tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224600862024-03-13T23:09:32.397-07:00Pine Cone LodgeHegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-70429024360330651832010-02-28T19:40:00.000-08:002010-03-01T05:49:33.234-08:00Getting excited about spring!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5p-J_QwI/AAAAAAAAA04/f7XkvKXj4xA/s1600-h/IMG_1073_buds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5p-J_QwI/AAAAAAAAA04/f7XkvKXj4xA/s400/IMG_1073_buds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443507967829689090" border="0" /></a><br />Spring is coming, I know it! Of course, it's March 1st, and in this part of the world, that means spring will show up in about three months. But these tiny cherry blossoms are starting to come to life inside.<br /><br />In January we had a snowstorm that took down our old cherry tree. It was always beautiful every year, but it's trunk was so damaged that it was only a matter of time. I clipped as many branches as I could, and put them in a bucket of water to force them. It's something I think of doing every year, but don't usually get around to. This time it was now or never.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5pmSj5OI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ICFY6BK035E/s1600-h/IMG_1057_crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5pmSj5OI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ICFY6BK035E/s400/IMG_1057_crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443507961423193314" border="0" /></a><br />It was rather slow at first. After several weeks, nothing had happened. But suddenly last week, green buds started coming out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5pMkK6VI/AAAAAAAAA0o/R8SmIUJLPUI/s1600-h/IMG_1073_crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4s5pMkK6VI/AAAAAAAAA0o/R8SmIUJLPUI/s400/IMG_1073_crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443507954517731666" border="0" /></a><br />This week, tiny little flowers are beginning to show! I am so happy to see them! They are pretty miraculous, really. <br /><br />I hope that spring comes quickly for all of you in the northern hemisphere! If you are in the Southern hemisphere, I hope your summer is starting to get a little cooler!Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-13340609458388515722010-02-20T14:26:00.000-08:002010-02-20T16:11:32.506-08:00UFO Number 2 - Fleece MittensFinished mittens, yay! Fleece mittens, a.k.a thrummed mittens (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mohairkid/fleece-mittens">Ravelry link</a>), for husband are done. It feels good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4BsrMNrrGI/AAAAAAAAAyU/Q_HXfTCmyM8/s1600-h/IMG_1043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4BsrMNrrGI/AAAAAAAAAyU/Q_HXfTCmyM8/s400/IMG_1043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440467839132347490" border="0" /></a><br />This was a kit by Nancy Erlandson. The yarn was called Ponemah yarn from Quinnehticut Woolen Co. and had a lot of lanolin in it. It really did make my hands feel soft when knitting it! I wish I could make another pair in this same yarn, but this mill has been closed.<br /><br />Maybe some people would not have bothered to finish such an old project, but I am compulsive about hanging onto old stuff, so I couldn't let them go. Plus, my husband really likes them!<br /><br />I am still working on the Glittertind sweater, but it's not exactly tv-knitting. I have completed the first step on my list from last post. It's slow going.<br /><br />The ufo spreadsheet has been rearranged. Projects that have not yet been started will not be called ufo's. Hannah is getting frogged. So I am down to 8 ufo's and that makes me feel more sane. Next, Setesdal Hat II.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4Bv9Q8DiKI/AAAAAAAAAys/RK16NIQBxPk/s1600-h/screen_chart_2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S4Bv9Q8DiKI/AAAAAAAAAys/RK16NIQBxPk/s1600/screen_chart_2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440471448173119650" border="0" /></a>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-62491728236896012032010-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:002010-01-21T10:19:16.636-08:00UFO Number 1 - GlittertindThe Beast:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzS3DfONI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/tBMLkZOm1-k/s1600-h/DPP_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzS3DfONI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/tBMLkZOm1-k/s400/DPP_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428512431206774994" border="0" /></a>Glittertind, not to be confused with Dale of Norway's Glittertind. That came later.<br /><br /><br />The Book:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzTc2N9bI/AAAAAAAAAwo/AQIdR97KGqQ/s1600-h/DPP_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzTc2N9bI/AAAAAAAAAwo/AQIdR97KGqQ/s400/DPP_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428512441351665074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzTJyDGuI/AAAAAAAAAwg/8_wL79bOjB0/s1600-h/DPP_0007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzTJyDGuI/AAAAAAAAAwg/8_wL79bOjB0/s400/DPP_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428512436233902818" border="0" /></a>Norsk Strikk: Fra Tradisjon Til Mote. Editor Kari Hestnes, 1992.<br />The cover model is called Lillehammer, also not to be confused with the Dale of Norway Lillehammer from 1994. All the sweaters in this book are either from, or inspired by, a place. Most are sort of traditional.<br /><br /><br />This is Glittertind:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1X1mvRJuDI/AAAAAAAAAww/anoea9VIPNc/s1600-h/Glittertind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1X1mvRJuDI/AAAAAAAAAww/anoea9VIPNc/s400/Glittertind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428514971737241650" border="0" /></a>Norway's second highest mountain. From <a href="http://www.photoseek.com/norway.html">this page</a> which makes me all homesick.<br /><br /><br />Hard not to like a mountain with the word "glitter" in the name. Beats Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain.<br /><br /><br />Progress so far:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzSztpL1I/AAAAAAAAAwY/1C-Wc_-bAwQ/s1600-h/DPP_0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1XzSztpL1I/AAAAAAAAAwY/1C-Wc_-bAwQ/s400/DPP_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428512430309846866" border="0" /></a>Well, ok, I have only done about four-five rounds, this sleeve was already underway.<br /><br />Steps to finish:<br /><ol><li>Knit second sleeve.<br /></li><li>Reknit first sleeve.<br /></li><li>Cut the sleeve openings wider.</li><li>Reknit the ribbing. It's too tight because I liked the way the stiches looked when knit tightly. I knew better.<br /></li><li>Knit the neckline.</li><li>After attaching the sleeves, check the fit and possibly lengthen the body.(!) Does this seem like a lost cause? If I could redo the body, I would. It's way oversized, like in the 90's when we were all getting the large and extra-large sweaters (it wasn't just the 80's.)<br /></li><li>Graft on the ribbing.</li></ol>Sigh.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-80315946553974090322010-01-19T09:26:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:29:00.611-08:00The UFO List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1X5KzTxOUI/AAAAAAAAAw4/NgrVThEA_ws/s1600-h/excel_shot.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/S1X5KzTxOUI/AAAAAAAAAw4/NgrVThEA_ws/s1600/excel_shot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428518889832134978" border="0" /></a><br />Kind of a long list! Working on them (almost) in order of which can be finished first. It's the maximum impact in the shortest time principle.<br /><br />I love making lists like this.<br />Makes me feel like I have actually done something.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-77238426279053093782010-01-10T08:03:00.000-08:002010-01-10T12:12:07.442-08:00Happy 2010!Happy New Year! I just found out that one blog I had, the Poetry In Stitches along, has been deleted. I guess none of us had looked at it for a while. Sorry if anybody thought I deleted it. So, anyway, this is just a "touch" to make sure this blog stays up. I plan on blogging and knitting again. Soon. ;)<br /><br />My resolution for this year might be a 12-in-12 project. I have at least 12 ufos so in 12 months they could all be done! Notice my use of "might" and "could"! It would be cool, though. Good discipline, too. I already made a spreadsheet checklist to post on my bulletin board. The organizing and making of the list is of course a big part of the fun!<br /><br />I just have to stop getting so distracted by all the new projects available.<br /><br />I am just sitting here on a sunny Sunday morning, looking at the birds at our feeder and getting ready to start a fire. I love it when there is snow and sun at the same time! Instead of knitting, I have been browsing Ravelry and found lots of new groups to join. I am now a member of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mohairkid">71 groups</a> which is slightly ridiculous. I am just a dilletante! It's just so much fun to see what is out there! And I am completely addicted to information.<br /><br />I hope all my friends are having a great new year!Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-25054552119992987132008-11-09T15:10:00.000-08:002008-11-10T17:02:30.686-08:00Alpaca Lace Scarf<p>Clearly I like the crumpled look, because even after blocking it still looks that way. White lace looks so frothy and fluffy, and the little zig-zagging edge makes it even better. <br /></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRd0ra9MxYI/AAAAAAAAArw/srm25MnIMDA/s1600-h/IMG_0693.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRd0ra9MxYI/AAAAAAAAArw/srm25MnIMDA/s400/IMG_0693.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266806578552292738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdxE3riqbI/AAAAAAAAArg/4tPichR9s80/s1600-h/IMG_0676.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdxE3riqbI/AAAAAAAAArg/4tPichR9s80/s400/IMG_0676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266802617713076658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRd2hzKeGdI/AAAAAAAAAr4/bULzvVS8KR8/s1600-h/IMG_0662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRd2hzKeGdI/AAAAAAAAAr4/bULzvVS8KR8/s400/IMG_0662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266808612274969042" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdxEKXc8pI/AAAAAAAAArQ/d1CI-eMgKhM/s1600-h/IMG_0692.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/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdxEKXc8pI/AAAAAAAAArQ/d1CI-eMgKhM/s400/IMG_0692.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266802605549220498" /></a><br /><p><br />Pattern: Rectangle in Leaf and Trellis Pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/victorian-lace-today">Victorian Lace Today</a> (Ravelry link)<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.mistialpaca.com/yarns2.php?material_id=3">Misti Alpaca Lace</a> in natural, less than 2 skeins<br />Needles: 3 mm<br /></p><p>It only took a year to finish, but finally it got done. Maybe will be a Christmas present for somebody. Being such a slacker, it usually works better for me if I don't decide something is a present until it is done.<br /></p><p><br />Modification: making the Large Rectangle in Leaf and Trellis Pattern with only one repeat made it a scarf instead of a shawl.</p><p><br />The chart had two extra stitches on the one side of the chart, which made the lace leaves wider on that one side (left side of the chart). Attempting to be helpful, I tried to write a comment about that on the pattern page in Ravelry, but at that time there was no function for reporting problems. So now it looks kind of wrong where it is, like I am saying something negative. I feel bad about that, and maybe I can get them to remove it. I was not intending to say anything negative, because I love this pattern! And this gorgeous book! </p>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-52789696842740609842008-11-09T15:02:00.000-08:002008-11-09T16:12:37.698-08:00Pippi displaying her combover<p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdtVJAvRKI/AAAAAAAAArA/IbVoUHdn5eQ/s1600-h/IMG_0687.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/_oFkdQbddjbs/SRdtVJAvRKI/AAAAAAAAArA/IbVoUHdn5eQ/s400/IMG_0687.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266798499196781730" /></a><br /></p><div align="center">She makes the couch look good.</div><div align="center"><br /></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-76756726179683521232008-10-23T14:53:00.001-07:002010-01-21T10:30:09.323-08:00Selbu glove<div><br /></div><div>Dear Friends,</div><div>I sure have missed all of you. The last year just flew by! I have been working very hard and not been able to fit in much time for knitting, blogging or other fun stuff. Reading bloglines again is exciting, but I almost forgot all my usernames and passwords for everything! </div><div><br /></div><div>There has been a very, very small amount of knitting going on. Though there has been some buying of yarn... ahem! I fooled myself into thinking that buying the yarn makes a project halfway finished... It almost gave me a sense of accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/SQD2G0J-g-I/AAAAAAAAAq4/uRpNoicoK2Q/s1600-h/IMG_0593_glove.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/_oFkdQbddjbs/SQD2G0J-g-I/AAAAAAAAAq4/uRpNoicoK2Q/s400/IMG_0593_glove.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260474961708876770" /></a><br /><div>One Selbu glove (unblocked, unpressed) from the booklet <a href="http://nordicfiberarts.com/patternbooks.htm">Selbustrikk</a> which I got from <a href="http://nordicfiberarts.com/">Nordic Fiber Arts</a>. This is Damevante No. 16. There are three different charts for the back of the hand in this pattern. </div><div><br /></div><div>The yarn is <a href="http://nordicfiberarts.com/yarnc/gam/index.htm">Rauma Gammelserie</a> (this means Old Series, so it's an oldfashioned, tightly twisted yarn). I am knitting with 2mm double-pointed needles (us 0), which were quite hard to find! The only manufacturer of 2mm dpn's I found was Addi.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I hope you are all doing well. I look forward to seeing what you all have been up to!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxx</div><div>h</div><div><br /></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-8216659983230733312008-10-18T11:50:00.000-07:002008-10-23T19:38:21.577-07:00What we can learn from spiders<div>I have knitting posts coming, I promise! In the meantime:</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sHzdsFiBbFc"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sHzdsFiBbFc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div><br /></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-55683157049406473392007-10-26T11:22:00.001-07:002007-10-26T15:10:22.139-07:00Blocking, who needs it?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJdm6nuXXI/AAAAAAAAAfg/ehvofMClt6c/s1600-h/IMG_0614_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJdm6nuXXI/AAAAAAAAAfg/ehvofMClt6c/s400/IMG_0614_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125762249053330802" border="0" /></a>Soft, white, and fluffy like a cloud.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJTC6nuXSI/AAAAAAAAAe4/sYJns1u0vmQ/s1600-h/IMG_0610_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJTC6nuXSI/AAAAAAAAAe4/sYJns1u0vmQ/s400/IMG_0610_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125750635461762338" border="0" /></a><br />This is how I like my lace to look.<br /><br />The Large Rectangle in Leaf and Trellis pattern, from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064072">Victorian Lace Today</a>, in a scarf version. I am working on the edging at the moment. This project is renewing my love for <a href="http://www.mistialpaca.com/catalog.php?collection=3&page=0">Misti Baby Alpaca Lace</a> yarn! It's so wonderful!<br /><br />And it does come in 22 gorgeous colors...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJdlqnuXVI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/3MHTCVdcCUM/s1600-h/IMG_0611_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJdlqnuXVI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/3MHTCVdcCUM/s400/IMG_0611_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125762227578494290" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">M</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >aybe </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I will have to flatten the project a tiny, tiny, little bit at the finishing stage. But not too much!</span><br /></div><br />Meanwhile, though I love the white alpaca, I am hankering after colors... Who knows what will come out of this?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJTDqnuXUI/AAAAAAAAAfI/U4mLsXsJaPE/s1600-h/IMG_0604_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RyJTDqnuXUI/AAAAAAAAAfI/U4mLsXsJaPE/s400/IMG_0604_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125750648346664258" border="0" /></a>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-6685196380846796302007-10-09T05:12:00.001-07:002007-10-09T11:37:59.751-07:00Local yarn and fabric store closingI am so bummed. For those who live in South-Eastern Mass, the Randolph location of <a href="http://www.fabricplace.com/storefront/default.aspx">Fabric Place</a> is closing. Everything is on sale. They have yarn as well as fabrics, and in fact they were the biggest MA yarn shop south of Boston. I just discovered them last spring, and was really happy to find such a great big store reasonably close to my area. It was too good to last, of course.<br /><br />Their selection includes Classic Elite, Berrocco, Brown Sheep, Malabrigo, Fleece Artist, Karabella, and lots of other goodies. And their fabrics are awesome. They also have their Pfaff sewing machines on sale... This always happens when I am on a budget.<br /><br />This is the second time this has happened in a year here... I plan to take good care of the remaining smaller shops.<br /><br />Their Warwick, RI, location is also closing.<br /><br />Well, I just thought I would pass on the word about the sale, if anybody lives in the area, and is in need of yarn. :)Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-41201134217119315582007-09-09T07:17:00.001-07:002007-09-09T12:53:35.615-07:00A Pine Tree Sock<!--<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuRHrYXDl7I/AAAAAAAAAew/khkZR4DKuRs/s1600-h/IMG_0571_3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuRHrYXDl7I/AAAAAAAAAew/khkZR4DKuRs/s400/IMG_0571_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108286687944087474" border="0" /></a>--><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuQ8boXDl5I/AAAAAAAAAeg/S_Z91pgcQp8/s1600-h/IMG_0571_3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuQ8boXDl5I/AAAAAAAAAeg/S_Z91pgcQp8/s320/IMG_0571_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108274322733242258" border="0" /></a>Pattern: Pine Tree Socks by Katherine Misegades, free pattern <a href="http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/pine-tree-sock/">here</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yarn: Dale Heilo, 3 skeins of 50g<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Needles: 3 mm<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuQAxYXDl1I/AAAAAAAAAeA/mp6xeM-h_1k/s1600-h/IMG_0561_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RuQAxYXDl1I/AAAAAAAAAeA/mp6xeM-h_1k/s320/IMG_0561_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108208725697730386" border="0" /></a>The Katherine Misegades sock is made with a special heel, which is very cool. There are no short rows, and no picking up stitches. There are no special heel stitches and this allows the patterning to flow all the way down the back.<br /><br /><br />They are super comfortable. I love that they are nice and long. Also, the way the sock is angled gives it a shape that fits my foot very nicely. Now I am almost looking forward to the cold so that I can wear my Pine Tree Socks. As soon as I finish the other one, of course.<br />Thank you, Katherine!<br /><br />Also, my user name on Ravelry is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mohairkid">mohairkid</a>. Or The Mo-hair Kid as we like to say it 'round these parts.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-69427618269321473642007-08-21T12:39:00.001-07:002007-08-24T05:57:41.755-07:00Lace Knitting<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >We liken lace knitting to making a souffle: To the uninitiated, it exudes an aura of mystery and difficulty; but when the work is done, you realize it is mostly air and no trick at all.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen, Vogue Knitting, Winter 92-93.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RstArk5YclI/AAAAAAAAAdc/neXjUcXam3k/s1600-h/IMG_0525_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RstArk5YclI/AAAAAAAAAdc/neXjUcXam3k/s320/IMG_0525_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101242120310125138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mostly air</span><br /></div><br />I love this quote. Elizabeth Zimmermann had the gift of expressing things succinctly!<br /><br />In between working on the <a href="http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/pine-tree-sock/">Pine Tree Sock</a>, my little <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-love-rockn-roll.html">wall quilt</a>, and my <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/search/label/project%20-%20brocade%20leaves">Brocade Leaves</a> sweater, I cast on for another lace project. Resistance was futile.<br /><br />The pattern is again from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064072">Victorian Lace Today</a>, the Large Rectangle in Leaf and Trellis Pattern (p 52). Though I am only doing one repeat across, instead of two, so that I will have a scarf instead of a shawl. See gorgeous full size versions of it <a href="http://www.fluffbuff.com/2007/03/habu_stole.html">here</a> and <a href="http://victorianlacealong.blogspot.com/2007/03/finished.html">here</a>.<br /><br />For the yarn, I am again using Misti Baby Alpaca Lace, in natural. I love this yarn. Very nice and extremely generous with the yardage. So generous that I have tons left of the red from my last scarf.<br /><br />The pattern is bothering me slightly, though. If you look at the picture, you can see that the stockinette section is larger on the left side than the right side. It has two extra stockinette stitches, so the pattern is not completely centered. It's a tiny error in the chart. I have already done six repeats, so I don't have the heart to frog it. It will be one of those imperfections that shows it was handmade. Handmade with love :)<br /><br />On a Lace related topic, I have good news for North American lovers of Japanese knitting books. They are now available <a href="http://www.needleartsbookshop.com/Japanese_Knitting_Books.html">here</a>, at the <a href="http://www.needleartsbookshop.com/">Needle Arts Book Shop</a>. The lace sweater at the top of the page is spectacular. I can see this becoming a new obsession for me... Lace knitting, finally in Japanese!<br />.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-46001811585682468732007-08-07T16:22:00.000-07:002007-08-07T20:35:32.852-07:00Pine Tree Socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rrh3mU4nStI/AAAAAAAAAbM/KYoimO_-v3g/s1600-h/microfiber.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rrh3mU4nStI/AAAAAAAAAbM/KYoimO_-v3g/s320/microfiber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095954478694615762" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to <a href="http://hyldemorknits.wordpress.com/">Anni</a>, I have discovered some wonderful socks. They are the <a href="http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/pine-tree-sock/">Pine Tree Socks</a> from Katherine Misegades. Her name may be familiar to you from her beautiful collection <a href="http://www.icelandicsheep.com/Sock_Collection_Book.htm">The Tongue River Farm Sock Collection</a>.<br /><br />The Pine Tree Socks feature knit and purl trees along the front and back and a small cable decorating the sides. Aren't they sleek and pretty? Don't they look warm? I think they will be perfect for living at Pine Cone Lodge this winter. And not just because of the name, though that's a bonus. Pine Cone Lodge can be pretty chilly!<br /><br />Like Katherine, we also have tall spruces around our house, and I can see why she would not want to take hers down. They add so much character and atmosphere.<br /><br />Katherine Misegades' <a href="http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/">blog</a> features many beautiful designs for both socks, sweaters, hats, and scarves, along with thoughtful, inspiring quotes. <a href="http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/2006/07/16/january-joy/">This</a> awesome sweater reminds me of a traditional Norwegian pullover called a "vams". She also has several free sock patterns.<br /><br />My last pair of socks had some lace, and maybe it's not so practical to have wool socks with holes in them... doesn't that defeat the purpose of staying warm? I think it might be a good time for me to start on some socks again. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo from Katherine's blog.</span>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-76784125058242040802007-07-29T17:10:00.001-07:002007-07-31T11:26:11.599-07:00Lipstick red lace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ttU4nSWI/AAAAAAAAAYU/zUp3H63uFzc/s1600-h/IMG_0532.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ttU4nSWI/AAAAAAAAAYU/zUp3H63uFzc/s400/IMG_0532.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092777010349427042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was so much fun!<br /><br />Pattern: Scarf with No. 20 border, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064072">Victorian Lace Today</a><br />Yarn: Misti Alpaca Lace, in color Lipstick, 2 skeins<br />Needles: 3 mm Addi turbo<br /><br />Width: 29 cm<br />Length: 142 cm<br />Pattern repeats: 22<br /><br />I did twenty-two repeats of the lace pattern, which is exactly the same as the much larger stole in the book. I thought I would have to knit more than that because my yarn is thinner than what they used in the book, but that's just how it worked out. Check out the picture at the end. If I had made a narrower scarf I could have easily gotten by with just one skein of this yarn. Good to know!<br /><br />I tried modeling on the pretty one:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0tsU4nSTI/AAAAAAAAAX8/T7TGyWShsyY/s1600-h/IMG_0543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0tsU4nSTI/AAAAAAAAAX8/T7TGyWShsyY/s400/IMG_0543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092776993169557810" border="0" /></a>Is this my color?<br /></div><br />She ran away into her safe corner, but I followed. Just as well, the wood makes a nicer background. See how her right ear leans in? It does that when she in insecure. Poor thing, the tortures she has to suffer through.<br /><br />Outside was better. As a bonus we got a better representation of the color as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ts04nSUI/AAAAAAAAAYE/6aUATRkY9LM/s1600-h/IMG_0547.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ts04nSUI/AAAAAAAAAYE/6aUATRkY9LM/s400/IMG_0547.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092777001759492418" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ttE4nSVI/AAAAAAAAAYM/unU8EA0ZlOE/s1600-h/IMG_0552.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0ttE4nSVI/AAAAAAAAAYM/unU8EA0ZlOE/s400/IMG_0552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092777006054459730" border="0" /></a>This is taking forever...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am not sure it was worth modeling it on her. I spent half an hour trying to pose her, which was impossible. Every time I tried to move so I could get her from the side, she followed and wanted to face me. And then I spent half an hour afterwards picking out white dog hairs with tweezers. They worked themselves in really well!<br /></div></div><br />I love the way the second border is knitted on. And look how far I got with the first skein of yarn! Ten cm short of the end! So about 97 percent of this scarf from one skein...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0uwE4nSXI/AAAAAAAAAYc/FofejqCzwJI/s1600-h/IMG_0604.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rq0uwE4nSXI/AAAAAAAAAYc/FofejqCzwJI/s400/IMG_0604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092778157105695090" border="0" /></a><br />I really learned a lot from this project. The knitted on border was definitely cool, and I found that a crochet bind off works better for lace. For me at least. The book recommends suspended bind off, but it worked out tight for me. I tried a few different ones, but none of the others worked. Lace is addictive, I think it's the most fun knitting there is. I had to force myself to put it down.<br /><br />One amazing thing about the book, is that the author, Jane Sowerby, knitted every single shawl herself. There are forty items, most of them quite large!<br /><br />Thank you, <a href="http://passionfruit.typepad.com/">Jacqueline </a>and <a href="http://www.unwindknitting.net/">Stephanie</a>, for the fun <a href="http://victorianlacealong.blogspot.com/">knit-along</a>!Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-76694816546836456172007-07-12T09:19:00.000-07:002007-11-17T05:52:26.700-08:00I love rock'n rollPut another dime in the jukebox, baby! <a href="http://knittinginthevalley.blogspot.com/">Rockin' girl Agnes</a> kindly nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger, so now I am pretending to be <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/joanjett">Joan Jett</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUGOnVwGlI/AAAAAAAAAX0/GYmRs8dJzmg/s1600-h/RockinGirlBlogger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUGOnVwGlI/AAAAAAAAAX0/GYmRs8dJzmg/s200/RockinGirlBlogger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085978202332994130" border="0" /></a><br />I know I am silly, but I can't help myself. It seems Joan Jett immediately springs to mind for a lot of people my age when you say Rockin' Girl. Though Joan probably wouldn't be showing you pictures of quilts and lace.<br /><br />Now I am supposed to nominate five others. I nominate <a href="http://daysfull.blogspot.com/">Meg</a> - for all the fascinating topics she writes about, <a href="http://www.whisperingpine.org/">Blossom</a> - for her beautiful sewing and style, <a href="http://athenadreams.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Liz</a> - for her beautiful art works and photos, <a href="http://www.purlingplans.com/">Mel</a> - for her beautiful spinning, <a href="http://woolyewe.blogspot.com/">Marina</a> - for her gorgeous fair isles, and <a href="http://knotminding.blogspot.com/">Marianne</a> - for her caring and thoughtfulness. Of course all in addition to beautiful knitting. Okay, maybe that was six. I must do two more: <a href="http://ihatetoast.typepad.com/needle_noses/">Katy</a> and <a href="http://thebellagreyhound.blogspot.com/">Brooke</a>, who both share their lives with lots of beautiful greyhounds and have so much fun with it. Pippi and I get our daily must-read greyhound news from them.<br /><br />I would really like to nominate all the bloggers I read. I want to say something like "You all rock!" but honestly, I am too old. I can't use an expression like that with a straight face. So let me just say that all of your blogs are an endless source of inspiration to me, and I get a lot of joy from reading them.<br /><br />I am picking up some UFO's:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUDhXVwGgI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yFpdyqn8pfc/s1600-h/IMG_0563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUDhXVwGgI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yFpdyqn8pfc/s400/IMG_0563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085975225920657922" border="0" /></a>The first is this wall hanging. It represents the four seasons, and there are some autumn leaves still to applique. I won't tell you how old this ufo is. Well, ok, ten years. <a href="http://www.whisperingpine.org/">Blossom</a> came to visit me a few years ago. I was showing her my projects, and I couldn't find the book for this. I have since turned the house upside down several times, and it has never appeared!<br /><br />Every time I thought about starting this again, I would feel compelled to search for the book, thus keeping myself from actually working on it. I can hardly believe that I would have owned a book and forgotten its' name. It was a Japanese quilting book, and I think I bought it in Copenhagen at <a href="http://hansjorn.dk/familier/bairds/1999/tourist/quilting.htm"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Quilter's Paradise</span></a>. I have the pattern sheet, but I wish I had the picture so I could see how they did their quilting and surface embellishments. I now have decided to face the fact that I will never find it, and I will have to improvise. How scary.<br /><br />Putting something on your blog causes it to get finished, right?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">November, 2007, e</span><span style="font-style: italic;">dited to add</span><span style="font-style: italic;">: A very kind reader sent me a sweet email and the name of the book! I was able to find it </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Seasons-Quilts-Japans-Quilt/dp/1564771695">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. I really enjoyed seeing it again. I know I would never have been able to think of such a nice frame for the picture, so I am really happy. Thank you very much, M.C.!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUDh3VwGhI/AAAAAAAAAXU/Y8XsYhNIQdY/s1600-h/IMG_0565.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUDh3VwGhI/AAAAAAAAAXU/Y8XsYhNIQdY/s400/IMG_0565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085975234510592530" border="0" /></a>The second thing I have picked up again is the "Scarf with No. 20 Edging" from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Lace-Today-Jane-Sowerby/dp/1933064072">Victorian Lace Today</a>. This has hibernated for about six months. The funny thing about this is that many people have done the same scarf as part of the <a href="http://victorianlacealong.blogspot.com/">KAL</a>, and all except one have done it in red! And no, the picture in the book is not of a red scarf, it's yellow! This is a scarf that just wants to be red.<br /><br />Plus, there is still the <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/search/label/project%20-%20brocade%20leaves">Brocade Leaves</a> sweater, <a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/pis_kitpages/124sweater.html">Poetry In Stitches p124</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/index.htm">Nordic Fiber Arts</a> has a "one per customer" notice for this book and for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norsk-Strikkedesign-Collection-Foremost-Designers/dp/1893063011">Norsk Strikkedesign</a> on their page now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUERnVwGiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/POV02UpQmPU/s1600-h/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUERnVwGiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/POV02UpQmPU/s400/IMG_0542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085976054849346082" border="0" /></a>One of our rhododendrons which is blooming at the moment. I think it may be a 'Rosebay' rhododendron, and it blooms well after the other rhodies. The weather has been misty for a few days and I feel like I am in Oregon or Seattle. It's so nice! After the drought, this is better for the plants. Tourists are not happy, though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUEgnVwGjI/AAAAAAAAAXk/NYERtJVmz5k/s1600-h/IMG_0545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RpUEgnVwGjI/AAAAAAAAAXk/NYERtJVmz5k/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085976312547383858" border="0" /></a>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-38344635815857431802007-07-02T14:20:00.000-07:002007-07-02T17:40:08.954-07:00Poetry in Stitches Camisole<!--<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolpJXVwGfI/AAAAAAAAAXE/eSWL8abf4kY/s1600-h/IMG_0564.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolpJXVwGfI/AAAAAAAAAXE/eSWL8abf4kY/s400/IMG_0564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082709264069302770" border="0" /></a>--><br />The Poetry camisole is finished, and I really like it! After spending more time on the finishing than the knitting (typical), it's ready. This pattern is a copy of an actual vintage under garment. Maybe it was worn over a corset? I love learning about what people wore underneath their Victorian and Edwardian finery.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rolo_nVwGdI/AAAAAAAAAW0/XE8pbbYnKUQ/s1600-h/IMG_0564_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rolo_nVwGdI/AAAAAAAAAW0/XE8pbbYnKUQ/s400/IMG_0564_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082709096565578194" border="0" /></a>The shaping makes the top very comfortable, and I believe it would be flattering on most body types. The only adjustment that I made was to knit it size small on the length, but size medium on the width.<br /><br />The instructions for the button holes were written for the medium size only, so I had to do that calculation for the size small. But I think it was good for my brain to be forced to do a tiny bit of math. It is getting old and creaky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rolo_3VwGeI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ekAbbxGR62I/s1600-h/IMG_0568_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Rolo_3VwGeI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ekAbbxGR62I/s400/IMG_0568_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082709100860545506" border="0" /></a><br /><!--<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolohnVwGbI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-mfSh0_iM3U/s1600-h/IMG_0564_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolohnVwGbI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-mfSh0_iM3U/s320/IMG_0564_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082708581169502642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Roloh3VwGcI/AAAAAAAAAWs/hQ5rzOgkBVo/s1600-h/IMG_0568_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Roloh3VwGcI/AAAAAAAAAWs/hQ5rzOgkBVo/s320/IMG_0568_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082708585464469954" border="0" /></a>--><div style="text-align: center;">I found some flower shaped buttons to bring out the summery feel.<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Details</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span>Poetry In Stitches <a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/pis_kitpages/126sweatermed.html">p126</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn:</span> Hifa <a href="http://www.ull.no/default.asp?k=3&id=167">Luxor</a> cotton in pale blue 315. (Click on the button that says "Fargekart" to see the colors) Kit was special ordered from <a href="http://nordicfiberarts.com/">Nordic Fiber Arts</a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles:</span> Addi Bamboo circulars, 3 mm, 60 cm (24 in) long (An awkward Addi size, stick with 80 from now on!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet hook:</span> 3 mm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Started:</span> May 21, 2006, Finished June 28, 2006. A record!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolnunVwGaI/AAAAAAAAAWc/xVFC2mAKb_8/s1600-h/IMG_0560_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RolnunVwGaI/AAAAAAAAAWc/xVFC2mAKb_8/s320/IMG_0560_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082707704996174242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The weather is not cooperating. Sometimes it's too sunny for pictures! I hope to be replacing this picture shortly.</span><br /></div><br />I love the Hifa cotton yarn. It's smooth and makes a pretty fabric. I would love to make something in plain stockinette using this yarn to really bring out the sheen.<br />The only problem was that the plies tended to separate some when crocheting, but I don't mind, because this is what makes the yarn so smooth and silky. Crocheting was much harder on my carpal tunnel than knitting, though. I think I need one of those ergonomic hooks!<br /><br />I had a problem with my cast-on being looser than the bind-off (the cast-on side is the button hole side), and when I tried it on, I realized that it would not look good. One side was a little longer than the other. So I picked out the row before the double seed stitch area, picked up the stitches, and reknit the 14 rows in the opposite direction. Now it's great. There is not any gapping between the buttons at all, even though the top is quite form fitting.<br /><br />The garter stitch was quite stretchy, but the crochet edging firmed things up nicely.<br /><br />I really liked knitting sideways like this, and I am thinking of making <a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/norskstrikkedesign/norskstrikke_lg36.jpg">this</a> Solveig Hisdal jacket from <a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/norskstrikkedesign.html">Norsk Strikkedesign</a> later! I also love <a href="http://www.swedishyarn.com/swi_hanne_mermaid.htm">this</a> Hanne Falkenberg jacket, the Mermaid. Isn't it the coolest, most awesome design ever?Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-46010306657974393292007-06-20T16:01:00.000-07:002007-06-21T10:43:43.296-07:00Pippi the burrowing greyhound<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnqMQ6oAKbI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Nwt5CkS8dbU/s1600-h/IMG_0578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnqMQ6oAKbI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Nwt5CkS8dbU/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078525752056490418" border="0" /></a>A little princess.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnqMSaoAKcI/AAAAAAAAAWU/tQSaC4YYjLI/s1600-h/IMG_0582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnqMSaoAKcI/AAAAAAAAAWU/tQSaC4YYjLI/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078525777826294210" border="0" /></a><br />The Pipster is the worlds most <span style="font-weight: bold;">pampered </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">decadent </span>little greyhound. And the most affectionate.<br /><br />At night, when she runs upstairs to go to bed, she refuses to lie down on her super cushy L.L.Bean bed. She stands there looking at us until we bring out the blankets from the closet. Her bed must have her blankies. Only then will she lie down.<br /><br />She has heard the story <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_and_the_Pea">"The Princess and the Pea"</a>. And since she believes she is a princess (she misunderstood the title, in her mind she changed it to "The Princess is The P"), well, she wants to be treated like one and sleep on many, many mattresses and blankets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyTaoAKYI/AAAAAAAAAV0/0GjozjEpV0Y/s1600-h/IMG_0535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyTaoAKYI/AAAAAAAAAV0/0GjozjEpV0Y/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078286101471308162" border="0" /></a>She likes to be tucked in. Even if it's 80 (27) degrees outside. Now she is happy. She'll stay under her blankies all night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyTqoAKZI/AAAAAAAAAV8/nCb0_PGM-PU/s1600-h/IMG_0536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyTqoAKZI/AAAAAAAAAV8/nCb0_PGM-PU/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078286105766275474" border="0" /></a>In the morning, this is Pippi:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyT6oAKaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Z0zOOm142JM/s1600-h/IMG_0537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RnmyT6oAKaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Z0zOOm142JM/s400/IMG_0537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078286110061242786" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Come on, Pippi, we got to wakey, wakey!<br /></div><br />Where did she go? You probably didn't know that greyhounds are burrowing animals. Notice that she got up, turned around, and lay back down again. Some mornings we see no part of her at all. Other times she just hides her head. Time to play the game Where is The P? No energetic jumping out of bed for the Pipster, she likes to be woken up with morning spoiling*. Morning spoiling is the best**.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Greyhound owners are a little nuts.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">* The word spoiled is a very positive word in our house. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that other people may misunderstand when we say that a dog is spoiled. In our house it just means somebody who likes their spoiling. We love for all dogs to be spoiled.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">** Morning spoiling is especially good for shy greyhounds, the ones who pretend that they don't care about being petted. In the morning, when they are relaxed, they forget to keep up this pretense.<br /></span><br />.<br />.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-36758772017006599462007-06-05T11:47:00.000-07:002007-06-05T12:32:46.632-07:00The camisole is getting there<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmQ_Piwn2iI/AAAAAAAAAVs/GbBoNRsns6w/s1600-h/IMG_0541.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmQ_Piwn2iI/AAAAAAAAAVs/GbBoNRsns6w/s400/IMG_0541.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072248616587352610" border="0"></a><br />I felt compelled to post, even though the weather is very dark and dreary and I can't get a great picture. I have the crochet edging and the buttons left to do. I still have to actually buy the buttons. But this is a pretty fast knit, and I had lots of plane and airport time to knit when I went to Mexico. I was inspired by <a href="http://poetryalong.blogspot.com/2007/05/almost-done_25.html">Sandra</a> (I love her colors), who did hers so fast, and knitted whenever I had a minute. I love the little wedges which give such a good shape, and they also break up the project, knit twelve rows, knit a wedge, knit fifteen rows, knit a wedge. Somehow that was very motivating.<br /><br />I almost don't want to post, I kind of want the Mexico pictures to be at the top of my blog forever and ever. I thought about putting one in my header, but pictures of palm trees don't exactly scream "pine cone lodge". :)Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-39906545662571237072007-06-02T04:56:00.001-07:002007-08-03T07:06:26.204-07:00Travel, food, and textiles<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmF5hCwn2hI/AAAAAAAAAVk/DUzL5NiAOr4/s1600-h/IMG_0557.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmF5hCwn2hI/AAAAAAAAAVk/DUzL5NiAOr4/s400/IMG_0557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071468263979342354" border="0" /></a><br />My husband travels to meetings in cool places. I tagged along to Acapulco.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFqwywn2eI/AAAAAAAAAVM/yhVbNU5v-Ag/s1600-h/IMG_0546.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFqwywn2eI/AAAAAAAAAVM/yhVbNU5v-Ag/s400/IMG_0546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071452041887865314" border="0" /></a>We were lucky enough to go to a party here and see this beautiful view.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFrlywn2fI/AAAAAAAAAVU/1nwi6dKXXqg/s1600-h/IMG_0613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFrlywn2fI/AAAAAAAAAVU/1nwi6dKXXqg/s400/IMG_0613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071452952420932082" border="0" /></a>Seafood on the beach every night, watching the sunset from this deck. Food in Mexico, what a wonderful experience. The breakfast tortillas, the papaya juice, the soups, the seafood... I was taking notes.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFqNCwn2dI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Kx09PhWy7x0/s1600-h/IMG_0632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFqNCwn2dI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Kx09PhWy7x0/s400/IMG_0632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071451427707541970" border="0" /></a>It was funny to see all the cabs.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpzSwn2bI/AAAAAAAAAU0/jV9PiUxEovc/s1600-h/IMG_0666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpzSwn2bI/AAAAAAAAAU0/jV9PiUxEovc/s400/IMG_0666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071450985325910450" border="0" width="250" /></a>Shopping for embroidered dresses in the market, I was able to get a blouse<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpzywn2cI/AAAAAAAAAU8/RDYaFYU3B3U/s1600-h/IMG_0668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpzywn2cI/AAAAAAAAAU8/RDYaFYU3B3U/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071450993915845058" border="0" width="250" /></a>and a dress. I could look at this forever:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFhriwn2XI/AAAAAAAAAUU/P1JF2qiKHn4/s1600-h/IMG_0523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFhriwn2XI/AAAAAAAAAUU/P1JF2qiKHn4/s400/IMG_0523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071442056088902002" border="0" /></a>I would have loved to buy more, but aggressive bargaining was so much work.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpZiwn2aI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ZAf08DZCgkU/s1600-h/IMG_0536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RmFpZiwn2aI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ZAf08DZCgkU/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071450542944278946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Some knitting happened as well. I am almost done with the camisole now, but I loved this floor so much, I had to show this picture.<br /><br />I didn't have internet available except for about an hour and no cell phone service either. It was relaxing. But now I am slightly behind on my emails. Hope you all forgive me.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-60981452263320917122007-05-20T08:53:00.001-07:002007-05-20T11:43:09.011-07:00Cotton for summerTired of black and white yet? No way, not me! Though I am feeling compelled to set aside the wool every now and then, and play around with <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3078/2284/400/PIS126camisole.jpg">this</a> cotton camisole from Poetry in Stitches.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlByCCwn2UI/AAAAAAAAAT8/4jcQicCjPE8/s1600-h/IMG_0543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlByCCwn2UI/AAAAAAAAAT8/4jcQicCjPE8/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066674960217921858" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBx2Swn2TI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ExYuvHu7RB4/s1600-h/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBx2Swn2TI/AAAAAAAAAT0/ExYuvHu7RB4/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066674758354458930" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.hifa.no/Prodfargek.asp?id=440">Hifa cotton</a> in ice blue from <a href="http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/">Nordic Fiber Arts</a>.<br /></div><br />It was a treat to choose a color out of the 60 or so on the color card. I seriously considered at least four or five different blues, but in the end I went with this one, the palest of the pale. The yarn was special ordered, so it took a while for it to get here, but it is beautiful. Smooth, sleek, mercerized cotton, quite unlike their rather rustic (but lovely) Hifa 2 wool, which I am using for the Brocade Leaves sweater.<br /><br />The camisole is knitted sideways in garter stitch and "double pearl" stitch (I may have to find what the English name for this is), and is copied from an actual antique under garment! Isn't it cute with the short row shaping at the waist?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBvlywn2SI/AAAAAAAAATs/GjmR_jKBfWk/s1600-h/IMG_0525.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBvlywn2SI/AAAAAAAAATs/GjmR_jKBfWk/s400/IMG_0525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066672275863361826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Twin dogwood trees in our yard. Finally it's spring! Though of course it's still raining.<br /></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-45198195593950598322007-05-20T06:18:00.001-07:002010-01-21T10:21:46.940-08:00Variations on a sweaterI hope everybody who is knitting fair isle is reading Nanette's blog, <a href="http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/">Knitting In Color</a>. Her blog is like a class in color knitting, with lots of details and pictures. She wrote the booklet, "Stranded Color Knitting", which is a must for anybody who is new to fair isle knitting. It's like having a friend to show you what to do, how to hold the yarn, how deal with tension problems, the best ways to weave in the ends, and much more. Her latest series of posts has been a master class in knitting gloves. She is so very generous.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBMxSwn2PI/AAAAAAAAATQ/qAa-opyuWEE/s1600-h/scan0005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBMxSwn2PI/AAAAAAAAATQ/qAa-opyuWEE/s200/scan0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066633990524885234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPB1flfujI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/nPszPQHFttc/s1600-h/scan0012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPB1flfujI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/nPszPQHFttc/s320/scan0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063103530850564658" border="0" /></a>The sharp eyed among you may have noticed that two of the sweaters in the recent <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2007/05/black-and-white-inspiration.html">"inspiration"</a> post were the same. One is a copy of an antique*, knitted in very fine yarn and cut up the front to be a cardigan. It is edged with woven bands. The other one is an updated version in Susanne Pagoldh's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Knitting-Hobby-Susanne-Pagoldh/dp/0713635258">Nordic Knitting</a>, knitted in heavier wool and with ribbing at the neck and on the sleeves. If you want to make the cardigan, just follow the pattern in Nordic Knitting, but use thinner wool. Eliminate the sleeve and neck ribbing, and cut up the front. Edge with <a href="http://www.beaellisknitwear.com/images/enlarged/braid-0110.jpg">woven braid</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Pagoldh book is the only place I have seen a pattern for this sweater, known as "spøta-trøje" from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stord">Stord</a>, an island on the west coast of Norway outside Bergen. Though I have seen several other antique examples. Here is another as pictured in <a href="http://www.alibris.com/search/books/isbn/0713443367">Traditional Knitting</a> by Sheila McGregor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBNlywn2QI/AAAAAAAAATY/na_WO1d38f4/s1600-h/Stord.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RlBNlywn2QI/AAAAAAAAATY/na_WO1d38f4/s320/Stord.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066634892468017410" border="0" /></a>Note the initials and the year 1860 knitted in. I love the way the different star patterns are combined. As usual, click on any of the photos to see them larger.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*1975 copy of an antique sweater from 1846 pictured in "Trollstål og Kjerringspinn" ("Sorcerer's Steel and Women's Webs - Norwegian craft traditions: knife-making, knitting and weaving").<br />Published by De Norske Bokklubbene in association with the Lillehammer Olympics 1994. This beautiful book reminds us that these three crafts were crucial to survival, knitting and weaving to keep warm, and knife making to keep fed in a country with very little farm land. <a href="http://hummerogkanari.blogdrive.com/archive/59.html">Lillefix</a>, you would like this book ;)<br /><br /></span>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-370617499207582412007-05-11T10:52:00.000-07:002010-01-21T10:21:46.941-08:00Some Selbu mittens for your pleasure<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTMQPlfuuI/AAAAAAAAASQ/21fudiAE8oA/s1600-h/mittens1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTMQPlfuuI/AAAAAAAAASQ/21fudiAE8oA/s400/mittens1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063396460505053922" border="0" /></a>From left:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Korntrø-rosa, named for Korntrø Farm,<br />2. Hjart-rosa (Heart rose),<br />3. Skaltroll-rosa, also named Pine Cone Pattern (I believe)<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTMgPlfuwI/AAAAAAAAASg/_z8_4gV0_Fg/s1600-h/mittens2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTMgPlfuwI/AAAAAAAAASg/_z8_4gV0_Fg/s400/mittens2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063396735382960898" border="0" /></a>4. Værhorns-rosa (Rams Horn rose),<br />5. Endløs-rosa (Endless rose), also called Grankvist (spruce branch),<br />6. Kinn'tyrill-rosa (though I have also seen this named Rams Horn rose)<br /></div><br /><br />Wouldn't they all make beautiful sweaters? Any of these patterns could be either done as bands or all-over. They would fit my <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2007/05/black-and-white-inspiration.html">criteria</a> perfectly. I am considering designing my own.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTNDflfuxI/AAAAAAAAASo/7z6jL9RccoQ/s1600-h/scan0027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkTNDflfuxI/AAAAAAAAASo/7z6jL9RccoQ/s200/scan0027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063397340973349650" border="0" /></a><br />In my quest for black and white patterns, I looked through some of my Norwegian text books. I found the above graphic in this book, The Mitten in Norwegian Tradition, which is written by Ingebjørg Gravjord and was published in 1986. Unfortunately I don't believe it is available in English, but I just read that it is being <a href="http://www.bunad-magasinet.no/lfont-color990000gnytt-opplaglfontglbrgvotten-i-norsk-tradisjon.369995-29761.html">republished</a>, so there is a chance that could spur a translation as well. I hope so.<br /><br />It is a very comprehensive academic book, written by an expert in cultural history. She is a historian, as well as instructor in textiles at the Academy of Applied Art and Design(?) (Statens håndverks- og kunstindustri skole). It covers mittens in all forms, whether woven, nålbinding, twined knitting, or ordinary knitting, and the regional traditions and history associated with them.<br /><br />Click on the picture to get a close up of the the gorgeous embroidered mitten from Telemark on the cover, with the year 1730 stitched on it. This mitten was done in nålbinding.<br />There are no patterns in this book, though it does contain some instructions on unusual techniques. This book, along with another by the same author called Knitting in Norway, are my main sources of historical knitting information. This is how I find out all about the olden days!<br /><br />I also have a blog to share with you. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Kathy has started a <a href="http://fairisleknitting.blogspot.com/">new inspiring blog</a> where she is compiling all kinds of resources on Fair Isle and Norwegian knitting in one place, such as links to lots of tutorials and other informative sites. Check it out, she's an excellent writer, and it's a great resource!Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-59169395124941966282007-05-10T14:12:00.000-07:002010-01-21T10:21:46.942-08:00Black and White Inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPB1flfujI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/nPszPQHFttc/s1600-h/scan0012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPB1flfujI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/nPszPQHFttc/s320/scan0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063103530850564658" border="0" /></a><br />I discovered a curious thing this winter. When the weather is gray and gloomy, and everything kind of blurs together, black and white is soothing to look at. I think my eyes got tired from trying to focus with all the gray and found it very comforting to gaze upon a certain <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2007/01/bad-and-ugly.html">black and white item</a>. It was very surprising.<br /><br />Therefore, to prepare myself for next winter, I want to knit a new sweater to wear all of January. (And, as it turns out, April. But I am not bitter.)<br /><br />I have made a list of vague criteria:<br /><br />1. Black and White<br />The colors must be deep dyed black and bleached unnatural white. Not natural white and natural black sheep colors. It has to have maximum contrast.<br /><br />2. Balanced<br />The balance between the two has to be close to fifty-fifty. Or sixty-forty white-black. My jacket from long ago called for 600 g white and 400 g black.<br /><br />3. The "Right" Scale<br />The patterns have to have the "right" size. For example lice patterns are too small, they are visual noise. Solid blocks which are ten cm (four in) across are too big. On the old <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2007/01/bad-and-ugly.html">jacket</a> I really like the large rose pattern which is called "rams horn rose".<br /><br />4. Norwegian Style<br />I want to do it in a Norwegian style pattern. Though this could work in an Op Art style pattern as well. (I found <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/socks/bunnyhop-OP-sock.html">these</a> socks by <a href="http://siriusknitting.blogspot.com/">Laura Andersson</a>. How cool are they!)<br /><br />I have scanned through all my books and booklets looking for inspiration. Here is a little selection. Click for close-up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPAdvlfudI/AAAAAAAAAQI/EXUNaq97d-8/s1600-h/scan0009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPAdvlfudI/AAAAAAAAAQI/EXUNaq97d-8/s400/scan0009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063102023317043666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.daleofnorway.com/">Dale of Norway</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFCflfulI/AAAAAAAAARI/a12vF84iRT8/s1600-h/scan0003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFCflfulI/AAAAAAAAARI/a12vF84iRT8/s400/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063107052723747410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.oleana.no/">Oleana</a>. I could probably handle the red border.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPAevlfufI/AAAAAAAAAQY/OGawEwuonW4/s1600-h/scan0014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPAevlfufI/AAAAAAAAAQY/OGawEwuonW4/s400/scan0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063102040496912882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.selbu.kommune.no/skoler/Div/museum/strikkeutstilling/originalselbu-2.jpg">Ellinor Flor</a> from "Rosa Heimafrå". I love her. This coffee table sized book is one of my favorites!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFB_lfukI/AAAAAAAAARA/p9iKigYA9d8/s1600-h/scan0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFB_lfukI/AAAAAAAAARA/p9iKigYA9d8/s400/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063107044133812802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.sandnesgarn.no/">Sandnes Garn</a> Maybe if I reversed the colors on the sleeves and shoulders.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPBHvlfuhI/AAAAAAAAAQo/xvxGQ2W2Kp8/s1600-h/scan0005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPBHvlfuhI/AAAAAAAAAQo/xvxGQ2W2Kp8/s400/scan0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063102744871549458" border="0" /></a>Traditional sweater from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Knitting-Hobby-Susanne-Pagoldh/dp/0713635258">Nordic Knitting</a> by Susanne Pagoldh<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFCvlfumI/AAAAAAAAARQ/CcAMF-5DwXs/s1600-h/scan0006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/RkPFCvlfumI/AAAAAAAAARQ/CcAMF-5DwXs/s400/scan0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063107057018714722" border="0" /></a>Viking ship action from Sandnes Garn<br /></div><br /><br />So hard to choose! The Oleana of course is not available to knit, only as ready-to-wear. But I better get started on this asap. At my speed, seven-eight months is probably reasonable.Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22460086.post-15475074608106256372007-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:002007-04-24T07:36:57.798-07:00Ooops, and I did some socks, too...Ribbed Lace socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704">Sensational Knitted Socks</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Ri0zkmCo4cI/AAAAAAAAAP4/aC7WrQMNZuo/s1600-h/IMG_0566_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Ri0zkmCo4cI/AAAAAAAAAP4/aC7WrQMNZuo/s400/IMG_0566_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056754660386857410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.yarndex.com/yarn.cfm?yarn_id=319">Silja</a> from Gjestal<br />Needles: 2.5 mm<br />Pattern: Ribbed Lace from the Eight Stitch Patterns chapter. <br />I love this book, and I can't wait to see the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564777170/ref=sr_1_1/002-0865586-3140805?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177373796&sr=1-1">new one</a> from Ms. Schurch!<br /><br />For my second pair I thought I would try top down socks. These were started for me by my mother back in <a href="http://pineconelodge.blogspot.com/2006/10/all-blue.html">October</a>. I liked toe-ups better for a couple of reasons. First, here I ended up with a small amount of leftover yarn, and second, it took me forever to get around to grafting the toe! Should I admit that the second sock was actually done about a month ago?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Ri0zk2Co4dI/AAAAAAAAAQA/wxc0AP_mFlg/s1600-h/IMG_0557_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFkdQbddjbs/Ri0zk2Co4dI/AAAAAAAAAQA/wxc0AP_mFlg/s400/IMG_0557_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056754664681824722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Trying to get creative while looking for a suitable background for my sock portrait. Turns out granite makes socks fuzzy!</span></span></div>Hegehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13684336130334653672noreply@blogger.com27