tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66797776087543966412024-02-19T08:14:14.566-07:00Nennie KnitsI knit... therefore I am. I am a knitter... therefore I blog.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-9857436847040230782018-04-15T12:43:00.000-06:002018-04-15T12:44:25.712-06:00Spring is NOT Springing... But at Least I'm Knitting*tap* *tap* *tap*<br />
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Whew that was a little hiatus there. This "spring" (and let's use that term VERY LOOSELY since it's April 15th and it's planning to act a whole lot like WINTER tomorrow) has been busy. And with busy... well... you know the story by now.<br />
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What have we been up to? Skiing mostly. And when we're skiing... well... my eyes barely stay open for Paker's bedtime routine... let alone mine.<br />
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And then we went to Oahu, where I did pack knitting... and it stayed in it's neat little package that I packed it in the whole time. Guys I didn't even knit on the plane... WHO AM I? But the sun was out and air was warm and it has been so long since I've felt or seen either of those things that I just wanted to be outside... (And I am comforted by the fact that MiL barely knit also- so I'm not alone!)<br />
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<i>(It's safe to say that MiL and I DOMINATED the sand castle competition this year.)</i></div>
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BUT all hope is not lost. Do not despair. I got home and guess what I wanted to do?<br />
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I picked up the sock that I had intended to start in Hawaii and cast on. Meet the "Love Bugs" and I'm hoping they are going to help me reignite with knitting again. In fact I've been moving things around in my schedule trying to get a few rows here and there because I WANT to be knitting... and even that feeling has been missing for awhile.<br />
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AND if ACTUAL PROGRESS on something wasn't enough to get you excited... I've been swatching. There is still a baby (NOT MINE) due in July that needs a blanket and I've got an idea and some swatches and watch this space for (hopefully) some interesting moves and more blog posts!<br />
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So hi.... spring is refusing to "spring" around here but at least my brain wants to knit and I'm hoping that means this space is going to get a lot more busy around these parts. Thanks for sticking it out with me!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-22491631889166712032018-03-02T15:22:00.002-07:002018-03-02T15:22:08.950-07:00It's A Baby Blanket!Let's cut to the chase...<div>
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/little-boy-blue-baby-blanket.html" target="_blank">Little Boy Blue</a> by Marlaine DesChamps</div>
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<b>Yarn</b>: Diamond Luxury Collection Pure Wool Superwash in "939"</div>
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<b>Needles</b>: US 7</div>
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<b>Notes</b>: It's perfect. Do not be intimidated by this pattern... it's perfect. You memorize the repeats quickly and VIOLA... you are on your way. It's really an excellent pattern.</div>
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And the results... OH MY the results are stunning. (Even Tigger thinks so... because he wouldn't stay out of the picture and off the blanket!)</div>
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As you may recall... I mentioned earlier that I wanted to get this done in time to send with my mom when she went to visit the baby this weekend. And so... in keeping with me and deadlines lately, I got this off the blocking board a day AFTER she left. *Sigh* Oh well...who doesn't like getting parcels in the mail... amiright?</div>
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So now what? You'd think having this albatross off my back I'd be chomping at the bit to knit everything all once. But... you'd be wrong. The first day this was done I found myself aimlessly going through my stash and finding that inspiration was lacking. (And no- I'm not really ready to jump in the unfinished object pile just yet.) I had a fun chunky hat ready to entertain me when my brain suddenly had a flash of inspiration on not one by TWO Stampede projects I feel like I might be able to design this year. (Don't worry, I'll bookmark this blog post so we can come back and laugh at me later when I'm languishing in design hell ready to give up.)</div>
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And so... I grabbed the stitch dictionaries....</div>
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... and might even start swatching. Truthfully a design could potentially provide more blog fodder so this isn't a death nell at the moment... let's see what happens.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-9781655673153506102018-02-06T10:23:00.000-07:002018-02-06T10:23:09.563-07:00Winter ModeLet's cut to the chase today- since you've waited patiently for an update...<br />
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The blanket is progressing! It's currently at 23 inches in length. The knitting part is still engaging to me and overall I'm happy with the progress. It is doing the "cable suckage" thing a fair bit... meaning the cables are pulling it in considerably. BUT I think that should sort itself out with some blocking. HARD deadline on this is early March... since my mother could save me $$$ in shipping and deliver it in person with her planned visit. Plus I'm gonna be ready for something new by then. But this is a great pattern to knit and look at how everything just POPS off the blanket.<br />
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You've probably noticed I've been quiet. We've been in full blown winter mode- trying to make the most of colder temps and the good snow. The weekends are for skiing right now- it usually means I'm so tired at the end of the day I can't eek out any progress. Weekdays are busy and rows don't collect as quickly as they used to.<br />
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I'm still gonna blog. I'm still going to drop by here and tell you what I'm up to and what I'm working on... BUT I'm putting less stress on the update and more on the actual progress. So instead of coming up with blog posts where there isn't much to say other than "still working on it"- I'm just gonna work on it. I hope that's okay.<br />
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I'm not participating in the Olympic knitting this year... although I'm hoping that I will get a lot of knitting done while we watch. I'm looking forward to watching the Olympics with my son and cheering for team Canada. I also hope it motivates his skiing even further (he is doing so great!)- and he's excited to cheer for his country.<br />
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So there's where I'm at right now. Maybe something new soon... a little girl is on her way (NOT ME) and I have an idea...Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-35213622663487633282018-01-14T15:19:00.003-07:002018-01-14T15:19:33.374-07:00New Year... Same DelaysGAH. It is January 14th! I had every intention on getting a blog out in the first week... but life... life is busy.<br />
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The big news is I hit a round number birthday... hello 40. <br />
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We decided that 40 needed to be celebrated, which meant a party. That in itself isn't the problem... it's that we also felt that we needed to tackle about 900 procrastinated household chores in order to prepare the house for said party. Needless to say- the house has never been so clean! (Honestly that is almost like the gift there... so happy to have so much done!) BUT- the knitting progress obviously has suffered.<br />
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Good news- this week there are no parties or really outstanding "time suck" plans and I'm hoping to get in a lot of knitting. I really need to.<br />
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Why?<br />
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It is a long story - but the simplified version is that my cousin had a baby... a surprise to everyone. <i>Including her</i>. I know. We're all still processing that one. At least I can process AND knit! Yarn was very quickly procured and say hello to "<a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/little-boy-blue-baby-blanket.html" target="_blank">Little Boy Blue</a>"- which is quite enjoyable so far.<br />
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The cables on this are delightfully puffy. The lack of notice on this forced me to decide quickly and right now I'm actually really enjoying this knit... when I can actually do it. I would love to have it done and out the door by mid Feb.<br />
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This unexpected baby announcement has forced everything else into the background for the most part. I bought some yarn and a fluffly pom pom over Christmas in order to make a big chunky puffy hat....<br />
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.... but who knows when that's going to happen?<br />
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I've also cast on a "travel sock" and have been getting a few rows in as I wait for school to be finished. (YAY back to school!!) [Pattern is "Vanilla Latte Socks" for you Rav searchers.]<br />
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Also added to the "to knit" list for this year was another baby blanket... thanks to a friend's announcement. Thankfully I still have until the end of July to make this one. I have some ideas floating around in my brain but that will need to marinate for awhile. I also want to revisit last year's goals (and stash) and re-evaluate where I'm at and set some new goals... so hopefully that will be up here soon.</div>
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But- in the mean time. HAPPY NEW YEAR. There is a lot to come and right now I'm feeling that knitting mojo- hope it meas a more productive year on the needles with some exciting projects to show you here. Thanks for sticking with me and waiting out the brief hiatus. I'm BACK and I have BIG plans! Stay tuned!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-606937697301606372017-12-27T17:11:00.001-07:002017-12-27T17:11:29.478-07:00All I Want For Christmas...<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<i>(To the Tune of "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth")</i></div>
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Everybody stops and comments on my blog</div>
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My knitting mojo is quite a slog</div>
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I don't know who just to blame for this catastrophe</div>
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But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plan as can be....</div>
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All I want for Christmas is my Mojo Back<br />
My mojo back<br />
See my knitting mojo back<br />
Gee, if I could only have my mojo back<br />
Then I could knit you a "Merry Christmas"<br />
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It seems so long since I could say<br />
"Mommy is making many mittens"<br />
Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be if I could only finish (something)<br />
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All I want for Christmas is my mojo back<br />
My Mojo back<br />
See my knitting mojo back<br />
Gee, if I could only have my mojo back<br />
Then I could knit you a "Merry Christmas"</div>
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It seems so long since I could say</div>
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"Lookie here what I am knitting!"</div>
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Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be, if I could only finish (something)</div>
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All I want for Christmas is my Mojo Back</div>
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My mojo back</div>
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See my knitting mojo back</div>
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Gee, if I could only have my mojo back</div>
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Then I could knit you a "Merry Christmas"</div>
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Oh.... also I think the kid wants a couple of teeth too....</div>
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Merry Christmas faithful blog readers... 'tis the season for being busy... but I did I have something to show you! Guess what was finished ON TIME to be gifted on the 21st?</div>
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<b>Pattern</b>: Cuff is "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elise-mitten" target="_blank">Elise</a>" by Johanne Landin and the rest of the mitten is "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nordic-style-mittens" target="_blank">Nordic Style Mitten #2</a>" by Shona Smith</div>
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<b>Yarn</b>: Cascade Yarn 200 Superwash Merino in "1" and "42"</div>
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<b>Needles</b>: US 3</div>
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<b>Notes</b>: I added a more detailed cuff from the Elise mitten and also a Latvian braid to spice this pattern up a bit. Satisfying knit- would very much recommend the pattern. </div>
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These ended up looking pretty great... so hat tip to me!</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10482350@N02/27525966029/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/27525966029_94703c7749.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10482350@N02/38594845814/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/38594845814_0f5a6d568d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In total I had five pairs ready to gift this year (whew) but ultimately decided to hold the cable mittens back... worried someone would get missed, so I kept it to just teachers this time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/10482350@N02/39302672411/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4726/39302672411_ef8c339517.jpg" width="375" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That's a whole bunch of mittens!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Now that the mittens are done... there are new, small, projects to indulge me for those lovely lazy days between Christmas and New Years where you find yourself being exceedingly lazy and time seems to be on your side for a change. But we will discuss those on another day... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In the mean time- HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hoping all of our 2018's are productive ones!</span></span></div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-72286198741143865422017-12-13T13:07:00.001-07:002017-12-13T13:07:59.782-07:00Christmas SqueakerLet's get it done right out the gate today- I have another finished mitten to show off!<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zimushka-mittens" target="_blank">Zimushka</a> by Olga Beckmann<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Rowan <a href="https://knitrowan.com/en/yarns/pure-wool-superwash-worsted" target="_blank">Pure Wool Superwash Worsted</a> in 112 "Moonstone"<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 3<br />
<b>Notes</b>: Lovely pattern and quite like how the cables decrease when it come to narrowing the hand. However- I found the mitten quite tight. Next time I would go up a needle size... maybe even 2.<br />
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Because these knit up tightly (which thankfully stretched a bit after a wash) I'm a little concerned they can't really be gifted to anyone who doesn't have tiny hands. So sister may find these in her stocking this year... just by default! (I'm such a thoughtful gifter... haha)<br />
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Progress on the other mitten started quite strong.... but has fizzled.<br />
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For some reason I cannot motivate myself to finish up. Nevermind that I have 8 days until I need to present this as a gift... 😵.. I'm having a hard time just sitting and knitting. I forsee a few frantic nights in my future as I try to make up some lost time.<br />
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My days are busier than I'd like right now... with a million Christmas errands that need to be run- but I'm hoping Friday the weather is supposed to be somewhat "frightful" and I can potentially convince the kid a Christmas movie marathon is in order... while mommy knits like a speed demon!<br />
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To get you feeling "in the spirit" I leave you with this pic of my very excited kid meeting Santa. There's a rumour at school that Santa "isn't real". I know that it's going to happen at some point and I also have a bright and logical kid who is asking a lot of questions. So, I'll enjoy this picture of him and "not the real Santa" as he informed me after. {The Santa at the husband's Christmas party was deemed "the real deal" though... so am hoping that we get some mileage there.}<br />
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Wish me luck guys... I'm gonna need it this week!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-18487194608638773292017-12-01T17:11:00.000-07:002017-12-01T17:11:02.910-07:00SqueakerI seem to always forget that Halloween-Christmas are my insanely busy months. I had intended to post yesterday but there is only 24 hours in a day... and I could use about 36 in order to get everything done I want/need to. Intentions are all well and good... but they're not substitute for an actual accomplishments.<div>
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I started November with some lofty goals. 2 faire isle mittens and one plain mitten. To put it bluntly- I didn't get there. I got close-ish?</div>
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I'm just barely squeaking by but fresh off the presses (and still a little damp in these photos 😕) are the sexily named "NORDIC STYLE #3" mittens.</div>
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nordic-style-mittens" target="_blank">Nordic Style Mittens</a> (#3) by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/shona-smith" target="_blank">Shona Smith</a> </div>
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<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="https://www.theloopyewe.com/Cascade-220-B2A0FCDE" target="_blank">Cascade Yarn 220</a> 8505 (White) & <a href="http://diamondyarn.ca/d/yarn/4-pure-wool-superwash/" target="_blank">Diamond Luxury Pure Wool Superwash</a> 930 (blue)</div>
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<b>Needles</b>: US 2.5</div>
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<b>Notes</b>: I don't really have much to add to this, except to compliment the pattern designer who wrote a very concise pattern. So good... might do it again!</div>
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Faire Isle mitten #2- I've got nothing. Hoping to cast on something tonight and eek them out prior to school being done on the 21st. Wish me luck... and a change in time to 36 hours a day.</div>
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The Zimushka mittens are close.... they just need thumbs.</div>
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I'm hoping to have these done by the end of the weekend. These need some serious blocking. If I were to knit these again I would go up a needle size. These fit my hands (which are small) but they are tight. I'm not sure I'm going to gift them to anyone other than my sister... who has teeeeeny tiiiiiiiiiny hands. We'll see what happens after blocking. They're good looking though!</div>
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And that's where we're at today. I'd really like these mittens done because I want to move along to some easier projects... but gifts first. Hopefully I'll have some good news to report soon! Let's do this December!</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-18730689950707038592017-11-14T11:53:00.003-07:002017-11-14T11:53:15.776-07:00"Hey Let's Knit Mittens!" she says"Hey let's all knit mittens" I ambitiously said at the beginning of the month, totally ignoring the fact that we were planning a trip away, Parker was off school for a week and that his birthday would be consuming precious hours of my time.<br />
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oops.<br />
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There's progress.... there just isn't the progress that I was hoping to show you. I may be a little ambitious on my goals... but we forge ahead. The Nordic style mitten is actually looking fairly promising for a November finish... we got here yesterday, a large part thanks to my MiL who offered to occupy the child for the afternoon.<br />
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Worsted mittens are so satisfying... once you get past the thumb they practically knit themselves!<br />
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Zimushka (which is appropriate right now since my audiobook is about Russia and the Romanov family) mittens are also slowly coming to form. I'm hoping they will move along much quicker once I have some time to do some parking lot knitting while I wait for Parker's school to be out.<br />
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I had hoped that I would have a complete pair at this point... but instead....<br />
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We were San Francisco-ing...<br />
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Birthday Celebrating...<br />
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and Kitty snuggling.... (He is not cuddly but lately he can't get enough of being on my lap on a quiet afternoon. It is glorious to have a cat to snuggle but so so so so SO bad on productivity.)<br />
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But fear not... all of these distractions (minus an impending birthday party and random kitty snuggles) are behind us and I look forward to the remainder of the month. I am hopeful at least I will have 2 pairs of mittens to speak of on Nov 30... with maybe more if I can still grind out some time.</div>
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Further motivating me is my desire to knit a hat and mittens for myself, which I will not even entertain until I am certain that I have an adequate number of mitten gifts to hand out to teachers. It's going to be busy around here- so let's grind out some mittens!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-62066323521539796262017-11-01T21:26:00.001-06:002017-11-01T21:26:41.478-06:00Mitten Month is NOW- NaMiKnitMoIt's November 1 and, as promised, I am ready for a mitten knitting marathon! I MUST knit 2 pairs of stranded mittens and at least one pair of regular mittens this month. In all cases I really want to keep it to stash yarn and bust that down at the same time. JOIN ME will you? I've dubbed it NaMiKnitMo (National Mitten Knitting Month).<br />
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The "at home" mitten project is cast on and ready to begin. Say hello to the sexily named- <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nordic-style-mittens" target="_blank">Nordic Style Mittens</a>- stranded project #1. (Worsted is my new jam baby!)<br />
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My "on the go" project is the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zimushka-mittens" target="_blank">Zimushka</a> Mittens. (LOVE the name of these!)<br />
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Both projects are using up stash yarn and I'm hoping that once I really take off on these they'll basically knit themselves right up.<br />
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BUT WAIT... weren't you going to finish up some stuff too? Well.... yes so glad you asked.<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maudie" target="_blank">Maudie</a> by <a href="http://hogbuffer.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">General Hogbuffer</a><br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/berroco-ultra-alpaca-fine-1" target="_blank">Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine</a> in colorway 1267<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 1.5<br />
<b>Notes</b>: I did the cast on of 76 stitches. General Hogbuffer knows their way around a sock. Not only do their patterns produce incredibly satisfying and beautiful results, the instructions are TOP NOTCH. This pattern looks complicated but is not... and I love stuff like that.<br />
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These socks are STUNNERS.<br />
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And the sweater.... the sweater is not done. Progress was made but as the Halloween date approached life just got busier and I found myself with less time to devote to seaming. (To be totally honest- I also had less motivation... I hate seaming.)<br />
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(So. Many. Ends. To. Weave. In.)</div>
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I've made an agreement with myself that this sweater must not be in a "to be seamed" pile at the end of the year. Before the close of 2017 this sweater will be DONE. It just will sit back for a bit while I complete the mitten Marathon.<br />
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Speaking of Halloween... would you like to see us this year?<br />
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(Star Wars is still a very big thing here- and so when you let your kid choose the costumes, you risk duplicate themes. Darth Vader, Luke & Leia say hi!... also let's discuss how HUGE my big kid is getting!)<br />
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November is kicking off to a great start and it's even SNOWING... which is the perfect inspiration to knit. How many mittens do you guys think I'll do this month? Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-55283802127381195522017-10-23T17:33:00.000-06:002017-10-23T17:33:03.768-06:00We're Talking About Progress!GUYS- let's just cut to the chase because it's been so long.... A FINISHED THING FOR US ALL TO BEHOLD!<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreams-of-granada-blanket" target="_blank">Dreams of Granada Baby Blanket</a> by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/stores/triona-murphy-designs" target="_blank">Triona Murphy</a><br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/rowan-pure-wool-worsted" target="_blank">Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted</a> in 112 Moonstone (Guys! Stash! Yarn! Go me!)<br />
<b>Needle</b>: US 8<br />
<b>Notes</b>: None of the notes on Ravelry are lying to you... this cast on is a bit of a bear. It's 480 stitches. FOUR! HUNDRED! EIGHTY! It's also really REALLY hard not to twist. I highly recommend heeding the advice of everyone on Ravelry (that I plain ignored at first, but ultimately followed), knit the first few garter rows and then try to join in the round. It's much easier not to twist.<br />
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It's a lovely pattern really. Once you get into the actual knitting part of it, it isn't all that hard. I will also note that it does puff up a bit in the middle in the second cable section. It blocks out flat- so don't lose faith, but it does make it a bit more high maintenance for the poor mom washing this thing cuz she's going to have to lie it flat dry. Maybe I'll just tell the recipient to drop it off to me and I'll wash it and re-block it for her... all the time. haha.<br />
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Still... despite the plumping, it is a really pretty blanket and OH so clever for the rows to get shorter and shorter. There is no more glorious moment than when you remove the second circular add on because you don't need it anymore and just have enough stitches for one cable. It's glorious.<br />
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I've also got a whole sweater... in pieces that I'm ready to contend with. I must admit I've gone from<br />"KNIT THIS ALL THE TIME" on this project to feeling rather blase on the whole "sew this up" now. I just need to dig in and do it... hoping that deadline I set for myself inspires me to another thing for the finished column. After all... NaMiKnitMo approaches!<br />
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Don't worry about the sock- there isn't enough progress to actually take the time to snap a photo of it, but it is also getting some love- and I'm hoping it sees itself off the needles soon too. My October distractions have kicked in, (Oh there IS stuff to do for Halloween afterall and Parker's birthday party also needs some attention...) but I'm still plugging away. Stitch by stitch we'll get there.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-9523793822199798622017-10-15T13:14:00.000-06:002017-10-15T13:14:40.721-06:00Fall MotivationIt is Oct 15th. It is Oct 15th and I don't have a firm grip on our Halloween costume situation this year. Every October is usually a "write off" for me... trying to get Halloween cased. This year? MEGA Lazy. This is slightly because the child wants to do Star Wars again, despite husband and I desperately trying to point him in another direction. And so, the costumes for us aren't tricky to do- and, (mom willing), Parker's idea shouldn't be too tricky either. Mom and I will visit Fabricland tomorrow and hopefully have it all sorted by the end of the day.<br />
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Without Halloween as a usual distraction- I have more time to focus on my other projects at hand... specifically my big blue sweater.<br />
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It's starting to look like a real live sweater isn't it? I've got the right front ready to go next, just need to cast on and get knitting... which will hopefully happen after this post. I'm hoping potentially by the end of this week to actually start sewing it up!<br />
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<i>Pile 'O Sweater Pieces!</i></div>
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I've even given Maudie some love and have finally turned the heel and begun the foot!<br />
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What I haven't done and need to do, is block the Grenada Blanket. I'm slooooooow on that front. I have the blocking board but the motivation hasn't been there. It needs to get there. Come on motivation!<br />
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I've decided to make a goal for October in order to motivate myself to a finish. By October 31 I want to be DONE the sweater, the socks AND the blanket. It's ambitious but not unmanageable. It would also free up my brain for November. A lot of people participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November. I'm declaring it <b>NaMiKnitMo</b>- <b>Na</b>tional <b>Mi</b>tten <b>Knit</b>ting <b>Mo</b>nth! Specifically, I'd like to knit FOUR pairs. I'd really like to go into December feeling indulgent in my knitting. BUT, it means that I have to knit up four mittens prior to that. Anyone want to set their own November Mitten knitting goal and join me!?<br />
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As hard as it is to say goodbye to summer, I'm enjoying all of this fall motivation and knitting desire! See you with some finished items (hopefully) soon!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-71449667221579572302017-10-03T17:37:00.001-06:002017-10-03T17:37:30.747-06:00Rolling With ItGreat news- (but <i><b>not</b></i> if you are the one of many things like dishes and laundry in my house), my desire to knit over anything else continues at a great pace. "Oh there's laundry to do? Maybe tomorrow I really want to finish this sleeve." "Oh I should go through Parker's closets and get rid of things he doesn't fit anymore and clean out the winter gear? NOPE... knitting instead." "Work out twice a week like you said you would after Parker went back to school? NO- that takes up valuable knit time!" I am a woman posessed and quite frankly... I'm just rolling with it. (I am going once a week to my Barre workout lest you worry about my well being...)<br />
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The grey baby blanket went from 450 stitches to EIGHT and is now off the needles!<br />
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Ends need to be sewn in and lordy does thing need a good blocking... but we're getting there. I am concerned that the level of blocking required isn't conducive to gifting an "easy to care for blanket" but I might be too far along at this point to care. Baby isn't due until mid November, I could potentially eek out something simple-ish.<br />
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And, as I confessed last week I am wholly consumed with knitting the giant sweater. It is all I want to do. I've been using it as "reward" knitting. You want to knit a sleeve? FIRST Cast off of the blanket! You want to do the other sleeve? I think that Maudie sock needs it's heel turned first!<br />
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I've done the extensive math on adjusting my gauge for the sweater and am in the process of figuring out how many stitches I need to add in order to take it to my knees. (Answer: a lot... ) But so far progress is moving along swimmingly. I've already told myself that once the back is knit (currently in progress) I need to stop for another worsted mitten... and then will use the sweater as a bribe to get the mitten done. <br />
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It helps that it has snowed already. The weather has been either unusually warm or quite chilly. But I don't know... maybe just giving the mojo the space it needed to return was the key. I don't know what the key is... and I'd take the time to figure it out... but it cuts into my knitting time... which we just can't have right now.<br />
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I'm off to KNIT! ALL! THE! THINGS!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-48018213447813983052017-09-25T10:06:00.000-06:002017-09-25T10:06:42.123-06:00KNIT! ALL! THE! THINGS!As the title would suggest we are well out of slump-ville these days. In fact I kept putting off blogging (and various household "to do" list items) in favor of "just a few more rows". I want to knit everything. RIGHT NOW. And quite frankly the fact that I can't just sit and knit and avoid all responsibilities I have is bumming me out. I guess it's feast or famine with me.<br />
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The Granada blanket is growing!<br />
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We've gone from 450 stitches to a really reasonable 168. And I must say, the whole idea that you go from a whole lot of stitches to a whole lot less stitches is bloody brilliant! I feel like rows go so quickly now. I'm about to start another cabled section and I'm hoping it's going to add some size to the blanket. I have some concerns about the size of this thing... but I'm holding on to hope for blocking to rescue the day.<br />
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The poor neglected Maudie socks are no longer neglected!<br />
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In fact today I'm thinking I should probably take some time and just bang out the heel (always complicated) and get myself back to some easier knitting on the foot. These are still lovely- and I've decided I'm keeping them.<br />
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I've also added to the stash....<br />
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I am OBSESSED with a sweater. OBSESSED. I tried it in on in a store in NYC and let's just say the only reason it didn't come home with me is I had a hard time swallowing the cost. Especially since in general it's a fairly simple shape. The yarn has to be thick and soft. And I decided that going the Lion Brand route was both a) cost friendly and b) a safer bet in case this whole thing blows up in my face.<br />
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An intensive Ravelry and Pinterest search resulted in the closest option... a vintage pattern. And whooo boy, it's so vintage the pattern requires MAJOR brain power just to follow it. (The schematic makes my head hurt.) I need to do some conversion on the thing since I want it to sit longer in the length (just above my knees) so I'm planning to sit down and figure it out from the top down... at least for the back part. (I'll knit sleeves first in order to assess gauge, cuz I'm also lazy.)<br />
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I'm excited to take a bite out of this... especially since it's bulky yarn and shouldn't take me a terribly long time once I figure out what I'm supposed to do length wise.<br />
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Also- I want to knit ALL THE MITTENS... but I can't even wrap my head around that until I get some of these other things off my plate first. But mittens... they are coming! Prepare yourselves!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-55040055054818388212017-09-07T09:57:00.004-06:002017-09-07T09:57:40.662-06:00Back to SchoolY'all... I love my son fiercely... but I'm going to freely admit, back to school has me all...<br />
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It's back to school and TIME (sweet, glorious <i>time</i> how I have missed you!) to do all the things has suddenly returned! On Parker's first day, {as I discreetly <i>danced</i> out the door}, I made a HUUUUGE list of things that I needed to accomplish. So, of course, all I did was sit on the couch and jump into my knitting. And then the next he went to school I said to myself "SELF- we're getting things done today!" And so... I knit more. GUYS- I want to knit again! <br />
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WHAT?!<br />
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This may not look like a tonne of progress, but you need to factor in that each row is 450 stitches. This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreams-of-granada-blanket" target="_blank">Granada</a> Baby blanket and it's knit from the outside IN. I think it's clever that as the blanket progresses the stitches get LESS not more. It's a bit of a bear to knit, but so far I'm engaged and the rest of the household stuff is getting neglected so I guess I'm feeling it!<br />
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I've also started back in on Maudie as my "car project" (got to be at the school 45 minutes prior to end or there's no way I get parking) and even that has slightly progressed. I fixed the miss crossed cables and now we're onward and upward on that project.<br />
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Looking ahead I need to get on the mitten train- Parker essentially has 1 million teachers this year and I'm probably going to need like FIVE pairs if I want to continue the gifting tradition. (Gah! Thank god I discovered the joy of stranded WORSTED WEIGHT mittens!) The good news is that I'm currently in a KNIT! ALL! THE! THINGS! mindset... which bodes well for you dear reader... who stuck it out with me in that rather dry stretch. (Thank you!) So back to ignoring the laundry and the closets I said I was going to clean today... there's knitting to do!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-80843795313173254612017-08-28T14:32:00.000-06:002017-08-28T14:32:07.834-06:00Momentum BuildsGUYS! I have mittens to show you!<br />
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<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/end-of-may-mittens" target="_blank">End of May Mittens</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/zigzagstitch" target="_blank">Mandy Powers</a><br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="http://diamondyarn.ca/d/yarn/diamond-luxury-collection-galway/" target="_blank">Diamond Galway</a> (5050 Turquoise) and <a href="https://www.theloopyewe.com/Cascade-220-Superwash-5AA6E88E" target="_blank">Cascade 220 Superwash</a> (white)<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 4<br />
<b>Notes</b>: I deviated from the pattern on the cuff and knit in a picot cuff, which I always thinks adds a pretty feminine touch. I also decreased an extra row in the mitten at the end to close up less stitches together.<br />
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Why didn't anyone tell me about how quick and satisfying faire isle WORSTED mittens are? I opted to go up a needle size and would potentially go up even higher. I am a fairly tight stranded knitter (it's stressful!) and sometimes the mittens need more give than I'm knitting in them. However that cannot stop me from how completely charmed I am by these! It's a lovely pattern and I think I see more worsted/stranded mittens in the near future.<br />
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As if that wasn't a great way to start I even got MORE things done. I finished up the toe on the first Maudie sock and cast on for the 2nd!<br />
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(Frustrating though, as I was taking this photo I found major issues in the cables where I screwed up so will be ripping back about 12 rows... boo.)<br />
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Aaaaaaand I made the commitment to a new blanket for a little baby due in November... and even cast on.<br />
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I won't tell you WHAT it is yet- but I will tell you I had to cast on 450 stitches. It's a unique construction and I'm hoping that it's not going to make me crazy. Also BONUS- used STASH YARN!<br />
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This is our last week of summer vacation. It's back to school next week and I will fully admit that I'm looking forward to some uninterrupted knitting time. I'm ready to get some things finished and keep building on the knitting. Hope your summer is ending as warm and beautifully as ours is!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-30078013356042321112017-08-10T12:15:00.000-06:002017-08-10T12:15:33.992-06:00SHHHHHHHSHHHHHHHHHHH nobody make any sudden movements. Don't say ANYTHING... but, and I'm almost afraid to say this out loud so I will say it very quietly....<i> </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>I think the mojo might be returning</i>.</span> GAH- DON'T FRIGHTEN IT... whatever you do DO. NOT. FRIGHTEN. IT.<br />
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I finished the socks.... because they were easy and once I got going I found they progressed quite quickly.<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/take-five-socks" target="_blank">Take Five</a> Socks by DKissinger (Free Pattern! {with, also free, membership to Ravelry!})<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Knit Picks <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Felici_Sock_Yarn__D5420165.html" target="_blank">Felici </a>"Surf's Up"<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 1<br />
<b>Notes</b>: GREAT pattern for a self striping yarn, just enough of "something" to keep you interested but not enough that you need to pay the world's closest attention. I changed the heel to an "eye of the partridge" heel which I always prefer and as always, broke the yarn for a more even stripe pattern.<br />
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I always appreciate a pattern that isn't just a plain sock but still compliments the wide stripes of the felici. Long time readers will remember that this year I wanted to knit at least 2 Felici socks out of my stash and I'm happy to report I've not accomplished that.<br />
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The sock was done and I had this unfamiliar feeling... I wanted to take a bite out of something else. A new project. Something small. Something that would check a box... something that wasn't too finicky. <br />
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And so a mitten in worsted weight was born. It's the right amount of "oooo lookie" without being too finicky and also adds a pair of mittens to the pile for Christmas when I like to give gifts to teachers. And so far it looks kind of great.<br />
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I've also been on Ravelry a lot, looking at baby blanket patterns, as that is also going to be needed by mid November. I'm having a hard time committing to a plan but I'm hoping a lunch with the mama this week might give me some clues in which direction I can go and maybe motivate me a little more.<br />
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And now.... quietly... I'm going to get back to the mitten. And maybe make more progress! I leave you with a few photos from our family's "stay-cation" this year... being around home has certainly allowed for regular routines, including knitting, to pop back into my life.<br />
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(We climbed a mountain!)</div>
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(We did pottery painting- that was Parker's idea.)</div>
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(Zoo day)</div>
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(Beach day!)</div>
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(Mountain biking)</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-89582061042263434662017-07-19T15:10:00.000-06:002017-07-19T15:10:22.261-06:00NEWS BULLETINWE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARY SCHEDULED KNITTING MOJO WHINING TO BRING YOU THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:<br />
<br />
I finished something.<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cuddly-monster-blankie" target="_blank">Cuddly Monster Blanket</a> by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dangercrafts" target="_blank">Rebecca Danger</a><br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="http://diamondyarn.ca/d/yarn/4-pure-wool-superwash/" target="_blank">Diamond Luxury Collection Pure Wool</a> in 930 (Blue) and 934 (Blue-Green)<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 7<br />
<b>Notes</b>: Instead of stuffing the hands I left them flat as I figured it would make the inevitable need to wash it a lot easier. It's a whole "lotta" garter stitch. You will hate garter stitch when it's over, but you will also love the finished product.<br />
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I'm the first to admit this... I gave this project a whole bunch of hate nearly from day one. I didn't like the way the colors were blending and worried about the blue being too purple. I worried about the size being too small. I wanted desperately at several points just to be done the whole thing. But in the end... when the last end was woven in and I took a step back I surprised myself by liking it. Even husband was like "hey that turned out great!" It's really stinkin' cute and I think the couple will love it. (Even if it's a little late... oops!)<br />
<br />
It feels good to have this off the needles and I've already started thinking about the next blanket that needs to get going soon. I'm setting the goal to start Aug 1- so I have some time to mess around on Ravelry and find something I can really sink my teeth into. I'm weirdly motivated on this so I'm hoping blanket #2 is what get the mojo back into the swing of things.<br />
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In other news- I've had two hours to kill time this week and both times I brought my Take 5 sock to work on, only to completely ignore it. I realized that I didn't want to work on it because it was bothering me that the (hardly noticeable) <a href="http://nennieknits.blogspot.ca/2017/05/thats-one-way-to-do-it.html" target="_blank">problem</a> of the pattern not lining up was subconsciously bugging me and I didn't want to work on it. So- I fixed that problem. <br />
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Left is before, right is after. I frogged the entire leg- which sucks... but honestly I'm more interested in knitting it today than I have been in months so it was the right, but difficult call. Hopefully we can get that off the needles soon and drive ahead to something else.<br />
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Also I need to report that my foray into the Stampede wasn't it's usual success- mostly because I didn't really put in my regular effort. I entered my Sydanmaa Mittens from <a href="http://nennieknits.blogspot.ca/2016/12/deck-halls-with-yarn-balls.html" target="_blank">waaaay</a> back. They are lovely, they are knit perfectly and they are so soft... but I'm being honest- they aren't show stoppers. And I knew that going in. I was not surprised that I didn't win anything. The good news in all of this is that the theme next year is "WILD ROSE" and oh lordy do I have some ideas swirling in my ole head! So who knows... hopefully I can build on that momentum.<br />
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Speaking of building on momentum... (and entirely unrelated to knitting)... THIS HAPPENED yesterday and we are VERY. VERY. EXCITED. <br />
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And so now my days will be spent outside trying to build on this momentum and get us to a good place by the end of the summer.<br />
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YOU MAY NOW RETURN TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED KNITTING.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-69822542015881301892017-07-15T09:45:00.001-06:002017-07-15T09:45:37.784-06:00That's One Slow Ass Monster<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey Jen how's the knitting slump? "bout the same". Can you tell?<br />
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Thing to admit #1:<br />
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Guys- this blanket in my "glory days" of knitting would have potentially taken me 2.5 weeks. TWO. POINT. FIVE. WEEKS. How long has this thing taken me? Longer than I care to admit. Long enough that the baby is BORN and I'm still dragging my butt on this.<br />
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Thing to admit #2:<br />
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The main part of this blanket knit up slow. So. SLOW. But in the end... it's actually kind of to the small size of how I knit these and I feel badly. Will the receive-ee's of this blanket look at me and be like "you're phoning it in"? It's cute... but it's also... to the small size.<br />
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Thing to admit #3:<br />
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I only have a few things left on this. I am painfully close to being done. Like eyes and some teeth and a quick foray into kitchner stitch to seal up these ears. I could, potentially finish it this weekend. I won't likely (because time... WHERE ARE YOU?)- but I could. And the idea of moving on to something, anything else, is vastly appealing.<br />
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I'd like to knit something small next. A quick "Oh yeah- I made that"- just to feel like I've accomplished something. But the truth is at my current pace, I actually need to start another baby blanket for other friends due in Sept STAT... if I stand a chance if getting them the gift once baby is born.<br />
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I'm still here. It's still happening. I'm not going anywhere... just at an insanely slow pace. I'm waiting the slump out. At some point the desire and motivation to knit is going to hit me again and I'll take off... in the mean time I'm riding this out and hoping inspiration strikes soon. Thanks for sticking with me guys... I appreciate it!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-16159202824220121372017-06-21T15:25:00.002-06:002017-06-21T15:25:24.644-06:00Monster Mish MashWell- the good news is that I'm knitting now more than I have in the last 2 months... as things start to wind down we find our evenings with an hour or two where I can sit and commune with the needles again. The bad news is that even that doesn't make this blanket seem to go any faster.<br />
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Yes. It's progress. But I've forgotten what a time/yarn suck garter stitch knitting is. It's slow. (Note to self.... keep it light on garter stitch projects from here on out!) The good news is that the rows are starting to feels shorter as the decreases have started adding up- and it's, in theory, faster knitting from here on out. Would love to make some real progress on this soon- just so that I can move on to some of the moving pieces on this to at last feel like I'm getting somewhere.<br />
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Also, this weekend, after having a discussion with my MiL, I decided to enter a simple project I knit earlier this year into the Stampede. The idea of not participating at all kind of had me down and I decided I could put something in- even if it wasn't my usual type pieces. I'll keep that a surprise until the entry is in. Usually I enter something I've knit that I'd categorize as "extra special". This time I'd more categorize the project as "nice job"- but nothing outstanding. It'll be interesting to see where that stacks up in the grand scheme of judging.<br />
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And that dear people is it. I'm hoping next time I'm here, it's to celebrate the end of a seemingly endless forray into garter stitch and the blanket will start taking (faster) shape. Do not fret pets, for there is hope in July. A few morning/afternoon camps are planned and I'm hoping to capitalize on some knitting then too.<br />
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I'll leave you with this photo I took last week of Parker and I at the park- because it's cute and, well, it's my blog I can do what I like. Haha.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-61838249172821981652017-06-08T13:36:00.000-06:002017-06-08T13:41:29.355-06:00Actually.... **THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY TO DO ALL THE THINGS I WANT TO DO!!!*** (she screams into the black abyss)<br />
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It's June? How is it June? My kid just started Kindergarten! I just got into a working schedule and soon school is done!? HOW IS THIS HAPPENING!? It just seems like every time I <i>should</i> have some time to sneak in a few rows of something... there's something else that says "actually... no" on the schedule.<br />
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"Actually No... you can't knit this weekend... you are going to be blowing your kid's mind with cool space stuff at the Johnson Space center...."<br />
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PS. The Saturn V Rocket is HUGE.</div>
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"Actually No... you can't knit on Tuesday.... you volunteered to chaperone a field trip to a farm!"</div>
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(I was super excited to pet the wool of a sheep... the kids could care less about what I had to tell them about wool and lanolin.)<br />
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This is a total aside but it was one of the "fun facts" posted and it was so interesting and also horrifying at the same time. (Jeez Boy Bunny... leave her alone for a minute!!!)<br />
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Actually you have to go here, actually you have a meeting there, actually you have an event to attend here.... ACTUALLY ACTUALLY ACTUALLY.<br />
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It's sad that I'm ACTUALLY looking forward to a rainy forecast this weekend where maybe we can indulge in a few movies and I can ACTUALLY KNIT for a change.<br />
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There has been a "smattering" of knit progress... the hat(s!) are done.<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/Pattern_Display.cfm?ID=10744220&media=RAV&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=RAV" target="_blank">Cabled Teddy Hat</a> by Marinda Lariz<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 6<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Cascade <a href="https://www.loveknitting.com/us/cascade-anchor-bay?country=CA" target="_blank">Anchor Bay</a> 18 Taupe<br />
<b>Notes</b>: You'll note I knit this twice. I finished hat one and realized that I began the decreases one repeat too early... and so I cast on hat #2. I'll keep hat 1 for another babe... and #2 will go to Kindergarten teacher. I've decided to just give her the hat and skip the booties. I don't have time and baby might not want wool boots when it's born in August anyways.<br />
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This pic shows that yes, there is actually a size difference... it's small but its significant enough to me to cast on #2.<br />
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I also finished the Ballband dishcloth! (go me!)<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/home-and-garden/knitting-and-crochet/article/knit-a-ballband-dishcloth" target="_blank">Ballband Dishcloth</a><br />
<b>Needles</b>: US7<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Some of the Lily Sugar and Cream stash of indeterminate age<br />
<b>Notes</b>: YAY! I have met one of my yearly goals- this is dishcloth #3! (We'll get to that at some point on this blog and check in.... today is not the day.) I love this pattern- highly recommend.<br />
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I've also worked on (truthfully I just mostly look at this on the couch and feel badly it's not seeing progress) a bit of the Monster blanket. I had a moment of panic the other day that this isn't going to get done in time. If it doesn't I might have to gift the bunny blanket - which I'd be okay with in this case. On the upside I'm feeling less "wary" of the colorway now though and still comfortable gifting it to a little boy. Just need to make PROGRESS now.<br /><br />
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So there's where I'm at this week. Hopefully I can capitalize on the rest of this June and get some progress out the door.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-46849857613265217462017-05-22T08:50:00.000-06:002017-05-22T08:50:35.336-06:00That's One Way To Do ItUsually I'm a mono-knitter. It means I have project that I'm committed to. I'm faithful. I work on that project. Sometimes I divert into 2 projects to take off the edge off the one. But usually it's just one. However, with this slump I'm in, I'm finding that part of my issue is that the project that I should be working on isn't cast on yet... and just the idea of casting on seems too big.<br />
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This weekend I got a lot of things done that have been sitting on my "to do" list for awhile. I decided to try a different tactic on this slump- just cast on everything. Everything.<br />
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So, with that in mind say hello to...<br />
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THE DISHCLOTH (<a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/home-and-garden/knitting-and-crochet/article/knit-a-ballband-dishcloth" target="_blank">ballband pattern</a>)<br />
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THE BABY HAT (<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/Pattern_Display.cfm?ID=10744220&media=RAV&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=RAV" target="_blank">Cuddly Teddy Hat</a>... Again. Such a great pattern)<br />
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THE BABY BLANKET (So <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cuddly-monster-blankie" target="_blank">cute</a>!)<br />
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I bought yarn for the baby blanket on Sunday. I woke up and said to myself "I just need to get the yarn and go." And so I went to the only yarn shop that was open at 10 am and bought my yarn. The whole experience was more efficient than I usually am. Hopefully this bodes well for the rest of the blanket. I've chosen a periwinkle blue and turquoise green for the blanket... although the blue is looking awfully purple here. I'm not sure I'm happy with it. Your thoughts?<br />
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The yarn next to each other the blue looks bluer... in the blanket purple-er. I'm not sure how to proceed.<br />
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I figured I'd just get them all on the needles and then pick up what my brain wants to do that day. This way there are no excuses saying "I just don't want to put in the effort to cast on. That's done. It's just a matter of knitting. I took all the work out of it. This is either a really fantastic idea to attack the slump or it's going to blow up spectacularly in my face when I decided it's just too overwhelming to concentrate on.<br />
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The sock has also seen a lot of progress since the last time I admitted I wasn't really knitting.<br />
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I realized last night though there's a problem. The stripes match BEAUTIFULLY- I've mastered that skill pretty well. The problem is that the tiny pattern DOESN'T. I can't decide if that bothers me enough to rip out the entire leg on sock two. I figured out that I knit the pattern earlier on sock 1. I am leaning to rip it out and go again because it bothers me... I just can't decide if it bothers me ENOUGH. Haha.<br />
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So lots to see here- hopefully it means the finished stuff just starts falling off the needles. At least there's a bunch of STARTED stuff now... right?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-69921890430377655292017-05-17T14:27:00.000-06:002017-05-17T14:27:16.694-06:00Big Slumpin'"Do you even knit anymore?" It was the comment my husband made 2 weeks ago while we were away re-visiting New Haven and I couldn't hide what I had pretending to ignore for the last few weeks. <i>I haven't really been knitting. </i>I'm back in the slump.<br />
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Honestly I don't even really know what I've been doing with my time- but it's very little knitting. I'm not sure what it is right now. I just don't have the brain power to sit down and knit. At night I sit on our couch, I pull my knitting on my lap, and then proceed to ignore it for use-less stuff on my phone. I've been <i>watching</i> TV... something I never do. I listen. I <i>watch</i> my knitting. I'm always furiously working on a Stampede project this time of year and not even that can motivate me out of slump this time. I'm not entering. I don't want to. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?<br />
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It could be that we've been away from our home the last 5 weekends out of 6. Week days seem to be in a never ending game of catch up from things not done on the weekend. My brain can't focus on anything. I zone in and out and knitting even the simplest pair of socks seems like such an effort. Mon-Thurs night are busy with soccer and other activities and it feels like we're barely home.<br />
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That's not to say that I've gone completely without it. Progress is happening. I still take the simple Take 5 sock out to some of Parker's classes and that does seem to help me get some rows in. Being away for the last few weekends has meant airplane trips and I'll knit 5 or 6 rows before sitting back and putting it away because my brain "just can't." It's been enough to get me on sock #2.<br />
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Maudie has suffered spectacularly. I don't think it's seen any progress since my last blog post so many days ago. The mere idea of taking it out of the bag and taking the 3 minutes it would take to assess where I'm at is too overwhelming. What happened to all my steam on this project? Where have you gone mojo?<br />
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The baby blanket I needed to have already started is still in "I can't decided on a pattern" phase. Although I think I'm honed in on an idea. I'm waiting for a book from the library and then hopefully enough juju to get out the door and buy yarn and cast on. I've chosen something painfully cute but also simple... because my brain can't handle any more than that. A simple knit can sometimes be the right project to rally the knitting mojo. I've also been made aware of another impending wee babe in November who I would also like to knit for. I sort of know what I want to knit for that family but I also shudder at the thought because it would require effort I don't know I'm up to putting in.<br />
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I need to get out of this slump. Last night, sitting on the couch about to watch TV I even found myself missing it. I thought to myself "I miss my knitting." And, just like that, I picked up the simple sock and worked on it for 3 hours. It was good. I felt hopeful that the slump is winding down. I thought about a few things I could do. Here are my "Goals to July 15" to try and get me towards some progress and less in a slump.<br />
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1) Knit baby blanket (I'll share more when I have committed with yarn and a cast on)<br />
2) Knit baby hat/booties for Parker's Kindergarten teacher<br />
3) Finish Take 5 Socks<br />
4) Knit Dishcloth #3<br />
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I'm letting go of Maudie for now. Maybe this summer I'll pick it back up again- but maybe just the idea of a "big effort" project is too much right now and I need to take this slump slower. Ease myself into something to do with my hands and see if I can rise to a few new challenges along the way.<br />
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I'm sorry that it means that the blog has suffered. I really have no intention on fully stopping the knitting- nor this blog, but I've learned forcing myself to do anything is the sure-est way to not actually get myself to do it. I have to WANT to do it. And for that to be something I want right now, I need to keep it simple.<br />
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Cross your fingers I'm back here in a week with something to show you? Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-34485057542505918352017-05-02T10:10:00.000-06:002017-05-02T10:10:33.027-06:00HOW IS IT MAY?April... where did you go? How did I only manage one post in April? How is it May already? I guess with various holidays and reintigrating back to snow and 4 hour time difference to contend with, not to mention the start of soccer and various other spring things- knitting and blogging takes a back seat. I am still sort of flabbergasted that April happened in a cloud of mystery. It's like "How did I lose a month?" but it's May now so I guess we drive on.<br />
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I lied when I said that ski season was coming to a close. Snow in the mountains was too stellar to ignore- and so this last weekend we gave it our all and left it all on the hill until next season... Knitting suffers on these trips because really, there is basically only energy enough left to put on one's pajamas, wash one's face and then collapse into bed out of exhaustion.<br />
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There is progress on the socks- so I guess some knitting happened in April. (Did April even happen? I'm in denial.)<br />
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Maudie in particular is starting to look like a sock....<br />
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And even Take 5 isn't taking a long break...<br />
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I know at some point I need to plan for another project, a baby blanket in particular but I've been struggling to really find the motivation or "right pattern" that inspires me to cast on. I'm hoping for a more "organic" experience where the right pattern will just jump out at me and I will cast on with ferocity. But right now I look at pics and can only hmmm and haaa and I'm really coming up short! So- a cute baby blanket... (something really REALLY PAINFULLY CUTE).... got any suggestions?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-63352518715552142412017-04-18T10:44:00.001-06:002017-04-18T10:44:22.917-06:00Sun BlockedPardon my little hiatus there... it was the most wonderful time of the year... HAWAII VACATION.<br />
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Needles to say- we are very relaxed now.</div>
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I am always loathe to advertise my not being home until AFTER I AM HOME... but yes, life came to stand still there for a bit while we soaked in some much needed vitamin D on Oahu this time. I had intended to get out a brief blog post prior to our departure, but like all days leading up to a vacation, things got busy. I had done everything I could to get those Jelly Bean socks done, and it came down to 2 more ends needing to be woven in... which I finished this morning.<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aEVs4VVu_C3utBmYhmsCEp8Cerecnw0bEgaY13IMhSU/edit" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> by Emily O'Grady<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfYarns/Yarn_List_Filtered.cfm?categories=30010103&sort=bestselling&startRow=1" target="_blank">Knit Picks</a> Felici in "Jelly Bean" (huh- KP doesn't currently have any Felici on their site!)<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 1<br />
<b>Notes</b>: This is such a great pattern for self striping yarn. Just enough to keep it interesting but still delightfully simple. I feel like Felici was made for this pattern! As usual- I cut the yarn in order to allow for a perfect striping sequence, and while it's extra ends to weave in, I NEVER regret the choice.<br />
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Like all good vacations, I do set out to have some projects to work on. And as always, I always plan for more than I knit. Progress did occur... but it was slow to potentially non-exsistent. Meet "<i>Maudie</i>" and "<i>Take Five</i>"- you'll be seeing a lot more of them I'm sure.</div>
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While we were away a good friend's first baby announcement came through- so it appears there will be a baby blanket on the needles soon! Spring is going to be exciting!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6679777608754396641.post-11195370040998648042017-03-30T14:06:00.000-06:002017-03-30T14:06:14.699-06:00Snow PlowedHey.... weren't you grinding away at the knitting and promising progress? Yes. Yes I was. But then the snow in the mountains was apparently "epic" so we got sidetracked with a last minute ski trip....<br />
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(It WAS good snow... and good skiing.. and I'm pretty sure nothing can compete with those views!)<br />
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The good news is, despite this little longer than planned blog break, I DO have progress to show you! A third heart blanket it in the "finished pile" now!<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-heart-blanket-2" target="_blank">Baby Heart Blanket</a> by Deborah O'Leary<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: Lion Brand Pound of Love in "white" and "pastel pink"<br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 9<br />
<b>Notes</b>: I decided to do all hearts this time and I really like how it turned out. I. STILL. HAVE. MORE. of this stuff. I'm not sure it's enough for an entire blanket but I'll try and use that up at some point this year. Feels good to at least be CLOSE to a finish line on these giant balls of yarn. I will say this... those balls have yardage for DAYS.<br />
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I also managed to hone in on some sock progress and have even started #2! <br />
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AND... the great news is that the weather is warming up... meaning the snow in the mountains isn't all that great anymore. Less time devoted to skiing means MORE time devoted to knitting... so things are looking up! Either way there should be more to show and say soon! Stay tuned!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072663783647316508noreply@blogger.com0