tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353517982024-03-08T00:52:42.083-05:00Chronicles of a Yarn ObsessionAn old, tired knitting blog trying to find a new voice as a knitting design blog.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-82945318403259530452011-12-19T12:07:00.002-05:002011-12-19T12:07:53.293-05:00Mittens, in small and mediumWell, the chaos of moving and the demands of holiday knitting took over. I've finally conceded that if I keep holding out until I solve the third (and fourth?) size riddle, then I may never get the Thames Street Mittens republished. And that just would be fair to buyers, who seem to be mostly interested in the smaller size anyhow.<br />
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Therefore, instructions for both small and medium sizes are now available <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/cara-key-designs/83498" target="_blank">on Ravelry</a>. Anybody who wants additional sizes and doesn't feel confident to make changes themselves can still feel free to contact me for assistance. Or, if you do make changes on your own, please tell me about how you adapted and overcame! Then, perhaps in the new year, when things around here calm down a bit, I'll get back to it. (That's much more likely if I get specific requests...)Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-20504657825762637042011-12-06T20:52:00.001-05:002011-12-06T21:15:22.055-05:00Mittens - More Sizes Coming SoonI published the Thames Street Mittens as a single size pattern. And then I immediately received requests for additional sizes. Fairly so, certainly. Hands come in different sizes.<br />
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Writing a pattern in multiple sizes is not something I've ever done before. Unfortunately, it's not so straightforward with this particular pattern, because of the asymmetrical decrease. I guess the easy way around it would be to eliminate the asymmetry. But I started out pursuing the less easy way.<br />
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I accepted a commission for a second pair of mittens, and I used the opportunity to work up a smaller size and wrote the pattern adjustments as I went. Cut to - that pair of mittens finished and sent to the recipient, small size added to written pattern, and all that's left is to write out the large size (because, let's face it, if you're putting in the effort to do multiple sizes, you need to have three). I cast on with my leftover yarn, 8 additional stitches for one more repeat of the stitch pattern, to work through the decrease section and make sure I got everything right as I wrote the additional changes.. but the sample is way, way, way too large for actual human hands. <br />
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Time to give up? Not quite. I think maybe if I adjust the stitch pattern slightly, I can make an interim size. I'm getting close to the point of just plan having too many pages for what should be a simple mitten pattern. Perhaps getting rid of the asymmetry is the way to go after all...Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-61246774139643433882011-11-18T17:21:00.001-05:002011-12-06T21:14:47.797-05:00Thames Street Mittens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These cozy textured mittens are just the thing to show off that single skein of gorgeous variegated worsted weight wool that you just couldn’t resist at your yarn shop. The pattern motif, reminiscent of those quirky cobblestones, is created with a repeat of just one stitch that’s easy to master. Depending on your color choice, they could be a great gift for ladies or gentlemen. The mittens have a ribbed cuff and a gusset thumb, and the fingertips follow the asymmetry of your digits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Yarn:</b> I used less than one skein of <a href="http://www.mountaincolors.com/colors/rivertwist.html" target="_blank">Mountain Colors' River Twist</a> in a colorway called "Rock Creek." Just about any worsted weight natural fiber will probably work, keeping in mind that your fingers want to be spoiled with softness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Needles: </b>The cuff is knitted on US # 3 DPNs, the rest of the mittens on US # 5 DPNs. They could easily be adapted for magic loop or two circs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thames-street-mittens" target="_blank">Available for $2 on Ravelry!</a> (Buy with one click <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/cara-key-designs/83498" target="_blank">right here</a>.)</span></div>
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A lot has happened in my life since then, and a lot of plans have shifted. My new plan for the next few years involves moving overseas, as the Navy sends B to Japan for a year and a half. The move will happen in February. As opposed to my former plan, which was going to slash my knitting time to, well, none, the new plan is pretty likely to leave me both under- or unemployed as well as home alone for weeks on end. Therefore, knitting time galore.<br />
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Because of the expected lack of employment, I am thinking ambitiously about designing patterns and selling them through Ravelry to fill some of that income gap. Animal friends, socks, other things here and there. I have a couple of things in various stages of development already.<br />
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With that in the works, here's what I'm thinking as far as the blog goes. I still feel the same way about how Ravelry fulfills a lot of the purpose this blog used to have for me, and therefore I don't see myself bringing it back in its original sense. But I think there is some potential content pertaining to the design process, ideas, challenges, lessons learned - that sort of thing. For designing? Ravelry seems great to capture the outcome, but lacking as far as the process goes.<br />
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So? I suppose this means I'm back. I think I'll do some trimming and remodeling around here in my digital space. Time for a makeover.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-47763418779579675662011-03-16T08:08:00.006-04:002011-11-06T20:56:03.755-05:00Permanent UFOAnybody still check to see if I post updates here? It's been a few days shy of a year since the last time I posted. It's not news to say that this blog has been basically abandoned. Well, now I'm making it official.<br />
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<strong>***For the foreseeable future, I have no plans to continue this blog.***</strong><br />
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I'm not taking it offline, since I have several free patterns available here, with links from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.knittingpatterncentral.com">Knitting Pattern Central </a>and other places, and I still get considerable traffic because of them. I'll even keep moderating comments and responding to any emails sent in regards to content. I won't, however, be writing new posts; and the biggest difference is that I'm going to quit feeling guilty about this negligence.<br />
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Quite frankly, I think the reason things got slack around here is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. I don't mean to disrespect Ravelry, because I think it's one of the greatest things to happen to knitting... well, since cables were invented. Looking back on it, though, it was approximately when I became a member that my blogging frequency began to collapse. It makes sense. I mean, probably the biggest reason I started the Chronicles here was to document my knitting for my own purposes. That plus a little bit of showing off, and sharing an occasional pattern with the world. Ravelry makes all that available plus so much more, and in such a more organized and useable fashion than the basic blog format. The blog became a redundant formality and didn't have much new content to offer. I go through cycles of varying degrees of diligence on Ravelry but I do try not to let my completed projects get too far behind. So if you really want to keep up with my knitting endeavors, you can find me there: my username is <strong>Caramcb</strong>. If you send me a message I will probably even friend you.<br />
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*******Edited on 11/6/11: content deleted. I wrote about a big upheaval that was coming in my life, but things changed and it no longer applies. Because of the nature of this event, it is sort of awkward for me to keep the announcement thereof as a post on this blog. It just isn't the place for rehashing all of that.<br />
<em><br />Thanks to everyone for reading. Happy knitting to all.<br />~Cara</em>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-11995386408738370202010-03-20T14:09:00.005-04:002010-03-20T14:30:15.935-04:00Stitches West 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S6UQcVqdJLI/AAAAAAAAA4A/uWUm6VLH0Dc/s1600-h/sw10stash1.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCFF;">I have several posts' worth of catch-up to do, covering the last couple of months.</span></span></div></div></a><br /><div>First, behold my haul from Stitches West 2010! </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S6UQc37sK6I/AAAAAAAAA4I/pWG01sRENXA/s1600-h/sw10stashfull.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S6UQc37sK6I/AAAAAAAAA4I/pWG01sRENXA/s400/sw10stashfull.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450781012238543778" 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></div><div>So, what have we got here... A wooden shawl pin, a drop spindle (!!), a sock needle holder, 3 buttons, a beaded stitch marker. Two balls of Jojoland Melody and a skein of Cascade Heritage for some <a href="http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/11/endpaper_mitts.html">Endpaper Mitts</a>. Two skeins of Miss Babs superwash sock yarn - one for me and one for B. Some Abstract Fiber Mighty Sock that my mom bought for some socks she's commissioned (even though she knits, too). One skein of Wabi Sabi Lush Lace that will make one <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> shawl and potentially a second shawl, pattern T.B.D. A whole mess of Mission Falls 136 for a colorwork sweater vest I'm planning. And two lovely bunches of "top" (apparently -- I would have called it roving, but what do I know about fiber?) so that I can try out that new spindle. More on that later.</div><div>My mom and I had a blast! It's so fun to see so many knitterly artists congregated in one place, talking yarn and showing off the wonderful lovely creations they've made. (Yes it's 77 degrees inside the convention center, but dangit, I'm wearing my Aran sweater and wool socks!!)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Yes, Stitches was 3 weeks ago. Yes, I know my blog habits are atrocious.)</span></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-28787229166697070292010-02-21T20:12:00.004-05:002010-02-21T23:36:17.988-05:00Pomaire Market Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4Haahe4OSI/AAAAAAAAA34/h3fo5mbLwGs/s1600-h/bagopen2.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4Haahe4OSI/AAAAAAAAA34/h3fo5mbLwGs/s400/bagopen2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440869974039607586" /></a><div><b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://ladyochron.wordpress.com/free-patterns/">Lean to the Left Bag</a>, by Kate D'Ettore</div><div><b>Yarn</b>: Araucania Pomaire Multy (cotton) - exactly 1 skein</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaaIQA54I/AAAAAAAAA3w/Vpv-6pKMUcI/s1600-h/baghangingclose.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaaIQA54I/AAAAAAAAA3w/Vpv-6pKMUcI/s400/baghangingclose.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440869967266375554" /></a><br /></div><div>I knitted this as part of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravelympics-2010">Ravelympics 2010</a> "Bag Jump" event. It was a quick and easy project, at just 3 days of Olympics-watching-time. And it's hard to argue the appeal of the "green" produce/market bag, especially in a gorgeous yarn like this one. I just may have a new go-to project for last minute gift knitting.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was also a stash-busting project. I bought the skein of Pomaire back in Jacksonville, if I remember correctly. I had no plans for the yarn, it just struck me in that way that special yarn does.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaZ9qWKCI/AAAAAAAAA3o/aHqAnGAkjzk/s1600-h/baghanging2.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaZ9qWKCI/AAAAAAAAA3o/aHqAnGAkjzk/s1600-h/baghanging2.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaZ9qWKCI/AAAAAAAAA3o/aHqAnGAkjzk/s400/baghanging2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440869964424030242" /></a><br /></div><div>The only change I made was making it a little smaller (since I only had a single skein of the yarn in my stash), and making two shorter handles instead of one long strap. The pattern calls for afghan crochet for the handles, which was the first time I've used this technique. I enjoy the resulting fabric, it seems to be nice and strong, and looks neat as well. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaZEW0lmI/AAAAAAAAA3g/2mV_nkHvH0Y/s1600-h/baghandle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S4HaZEW0lmI/AAAAAAAAA3g/2mV_nkHvH0Y/s400/baghandle.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440869949041317474" /></a><br /></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-43451944077572623382010-01-25T20:53:00.003-05:002010-01-25T21:51:48.896-05:00My Refined Aran Jacket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15VAdgeqpI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/4I8eXcR5qJ0/s1600-h/aranleftside2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15VAdgeqpI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/4I8eXcR5qJ0/s400/aranleftside2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430871667064613522" /></a>I started working on this sweater back in the late summer. It was bumped many times for projects with deadlines, gifts, and so on. Finally it's finished, and with plenty of "cold" weather left this winter.<div><br /></div><div><b>Pattern: </b>Refined Aran Jacket, from <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_winter.asp">Interweave Knits Winter 2007</a>. No modifications.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.missbabs.com">Miss Babs</a> Yummy Superwash Sport 3 Ply, in "Denim" colorway, 6 skeins. I picked it up at Stitches West last year. I really love this merino, it has a great look when it's all knitted up. The slight variegation came out nice, adding interest while still looking dignified.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15U_wK9klI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zPENmj6ZGGk/s1600-h/aranback.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15U_wK9klI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zPENmj6ZGGk/s400/aranback.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430871654894768722" /></a>The pattern was pretty challenging in the way that it was written, and one really has to read the whole thing through before getting started. There's lots going on at once, between forming the collar, shaping the waist, inserting the pockets, shaping the arm... and one section will start before the last one finishes. I had to take lots of notes to make sure my fronts matched up right. That being said, I'm very pleased with how it turned out, although I think I need to take some further measures to get the collar to stay folded over the way it's supposed to be. Blocking alone doesn't seem to have cut it.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15U_X_MAhI/AAAAAAAAA3I/xp8ldiRz6XQ/s1600-h/aranfront2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S15U_X_MAhI/AAAAAAAAA3I/xp8ldiRz6XQ/s400/aranfront2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430871648402932242" /></a><br /></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-85529991245104792422010-01-20T18:49:00.004-05:002011-11-06T22:11:16.323-05:00Alfonso, the Charming Knitted Monkey<div style="text-align: left;">
Originally I designed this pattern for a friend's baby, and then I liked it so much that I made a second one (with some slight adjustments) for myself! I've added the pattern to Ravelry, so for a few bucks you can make one of your very own.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>"Alfonso"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>"Mortimer"</i></span></div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> For "Alfonso" (the one that matches the pattern), I used Plymouth Galway Worsted, one skein of light green and less than one skein of tan, plus a little bit of black for the eyes and nostrils. For "Mortimer" (the first, practice one), I used Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, one skein of green and less than one skein of natural, and the same black. If you're making your own, any worsted weight will do, really, but washable is recommended if the monkey is going to be for a kid. </div>
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<b>Needles: </b>For both, I used size 3 dpns. </div>
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<b>Pattern: </b>You can <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/cara-key-designs/28720">download a PDF of Alfonso from Ravelry</a> for $3. (Or, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alfonso-the-monkey">view the Ravelry page</a> first, and THEN buy it!)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428976615972128226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/S1eZd-DrxeI/AAAAAAAAA3A/UPChgDWl61s/s400/monkeyside.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-10132361252380053392009-12-16T16:48:00.006-05:002009-12-16T17:02:18.772-05:00Monterey Sea Otter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWGBjdcKI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/qC1NMtavP4A/s400/otter7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415954688386101410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">I designed this sea otter for my friend Kristy. Kristy has been my cataloging cubicle mate and partner in crime for the last year, and now she's leaving Monterey. She's going to be a fantastic teacher in the near future, and already has a collection of otters and other stuffed sea creatures for her classroom. This little fella' should be right at home with his squooshy cousins.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWXNPUsoI/AAAAAAAAA2o/2H2U1i4hzzI/s1600-h/otter5.JPG"></a></span><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWXNPUsoI/AAAAAAAAA2o/2H2U1i4hzzI/s1600-h/otter5.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWXNPUsoI/AAAAAAAAA2o/2H2U1i4hzzI/s400/otter5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415954983580643970" /></a><br /></div><div><b>Yarn:</b> Plymouth Yarn's Galway Worsted & Highland Heather Worsted, one skein of brown and part of a skein of tan, plus some leftover black and silver for the face and clamshell. I really like the Galway, I think its natural look wound up perfect for the otter.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pattern:</b> I've decided to make this my first paid pattern. If you want to make an otter of your own, you can <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/cara-key-designs/26726">buy the pattern on Ravelry</a> for $4 (or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monterey-sea-otter">view the Ravelry page</a> for it and THEN buy it).<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWGmPk-xI/AAAAAAAAA2g/yF1zTbiLSyc/s1600-h/otter8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWGmPk-xI/AAAAAAAAA2g/yF1zTbiLSyc/s400/otter8.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415954698234821394" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SylWGBjdcKI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/qC1NMtavP4A/s1600-h/otter7.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-17198657466410007762009-10-31T19:41:00.005-04:002009-10-31T20:03:31.704-04:00Helena Sweater for Maddie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">OMG! A finished knitting project! This little sweater is a 1-year birthday present for my friend's daughter.</span></div></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLnwrUU8I/AAAAAAAAA1s/jAtj62alNfk/s400/helena1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398913937252307906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><b><br /></b><div><b>Pattern: </b>This toddler sweater is based on the very adorable<b> </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/helena-2">Helena</a> pattern from Knitty, size 12 months. I changed the lace pattern on the sweater's skirt to the Alternating Leaf pattern from the Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns.</div><div><br /></div><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLpFE9giI/AAAAAAAAA2E/4_myLVOeWjI/s400/helena4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398913959908442658" /><div><br /></div><div><b>My modifications: </b>To get 144 instead of 145 stitches for the modified pattern, I changed the increase row for setting up the skirt as follows:</div><div>Next Row RS: K3, M1, K5 <i>6</i> times, M1, K4 <i>13</i> times, M1, K5 <i>6</i> times, M1, K3. <i>144 sts.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I worked the Alternating Leaf pattern for 3 pattern repeats.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ran out of yarn on the project, and I didn't want to go buy more - so I had to tick back and make the bottom shorter after I'd followed directions for the hem. I changed the cute bumpy bottom edge for a garter stitch edge to match the button band, but I did keep the bumpy edge on the sleeves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also decided on buttons instead of the tie closures.</div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLoh4wcII/AAAAAAAAA18/ygX4yBoB0tA/s1600-h/helena3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLoh4wcII/AAAAAAAAA18/ygX4yBoB0tA/s400/helena3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398913950462013570" /></a><b>Materials: </b>3 balls of Plymouth Baby Bunny, in color 204 (light blue), which I bought at <a href="http://monarchknitting.com/">Monarch Knitting</a> in Pacific Grove, CA. I used every last bit of the 3 balls. I liked the yarn a lot, it's super soft and very easy to work with. Also, I used 2 small white heart shaped buttons. Knitted with size 6 and size 3 needles.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLoVk15lI/AAAAAAAAA10/VouZylP1UqM/s1600-h/helena2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLoVk15lI/AAAAAAAAA10/VouZylP1UqM/s400/helena2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398913947157259858" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm really happy with the way the sweater came out, and it fit its recipient pretty perfectly, with a little room for growth. Very neat to watch the yoke take shape, and I love how quickly projects for babies go by.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SuzLnwrUU8I/AAAAAAAAA1s/jAtj62alNfk/s1600-h/helena1.JPG"></a></div></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-8833106507479878522009-05-06T16:54:00.003-04:002009-05-06T17:04:56.923-04:00Yarn Tree<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SgH5dRSgc2I/AAAAAAAAAyM/Bx3ZpnXsj8E/s1600-h/YarnTree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SgH5dRSgc2I/AAAAAAAAAyM/Bx3ZpnXsj8E/s400/YarnTree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332817715035927394" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">From my Aunt-in-Law (not sure where she acquired it, or otherwise how to attribute - but it's neat.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Edited to add:<br /><br />All right, so attribution is not very difficult with a little bit of Google. The crocheted tree sweater is by Carol Hummel, an artist who does a lot of work with both yarn and trees whose art can be seen here - <a href="http://www.carolhummel.com/">http://www.carolhummel.com/</a>. There are even trees wearing unmentionables.<br /></div></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-13460207656522316002009-03-24T00:07:00.003-04:002009-03-24T00:16:19.853-04:00Squarely Disappointed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.shopatron.com/img/product_images/539/ad0f0b7dd04df51949cfeb30ea702a62.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 300px;" src="https://www.shopatron.com/img/product_images/539/ad0f0b7dd04df51949cfeb30ea702a62.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I got some <a href="http://www.kollageyarns.com/needles.html">Kollage</a> square circular needles, size 1, last month at Stitches West. They are supposed to be easier on your hands and help you knit more even stitches.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I have no idea whether this is true in the long term, because I won't be using them long enough to find out. The cord on the size 1's is absurdly flimsy and next to impossible to use for magic loop, my preferred method of sock knitting. The join, too, is problematic, but I could get past it if they weren't otherwise so frustrating to use.<br /><br />From their website's images, it appears that larger needles have more substantial cords. And I imagine that DPNs or regular straights may be better engineered. I am not swearing off on Kollage square needles for good - but this pair will be slipping to the dark, obscure bottom of my knitting supply bin.<br /><br />Oh well.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-33598670996669257662009-03-22T20:15:00.004-04:002009-03-22T20:27:04.979-04:00Brendon's doing the Jitterbug<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/ScbVDkmRQFI/AAAAAAAAAu4/zVOUXrT4t58/s1600-h/100_0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/ScbVDkmRQFI/AAAAAAAAAu4/zVOUXrT4t58/s400/100_0189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316170667497963602" /></a><br /></p><p><strong>Yarn: </strong><a href="http://www.colinette.co.uk/index.php?cPath=6_22&osCsid=e1cb4b23523bfa457758c0e85f8d544f">Colinette Jitterbug</a>, plus remnants of Koigu KPM</p><p><strong>Pattern:</strong> A top down 3x1 rib with short row heel and standard toe. </p><p>Brendon picked out this yarn (which looks somewhat more brown in person) at <a href="http://www.monarchknitting.com/">Monarch Knitting</a> on a pre-Christmas visit. These socks proved to be an exercise in proper yardage estimation... I was not planning on contrasting colored heels and toes. That's right: I finished the first sock and got to halfway through the second foot before realizing, "I don't think 1 skein is enough!" So I got to frog up to above the heels of both and redo the heels and feet. </p><p>But sometimes a silly mistake like that turns out nice in the end, because I'm rather happy with the way they came out.</p>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-68353044393623328752009-02-12T23:19:00.003-05:002009-02-12T23:21:59.710-05:00OMG the Cuteness<p>For the crocheting-inclined... The Roman Sock blog has the absolute cutest amigurumi patterns I have ever seen. I think I may be making myself a teeny whale to hold my earbuds just as soon as I get some buttons. Or at least borrow the general idea, we'll see...</p><p></p><p><a href="http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2009/02/whales-and-headphones-yes-whales-and-headphones.html">Headphone whale.</a></p><p></p><p></p>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-19455925193948319052009-02-04T00:43:00.007-05:002009-02-05T17:42:07.636-05:00Sock ExchangeSome time ago (let's not say how long.. "during the past calendar year" will suffice), Bethany and I did a sock exchange.<p>Bethany and I have been friends forever and ever. If you don't know her, you can introduce yourself at her <a href="http://bethanysdigitalsoapbox.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. She is a brilliant and passionate and creative and inspiring person, and her friendship means a lot to me. We should all remind our friends once in a while that we love them, and when you and your friend are both knitters, sock exchanges are a pretty fine way of doing just that.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmGBBKKOI/AAAAAAAAAsE/kYvK8W5jqW0/s1600-h/beths+socks1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmGBBKKOI/AAAAAAAAAsE/kYvK8W5jqW0/s400/beths+socks1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299441640070064354" border="0" /></a></p><p>The socks I made for Bethany are made from <a href="http://www.madelinetosh.com/yarns-tosh-sock.html#">Madeline Tosh "Somewhat Solid" Sock</a> in Scarlet, which I bought from <a href="http://kpixie.com/">kPixie</a>. (This was NOT the Unfortunate Purchase from kPixie that I <a href="http://yarnchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/05/its-thought-that-counts.html">wrote about</a> a while ago.) The pattern was inspired by a pair of designs from Stitchionary 2 and worked out with the use of lots of math and graph paper.<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmSBQWbdI/AAAAAAAAAsM/gNDjUfpCQGw/s1600-h/beths+socks2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmSBQWbdI/AAAAAAAAAsM/gNDjUfpCQGw/s400/beths+socks2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299441846292213202" border="0" /></a></p>Somewhere, I still have that piece of graph paper - so I guess if anyone is interested I could probably find it and come up with a written pattern. So let me know if anyone out there absolutely needs this to happen.<br /><br />These socks were a lot of fun to make, and the itty bitty cable design kept it stimulating. Plus I really like the Madeline Tosh yarn. Approximately as much as Shibuiknits, which is probably my favorite sock yarn.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">* * *</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmShzUquI/AAAAAAAAAsk/TJlTvefO5Ek/s1600-h/runesocks3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmShzUquI/AAAAAAAAAsk/TJlTvefO5Ek/s400/runesocks3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299441855028832994" border="0" /></a>The socks that Bethany made for me are also of her own design. They are adorned with runes (blow up the above picture to see one) that make them very special and original. Bethany used <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Essential+Sock+Yarn_YD5420133.html">KnitPicks Essential</a> which she lovingly dyed herself with assorted flavors of <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/FEATdyedwool.html">Kool-Aid</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmSdQtz9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/b3bMciaPWFI/s1600-h/runesocks2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SYtmSdQtz9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/b3bMciaPWFI/s400/runesocks2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299441853809938386" border="0" /></a><br />The fact that the two pairs wound up being very nearly the exact same color even though all details of color and pattern were kept secret from the recipients... well, I'll call it a testament to our linked psyches.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-45195178637117709952008-12-04T23:50:00.004-05:002008-12-05T00:14:26.791-05:00Christmas Gift Idea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/STizdVWpDnI/AAAAAAAAAqE/RIwsSqQ9-BI/s1600-h/radicallace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/STizdVWpDnI/AAAAAAAAAqE/RIwsSqQ9-BI/s400/radicallace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276164279994224242" /></a><br /><br />Saw the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Subversive-Knitting-Revere-McFadden/dp/1851495681/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228452481&sr=8-1">book</a> on Colbert...<br /><br />Looks fascinating, doesn't it?Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-55297599159751623042008-09-28T12:49:00.004-04:002008-09-28T22:46:04.044-04:00Octopus of RealityI know I've given you crocheted <a href="http://yarnchronicles.blogspot.com/2006/10/kitty-squid.html">cephalopods</a> before - but this one is meant for a baby, not a kitty, and is totally cuter. Modest, aren't I? But the cuteness made me squirm even whilst making it! I mean, look at it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3mlHHBJI/AAAAAAAAApk/9XTMdDGSnyE/s1600-h/100_0112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3mlHHBJI/AAAAAAAAApk/9XTMdDGSnyE/s400/100_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251117563962131602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Oh, hi - just swimming along here in the ocean..."<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My </span></span>very pregnant friend has an undersea-themed nursery, and this is my contribution. Baby is coming any day now and I'm pleased to have this happy little invertebrate done in time for her arrival. This post's title, by the way, is an inside joke with my mom based on a Passat commercial a few years ago (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSscCgcFtM0">anybody</a>?).<br /><br />If you want one too, here is the pattern, with two disclaimers:<br />1) It's been so long since I did crocheting, I may not have my terminology right, so please forgive me; and<br />2) Any similarities to your stuffed octopus pattern are unintentional. I looked at a few examples but didn't directly copy any of them, at least that I'm aware of.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Materials:</span><br />- 1 ball (the WHOLE ball) Rowan All-Seasons Cotton (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 50g), #217 "Lime Leaf." It's soft, it works up nicely, it comes in adorable colors, and it's machine washable!<br />- A small amount of scrap worsted weight yarn in a contrasting color, machine washable please, for the face. In this case some Berroco Pure Merino Heather in color "Tyrolean Alps."<br />- US G crochet hook.<br />- Polyfill, or alternate stuffing of your choice. Also machine washable.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Pattern:</span><br /><br />*** I worked mine in a spiral, but if you prefer your crocheting to be joined evenly at each row, feel free to adapt as necessary.<br /><br />HEAD/BODY:<br />Chain 2.<br />1 - Work 4 single crochets in 2nd chain from hook.<br />2 - 2 single crochets in each stitch - 8 total.<br />3 - (1 half double crochet (hdc) in next stitch, 2 hdcs in next stitch) around - 12 total.<br />4 - Repeat row 3 - 18.<br />5 - (1 hdc each in next 2 stitches, 2 hdcs in next stitch) around - 24.<br />6 - Repeat row 5 - 32.<br />7 - (1 hdc each in next 3 stitches, 2 hdcs in next stitch) around - 40.<br />8 & 9 - Work even in single crochet.<br />10-13 - Work even in hdcs.<br />14 & 15 - Work even in single crochet.<br />16 - (1 hdc each in next 3 stitches, hdc next 2 stitches together) around - 32.<br />17 - Work even in single crochet and finish off, leaving a long tail for attaching tentacles.<br /><br /><br />TENTACLES (make 8):<br />Chain 2.<br />1 - Work 4 single crochets in 2nd chain from hook.<br />2 - 2 single crochets in each stitch - 8 total.<br />3 - (1 sincle crochet in next stitch, 2 single crochets in next stitch) around - 12 total.<br />4-11 - Work even in single crochet. Finish off.<br /><br /><br />BOTTOM:<br />Chain 2.<br />1 - Work 4 single crochets in 2nd chain from hook.<br />2 - 2 single crochets in each stitch - 8 total.<br />3 - (1 single crochet in next stitch, 2 single crochets in next stitch) around - 12 total.<br />4 - Repeat row 3 - 18.<br />5 - (1 single crochet each in next 2 stitches, 2 single crochets in next stitch) around - 24.<br />6 - Repeat row 5 - 32. Finish off.<br /><br /><br />FINISHING:<br />How you do the facial features are up to you. In fact, if you leave it without a face, it's still pretty darn cute.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3m20VaPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/AxMsVGiUGGg/s1600-h/100_0115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3m20VaPI/AAAAAAAAAp0/AxMsVGiUGGg/s400/100_0115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251117568715221234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Here is my backside, or, the no-face version."<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>But, if you want a face like mine - the eyes are done just like the start of the tentacles or bottom piece:<br />Chain 2.<br />1 - Work 4 single crochets in 2nd chain from hook.<br />2 - 2 single crochets in each stitch - 8 total.<br />Then attach to head/body doing your best to get the edges of the eyes to lie flat. I think the sparkles, a simple X using the body color, add a nice touch. Then eyebrows and mouth are embroidered on, going over each line several times and attempting approximate symmetry.<br /><br />Attaching everything together takes just a little bit of patience. I used single crochets to join 4 stitches of each tentacle to the bottom piece (32 stitches), and the next 2 stitches at each end of the tentacle to the next tentacle. At this point you'll get a flower shape and can start stuffing each tentacle. Then I used slip stitches to join the remaining 32 tentacle stitches to the head/body, pausing before working the last several stitches to finish up with stuffing. Finish off and hide all the ends inside.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3myMK5yI/AAAAAAAAAps/-GvSoThSOnQ/s1600-h/100_0114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SN-3myMK5yI/AAAAAAAAAps/-GvSoThSOnQ/s400/100_0114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251117567473018658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Flower Power!"</span></span><br /></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-48534838021777020792008-09-17T19:36:00.004-04:002008-09-17T20:32:08.891-04:00Home-OwnershipSo, for those who don't already know, B and I have been in the process of moving to Monterey, CA. Actually we came out to California for house hunting in July, and put an offer down on our first house. <br /><br />It took one day shy of 10 weeks to get our approval. That = today.<br /><br />As for the house, it was a pre-foreclosure, and let's just say it has a ton of potential. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SNGYWuX5LxI/AAAAAAAAApc/guyqOozP_Rc/s1600-h/DSC_0416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SNGYWuX5LxI/AAAAAAAAApc/guyqOozP_Rc/s400/DSC_0416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247142557036130066" border="0" /></a><br />Now the fun begins...Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-90975177986106503262008-09-13T14:54:00.002-04:002008-09-13T14:59:01.277-04:00Entertainment Value = HighThis is a very entertaining knit-related blog I came across while perusing another very entertaining but non-knit-related blog called <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">Cake Wrecks</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://whywouldyouknitthat.blogspot.com/">Why Would You Knit That?</a><br /><br />I particularly like the "penguin," the power cords.. and the *ahem* tissue cover is pretty doggone disturbing.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-12290998534663862922008-06-17T08:50:00.004-04:002008-06-17T09:12:03.923-04:00"Nosy" NeighborsLast summer, a family of four armadillos made several appearances around the yard. This year, three of them are back, and with a bold new outlook. See what I mean?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOrH8CGfoHYiFmHKRLmLoeZuMeClZESBiqKoJF33jDFV9kkQjaanZT9ye_gYH9q0dGeiFuv0WD-jg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Aren't they cute?<br /></div>Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-56291858289104795172008-05-04T22:03:00.004-04:002008-05-04T22:41:50.345-04:00It's The Thought That Counts....Right?<br /><br />This is a tale about how my plans for Mother's Day socks went awry, with a cautionary note about a yarn shop I won't be patronizing any more.<br /><br />At the beginning of April I decided to do a little online yarn shopping. Socks are quickly becoming a regular gift from me, and Mother's Day was far enough away that it was absolutely doable. Earlier this year I had purchased some yarn from <a href="http://kpixie.com/">kpixie.com</a>, and they give out a coupon code when you register a new account that you get to use on your second purchase, so, that's where I decided to shop. They have a pretty well-designed website, and what appears at first glance to be a great selection of less standard sock yarns. But appearances can be deceiving.<br /><br />I picked out a great yarn. It was called <a href="http://www.mamallamaknits.com/">Mama Llama</a>, which I've never used or even seen in person before, but it was for my mama, she loves llamas, so.. yeah. Plus it was washable and came in a really neat colorway. So I added the Panama Purple to my shopping cart. Then, well, if I'm going to pay for shipping I might as well order yarn for a few projects, right? So I picked out some nice manly yarn - <a href="http://www.madelinetosh.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_25&sort=20a&page=1">Madeline Tosh Somewhat Solid</a> (which I have used before and LOVE) in Graphite - and some <a href="http://www.soysilk.com/tofutsies.html">TOFUtsies</a> for a friend. I also added to the cart some size 2 dpns, because I recently broke one of my bamboo ones, and kpixie had the <a href="http://www.arnos.com.au/swallow/home.html">Swallow casein</a> ones and I think I'd be much less likely to break one of those. I entered my coupon code and placed my order. It was April 8th.<br /><br />The next day I got an email saying that they did not have 2 skeins left of the Madeline Tosh Graphite, just one. One skein of this yarn is enough for a pair of socks, but I know more than one man and I had been intending to make two pairs of socks. But I could still get a whole project out of the one skein, so I said fine, refund me for the other and send the order.<br /><br />Then I waited. And waited. And checked my order status on their webpage obsessively. On April 21 it still said "Processing," so I found the email I had gotten from the girl at kpixie, and sent a query to that address trying to figure out what was going on. Another week went by with no response, so I went to their homepage and filled out a "Contact Us" form. The tone was slightly more heated, I confess, than the email had been. May 1st I got a response. It said:<br /><br />"We dropped the ball with your order."<br /><br />They had not shipped it yet. AND, they did not have ANY of the Mama Llama in stock. (I feel that there was probably plenty on April 8th.) They said they would refund me for that yarn as well as my shipping charge and would send the rest of the order that day, and they gave me another coupon code for my next order.<br /><br />So, no Mama Llama for Mother's Day. And sure, everybody makes mistakes, sometimes orders get overlooked, and I know yarn shops are often run by creatively disorganized people. But only one of the three yarns I ordered were they able to provide in the full quantity. Plus, I mentioned I had shopped with them earlier this year - well, half of that order wound up being backordered, and I only found that out after the money had come out of my account.<br /><br />I wrote them an email expressing my dissatisfaction with their shop. I felt it was not an overreaction. I was not terribly heated in my verbiage, but did suggest that they make a stronger attempt to keep their stock updated on their website, etc. I also mentioned that my gift intentions had been spoiled by their mistake. The response I got back was a brief apology and:<br /><br />"We ship almost all orders in less than 24 hours. It is very rare for us to have a customer who is not pleased."<br /><br />WHO CARES? *I* was not pleased. <br /><br />I'm not saying that no one should shop at this store. You may do as you like. But do so with this word of caution - try not to have deadlines dependent on their timeliness.<br /><br />Oh, and my order came yesterday. At least, what was left of it. And casein needles smell funny.<br /><br /><br />As for Mother's Day, my mom is actually going to be in town this weekend. I'll figure something out.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-61354648522288111112008-04-27T20:26:00.004-04:002008-04-27T20:44:17.129-04:00Vehicular ShuffleI got a new car!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUajZO623I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Bcd71h3-vjQ/s1600-h/100_0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUajZO623I/AAAAAAAAAe8/Bcd71h3-vjQ/s400/100_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194086940612942706" border="0" /></a><br />It's a Mazda CX-7. And yes, it is purple. I heart purple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUaipO622I/AAAAAAAAAe0/YdXrK5jOIYY/s1600-h/100_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUaipO622I/AAAAAAAAAe0/YdXrK5jOIYY/s400/100_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194086927728040802" border="0" /></a><br />It's huge and comfy, and it does lots of tricks (I never have to take the key out of my purse!), and it's fun to drive, and I love it bunches.<br /><br />But this meant selling my old faithful pickup. (B has his Mini and his project car, and we really don't need four cars...) We sold it on <a href="http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/">Craigslist</a> three weeks after we got the new car to some nice Canadian folks in Yulee FL. Unfortunately, in the last week of ownership, B's Mini was in the shop and he took the truck to work, and somebody pulling out of the next parking spot scraped up the driver's side door pretty roughly (and, of course, they didn't leave a note). So we didn't quite get the price we wanted for the truck, but we got enough to pay off the balance of B's car loan, so we're only making payments on the new car.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUajpO624I/AAAAAAAAAfE/alJ642phhDk/s1600-h/Edited+side+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ydaGMpOeS8o/SBUajpO624I/AAAAAAAAAfE/alJ642phhDk/s400/Edited+side+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194086944907910018" border="0" /></a><br />Goodbye, little blue pickup truck. You treated me well these last few years. Be a brave little truck, and take care of those Canadians.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-1399135024567163652008-04-21T16:03:00.001-04:002008-04-21T16:05:22.182-04:00Resurrection of a BlogI cannot believe how long it's been since I posted. Shame. Shame on me. I practically forgot I even had a blog.<br /><br />I know I've said in the past that I will do better. I will really, really try this time.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35351798.post-74836392434498467532008-02-15T10:29:00.002-05:002008-02-15T11:10:45.810-05:00The Crystal Ball Reveals...It's an unpleasant truth of military life that one typically is not allowed to know any details of one's future except the very, very immediate. Say, the upcoming week. But each tour, there comes a marvelous, beautiful moment of clarity where one's next destination is revealed. This moment arrives as a wave of relief after a long period of uncertainty - first dreaming about all the hypotheticals, then the discovery of the what's actually available, then the process of picking and prioritizing a list of wants and sending it off to the higher powers, then an agonizing month or two of hopes, fears, conjectures... And finally, there is an answer.<br /><br />We will be going to <a href="http://www.monterey.org/">Monterey, CA</a>, where B will be attending <a href="http://www.nps.edu/">Naval Postgraduate School</a>, beginning this fall. That will be his job - getting his Masters degree. While going to school, he does not have a 'job,' but he continues to receive his full salary, and does not have to pay for his education. He doesn't even have to wear a uniform except one day a week. (However, there are still lots of rules, for instance: one's backpack may only be black or navy blue, and if one has a laptop bag instead, then one may only wear it over one's left shoulder, I presume so that one may still salute when necessary.) <br /><br />Before you get TOO jealous, check out his <a href="http://www.nps.navy.mil/se/2007%2009%2017%20MSSE%20CSE%20Flyer%20v3-3.pdf">schedule</a>. It's a bit grueling. I certainly wouldn't want to have any other job while trying to tackle those classes. In comparison, for my Masters degree, if I continue to take two classes per semester, I will finish in two years, total - that's the same amount of time allotted for his program, with its 4-5 classes per semester. And I don't have to write a thesis! <br /><br />This wasn't his/our first choice (Molesworth, England) or even second choice (Naples, Italy). But it was third! Which is a distinct improvement over last time, where the job and location combination were not even on his submitted list... And this will probably be the best move for his future career. Plus, we'll be about an hour and a half from my parents. You can bet they are psyched. *Of course, all of this is still only a <span style="font-style: italic;">probably</span>; he won't have orders in hand until around April, and until then, things could easily change.<br /><br />Additionally, since I was just on the subject of the prospect of working while getting my Masters: Things are finally happening for me with the Jacksonville Public Library paying me for my time there. I can't say what with any certainty - it's complicated. Here's the basics though. They said they had a part time shelving position coming open and would I be interested; I said, well, that isn't my ideal situation but it would be better than working for free, so sure. Immediately after I submitted the paperwork to get myself hired, the branch manager pulled me in her office to ask if I was aware that there were 6 full time clerical positions open in the library system, but in other branches. So then, with my part time paperwork on its way to City Hall, I was at Human Resources taking a typing and clerical skills test to see whether I was qualified for the full time job(s), which, of course, was no sweat. And then yesterday I went to the Main Library where I was interviewed for full time job AND processed into the system for the part time job (provided I pass my drug screen, again, no trouble there), with the idea that if I am picked for the full time position it will somehow be easier to transfer me within the system... <br /><br />Believe it or not, that's the short version of the story.<br /><br />Either way though, I will be employed again, until transfer time comes. And in an environment where I actually WANT TO BE. It's a lovely thing.Carahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852092038782981663noreply@blogger.com3