Shetland Triangle's main chart (and it's a very easy pattern), I am having a difficult time getting into the groove of this one, and I find myself making lots of mistakes that I have to tink back to fix. The pattern calls for 14 repeats of this chart before moving on to the next one, but I plan to complete five extra repeats for a total of 19 - as many Ravelers have done - for a larger shawl. <br /><br />Per <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/">SJ's</a> recommendation, I've ordered a chart keeper from KnitPicks, and when it arrives, it will hopefully help me keep my rows straight and save me from making so many mistakes. I'm looking forward to knitting those nupps with a sick fascination, so I can't wait to start on the next chart!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-19795740995638540042008-08-18T11:22:00.004-04:002008-08-26T09:57:46.131-04:00Might as well face it. I'm addicted to lace.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2772972230/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2772972230_9e9174e5ff.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2772131429/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/2772131429_98f9bfde24.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2772128537/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2772128537_e11ba60c3b.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2762369711/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2762369711_af075e0a64.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern: </strong>Shetland Triangle by Evelyn A. Clark [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennylrae/shetland-triangle">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn: </strong>Dream in Color Smooshy, Cloud Jungle colorway<br /><strong>Mods: </strong>Completed 10 repeats of the body chart; final blocked measurements: 55 x 28 inches<br /><br />I'd like to send a huge shout out to Evelyn Clark for writing such a fabulous pattern. It was well written, easy to follow and enjoyable from start to finish. I know that I'll be making this one again in the future. In fact, I enjoyed this one so much that I did a little searching on Ravelry for Evelyn Clark's other shawl patterns, and into my queue went her Baltic Blossoms Lace Shawl <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baltic-blossoms-lace-shawl">Ravelry link</a>], and her Swallowtail Shawl [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swallowtail-shawl">Ravelry link</a>]. Both of these shawl patterns include <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knittingbeyondthehebrides.org/lace/estonian.html">nupps</a> (eeek!), and I'll be starting with the Swallowtail Shawl to try my hand at those for the very first time. I think that my lovely new Dream in Color laceweight will be perfect for the Baltic Blossoms shawl, but for the Swallowtail, I've chosen this gorgeous soft grey Alpaca with a Twist Fino from my stash:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2774193287/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2774193287_90ca5645fe.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I'm anxious to cast on, but have a list of chores that I need to complete before I can even think of starting, so I'm off to get those finished!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-47625984700144792772008-08-14T09:49:00.011-04:002008-08-14T12:48:40.581-04:00Fastest shawl ever.My Interweave book order finally arrived last Wednesday afternoon, just in time to take it with me to Hurricane Knitters and start on the Shetland Triangle. <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/">SJ</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://meritwriter.typepad.com/">Yvonne</a> had my back though - they each brought their copy of Wrap Style for me to borrow in case mine had still not arrived! This was my first time following charts, so SJ helped me out with those and the provisional cast on called for in the pattern. I knit several rows of the first chart that night, but once I was more comfortable with the pattern and the chart, I decided to rip and restart the shawl on Thursday so that my stitches would be more even and my provisional cast on would look better. I knit away on the shawl for the past week, and late last night, I finished:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2762047147/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2762047147_ebd5d0697b.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />Once I got into it, the pattern was so easy, and this just flew off the needles! Heck, SJ cast on for this (in her own handspun, no less) as her Ravelympics project on Friday and was <a target="_blank" href="http://paknitwit.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-made-it.html">finished in three days</a>! As usual, knitting with the Dream in Color yarn (Smooshy, Cloud Jungle) was a dream. This is probably my favorite colorway yet and the colors remind me of one of my favorite stones - <a target="_blank" href="http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/bllabradorite.htm">labradorite</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2742618726/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2742618726_198230f4f3.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a><br /><br />The shawl is currently in a Eucalan bath for a nice long soak, and blocked photos will be forthcoming. I can't wait to see how it blocks out!<br /><br />While I was out yesterday afternoon at Whole Foods, I couldn't resist a trip to Natural Stitches, especially after remembering that Melissa mentioned that they had Dream in Color's new laceweight yarn, Baby, in stock. This is one gorgeous ball of Blue Lagoon, all 700 yards of it graciously and perfectly wound by Melissa (thanks again, Melissa!):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2761239085/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2761239085_9d8359d030.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />I swear that this yarn just takes my breath away. While I was at the shop, I also had to check out what roving they had in stock, and lo, discovered some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Wool Top, which I've admired online several times:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2762894876/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2762894876_1a1a5ba62b.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />That's about five ounces of superwash Merino wool in their Watercolor colorway, and it's just soft and lovely and delicious. Now I just need to finish spinning that green roving that's been sitting, half spun, on the wheel for ages!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-51374662511975767222008-08-05T16:05:00.007-04:002008-08-05T16:46:02.110-04:00More wee things for the clothesline.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2736602046/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2736602046_0fce5cfd9c.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> hats - Hareton by Jane Ellison (from Simply Noro) [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hareton">Ravelry link</a>]; socks - regular sock recipe with 40 stitches cast on<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> hers - Koigu KPPPM (lost the ballband, so I'm not sure of the colorway); his - Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Fingering (Blue Terra Cotta)<br /><br />The hats and socks coordinate with the sweaters nicely:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2736634190/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2736634190_3188d0e6a2.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2735777089/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2735777089_12071a6ab4.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />And, <a target="_blank" href="http://meritwriter.typepad.com/">Yvonne</a>, the hats fit the grapefruits:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2736606088/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2736606088_712596e656.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />I was hoping that by the time I finished the hats and socks, I could start on the Shetland Triangle, but my books have still not arrived from the Interweave Hurt Book Sale. They said to allow up to four weeks to receive the books, and my credit card was just charged on August 1, so it looks like I may be waiting another week at least, depending on how they're shipping the orders. Grr. <br /><br />While I am waiting on the books, I will be keeping myself busy finishing up some singles that have been sitting on the wheel since January or February:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2736598088/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2736598088_dec08fd4e4.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />I haven't spun since then, and I hope I can remember how!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-22292839745135465002008-07-28T19:07:00.003-04:002008-07-28T22:04:27.466-04:00Actual finished objects.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2711247191/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2711247191_6ceaf04516.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2712042716/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2712042716_d81b7987f3.jpg" width="333" height="500"/></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys [<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/top-down-raglan-baby-sweater">Ravelry link</a>]<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Dale of Norway Falk, color 4516 (pink) and 5813 (blue), buttons from Parker Button, South Side<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> knit button band in seed stitch instead of garter<br /><br />Sadly, these did not really reignite my love for knitting, as I had originally hoped they would. It would seem that I am still in a knitting slump. That being said, I am continuing to persevere, and have started the first of two hats for the twins in some Koigu that's been lounging in the stash for as long as I can remember (actually, it was the very first Koigu that I ever bought, I think). <br /><br />If the hats don't do the trick, I am hoping that some lace knitting might. I've long admired the Shetland Triangle pattern from Wrap Style, but after paging through the book several times in the past and finding nothing else of interest to me in it, couldn't justify its purchase just for that pattern. Enter the Interweave Hurt Book Sale. To my delight, I managed to snag a copy of Wrap Style for just $5.49. Assuming that the damage to the book isn't to the pages that contain the Shetland Triangle pattern (and assuming that the book ever gets to me because it seems they have the slowest shipping ever for the sale), I may actually be getting excited about knitting something again!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-71376261184286159112008-06-20T21:16:00.006-04:002008-06-20T22:05:35.363-04:00ExperimentationLast week, I was watching the show Jamie at Home on the Food Network. The episode was "Peas and Broad Beans." Peas are my favorite vegetable, but I had never tried broad beans, or, as we know them here in the United States, fava beans. I mentioned this to my mother-in-law, who is wonderful and has been doing our grocery shopping for me while I've been house bound following my surgery. She dropped by today, and guess what she brought me?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2595958677/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2595958677_5a34c40a93.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />Fava beans, along with some fresh mint and watercress from her garden! Based on some of the flavors that Jamie Oliver was combining on the show, I set to work on a dinner of pasta with fava beans, mint, watercress and parmesan. First, I shelled the beans, then I blanched them for three to four minutes to cook them and help to remove the tough skins surrounding the beans.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2595959947/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2595959947_a3ab3a8193.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I tossed the pasta with a little bit of butter, some pasta water, salt and pepper and the fresh mint. I added the skinned beans and topped the whole thing with freshly grated parmesan and watercress. Yum!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2596794274/" ><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2596794274_44a52bf4ba.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />Since this is a knitting blog, though, I guess I should actually show some knitting! The knitting on the first of the twins' sweaters is finished, but I'm going to wait until both are finished to soak and block them and sew the buttons on.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2596795932/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2596795932_efe0c9c1cf.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I had ordered some green yarn for the second sweater, since we weren't sure if the second baby was a girl or not. We had another ultrasound yesterday, and the technician (a different one than at our last ultrasound) also thinks that we have a boy and a girl! Of course, I couldn't resist ordering pink yarn for that second sweater, so I'll be starting on that one once it gets here. Hopefully the technicians are correct! :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-87689144986531435292008-06-11T14:50:00.002-04:002008-06-11T15:23:41.634-04:00I'm back, babies!Whew! Now <em>that</em> was a long hiatus. Really, I haven't been knitting much at all over the past few months, so really, there's been nothing to blog about anyway. I have been busy, however:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2570384307/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2570384307_82c90dd9ff.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />I'm 20 weeks pregnant, with twins! I haven't been knitting much, because I was sleeping virtually all of the time that I wasn't working during my first trimester. I know it's scandalous, but in the time that I was awake, I didn't feel like knitting or spinning at all. After my first trimester ended, and I left my job, I was looking forward to getting back into it. Of course, life intervened. I spent last Monday, my very first day off, at the ER with horrible back and abdominal pain. By Thursday, I was admitted to the hospital and was having emergency surgery (thankfully, the babies are okay, as far as we know, and I am well on my way to a full recovery now). What an exciting week!<br /><br />I did manage to start a small project, though. The first of two sweaters for the twins:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2571213092/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2571213092_172bfc9a4e.jpg" width="500" height="333"/></a><br /><br />We're fairly sure that one twin is a boy and the other is a girl, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that! The pattern is Carole Barenys' <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/top-down-raglan-baby-sweater">Top Down Baby Sweater</a> (Ravelry link), which hopefully is just the thing to ease me back in to my knitting addiction. The yarn is Falk by Dale of Norway, color 5813. Like so many other Ravelers, I am using seed stitch for the button bands instead of garter. It's slow going so far, but I hope that I'll get back into the swing of knitting soon, because I have lots to do with two on the way!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-87902135350291290232008-01-20T17:01:00.000-05:002008-01-20T22:52:58.381-05:00Adventures in spinning.After a few weeks with the wheel, I have two "completed" skeins of yarn (and I use that term loosely). <br /><br />My first attempt, spun from Mauch Chunky roving and finished a couple of weeks ago, vaguely resembles yarn:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2164476734/" title="010308firstyarn by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/2164476734_35605d5350.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I've been working off and on (more off) on some Ashland Bay Colonial Wool roving since I finished the first yarn. I spun the last of that roving into singles today:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2206821699/" title="012008_singles by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2206821699_2618b1d21e.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I had some trouble with my yarn tangling while I was plying on the Kromski's built-in kate, so Carol (feistywoman on Ravelry) suggested that I tie a bit of yarn around both of my bobbins at the whorl while they were on the kate, and it helped a lot:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2207613428/" title="012008_homemadetension by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2207613428_0f8595aec0.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />I think that I'll still invest in a proper tensioned kate at some point, but this was a great quick and inexpensive substitute for now. Thanks, Carol! <br /><br />After plying the singles and skeining, I was left with some pretty unbalanced yarn, so I soaked it, whacked it, and that seemed to help a lot:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2207636326/" title="012008_handspun by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2207636326_5d45b03b4d.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />The yarn is still not great, but it's definitely looking better. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to practice more! ;)<br /><br />Even with all of this spinning, I have not forsaken commercial yarns. Let's just say I had a bit of a falling down this weekend:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2206839847/" title="012008_smooshy by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/2206839847_097809c721.jpg" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />Natural Stitches recently got in a shipment of Dream in Color Smooshy, and of course I had to go check it out in person. That yarn makes me feel all dizzy. In a good way.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-68491025643606643262008-01-11T23:06:00.000-05:002008-01-12T00:32:22.531-05:00How's that for a slice of fried gold?Ahhh. It's Friday night, I have a snoozing dog next to me, and best of all, I am blogging from bed. I've wanted a laptop for a very long time, and about a week ago, I went ahead and ordered one from Dell. I set up the wireless router tonight and now I am happily typing away as I watch Pride and Prejudice (in preparation for <a target="blank" href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/austen/index.html">this</a>!). I haven't had a chance to really sit down to set up and explore the computer yet, but I have found a use for the built-in webcam that I thought that I would never have a use for:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2186114805/" title="bedknitting by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/2186114805_6e922084f8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I can take pictures and video of myself knitting! From bed!<br /><br />Hopefully now I can more easily steal a couple of moments here and there to keep up to date on all of those knitting blogs that I've recently fallen behind in reading. Yay!<br /><br />I have been doing a very little bit of spinning as well:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2186896726/" title="IMG_8632 by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2186896726_e91491e9dd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_8632" /></a><br /><br />My singles are getting better but are still pretty uneven. I have the wheel set up for double drive right now but if I can figure it out, I intend to set it up for Scotch tension tomorrow and give the whole thing another go.<br /><br />Now, off to catch up on some blogs!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-21787773556702369232007-12-31T10:22:00.001-05:002007-12-31T10:54:03.717-05:00Let me sum up.Whew. It's been such a long time since I last posted, so let me sum up. I do have an actual finished object(s) to share:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2151365271/" title="123107fetchinglori by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2151365271_45eefa0d1e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="fetching lori" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html">Fetching</a> by by Cheryl Niamath<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, color 300008<br /><strong>Mods:</strong> worked regular bind off instead of picot<br /><br />These mitts were a Christmas gift for Lori, and doesn't she look just fetching in them? Hurricane Knitters, you will be glad to know that, true to my obsessive-compulsive nature, I had to rip out the first finished mitt and restart them so that the hand opening was bound off more tightly. <br /><br />Speaking of Christmas, Santa was very good to me this year. I got some new pieces of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lecreuset.com/usa/home.php">my favorite cookware</a>, some fabulous new cookbooks, and lots of other beautiful things that are too numerous to list here. We were able to spend time with both sides of our family and had a wonderful, if not exhausting, day all around. I am so lucky!<br /><br />Why else am I lucky? There's this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2151368601/" title="123107kromskipacking by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2245/2151368601_18d0cee781.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="" /></a><br /><br />That was wrapped around this(!):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2151371827/" title="123107minstrel by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2151371827_8a2cd019cc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="she is so bored of hearing me go on and on about this thing" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2151374809/" title="123107minstreltop by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2151374809_7f1c2e02e0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Isn't she just lovely? Thankfully, since I've never spun before, the wheel included a video on how to set up your wheel, and how to start spinning. Note the confused look on my face as I give the wheel a whirl and watch the video:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2152168676/" title="123107minstrelspinning by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/2152168676_4632ab9ba8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9148288@N02/2152170506/" title="123107minstrelohdear by jennylrae, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2177/2152170506_6ef1372da0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Oh dear. I think I am going to need some more practice!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234793.post-36112810066386336752007-12-10T15:23:00.000-05:002007-12-10T16:32:22.879-05:00Happy birthday to me.After driving everyone around me crazy by talking about it for weeks, I went ahead and bought myself a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newvoyager.com/minstrel.html" title="I bought a wheel I bought a wheel I bought a wheel!!!">birthday gift</a>. Eeek! No word yet on when it will arrive, but hopefully I'll be spinning by Christmas (or at least trying to). :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06888416190523934621noreply@blogger.com6