tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5257588460567502232024-03-13T06:05:29.864-07:00The Yarn Art CafeA place where knit happens. (And Crochet too)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-2786707644969848412013-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:002013-10-20T09:09:08.763-07:00Silly Glasses!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38;">My family is often difficult to wake up in the morning, so a few weeks ago I woke up early and made these to wake them up with. I used some old 3D glasses that we had and some yarn scraps. Everyone woke up laughing, it was a great morning <i class="_4-k1 img sp_fuslt2 sx_88de95" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yA/r/UCB4YRmLPJN.png); background-position: -17px -767px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"> </i></span></h5>
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The nose was crocheted and the mustache and booger were knitted.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-5615942496887683842012-10-25T06:11:00.002-07:002012-10-25T06:11:40.760-07:00'Little Buddy' Hat<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Fall is my favorite time of year! Fall is also the busiest time of year for my family, which means less time for yarn, Facebook, and blogging. I did, however, manage to get this little project done, Yayyy! I made this little hat for a dog, appropriately named Gilligan. I can't wait to get some pictures of the hat on him to share! He is the cutest little dog, truly the best 'little buddy' ever!:)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-55613591875067585832012-09-02T15:37:00.000-07:002012-09-25T14:57:00.118-07:00knitted owl hat<br />
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I just finish this gift for a friend, who just had a baby girl! I decide to make her an infant sized owl hat. I have seen so many really adorable owl hats and patterns lately and wanted to design one of my own. This hat was made with mostly Knit Picks Yarns and Vanna's Glamour, to add a little sparkle and make it girly. The checkered portion, 'feathers', were made using the stranded knitting technique, alternating the colors in a 2 x 2 ribbed pattern.</div>
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I love adding details to my knit projects with embroidery and crochet. On this hat I added a single crochet border around the edge of the top of this hat. The eyes/beak were crocheted and the fur was attached with crochet as well. And, after completing the hat I decided that it would look better if there were dark brown 'feathers' between the eyes, contrasting the white fur. To add the brown feathers after the hat was complete, I embroidered them on with chain stitches, which looks very similar to stockinette stitch. And, lastly, I made a simple garter stitch bow and sewed it on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0JGYcxCta70qHkU1OaRUTWFEuvbO7vYSRhyphenhyphenp-FRwagfXhiE8bNQe3UWHk7QrfmChxwJNdzpR_dM8IidPclTrjPOx30RN2zbtzJGNFAOf-zgO7xDDTp5Drm_PjAWbQ1TcRft6iwu3FXU/s1600/doll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0JGYcxCta70qHkU1OaRUTWFEuvbO7vYSRhyphenhyphenp-FRwagfXhiE8bNQe3UWHk7QrfmChxwJNdzpR_dM8IidPclTrjPOx30RN2zbtzJGNFAOf-zgO7xDDTp5Drm_PjAWbQ1TcRft6iwu3FXU/s640/doll.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
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I was pretty happy with my little owl hat and my friend said she loved it! The thing I love most about being able to Knit and Crochet is that I can make personalized, one of a kind gifts. I love to surprise my friends and family with something made just for them :) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-66464943824435600512012-08-21T19:27:00.001-07:002012-09-25T14:58:16.764-07:00So Many Projects, So Little TimeIf I could pick one super power, it would be to freeze time so that I can catch up on all my projects! I haven't been blogging lately because I have been busy knitting and crocheting! I have so many projects on my needles and hooks! I finished my granny square scarf that I mentioned in my last blog entry. I am really happy with how it came out. The colors matched my skirt beautifully and the black SC border gives it a sort of stained glass look, which I really like.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granny Square Scarf, made with Vanna's Choice yarn.</td></tr>
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Granny squares can be quite addicting. I find that I have so much fun coming up with different color patterns that I can get a little carried away. I also have an abundance of scrap yarns left over from past projects, so I decided to start this One piece Granny Square Blanket. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Piece Granny Square Blanket. I am still working on it, about 1/3 of the way done. Made with some left over Red Heart and Caron one pound Yarn. <br />
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Then after I started my Blanket, I decided to put it aside for a minute and start a pair of Cable knit fingerless gloves for an upcoming class I am giving. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable knit fingerless glove. I finished knitting it, now I just have to sew the seam. </td></tr>
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After I started my gloves, I learned that I was going to get to meet our friends new baby at the end of this month, so I thought I should set aside this project and get to work on a gift. I decided to design an infant sized owl hat for her little one. I can't wait to get to the eyes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the beginning of an infant sized owl hat I am making for my friends new baby. I am using Knit Picks shine worsted and simply cotton for it. the body is going to be knitted and the eyes, beak, and ears will be crocheted. I am also incorporating Vanna's Glamour for a little sparkle. I am using stranded knitting for a multi-color motif. <br />
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I now have these three WIPs, on top of the sweater that started a few blog posts ago. Then I thought fruit cozies would make a great gift for my daughters teachers... I may have a problem, I can't seem to stop starting new projects! The good news is, I have plenty to do! But now I need to finish some of them, beginning with the owl hat, since that has the earliest deadline :) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-11234939834303161802012-07-31T12:12:00.000-07:002012-07-31T12:12:23.632-07:00Not your Granny's Squares :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What have I been making? Granny Squares! I am going to be teaching a class on Granny Squares in September, so I have been making some class project samples. I love making Granny Squares, because they are easier than you might think, they work up quickly, and you can make just about anything with them. Of course there is the obvious Granny Square project, a blanket/throw; but you can also sew them together to make sweaters, scarves, market bags, pillow cases, hats, and the list goes on. The projects for my class will be a market bag and/or a scarf. Once you understand the basic principles of making a Granny Square, you can easily customize them to fit your needs. The other great thing about Granny Squares is that they are small and make for the perfect project to carry with you. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am making these squares using Vanna's Choice yarn. I plan to sew them together to make a scarf, which will be a sample for my class. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose the colors that I did, so that I could also use my scarf as an accessory to go with this skirt :) I think I might join the squares using rows of single crochet and black yarn, in order to match the skirt colors.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-54119311202173780952012-07-29T13:52:00.000-07:002012-07-29T13:52:08.383-07:00Bunny Hat and Piano, life is good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just had to share this picture! <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">So, I come around the corner and there is my youngest daughter, Simone, playing the piano in her jammies and her bunny hat, that I made for her last winter! It made me laugh, so I had to share this! I am a big fan of Bob's Burgers and it reminded me of the little girl on there that is always wearing bunny ears :P</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">My daughters are such a huge source of motivation and inspiration for me. They remind me of what it was like to be a kid. They are so free, energetic, and genuine in all that they do. My girls help me to tap into those aspects of myself, that sometimes get lost when I am busy being a grown up. I am so grateful to have them as a constant reminder of what is truly important in life, of the good things in life; I cherish these little moments and never want to forget them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As a parent, my goal is to teach my children all that I can in order to help them be successful in life, but, quite often, I am finding that they are the ones that teach me. They have helped me to grow and become a better person, providing me with a fresh and new perspective. Because everything is still so new to them, they often question the absurdities in life, that we adults just accept. I expect them to listen to what I have to tell them, but I think that is reciprocal; I make it a point to really listen to what they have to say too. They remind me that it is the little things, the journey, and not the end goal that is your life. I love them more than any words could ever express, and when they are old enough to understand, I plan to thank them for all that they have done for me. </span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-23936188310417906322012-07-28T20:00:00.001-07:002012-07-28T20:06:24.395-07:00Here's what I have been Knitting and Crocheting lately!Over the last few weeks I have been busy preparing class samples and making a display to promote my classes. A few of the things on my display were things I already had, such as the children's hats and the Sashay scarves. I was in Michaels yesterday promoting my classes and I brought Mini-Me to work with me! I had fun meeting and chatting with some very nice people and I got some of them to take my business card and calendar. All in all, I consider it to be a successful day! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-25397042445013199362012-07-26T18:58:00.003-07:002013-04-09T20:32:19.047-07:00Mini Me got a make over!A few years ago I made a Mini-Me, a puppet caricature of myself. At the time I was really proud of her, but she was one of my first puppet likenesses and I have learned a lot since then. Like most Artist when looking at their earlier work, I felt she could use some improvements, so I decided to give her a few upgrades. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is her before picture:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have also gotten a better camera since making her. My new camera is so much better, what a difference in quality! <br />
Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture with the good camera before refurbishing her, but you get the idea :)</td></tr>
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The first thing I did to refurbish Mini Me was take off her glasses. Although I often wear my glasses when I knit and crochet, I thought the glasses blocked her eyes and lashes. Maybe later I will make her some thinner framed glasses. The next thing I did was knit her a new top. My earlier puppets where all crocheted, but after making a few, I found that I liked the look of a crocheted body with knitted clothes better. The other reason I decided to make her a new shirt is because this one was a little too low cut and her boobs kept falling out. I removed the lip and nose ring, since I had taken my own out a couple years ago. And finally, I added stuffing to the boobs and head to give them a better shape. I am very happy with her make over and have decided that she is going to work with me, so I made her a name badge too! </div>
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I think Mini-Me looks better than ever and I can't wait to bring her to work with me tomorrow! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-50455259256227261502012-07-25T12:05:00.003-07:002012-07-26T10:14:00.954-07:00Creativity in KnittingI have been a busy girl; the creative juices have been flowing! I haven't written a blog entry in a while, but I have added more content to my blog. I have been busy preparing to begin my knitting and crochet classes in August. My class schedule and information is now available, just click the 'classes' link at the top of the page. I have been knitting and crocheting like crazy these last few weeks! I wasn't even sure what I should share first, so I thought I would start with my most recent project, 'knitted creativity'. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKMxXpIJeYeiFLz8vDbLMHiEvYp0uYG1qwBewELlQIndIEyx9epzMp-40dAByw6voYmCf2wr09Co5bElAJ-BVOTlGUZodieQoFJuUCM4jPpICmsCx3X5yCaadLOIpdw6c_Md8ZAgute8/s1600/newbest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKMxXpIJeYeiFLz8vDbLMHiEvYp0uYG1qwBewELlQIndIEyx9epzMp-40dAByw6voYmCf2wr09Co5bElAJ-BVOTlGUZodieQoFJuUCM4jPpICmsCx3X5yCaadLOIpdw6c_Md8ZAgute8/s640/newbest.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was trying to come up with a creative idea for my display to promote my classes. I wanted to share with others why I love knitting and crochet, because the creative possibilities are endless. For me, knitting is not just a way to make warm winter garments, it is a form of expression. I love to use the numerous textures and colors that the yarns of today have to offer to express ideas and feelings; simply put, I love Yarn Art! Then it hit me, what better way to show that than to literally put 'creativity' into my knitted sample.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There are a few ways to go about adding letters to your knitting. You can use duplicate stitch, waste canvas(like in my </span><a href="http://theyarnartcafe.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">free tutorial</a><span style="background-color: white;">), or you can use Stranded Knitting, like I did here. You can also use a technique called Intarsia to add color and images to knitting. Intarsia, is a technique where you can add blocks of contrast color by having a separate strand of color for each section, usually held on bobbins on the wrong side of the work. As you knit along, you simply pick up the contrast color when you reach that section. I opted to use stranded knitting for my project rather than Intarsia because my sections of contrast color are quite small and Intarsia works best if you have large blocks of alternating colors. Perhaps if my letters were bigger and bolder I would have chose Intarsia.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Stranded Knitting can be a bit tricky, especially when doing letters, because the pattern of alternating colors is irregular. In traditional Stranded knitting(Fair Isle), the pattern of alternating colors is usually repeated several times across a row. Such as for this Cowl pattern (from the Discover Gifts Class curriculum at </span><a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/">http://www.craftyarncouncil.com</a>)<br />
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<img alt="back and front view of Fair Isle technique" height="279" src="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/sites/default/files/K6back_front.png" width="640" />
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When the color pattern is repeated regularly the strands are carried more evenly across the back of the work, and not usually carried across more than two, maybe three stitches. When using stranded knitting for letters, as I have done, the alternating colors are not in a regular pattern, across the work. This makes the color work a little more tricky, but I love a good challenge!<br />
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As you can see in the back of my swatch, there is a lot more white than the front, because I carried the White more often than the pink across the back. I love the way stranded knitting looks on the wrong side too! Stranded Knitting can be a bit time consuming, but I love to do it because I look at as a puzzle to be solved. I started my project with this chart.<br />
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After I plotted my letters on my knitting chart, I followed the chart in a zig zag fashion, going from right to left on the knit side of my work and left to right on the purl side. Stranded knitting is also easier to do when knitting in the round, because the strands are carried in the same direction as you work around. When working on a flat piece you have to carry your strands up to the next row, so you have to be mindful to carry strands loosely as to not cinch the stitches. I enjoy stranded knitting in the same way that crossword puzzle addicts enjoy word games. I get great satisfaction from seeing my idea go from paper to yarn :) Stranded Knitting, one of many techniques I use to express my "creativity" with yarn :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-45759490067771652812012-07-11T14:16:00.001-07:002012-07-11T14:16:28.710-07:00My new Business Cards!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I Got My New Business Cards in the mail today! Yayyyy!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-81324376943039432472012-07-11T08:08:00.000-07:002012-07-11T08:13:21.593-07:00Knitted Sock Monkey Jumper and hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A long time ago I was browsing on the internet and came across this<a href="http://www.hazelandmelvin.com/products/sock-monkeys/wearable-art/sock-monkey-dress" target="_blank"> sock monkey gown</a> and thought that it would be really cute to make a sock monkey dress for a baby girl. Recently a friend of mine happened to give birth to a beautiful baby girl and I knew she would love the sock monkey theme so I decided to make it! The hat and jumper are my own design; the booties are made from a free pattern I found on <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm" target="_blank">tlc.howstuffworks.com</a>. Being that it is summer and a little to warm for knit wear, I tried to make the outfit the size that I thought she would be this fall and winter. Having two girls of my own, I know how fast babies can grow, so let's hope I guessed right on the size.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0elGSwbYm7ntNeQ_aG9bRgr_8qk5h6VXiwm1pN8dHniRlcKAmSXYGoku52s9fy0VaUSgwVCWbGDflh5QYaIz4lCXFG1dFKz8gQQdAPJUpGeu997dDgYx12h_a1bfCusxX-W_opt5aaU/s1600/bmonkey4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0elGSwbYm7ntNeQ_aG9bRgr_8qk5h6VXiwm1pN8dHniRlcKAmSXYGoku52s9fy0VaUSgwVCWbGDflh5QYaIz4lCXFG1dFKz8gQQdAPJUpGeu997dDgYx12h_a1bfCusxX-W_opt5aaU/s640/bmonkey4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To get the sock monkey grey marl look, I knitted Bernat Satin's Grey Mist and Vanna's Glamour Diamond together. The Vanna's Glamour gave it a subtle little sparkle, which I really liked!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really liked how the twisted cable pleats turned out across the waist and bottom. They were tight to work, but the result was nice! I love to use seed stitch in projects because it adds such a nice texture, it also makes a beautiful edge, perfect for straps. The trim and straps were made with Vanna's Choice Scarlet, one of my favorite reds to use because it is so bold and bright.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to add some bows and Sparkle(Vanna's Glamour) because I wanted it to be really girly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCzH_cAat7M6LzXTXcZMv-29XLihB_ArS9KqVbjeTUjOa_8pN1AiEQ3OiuA_sNYztbVMJOtPSB2OeyzvWD_TgLszR_k-iS3rWIWVo3c0xpVotSjgsCpAg1xvmANIGt5kl4ELnkLn6veE/s1600/shoesbetter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCzH_cAat7M6LzXTXcZMv-29XLihB_ArS9KqVbjeTUjOa_8pN1AiEQ3OiuA_sNYztbVMJOtPSB2OeyzvWD_TgLszR_k-iS3rWIWVo3c0xpVotSjgsCpAg1xvmANIGt5kl4ELnkLn6veE/s640/shoesbetter.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love to make these simple Mary Jane style booties! They are so quick and easy to make and just adorable. And of course very girly!! I made these from Knit Picks CotLin, one of my favorite black yarns because the color is so rich.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-28545844432604948002012-07-06T09:26:00.001-07:002012-07-06T09:26:19.118-07:00My New Knitting Tattoo!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoef0O6Hee02feMeP6EYergSuMn3UOZKHeHVIdlI9oK3RSbqLBcVqgJ8KgIdNwm5ecaew07Hd5u8hyphenhyphenblztNzYTtN4fTtaeD3_BYONqdZLQP9OI18LxeEZA-vYkz3ZVUH5NEKYTb3Kxaz8/s1600/sewingsleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoef0O6Hee02feMeP6EYergSuMn3UOZKHeHVIdlI9oK3RSbqLBcVqgJ8KgIdNwm5ecaew07Hd5u8hyphenhyphenblztNzYTtN4fTtaeD3_BYONqdZLQP9OI18LxeEZA-vYkz3ZVUH5NEKYTb3Kxaz8/s640/sewingsleeve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got a new Tattoo last night!! It was done by my husband, Lonnie Moon, at <a href="http://anviltattoo.com/" target="_blank">Anvil Tattoo</a>. It is exactly what I wanted and I love it!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-36891249157608838762012-07-02T15:39:00.002-07:002012-07-02T15:41:55.377-07:00Red Heart Boutique Sashay Yarn Demo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday I did a Demo at Michaels Arts and Crafts in Burlington, WA. It was a Demo of knitting and crocheting with<a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay" target="_blank"> Red Heart Boutique Sashay Yarn</a> . I spent the week prior playing with this fun craft yarn. The thing that I loved most about this yarn is that some of the work is already done for you so it makes for quick and easy projects, that even a beginner can do. The yarn is actually not your normal yarn, it is really strips of a lace/net material that you can knit, crochet, or craft with. I came up with a ton of ideas for this yarn, these are samples that I came up this last week. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn4-5IzXMCIOKh8pHqN57zAtYdv36v8IpagQPht2nijEXnp20hDq4GbUh1mEtR4Y9pjFlIgsTA1Wl8pvPxGBkBPhnlcltvB3Uu18yY6Kn1gHv-ib4QGZ55Bjnx8n2xSWKdgiYF5yyWdk/s1600/scarfcrochet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn4-5IzXMCIOKh8pHqN57zAtYdv36v8IpagQPht2nijEXnp20hDq4GbUh1mEtR4Y9pjFlIgsTA1Wl8pvPxGBkBPhnlcltvB3Uu18yY6Kn1gHv-ib4QGZ55Bjnx8n2xSWKdgiYF5yyWdk/s640/scarfcrochet.JPG" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a scarf I made with Sashay(Waltz). I made this by doing rows of<br />
5 SC, but picking up every other loop. Skipping a loop, made it more full<br />
and I still got a nice length with only one ball. I timed myself to see how<br />
quick it really is to make a scarf with this yarn, it took 2hrs and 13 min.,<br />
pretty fast!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkiJ2qusiaeFoRm7jyESscOrfkBCt2qdZKUQ6YFCgvIGSkODz5by3GtC4KSLfLb7eivhGuYueqnWhIYIvzn-_9X4dpCLe3w3w1SCnVC4LtjvxIdUksKDca4kTLnVtlICDRiNhoQDMvX0/s1600/scarfknit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkiJ2qusiaeFoRm7jyESscOrfkBCt2qdZKUQ6YFCgvIGSkODz5by3GtC4KSLfLb7eivhGuYueqnWhIYIvzn-_9X4dpCLe3w3w1SCnVC4LtjvxIdUksKDca4kTLnVtlICDRiNhoQDMvX0/s640/scarfknit.JPG" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this scarf with Sashay(Jive). This scarf was made by knitting<br />
rows of 6. This time I picked up and knitted every loop across the top <br />
of the yarn, rather than every other. The ruffles were less dense and I<br />
was able to get a longer scarf from one ball, making a long skinny scarf.<br />
This scarf was 21 inches longer than the above crocheted one, and still<br />
only took me 3 hrs and 17 min to knit, not bad!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHK6RUC-JQY4lg865k5xK5jz-rV5PwY20zxS68GSCP_rew3e57-adkTvRFyT5qf8X75BBKrpc3ofe7ROH8twDYzVVCcQ-beLB7mVvfSElJz3ol-Ab5tLVk0KgtOA77uUZaB0clLfD3NU/s1600/starbella2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHK6RUC-JQY4lg865k5xK5jz-rV5PwY20zxS68GSCP_rew3e57-adkTvRFyT5qf8X75BBKrpc3ofe7ROH8twDYzVVCcQ-beLB7mVvfSElJz3ol-Ab5tLVk0KgtOA77uUZaB0clLfD3NU/s640/starbella2.JPG" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the the finished scarf, that I mentioned in my last post that I<br />
was working on. This one is not Sashay, it is <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/yarn.php?id=154" target="_blank">Premier Yarns Starbella</a>.<br />
It is similar to Sashay, except the loops of the netting are bigger, but<br />
it is used in the same way, by knitting or crocheting the loops across<br />
the top of the material. I spent another 30 minutes, working the rest of<br />
the ball, and finished this scarf. It has a nice fun look, and I love the<br />
bright colors that Starbella has to offer.</td></tr>
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After Making the scarves, I decided to do some experimenting. I love to play with texture and stitches, some of my best project ideas have come from doing just that! These are some of the other things I came up with using this self ruffling yarn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kcBTHwS1MtkSWKkveyLS3NG7P-O6cUNxO8KwTp9k4b8dq53sZNqmMPwyKZPcFUz6tRjX0YN6qPCxJt2njy7w_KbKmh1itpBFmv_RE4pomcPbXDXJxezs9bcbMsp7-0Ny8PTdc64ijvY/s1600/STstpage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kcBTHwS1MtkSWKkveyLS3NG7P-O6cUNxO8KwTp9k4b8dq53sZNqmMPwyKZPcFUz6tRjX0YN6qPCxJt2njy7w_KbKmh1itpBFmv_RE4pomcPbXDXJxezs9bcbMsp7-0Ny8PTdc64ijvY/s640/STstpage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting every row with this yarn causes the ruffles to go in a spiral pattern, so I wanted to see the effect if worked in<br />
Stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row and repeat). The result was this really cool material, with one flat side that shows the V's of Stockinette and one ruffled side, where the ruffles lay in a zig zag pattern rather than spiraled. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYKOO7Dmyvi51WdL1SHJYZzLUnffQERD5JZsw_cZcdxjFcIyJ8vxrrEz1f1yltmjIsLN-j6vGX8qbbuzDHQ3LoJK1B6K-npZouJ0i7utUupJbbZZBZSjyy2Tcuvpy8lWY-hXjojN-7nU/s1600/bloompage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYKOO7Dmyvi51WdL1SHJYZzLUnffQERD5JZsw_cZcdxjFcIyJ8vxrrEz1f1yltmjIsLN-j6vGX8qbbuzDHQ3LoJK1B6K-npZouJ0i7utUupJbbZZBZSjyy2Tcuvpy8lWY-hXjojN-7nU/s640/bloompage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Heart had <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/ruffly-big-bloom" target="_blank">instructions</a> for making a bloom by first crocheting a base and then making a chain of Sashay and sewing it in a spiral pattern onto the base. This is the what my bloom looks like, front and back following their instruction. It was pretty quick to make, nice and full and had a base which makes it easy to attach to a garment or pin. <br />
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I thought it might be easier to make a bloom by just crocheting in the round Rather than making a base and sewing so I made this swatch by crocheting in the round. I did rows of 12 SC in the round, making a swatch that is 6 SC wide when laid flat. And it looked like flower to me and was a little quicker than making a base and sewing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIzJRqK7h-vECWeuXdyyPuX3U32hOeKG21nMZulVLfd5vNEiRoCoGKeFkdsxg-amNl5WqRhb3L0n7U08FFLafMGGYesf-PA2lHOXt8NPK-2lpsgdJH03AJ9E1Zb3WPFPHDLZ6ach57o0/s1600/crochetround.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIzJRqK7h-vECWeuXdyyPuX3U32hOeKG21nMZulVLfd5vNEiRoCoGKeFkdsxg-amNl5WqRhb3L0n7U08FFLafMGGYesf-PA2lHOXt8NPK-2lpsgdJH03AJ9E1Zb3WPFPHDLZ6ach57o0/s640/crochetround.JPG" width="635" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEcLlDl2LHufO1n1PuumRrmKN48BTA1XDc57lHHjFgm51-RkdH3FPiaGeRUMvyxYwkJ2iXqMT9_cHpVjkKskLZJF-cE7sTMWZUnCyjfSudpN2Bi3FmJ9H6zIf4t3rJSpGApoBDJ9a6Jk/s1600/flowergroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEcLlDl2LHufO1n1PuumRrmKN48BTA1XDc57lHHjFgm51-RkdH3FPiaGeRUMvyxYwkJ2iXqMT9_cHpVjkKskLZJF-cE7sTMWZUnCyjfSudpN2Bi3FmJ9H6zIf4t3rJSpGApoBDJ9a6Jk/s640/flowergroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some flowers I made by crocheting 2 rows of Sashay in the round. The blue one is a small flower attached to a hairpin. I found that if I folded the Sashay in half and picked up both layers of loops just below the fold I was able to easily make a mini flower. These flowers only took minutes to make!</td></tr>
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This kind of self ruffling craft yarn is great for adding ruffles to a knit and crochet projects, so I made some swatches of that to see how it works. I found the easiest way to work it in is to pick up a loop of Sashay, work the stitch with regular yarn as usual, then pass the Sashay loop over the stitch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVJbbJ3f9q4WZv0Lc1qCMxvn2CZDFbd7Zj9vbL7umyvJsBnHnZfhQxEsCUL-IVOJof_z07KtyCEJRVN4fUxW73-hRfda_rhP2YLB3LA3gUiQVLoE8lfxfJJThNbhT0TMYW9l6yPZwYgU/s1600/knitswatch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVJbbJ3f9q4WZv0Lc1qCMxvn2CZDFbd7Zj9vbL7umyvJsBnHnZfhQxEsCUL-IVOJof_z07KtyCEJRVN4fUxW73-hRfda_rhP2YLB3LA3gUiQVLoE8lfxfJJThNbhT0TMYW9l6yPZwYgU/s640/knitswatch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sashay yarn worked into a knitted swatch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsaTjGAjyC6sAW_5Qj0USwLciLnCltagc1IMd9v4twBbLjxp0cPSv3IQkUBliI8b7Abi_1_gNz0n59-UTwFLwM0n63UEGLgdrOFXR_BEOU4qtROkWMxIKhnYhWYb9BjgnKrOgLQVWZos/s1600/crochetswatch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsaTjGAjyC6sAW_5Qj0USwLciLnCltagc1IMd9v4twBbLjxp0cPSv3IQkUBliI8b7Abi_1_gNz0n59-UTwFLwM0n63UEGLgdrOFXR_BEOU4qtROkWMxIKhnYhWYb9BjgnKrOgLQVWZos/s640/crochetswatch.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sashay yarn worked into a crocheted swatch.</td></tr>
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I could see this yarn being used in other craft projects besides knitting and crochet. I thought it might be ideal to use to add ruffle trim to sewing projects and paper craft projects such as card making. I ran out of time before my demo to make up any sewing samples, but I did manage to whip together this little butterfly that I thought would make a cute card. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeLuGWmtWpywOQ8Oauj_JgMGK4zz9m_kxKqa9XrSS-142YrFKfj5VNnPPqx0nA8xYZ9LQX1AOxedYV0LlG3DHD_ulmBBtBb7cWYmhnkUFqQvsqM_T5rM0jcZz93vvV6DLPegcqSg4q9s/s1600/papercraft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeLuGWmtWpywOQ8Oauj_JgMGK4zz9m_kxKqa9XrSS-142YrFKfj5VNnPPqx0nA8xYZ9LQX1AOxedYV0LlG3DHD_ulmBBtBb7cWYmhnkUFqQvsqM_T5rM0jcZz93vvV6DLPegcqSg4q9s/s640/papercraft.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make this card, I cut a length of Sashay yarn and folded it inward, so the ends meet in the middle. Next I secured the ends in place and cinched the center by wrapping some thread around the middle and tying a knot. After making the simple bow with Sashay, I took some black yarn and made a butterfly body by making a short crocheted chain, turning and working a SC in each chain. The beginning tail and ending tail ended up on the same end so I trimmed them and left them to use as butterfly antennas. I glued the pieces to a piece of card stock. From start to finish it took me about 10 minutes to make, plus drying time for the glue. Pretty quick and easy.<br />
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As you can see I had a lot of fun playing with Red Heart Boutique Sashay. And I had a good time meeting some new people and sharing my projects at my Michaels Demo. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5mhWkeECdADABqPqmCDC4W4SFGhnnu_-uO4x9GPqdlNdani_CmMZ9hXyXjuPZxVHyAxu0tfkC0go23zTHeqSvCE7N8B4Q6j3RYplkX0TKCOliucdmBJKisnAZqqulT6FJo_QGhxNt0I/s1600/demo7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5mhWkeECdADABqPqmCDC4W4SFGhnnu_-uO4x9GPqdlNdani_CmMZ9hXyXjuPZxVHyAxu0tfkC0go23zTHeqSvCE7N8B4Q6j3RYplkX0TKCOliucdmBJKisnAZqqulT6FJo_QGhxNt0I/s640/demo7.JPG" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me at my Demo table modeling my scarf and matching flower hairpin I made.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWkfsHJ5xoRMgxGUdWgG7U-CMotBcgqKtQn5TuOE1nUpCiyMpxF9wiTZ9mWxx1129EWN4e3WSx11S0ki-XYjSwfrWfnFhZDBfEskPTfaKZ8NqA0ZmsSEx-EzSBsBLTGK6sIY82bXTl1g/s1600/demo8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWkfsHJ5xoRMgxGUdWgG7U-CMotBcgqKtQn5TuOE1nUpCiyMpxF9wiTZ9mWxx1129EWN4e3WSx11S0ki-XYjSwfrWfnFhZDBfEskPTfaKZ8NqA0ZmsSEx-EzSBsBLTGK6sIY82bXTl1g/s640/demo8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me Demonstrating How I made the crocheted Sashay Scarf.<br />
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This was my first in store Demo at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I had fun and look forward to the next one! <br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-54519037749606605762012-06-27T14:53:00.001-07:002012-06-28T10:39:19.647-07:00RED HEART Boutique Sashay yarn and other projectsI have been a busy girl! I have had a lot on my needles lately! Since my last post I have completed a gift for my friend, who just had a baby girl. I will be sharing and posting about that project soon; I just sent the gift off in the mail today and I want to keep it a surprise. In addition to that project I have started a top for myself that will go with an old skirt that I plan on embellishing with some crochet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlrxIWSdB76caj2NDtlK_REjZKsLTopntaK5GpulNIYkckawnsVKDXWpUQwHBGFS8vu1AvqSxV9cahOhlBQ50UkI_2P-gXA8cbWXo8cqBuA1aKOA3n5fMjTf37lwc-duysgIy2qSOJpg/s1600/sweater+start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlrxIWSdB76caj2NDtlK_REjZKsLTopntaK5GpulNIYkckawnsVKDXWpUQwHBGFS8vu1AvqSxV9cahOhlBQ50UkI_2P-gXA8cbWXo8cqBuA1aKOA3n5fMjTf37lwc-duysgIy2qSOJpg/s640/sweater+start.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Top I started knitting for myself. I am using a great quick and easy free<br />
<a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0665B.html?utm_source=20120622_June22&utm_medium=Emails&utm_campaign=Weeklynewsletter&utm_content=P-KnitandCrochetTunic" target="_blank">tunic pattern</a> I found on Lion brand Yarns website.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT3k9Oht0JiTxLlQczfyLVLPuzLRI5ZVHJhMUw_LuTxPljQA6OcTSPERhG-5mN3oDTYar-4BKwSFM3Tf3nIxl22M3A2eiXvTVgi2utz8jy0DcqRk-quqGIUBtzcQAFh740sHIGJcfCmU/s1600/skirtbefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT3k9Oht0JiTxLlQczfyLVLPuzLRI5ZVHJhMUw_LuTxPljQA6OcTSPERhG-5mN3oDTYar-4BKwSFM3Tf3nIxl22M3A2eiXvTVgi2utz8jy0DcqRk-quqGIUBtzcQAFh740sHIGJcfCmU/s640/skirtbefore.JPG" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am going to embellish this skirt with crochet to match the tunic that I<br />
am making. This is the Before picture; after picture will be posted soon.</td></tr>
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Most recently, I was hired by Michaels Arts and Crafts in Burlington, WA and will be teaching Knitting and Crochet classes there, so I have been busy trying to organize and make samples for the classes I plan on offering. Once I get my class schedule made up, I will be posting it here on my blog.<br />
This Saturday I will be doing my first in store Demo, featuring <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-sashay" target="_blank">Red Heart Boutique Sashay Yarn</a>. I am excited to do this Demo because I have come up with so many possible uses for this fun craft yarn. <span style="background-color: white;">I can see this yarn being a great embellishment for knitting and crochet projects alike. I also think Boutique Sashay yarn would be great for other crafts as well, such as trim for sewing projects, card making and paper crafts, re-fashioning clothing, flowers, and the list goes on.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
The in store Demo will specifically be of a Crocheted and Knitted version of a scarf made from this self ruffling yarn. I have decided that I am going to try to make as many samples of possible uses as I can, in order to inspire crafters viewing my Demo. Once I got used to managing the ruffles, the project worked up pretty quickly. The progress shown in the photo below took less than 2 hours to crochet. <br />
***Unfortunately in my haste, digging through the bin of yarn to choose my colors I did not realized that one of the balls I chose was <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/yarn.php?id=154" target="_blank">Premier Yarns Starbella</a> rather than Sashay. So the photo below is actually of Starbella and not Sashay. Thank goodness I shared this photo with my fellow instructors online and they made me aware of my mistake, I would have felt rather foolish calling this yarn by another name :P The Structure of (and method for knitting and crocheting) the Sashay and Starbella is similar enough that I don't consider it a total loss, it was still good practice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnSUweYn1bijBJTtpIg72SySWWVQKNi0eBwK_KUF7Vz8TJD92KBq7dfaOlvNuAUo7mxl-T7Dfi9mRVWXNmEGDO_J9Zx9kG0bsacGtXIfnKIoDYeYDVhtrNti2QyiBhoUPFT9O_Y-0bqg/s1600/ruffles2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnSUweYn1bijBJTtpIg72SySWWVQKNi0eBwK_KUF7Vz8TJD92KBq7dfaOlvNuAUo7mxl-T7Dfi9mRVWXNmEGDO_J9Zx9kG0bsacGtXIfnKIoDYeYDVhtrNti2QyiBhoUPFT9O_Y-0bqg/s640/ruffles2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a scarf made from <a href="http://www.premieryarns.com/yarn.php?id=154" target="_blank">Premier Yarns Starbella</a>.</td></tr>
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It is amazing how quickly time flies when you are having fun! I love experimenting and letting my creativity run wild! Hopefully, I will have some Sashay yarn projects to share with you soon. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-14184900277607575362012-05-11T07:26:00.000-07:002012-05-11T07:26:27.484-07:00CYCA and swatching my way to a better me!I have been a bad blogger lately, but I have a good excuse, I have been busy finishing my swatches for the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/teach.html" target="_blank">Craft Yarn Councils Hand Knitting Instructors Program</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zxCB8IgxBx1_9xFaktxXav6wlmkA_4RI2aAOXEX4FsBqhtgYcNEOlxPx_o-fBcqZbU6mBNc0xql0lSb2UTTZsWXMIvlXyY92k4s0b1W29LrBlDLntuCjPe7-c5lOGNVteMLNj9xuhfA/s1600/swatches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zxCB8IgxBx1_9xFaktxXav6wlmkA_4RI2aAOXEX4FsBqhtgYcNEOlxPx_o-fBcqZbU6mBNc0xql0lSb2UTTZsWXMIvlXyY92k4s0b1W29LrBlDLntuCjPe7-c5lOGNVteMLNj9xuhfA/s640/swatches.JPG" width="364" /></a></div>
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My swatches are finally done and blocked. I really took my time doing these swatches because I saw it as an opportunity, as with most things I make, to become better at my craft. Although I am happy with my creations, there is always room for improvement. I am a big fan of multitasking, so while making these swatches I experimented a lot with my knitting style in order to perfect those little things that I don't like about my knitting. When making projects, I have learned how to hide or compensate for these little imperfections, such as hiding loose end stitches in my seams, using selvage edges, or making stitches more even by knitting in the round. I feel like I have made some great progress upon completion of my swatches, but I am hoping that the Master Knitter that reviews my swatches will give me some pointers and useful feedback. I have never had a more experienced Knitter critique my work before and I have to admit I am a little nervous, but excited for some direction. <br />
The next things on my to-do list are writing my lesson plan for a beginner class and then actually teaching. I have come up with a project, now I just need to write my plan. Having never taught before, I am hoping to find some friends that would be kind enough to let me practice teaching them. The program requires 15 hours of documented teaching time in order to receive your certificate. I think my biggest obstacle when it comes to teaching will be keeping it fun and interesting. I am passionate about knitting and all things yarn related and could probably go on and on about it, but I don't want to bore my students. My hope is that my excitement about my beloved craft will be contagious and inspiring. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-45575946570571112512012-04-13T13:53:00.001-07:002012-06-28T10:46:37.841-07:00Free Knitted Flower Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6rJZDvheezW_rKcfZYVKOHLrBbYYqnQpm8FMtRa3EdqNnFL1FcJfzlNup8rNvsaD9YLhK8baFveJ70yyVS23ZFlVps0608S0lMHexbOW_anUYi9BFCaoHxk5uZH7lvMlW4TszR7LQx4/s1600/Fhat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Today I thought I would share with you how I made the knitted flower for this Monkey Hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6rJZDvheezW_rKcfZYVKOHLrBbYYqnQpm8FMtRa3EdqNnFL1FcJfzlNup8rNvsaD9YLhK8baFveJ70yyVS23ZFlVps0608S0lMHexbOW_anUYi9BFCaoHxk5uZH7lvMlW4TszR7LQx4/s1600/Fhat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6rJZDvheezW_rKcfZYVKOHLrBbYYqnQpm8FMtRa3EdqNnFL1FcJfzlNup8rNvsaD9YLhK8baFveJ70yyVS23ZFlVps0608S0lMHexbOW_anUYi9BFCaoHxk5uZH7lvMlW4TszR7LQx4/s640/Fhat.JPG" width="468" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Knitted Flower Pattern:</u></b><br />
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<b>Tools:</b> you can use any size needles, keep in mind small needles make small flowers and big needles make big flowers. (The sample was knitted with 4mm needles) Also, for the petals it is easiest to use the magic loop method, for which you will need the longest circular needles you have. The longer your circulars are the easier it will be. If you are not familiar with the Magic Loop method for knitting small diameter tubes in the round, you can find lots of videos that demonstrate it on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knitting+magic+loop&oq=knitting+magic+loop&aq=f&aqi=g3g-m1&aql=&gs_nf=1&gs_l=youtube-psuggest.3..0l3j0i5.1110.5447.0.6021.21.21.1.0.0.0.149.1883.16j4.20.0." target="_blank">You Tube</a>. You will also need a set of straight needles that are the same size as your circulars, a yarn needle for sewing, and Clothes Pin style stitch markers. <br />
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<b>Yarn:</b> Any yarn will work, keep in mind the heavier your yarn the bigger your flower will be. (The sample was knitted with Vanna's Glamor yarn and worsted weight yarn knitted together) <br />
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<b>Abreviations:</b> <br />
<b>CO</b> - cast on <b>st</b> - stitch <b>K</b> - knit <b>M1L</b> - make one left <br />
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<b>K2tog</b> - Knit two together <b>BO</b> - bind off <b>M1R</b> - make one right <br />
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<b>SSK</b> - slip slip Knit <b>ST</b> - Stockinette<br />
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<b>Petals: </b>(make 5 petals)<br />
CO 10 sts onto long circular needles and divide them evenly, so you have 5 sts on each needle. Leave a long tail for sewing your CO edge closed. Join for knitting in the round.<br />
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R1: K<br />
R2: *K2, M1L, K1, M1R, K2* Repeat 1x = 14 sts<br />
R3: K<br />
R4: *K3, M1L, K1, M1R, K3* Repeat 1x = 18 sts<br />
R5: K<br />
R6: *K2, SSK, K1, K2tog, K2* Repeat 1x = 14sts<br />
R7: K<br />
R8: *K1, SSK, K1, K2tog, K1* Repeat 1x = 10<br />
R9: K<br />
R10: *SSK, K1, K2tog* Repeat 1x = 6<br />
R11: K<br />
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Sew the CO edge closed. Weave in all ends, including the tail of the live stitches (except you may want to leave a long tail on the last petal for sewing later) Use clothes pin style stitch markers to secure the live stitches while you turn your petal right side out. I used one marker for 3 stitches on each side. Place the live stitches of each petal on a holder or spare needle, alternating 1 stitch from each side of the petal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4gJOfq5DE2_y0bCkVUBi7ak9iZ-w1057CtEjSs4STMx5byWagQy__Mr0w30XcHLLIzBqsbDPS8nt1DaexgCtLvCrYCnYs950_H_liRhhcGjT3ImT-infqSWkAke_cr5-9kE56ZQMmKs/s1600/F1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4gJOfq5DE2_y0bCkVUBi7ak9iZ-w1057CtEjSs4STMx5byWagQy__Mr0w30XcHLLIzBqsbDPS8nt1DaexgCtLvCrYCnYs950_H_liRhhcGjT3ImT-infqSWkAke_cr5-9kE56ZQMmKs/s400/F1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcct1l8XUpDesOVVWdc14LyaHREtu_mWoezkRuelBWuISJT2-7dsSjWlqrERHDdRjXU8gcWEvt2fC20qkqbtQgutvxujiqtT8IOJbWPffDHl06oCS2V3eQ2veMU2Id7eubtGN2qZ2evk/s1600/center.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcct1l8XUpDesOVVWdc14LyaHREtu_mWoezkRuelBWuISJT2-7dsSjWlqrERHDdRjXU8gcWEvt2fC20qkqbtQgutvxujiqtT8IOJbWPffDHl06oCS2V3eQ2veMU2Id7eubtGN2qZ2evk/s200/center.JPG" width="200" /></a><b> Flower Center:</b><br />
CO 10 sts onto straight needles<br />
K 15 rows in ST st<br />
BO<br />
cut yarn, leaving a very long tail<br />
string tail through all edge sts<br />
pull tail tight, forming a ball,<br />
tie off, leave tail for sewing to flower.<br />
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<b>Finishing: </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnUIz_eEcdwklO6KX3-u7sZlcuI_ZbGL3shSyiHJ5hapawGi3VwQbcsjW9bh6qrPU3gU_PD-VdcYwH1EY2916FQE_523Si9-ZQdjTXE1UueJ1l1ojU4FnL5aVFoD2Ae-JLrXX0CZX8Eo/s1600/f2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnUIz_eEcdwklO6KX3-u7sZlcuI_ZbGL3shSyiHJ5hapawGi3VwQbcsjW9bh6qrPU3gU_PD-VdcYwH1EY2916FQE_523Si9-ZQdjTXE1UueJ1l1ojU4FnL5aVFoD2Ae-JLrXX0CZX8Eo/s400/f2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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With either the long tail of the last petal or a separate long strand of yarn, string the live stitches of the petals. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAB5fJo-jw5AQucGSclZRzWNGmxxKQn_sb_IzrdnjW9W0fSvqIOeFfXwXr_u1t_PDd5OD1X5-yox0GDPVsqAAyoh2DG60wr7JauM1l_d5kvOIZfNhngDkahwjVbtwqQztkyZ4j_mUjqU/s1600/f3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAB5fJo-jw5AQucGSclZRzWNGmxxKQn_sb_IzrdnjW9W0fSvqIOeFfXwXr_u1t_PDd5OD1X5-yox0GDPVsqAAyoh2DG60wr7JauM1l_d5kvOIZfNhngDkahwjVbtwqQztkyZ4j_mUjqU/s400/f3.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Pull Strand tight, bunching the base of the petals together. </div>
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Tie off and weave in end. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjm6pXZ4oMgzXL2eVxhp-gszF2GLfYpEIQ6hLXQyIKAuTNhnmxA5bgbc5rP7wKw2DssRZw78AsLVTkCLMr6a_z6uAs7SAd_NzFVNBYWmdu_DOwj2xhfbmsYsZRKy0xmoCCLps2H5OpM8/s1600/f5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjm6pXZ4oMgzXL2eVxhp-gszF2GLfYpEIQ6hLXQyIKAuTNhnmxA5bgbc5rP7wKw2DssRZw78AsLVTkCLMr6a_z6uAs7SAd_NzFVNBYWmdu_DOwj2xhfbmsYsZRKy0xmoCCLps2H5OpM8/s400/f5.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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sew flower center to flower.</div>
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And that's it! You now have a flower! You can easily change the size and look of this basic flower to match any garment you are embellishing by choosing different yarn, stitch pattern, or needle size. And, because the petals are thick and have two right sides, these flowers can also stand alone by simply adding a stem. Another great use for knitted flowers is as decoration for gift wrapping, hair bands, etc. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-80542339305651044312012-04-07T11:15:00.001-07:002012-06-28T10:51:48.474-07:00The most meaningful handmade gift<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was browsing Facebook and I came across a question posed by Lion Brand Yarn Company. They asked their fans, "<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">What is the most meaningful handmade gift you have ever given or received?"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: left;"> </span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Here is my answer to the question:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The most meaningful handmade gift that I have ever had the opportunity to give was something I had made for an amazing young artist whose life was unfairly cut short. Kayleen was 25 years old when she lost her 6 year long battle with cancer. A few months before she passed away, before we knew the finality of her diagnosis, my husband and I went to visit her in the hospital. I was heartbroken upon leaving her that day, not just for her and those around her, but because she was a talented soul slipping through our fingers and there was nothing that anyone could do but wait. My thoughts led me to a drawing she had done of a group of playful Baby Dragons. I was impressed by this drawing; inspired by her usage of color and her ability to give unique personalities to each one of these adorable little creatures borne from her own imagination. I remembered that the caption she had written to go with her artwork had said that she had an affinity for fat little creatures, especially Baby Dragons. I decided to crochet dolls of her Dragons, studying every detail to get them to match as exactly as I could. My goal was to make her drawing come to life. By the time I finished Kayleen was having fewer good days, so I sent them with her immediate family members to give to her. Later, I got a phone call telling me that Kayleen loved them and began shedding tears of joy and gratitude upon receiving them, as she had understood the compliment that they were meant to be. I was told that she had been having a rough go of it that day but it was turned around for the better after receiving my gift; that she was energized and proceeded to have, what would be one of her last, joyful evenings with those closest to her. I was speechless when I heard this news, my eyes instantly welled up with tears. I feel honored and grateful to have played a small part in that special night and that I had the chance to let her know how much I appreciated her as an artist. It was her art that inspired mine. On Christmas Eve 2011, we suffered a great loss. Kayleen Mann was a beautiful young woman, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a gifted artist.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I wanted to share my story because the person and the experience had a positive effect on my life and my art and I am forever grateful. To read the many other wonderful stories that others have shared or to share your own story go to<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/lbstorycontest/contests/202727/voteable_entries/48233543" target="_blank"> Lion Brand Yarn's Story Contest page</a> .</span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-79915107456858768502012-03-25T09:36:00.000-07:002012-06-28T11:15:18.462-07:00Embroidering Hand Knitted and Crocheted ProjectsWhen I make gifts for people I like to personalize them as much as possible. One easy way to personalize a knit or crochet project is with embroidery. My two favorite embroidery techniques are Duplicate Stitch and using Waste Canvas.<br />
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<b><u>Duplicate Stitch</u> :</b><br />
The simplest way to embroider Stockinette Stitch is with duplicate stitch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKGnO6iE3wRBBU3WLsEKiMlLM6LgLtPafRJIGrdG6acFZNvBYD5A-TcXpERcPEiO3lVaI9ETjyQEh-9PqDcjkM2nUardKNxXa9cCWOsYDXswsPXntJH2RrHDVdoipNDr5S8q24sJLb7M/s1600/em1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKGnO6iE3wRBBU3WLsEKiMlLM6LgLtPafRJIGrdG6acFZNvBYD5A-TcXpERcPEiO3lVaI9ETjyQEh-9PqDcjkM2nUardKNxXa9cCWOsYDXswsPXntJH2RrHDVdoipNDr5S8q24sJLb7M/s640/em1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used duplicate stitch to embroider the word "Anvil" on this hat. There are many videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?q=duplicate+stitch+knitting&hl=en&rlz=1C1AVSJ_enUS469US469&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1280&bih=891&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=v1" target="_blank">You Tube</a> that demonstrate this technique quite nicely. For duplicate stitch, you simply trace the existing stitches of the knitted material with a contrasting color so that the the embroidered stitches sit on top of the knitting and blend in with the stockinette fabric. I used regular graph paper to plot out my letters, You have to keep in mind that the stitches are not exactly the same size and shape of the squares on your graph paper so your design will look a little different from what is on the paper. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Ue9N4hTychi5XvW60okEk1v6v7i3hZyUaeg3eWGpl1llgZynF4UoBSpYi3tIK-a4HvtovBCBkQ-2gfSPotujvoILAVSusOB6bGD1TIHDoSnWd0k5UivJYC6QedcHhQ-oCvcrWEOHV4/s1600/em.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Ue9N4hTychi5XvW60okEk1v6v7i3hZyUaeg3eWGpl1llgZynF4UoBSpYi3tIK-a4HvtovBCBkQ-2gfSPotujvoILAVSusOB6bGD1TIHDoSnWd0k5UivJYC6QedcHhQ-oCvcrWEOHV4/s640/em.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my messy worksheet, it isn't the prettiest of work, but it got the job done :P </div>
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Notice the letters on the paper are a different size and shape than what is on the hat. There is special graph paper you can get that is specifically for knitters, where the squares are more true to the shape of the stitches, but regular graph paper will work as long as your stitch count matches and you keep in mind the image will look a little distorted compared to what it looks like on paper. The embroidery will look like part of the knitting for the most part, except the embroidery stitches will be slightly raised, which is an effect that is very fitting for many projects.</div>
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Duplicate stitch is ideal for fitted garments, like hats, because the elasticity of the fabric is not noticeably compromised, the hat will keep it's stretchiness and still fit well. I will often stretch the fabric as I go to ensure that the embroidered stitches are not to tight and stretch along with the fabric. Another thing to keep in mind when doing this stitch is that you do not want to carry your yarn more than 1 or 2 stitches across the back of the work, as this will also affect the way the garment fits. For the Anvil hat, the letters were 2 stitches apart and I used a separate strand of yarn for each letter. Not carrying your yarn very far will mean more dreaded tails to weave in. Most knitters, including myself, do not look forward to weaving in tails, but if it assures that the garment will fit well, then it is worth the extra work.</div>
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<b><u>Embroidering with Waste Canvas</u> :</b></div>
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Waste Canvas is one of those things that I wished I had discovered sooner, because I love to use it and use it often on both hand knitted and crocheted material. When I first attempted to embroider something on my knitting and crochet using stitches other than duplicate stitch I was not happy with the results. I found that my lines were not straight, sometimes the stitches would sink into the knitting and not be visible, and sometimes it was difficult to make the stitches even due to the stretchy nature of knitted fabrics. I mentioned my frustrations to my sister-in-law, who is amazing when it comes to embroidery and Cross Stitch, and she suggested I try Waste Canvas. What wonderful advice! </div>
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People who do Cross Stitch will often use Waste Canvas when stitching onto garments because it acts as a guide for their stitches. I found that Waste Canvas was useful for embroidering on knitted and crocheted items for other reasons as well. This special "temporary" canvas is made up of threads loosely woven together and then bound together with a mild glue. The canvas provides a nice flat surface, making embroidery much easier, especially on stretchy Stockinette and Bumpy Crochet. You simply attach the canvas with a basting stitch, embroider your design in any stitch you like, remove the basting stitches, and pull the threads of the canvas out with tweezers. I found this method ideal for Knitting and Crochet because it does 2 very important things, it provides a flat smooth surface and it helps the embroidered stitches to stay on the surface, rather than sink in between the knitted stitches. It also acts a spacer in that it creates just enough of a gap between the Knitting/Crochet and the embroidery so that the embroidery does not cause the knitting to buckle and bunch up; you get nice even stitches, not too tight and not too loose. </div>
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These are some examples of embroidery that I have done on both crochet and knitting using Waste Canvas. It works with both embroidery floss and yarn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOENHYD5J1b1a4T3iXWbK5we2g0rTj0vyhjXUT7iRYf447Ouxdq4F9e5IeYMLVb4548QHszzYLS8wQT6XayG_xmYSrqtzNuJ6qn_eB8Q6ytVr66waR4uva3GuvF34HZmeR1Ae3kzUglnc/s1600/tattoo+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOENHYD5J1b1a4T3iXWbK5we2g0rTj0vyhjXUT7iRYf447Ouxdq4F9e5IeYMLVb4548QHszzYLS8wQT6XayG_xmYSrqtzNuJ6qn_eB8Q6ytVr66waR4uva3GuvF34HZmeR1Ae3kzUglnc/s640/tattoo+sample.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Embroidery on crochet (on puppets that I made) using embroidery floss</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TdfrGbB6C79bcmiR-Aq1DS1wst6yB98xK6nUIiizPtIYzhNu5RqPjs-ZaJG8-R8CUNkKCgnzzZ1-ilAGpdBonDQTPWHDzSuzt9SKMWAXR7NtaKsXNLnGGD3A9iBxFn1Fo1zlfZZivbE/s1600/acdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TdfrGbB6C79bcmiR-Aq1DS1wst6yB98xK6nUIiizPtIYzhNu5RqPjs-ZaJG8-R8CUNkKCgnzzZ1-ilAGpdBonDQTPWHDzSuzt9SKMWAXR7NtaKsXNLnGGD3A9iBxFn1Fo1zlfZZivbE/s640/acdc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Embroidery on knitting (a patch for a baby sized rocker jacket), with embroidery floss</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57-56OrMRSflXhdYVEQdouVVv5TM0KzNVOUv19J3EOzXnCg5_bi4dpU4VbXX1T95Hisg1mmeTVfwrbfWAs37k-3kSwwAUf0b09nlYqEew7ndAUuIq_oqKzLeh4tgU4ZzyQtPSf8A-Hc8/s1600/title+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57-56OrMRSflXhdYVEQdouVVv5TM0KzNVOUv19J3EOzXnCg5_bi4dpU4VbXX1T95Hisg1mmeTVfwrbfWAs37k-3kSwwAUf0b09nlYqEew7ndAUuIq_oqKzLeh4tgU4ZzyQtPSf8A-Hc8/s640/title+best.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Embroidered on Knitting with light weight yarn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaMw3YxZ2yzQ3CqXzFp84mPWbljECC38Dle5MXjeAqh_D_uHLOtYQaHUyD8wyrFLnCY1XCRFS-eV0uULnkTQufx-N9gTL1Um3YZhqpO153rCQQkxM04Jl9AtA484nNheR7qezkasoxFI/s1600/rocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaMw3YxZ2yzQ3CqXzFp84mPWbljECC38Dle5MXjeAqh_D_uHLOtYQaHUyD8wyrFLnCY1XCRFS-eV0uULnkTQufx-N9gTL1Um3YZhqpO153rCQQkxM04Jl9AtA484nNheR7qezkasoxFI/s640/rocker.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
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Also the baby rocker jacket. The "Iron Maiden" is Floss, the "Led Zeppelin" is embroidered with white yarn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzLfflm4FHBICGwVwiz-QkWQUh6I9GVh6iYp0ClTZ3BwhpABvVHZLf80Dbovot4jS9dBy6eo6bAdjegqJDMXT8xZRJiuPw9SX_nUpclBrUsmVDzrjSCK8AZtCOJxqBW1u0blF8mpTq6M/s1600/slayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzLfflm4FHBICGwVwiz-QkWQUh6I9GVh6iYp0ClTZ3BwhpABvVHZLf80Dbovot4jS9dBy6eo6bAdjegqJDMXT8xZRJiuPw9SX_nUpclBrUsmVDzrjSCK8AZtCOJxqBW1u0blF8mpTq6M/s640/slayer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Embroidery on the baby rocker jacket with Floss, made to look 'carved'.</div>
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<b><u>Step by Step instructions for using Waste Canvas:</u></b></div>
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This is how I embroidered the Anvil on the Anvil hat.</div>
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1. Draw your design on paper. Use a dark colored pen so you can easily see to trace the design onto the canvas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p_exyYz-kTxK3sBr0iyWPsMJyNlEntqLshp4qsxjdV5Qz2Hts12A6SxbxF40f4xe-Jxnt7_h_9YI3TPqzyTvrBuna3kJGIOvMvM2gA7mOfwO0L6MX-zK7azusYW2riv5jHMBLfNmnJU/s1600/em4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p_exyYz-kTxK3sBr0iyWPsMJyNlEntqLshp4qsxjdV5Qz2Hts12A6SxbxF40f4xe-Jxnt7_h_9YI3TPqzyTvrBuna3kJGIOvMvM2gA7mOfwO0L6MX-zK7azusYW2riv5jHMBLfNmnJU/s640/em4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. Cut a piece of canvas slightly larger than the image. Be sure there is enough space between the edge of the canvas and the image so that you can attach it to your project with temporary basting stitches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2tE3N9lxWKcCaoIxN3a1cU4mwZM-KytUq6xM6s5lRtgY1ii5j6xaei2wcfyZBIqXmL4qr4-BSGAg9z0HAOPk9ATmd8UmFwXQ-iX9gzDAIoHPbMxwhidpfNPaJNJLLYhfTDGlcXenHJY/s1600/em5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2tE3N9lxWKcCaoIxN3a1cU4mwZM-KytUq6xM6s5lRtgY1ii5j6xaei2wcfyZBIqXmL4qr4-BSGAg9z0HAOPk9ATmd8UmFwXQ-iX9gzDAIoHPbMxwhidpfNPaJNJLLYhfTDGlcXenHJY/s640/em5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Trace the design onto the center of the canvas. If the design is really detailed, I will use a light table for this step, or I will only trace the main lines of the design and free hand the rest using the image as a guide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlcbu0JXD6ymm537zfHQ5f4_608bT_BWjl0ZOATSrCoJ9H9tfxf2jmKgMFItma1EIJYGdTPl7HlpoDbQzmGRVHLUEVTg4YLy3yM1nhMMdr0730SkeyugKZgsXqLJy0VK-ejW32jjj5aA/s1600/em6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlcbu0JXD6ymm537zfHQ5f4_608bT_BWjl0ZOATSrCoJ9H9tfxf2jmKgMFItma1EIJYGdTPl7HlpoDbQzmGRVHLUEVTg4YLy3yM1nhMMdr0730SkeyugKZgsXqLJy0VK-ejW32jjj5aA/s640/em6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Pin the canvas in place. I used an embroidery hoop, it is not necessary, but helpful to keep the rest of the garment out of the way. If you use a hoop make sure you do not stretch the knitting tightly over it. You want the fabric to be flat but not stretched, if it is tightly stretched your image may not land in the right place or the design will be bunched when you are done.</div>
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5. With contrasting thread or yarn, sew the canvas in place with a temporary basting stitch, which will be removed later after embroidery is complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6CY8AQXTHm0ipQG393jfw5FTGLteIeYT38qW-gJuOfclxqNd8pEIJFNfjy_wX6biEC5aEPZ6SqEiBgTQk5sPp1JlwAaiVtasf_z1lTluIgqTRl7NGMOHA_Kv0nLl0FG0x1cw0GYL6sM/s1600/em8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6CY8AQXTHm0ipQG393jfw5FTGLteIeYT38qW-gJuOfclxqNd8pEIJFNfjy_wX6biEC5aEPZ6SqEiBgTQk5sPp1JlwAaiVtasf_z1lTluIgqTRl7NGMOHA_Kv0nLl0FG0x1cw0GYL6sM/s640/em8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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6. Use thread or yarn to embroider your design. I love to use whipped back stitch because it makes nice straight lines that sit neatly on top of the knitted surface, but any stitch will work with the canvas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Vdmd9bliRjaeJ8ut3tLwk63P8hPm72zc4FUcQ46r5j49PpNH4_UHckgPpy6mJ5Tq1ZzXYUU8IxgjOJyYcahZ0tCSHg7h89qdcsO_woIr-7UFZmWzP_Lf0-oCdjnEPUXQHnRbxrLpUg/s1600/em10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Vdmd9bliRjaeJ8ut3tLwk63P8hPm72zc4FUcQ46r5j49PpNH4_UHckgPpy6mJ5Tq1ZzXYUU8IxgjOJyYcahZ0tCSHg7h89qdcsO_woIr-7UFZmWzP_Lf0-oCdjnEPUXQHnRbxrLpUg/s640/em10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. After embroidery is finished, remove the basting stitches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvO5clzSjSRkszvqGLXPZl6uN3JBGhnwGDmlI9gVaWpFDKRdTdoHbQTKUK5dO_eiNsKzdAyylMEueZiSbGJl4IYM4uX8y1AvxUbqOFW7yGknyBbXHUE7eV963MBx25Sne6pL0E_cVvbo/s1600/em11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvO5clzSjSRkszvqGLXPZl6uN3JBGhnwGDmlI9gVaWpFDKRdTdoHbQTKUK5dO_eiNsKzdAyylMEueZiSbGJl4IYM4uX8y1AvxUbqOFW7yGknyBbXHUE7eV963MBx25Sne6pL0E_cVvbo/s640/em11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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8. With tweezers, begin removing the threads of the canvas. This step can be a little tedious, especially in the beginning, but once you get going it will go quickly. You can spray the canvas with water to loosen the threads, I don't usually wet it, but if you are having trouble getting started, wetting it may help. I will begin by pulling all the threads around the edge of my design that are not sitting under the embroidery. When you begin pulling the threads out from under the embroidery it may be helpful to hold the design flat so that the threads of the canvas sit straight, making it easier to pull out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEJkAIZFEEZtt6DgeZBjQWUNpHM5XIb0bMQDZ48jl8XlXTIX3tuMVbvHGjl5oMvjYV77uctJlCuhvH1Y7ZdfJFRQzjsaygVFNwkRjPIBEq8n7AJa98HCp5zazF3W_LQtsDzugLp_znuU/s1600/em2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEJkAIZFEEZtt6DgeZBjQWUNpHM5XIb0bMQDZ48jl8XlXTIX3tuMVbvHGjl5oMvjYV77uctJlCuhvH1Y7ZdfJFRQzjsaygVFNwkRjPIBEq8n7AJa98HCp5zazF3W_LQtsDzugLp_znuU/s640/em2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that is it! You now have a nice neat design that sits on top of your knitting, the canvas is gone! </div>
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You can find Waste Canvas in the embroidery section of most Craft stores, including JoAnn's and Michaels.</div>
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Embroidery is a great way to add a personal touch to any project! </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-60616867858154779582012-03-22T10:09:00.000-07:002012-06-28T11:13:14.646-07:00Knitted Animal HatsGoodness, it has been a busy couple of weeks at our house! We have recently adopted a lovable one and a half year old dog named Fritz and his cuteness as been quite distracting. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC5x-W6Xmx2w9zDJW1IvL-T-I1friarkLB3tK3_lPlNUMDL3WLp-ziGDuWe5QXaxk-7gJC5X991nh6w22GYkOyBqZ2uA5XbSVUvS-nWfqqIyANEch3Tvydw-d64HIVa6TUhuHg6xM3VU/s1600/fritz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC5x-W6Xmx2w9zDJW1IvL-T-I1friarkLB3tK3_lPlNUMDL3WLp-ziGDuWe5QXaxk-7gJC5X991nh6w22GYkOyBqZ2uA5XbSVUvS-nWfqqIyANEch3Tvydw-d64HIVa6TUhuHg6xM3VU/s320/fritz.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Consequently, I have fallen way behind on my blogging. I am still working on some tutorials for jazzing up and personalizing your knitted items, but in the meantime I thought I would share with you some animal hats I have been working on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB6Ye0-SrrKxWHJgCayAYPJB-sHlIk1KONQ5sBus_HdZR88Nl_bTBylsuuw88qi5biZI62GN22r0gbXJUZzpwU0I4a6_hxYfhejg_FLBAnkUUk14ul9FBMHOkgSyHIVniLXj32eMHWjY/s1600/animal+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB6Ye0-SrrKxWHJgCayAYPJB-sHlIk1KONQ5sBus_HdZR88Nl_bTBylsuuw88qi5biZI62GN22r0gbXJUZzpwU0I4a6_hxYfhejg_FLBAnkUUk14ul9FBMHOkgSyHIVniLXj32eMHWjY/s640/animal+group.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inspiration for my designs often come from the children in my life and these hats are perfect example of that. The Animal Hat Project began with the idea to make a monkey hat for a special little girl I know that recently celebrated her first birthday. These animal hats are sock monkey inspired because the mother of the one year old that the monkey was made for told me a long time ago that she really liked the new-school sock monkey hats that she has seen lately, using different colors besides the traditional sock monkey grey marl and red.<br />
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When my own children saw what I was making they asked if I could make them one too, but they wanted different animals. This gave me the idea to use this as an opportunity to start working on a customizable animal hat pattern. My plan is to write a pattern with many creative options. The pattern will have six different animal options. So far I have completed the first three animals. Along with the monkey, rabbit, and bear, I plan to have options in the pattern for an owl, tiger, and pig too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1qFI50n3x1tyaZwoaSm5X38euNEeSBzJWymby1iYR7oYqJQjy8nlifP_eaNGGE00fLYrufL1cZnDAo_txqKzO3Bl5EUiAwPm_y3BmcivqajtFRBB1U_I-TjajDTwnglyiVltv84WWEE/s1600/animal+sisters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1qFI50n3x1tyaZwoaSm5X38euNEeSBzJWymby1iYR7oYqJQjy8nlifP_eaNGGE00fLYrufL1cZnDAo_txqKzO3Bl5EUiAwPm_y3BmcivqajtFRBB1U_I-TjajDTwnglyiVltv84WWEE/s640/animal+sisters.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UppfKTJBuFGIOdDGsIr54R_XQFmSXmUReVplC8UncTlkxfqE0RQ0qbSsVNsIClAeRdd7Dd4NsCZLvc26PCGn2D7Iiv9TLFijXyjv0us9Q7XaPDz3Rj8tT8Zdaq7r2_RLV6ywH22oA7c/s1600/monkey+flat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UppfKTJBuFGIOdDGsIr54R_XQFmSXmUReVplC8UncTlkxfqE0RQ0qbSsVNsIClAeRdd7Dd4NsCZLvc26PCGn2D7Iiv9TLFijXyjv0us9Q7XaPDz3Rj8tT8Zdaq7r2_RLV6ywH22oA7c/s640/monkey+flat.JPG" width="468" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK6408JMbaCnP1Xf1rl9UsdWZM6vbiUODX_GT5WXGPfN5wFYG_EoWeUEuuW35sXCKeGvwBwiBJLoMMAiD-6nWPG14UkCMKcHqCKjJJqwmOpwmTHGoClVcRdGP3JijyCYB27paFlsSbak/s1600/bunny+flat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK6408JMbaCnP1Xf1rl9UsdWZM6vbiUODX_GT5WXGPfN5wFYG_EoWeUEuuW35sXCKeGvwBwiBJLoMMAiD-6nWPG14UkCMKcHqCKjJJqwmOpwmTHGoClVcRdGP3JijyCYB27paFlsSbak/s640/bunny+flat.JPG" width="329" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKRBgB1cXUxv2ycs8RInP4j2WDUE2K5IpMSHaZwGEyldcP2RbfFX6EP77mRJOyzeOjd0LGdQKaCK_YrP1OuN4RVL8TsqFbmiTWE0nX-KlKW_-D6Jk1vx5WNfUm58PvfyHdY-ASha19w8/s1600/bear+flat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKRBgB1cXUxv2ycs8RInP4j2WDUE2K5IpMSHaZwGEyldcP2RbfFX6EP77mRJOyzeOjd0LGdQKaCK_YrP1OuN4RVL8TsqFbmiTWE0nX-KlKW_-D6Jk1vx5WNfUm58PvfyHdY-ASha19w8/s640/bear+flat.JPG" width="475" /></a></div>
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This has been a really fun project to work on simply because I have let my creativity run wild. I wanted these hats to be just as playful as the children who wear them, so I designed them to be bright and colorful. The samples that I have completed so far have been made with little girls in mind, but my next sample will be the tiger and will show some boy options that will be included in the pattern. </div>
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However, before I continue with writing this pattern I need to get focused and catch up on some of my homework for The <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/teach.html" target="_blank">CYC instructor program</a> and <a href="http://www.tkga.com/mastersprogram.shtm" target="_blank">TKGA master hand knitting program</a>. I only have a few swatches and assignments done, much less than I had hoped to get done by now. As always, there is too much to do and never enough time to do it!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-41343585752644806862012-02-27T12:56:00.000-08:002012-06-28T11:18:30.296-07:00Free: Basic Adult Hat Knitting Pattern<br />
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I have been very busy making hats!
Specifically, I have been making hats for my husband and his
co-workers at <a href="http://anviltattoo.com/" target="_blank"> Anvil Tattoo</a>. While making these hats, I thought it
would be nice to share how I make a basic adult size knitted hat.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELEJaFmv5T9k1cKiHqQi4wADPQ8myIF1VdYmARQrGbxzXCYs-RTBkBTPplvH-I7c7Dp7djqDUebgXaxf2wkbsDUYUcHtiJgP7j72Dulcct5q-Kz29wXtduMAg7dtEbc1qq4gXa4NLtEI/s1600/model+anvil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELEJaFmv5T9k1cKiHqQi4wADPQ8myIF1VdYmARQrGbxzXCYs-RTBkBTPplvH-I7c7Dp7djqDUebgXaxf2wkbsDUYUcHtiJgP7j72Dulcct5q-Kz29wXtduMAg7dtEbc1qq4gXa4NLtEI/s640/model+anvil.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OeJfMmPB_oI6IKaRqZy0YOzcijaZ07-RWM2mBaInAetS_1Sm_Qa7Y1-L-3WEz78bGtmVr8b6zL3q57fP5hUz-_X8Q8Dd_cWRaDCvJgtGYaittNUH3X5n06EmSsx63N6x_uwBsM-CjAw/s1600/basic+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OeJfMmPB_oI6IKaRqZy0YOzcijaZ07-RWM2mBaInAetS_1Sm_Qa7Y1-L-3WEz78bGtmVr8b6zL3q57fP5hUz-_X8Q8Dd_cWRaDCvJgtGYaittNUH3X5n06EmSsx63N6x_uwBsM-CjAw/s640/basic+hat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Basic Adult Knit Hat Pattern:</b></div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Any worsted weight yarn.
(the yarn in the sample photo is Vanna's Choice)</div>
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<b>Needles:</b> US size 8/5mm 16”
circular and DPN</div>
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<b>Gauge:</b> 4” x 4” = 17sts. x
26 rows
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Finished Measurements: hat height: 8
1/2” circumference: 19” (not stretched, laying flat)</div>
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<b>CO 84 sts.</b> Onto your circular
needles, place marker, and join for working in the round.</div>
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<b>R1-5:</b> 1 x 1 ribbing, *K1,
P1* repeat around</div>
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<b>R6-41:</b>
Knit
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<b>begin decrease rounds:</b></div>
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<b>R42: </b>*K12,
K2tog* repeat around =78sts</div>
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<b>R43:</b>
Knit</div>
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<b>R44:</b>
*K11, K2tog* repeat around =72sts
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<b>R45:</b>
Knit</div>
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<b>R46:</b>
*K10, K2tog* repeat around =66sts</div>
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(<i>note:
if it is becoming tight to knit, now would be a good time to change
to DPN</i>)</div>
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<b>R47:</b>
Knit</div>
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<b>R48:</b>
*K9, K2tog* repeat around =60sts</div>
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<b>R49: </b>
*K8, K2tog* repeat around =54sts</div>
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<b>R50:</b>
*K7, K2tog* repeat around =48sts</div>
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<b>R51:</b>
*K6, K2tog* repeat around =42sts</div>
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<b>R52:</b>
*K5, K2tog* repeat around =36sts</div>
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<b>R53:</b>
*K4, K2tog* repeat around =30sts</div>
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<b>R54:</b>
*K3, K2tog* repeat around =24sts</div>
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<b>R55:</b>
*K2, K2tog* repeat around =18sts</div>
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<b>R56:</b>
*K1, K2tog* repeat around =12sts</div>
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<b>R57:</b>
* K2tog* repeat around =6sts</div>
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Cut
tail long enough to string the remaining 6 sts through with a yarn
needle, tie off, and weave in ends.</div>
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Whenever
I sit down to make an adult hat, I often start here, with this basic
pattern. This simple pattern fits most adults comfortably and is
easy to modify to suit my needs. To make a hat larger or smaller
increase or decrease in multiples of 6. For stripes just change yarn
color at the appropriate time. A folded brim can be made by adding
more rows of ribbing. Making a more decorative brim is as easy as
using seed stitch or different proportions of ribbing. When using
finer yarns or smaller needles, simply knit a gauge swatch and adjust
the pattern accordingly.
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A
long time ago I came across this excellent online resource for
average head measurements according to age. Bev Qualheim and her
friends were kind enough to compile size charts for head measurements
as well other useful size charts.<br />
These charts can be found at <a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/size-chart.html" target="_blank">http://www.bevscountrycottage.com</a>. I love these charts because they are easy to follow, very straight
forward. When designing your hat, keep in mind that the hat height
measurements on this chart include a folded brim, if you don't want a
folded brim be sure to make your hat height 1-3 inches shorter than
the listed height. Also, the hat circumference should be a few inches smaller than the head circumference listed, depending on how stretchy your hat is.</div>
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Another
thing that I like to do, especially when knitting a gift, is to
personalize the item in some way. I love to add details that are
most meaningful to the person the gift was meant for. On my next
blog post I am planning on sharing one technique I like to use when
personalizing a knitted item.
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As
Always, knit long and prosper :)</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-41045317221351192492012-02-24T14:28:00.000-08:002012-06-24T14:32:54.596-07:00A Knitting Method for my madnessI read my <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/teach.html" target="_blank">CYC knitting Teachers Handbook</a> from cover to cover and I found it very thought provoking. I know that sounds incredibly nerdy but it's true. <br />
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<b><u>The 1st of many thoughts that came to mind:</u></b><br />
When teaching a knitter to knit, you have to start with the basics and a good place to start would be the method. How do you hold your yarn and needles? Do you Pick or do you throw? Do you control the working yarn with your left or right hand? How do you tension the yarn to make your stitches even?<br />
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People have been practicing the craft of Knitting for centuries and as a result it has been elaborated on quite a bit and we humans, as crafty as we are, have come up with countless ways to go about it. The most popular methods of modern knitters are <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/the-knit-stitch-continental-continental" target="_blank">Continental</a> and <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/the-knit-stitch-english-english" target="_blank">English</a>, or some variation of those.<br />
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When I first learned to knit I would notice demonstrators using a seemingly unique knitting method and I would try it in hopes it might be faster or more comfortable. Some methods I liked, some I didn't, and some I only liked under specific circumstances. As a result, I am, for all intents and purposes, a Continental Knitter. I control the working yarn with my left hand index finger and I pick rather than throw; however, I purl with my thumb, except when ribbing. When I purl for ribbing I swing the yarn through to the front of my work with my index finger, swinging it over the needle, pressing the yarn down horizontal to the stitch, in one motion; simultaneously, I bring my thumb up to take over and complete the stitch. (I just had to go knit some ribbing and pay attention to what exactly I did in order to explain it.) I don't know the name of this technique, or if it is named, but I imagine most knitters, as they gain experience, will find their own way of manipulating their strings that is comfortable for them, just as I have done. <br />
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I am pretty comfortable with the way I knit, it is what works for me, but would it work for my students? Maybe, maybe not. So, I gave myself a little homework assignment, research knitting methods. I think that this assignment will not only help me to become a better teacher, but also a better knitter. Although I am comfortable with and have knitted in my usual fashion long enough that the motions have become automatic to me, I am still open to trying something new. I like to be pleasantly surprised and perhaps I will discover a new method that might work even better for me in both speed and quality.<br />
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I decided to turn to my brand new copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Principles-Knitting-June-Hemmons-Hiatt/dp/1416535179/ref=pd_sim_b_2" target="_blank">The Principles of Knitting</a> by June Hiatt to begin my research. I have to say I am impressed by the thoroughness of her book. I especially love that she includes so many historical tid bits and trivia facts about knitting throughout her text. In order to truly understand something, it helps to understand the origin from which it came. My only criticism of the book so far is that sometimes her terminology is hard to follow because she does not always use the more commonly known terms in her text. Instead of using the terms Continental and English, she uses "Left-Hand" and "Right-hand". Although her terms are more literal, they are not the terms most commonly known. At first glance I thought these listed methods might be alternative methods, then I read the description and realized what she was actually talking about. I felt this was far to thorough of a book to exclude such well used terms, so I turned to the Index to find both Continental and English sited. They were sited with "see Left hand method" and "see right-hand method". I think that it would have been more clear had she just stated that in the actual text. <br />
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Despite this little pet peeve, I found the text rich with explanations of various knitting methods. I read the entire chapter, which led me to search online for video demonstrations. I am a visual learner and needed to see some of these methods in action in order to truly grasp them. <br />
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One method that really peeked my curiosity was the "Knitting Belt" method. In the text the method is described as "fast and extremely efficient." The dream of all knitters, the speed to squeeze in a few more projects (but when you are addicted enough is never enough). The author also states, "Knit and Purl are done with nearly identical motions and facility, and there is no difficulty in working any stitch technique." Wha-what??? easy and fast?? I had to see this for myself; there must be some kind of catch, otherwise it would be a more well known and popular method. So I consulted the almighty internet and found this video on You Tube. It is a video of Hazel Tindall, the Worlds Fastest knitter, and sure enough, she uses a Knitting Belt. <br />
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In my research I found that one major reason why this method is not more popular is that the belts are extremely hard to find, unless, of course, you know how to work with leather and steel to make your own belt and specialized needles. In fact, I only found one place, located in the UK, that sells them, <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/Leather-Knitting-Belt" target="_blank">Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool Brokers Ltd.</a> . The belts were probably even more inaccessible before the internet came to be. Why is this method not more widespread? June Hiatt offers and interesting explanation, Victorian middle class women might have thought it less refined and wanted to distance themselves from the crafts working class origins. Possibly, the industrial revolution and the invention of machine knitting might have also contributed to making these belts obsolete, making speedy hand knitting less necessary. </div>
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Never the less, I really would like to try this someday. I have bookmarked the webpage and added it to my knitting wish list. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525758846056750223.post-46638438828920804742012-02-21T11:38:00.000-08:002012-06-28T11:20:18.334-07:00My new knitting books!!!I recently got a much anticipated package in the mail! New Books! Up until now I relied solely on my local library for knitting reference books, but I decided it was about time I had some of my very own. I love new books, especially knitting books! I just love the shiny newness; the crisp, glossy, untarnished pages; the way the spine makes a cracking sound when you first open them; the new book smell. Have I told you, I love getting new books! The only thing that compares to getting a new book is getting new office supplies, but I will save that topic for a later blog. The only thing I like more than getting new books, getting new yarn and needles! After receiving them, I spent a few hours admiring them in all of their glory. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsIml-S3NpLVwRnrUAknwWq4nDTzbO6yRyVIZl-tFlSKjelMvmK5sygtk1-0x6Pz3MjQemB1uuLJYVzydZz9ComJdPeIinpwzMjHLslXOu0PbiwRBc8LvRC_55hIOt50liY217etMm64/s1600/final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsIml-S3NpLVwRnrUAknwWq4nDTzbO6yRyVIZl-tFlSKjelMvmK5sygtk1-0x6Pz3MjQemB1uuLJYVzydZz9ComJdPeIinpwzMjHLslXOu0PbiwRBc8LvRC_55hIOt50liY217etMm64/s640/final.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Knitting-Ultimate-Book/dp/193154316X/ref=pd_ybh_3" target="_blank">Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book</a> , <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Answer-Book-Solutions-Question/dp/1580175996/ref=pd_ybh_4" target="_blank">The Knitting Answer Book</a> , <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Knitting-June-Hemmons-Hiatt/dp/1416535179/ref=pd_ybh_6" target="_blank">The Principles of Knitting</a> , and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finishing-School-Master-Class-Knitters/dp/1936096196/ref=pd_ybh_7" target="_blank">Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters</a> .<br />
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I have only had a short time with my new books, but I can tell you The Principles of Knitting is like the bible for knitters. It has well over 600 pages of solid information, just about everything you would ever want to know about knitting in one convenient location. The author of this book, June Hiatt, is well known in the world of knitting and was kind enough to compile much of her knowledge into one convenient book. Her book has been around for a long time and has recently been revised and updated, and now I am the proud owner of her revised edition! Yayyy!! <br />
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Vogue Knitting has great, easy to follow illustrations, which is helpful if you are a visual learner like me. I think that the detailed body measurement charts and Knitting Worksheet will prove very handy for designing. Browsing this book has inspired me to get a little more organized. I now have reason to revisit my giant folder of tiny scrap papers and notebook full of chicken scratch and attempt to make sense of it all.<br />
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Finishing School is a book I have been looking forward to getting because that is an area I really want to improve. I really want to learn how to make my knits look more professional and good finishing techniques can make all the difference in the world. The first section I turned to when I opened this book was the section on blocking. I have read and heard so many conflicting opinions about blocking. When you should or should not block? Which method is best? Many knitters swear by blocking and will block anything and everything they knit. Secretly, I had held the opinion that not everything needed blocking. I had kept that opinion to myself for a long time, not wanting to hear the gasps of dismay from other knitters, but so far this book has helped to reassure me that my opinion might not be as blasphemous as I thought. On the very first page of the chapter on blocking Deborah Newton states, "I believe less is more when it comes to blocking." Now that I know there is an expert in the field that shares my opinion on this I am no longer ashamed to say, "I don't block everything!" Now that my dirty little secret is out, I want to shout it from tree tops! </div>
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I ordered the Knitting Answer Book for one simple reason, when I am in a knitting bind I want a quick solution to my problem. We have all been there, up all night trying to finish something and then you realize you have made a terrible mistake and do not have the time to undo hours of work and start over. I really hope that this book will have the answers I need to get me out of trouble in a hurry. </div>
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I love my new books! I have a few more I want to get, but I think these will keep me occupied for a while. And the best part is, they are all mine!! I don't have to return them to the library; I can do whatever I want with them. I can highlight, write in the margins, fill them with bookmarks that I never have to take out, and I don't have to panic if I spill a little of my morning coffee on them (not that I would ever let that happen!) </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03195352712091408529noreply@blogger.com0