tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215863002024-03-07T19:17:40.262-08:00Pickin' and Throwin'Designated Knitter knits "Continental" and Yarnthrower knits "American!"Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.comBlogger587125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-16856787968994482652023-12-28T05:57:00.000-08:002023-12-28T05:57:42.231-08:00<p> Greetings and Dear Cynthia,</p><p>WOW, a blog post! My first since, um, September 12, 2011, I think…. Back then, I was working on Christmas sweaters for my two little boys, using the Beth Brown Reinsel guidelines from her book Knitting Ganseys to design and knit each of my sons a Gansey sweater. </p><p>Update: I got the sweaters finished before Christmas that year, the boys wore them many times, outgrew them, went off to college, and I stowed the sweaters in boxes in the basement to save them for a time in which there may be children around again who would fit into them. I guess a lot happens in 12 years.</p><p>I’m currently working on a giant mentally consuming sweater called the Affogato Cardigan from the Spring 2023 issue of Interweave Knits. </p><p><a href="https://ravel.me/affogato-cardigan">https://ravel.me/affogato-cardigan</a></p><p>It’s coming along nicely, and I’ve found my little mistakes soon after making them, so far have not had to rip back more than a row or two…. Here is a partial left front (which has since been completed), a sideways back, and a sleeve in progress:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDShWM1K4kt5jZFcysW_zFII5_Wdt5KgtB8GJWxwQWLCSn5yUowHrARunlhVZ7FkLTbACsz7BTVgQW7D3d1ReIp-boO4TAZl_1_lKRNLnmFBfAw0Ikv0yDixbq549ChcropE-786AEU8AiV2QVMAK8R61VqQ4wS68uyTi7hHSpwidGoAxJvbnR/s4032/2CA6A7BC-5699-4271-A1FF-57109A2208C1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDShWM1K4kt5jZFcysW_zFII5_Wdt5KgtB8GJWxwQWLCSn5yUowHrARunlhVZ7FkLTbACsz7BTVgQW7D3d1ReIp-boO4TAZl_1_lKRNLnmFBfAw0Ikv0yDixbq549ChcropE-786AEU8AiV2QVMAK8R61VqQ4wS68uyTi7hHSpwidGoAxJvbnR/s320/2CA6A7BC-5699-4271-A1FF-57109A2208C1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAXcIlPs_o3UsomXojGEYrceI3M2ImDKa_PFFY5uEn7wPL7QCLT2gLW3FXDHB3hbAn_8C4j2vzT34D6vzsaBxmuRNsbMYUuJIqLU1RKeJmzbQE_LXNqfvlCtKrHivjPYLIPJquVCruL2jfNrmTcyHwCQYjILhQI2rF28i7ZAqx87QxXUBqFZY/s4032/1B7C1432-A22A-4A64-BFA3-FD87BE252433.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAXcIlPs_o3UsomXojGEYrceI3M2ImDKa_PFFY5uEn7wPL7QCLT2gLW3FXDHB3hbAn_8C4j2vzT34D6vzsaBxmuRNsbMYUuJIqLU1RKeJmzbQE_LXNqfvlCtKrHivjPYLIPJquVCruL2jfNrmTcyHwCQYjILhQI2rF28i7ZAqx87QxXUBqFZY/s320/1B7C1432-A22A-4A64-BFA3-FD87BE252433.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavnOe6sBGmA9RNKrgo17wJmjpUAZekEEnX1cLNuFZ-iiL-vf1WZf4F0dq0Swge1vXSR5ZdyamrftjqDBJ4y1GBpG_dkiPTJSy_crS3W7NQICHmgdKHG42THzUPb_du_j4KW4Q-HXbaR0KVCAAj6xTjGzajIJtJ1JBod-5Xf_YWCPiXQb6vZp4/s3092/0CFDC76C-6F79-432E-8BA7-8AC6851533C5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="2682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavnOe6sBGmA9RNKrgo17wJmjpUAZekEEnX1cLNuFZ-iiL-vf1WZf4F0dq0Swge1vXSR5ZdyamrftjqDBJ4y1GBpG_dkiPTJSy_crS3W7NQICHmgdKHG42THzUPb_du_j4KW4Q-HXbaR0KVCAAj6xTjGzajIJtJ1JBod-5Xf_YWCPiXQb6vZp4/s320/0CFDC76C-6F79-432E-8BA7-8AC6851533C5.jpeg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoying some time off from work right now, just wanted to see if I could still figure out how to post something here. I have been organizing my WIPs, and ran across a color work Christmas stocking which is almost done, original pattern, thinking about how on earth I could post it on the blog…but answered that question today with this post! Fingers crossed that it will show up on the Blog after I tap the “Publish” button! Easy peasy. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year, have a blessed 2024!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Laura</div><br /><p></p>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-20495616837829232452012-02-27T16:47:00.001-08:002012-02-27T16:50:51.044-08:00More Stitches<p>Greetings and Dear Laura;</p><p>Every year, when we plan our trip to Stitches, our little group discusses what of our knitting we can wear. We always enjoy seeing what the other knitters are wearing, but it's August in Chicago, so we always feel too hot to think of it. Since I was planning to attend Stitches West in February in northern California, it seemed that something knitted might be nice. The night before I left, I had to admit that the Burnished Leaves cowl was not going to be ready.</p><p>Enter Sue, who had brought a shawl that she had just finished to show us. She kindly offered to let me borrow it! It was the perfect thing to wear. I was a little chilly but a sweater would have been too much and my cowl not quite enough. I received several compliments and several requests for a link to the pattern. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designatedknitter/6936742225" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7036/6936742225_7f43f5f5cb.jpg" id="blogsy-1330390238579.8936" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p>(One person asked if I knitted my shawl and I truthfully told her that one of my friends knitted it. However, when people just said they liked it, I felt that 'thank-you' was appropriate.) The pattern is by Karen Frederickson as part of her <a href="http://atenti.com/">Knit Happy Club</a> offerings. I hope she'll make it available outside of the club soon! </p><p>That's all for today!</p><p>Keep knitting!</p><p>Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter) </p><p> </p>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-60585441958410802842012-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:002012-02-26T17:14:40.878-08:00Stitches!<p> Stitches West</p><p>Yes, I'm checking in from sunny California, where I have enjoyed two days of rest, relaxation, knitting and shopping. </p><p>I arrived very late on Friday but since my body is still programmed for EST, I was awake quite early. I had to wait two hours to find someplace open for breakfast! I spent my downtime for the day working on a little cowl using ArtYarns Bohemian Rhapsody. This yarn was a special birthday present from <a href="http://blogsyapp.com/how-to/?v=update" target="_self" title="">Lauren</a> when I turned 50. I really wanted to be able to wear it instead of just admiring the skein! I chose a pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/burnished-leaves">Burnished Leaves</a> for a small cowl. It's a lovely pattern and the silk is luscious to knit with. I started it on Valentine's day and finished it Saturday evening. It's beautiful and fits nicely - I'd like to block it to see if the lace opens up a bit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designatedknitter/6787300074" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7061/6787300074_ee02b7e6e3.jpg" id="blogsy-1330305260505.4202" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p>Stitches is marvelous! It's larger here than Midwest. It was fun to see shops from the west and some familiar faces as well. <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/"></a><a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Miss Babs</a> of course, and Webs and Yarn Barn. No <a href="http://signatureneedleart.com/">Signature Needle Arts</a>, didn't see any Kauni, and of course I missed <a href="http://knittingtoday.com/">Knitting Today</a>. <a href="http://atenti.com/">Atenti</a> and <a href="http://namasteinc.com/">Namaste</a> bags were here directly with some specials (yes there was damage) and also <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a>. A new favorite is <a href="Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:43:27 GMT">Becoming Art</a>. I had a pair of socks on the needles already, now I have a pair in DK weight working as well. Wonderful colors! The one on the left is DK Sunlit Amber and on the right is fingering Olive Oil. Scrumptious!<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/designatedknitter/6787332868" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7051/6787332868_afd9d7c1f4.jpg" id="blogsy-1330305260490.494" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><p>Well, I have more to report but the train to take me to my next destination arrives soon. More later!</p><p>Keep knitting!</p><p>Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter)</p><p> </p>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-43158318333654680092012-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T10:03:01.195-08:00Oh my!<p>My iPad ate my post.</p><p>Greetings and Dear Laura:</p><p>Guess I'll have to start over, since the post I was working on was frogged by my technology. First, I should admit that <a href="http://knittingatlunch.blogspot.com/" target="_self" title="">Knitting at Lunch</a> has been encouraging me to post, so she should get the credit here (or blame, as the case may be!)</p><p>I finished my February Lady! I cast off and blocked it in January, so I avoided having the project turn 2 years old without completion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6870560699_71b14c9c24.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6870560699_71b14c9c24_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1329156147297.5342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="180" height="240"></a></div><p> Here it is modeled by my lovely niece. It looks much better on her than it does on me! I don't like the neckline or the raglan shoulders on me. <a href="http://www.knittingtoday.com/" target="_self" title="">Lea-Ann at Knitting Today</a> thinks that I may like it better if it is shorter, so I may try ripping back a few inches. Else I'm not sure what to do. I don't know if my niece likes it enough that I should give it to her or maybe I'll rip it out and try a new pattern. I don't want to have a sweater that I just don't like well enough to wear, but I love the yarn. Oh well, we'll see!</p><p>I also just finished a pair of handwarmers to wear at work. I wanted fingers with open tips for typing. I tried a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DesignatedKntr/two-way-mittens" target="_self" title="">pattern</a> that I found on Ravelry and I really enjoyed it. It is knit from the fingers to the cuffs. You knit the fingers and then join them as you knit the hand. I find it much easier than gloves that start at the cuffs. This pattern also has a flap for when you are out of doors, but I didn't want that for this pair. I think I'll do another pair with flaps sometime.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/8767676@N06/6870562259" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7060/6870562259_c08de88bf3_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1329156147317.487" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="240" height="180"></a></div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Ok, there's a quick update - the post that I lost was better - sorry about that! Talk to you again soon.</span></p><p>Keep knitting!</p><p>Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter)</p><p> </p>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-77592922672902521542011-09-28T15:58:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:58:00.199-07:00Time flies!<p> </p><p>Greetings, and Dear Laura </p><p>It seems like just yesterday that we were in Chicago for Stitches. That was so much fun! Our trip back in rental cars went so well that we've decided to skip the train next year and drive both ways. No more delays and cancellations for us!</p><p>Your hubby's Christmas sweater has grown since I saw you. I always love how you calculate needed progress to make goal. It's much more precise than my 'just keep knitting and it will get done' approach. </p><p>I've been frogging a lot lately. I was working on these socks when I saw you. They were my July project that ran into August. And September. October is looking likely. I was finishing the first foot in August when I noticed a glaring error and had to frog back to the ankle. I did finish that first sock and promptly cast on the second. I was almost to the heel when I discovered that I had switched from 3x2 rib to 2x2 rib. FROG! So I still have most of the second sock yet to go. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/8767676@N06/6192256106" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6192256106_37db6efa79.jpg" id="blogsy-1317223987269.3623" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Early in September I decided to make a 'quick' pair of socks for my sil Chris. She's been sick for several months now. They've diagnosed a problem with her gallbladder (which took 6 weeks to determine) and now she needs to find a surgeon who will agree with the specialist that it should be removed. In addition, they are installing a new furnace this fall and we have had rather chilly weather here, especially at night. I thought that a pair of worsted weight socks would be quick to knit and help her feel warm and cared for. </p><p>I used a Malabrigo worsted with a contrast yarn. At first it went really well. I cast on just before a road trip to a reunion and since I didn't do any driving, I completed the first sock in one day!! I cast on the second sock immediately, but the following weekend we hosted another reunion and knitting time was hard to come by. I got serious about it again the day after the reunion - and that's when I noticed that the almost-completed cuff was in 2x2 rib instead of 2x2 garter rib!!! I evidently have rib issues. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/8767676@N06/6158943451" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6158943451_b76dbb6c64.jpg" id="blogsy-1317223987294.4053" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The socks are now complete (and matching!) and warming her feet. Back to the July-August-September-October socks!!</p><p>I also want to show off this beautiful iPad2 case that <a href="http://knittingatlunch.blogspot.com/">knitting@lunch</a> made for me!! The color is a darker purplier color than it appears and I love it very much. Stylish and cushy at the same time!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/8767676@N06/6192027498" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6192027498_62a599dffa.jpg" id="blogsy-1317223987231.0693" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Keep knitting!</p><p>Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter )</p>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-20992865382974500212011-09-12T07:06:00.000-07:002011-09-12T07:42:43.834-07:00Knitting for Christmas<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>I have some time today to post to the blog. The washer repairman is scheduled to be here sometime between 8am and 5pm, so I am tethered to the house right now waiting for him to arrive.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a blessing and a curse. I am forced to catch up on some things here that really need it (paperwork), though I really can't run out even for a moment to take care of any errands until after the repair. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5Ags-IlepWg1mGxGN1H4XkzfHhx3wQwzkgGLhKrfM7R8jYtNnc6sbxM-dFpk0Dsd3ZN6eH4xfv1fZtgZQQHCGjPU0MUifwk6avkiu30OCEIKJJVmMJsN5WZYjcn1vaTEJ-BY/s400/IMG_3756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651476812763114306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been working on a DK weight (size 4 needles) sweater since last February. It follows the basic framework given in Beth Brown-Reinsel's book "Knitting Ganseys." It is very difficult to photograph well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am trying to finish it before Christmas as my gift to DH. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instead of knitting in his initials into the left front lower corner, I knitted our "family logo," which is "circle square triangle," which means "I love you." (Circle is made with one line, just like "I" is spelled with one letter. Square is made with four lines, just like "love" is spelled with four letters. Triangle is made with three lines, just like "you" is spelled with three letters.):</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQOjmEorEUMZoiDwry3ZkpfHMti_7wnS-1RdL4X0wwmv8pZy35_6gLWOK9SCpGTbOGmXRmEnNxOLVYt_4DC6LPyXJ7zbyJJ5ryydLr9X5OEQI3qlLKZYMbm1gyzI6KVe7g5CG/s400/IMG_3757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651476802743694562" /><div><div>The front bands are rather flimsy, so I'm definitely going to be sewing some grosgrain ribbon along the backside of the bands to make them more robust. I calculated that I will meet my Christmas deadline if I am able to average 8 rows per day on the sleeves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>One other thing - I might run short of yarn. I'll know for sure after this first sleeve is finished. I could order more yarn, but the dye lot would be different, which may or may not be an issue. Crossing that bridge when I get to it, though I'm taking your advice to "knit really fast" when you think you might run out of yarn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so back to my other chores! I hope this note finds you all well!</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-66637103998634654482011-08-20T17:56:00.000-07:002011-08-20T18:04:30.112-07:00Water Bottle Holder/Carrier Sewing Pattern<div style="text-align: left; ">A pattern by YarnThrower</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4tWNdoW7yzuoIto9T1LZLeMg7eBAWCKyjeCI1jrsgmvIx6jaK91ioUjnkHoAbfYW5_kg5HRjIYuk26_L5_H_X6e8ZrjitUobl3F3LLBrZsANjYB4tDZJYvWL4tIeBQgR7n5bjw/s400/IMG_3736.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642998715905365458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: left; ">My family and I enjoy hiking together, and as the mother, I typically end up being the "pack mule" for our little group. One day I thought to myself, "Why am *I* carrying all of the water bottles?" Probably because I was carrying the only backpack in the group...so I started thinking that I should figure out how to get each of my kids to at least carry his own water bottle. After searching online for a pattern to make some water bottle holders/carriers for my kids to use, I eventually developed my own hybrid pattern based on some of the ideas I found.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJv2Jk1tofP8WBej6OxreEPa7W285RTrnRugf-ONUueosiGh7y68IPhohlqWpW-9FnhduqZj9gfeN9Tm-xtGMbLuq8-dQUGRWchjIGdiyDnyv0x2OKSaH9RrE-OLeHimRD-B8oA/s400/IMG_3738.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643102652887821330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: left; ">Inspired mostly by this <a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/2008/08/27/improvements-on-our-water-bottle-holder-made-from-old-jeans/">pattern which utilizes old jeans</a>, and also the<a href="http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/2006/07/10/whiplash-challenge-water-bottle-carrier/"> idea of reinforcing the strap found in this pattern</a>, my version results in a carrier which is a little bit larger, has a more robust strap, utilizes an actual pocket from a pair of jeans, and is constructed in a way which allows all of the raw edges to be concealed. I made these for birthday gifts for my nieces and nephew, and they were a huge hit! And, the pocket is the perfect place to put a trail map when hiking!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>(This pattern is the property of YarnThrower and may not be reproduced except for one copy for individual use. If you print or distribute this pattern without YarnThrower's written permission, you are stealing .)</div><div>
<br /></div>Materials needed:<div><ul><li>4 feet of strapping/belting (shown in the photo as off-white in color, but use whatever color you'd like :-)</li><li>4 feet of grosgrain ribbon which is a slightly smaller width than the strapping/belting material</li><li>9.5 x 11.5 inch piece of scrap fabric, cut along the grain line</li><li>9.5 x 11.5 inch piece of denim (can be cut from old jeans), cut parallel to the grain line, to form the "shell" of the water bottle holder/carrier. (I generally make a cut which goes from top to bottom in one of the legs of the pair of jeans, and then open it up/flatten it out to use as my fabric to cut the 9.5 x 11.5 inch piece)</li><li>Optional: Pocket carefully removed from pair of old jeans by snipping the threads which are holding it to the jeans</li><li>Basic sewing supplies, such as coordinating thread (I used white), sewing machine, scissors, needle, pins, etc.</li></ul></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5QTsf1hhUtUc7YEQstoo1wRy7ny4qCrtt8ZdwJwSaJdIJrh0mqqmckf8HO_oFzCu8jG2LUPaAP8ou7lIxh_GNNFzlcR1raVqs4jryOppLs1SU8HPp02YNlOIqd1ZbOhSUQTD6Q/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5QTsf1hhUtUc7YEQstoo1wRy7ny4qCrtt8ZdwJwSaJdIJrh0mqqmckf8HO_oFzCu8jG2LUPaAP8ou7lIxh_GNNFzlcR1raVqs4jryOppLs1SU8HPp02YNlOIqd1ZbOhSUQTD6Q/s400/IMG_3709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997620462138242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px; " /></a>First, center the grosgrain ribbon on the strapping material and zig-zag stitch along both side edges of the ribbon to secure it. I also zig-zagged along the short edges to keep them from raveling:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8EoKwQByPNMWyvYoXmKtJ5Vyini4eOiVaEbaHWESENdzCJZ-9tiyQaTEbc_741Hn3e5zWjgRCS4zsBvyz_28VIcs7oREyIRvh-GBXp_CV9bB0VvSuQGHoggDPN_LAn69tongeQ/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8EoKwQByPNMWyvYoXmKtJ5Vyini4eOiVaEbaHWESENdzCJZ-9tiyQaTEbc_741Hn3e5zWjgRCS4zsBvyz_28VIcs7oREyIRvh-GBXp_CV9bB0VvSuQGHoggDPN_LAn69tongeQ/s400/IMG_3710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997617722276754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px; " /></a>Here are the shell and lining fabrics already cut to be 9.5 x 11.5 inches:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xhir_-k9J4MYK75DMTRSNfqZhRqpVjgAqDqpkb4FAF5QEu9DeO3ND8LfCbJyK6ilyC-1wEHrWFr5HEMzVMJ4VO_JSRe63g-Al9iCUyFqT3WQVi91n4hHyPfYTd6d6i8VBSl1IA/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xhir_-k9J4MYK75DMTRSNfqZhRqpVjgAqDqpkb4FAF5QEu9DeO3ND8LfCbJyK6ilyC-1wEHrWFr5HEMzVMJ4VO_JSRe63g-Al9iCUyFqT3WQVi91n4hHyPfYTd6d6i8VBSl1IA/s400/IMG_3711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997613859841394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px; " /></a>If you are going to put a pocket on your carrier, stitch the pocket to the shell fabric so that the top of the pocket is parallel to one of the longer edges of the shell fabric, and so that it is centered between the left and right sides of the shell fabric. Allow a space of about an inch between the top of the pocket and the upper edge of the shell fabric:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_altdzQq6NGs6nrTRASuSrxL0Ry_B2rPmmQ0GwG10q18TOcKOLqGjmzsDx-8O74_lfhgW845ZZXyMkYfkytOUgBfPkD-6n8IW8L4fq17WfprO8Rdv4sBaJedGvT5PrHui8VfA1Q/s1600/IMG_3712.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_altdzQq6NGs6nrTRASuSrxL0Ry_B2rPmmQ0GwG10q18TOcKOLqGjmzsDx-8O74_lfhgW845ZZXyMkYfkytOUgBfPkD-6n8IW8L4fq17WfprO8Rdv4sBaJedGvT5PrHui8VfA1Q/s400/IMG_3712.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997613260657858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px; " /></a>Next, fold the shell fabric in half, right sides together, so that the shorter sides of the shell fabric match. Stitch along the longer side of the rectangle formed after folding, creating a tube of fabric. Repeat with the lining fabric, EXCEPT leave an opening of 3" in the middle of the seam:
<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSc7to0zuuGb01LeWFGBg0qS5D2txCIfSKnxxlAf_NQY_xQuu0nOuGJosiQEKoU0XhiYwm7VcQCugScLyZ7aJprZbk3iCtMAeOyvnrSDTmyOfn3D231iuOpllVKZDIfsKQNpWw/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSc7to0zuuGb01LeWFGBg0qS5D2txCIfSKnxxlAf_NQY_xQuu0nOuGJosiQEKoU0XhiYwm7VcQCugScLyZ7aJprZbk3iCtMAeOyvnrSDTmyOfn3D231iuOpllVKZDIfsKQNpWw/s400/IMG_3713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997609499986530" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px; " /></a></div><div>In this next photo, the area between the points of the scissors is the place where the seam of the lining has been left open for 3":<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OeLbAHhxro9mFOYigJlGfdhN5E-VUcjq6z8SXrcn2zJgP8xHPKyhZfNazcRR-eeEQWmaJ0iSTSa0tUv2Dcho3wbl2lVN5l7O_XhkL6Gc4aOsByo3eEvnrWzFEFZfQPrHrjjl3w/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OeLbAHhxro9mFOYigJlGfdhN5E-VUcjq6z8SXrcn2zJgP8xHPKyhZfNazcRR-eeEQWmaJ0iSTSa0tUv2Dcho3wbl2lVN5l7O_XhkL6Gc4aOsByo3eEvnrWzFEFZfQPrHrjjl3w/s400/IMG_3714.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642996554704195874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px; " /></a>Next, adjust the tube of fabric so that when flattened, the seam which was sewn in the previous step runs down along the center, as shown in the photo below. Stitch along one of the ends of the tube. If you have sewn a pocket to the shell, make sure that you stitch along the edge of the fabric tube which is *closest* to the *bottom* of the pocket. Otherwise, the pocket will be upside-down on the finished product. (Ahem, don't ask me how I know this.) Again, I always zig-zag stitch over the raw edges to keep them from raveling:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7vUJgF4fKeMMDNCib9HVJ01Ywa3PSLKb5BvTTN2AEgGSVyXPDtajfF14_ugtgyxF3GmQxSMUnBnejX9eEv6LHu2sbaCh1vztTJMjCjyxkagDQ_oTrw3scAB7pM-umokb_p2ofQ/s1600/IMG_3715.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7vUJgF4fKeMMDNCib9HVJ01Ywa3PSLKb5BvTTN2AEgGSVyXPDtajfF14_ugtgyxF3GmQxSMUnBnejX9eEv6LHu2sbaCh1vztTJMjCjyxkagDQ_oTrw3scAB7pM-umokb_p2ofQ/s400/IMG_3715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642996543065338386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></a>Now, to add some depth to the bag, fold it/pin it as shown in this photo. You will be stitching a straight line located about one inch away from each of the tips of the little triangles formed by the folding. Confusing? Maybe these pictures will help:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tPkWbUgy50mt7gCcjyjbg2VYwcIHTroL94-MblieYdaCSiqysj0na-qzwo85K8dIwuFfCq09rdiko5uIjLcL0Bp1PI7QWS-UIRP6hgp_KhYBSfh-oGQnOS4HVd1VBUkCAEEpcA/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tPkWbUgy50mt7gCcjyjbg2VYwcIHTroL94-MblieYdaCSiqysj0na-qzwo85K8dIwuFfCq09rdiko5uIjLcL0Bp1PI7QWS-UIRP6hgp_KhYBSfh-oGQnOS4HVd1VBUkCAEEpcA/s400/IMG_3718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642996537617339218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>Here's what it looks like after it's sewn:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rb5TtIkxT_91_zrny_Y2V01k9GXFYeMlEx_snCsX4igoSbEONyl8lfz3_BqQwluMyewoyAdO2aUygdqzMVYd75-kwz9Z7nI7h7K58n3mPJKiAkXIkNv41EW_paxLvXO7MZUUCw/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rb5TtIkxT_91_zrny_Y2V01k9GXFYeMlEx_snCsX4igoSbEONyl8lfz3_BqQwluMyewoyAdO2aUygdqzMVYd75-kwz9Z7nI7h7K58n3mPJKiAkXIkNv41EW_paxLvXO7MZUUCw/s400/IMG_3719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642996527534654914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>Trim off the excess little triangles and zig-zag stitch over the edges to secure them (so they don't unravel):
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiV67TxUS-Vd4ZN_ncm2qc2xgBna8cN5FdWXu4EfcgxGwjZcPjS5uVQO6lDTXKuSyzrtWg4offgsBXP6mnslYtSkA7V1lGTbjdFKA9ns13aCTq6wXIrBjdva560a-9_LRxr2IRQ/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiV67TxUS-Vd4ZN_ncm2qc2xgBna8cN5FdWXu4EfcgxGwjZcPjS5uVQO6lDTXKuSyzrtWg4offgsBXP6mnslYtSkA7V1lGTbjdFKA9ns13aCTq6wXIrBjdva560a-9_LRxr2IRQ/s400/IMG_3720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642996520694037394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>The "shell" of the carrier is done. It has a rectangular bottom and can almost stand up by itself :-) <b>Leave it wrong side out</b> and set it aside for now:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLILzXpW5t-gzWoInvMSKPBc2Mo3N_vmPtxpOH7zbKmf1p-6Bw_Ui21lSErcIQIiitdvBS_OX_h0UyOxx5XZ4jp8EqXPf5kpOMSwRNBOpKIRAD9n_QHSV121ZQB5pwLt9ygtLsA/s1600/IMG_3721.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLILzXpW5t-gzWoInvMSKPBc2Mo3N_vmPtxpOH7zbKmf1p-6Bw_Ui21lSErcIQIiitdvBS_OX_h0UyOxx5XZ4jp8EqXPf5kpOMSwRNBOpKIRAD9n_QHSV121ZQB5pwLt9ygtLsA/s400/IMG_3721.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995971050816770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px; " /></a>Make a rectangular bottom for the lining using the same method of stitching little triangles, trimming them, and securing the raw edges by stitching over the edges with a zig-zag stitch.<b>Turn the lining "right side out" when done.</b> Here is the finished lining. You can see where the opening is that will be used for turning later on:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ypxTWM7riEhvRqaidFhakYKW6tERlPUsh3xzH-NkdH5YUhKhDinzyNM9-tpCe3DxPXxolyLhZYnZejEA2Xcbvj1QdOPf93NlaaQoSDhQwkZ7hNDKbbM9HcrGfXWWBjJo5UHpA/s1600/IMG_3722.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ypxTWM7riEhvRqaidFhakYKW6tERlPUsh3xzH-NkdH5YUhKhDinzyNM9-tpCe3DxPXxolyLhZYnZejEA2Xcbvj1QdOPf93NlaaQoSDhQwkZ7hNDKbbM9HcrGfXWWBjJo5UHpA/s400/IMG_3722.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995952008463106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px; " /></a>Next, take the strap and pin the *right side* of the strap (which is the side the ribbon was sewn onto) to the *right* side of the shell, with raw edges even, and placing the strap *inside* the tube, as shown in the photo:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3-ENE5OLfX2djbfa_186JqYItRGbB5oaeSeJJNs2wJL0wsPE1AepayDdyt94wddR79bzlayMUAnVPkWJJpBfyoXpzmE5bOhvHHSbNBBrzYavfzRPmG3fOUKbBdCN_Sx6UTOGfA/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3-ENE5OLfX2djbfa_186JqYItRGbB5oaeSeJJNs2wJL0wsPE1AepayDdyt94wddR79bzlayMUAnVPkWJJpBfyoXpzmE5bOhvHHSbNBBrzYavfzRPmG3fOUKbBdCN_Sx6UTOGfA/s400/IMG_3724.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995947131648050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px; " /></a>Now, put the lining into the shell, right sides together, and matching raw edges. Stitch through all thicknesses using 1/4" seam allowance. Here I also zig zag stitched along the raw edges to secure them better. This photo shows it all pinned together (before I stitched it):
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp50qLFIw4zjbwZrqG_abXUn4Lq28hGcG8np8w_RvnPkol7QAqmpx9DBXRnznMzrl0UO4H-qWzJi_XvcrFEFB5jQ9Ir-ewiBAaLkcMqu4ShgH6d1OIZaiI1tAGniDlIrWpMVfRw/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp50qLFIw4zjbwZrqG_abXUn4Lq28hGcG8np8w_RvnPkol7QAqmpx9DBXRnznMzrl0UO4H-qWzJi_XvcrFEFB5jQ9Ir-ewiBAaLkcMqu4ShgH6d1OIZaiI1tAGniDlIrWpMVfRw/s400/IMG_3726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995937961433874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px; " /></a>After stitching, pull lining fabric out of shell; notice the opening for turning in this photo:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp2IJC7aReSkM6GkcHxLadSpW_vsInQUAWA0l8GJqEMw3XaocyZHG-JwgzMCvDfULGSilk9IehnSbQHfEAWhGY8kNjpxOvpC6n_McIST3ZvzHzYZz7SlWgZYt8vYx90QoI-K9sw/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp2IJC7aReSkM6GkcHxLadSpW_vsInQUAWA0l8GJqEMw3XaocyZHG-JwgzMCvDfULGSilk9IehnSbQHfEAWhGY8kNjpxOvpC6n_McIST3ZvzHzYZz7SlWgZYt8vYx90QoI-K9sw/s400/IMG_3727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995930296749378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 133px; " /></a>Turn bag right side out by pulling the strap and the denim shell through the hole in the lining:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzfSMnnE-K_3pA1Zz09OQsHHf8nnvJQqflcU7j-NvLYO_pQUbyAPEfF_qf9NocUwY8aPn69fsnU2dysR8a9D7SeANtHp6_pFd30FXPgtVSQbz8_cv1QxAX4Tp9SBELasAFsiWog/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzfSMnnE-K_3pA1Zz09OQsHHf8nnvJQqflcU7j-NvLYO_pQUbyAPEfF_qf9NocUwY8aPn69fsnU2dysR8a9D7SeANtHp6_pFd30FXPgtVSQbz8_cv1QxAX4Tp9SBELasAFsiWog/s400/IMG_3728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995471100039762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 156px; " /></a>Whip stitch the opening of the lining closed:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf5vnbdmSp8Y5LOb9Ug3GAs-a8jxI_C-JgPsWgAdXWZu40qso3l3kFeyaBSL0wzAi9Jm_6xz4TzR_K7H2-TJW4CLbWTCMTg0A6fASN_FDE5dnFm1XaLB4Zy6-bAMdPv1vwpma3w/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf5vnbdmSp8Y5LOb9Ug3GAs-a8jxI_C-JgPsWgAdXWZu40qso3l3kFeyaBSL0wzAi9Jm_6xz4TzR_K7H2-TJW4CLbWTCMTg0A6fASN_FDE5dnFm1XaLB4Zy6-bAMdPv1vwpma3w/s400/IMG_3732.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995464762704482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>Tuck the lining inside, making a crisp flat edge around the top of the bag as shown and pinning the top edges in place to hold them in position for the next step:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wmWjIhY9DGGwwoC2dNTtoHQF8gSX-YHMc2yP4KN9og_9mu0q2DcyGrsdtQuu-d7zT-aCt6-roJ-LVbpjUKIpWEHIQhtA8XntiDv3lV67EK8D1Ttp33ozJJgZOR4yo7Wv3ihUfg/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wmWjIhY9DGGwwoC2dNTtoHQF8gSX-YHMc2yP4KN9og_9mu0q2DcyGrsdtQuu-d7zT-aCt6-roJ-LVbpjUKIpWEHIQhtA8XntiDv3lV67EK8D1Ttp33ozJJgZOR4yo7Wv3ihUfg/s400/IMG_3733.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995459635186882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px; " /></a>Stitch around top of bag close to upper edge, and again 1/4" in from the edge:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0-Il1-QUCLzA4gSxNviN9i5Y8UQEN2KGyjnIsfYyKaf3dgbgHI7wYB6QgFv-T2byDdiZnVyTprfIJ5TGicTMj0H6fXjV-DLpWiii9erLgd79sFDEmzXK53j34ppFncCUadAgfA/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0-Il1-QUCLzA4gSxNviN9i5Y8UQEN2KGyjnIsfYyKaf3dgbgHI7wYB6QgFv-T2byDdiZnVyTprfIJ5TGicTMj0H6fXjV-DLpWiii9erLgd79sFDEmzXK53j34ppFncCUadAgfA/s400/IMG_3734.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995456841513282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>And voila' - your water bottle holder/carrier is finished:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X-HxJ8fefOvP6ng8zaUJbckPLvy-lkLcpEyDX14cfOoDnBptyqX35dE-Nop_-9qqNqebJ2NiOZHPh9lejKTopXZGKBHztIvbttjfzu7Mt_SvauodnHyCD_t6bgZo77drWn66hA/s1600/IMG_3735.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X-HxJ8fefOvP6ng8zaUJbckPLvy-lkLcpEyDX14cfOoDnBptyqX35dE-Nop_-9qqNqebJ2NiOZHPh9lejKTopXZGKBHztIvbttjfzu7Mt_SvauodnHyCD_t6bgZo77drWn66hA/s400/IMG_3735.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642995454363726578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a>I hope you have fun with this pattern! As always, I'm interested in your thoughts, suggestions, and especially any corrections you may have to the directions I've given.<div>
<br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-40588795302399084952011-08-14T10:15:00.000-07:002011-08-14T10:23:27.908-07:00Christmas in August<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Just a quick note... </div><div>
<br /></div><div>A friend commissioned me to knit a Christmas stocking for each member of her family:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKjjhqyduspzoiyWlC0ZhrXcN_rn4z0K5T79U8-JreVLmCM3mbvyT4lorlnD_eK42BzZPEOWFRbI7pbFZHffOdvdtbaztfJChN5ptfvPcuZ7C_5LFF81uG5kNwrdrBc1xJQMk/s400/IMG_3708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640762727951860210" /><div><a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/christms.htm">Pattern</a> is from <a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/">Blackberry Ridge</a>, but I designed the colorwork in the holly and snowflake sections and also used different lettering in the name band.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Bulky yarn, so they were relatively quick knits at roughly 7.5 hours each.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Gotta run! Lots more to share, including a pattern I devised for making a water bottle carrier out of old jeans... Stay tuned...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-52540748908486600512011-04-19T13:00:00.001-07:002011-04-19T13:00:55.924-07:00All Done!<div style="text-align: left; ">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, life has been a blur for the past 12 weeks. I was affiliated with an outpatient neuro PT clinic, and it was really a great experience for me. We saw lots of patients with dizziness, some folks who were post stroke, some post traumatic brain injury, some with Parkinson's disease, etc. Very interesting! With that now behind me, I have a few weeks to catch my breath, and also catch up with other things I've been neglecting (the list is long). I *did* actually finish the red sweater. Recall that this is the *third attempt* at using this yarn after ripping out two other versions of sweaters prior to this. Introducing my new favorite sweater:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zBY3WEToqDCtSuIdUvjGjbtJbc2DDorpWQmTlXb6mnyEYy6_wppDJ38DswdVcsTDAYusqLc_z_pz9kZGgKxTGnKH0LE7Z2r7rUuUzIHTdEz7NK4UskLRRbsmzqvseqsyVHMILA/s400/IMG_3474.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597381925478366258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 400px; " /><div><div style="text-align: left; ">The pattern is <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/twist.html">"Twist"</a> by Chic Knits, and I love it. The photos aren't that great, taken outside with hopes of better lighting, but because the weather is...well, don't get me started on the weather. Today temps are hovering around 32 degrees, and we had snow falling for much of the morning. It just doesn't seem right for April 19th...</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGNpJX_vnXXxRN-_F33ipnEaRmI4hQfFPLRFbPsBJToNkBEFlt0JhUTZhyphenhyphenfwjPX4r4ph7G7vyaNxXchyf7w-A455VpvWYu5bbTO0rIlbAQY9ghgLzp_nM9iJYlJHxE1n7OoFdAg/s400/IMG_3474.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597383129716371458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px; " /><div>In other news, last Friday I met all of the requirements for my degree in Physical Therapy. This has been a long haul, and all day Friday I just couldn't stop smiling. I still have to take a national board exam, and there's the whole *job* thing, but it feels really good to have the degree piece of this wrapped up!</div><div><br /></div><div>That's the big news! I've got other knitting on the needles, including a sweater project I've started for Christmas. (What?!) Yep, I'm actually knitting a Christmas sweater and started it *before November,* a new strategy for me :-) More on that later!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this finds you having a great day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-79566353000866726312011-02-22T11:30:00.001-08:002011-02-22T16:43:00.680-08:00Another sock already?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">Greetings and Dear Laura:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I didn't used to have <b>SSS</b>.* I remember when I first started knitting socks, I knitted complete pairs all of the time. I had at least 5 or 6 pairs to wear at any given time! I don't know what happened to me, but the last few years I have not knitted many pairs of socks, and I've struggled with the second sock each time. It was just grit and determination that got me through the second hexagon sock last summer. I did the first Norwegian Rose sock pretty quickly, but I didn't do the second one until 6 months later. I have 2 socks currently in my UFO's - two different socks, so I have the first of each partially done.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And now I'm trying to knit a pair each month! Yikes!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I didn't finish the second Norwegian Rose sock until Feb 10th, at which point I realized that I had 18 days left to knit a pair. That meant 9 days per sock. (Not really 9 days - I cast on at 10:30 on the 10th, so that wasn't much of a day!) The first sock took me until the 22nd to finish, and today I cast on for the second sock. I got 4 of the 8 rows of ribbing finished during lunch, which isn't really much.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn5CDQBCW_R1zJkurYLH-zhOmJdIpXqXSYLlr9jjBStgt3BbuuUmJwU7M4Dm4zvcSOsN8C085c2Z5gqSz-haw3gYxmbXMDojl8Qv2GIWKQJGg7ReMaIi3Dsg5i_i0RG8xZStE0w/s320/IMG_0416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576678434497158258" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>And I'm really not feeling the love for this second sock. I just <i>DID</i> this sock! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">Maybe I'll love it more if I knit it fast and get it over with?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Yes Lauren, you can pick a project for March. Just don't tell me about it until I get February done, ok??</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Also, what's with the ice? And snow?<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h7hQljjpT_6jB-EG93YgeHmyc_7fcIN9U5hypp9IaRcxYZedmB3XUPNi6CTjgtr9fhRWE3tx1VQede-4aSw-rcBkPCknPnWOsplTpeVTphLP0iox8J141aJc7qyr8wayHBEdbg/s320/IMG_0417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576678438565675378" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Keep knitting!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cynthia (aka DesignatedKnitter)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>*Second Sock Syndrome </b></span></div>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-43559847852277572092011-02-07T13:39:00.001-08:002011-02-08T02:34:18.905-08:00Thank you!<div>Greetings and Dear Laura:</div><div><br />Thank you, thank you for the beautiful mittens that you sent! I love them – they are cozy and warm and pretty AND they are in my current-obsession-color – light green! What a happy day at the mailbox!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJTmBSCsZeViOyr54V0j07sc_EC52KBAQDPxM5GFLFwrDWLCKoCz1lS4MgT-cBCUbt13ffFpO2l2wYkhoqfQPMj8UK440yZUAIBCMciSkXHSduHrcjCvRgNxC75KRSkk4YqB_qw/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJTmBSCsZeViOyr54V0j07sc_EC52KBAQDPxM5GFLFwrDWLCKoCz1lS4MgT-cBCUbt13ffFpO2l2wYkhoqfQPMj8UK440yZUAIBCMciSkXHSduHrcjCvRgNxC75KRSkk4YqB_qw/s320/IMG_0397.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571264298543669314" /></a><br /></div><div>Congrats on last night’s big win by the Packers. My brother has always been a Packers fan and his wife has always been a Steelers fan (talk about your mixed marriage!) and so I tried to stay as neutral as possible. However, there was a drawing at work and I had to pick one or the other to put my name in and so I went with the Packers. I ended up winning a $20 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings – so YAY PACKERS!!<br /><br /></div><div>Thank you to Cindy G for your comment on my last post. I’m still finding projects to package together, and I’m way past 12 – there are currently 21 projects in the basket and I have 3 or 4 more waiting to be printed and packaged. I don’t know if you noticed my copy of “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cuff-Above-Leisure-Arts-4784/dp/1601409877/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297160790&sr=8-1">A Cuff Above</a>” in the picture, but I have two projects from it in the basket – the cover socks, and the Lucy Anklet socks. I spent quite a bit of time at Stitches Midwest last summer, choosing the perfect yarns for the cover socks, so I hope they get pulled out of the basket soon!<br /><br /></div><div>Since I want the choosing process to be random, I asked my mom to visit the stash and pick a bag. My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DesignatedKntr/two-for-one-socks">February project </a>will be Spud and Chloe socks in a medium-blue Spud and Chloe yarn! And as soon as I finish the last 20 or so rows of the Norwegian Rose socks (groan!) I’ll be casting on for those. Meanwhile, I put each project in my Ravelry Queue with the tag ‘<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/DesignatedKntr/queue?set=2011-project">2011Project</a>’ so to facilitate allowing others to choose for me remotely. Watch this space for opportunities to ‘boss-me-around-about-knitting!’<br /><br /></div><div>Lea-Ann commented about Kitchener on a fingerless mitt project. That is indeed what it was. Nancy made them from the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wrist-warmers-3">Not Just More Socks book</a>, (Ravelry link) and they are knit flat, sideways, and then grafted together. They are very cute!<br /><br /></div><div>In other news, how bad is it that I haven’t knit an inch of my yarn from Stitches Midwest 2011 but all I can think about is saving up for Stitches Midwest 2012??<br />[sigh]<br /><br /></div><div>Keep knitting!<br />Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter!)<br /><br /></div>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-30091731835149656622011-01-29T12:01:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:32:52.495-08:00I posted! And I kitchenered!Greetings and Dear Laura:<br /><br />We'll need to take a minute to let you and <a href="http://knittingatlunch.blogspot.com/">Knitting@Lunch</a> and any other loyal readers recover from the shock of it all. Here's a picture of some yarn while you catch your breath.......<div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jD0qvv7nQPSbvCE7PRPWj966TtvxpeLsLG7rIVPVKm6wCK2bcSHDuLtEgX37WtreJgC3kRT9KbZRW-v0niJrp5jgyAOZPQtw3kzLv_fCwzNDiggmxkdstJjgT0vqErKJXK1npw/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jD0qvv7nQPSbvCE7PRPWj966TtvxpeLsLG7rIVPVKm6wCK2bcSHDuLtEgX37WtreJgC3kRT9KbZRW-v0niJrp5jgyAOZPQtw3kzLv_fCwzNDiggmxkdstJjgT0vqErKJXK1npw/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567714079451373186" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">I have been enjoying reading your posts tho. You make such beautiful sweaters, and I'm always impressed with how many you actually finish. And the Heilo mittens look great - altho <a href="http://pickinandthrowin.blogspot.com/2011/01/things-are-looking-up.html">that post</a> gave me a scare. When I read about the proposed changing the name of the blog, I thought you might be going to drop the Pickin' since I post so rarely! Whew! </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Anyway, I would surely not object to "Pickin' and Throwin' and Rippin'" after my struggles with my February Lady cardigan. However, once I got past that evil instruction to - well, let's just post it here.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Century Gothic'; ">Eyelet increases (RS): k7 (10, 8, 8, 8, 10, 14), pm. Work 41 (38, 47, 41, 41, 38, 39) YOs spaced</p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Century Gothic'; ">evenly among the 197 (207, 219, 239, 267, 291, 311) center stitches, pm, k7 (10, 8, 8, 8, 10, 14).</p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Century Gothic'; ">[252 (265, 282, 296, 324, 349, 378) total stitches] (Some knitters have made the pattern less</p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Century Gothic'; ">swingy by decreasing the number of increases here. Others have left the increases off the</p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Century Gothic'; ">sleeve stitches, to make narrower sleeves. Knit it to fit you! See “notes on sizing” below.)</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Century Gothic'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; ">Seriously? That one - I think on the 4th or 5th try I figured it out, and it had to do with adding some 'fake increases' so that it worked out. (None of those numbers divide evenly into each other!) But that was a long time ago, and I've been plugging away on the lace body, and it turns out that eventually you get near the end. Who knew? Another couple of lace repeats and 2" of garter border and I'll be ready to move on to the sleeves.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0a0pcOaWpw4P5YLp8MU_kLbQblE9jg05NVvtzkfiOf2SwNqzzl0aEcXnuw0tTxBhJkznmW9wX2QgGMSY9SZJZB57KSkXIKAeIrFPtEowB_Dig26NW45RJfOpC7G1hDmYmiftSg/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0a0pcOaWpw4P5YLp8MU_kLbQblE9jg05NVvtzkfiOf2SwNqzzl0aEcXnuw0tTxBhJkznmW9wX2QgGMSY9SZJZB57KSkXIKAeIrFPtEowB_Dig26NW45RJfOpC7G1hDmYmiftSg/s320/IMG_0346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568151210932365218" /></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">My goal for this year is to make 12 projects out of stash yarn for me! Mostly socks/sock yarn, but there are a few other projects as well. The picture at the top of this post was the pairing of yarn and patterns, which I finally got around to this weekend. I had been collecting the patterns and choosing the yarns from my Ravelry, but it remained to do the actual packaging. Now I'm all set - there are actually 18-20 projects in the basket. Later this week I can randomly pull out one for February!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">For January, I had decided to work on a UFO, since it was getting later in the month. Last week I worked on the second sock of the Norwegian Rose pair that I worked on last summer. Remember the 1st sock was displayed at Stitches, in the <a href="http://www.knittingtoday.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc">Knitting Today</a> booth?</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ4AzPM1uDH4V5PFvxafwu61On8GatSd4Mgn2nNwGEZUWXVnEiMhsjE3oTqD4fb4EI9M4cDJX1JZNtuC7f6JWG5RLAs5yWq-_iaOpRSJnHSi8n8Sbsh7Dljm0UttgiqwsKJkLxw/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ4AzPM1uDH4V5PFvxafwu61On8GatSd4Mgn2nNwGEZUWXVnEiMhsjE3oTqD4fb4EI9M4cDJX1JZNtuC7f6JWG5RLAs5yWq-_iaOpRSJnHSi8n8Sbsh7Dljm0UttgiqwsKJkLxw/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568155357047995922" /></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">I had most of the foot of the other sock done, and I'll finish turning the heel yet this evening, so it should be done soon. However, last night it occurred to me (!) that it wasn't going to make it by the end of January, so I grabbed a chunky stash yarn and made a quick hat for myself. I've had the yarn for a while, and a hat is what I intended and needed, so that was a win!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1heTDMWZAstCYPjCy2D8iXzu_M7zyVkG7yxldX2Z0VmKwH4NpeqQBChDbepVCH92FkmiupfsDjN1ZT7Ecs7b22DJw9hUzvZ-XY2Sop5xeHrQBH0AFj5IrsW7AhkzTcL-IO8eDQ/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1heTDMWZAstCYPjCy2D8iXzu_M7zyVkG7yxldX2Z0VmKwH4NpeqQBChDbepVCH92FkmiupfsDjN1ZT7Ecs7b22DJw9hUzvZ-XY2Sop5xeHrQBH0AFj5IrsW7AhkzTcL-IO8eDQ/s320/IMG_0387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568151222033369778" /></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Well, that's a good update from here - oh wait! I mentioned that I Kitchenered, didn't I?? (I believe that my long-standing aversion to Kitchener grafting is well documented over the life of the blog.) <a href="http://www.knittingtoday.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc">Knitting Today</a> got a shipment of these really cool keychains that document the anatomy of a sock, and brief instructions for grafting the toe. (I know that it isn't complicated, but I always manage to get confused part way through.) It was cute and colorful and I'm a real sucker for such things, so I picked one up for my notions bag. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYQpBjVr6ur4JDVx59pGvp-8dkXSJ0yrs2xfEVTcqHAhjnCOZuSWeVF4ToGnK2oPTJMj3JMsIGAKhWRNg1goGQgprdrp5ZAUHTnQzudmV42UNysM7lkvjLx5OzlcNQ_eC6COBA/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYQpBjVr6ur4JDVx59pGvp-8dkXSJ0yrs2xfEVTcqHAhjnCOZuSWeVF4ToGnK2oPTJMj3JMsIGAKhWRNg1goGQgprdrp5ZAUHTnQzudmV42UNysM7lkvjLx5OzlcNQ_eC6COBA/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568151220871512610" /></a><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Last Thursday, Sweater Night was cancelled and so a few of us met at Starbucks. (Much less driving in the snow!) As I got out of the car, I realized that I had left my knitting on my desk, and so I had nothing to do. Nancy generously offered to let me graft together a fingerless mitt that she had. I was bored enough that I agreed (I did barter for a double-chocolate frapa-thingy) and I got out my little keychain. It was very useful! It was so brief that I was able to keep track of where I was, and we were both pleased with the result. In fact, Nancy borrowed it to graft the second mitt and reported that it worked really well for her as well. So, those of you who are intimidated by Kitchener - get yourself to the <a href="http://www.knittingtoday.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc">Knitting Today store or website</a> and get one of the magic "Grafting Lucky Charms!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Whew. Anyway, we both have a goal for 2011 knitting!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Keep knitting!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter!)</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"> </p><br /></div>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-78939603945207387892011-01-18T07:21:00.000-08:002011-01-18T08:02:37.145-08:00Valentine Craft - woven felt hearts<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This is not an original idea, though I don't recall ever running across it actually in print, so I thought I'd share this fun craft with you.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>These are little heart pockets made out of felt:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2ma2YS7J1eadVX-9KU4Emi6KhJ-tbc7rYlBXvHVsUsL2AkjByVu-XWx_Icyb3dXEiRoFjgN56JFXti6uX1wzuhCiAiONUtHafUB2rDIpCkGYjBP6idfgiXVTGaxWRUA3CF1-/s400/IMG_3432.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563549792134306898" />The tops open up and can hold a treat inside!<div><br /></div><div>They may be made any size. The pattern piece I use is four inches wide and six inches tall. The key is to start with a square (I started with a four inch square), and add a half circle to one side of it. Then draw two lines evenly spaced which are the length of one side of the square (as shown in the photo):</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRt6_rT1lKOap43aDqabz-ePfE7_Fq34FrhySxsaas7AqRiQ2v7CUFvsIdW0f37dBKw9O_DUUtafAU_cWDLEcTgPlvGWuS4ud7zz60npmgvF8_zj2giBQZTvl8QzDzce-yRDP/s400/IMG_3457.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563553470926775266" /><div>This pattern piece is placed on the fold of a piece of felt. I use two pieces of different colored felt. (I get the pre-cut felt which is 9x12 inches; I am able to make two hearts with these two pieces of felt.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Cut around the pattern piece and also cut along the lines. For a heart having larger woven squares, cut on only the two lines; for a heart having smaller woven squares, bisect each of the "legs" with an additional cut. Here is what the felt pieces look like after cutting them out and opening up the fold; these pieces will make a green and gold heart having the smaller woven squares:<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQb1xTwcsmHomMnYHWjyeIDyf9qpEI0F01n3-mLDlxid2GEy09pFBxGilKo8LWKloMqul2ia_i5kon6zX7-Fm6eXZL5n6B1SiTDZ-g469VXQ3_fAGODA1ItSPL7IWdyyrdV1M/s400/IMG_3434.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563549783013969682" /><div style="text-align: left;">Weaving the first row can be tricky, until you "see" how things are supposed to be working. It's difficult to explain with words, though hopefully you will be able to figure it out from the pictures. For big woven squares:</div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyV27XVbTom01HP3orWLFaPmvV-iEFX3H8VOvg5ixp-MKTniiTEjA1Mk9L-SDKIe8aC0f6Uzz9zIMhgM0c2xyv2yeuJJsqwnxVlvPHkn89J8og8NoIwssjlSsTpi9DVrHngzx/s400/IMG_3449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563553467110332418" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo-Het0tRCCWREhSIALA5zjCcYpupPNDtHrR4u5F2YpCnk7ETuSnkCNeAEwnG-VVxyepkD_j7SDm_dG5i0iuUH4CmZ-iOK1IvexQZDtfm2rdAcI1X3Z2Pcg4l_qCvO8vkYwqL/s400/IMG_3450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563553461385194674" />For little woven squares:</div><div><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-EnlR1ri73GsD9KvrhHtsdgeOztZrsJmjtwz3bcsL6lIIRLps0_moMumG07noGcmBwHmqN93FnP32UrimWljkkcU-DBaNZJlRdBH0W0C9yuqG7xmwE8EipH3CTvhmDj_WpXC/s400/IMG_3439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563549762596390258" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0JS0H2dtaxjPj7et8kO6gf570ClkXOJ_mtl_HgzvK20g-_s6CCxL1q-pPyDm14CsR7J4mMut8Gg2fgF8qtjyjpqupMIHCNsgvZpRxBFYRdChg3Y4VIXJNL_xY91DUu3sE7oo/s400/IMG_3440.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563549740010299714" /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeB8dAxOu0TqyPdFWLflqqgClnX0PZfIPxAQ4joOoz_KDm9gzdlgrs32Y3OzOPWs3309Zydr7Aq_qJ8TZVu3Nu9ASbUYHGJnnBA4x413ebPsVaj3L2mi4tMZoM4GE0vw7BXwb/s400/IMG_3441.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563549730267397746" />First row completed:</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbygdeXlV3RlQ8OkI82ZSFK1yvBIGB576nRQX_E0XJb6s6vS_9VDxScm9zzwQIc1nQP2d7amaj4dqSsyqkZHDdq6T3SKFaSU0Xe6e6DDNpOhvmLyxWqDVNNip-tRR2TZ3zv4w/s400/IMG_3442.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563548133589542290" />Moving on to the second row:</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWX7bvW_6jD30rg1dfQ_zqHmnUq0hJ20J8e-WsMTuO_aOu6vZJDWi245BE73oG4128YV8cIzxVs0zKf5k8MlRP6vvOvrldzxE0tz9zdrCCJpgH8jZlbJRNajI5vv6ltChmyEQ/s400/IMG_3443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563548121098759186" /></div><div>...and the third row:</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCSvf1mIgoFp4olz8l3kEqlwEeJLwcI-wfaarqHiMk0Se_pxH7aFX43afQ5sosLFPaLWo1MTjg2fDf3PpshzUKrR9moVvsORYLOHJHjXaLqlch3KoduEq0T-ZeVm6B_Un919W/s400/IMG_3452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563553455517491042" />Heart with big woven squares with weaving completed:</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBk6zjZ756uEZq6nYHV1iLgc9z1uf9oRVU_3EAWa_xiVX_JE-7qYcX3juXBxN0ymA-d-mTs0rHzzslHS2jLmCetjO3x_SdvpLvGiv-3h5F-Vbp2ic64dqxjtu2tzA5kYyiHXS/s400/IMG_3454.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563553448999332546" /><div style="text-align: left;">Weaving in the final (sixth) row of the heart with small woven squares:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMn_FdHDk0TQq9zACHu6VLC8Q2TbKctAWtzAfoVJxcHb4aC0bgODvOv7Ezvnn-LoxT5B_VgenvgM6KZGnQn1ogZXhZzEdFGrKiDZR201ywI43c94L2OdjPL3-m34NnJNaifH2/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMn_FdHDk0TQq9zACHu6VLC8Q2TbKctAWtzAfoVJxcHb4aC0bgODvOv7Ezvnn-LoxT5B_VgenvgM6KZGnQn1ogZXhZzEdFGrKiDZR201ywI43c94L2OdjPL3-m34NnJNaifH2/s400/IMG_3445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563548116073728194" /></a>A look at the inside after weaving is complete:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQuWCJMxi42q_sNY9pAS6wANBBXs7ZadMiasSdbX0_9Jc2FkVqYApBTClW9L4oCdFUJhthFNv-SRJiq7R3uzTh9PPbbHqD78O4YDv7WCXxmwGIJZVom-ZfFaW8l6S46DQwdSp/s1600/IMG_3448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQuWCJMxi42q_sNY9pAS6wANBBXs7ZadMiasSdbX0_9Jc2FkVqYApBTClW9L4oCdFUJhthFNv-SRJiq7R3uzTh9PPbbHqD78O4YDv7WCXxmwGIJZVom-ZfFaW8l6S46DQwdSp/s400/IMG_3448.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563548095270693058" /></a>Add a little hanger (I just took a piece of long/narrow rectangular felt and used a hot glue gun to attach it to the top of the heart, one end on each side so that it still opens up to be able to hold a little treat inside):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRufvwB7ACvM5AVxyscvZGmR3BW5SkSPjG9sF9bDoyRSUI6RvZBMO0Lo5zQI234jOXi6gX_XHQ5NDbbxB3-g3mHmvYzLsIEEI4P6e9H8xftQzSjtYvyz0kVZ1KdtrAZqRQjsMb/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRufvwB7ACvM5AVxyscvZGmR3BW5SkSPjG9sF9bDoyRSUI6RvZBMO0Lo5zQI234jOXi6gX_XHQ5NDbbxB3-g3mHmvYzLsIEEI4P6e9H8xftQzSjtYvyz0kVZ1KdtrAZqRQjsMb/s400/IMG_3456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563548093229882482" /></a>Of course, you may not fancy a green and gold heart (not a Packers fan?), so enjoy creating your own color combinations!<div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-44894960298144672682011-01-16T17:19:00.000-08:002011-01-16T17:49:37.182-08:00Things are looking up<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>It is very cold here right now, and we've got plenty of snow, which I suppose is normal for winter in Wisconsin, and though I'm not sick of it *yet,* check back in about a month and I'll be singing a different tune... Wonderful to have nice wool sweaters and socks to wear...especially while cross country skiing, or simply wearing inside our 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit house.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heilo mittens are looking much better after ripping them out and re-starting with smaller needles:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUJ4vBV2VbwXFV3qa00NfInc1PYZS1QhI5UcCmokqCYpcXJ4zHBccRM-UPOOvAXYrZ6nHxVLkXK8TVL-G5xVvcgwWbhGwrBBoffOnag1U-WB3im3mhbOrj4XROTUB-qK3Q4Sd/s400/IMG_3431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562960239756373426" /><div>The only problem is that if I place the end of the cuff (which is at the beginning of the increases which occur at both sides of the thumb) at the base of my hand as in the photo, the thumb opening is going to be in the wrong spot. Referring to the photo, I am supposed to knit the 11 thumb stitches onto waste yarn on the very next row, then place those stitches back on the left needle and continue knitting around in pattern for the rest of the mitten. After that, the waste yarn is picked out and those stitches are used to make the thumb... Notice how the thumb opening will not be in the right location for my anatomy...</div><div><br /></div><div>HOWEVER, after a few e-mails with blog buddy <a href="http://baxterknits.blogspot.com/">BaxterKnits (Cindy)</a>, I think I'm going to take her advice and knit four rows for every increase instead of the three indicated in the chart. This means that I'll have to revise the chart a little bit, but the thumb location on the mitten will much more closely approximate the actual location of my thumb. So, I rip again, but just nine or ten rows this time... </div><div><br /></div><div>So, do you think that it is time to change the name of our blog to "Pickin' and Throwin' and Rippin'?"</div><div><br /></div><div>My NEW GOAL for 2011 is going to be to knit something according to the pattern, without alteration, and without having to rip it out. This might mean that I'll have to make a simple dishrag...</div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, I don't think I'm going to run out of yarn on my Twist cardigan! I have the second sleeve halfway done, and plenty 0'yarn left... Goal to finish that one this week, before I start my final clinical in another week and have much less time for blogging... </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay warm! Also, Go Packers! (Can you *believe* the Packers??!!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-40618073729983561682011-01-14T14:01:00.001-08:002011-01-14T14:50:44.603-08:00The year of ripping...<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the current state of my <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/twist.html">Twist</a> sweater:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLva2N8rphhu7ocBvoMteI1nQNgoAQS02RWPKyQDEchuLAZfLVCMDAzfrwlkIfISA4Brupd65f4t2TymjsSOMLmgItzH_4IwhyDaMm1Yc5gl5QxosPlv7HZmjQtAaDMRyVy6No/s400/IMG_3422.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562173971214617026" /><div style="text-align: left;">The hood is done, and I've actually sewn in the first sleeve, instead of saving all of the finishing until the end... I still must knit the second sleeve and the front button/buttonhole bands. I'm concerned about running out of yarn, so there is a chance I'll have to harvest extra yarn needed for the sleeve or front bands from the hood...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpV89lf-7vnn534BuIGZernvQ3DsEyBiBICpv3QC57IG3KfTMxYwQTfn9QLtctYrg0zo2InZU77865dSFgs97nTO8Nnrqwr0E8Au5fa8COyigtSGkhE5afmhCIlanO1nLbXhI/s400/IMG_3426.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562173960908928802" /><div>This would be fine, as the pattern has an alternate collar version which doesn't require nearly as much yarn. However, let me just say that I am *tired* of this sweater. I had to take out large chunks of the first sleeve on multiple occasions for various dumb mistakes I made, and though I am thrilled that the "third time is the charm" on knitting the entire body of the sweater over again, and the Cascade 220 yarn has been quite durable, I'd like to *conclude* my little experiment about how many times a yarn may be ripped and re-knit without losing it's loveliness...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I also cast on for a pair of "Heilo Mittens," thinking that it would be nice to start a fresh new project which was straight-forward and had not been ripped at all. Here is the cuff so far -- love the braid and also the color pattern:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQPGuw975Ae1f4LnZFyZBshiy0Du0j7hV8I52l4BQ-O18qhgqJZ_4mM0jpOFDT7UJOnm67-ZnIHmTcb9LFUiDEa8H3q9IRHCgV-N3ujIbD3T1bjFC_5oVZl1MnZ8j1mZgrt4J/s400/IMG_3428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562173954961834802" /><div> Ahem. My gauge is way off, and these are going to be way too big, so I have to rip back and start again with smaller needles... AAUGH! The pattern for these may be found in Veronik Avery's book "Knitting 24x7."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I haven't spent *all* of my time knitting stuff and then ripping it out... I've been able to get some things done around the house which I've been putting off for literally years. I *finally* put up my youngest son's baby pictures on the wall, so now he is included in the family "gallery" in our upstairs hallway. I've had the frame for years, but never took the time to put it all together... I also cleaned out my work/sewing/craft/knitting room -- still some work to be done there, but it is so much more functional than it was. Look -- labels on my yarn stash bins! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz4j0oPmrLvh-7P_apwaGBdEMRc6SqCuXGo2cQS7jlMxXpe_xEHj4-kdsV9P0wlsuLCBIBxfir21mRYohTDmthHiZYF6YlsNJvguMOpH7OXMlaEJ1xUUqEtqHdl-D2hrmQR1v/s400/IMG_3429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562174363529206690" /><div>These two shelves contain the bulk of my yarn stash. At my current rate of ripping as I go, I've got plenty of yarn to keep me busy for a long time!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In other news, after I met my goal of 150 workouts for 2010 on December 17th, I totally fell off of the exercise and eating right wagon, so my big project for next week is to re-group and literally get my butt in gear. It is my last week off before I start my final clinical, so time to really get more disciplined again...</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend! Will you be watching the Packer game tomorrow night? If you *aren't* a Packer fan, it is a great time to go grocery shopping, because I guarantee you that the stores will be almost empty starting at about 7:00pm... I'll probably shop early in the day, however, and knit while the game is on in the evening... SuperBowl Fever!</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-78290184264839975142011-01-11T17:27:00.000-08:002011-01-11T18:03:47.489-08:00Gift card holder / pouch<div>Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPq6VV84-yohVMF_keBk6CL_F6W16ACFk9CG5habgF2h3NyDatPDCMtIgTt71XuvQDMKJI3WqIwKPdu6AYMauaBNn0_xdPzdAJj3BylRKq72pMb_jZGZODrevyJfXuGpY2OXD/s400/IMG_3420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561107495701127826" /></div><div>I gave my nieces and nephew gift cards for Christmas, but I wanted to spice them up just a little bit, so I decided to make little pouches as "wrapping" and included some lip balm in each one, too:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGicozPuCxpuC09wBH5x9oilBxJP9wahk8tN14Ve-rfMPAVGjyNkBhV_Vli8N68eVEJgLLJ_bI33RNKy87eim4ATEB5fFMSeHE5xy3vBf3p_1e0HODBMLaTcm9i0a7YypXJu9L/s400/IMG_3418.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561105743172576738" />To make these, I first used a word processor program to print out really big letters onto a piece of paper:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmo0AVujsvrqgqLQJm8NMIef0TTG6Xbgwn1-00bYNelSW7_Y87Oc2sl46mEvHQogJ_jfsUUVvVF3oSIfkmS7Z3OFvlvwIoWe8C5TZKO-Zk7zPkhm72F-ZZPegXq_s_aLShoCp/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmo0AVujsvrqgqLQJm8NMIef0TTG6Xbgwn1-00bYNelSW7_Y87Oc2sl46mEvHQogJ_jfsUUVvVF3oSIfkmS7Z3OFvlvwIoWe8C5TZKO-Zk7zPkhm72F-ZZPegXq_s_aLShoCp/s400/IMG_3399.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561107488116761938" /></a>I then cut out a piece of "Wonder Under" which was slightly larger than my letters. (Note that "Wonder Under" is a material which may be ironed onto most fabrics to make the fabric fusible, and may be purchased at any fabric store.) I traced the letters onto the paper side of the Wonder Under *backwards*. It was helpful to place the paper and Wonder Under on a window for tracing:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwytL5Umj8lPKzwq6yvKEojC58SsJaoKgUf-M0DATBM8LyzRVpcL7Bes4e8tc6WNq4ydgz7w2xbRKePCbgZ-bkeJN0cmwptzW__gG3RMs6bMZU8Py7jWoP3qb73q4cb_J8FJlT/s1600/IMG_3403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwytL5Umj8lPKzwq6yvKEojC58SsJaoKgUf-M0DATBM8LyzRVpcL7Bes4e8tc6WNq4ydgz7w2xbRKePCbgZ-bkeJN0cmwptzW__gG3RMs6bMZU8Py7jWoP3qb73q4cb_J8FJlT/s400/IMG_3403.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561107482354199442" /></a>Once the tracing was all done...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv8ucbSzg0x0KglHjauwk1WWHtmFMX8yFsV7_tXhMsXPytHnn4VWZqjpiUgjyqphBbKsewKlWNb9ltvc5eWZJTTQgdvATdjQ7WmBu-PdWqIb_cBuEh0QAqI6xZ8Tabw5g-Rf3/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv8ucbSzg0x0KglHjauwk1WWHtmFMX8yFsV7_tXhMsXPytHnn4VWZqjpiUgjyqphBbKsewKlWNb9ltvc5eWZJTTQgdvATdjQ7WmBu-PdWqIb_cBuEh0QAqI6xZ8Tabw5g-Rf3/s400/IMG_3405.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561107477932701682" /></a>...I ironed the Wonder Under onto the *back* of the fabric:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHDLYL3po9mFlHW7NP1hHEQGJWDAsG3vXO1Qf1N1z4cdZJ4bSI2OC7lQ4JX3A3YVg5Ze4zbTmFVfDurtuIhoeMNf-QC3JPwhdV5CmJl-ztSjshs7Pwj8dKjXm8FlHCa0b1dn5/s1600/IMG_3407.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHDLYL3po9mFlHW7NP1hHEQGJWDAsG3vXO1Qf1N1z4cdZJ4bSI2OC7lQ4JX3A3YVg5Ze4zbTmFVfDurtuIhoeMNf-QC3JPwhdV5CmJl-ztSjshs7Pwj8dKjXm8FlHCa0b1dn5/s400/IMG_3407.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561106603520805170" /></a>I recommend holding the iron for no more than three seconds in each position while ironing the Wonder Under to the fabric; otherwise, it can be difficult to remove the paper backing later on... Cut out the letters; see how they are not backwards any more:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkQAUzrsbCHgMgeBmsNQp9cpewUANVPEDMXd5NdtbtOXucV0wXEuqLut3UM8uYoQBXpC-emXInAAlriFaOqYwsNYr2ky4FtV12UL9pOBRArbwpETGBuKujgdZg3dgnmt_s78O/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkQAUzrsbCHgMgeBmsNQp9cpewUANVPEDMXd5NdtbtOXucV0wXEuqLut3UM8uYoQBXpC-emXInAAlriFaOqYwsNYr2ky4FtV12UL9pOBRArbwpETGBuKujgdZg3dgnmt_s78O/s400/IMG_3408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561106596792717778" /></a>Remove the paper backing from the letters. If you find it difficult to get the paper to start to come off of the fabric, try stretching the fabric a little bit on the diagonal which will tear the paper and make it easier to grab. Then, iron each letter to a piece of 6"x12" bag fabric (I used denim), placing the top of the letter 1.25" from one of the 6" sides of the bag fabric. Stitch around the letter using a satin stitch (zig zag having a 0.5mm stitch length):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNwJFqRhNQlEGPAcE5CtVuWAKEgcduav3yx94AhPT7S-jkP-TIIxY1q2nyhr3Iveke9pTk1uVo63QFZw6EkV0pVKb427T0nutPlAINfwWXkVkce06wiu26hgXucZ7KbNI3GQn/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNwJFqRhNQlEGPAcE5CtVuWAKEgcduav3yx94AhPT7S-jkP-TIIxY1q2nyhr3Iveke9pTk1uVo63QFZw6EkV0pVKb427T0nutPlAINfwWXkVkce06wiu26hgXucZ7KbNI3GQn/s400/IMG_3409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561106593947110498" /></a>...and up close:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMGN6r27jhygE1kYV_kIsjNGvrMacU_070FLxJZ4WtcgiuWvKs_zCLzg46TJ5Igs5dN9TROQpNrQV1bERMRPHEos-8OSy1NRDZqaUdCy-y5CidZiTpMDiuqJQsm3oplit2djg/s1600/IMG_3411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMGN6r27jhygE1kYV_kIsjNGvrMacU_070FLxJZ4WtcgiuWvKs_zCLzg46TJ5Igs5dN9TROQpNrQV1bERMRPHEos-8OSy1NRDZqaUdCy-y5CidZiTpMDiuqJQsm3oplit2djg/s400/IMG_3411.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561106579427196306" /></a>Next, install the zipper. I usually have "Make-A-Zipper" on hand, which is a roll of zipper tape having plenty of zipper "pulls" on it; I just cut the zipper to the right size, which in this case would be about 7". However, a 7" purchased zipper will work, or really any length zipper which might have been recycled from some old clothing...just as long as it won't harm your sewing machine to stitch through the zipper and you can cut off the extra length after it is sewn into the bag. Nylon zippers work great for this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YTX2UwjVZUyS7HCaiZ1OSUCQT_zVlje4gjfd3c3J1m0Tcr7bgxIPnKEQWRmZioeEqDgZjRFBaYoDYz45EBZ3pVYBLeXaZZO9B7AtrqkXCzesW0FnISnSghe_2FgY18Fx69Oj/s1600/IMG_3412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YTX2UwjVZUyS7HCaiZ1OSUCQT_zVlje4gjfd3c3J1m0Tcr7bgxIPnKEQWRmZioeEqDgZjRFBaYoDYz45EBZ3pVYBLeXaZZO9B7AtrqkXCzesW0FnISnSghe_2FgY18Fx69Oj/s400/IMG_3412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561106571028130066" /></a>Stitch one long side of the zipper tape to one 6" end of the bag fabric with right sides together. Then, stitch the other long side of the zipper tape to the other 6" end of the bag fabric right sides together. You will now have a little tube. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSeEuwNC77sZ7vytWiOlWk0JpLFF4knSVZIns9kF5NejBj92xPocCTrqzvd_wytfNj1pRwb_L1BHDbeTegzwROsQiI9rzYj_A_f0rNpSQmcCymHU8ox80Ca13878Y837ydrkr/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSeEuwNC77sZ7vytWiOlWk0JpLFF4knSVZIns9kF5NejBj92xPocCTrqzvd_wytfNj1pRwb_L1BHDbeTegzwROsQiI9rzYj_A_f0rNpSQmcCymHU8ox80Ca13878Y837ydrkr/s400/IMG_3415.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561105766268466594" /></a>Open the zipper about halfway. It is really important to do this, because otherwise you will not be able to turn your bag right side out! With right sides together, and with zipper positioned near the top of the bag, stitch along each side of the bag. (See photo above - zipper is positioned properly, and so just stitch along each side.) Then, to give the bag a little bit of depth, pull out each lower corner and stitch across forming a triangle as shown in this photo:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5kt8di8Og9dyzF9URYOjqoOU0OvueY5_D1EzG3DlVna6T1HnuFxdl43XiYOUQTduYu8NSFLe6YGPX6pW0CwmT5MfLULMun0p7LZNSDklmLLrFW5DszlBhGP_GjpidWpKo5Mj/s1600/IMG_3416.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5kt8di8Og9dyzF9URYOjqoOU0OvueY5_D1EzG3DlVna6T1HnuFxdl43XiYOUQTduYu8NSFLe6YGPX6pW0CwmT5MfLULMun0p7LZNSDklmLLrFW5DszlBhGP_GjpidWpKo5Mj/s400/IMG_3416.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561105757367191858" /></a>Here is the finished product, wrong side out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J5i0OHkpF0GmIK6Gz1n7AZ4osaEfKBeneEUbbUuNIcTaHLGRpg2podNjT_4u0NB-JkSdnHHdkxC0lhBT8tiDjtNfEhIvWxHpiyXAYJEUk-rmDoclkXBfb_HUFVJ-qUsszzzx/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J5i0OHkpF0GmIK6Gz1n7AZ4osaEfKBeneEUbbUuNIcTaHLGRpg2podNjT_4u0NB-JkSdnHHdkxC0lhBT8tiDjtNfEhIvWxHpiyXAYJEUk-rmDoclkXBfb_HUFVJ-qUsszzzx/s400/IMG_3417.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561105750013709282" /></a>Turn it right side out, poking corners out. Iron seams and corners as needed, add a piece of ribbon to the zipper pull...and that's it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTKWsyBWjGlSCrKSc3q1yFCm_NwnVXUdm9Q-tXvhW9DUjAWeLrVaPJOmGaK8G2UXPoFJV5v6wyEY8Ydg6XHnWgrveIQ8TU8wAuJCHiJihZoLlPLYEvbJf2hAslhSXTZo-s1uJ/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTKWsyBWjGlSCrKSc3q1yFCm_NwnVXUdm9Q-tXvhW9DUjAWeLrVaPJOmGaK8G2UXPoFJV5v6wyEY8Ydg6XHnWgrveIQ8TU8wAuJCHiJihZoLlPLYEvbJf2hAslhSXTZo-s1uJ/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561105739110212290" /></a>My nieces and nephews were finding all sorts of things to put in the bags for safe keeping, ranging from Legos to barrettes... :-)<br /><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,<div>Laura (YarnThrower)<br /><br /></div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-81479218963708262222011-01-11T16:48:00.000-08:002011-01-11T17:26:43.137-08:00Mittens for me :-)<div>Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my friends / classmates gave me a pair of mittens, which she made! </div><div><br /></div><div>I really love them, and I couldn't believe that she took the time to make me such a nice gift!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0CSbdIUiGXsJq2xgVutk1fLqhcmdP5_hHqJm68e4rEYJT3wXoLYQ52vjwcX1UC3CUuwOTArMjUQgJ0Yd8WBxmz8mo-WXmAtGcDHj2yoLshbISImxSuIKfBy40O5N7O7ALHro/s1600/IMG_3398.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0CSbdIUiGXsJq2xgVutk1fLqhcmdP5_hHqJm68e4rEYJT3wXoLYQ52vjwcX1UC3CUuwOTArMjUQgJ0Yd8WBxmz8mo-WXmAtGcDHj2yoLshbISImxSuIKfBy40O5N7O7ALHro/s400/IMG_3398.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561095082250567634" /></a>She purchased some sweaters at the Good Will store, cut them up using a pattern she found online, and sewed them together. They are even fleece lined and really, really warm!<div><br /></div><div>The three pattern pieces needed for these are similar to the ones linked to on <a href="http://studio5.ksl.com/?sid=4456414&nid=61">this website</a>, which also contains a nice tutorial. Also, <a href="http://downwithclutter.blogspot.com/2009/02/hat-mittens-set-patterns.html">here...</a> And, just feast your eyes on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CristinesMittens">these finished mittens</a>! ADORABLE and WARM! It's a lot faster than knitting a pair of mittens from scratch... I am thinking I know people who might need these as Christmas gifts next year...</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now. Soon to come is a tutorial on how to make a monogramed gift card holder/pouch which my nieces and nephew really enjoyed receiving this past Christmas...</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-979710341580836052011-01-02T10:51:00.000-08:002011-01-02T10:56:11.551-08:00Things that make you go AAUGH !<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings and Dear Cynthia,</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes a picture alone tells the whole story:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP50kpyMI5vBCm5P9-hOzOmtS0jmBEz1fS2uT5VeiVZck6S1X78iNoCw5ZLxloEGDXeg-bAuaXQtHGtbEbRXcglYNcWq1rq3wr0l7Vt3so4-byow8JLJjf2EAD-yMFJIAeeQd2/s400/Untitled+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557663706747149282" />OOPS!!<div><br /></div><div>Single digit temperatures here, making it a perfect day for knitting in front of the Green Bay Packer game :-)<div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,<div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div></div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-88182521861370656782010-12-30T11:00:00.000-08:002010-12-30T11:56:36.823-08:00Easiest ever sweater requires ripping<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I'm a bit behind in lots of things, but thought I'd share some photos of the Halloween costumes I made for the boys about two months ago - at some point I promised photos, and I try to be a woman of my word... Here is a dolphin:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtJaPFr3jlGfZlX7chmnMhymd2SKVN5fepumvhc4od9fXWSMofjncoTf-pGkLWpQkSWSg8DyAYqlchVM14JSyj2_9lnBsRCpxjZlCUd9dWNsZ8pFKjoAoiOSTo5ZTtDVWv4dk/s400/IMG_3322.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556557388706772450" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjgpfiWdS0IwlgbbltIth4BXBpQRc4Z3zax6choVa3_e7Bg1ivcY8PDzwQr-9n3vNNfOh7U7BHGMRBTGK907kUKcqzilqkluYy2bb5d6cvAcnUZQkz3rbX3YSt3pI4ItBqdWV/s400/IMG_3320.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556557385190061922" /><div>Here is a triceratops:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53cvtxE4AUooinUa4XsdAxru7ksxatHqFElSGquSDEFvce3sP3-7-qLMnvyMkgGJycJq_j1EaEvfU-OycN2bmliSx43YG7XcVCDn7-eDh6c1x5ydzBNWScd7YEqj2nK6hoq1p/s400/IMG_3327.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556557410733919090" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4zra4strytPTHgsc_7Ln8XHtYxG0H-eQbTbr4XpDtTiEdv2Kx4wJYHOeZyL1Le9g6XluwhIzrBEOZjtvWlQkiCmYayr4IStOmtTsmDIKmYt2MtoLhnA9uSnXdyfL_tOyAoyv/s400/IMG_3325.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556557393243764882" /><div style="text-align: left;">People had to ask what the triceratops was -- apparently it was not *evident* just by looking at him... I guess that can happen when you are starting with a penguin pattern and making it up as you go...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I bound off my "Asymmetric Cardi" more than a month ago, and I hated it. It was supposed to look sorta like this...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy5Hti22qh5r1Fnlj09QL_CGT1Qc2WBhpih61nLAc_8oKNyHHOh8vABz7-G4YLsCXJWkW4gczXMm51wx6hkNU1GMB-DMZ8XZ7e1jjpbYHouNg-PN3kAa7gJ4tFv1UBpJ38iTr/s400/ksf10_17_medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556560626126276770" /><div>...except in a lovely Red Wine colorway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is what it actually looked like. Please ignore the fact that I am wearing house pants in these photos:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-ZWBFD_JHOeFb0x_AWmDPNaITRfpBMJ0t4saMC3IPN2QuDQPw7F9Vxif5zSAgJoWzNcC9dCYmZl5yeZ4AH6JZ3YCT9Qz25bhK33LLdaCwrhhuiHzZp55tXRzLor-r68C0Woo/s400/IMG_3349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556555691918900290" /><div>It's difficult to discern from these photos, but the fit through the shoulders was really poor, I didn't like the neckband/collar area AT ALL, I would never be able to wear it unbuttoned because it hung sorta funny all asymmetric and all, and I did not like the way the buttonholes were done because they and the entire front edges were really quite sloppy looking...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJPhpzYen3270I0a8OTAHnaccRr9ZUeVaZTyAez02gVoY659gC0kC9ucWPqnQePfGuvO5G_ZeWRO5scuGTIfVd7pg6m2l-oQq61h4JjcZHXFg1g5s8qW5r-7yTI29-f7fzLJx/s400/IMG_3350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556555697266192914" /><div>I tried a re-design on the fly, and I'll spare you the details, but it was becoming a sweater that I was NOT GOING TO LOVE, and so I ended up completely ripping it out...and now I am much happier... The yarn is still nice even though I am knitting it into a sweater FOR THE THIRD TIME...but I now bring you <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/twist.html">Twist</a> from Chic Knits:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_6LnumJMIuclw-JfZ2xw64BG2kMJxPeJU5cJE0195EGZStOF_Si9UgdeYDZHgZN34We0lx7Pin33sUpcT-KGU56GvGZiiwHi5yOttIye2mTSE24ATRlwj7D0VasP6-I_AqjJ/s400/IMG_3383.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556564605817612450" /><div>LOVE IT SO FAR! I was going to knit the pattern verbatim, but apparently I have some sort of defect and can't do that -- OVERALL I'm not changing it. I'm knitting the back and fronts all at the same time (to avoid side seams, to make sure all of the decreases/increases for the waist shaping occur symmetrically, etc.). I love the cables!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have a Happy New Year! Any knitting goals for the new year? I am resolving to attend Stitches Midwest next August ;-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-69225257192689345342010-12-25T18:49:00.000-08:002010-12-25T19:15:51.125-08:00Christmas Knitting - The exciting conclusion<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>In my previous post, I showed a photo of the Christmas stocking which I made for my advisor. [We all know that knitted gifts are generally either really loved or really hated, so when I give a knitted gift to a person, it is generally with some anxiety about how it will be received.] I saw her at the gym two days after leaving the stocking in a gift bag outside of her office door at school. So, when I spoke with her at the gym, I was relieved to learn that she loved it, matches her great room amazingly well, and would I agree to knitting one for each of the other three members of her family in time for next Christmas if she paid me. Big PHEW! And also, lots O' lead time! Sweet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In my prior post, I also mentioned trying to knit a Christmas sweater for both of my kids. I finished the second sweater approximately 1.5 hours before we had to dress for church yesterday (Christmas Eve)... Here is the green one:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAOoIl3p5QHpbux8o4cqDZ3ITPE0PF8Uwj0-F8ovxSpeID3l-12feiQobXUjENSrCXGcyiuxpO22ydGgbkYx49HQkxfeipzud35t2W_h6lGr9hGpaAZrfHhSE0vmEr9cbqPc0/s400/IMG_3377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554820539141113874" />I generally don't like to come in just under the wire like that, and I'm thankful for a weekend train trip (YAY Amtrak!) to Fargo ND a couple of weekends ago which afforded me *gobs* of knitting time, which helped immensely... and here is the blue one:<br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimqL5Fd2KRzT2ck0cJdSKrnRAbwcbcaeqK4zLsCbib22DIbcLNinZ-9cx4_a0Ws2ddUj8Ah6d0ehlq3upSD0luZAv1SnFp9onCbXhp-4XLhaVbqE0hd2t2fPENYbOKKa9mwGk/s400/IMG_3379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554820550337720354" /><div style="text-align: left;">I used Beth Brown-Reinsel's book "Knitting Ganseys" to design these. Both of them have underarm gussets and shaped necklines; the green one utilizes garter stitch bands at the bottoms edges, whereas the blue one a mistake rib pattern. My kids love them, and they fit them very well...so well, in fact, that they may be too small for next year. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that everybody has been having a wonderful Christmas season! I'm really enjoying my time off, especially after all of the pressure I put on myself for my Christmas knitting. I *do* have a cough which has been with me for over three weeks now which is beginning to annoy all people unfortunate enough to be within a 25 foot radius of me, and the general consensus at today's family get-together was that I should take myself to a doctor...which I hate...because he/she is *probably* going to tell me that it is a virus blah blah blah...but since I'm about to cough up a lung tonight, perhaps it is time.</div><div><br /></div><div>My next post will return to regularly scheduled knitting, and I have to say that it is *not* pretty and involves a large amount of ripping... Stay tuned :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div></div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-59053210394665489812010-12-09T11:10:00.001-08:002010-12-09T11:34:40.972-08:00We interrupt your regularly scheduled knitting...<div style="text-align: left;">...to bring you Christmas gift knitting...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It may not surprise you that I have unrealistic goals for what I shall accomplish in terms of knitting projects to be completed in time to "gift" them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>First, for my clinical instructor, who was joking with one of the other fine gentlemen at the clinic where I am currently working about how I should knit him a sweater, "or at least a hat"... Tomorrow is my last day at this clinic, so I'll give him this tree ornament (<a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/minhtmit.htm">pattern/ki</a>t can be found at <a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/">Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill</a>):</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j5FBAOcKilEmumVXpugz6n3S3HOGXBxYbAJtjhGnlAI3GsMnLH-YE-1bl7T4i7WMpUcCX-9AunQyL2ri_QguzIyaKhQAHU29P26-5UbaT5PH6CRP-hhrX47KqQLJ3x4-QsYw/s400/IMG_3372.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548765428040596850" /><div style="text-align: left;">Are you able to guess his name?</div><div>And the flip side:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmzFQTmaGAEcgvgsRkacJpNtS8B7BsysLM70NACijlIYPV1kgN3153Z3QWWUxE30-8Uu_c6he7S-qm01akQpM7VMNqvpQCt_I0NanivxC7tDOYCJi3rYZrJPF8pryWi9wheSW/s400/IMG_3373.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548765421119309458" /><div style="text-align: left;">Second, for my advisor, whom I called upon for advice for one of my patients and has been there coaching me since the day I stepped foot back on campus almost three years ago, and because she told me that I "owe" her cookies but that she has stopped eating them in order to shed a few pounds, a full-sized Christmas stocking (<a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/christms.htm">pattern/kit</a> can be found at <a href="http://www.blackberry-ridge.com/">Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill</a>):</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGvGgU4hWI-TjVfkymHl11WuCBFJ7ojzq95yQvi5XPupbJUeEHfOj7XUFXmeb58HmTMLzewAKd3xvPOTszrbESc6bC6lb7M2pW6b6w4haalXuz_F56LjkiFytM8364SxKZlUR/s400/IMG_3369.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548765444585348882" /><div style="text-align: left;">I love the braid detail it uses to separate sections...</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the flip side of that, which includes a snowflake pattern which I improvised, in case my advisor already has a stocking which says "Jill" on it and just wants to hang up an un-named sock:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XrYbVLJy7578Dbo9YdVqIL-aLdxomlbRvljQVAv1yhxhIjCpSk8tuzf0b_cBIAFXk0ZzI2KPqE5n0L1Hdpx1siMXKR4EGmcXbokS9kotiYBoXNKv5dj9_UE3ctGcbsUrqM91/s400/IMG_3370.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548765440233023810" /><div>Finally, a gansey sweater for each one of my kids, which I will post pictures of the next time I write. I am roughly 1/3 done with each of the sweaters and may finish, er, maybe, one of them this coming week?? Stay tuned for progress on those.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I made a batch of cookies to share with all of my current coworkers so that they have sweet thoughts about me as I depart tomorrow:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bE-w99glcGMSlJiCeIdQnYSbfLjhjCXddLOPLbojTH4y5Fqu8gvSvdF0fPqk0cTudHJsGTKadq_Bxd9wRU-gaKZujpHGvjxKp_B0_4z_lehbdgfwna60O0pVCz1ajFrk27rw/s400/IMG_3374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548765418463633938" /><div>I want a job there, and have a plan, but there are currently no openings... I don't graduate until next May, but no harm in planting a few seeds right now...</div><div><br /></div><div>How is everybody else's Christmas knitting going right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's snowing right now -- beautiful!</div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-71650155398731448002010-10-25T13:14:00.001-07:002010-10-25T13:14:29.061-07:00On the way home<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/designatedknitter/mFznJryrGjsplFeHogfqsqaovpqsuoIEoJyladIAGJEbtoDywtkyjEsgzeFo/p8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/designatedknitter/mFznJryrGjsplFeHogfqsqaovpqsuoIEoJyladIAGJEbtoDywtkyjEsgzeFo/p8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="670"/></a> </p>Greetings and Dear Laura:<p>Finishing up a fun weekend in Wisconsin - now I'm on the first train home. I'm working on a baby sweater for one of Amber's expected babies. We're fervently praying they can wait another 4 weeks at least to be born!</p><p>Got some tech advice this weekend so you may see short posting activity! </p><p>Here's a pic of the sleeve I'm working on. </p><p>Keep knitting!</p><p>Cynthia (aka Designated Knitter)</p></div>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-2216829489156995692010-10-23T14:59:00.001-07:002010-10-23T15:25:19.992-07:00Trying new technology<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; color: black; text-align: left; "> </div><p>Greetings and Dear Laura:</p> <p>Hi! Just a quick little up-date here! I'm trying to find a way to write my posts that doesn't make me want to gnaw my arm off - I'm a finicky techno person. So, just for trying this out, I'm going to post a picture of my two nieces and the the ribbons that the animals I made for them won at the County Fair! More to follow!</p> <p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ5F3ByBgZSPqvA_-Dc7kERBKdbeqQNRtSMVvtJja6S22-GgDbTVwHwbM8FBXhKnXx-w-sJg8GzIZUtMr-Wv70HupTUkfqEBpDvFbFBsnFMrKz2X-imUL4CJ-rVNZOAw5emuQAQ/s1600/IMG_1037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ5F3ByBgZSPqvA_-Dc7kERBKdbeqQNRtSMVvtJja6S22-GgDbTVwHwbM8FBXhKnXx-w-sJg8GzIZUtMr-Wv70HupTUkfqEBpDvFbFBsnFMrKz2X-imUL4CJ-rVNZOAw5emuQAQ/s320/IMG_1037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531370843166840690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZJRQDKeynH8vG1W44K3VlwQk5Q2bP91Q-pdcq8FplZ6bUHGNeWT1YCUGAkHg2sLM-ryzs18N7knAgqfpSVXWxO-67xXYXH7TgYk4bgq59mezAva9ZlWbUpYR0NZBT2uxncZ99A/s1600/IMG_1036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZJRQDKeynH8vG1W44K3VlwQk5Q2bP91Q-pdcq8FplZ6bUHGNeWT1YCUGAkHg2sLM-ryzs18N7knAgqfpSVXWxO-67xXYXH7TgYk4bgq59mezAva9ZlWbUpYR0NZBT2uxncZ99A/s320/IMG_1036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531370837807603250" /></a><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Keep Knitting!</p> <p>Cynthia (aka DesignatedKnitter!)</p>Designated Knitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17022685471972200007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-71641757486843351902010-10-23T06:00:00.001-07:002010-10-23T13:39:34.493-07:00Kauni in "time out"<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings and Dear Cynthia,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My new sweater:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fHTm5nVu94YL-LuecNQ6V0gQvRKkiWESidwKL-wdM4r3_ODBd3CHI_mM3xGH6cE9avy9Rs8Ro2H2QGqm5-2Drxppujy4BMjrM0438hwsbXbgR2IusB_bF7rsaK-n4IBfZAyD/s400/IMG_3310.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531336178554212978" /><div style="text-align: left;">My 8-year old helped out with the photo, and my directions to him were to "capture the sweater and my face in the photo"; that appears to be exactly what he did :-) The sleeve tops are a little bit on the funky side, but kind friend Catherine told me that she wouldn't have noticed it unless I pointed it out to her, so I'll stop doing that. They are just a little bit "roomy," though I think it adds to the comfort of the sweater. I've never liked things that are very tight, and this sweater is just really comfortable with the extra space in the upper body/sleeves. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So, the Kauni Cardigan is in a *time out*. I started the neckline but now must rip it out again...and I've already ripped out larged chunks of the sweater about three times already, so I'm taking a break from all of the ripping and working on a more mindless sweater, the "Asymmetric Cardi" from Knit Simple Magazine:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xd3QQQTCIudEdJrphcWU2kRb8rEv8rtoUMFcJqnosSXHkPDcWu_h0lu3xqqEGTKdxlvZeeEd2A2ANQVpUMzgVcmhbkicOIhVXfA6F9NpXS9R0Cbb22ufF8fA62o9ucHDTCt_/s400/ksf10_17_medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531338931422065906" /><div>This is perfect for 9:00pm when I am watching my show Castle, or on football Saturdays to keep me from falling asleep on the couch during the Badger games (who beat Ohio State last weekend, did you hear??). This is the progress after one week:</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcQPiQI8irD5I21qugXtJiZqs2EwggpfZvAMjlTSaFdfI-ZAER2PRMCsWU2SHB7gFA9YWsZQ3Viso_4tpVJPxXzk_0Ar4Sv6WrPqO479mJH-MHUF2AtuPFSB23vmAaXBz-0J1/s400/IMG_3313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531336169300676498" /><div> I was going to follow the pattern verbatim, but decided instead to knit it in once piece. The thought of knitting the fronts separate from the back and actually sewing raglan sleeves into a raglan sweater when it is so easy to knit it altogether at the same time didn't make sense to me. Watch -- I'm probably going to get messed up with that and have to rip, but right now the idea seems *sound* to me... The front bands are knit in as you go, too. Bonus! I'm using Cascade 220 yarn, "Red Wine" colorway... It's a very simple, basic design... I want to have it done in five weeks because DH has an adventure planned for our family and a nice, red sweater is going to be called for. More on that later...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Other than that, I have the small matter of sewing two Halloween costumes this week, basically without much of a pattern to go on. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN8LwPejr_NSrFMQUWaze5OFyzeIqD6vlQ2gSVboBI5vnP7PD9yFFPExflz2J-JMuPGyy75N9YmmmMd0LV3FXWVBYQlPKXpYx-dNHoDzs8KMfi0-ssSQ7B81yuUtIlDRodpbo/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531336165118023394" /><div>I am making a dolphin costume starting out with a penguin pattern as a base design for it, and also a triceritops costume which is going to require some soft sculpture skills to make the head piece... My kids have more confidence in my abilities than I do. Thankfully the internet is loaded with photos for me to consult as I go. Hopefully I'll have photos of my own to post within the week, assuming I get these done...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I just finished up my second week at my new clinical assignment, and I am wiped out. Due to an...er... issue with time not being blocked out on my schedule, I ended up with 13 initial evaluations this past week, most of them scheduled during times in which my clinical instructor (CI) had his own patients...so though he was able to pop in once in a while to make sure I was on the right track, I did most of the work on my own. I feel pretty good about that, because at the beginning of the week I didn't think I'd be capable of that. It was a real confidence boost to me, and also a lesson in not letting my fear of being uncomfortable paralyze me from trying to do things on my own....something I've always tried to stress with my kids, and which I've found a lot harder to do myself than I thought... Anyway, it's still a lot like "work," and I'll be glad after I graduate and will be able to do it on a part time basis... Right now I barely have time to put even the simplest of suppers on the table...so meal quality has taken a nose dive...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, beautiful fall day here today. I went to the grocery store to shop for the week, went running, and have a pot of chili going for supper, so I'm going to just relax with my knitting in front of the Badger game right now. (Did I mention they beat Ohio State last week?) </div><div><br /></div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21586300.post-91491558676504306822010-10-07T17:20:00.000-07:002010-10-07T17:41:56.953-07:00Riddle: What has two sleeves and is blocking?<div style="text-align: left;">Greetings, and Dear Cynthia,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Not sure what struck me today, but I sewed the second sleeve into my Two Hearts sweater :-)</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PGUwRlqlQJlwEeQajvmrpkCwCiIi-hPT2YHfT7LKDcUp1W30HJjVFuJ4FJzDRFjg2brV8_SJitmZf0bHwENUIewWd_MdbIiPrzqTQHpyPA24ivebRSo_zqwyFFG9gtfKVuLu/s400/IMG_3301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525466507939909810" /><div>I also took out several rows of the rolled edging at the neckline, because I thought it looked too bulky. I still have to weave in the ends, but I had some concerns about how the sleeves were sewn in and wanted to see if blocking took care of that first. Actually, things now look okay to me, so all systems are *go* to finish all of the loose ends (heh heh) as soon as it is dry. </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsb3FYiSOWgpQGVu9MWBv1GxBCI-tmmHTz9LemjS-8s7ZXLWBoSEshIOJOrQ80D6nj0Psm3OU7e_DkuduB1WK1iSy9wK5vVh7lw63uU0aSYxAEbR-2CNTZpfPAyVpaBq1kgPP/s400/IMG_3302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525466521075948338" /><div>I really want to wear it tomorrow, so I might put it on mesh and let it hover over an air vent overnight...but for now, it is lying in the play room...right next to a parking lot...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUlw5A286Mcv0Skf590wPpbSzMw7cdnFc5ztJEXau_rwVPYDj641X_dBPtv-5qejLa3_uwZ97mL11iWHCjPJS7ehlppJ3a_whcJbz9seM4jASi4BrNrNh4BDGNSxMXfXFT_-Y/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525466515509586850" /><div>I started the sweater last January. I changed the sleeves from "dropped" to "set in," and added some subtle waist shaping. Other than that, I think I followed the pattern... I'll take a photo of me wearing it and post that soon. I'm pretty happy with the way it fits! The cables really are more visible when I'm not using flash photography, too, so I'll try to get a decent picture that shows off the cables...</div><div><br /></div><div>Things were fine at Grandpa's funeral yesterday. He is buried with a pack of M&M's in his coat pocket. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hit it hard with my exercise this week. I'm running a 5 mile race on Saturday, so wanted to get some good training in this week. Nothing like signing up for a race to give a person some motivation!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this finds you all well!</div><div>Warm regards,</div><div>Laura (YarnThrower)</div>YarnThrowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13261414607842071918noreply@blogger.com4