tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233071932024-03-13T05:23:42.113-05:00Merely a SuggestionRandom musings of a true knitting anarchist who finds the problem solving to be the best thing about knitting.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-16071105439978265702009-05-20T20:11:00.000-05:002009-05-20T07:47:28.695-05:00This Blog has movedI've moved the blog to Wordpress. Please click <a href="http://merelyasuggestion.wordpress.com/">here </a>to get there.<br /><br />I would transfer you automatically, but I don't know how and Dani and I haven't gotten together for her to hold my hand yet.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-7007138943177628862009-05-19T08:48:00.002-05:002009-05-19T09:03:35.352-05:00ArrrrrghYesterday the ATT guy showed up to connect the new TV service. Imagine my surprise to find out we were also getting the new internet service as well. Wasn't ready for that. Actually, I supposedly have both at the moment. I can receive email, but not send it. So much for notifying the multitude who have my email address that it might change. <br /><br />My computer skills are just good enough to mess things up even more and fix nothing. I can feel my blood pressure rising even as I sit here. <br /><br />Knitting related--Riverbed sock number 3 is dead. Sorry, Cristi. It didn't fit and I wasn't having any fun. I frogged it and cast on a top down sock. I designed a simple cuff of K6, (yo, k2tog)3X over 60 stitches. Even number rounds are straight knit. Row 3 is K6, (k2tog, yo)3x. So why am I telling you? To explain my ah--ha!<br /><br />I was knitting during DD#1's chamber singers concert and was having trouble remembering which row I was on. Finally, I did what I tell my students. I really looked at the knitting. Then I realized that when alternating yo, k2tog and k2tog, yo, all you must remember is to place the yarnover one stitch away from the old yarnover. Pictures would make this much clearer, but I have no camera at the moment. <br /><br />I am enjoying my new sock. <br /><br />The linen skirt is coming along. I hope the extra yarn will arrive early this week. The two tone shell will be finished soon and I will need to focus on a special project for the Greek trip coming up. <br /><br />I've destashed two garbage bags of yarn. More to do.<br /><br />Now to try to fix this darn email.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-63578058977207986202009-05-11T01:00:00.000-05:002009-05-11T08:27:52.628-05:00Local Art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzrlW778YqYq19XC0Jv3XK_4NH7ZIH6t6zz9dAyl5TNdgcWAzGBUKtZXHVPwWW8WGgn1z2XTPJIaaRGkyD8bwRW0Y9EAczFReiq0Ko9eMYS80EQtnutk9pXR5AT4cTEA9_4vSvw/s1600-h/IMG_1977.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzrlW778YqYq19XC0Jv3XK_4NH7ZIH6t6zz9dAyl5TNdgcWAzGBUKtZXHVPwWW8WGgn1z2XTPJIaaRGkyD8bwRW0Y9EAczFReiq0Ko9eMYS80EQtnutk9pXR5AT4cTEA9_4vSvw/s320/IMG_1977.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333520458588938578" border="0" /></a>Remember <a href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=hieronymus+bosch&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=yCYISqqmCJ7htgeX4dCRBw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=5&ct=title">Hieronymous Bosch. </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTZnz_sjnDKQxpLedKR1lI-QpgddnBJZRVBWFmsc1csWXIwFv5G1IlaticdcxpFXojg4glnTpJ1XadjMKUwTv4IkvRbEMAZS1K1n3bTPGqD6aCXkQqd2WWBIT9Za4kd5emFp86w/s1600-h/IMG_1978.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTZnz_sjnDKQxpLedKR1lI-QpgddnBJZRVBWFmsc1csWXIwFv5G1IlaticdcxpFXojg4glnTpJ1XadjMKUwTv4IkvRbEMAZS1K1n3bTPGqD6aCXkQqd2WWBIT9Za4kd5emFp86w/s320/IMG_1978.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333520457331413858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEKAfkGNZ-BUGdQ4KkQ-wAo6VTWrKVCXr1eOkovZjp1fs9uWLk6pBDODM4frXK5X0XHtbepAFCnpyagUtGpjjQV_CJpS0OvJp7t622TBr_Rw6s8nobxe3SITpYaHw4Zkoc1PBYQ/s1600-h/IMG_1979.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEKAfkGNZ-BUGdQ4KkQ-wAo6VTWrKVCXr1eOkovZjp1fs9uWLk6pBDODM4frXK5X0XHtbepAFCnpyagUtGpjjQV_CJpS0OvJp7t622TBr_Rw6s8nobxe3SITpYaHw4Zkoc1PBYQ/s320/IMG_1979.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333520453698922642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDi5LCcXMSgIlbZ6EfiE410O2cE8CN9HDhK1QR4icNVmOodeaEjjj9w9TWVDH3OqKKgauvInYTTzk0lDxIMz79EfE099bAzjpfiduu4FxJ_dOshoJcfzzEVK3ZMKACJgNdPcrqg/s1600-h/IMG_1980.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDi5LCcXMSgIlbZ6EfiE410O2cE8CN9HDhK1QR4icNVmOodeaEjjj9w9TWVDH3OqKKgauvInYTTzk0lDxIMz79EfE099bAzjpfiduu4FxJ_dOshoJcfzzEVK3ZMKACJgNdPcrqg/s320/IMG_1980.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333520450996744898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QEYuiiAJNcFw3T5ivGTXv_l0owv8jsJk40nz3I-s3yAfaderJPsEFQ-ybGp-iUdQ6sJFQnoXlDuBQXjU96YPniC53S6Ct12qzl20yrWTa7LJnVN_K8296nWQrGyiSD10OWbiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1981.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QEYuiiAJNcFw3T5ivGTXv_l0owv8jsJk40nz3I-s3yAfaderJPsEFQ-ybGp-iUdQ6sJFQnoXlDuBQXjU96YPniC53S6Ct12qzl20yrWTa7LJnVN_K8296nWQrGyiSD10OWbiQ/s320/IMG_1981.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333520450822507250" border="0" /></a><br />This sculpture is a public piece in Athens, Georgia. I couldn't get any info on it. It looked up close as if it had been sculpted out of duct tape---but it was metallic hard. It is amazing. My favorite moment was watching two 8 year old boys in baseball uniforms looking at it. They were mesmerized. Art and athletics. Nice combo.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-66981086033470941202009-05-10T13:12:00.000-05:002009-05-10T20:46:01.805-05:00On the needles--too much<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVVHshiwRz2INmQrHMpmM5_mqPGxMR4ygdhuzltE0V5yKOG1nNhHXpCdouYEFsy5v1lL5UCcSACHn74DpkYtDJccvssQU5qH7dXCVxr-uTtT2DA7ipPrY2ONQcWBc_TMAc0K0FA/s1600-h/IMG_2015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVVHshiwRz2INmQrHMpmM5_mqPGxMR4ygdhuzltE0V5yKOG1nNhHXpCdouYEFsy5v1lL5UCcSACHn74DpkYtDJccvssQU5qH7dXCVxr-uTtT2DA7ipPrY2ONQcWBc_TMAc0K0FA/s320/IMG_2015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333518192569489202" border="0" /></a>This is from my top down class. I've done most of the short rows for the bustline. The quasi-sweetheart neckline is a new one for me. I simply increase two sts every other row instead of one. I wanted a slightly higher neckline so my necklace would not get lost.<br /><br />The center is created by alternating the center st with navy and lavendar. Neck edging is crab stitch (backwards single crochet). I added the edging as soon as I finished the neckline so I could prevent it from stretching as I threw in in bag after bag to cart it around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZiLDB1rYmXN9w6RVJY3UipR5f8LcMHJecuCYunoCIh-hiopG6Zz6o6r8mCnb-y6gsXySb_qcAe-zACxnOAp9jF3DbBbtWyH84XYIfD7oIAvKNEjtVtXLFCcsY1O1JdqU36jcGA/s1600-h/IMG_2013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZiLDB1rYmXN9w6RVJY3UipR5f8LcMHJecuCYunoCIh-hiopG6Zz6o6r8mCnb-y6gsXySb_qcAe-zACxnOAp9jF3DbBbtWyH84XYIfD7oIAvKNEjtVtXLFCcsY1O1JdqU36jcGA/s320/IMG_2013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333518188972367074" border="0" /></a>This is a sock. The third attempt at the Cat Bordhi Riverbed architecture. <a href="http://turtlegirl76.com/">Turtlegirl76</a> is mentoring me through this. Problem is, I don't seek her help until I've gotten in too far.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbQrndWBU4tvlxVc_6eEZ41GQt3qB3_czSiNUc2xxf9iH8Kea7zhL2M-SqensDesJQlm2sUSHcQJghQlbiz0XbE7AAP8kWu1cSF2InrAxjCzxqsaxm_lajhHvsvqTIO4kLdThdQ/s1600-h/IMG_2011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbQrndWBU4tvlxVc_6eEZ41GQt3qB3_czSiNUc2xxf9iH8Kea7zhL2M-SqensDesJQlm2sUSHcQJghQlbiz0XbE7AAP8kWu1cSF2InrAxjCzxqsaxm_lajhHvsvqTIO4kLdThdQ/s320/IMG_2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333518185951608418" border="0" /></a>This is the increase for the ankle/gusset area. I know I could have kept it in pattern (the big deal about this design is the ability to knit the whole thing in a pattern), but I really want to clearly see how this shaping works. Hold your breath that this one works. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>It's in Sockotta by Plymouth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20RdSw-qQXNRsR9fh8OkNgub8YCqN0KObsxpaNOgZ0wNnnQoJA98VsqFegYT1-gAoEDa81qvIwt38mTVcbWt_u9i8fOvHvsT1YvXLnZWS8ZARRigy3pZkFPS9PW7E2f1vRHBHUw/s1600-h/IMG_2006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20RdSw-qQXNRsR9fh8OkNgub8YCqN0KObsxpaNOgZ0wNnnQoJA98VsqFegYT1-gAoEDa81qvIwt38mTVcbWt_u9i8fOvHvsT1YvXLnZWS8ZARRigy3pZkFPS9PW7E2f1vRHBHUw/s320/IMG_2006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333518176922655378" border="0" /></a>My skirt!!!! This is Louet Euroflax and I am adapting the Sasha skirt pattern. I've figured out a way to chain stitch through the fabric to create a row of stitches which will allow me to knit my ruffles as assymetrical, sloped lace pieces. Anything to avoid horizontal lines on this body.<br /><br />Also knitting another Curvaceous scarf, a new lace scarf pattern. Enjoying all.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-11756006529260773272009-05-09T13:15:00.000-05:002009-05-09T18:45:57.268-05:00Athens Art show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnRoI2iDKdYriWgXdu-o-8SHkMjLajsyJni9leE01R-8Av9f4l2xV7kiMOr86_pKc8rEzNyOJJIXs8GO4T8H520xIRMLO2Y_Zma4F8Os2hF9Yd5jOaweAfXIB1xego2dw-MQnbg/s1600-h/IMG_1992.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnRoI2iDKdYriWgXdu-o-8SHkMjLajsyJni9leE01R-8Av9f4l2xV7kiMOr86_pKc8rEzNyOJJIXs8GO4T8H520xIRMLO2Y_Zma4F8Os2hF9Yd5jOaweAfXIB1xego2dw-MQnbg/s320/IMG_1992.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519127746101810" border="0" /></a>$30 for this really cool ring. It's some kind of glass in a sterling setting. Heavy and big and in your face. I just love it. Of course it goes with every thing I own.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEsCMALoKA9ciSSC3kGRIzJjwaPwTKZdL79XNxmYaHa6lnb6UE0yAEPLgELhWBuFVTtjzvrygBMS7ldCJIXSwsEm9pyTt34Fs9zKanxkLjIl1V8aFSPK3OL1-VsAwGzyxZ5JzUQ/s1600-h/IMG_2019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEsCMALoKA9ciSSC3kGRIzJjwaPwTKZdL79XNxmYaHa6lnb6UE0yAEPLgELhWBuFVTtjzvrygBMS7ldCJIXSwsEm9pyTt34Fs9zKanxkLjIl1V8aFSPK3OL1-VsAwGzyxZ5JzUQ/s320/IMG_2019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519122701899762" border="0" /></a>This is a shibori scarf in great shades of blue. Honestly I don't (didn't) own a blue scarf.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiiFeEatDbgxKUefvZ-0PkXyCDdf_SLtMRglGP-_73IJRh0RrEeD3a5Cs67q-QuQ-fG5zWkKNHZ_NV1AQW4XeiIaLTfOJp6EcPMniemEk45io3XRuHHdYVM8jRlD51PjpvIi-KQ/s1600-h/IMG_2018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiiFeEatDbgxKUefvZ-0PkXyCDdf_SLtMRglGP-_73IJRh0RrEeD3a5Cs67q-QuQ-fG5zWkKNHZ_NV1AQW4XeiIaLTfOJp6EcPMniemEk45io3XRuHHdYVM8jRlD51PjpvIi-KQ/s320/IMG_2018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519119477783442" border="0" /></a>Erica and I played in the booth and tried several on. Then she reminded me that Mother's Day was not far off. Hence, the gift was chosen. She even picked out one for her Grandmother.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLEwaDOaQwM74vA-ouF9ltArIGljbZ9-dINGj7WTlTI0Ro68hDODCHQn9Xh1S9ob9ZrYGipRwwnr3BWBKjOKFn1B18ILUfIL4mAWLybLHliDvlO9BH81WbPsZ9nbwo7bJ4dBexw/s1600-h/IMG_2009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLEwaDOaQwM74vA-ouF9ltArIGljbZ9-dINGj7WTlTI0Ro68hDODCHQn9Xh1S9ob9ZrYGipRwwnr3BWBKjOKFn1B18ILUfIL4mAWLybLHliDvlO9BH81WbPsZ9nbwo7bJ4dBexw/s320/IMG_2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519118933127586" border="0" /></a>Susan Ellis designed and dyed the scarf. Here's here info. Check out her etsy site.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXX_O53FCIkBhyphenhyphenpP67Oj111tc5nBtVrn2WwJjTrFNtMbAWkJlYOPByuAurLXcdcbSQ9ATW1XYDYOQPBve8YL6i1zCsyjGe11IIwJeg4HqJEn87ny-xVP0Kfw138DjLSVqKGOpMw/s1600-h/IMG_2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXX_O53FCIkBhyphenhyphenpP67Oj111tc5nBtVrn2WwJjTrFNtMbAWkJlYOPByuAurLXcdcbSQ9ATW1XYDYOQPBve8YL6i1zCsyjGe11IIwJeg4HqJEn87ny-xVP0Kfw138DjLSVqKGOpMw/s320/IMG_2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519115743089922" border="0" /></a><br />Last look. Color is best in second pic. Loved the wrinkles. They match my cotton and linen clothes.<br />I have such great children.<br />Tomorrow, some real art from this site of the art show.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-72386026119970347062009-05-08T13:18:00.002-05:002009-05-08T13:43:55.118-05:00My guy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLml1KNZDUhq2QhXgQ2byG3i1B8UM_I7gTItgAyfyV073zJHfYzbSmQMbMGFXWAMLPIcwQrnuu9uhPy08YbFAfLvZfImMDIH56zJnxZ4bSGZXptUw5XDpOzAalQ3rsy2Bx_iW0g/s1600-h/IMG_2001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLml1KNZDUhq2QhXgQ2byG3i1B8UM_I7gTItgAyfyV073zJHfYzbSmQMbMGFXWAMLPIcwQrnuu9uhPy08YbFAfLvZfImMDIH56zJnxZ4bSGZXptUw5XDpOzAalQ3rsy2Bx_iW0g/s320/IMG_2001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519776767962098" border="0" /></a>Getting a hit in your ballgame . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjYexNKQM27CKRTzBoOriXe2sHmsNoMqXsR0hFKbiK5Nt8oMEEgo3UJK0wv4AEkcKgYjcyqHmpRE8YItxDhKvKUzM14fZf_QuXYWY5DzBy_5BB21GC34DQ0MzzNURWxoR6AgVfg/s1600-h/IMG_2000.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjYexNKQM27CKRTzBoOriXe2sHmsNoMqXsR0hFKbiK5Nt8oMEEgo3UJK0wv4AEkcKgYjcyqHmpRE8YItxDhKvKUzM14fZf_QuXYWY5DzBy_5BB21GC34DQ0MzzNURWxoR6AgVfg/s320/IMG_2000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519774093380514" border="0" /></a>and getting a second hit . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOJd-CBPHWTbuNf1gFYUW7o6JK1GVE-h1ImcN9GV-Ab2QcExuF_VAI5et_h9SMg8utpprbRoox61hDxZmy2W-B62FcshXpUo1adk10oNW7FUqjY_ZtKdnbWdJ0XL0k8XvrafrqA/s1600-h/IMG_1998.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOJd-CBPHWTbuNf1gFYUW7o6JK1GVE-h1ImcN9GV-Ab2QcExuF_VAI5et_h9SMg8utpprbRoox61hDxZmy2W-B62FcshXpUo1adk10oNW7FUqjY_ZtKdnbWdJ0XL0k8XvrafrqA/s320/IMG_1998.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519766500460082" border="0" /></a>fielding the ball and getting some outs . . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbS-1HiuCY03FGcjIsVNcArL3bwT-fV6nvjk8xtQ-DhJ5l3EBbHuc2IJBQrMlqsPqBH2TWOvbXcS0fhbP0wvxl_CK-9hN_8SKY-i4MtZn-kr-6Xc7LwUu0UQmQq_NhHU_yuHo7A/s1600-h/IMG_1997.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbS-1HiuCY03FGcjIsVNcArL3bwT-fV6nvjk8xtQ-DhJ5l3EBbHuc2IJBQrMlqsPqBH2TWOvbXcS0fhbP0wvxl_CK-9hN_8SKY-i4MtZn-kr-6Xc7LwUu0UQmQq_NhHU_yuHo7A/s320/IMG_1997.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519764452913122" border="0" /></a>checking that Nana is watching carefully . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DmhYunWIbb6vFsPYPCvLMSGaIW0cJ0_wRoh-OMCccfYyKlptDZGdjqxKms3jiojLbAXuKbTgi7oIq1NIMNp_50TgKVwkhSUekGLUkCcgu8Adox75IL3hr6ezyvlRI6GZRNZwNA/s1600-h/IMG_1996.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DmhYunWIbb6vFsPYPCvLMSGaIW0cJ0_wRoh-OMCccfYyKlptDZGdjqxKms3jiojLbAXuKbTgi7oIq1NIMNp_50TgKVwkhSUekGLUkCcgu8Adox75IL3hr6ezyvlRI6GZRNZwNA/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333519763639572994" border="0" /></a>tucking in and looking good.<br /><br />It is all priceless. No wonder he gets handknit sweaters.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-16432275243509244882009-05-06T08:23:00.002-05:002009-05-06T08:40:51.048-05:00Not my best dayTrying to do the right thing, even when it feels a bit wrong, can be costly. $800. That's costly.<br /><br />Last night was my final responsibility to the knitting guild on whose board I have served forever. I needed to be there to present the awards for the annual guild show. And I did try. <br /><br />Dear close friend's mom went to hospital late afternoon; very serious and I wanted to be more help to her. DSIL were to her home to get the dog to bring here. Couldn't reach anyone from guild to help, so had to go to take the entries.<br /><br />Huge rain--no, HUGE rain started as dog arrived. By the time I got to my car, the lower end of my street was flooded. <br /><br />Headed out the top end of the street. Traffic lights out, radio warning of tornadoes. Why did I not turn around and go home? Stupidity, sense of duty, general insanity? I'm putting my money on the insanity thing.<br /><br />Traveling down Runnymeade, at the light at Colony, there was serious flooding. I got through it and was exhaling with relief when---going uphill--- the road just disappeared and I was floating. Scary. Pulled out of it and drove on. Heading down Sharon Amity, the yellow Check Engine light came on, then all the lights came on and the engine quit. <br /><br />Why is it that when you lose your power steering you are left with no steering? Can't you just be left with non-power steering like cars used to have? I got off the road and into the driveway of one of the BIG houses. Didn't think I'd be welcome there. Called Steve who said Hmmm.<br /><br />Sat for a while and tried to crank the car. Eventually it did catch and I went home at a slow speed, constantly vigilant for a place to pull off if it quit again. The yellow Check Engine message flashed the entire way. <br /><br />Steve took it to the dealer this morning and I'll be without it for a few days. Drowned some major electronic computer thing. It is an $800 computer thing. <br /><br />Time to dust off the bike.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-50184795723882726772009-05-01T10:23:00.005-05:002009-05-01T10:42:39.375-05:00New Purchases<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfyOLiE96oB9-_shOGGXO-1Ry-3T-Aj-hJmlhihyGxKrLITf7CYIv8Nabe_rknb17JcIYni4t7GJ9_jkD4g15hrdgLa2wLikwUMrUwspUTXCIuBfStm5GYpsgl9OI3ew5NsfkZQ/s1600-h/Universal+fun+yarn+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfyOLiE96oB9-_shOGGXO-1Ry-3T-Aj-hJmlhihyGxKrLITf7CYIv8Nabe_rknb17JcIYni4t7GJ9_jkD4g15hrdgLa2wLikwUMrUwspUTXCIuBfStm5GYpsgl9OI3ew5NsfkZQ/s320/Universal+fun+yarn+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877623046911442" border="0" /></a>The last Stitches post, I promise. I thought you'd be interested in what I bought. The above is something from Universal Yarns. When I made my first trip through the market, Jean was busily working on the computer and phone. Hal was sitting peacefully knitting on a really funky scarf. I couldn't resist and the pattern is free on the Universal website. The "cocoons' of cotton really look like silk cocoons. You only knit the small string between. Takes two balls. I think Jean designed this pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWTsNt3vRJjXr3prglxEMaiQiDngv0W3yaVA5Vi2YE9ELtmMBo_kVg_TN9tUOCghwKs_-3TRuKANX0UOyCOihaXmu6UK0OV73chnH8m8QAWTzDHpXiqpg4mKKaZeNGmUnrSdLA/s1600-h/Gale+Art+Roving+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWTsNt3vRJjXr3prglxEMaiQiDngv0W3yaVA5Vi2YE9ELtmMBo_kVg_TN9tUOCghwKs_-3TRuKANX0UOyCOihaXmu6UK0OV73chnH8m8QAWTzDHpXiqpg4mKKaZeNGmUnrSdLA/s320/Gale+Art+Roving+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877619776827794" border="0" /></a><br />Can you spinners guess who dyed this?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkkD0yo5jNLHMsa0YQdYkblk1cAuM80C85f6SsS-yuLAcPPfCu6sAZnEGRCM43XtJW76z7rSZ6Nl6agFLAv8ugkYRFfCKsS_OfXCC_RerSHTh_00d-sCWdBygFQknHV7JfPdtyA/s1600-h/Gale+art+label.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkkD0yo5jNLHMsa0YQdYkblk1cAuM80C85f6SsS-yuLAcPPfCu6sAZnEGRCM43XtJW76z7rSZ6Nl6agFLAv8ugkYRFfCKsS_OfXCC_RerSHTh_00d-sCWdBygFQknHV7JfPdtyA/s320/Gale+art+label.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877621548392274" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, it's Gale's Art. It is luminous. I just hope I can do it justice on the wheel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwlGw9G4NTkGnul5ym1GPWy5Ls2SATah0XQfDGzRNGE_T30okZXwJyyqXaoyKkfDmg_vBZthqaYGD3iK2MY9duO6jbDmro9el0UOzOLdBxV88DCz973WPO3Agt4CG2JvDu0TXaw/s1600-h/Habu+yarn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwlGw9G4NTkGnul5ym1GPWy5Ls2SATah0XQfDGzRNGE_T30okZXwJyyqXaoyKkfDmg_vBZthqaYGD3iK2MY9duO6jbDmro9el0UOzOLdBxV88DCz973WPO3Agt4CG2JvDu0TXaw/s320/Habu+yarn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877614982058514" border="0" /></a><br />I bought Habu because I don't have a clue when I'll be near some again in the future. The darker purple is silk with a rustic texture. The lighter is the silk and stainless steel stuff. They may work together or I may do something separate. Don't know.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN_x2wPNAQq6iPCD0QUpYTWtc7BAA5pHJhiLzXbiqPsD-pG_PBhyphenhyphenbDWWSPSeuvVp1CFo7GmtOIES1HOkcStnJBfhYCVjXytfWKkovDuAdlgSHIIXGj2Kp5hbUqPWK5g2CAhDVYw/s1600-h/linen+handpaint+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKN_x2wPNAQq6iPCD0QUpYTWtc7BAA5pHJhiLzXbiqPsD-pG_PBhyphenhyphenbDWWSPSeuvVp1CFo7GmtOIES1HOkcStnJBfhYCVjXytfWKkovDuAdlgSHIIXGj2Kp5hbUqPWK5g2CAhDVYw/s320/linen+handpaint+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877160018601170" border="0" /></a>This was my totally out of control buy. These plus a bag of Louet Euroflax solid in a violet will be a skirt. I saw the Sasha pattern made up and fell in love. I bought this from Yarn Paradise from Asheville, NC. Jan and Lisa were working there. Jan loves my Curvaceous pattern. Nuf said, I was suckered in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NO1XbPfk72jghbWk3INs2j0GulX2Dd360UYT1Wy8_uIKZFQcUXpaqEZBsJW3pRztV4chPbQYyWrIOQtIAOYK-CqgUvgO8JN_ilG1nNA4Eqmi3f_6-7ZVNW_dYyHezokIjKUTCQ/s1600-h/linen+handpaint.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NO1XbPfk72jghbWk3INs2j0GulX2Dd360UYT1Wy8_uIKZFQcUXpaqEZBsJW3pRztV4chPbQYyWrIOQtIAOYK-CqgUvgO8JN_ilG1nNA4Eqmi3f_6-7ZVNW_dYyHezokIjKUTCQ/s320/linen+handpaint.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877154927281090" border="0" /></a>The colors and a bit more intense than this. Too much light in my photo. I have no intention of doing the pattern as written. Horizontal ruffles on my BgBt. I don't think so. I've been drawing and I think I can put the ruffles at an angle and get a better effect. I'd better. This skirt will cost a fortune.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW6hOXKETLSjcVb6yS5U1QkBeDSyZYEmHmBVFY9IJh1nw_URIg4MLw26GQZQ6jlAzMsC_NPd_gDGOtGxajBqwe2RHyp83dnpxyQB3YRboZGvRhgJR1M6xxEIc1uOHBoqXzE7NKg/s1600-h/Claudia+label.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW6hOXKETLSjcVb6yS5U1QkBeDSyZYEmHmBVFY9IJh1nw_URIg4MLw26GQZQ6jlAzMsC_NPd_gDGOtGxajBqwe2RHyp83dnpxyQB3YRboZGvRhgJR1M6xxEIc1uOHBoqXzE7NKg/s320/Claudia+label.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877151721157554" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, the yarn is Claudia Hand Paint.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFR8MGE_RzhQJQOosG-lE1-QIX0ZkHSPyi8AqkocOUVkfS8KiuQ2fGhUbWUcI4uY5J2Wp-hFr-Qb3vjDE6nk4T_0xk_uSTPyNpIDgvFd7DbC8cjKx1UnLYTbrgEAEF9-7Doscjg/s1600-h/Ellen+sock+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFR8MGE_RzhQJQOosG-lE1-QIX0ZkHSPyi8AqkocOUVkfS8KiuQ2fGhUbWUcI4uY5J2Wp-hFr-Qb3vjDE6nk4T_0xk_uSTPyNpIDgvFd7DbC8cjKx1UnLYTbrgEAEF9-7Doscjg/s320/Ellen+sock+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877150675691474" border="0" /></a>Speaking of great dyers. I bought sock yarn from Ellen of Ellen's Half Pint yarn. I think I mentioned it earlier, but here's a picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK_UWPUG906lXUcftefvSmEsEFMyTsmWO8G02NHxDrHcyeGaQ6jYmxzOns7eWeo4_OijxDEU1eQQZFs-psC0BvHX2Ut9fdsnCctg6SQUujnG1CT2Z8teRN-4c4bWPeYiiLRUUMw/s1600-h/Bead+knit+book.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK_UWPUG906lXUcftefvSmEsEFMyTsmWO8G02NHxDrHcyeGaQ6jYmxzOns7eWeo4_OijxDEU1eQQZFs-psC0BvHX2Ut9fdsnCctg6SQUujnG1CT2Z8teRN-4c4bWPeYiiLRUUMw/s320/Bead+knit+book.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330877148582065154" border="0" /></a>This was my book buy. I want to knit an amulet necklace. I don't care that the fad has passed; I'm still here. There is a sweet bracelet in here that I might try too.<br /><br />That's it. Lots of projects, more than I have time for. Nothing new there.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-21538540872924783582009-04-30T11:00:00.006-05:002009-04-30T11:32:19.542-05:00Stitches PrizesWe went to the student banquet. I do hope you saw the flowers in yesterday's blog. <a href="http://akabini.squarespace.com/">akabini</a> has even better pics on her blog.<br /><br />Each ticket to the banquet had a number, so I had two chances to win at the beginning. Then Bill found a ticket on the floor and couldn't find the owner, so I got that one. As the drawing started, we looked around and saw that a tablemate eligible for a prize had left early, but left her ticket for us. By then, I was the only one at the table not employed by XRX, so I got that one. Surely I would win something --- and I did. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-VWQcDdiZfvEVTOSeNcgAQ3PQUhwRaZ3qy0T0qcFzelcYixu4Kni_GQYgzeVhJqa_g2B4Ld6pWpHcaO1X3vIwEH3AivNI_OGaS-dA91h45b8Njnvbk7RQO5s6oUGiT7QmdXWwg/s1600-h/books+from+XRX.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-VWQcDdiZfvEVTOSeNcgAQ3PQUhwRaZ3qy0T0qcFzelcYixu4Kni_GQYgzeVhJqa_g2B4Ld6pWpHcaO1X3vIwEH3AivNI_OGaS-dA91h45b8Njnvbk7RQO5s6oUGiT7QmdXWwg/s320/books+from+XRX.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330516187189998338" border="0" /></a><br />First I won Margaret Fisher's new book about detailed techniques to make or break a sweater.<br />She has taught this course for years, so I will be interested to read for any tricks or tips I might not know.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWRxcxHDG4NuWztpwB9jXwcNgbyU0nfV7MevAQL7ODGouD8Wh-vXIxHixBmxL7-1kGmD4aLVNZoFjK8b6oOooX0qS9Z32XrWBJmxWa-9s07Cu80-ps5iFGOnmzynPDnPLpweGVQ/s1600-h/Steve's+cosk+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWRxcxHDG4NuWztpwB9jXwcNgbyU0nfV7MevAQL7ODGouD8Wh-vXIxHixBmxL7-1kGmD4aLVNZoFjK8b6oOooX0qS9Z32XrWBJmxWa-9s07Cu80-ps5iFGOnmzynPDnPLpweGVQ/s320/Steve's+cosk+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330518397884973682" border="0" /></a>A LYS from Dalton, Ga., gave away a $25 gift certificate so I went by the booth on Sunday morning and Steve (who sneaked in with a Staff nametag that said his name was Gay) picked out a pair of socks. Louet Gem Merino.<br /><br />After all the drawings at the banquet, each table was given a bag of goodies. Instructions were given as to how to hand them out, ex, Give to the third person on your right. Gay and I were the only ones left at our table. I made her take some Malabrigo and some ArtYarn and she made me take the rest.<br /><br />1. The Guy Knits book in the first picture. Since I already have these patterns in my Knitter's mag archive, I will be giving this to the guild for a door prize.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEtWHpZTDLicMYYGguFmmKlNpVt7ecyXgxPG_kMxUWZorrgeynnpDSXGyYewPczQVDepU1G_1cbWemTEY0Af38XxMJAE-QZa7W-ers04Hu_sONtvrS9MiOdUS5bdwlSLm8zLPjw/s1600-h/Cascade+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEtWHpZTDLicMYYGguFmmKlNpVt7ecyXgxPG_kMxUWZorrgeynnpDSXGyYewPczQVDepU1G_1cbWemTEY0Af38XxMJAE-QZa7W-ers04Hu_sONtvrS9MiOdUS5bdwlSLm8zLPjw/s320/Cascade+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330518382584801426" border="0" /></a><br />2. A sock kit from Cascade to make some summer socks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_w-di89In71qcCeatCosdqmi7sq03wD44ClU1yFQf1ZL3x9e8x2lpxootdOr_GCRC-NAO9xQEbluGphB8wUnMDHOI9pdcxj37Yu1xVUoYBxW1vb7AIEiDS0GsX4bkWrJPCaDbg/s1600-h/Shawl+pin+prize.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_w-di89In71qcCeatCosdqmi7sq03wD44ClU1yFQf1ZL3x9e8x2lpxootdOr_GCRC-NAO9xQEbluGphB8wUnMDHOI9pdcxj37Yu1xVUoYBxW1vb7AIEiDS0GsX4bkWrJPCaDbg/s320/Shawl+pin+prize.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330518394669540834" border="0" /></a><br />3. A handmade shawl pin--don't know who created this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oQzDX-076_BeUaKiFeiC3BMe3VDE4Xl9ch8Fb5upD-_NPaCxOi6Q8lP0yXFCyXX2JqhNC8mcHBVEsczMMTXD1litaWpkDd8G62KgdwPFVM0ZXDUhQQOnHLFSW6Ktxs3ByZ_GmA/s1600-h/Mission+Falls+kit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oQzDX-076_BeUaKiFeiC3BMe3VDE4Xl9ch8Fb5upD-_NPaCxOi6Q8lP0yXFCyXX2JqhNC8mcHBVEsczMMTXD1litaWpkDd8G62KgdwPFVM0ZXDUhQQOnHLFSW6Ktxs3ByZ_GmA/s320/Mission+Falls+kit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330518387456567810" border="0" /></a><br />4. A pattern book and the Mission Fall 1824 cotton to make the cute hat on the front. The guild may get this one also. Yarn is not my or my daughter's color.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc38mn1MHKcIyC-viOMsrfsD13mSsRhS7D3JAj01vns9LezHCK_ju9Jfw3inPTl798gLYKy3sK2gPrL0p3ARRGftIYFO99mdGPPKX9fIfnis20sM0sg1Vq4igUPzS7jXIMbq7nQ/s1600-h/art+felt+kit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc38mn1MHKcIyC-viOMsrfsD13mSsRhS7D3JAj01vns9LezHCK_ju9Jfw3inPTl798gLYKy3sK2gPrL0p3ARRGftIYFO99mdGPPKX9fIfnis20sM0sg1Vq4igUPzS7jXIMbq7nQ/s320/art+felt+kit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330516181416964994" border="0" /></a><br />5. And my favorite gift--a kit from ArtFelt. We stopped by the booth on Sunday and Marcy gave me a very detailed lesson. You don't use a washing machine!!!!!! It's all done in the dryer. I can't wait to try this. One of the big secrets is the base paper to hold the fiber until it is felted . . . . .<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAVfaNzCP-MW-GSA8Z5YeF8GsHcuYznMGzkeoHg0pbv963MvCa5dbsDJP-fZ2gVwwcb5T615RWTEGdd0moxtfaG682xroIwef8yX1CoabayK4N-5vcpkhAcqvpeZvUwSw2pL4tw/s1600-h/potato+paper.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAVfaNzCP-MW-GSA8Z5YeF8GsHcuYznMGzkeoHg0pbv963MvCa5dbsDJP-fZ2gVwwcb5T615RWTEGdd0moxtfaG682xroIwef8yX1CoabayK4N-5vcpkhAcqvpeZvUwSw2pL4tw/s320/potato+paper.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330518390915091554" border="0" /></a><br />Potato Starch Paper----available through their distributors.<br /><br />I have all kinds of new things to try now. Just need some time.<br /><br />PS--Thanks to all the vendors who supported this event. I've read some griping on line about some, but I just met with genuine helpfulness everywhere I stopped. I am looking forward to next year.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-3015482622124159552009-04-29T06:59:00.008-05:002009-04-29T18:14:30.011-05:00Stitches PhotosThis is Candace Eisner Strick and you should know who she is. Why? Because she is a great teacher, a marvelous designer, an inventor of the concept of merging colors yarn, and the funniest person I know. She's also wise--and I say that not only because she says I am good enough to teach on a national level--but because she just is. She graciously spent time with me this weekend and gave me such encouraging advice about my knitting career. Anyway--go to her <a href="http://www.strickwear.com/">site</a> and the yarn is so cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSfmk1W54qqR3x_hyyj3abrU8Dnc7jAsb9MTUaE5VHtwGGvdMRyGhfXvP7xRGaN9FwF-hRcmYY0QLsNAutUUOttSefe1UqDZS1Gwpqw5gc31WJR-2cElNcvXU5w0A3SDcjULq6A/s1600-h/Candace+and+I.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSfmk1W54qqR3x_hyyj3abrU8Dnc7jAsb9MTUaE5VHtwGGvdMRyGhfXvP7xRGaN9FwF-hRcmYY0QLsNAutUUOttSefe1UqDZS1Gwpqw5gc31WJR-2cElNcvXU5w0A3SDcjULq6A/s320/Candace+and+I.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330250778802281794" border="0" /></a><br />Natalie who works for XRX took this and my great, good friend Gay e-mailed it to everyone who attends the Colorado Knitting Camp. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNDUr72O9tiI_2J0u72Z4v-D5IHbIuiZcjnvN4XG4JQtL4QsiS1ieQDwMHFUtp5NQUmhFcsuwZD5AKRjDlRI3bJCnfq0og0W2lDpUmeLh9SmnQ7_pUphpl6r_QBnUdtUSGTBOjA/s1600-h/Gay+and+I+at+Stitches.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNDUr72O9tiI_2J0u72Z4v-D5IHbIuiZcjnvN4XG4JQtL4QsiS1ieQDwMHFUtp5NQUmhFcsuwZD5AKRjDlRI3bJCnfq0og0W2lDpUmeLh9SmnQ7_pUphpl6r_QBnUdtUSGTBOjA/s320/Gay+and+I+at+Stitches.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330081847946713378" border="0" /></a>Turns out that Natalie is the one who draws all the graphics for the website and brochures. She's marvelous. Her work is so energetic and fun. So is she. Everyone I've met from Sioux Falls is so clever. Must be the water.<br /><br />Gay and I had so much fun together. I finally got to meet Bill who does all the facilities management at the Stitches events. All the designers think he is wonderful and I agree. <br /><br />At the Student Banquet on Saturday night, we sat with Bill and Gay. Also at the table was Anne Claxton who does the KnitU at the Knitters website and Susan Lazear who truly knows the international knitting scene. Both were very nice.<br /><br />The Atlanta Knitting Guild had knitted flowers---giant flowers---as centerpieces for this event. A local artist wired them. They were huge and clever and beautiful. Alexis Xenakis, the first X in XRX, announced that they had purchased the flowers and were going to drive them back to South Dakota. I suspect they will appear at some future Stitches events. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dHOwMKJVsyVh_96nhFknJAu7Xp0UvRS57saEg_Fau8JbGWFtYnm2wNydkNAwbvGFcaKcuRtTi0PCpIrhEUoEyQa9XiY9LpqtCShoKXid7uJJ6XlqV4F5ab_NMXZB_tjOHrhHpg/s1600-h/stitches+09+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dHOwMKJVsyVh_96nhFknJAu7Xp0UvRS57saEg_Fau8JbGWFtYnm2wNydkNAwbvGFcaKcuRtTi0PCpIrhEUoEyQa9XiY9LpqtCShoKXid7uJJ6XlqV4F5ab_NMXZB_tjOHrhHpg/s320/stitches+09+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330250781432525634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdu0baARcALNvRxSCRmRMm0x8k8wEx4BBr98wLXc3EHwTDB3djo4FS6Gdex4jaCfe5o8HHihTMXGQKGw_q8vCDuw6tcvU8LDuTttwbGdPPaGyb5jH0VEoQTwzBw0KNLZnjvCH8g/s1600-h/stitches+09+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdu0baARcALNvRxSCRmRMm0x8k8wEx4BBr98wLXc3EHwTDB3djo4FS6Gdex4jaCfe5o8HHihTMXGQKGw_q8vCDuw6tcvU8LDuTttwbGdPPaGyb5jH0VEoQTwzBw0KNLZnjvCH8g/s320/stitches+09+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330250782863037842" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry about the poor photograpy. These were taken after the cocktail hour, and Meghan will tell you I never took a photo without moving the camera.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCaSd6qc3CuQPE84IjOesaH1ERSL_1D3UUG2-fEu2U3T5M-3Oqzd9iw3R7pDmGNQ9LOOrGhxRVv6E0SAwjvJ1QjISVs0mPN4e377qQE8Zc0QLzcL0S08apqVFljgkchiTJmqcnA/s1600-h/stitches+09+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCaSd6qc3CuQPE84IjOesaH1ERSL_1D3UUG2-fEu2U3T5M-3Oqzd9iw3R7pDmGNQ9LOOrGhxRVv6E0SAwjvJ1QjISVs0mPN4e377qQE8Zc0QLzcL0S08apqVFljgkchiTJmqcnA/s320/stitches+09+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330250778849396098" border="0" /></a><br />These flowers make me more determined than ever to organize a public knitting project for Charlotte.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll show you the prizes I won at the banquet. Circumstances came together in such a way that I wound up with quite a haul.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-91053888770455138392009-04-27T23:25:00.003-05:002009-04-27T23:32:37.942-05:00Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcszjIOXj1x1XYCn90LHASTO0-Zi22pmYpu9BhiP_kTT4QzbKK1XnFsrBzbBgIiImIFBTmaMbxVeroqgZ1253VYpw2ahsxk8iScqmcXmQ9QXMrUlWx46I3LxPit3x-R0OwRLGuIQ/s1600-h/IMG_1085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcszjIOXj1x1XYCn90LHASTO0-Zi22pmYpu9BhiP_kTT4QzbKK1XnFsrBzbBgIiImIFBTmaMbxVeroqgZ1253VYpw2ahsxk8iScqmcXmQ9QXMrUlWx46I3LxPit3x-R0OwRLGuIQ/s320/IMG_1085.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329594664987174562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlLjkXEUh4QboAuhV5HCWkTyCfdJQuAE02DeXK1SgJNgPRgdTQbg_eoWf1bG-YBmafpBpSgwWmwLHPZQCcsYhdcsTNvFnXeuAJdOtzmBfdHrl8y3mMjuoE3aJOrXYc0DP5o_s3w/s1600-h/IMG_1087.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlLjkXEUh4QboAuhV5HCWkTyCfdJQuAE02DeXK1SgJNgPRgdTQbg_eoWf1bG-YBmafpBpSgwWmwLHPZQCcsYhdcsTNvFnXeuAJdOtzmBfdHrl8y3mMjuoE3aJOrXYc0DP5o_s3w/s320/IMG_1087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329594316574191186" /></a><br /><br />The hotel found my camera cable, along with Steve's pants and shirt, and are shipping them, so yarn pics are coming.<br /><br />Victoria--awesome fiber woman--was at Stitches on Saturday and told me she had knit my Curvaceous pattern. I shamelessly begged for pics and she sent them.<br /><br />This is what she did:<br /><br />Here are pictures of Curvaceous, knitted on maybe #15 needles with some handspun that a friend of mine spun from some Rambouillet fleece she had dyed. I had been keeping an eye out for some yarn with that "rustic" quality that I thought would look particularly nice with this pattern. The yarn was so springy I had to bump the needle size up several times (and of course, I wasn't simply trying a small swatch each time). I hope these are big enough for you to see.<br /><br />It was fun to knit!<br /><br />Just like having someone tell you your baby is pretty. Puffed with pride.<br />Thanks so much Victoria.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-5774157433105283392009-04-27T10:27:00.004-05:002009-04-27T18:46:14.743-05:00Stitches SouthSo this was supposed to be a tasteful report on the weekend with pics for those who could not be there. I'd like to blame the lack of photos on the fact that I think I left my camera cable in the hotel, but the truth is I only took a few pictures. Too excited to think. Anyway, here's a brief, photoless, report which I wrote Friday night.<br /><br />We’re here.<span style=""> </span>Quickly saw <a href="http://akabini.squarespace.com/">Karen (akabini) </a>for a brief hug while her workshop was taking a break.<span style=""> </span>Hope to talk more tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>Steve unloaded the bike and toured the neighborhood.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The hotel is lovely and we have a huge room.<span style=""> </span>I dumped some stuff, checked in at registration and headed for the market.<span style=""> </span>Not many people hanging out.<span style=""> </span>Of course classes were going on when we arrived, but still seemed smaller than I expected.<span style=""> </span>Same with the market.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stephani Quattrini has a booth.<span style=""> </span>Briefly talked with her and hubby Marc.<span style=""> </span>Hope to have a drink later and here some stories.<span style=""> </span>She’s led a really interesting life and has a bunch to tell.<span style=""> </span>They lived in Tahiti for ten years, then New Zealand, and now northern Mecklenburg.<span style=""> </span>Doesn’t really have a ring to it, does it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also spoke with Judy Ditmore of Interlacements for Colorado Springs.<span style=""> </span>She helped teach my first Colorado Knitting Camp in the 90’s.<span style=""> </span>Of course, it was about color.<span style=""> </span>Love her yarns.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Talked with some nice folks from the North Georgia Knitting Guild.<span style=""> </span>They have only been in operation a bit over a year, but seem to have their act together.<span style=""> </span>I picked up a brochure and a needle guide that they use to advertise themselves to other knitters.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ellen of Ellen’s Half Pint Farm in Vermont is here.<span style=""> </span>I’ve bought from her for years and I love her colorways.<span style=""> </span>I bought two lovely skeins of sock yarn (Yes, Meghan, more sock yarn) and some markers to use for my OTN Cat Bordhi socks.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.strickwear.com"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.strickwear.com"><o:p> </o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.strickwear.com">Candace Eisner Strick</a> spent some time advising me about my knitting workshops and cheering me on.<span style=""> </span>I feel really good about her sweet comments and will put them to use.<span style=""> </span>Her yarn company (Merging Colors) has a new colorway which sounds like me.<span style=""> </span>I’ll search it out when I get online.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of online.<span style=""> </span>Why is it that the fancier, more pricey hotels nickel and dime you to death.<span style=""> </span>We noticed this when we stayed at the fancy Fairmont hotels in Canada.<span style=""> </span>At the Hampton Inn or Best Western, you get free parking, reasonably priced vending machines, and free internet.<span style=""> </span>Here at the Renaissance Waverly the parking is free, but a Coke costs $2.00 and internet is $14.95 a day.<span style=""> </span>That’s why you are not getting this the day I am typing it.<span style=""> </span>Breakfast?<span style=""> </span>I’ll be at the Starbucks.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jane Godshall stopped by while I was talking to Candace and we talked a bit.<span style=""> </span>She told Harriet I was here and Harriet joined us for drinks and dinner.<span style=""> </span>She told Stephen stories and updated us about<span style=""> </span>her daughter and her BFF Michael torturing her on Facebook.<span style=""> </span>The woman is a stitch.<span style=""> </span>Friends will be glad to know that no one got “to’e up.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Haven’t caught up with Gay yet.<span style=""> </span>I’ll hang some with her tomorrow while Steve rides the Silver Comet Trail.<span style=""> </span>I’ll also attend the market again, but I doubt I’ll be buying anymore yarn.<span style=""> </span>I will be looking at books.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Charlotte Knitters arrive on the bus about 11 tomorrow; more friends to play with.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-77322556706868550002009-04-21T20:48:00.006-05:002009-04-23T09:41:17.822-05:00Fun and Stitches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDaFBgUFBW0AQG7s5gXierYGXiZpaeKFjyUmHgFVs1Oox-3Lzj4uEBvSulpfqmzh3XMqqgliwNfkqVAoWBm4tf924aHUjZjNQqjOf0hvQkKFY3Cj3pSO6dEkGcrNbwsitzKULRg/s1600-h/knowyourcutsoflamb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDaFBgUFBW0AQG7s5gXierYGXiZpaeKFjyUmHgFVs1Oox-3Lzj4uEBvSulpfqmzh3XMqqgliwNfkqVAoWBm4tf924aHUjZjNQqjOf0hvQkKFY3Cj3pSO6dEkGcrNbwsitzKULRg/s320/knowyourcutsoflamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327326876067249954" border="0" /></a>I saw this on a blog and wanted to share it. <a href="http://www.bavgirl.com/"> Here.</a> While you're there, read around; she's interesting.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">********<br /></div>Tomorrow we head to Stitches South to see friends and maybe buy a little yarn. Gay, who runs the Colorado Knitting Camp I go to every year, will be there with her Bill who organizes Stitches events. We are going to attend the Student Banquet with them. <br /><br />Candace Eisner-Strick of <a href="http://www.strickwear.com/">Strickwear</a> has become a great knit buddy after three years of camp. I'm picking her brain about my next teaching challenge. She's not only smart and clever, she's the funniest woman I know.<br /><br /><a href="http://akabini.squarespace.com/">Karen</a> Alfke, whom I met on the Vogue Canada trip, is teaching and I look forward to catching up with her. Check out her <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTimagine.php">sweater pattern</a> in the new knitty. <br /><br />Steve plans to ride the Silver Comet Trail all day Saturday, so I will shop the market, catch up with the Charlotte knitters coming in on the guild's bus and just absorb the event. I can't wait to see new yarns. I wish everyone reading this could be there.<br /><br />I'll take pics and let you know what new things I find.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-12797314267374744152009-04-21T10:20:00.008-05:002009-04-21T14:59:20.467-05:00Always planning somethingOf course I'm right! If you can't imagine a project for it, move it out. It's not like you can't or won't buy more yarn, cloth, fiber, etc. </span><br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> --Meghan</span><br /><br />DD2 returned from vacation and caught up on my blog. (I love that she reads it.) The above was her response to the post about my studio/junk pile. I love her spunk, but I also love her wise self. "If you can't imagine a project for it" Those are some serious guiding words.<br /><br />I may need to add "that you would really love." I'm pretty imaginative, but, let's face it, life is finite; and they keep making wonderful new yarns. I'm going to set aside a morning and give it a try. I can always find a knitter who will take in orphan yarn.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppWJpErBwZOrLtlF5s9FROUGKmeiZ2Uotv9fU0SY2zQsXxhrqWrFFMd2tTL6Vg4wKJGljRlTs5VvLuBQHQ38WshDSBDn7cBQ2LUdaPU8geSMXlfP3lxWCImzxmMjUb-zewwekzA/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppWJpErBwZOrLtlF5s9FROUGKmeiZ2Uotv9fU0SY2zQsXxhrqWrFFMd2tTL6Vg4wKJGljRlTs5VvLuBQHQ38WshDSBDn7cBQ2LUdaPU8geSMXlfP3lxWCImzxmMjUb-zewwekzA/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327167248953662162" border="0" /></a><br />So why a picture of my Esther socks? I just love them. Also I have fallen victim to the words of <a href="http://turtlegirl76.com/">turtlegirl76</a> and am ready to reopen my copy of Cat Bordhi's book.<br /><br />Cristi came for dinner last night and brought beautiful socks and sat me down and measured my foot for the Riverbed method of sock shaping. Lord, that girl is convincing. And she knows her socks. Just like one of my own daughters, she reminded me again of my love of adventure in knitting----I'm picking out the yarn today.<br /><br />Tomorrow night I start a new sock class and, as is always my favorite part of teaching, I will learn something new myself.<br /><br />Speaking of learning to knit socks. When you first learned or if you were to learn, would you care which technique was taught---dpns, 2 circs, magic loop? This came up in a discussion with my fearless LYS owner, and I'm just curious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv8aDsfbfY9o4QFApOd8bzAUsjI9u7DuisuOt-4MyE9jXvvZxjzdGtAhpg0vSXBsAqtYdUy6jDlVcIF_4ulOgHTYkxgy6Id2wqrHEKyMyP4D0LhiL9fYxRK8bPwiVgqTRhnqaGw/s1600-h/wendy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv8aDsfbfY9o4QFApOd8bzAUsjI9u7DuisuOt-4MyE9jXvvZxjzdGtAhpg0vSXBsAqtYdUy6jDlVcIF_4ulOgHTYkxgy6Id2wqrHEKyMyP4D0LhiL9fYxRK8bPwiVgqTRhnqaGw/s320/wendy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327235160475809282" border="0" /></a><br />Are you on the <a href="http://charlotteyarn.com/">Charlotte Yarn</a> mailing list? The announcement came today that Wendy Johnson is teaching and signing her new book at Charlotte Yarn the weekend of June 6 and 7. There are still some spaces in the class and it is very reasonably priced. Remi is bringing Wendy down as a treat to her customers and Fiber Fans. Don't miss out if you are in the area. You can pre-order a book at Charlotte Yarn if you wish.<br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><br /></span></span></span>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-62395896477643512882009-04-18T22:28:00.006-05:002009-04-20T15:36:47.941-05:00On the Needles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUacfcH5V-7LEcj4RVkUYAlHOULoOlWGT1_lD6W_bKy9_H4g_efn8mckQbr-ggFYmR3_yarIgZKAuSVMRG18_LbAycalI7FopnuCiWQwNG6Am7Lo-wfgm3pYkSOUbN4oCAxJMSw/s1600-h/blog+stuff+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUacfcH5V-7LEcj4RVkUYAlHOULoOlWGT1_lD6W_bKy9_H4g_efn8mckQbr-ggFYmR3_yarIgZKAuSVMRG18_LbAycalI7FopnuCiWQwNG6Am7Lo-wfgm3pYkSOUbN4oCAxJMSw/s400/blog+stuff+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326241065997420466" border="0" /></a>Estonian Button Stitch socks (pattern on ravelry and jpknits.com) in Plymouth Sockotta that I found in the attic. These are public knitting and are for me. Next socks will be more adventurous.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kcMt-Fyv8ES3sd_dtZ_IrmRmgpzyt_8HvnNagE-WPOK_BOlkeHDPNVoDPwx220fYdy7B9NQ__SHW-NMZMFUXSCFu0Dzvc5Q1uKKfISes1lQN4xHXpc4QO4QMv2z6Ax1gHSS2mA/s1600-h/topdown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kcMt-Fyv8ES3sd_dtZ_IrmRmgpzyt_8HvnNagE-WPOK_BOlkeHDPNVoDPwx220fYdy7B9NQ__SHW-NMZMFUXSCFu0Dzvc5Q1uKKfISes1lQN4xHXpc4QO4QMv2z6Ax1gHSS2mA/s400/topdown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326241059143400962" border="0" /></a>This is the sweater I'm creating as I teach the Top Down Custom Fit Shell class. I'm using 1824 Cotton (Mission Falls) from the stash. It knits at 4.25 per inch and I wanted something that would knit up fast. Can't fall behind in my homework.<br /><br />I'm really pleased with how the navy and the lavendar play off each other. More as I go.<br /><br /><br />The shrug I mentioned last week (<a href="http://merelyasuggestion.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-challenges.html">Here</a>) seems to be working out nicely. I even like it so far on me, and I don't wear shrugs. More words to eat. I will definitely offer it as a free pattern as soon as the bugs are worked out. <br /><br />Stitches South is this weekend and I can't wait to meet up with knit friends from across the country. I plan to make some serious knitting plans as I look at the yarn companies new things for this coming year. Yeah, I might buy some yarn.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-18090324301703102652009-04-18T22:15:00.003-05:002009-04-18T22:28:19.955-05:00Backyard Battle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLIqsS40WdHNJ9lJX852qNVxnquR1rw61SWM-1-oBdkmdB4MjsjoCoiYsFwBbPfhLumxaTIh7lKRO96_9xNu53vUwv94B4MOhCqHPkkctFaSbCbll5qlr3qWuG_D3CN0t59WywA/s1600-h/blog+stuff+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLIqsS40WdHNJ9lJX852qNVxnquR1rw61SWM-1-oBdkmdB4MjsjoCoiYsFwBbPfhLumxaTIh7lKRO96_9xNu53vUwv94B4MOhCqHPkkctFaSbCbll5qlr3qWuG_D3CN0t59WywA/s400/blog+stuff+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326237662998024146" border="0" /></a>Typical scene at the Prater bird feeder. We have awesome squirrels, but I've been winning the last few weeks. In order to eat at all, the squirrels have to hang upside down, and after a few bites, they fall off. They will regroup a few times and then they give up---or start to attack the metal cable to drop the entire feeder. (Ouch, my teeth)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N13ozZx5TwZkW7Gp-t_vWSqAXpCIbgaNLCkWBnkJ73ZL8oxc9OtH2u0ovXI1qlqF6wlfJZ9i7JFc-gmoe8-D2eEXPN7OQ9SjZfYKLDFhYqCvdPgPGZB2Yzu9RvqF8Peq0hz4ZA/s1600-h/blog+stuff+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6N13ozZx5TwZkW7Gp-t_vWSqAXpCIbgaNLCkWBnkJ73ZL8oxc9OtH2u0ovXI1qlqF6wlfJZ9i7JFc-gmoe8-D2eEXPN7OQ9SjZfYKLDFhYqCvdPgPGZB2Yzu9RvqF8Peq0hz4ZA/s400/blog+stuff+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326237658854523362" border="0" /></a>Then along came the Old Timer. That tale has been stripped by combat. No bushy, bushy. But with age and experience comes wisdom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBCoufatgJL03lDoto3b8scQm_J7qqE90u_Q8oD05Vp6tBrR9t0s_lCSUukVHPxY4_lqm2lmDi8HBGNIySyKBHYDsqk_tIACipHzpePvgS1uSkue2i0Gujz-6PQqpevTHjeVv-Q/s1600-h/blog+stuff+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBCoufatgJL03lDoto3b8scQm_J7qqE90u_Q8oD05Vp6tBrR9t0s_lCSUukVHPxY4_lqm2lmDi8HBGNIySyKBHYDsqk_tIACipHzpePvgS1uSkue2i0Gujz-6PQqpevTHjeVv-Q/s400/blog+stuff+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326237653232395298" border="0" /></a>The Old Timer sinks his claws into the porch framing and r-e-a-c-h-e-s across space to latch on to the bottom of the feeder and just eats his fill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwbfhKqsUjUSx9ZtxKFDGdmE7H9arLW9kOTAOd9HtYhwkPaCM9rh1lLnPh8ospNpsYprbcICPLZ6xUL2XmQd3fJlKATQGz_Y2REd9NdL2JHOfJCbJQ4kTrqPVImKjnMPJvsQVbA/s1600-h/blog+stuff+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwbfhKqsUjUSx9ZtxKFDGdmE7H9arLW9kOTAOd9HtYhwkPaCM9rh1lLnPh8ospNpsYprbcICPLZ6xUL2XmQd3fJlKATQGz_Y2REd9NdL2JHOfJCbJQ4kTrqPVImKjnMPJvsQVbA/s400/blog+stuff+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326237653756990514" border="0" /></a>He rarely falls. Just look at those claws. I haven't the heart to shoo away such a clever agent.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-21877633609303563632009-04-15T12:29:00.009-05:002009-04-16T15:53:11.215-05:00Feeling a bit out of touch . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDVusyKpE2nURCYziA0_PJEcpVwu7-kc_OkIGEao8PCUw4dNTGt04MLTMxK8UGNdYGvNWrHwzLb-PBrDtdDynoDDg1SCjOWuUKu5Kexq4lxq2OaEotmycQ5UmpcgWJGlL2AoxRg/s1600-h/IMG_1734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDVusyKpE2nURCYziA0_PJEcpVwu7-kc_OkIGEao8PCUw4dNTGt04MLTMxK8UGNdYGvNWrHwzLb-PBrDtdDynoDDg1SCjOWuUKu5Kexq4lxq2OaEotmycQ5UmpcgWJGlL2AoxRg/s400/IMG_1734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324973700917350226" border="0" /></a><br />I've been thinking about the new knitters that I meet and realizing that I'm not really meeting any. I love the joy of someone who is learning to knit. The light in his/her eyes. It renews my own love of the craft. And I haven't felt it lately.<br /><br />Talking to my BFF I realized why. "Well, you don't teach beginners anymore!"<br /><br />True. I gave all the classes to another teacher for a reason that escapes me now. No problem. I'm just going to offer some classes and see what happens.<br /><br />I do get so much positive energy from all my students, but newbies are special. If you have a friend who wants a class, point them my way. I could use a little of their joy. Or maybe just spend a little time thinking about how and when you learned to knit. If possible, write your teacher a thank you note. Give her/him a bit of joy.<br /><br />Mondays, May 4, 11, 18 at 6-7:30 pm, $45, at Charlotte Yarn. I love to teach when the shop is closed and we get to do some private shopping.<br /><br />MOVING THE BLOG SOON<br /><br />I think it is time to move the blog to wordpress.com. I love blogger.com. It is so easy and I've had very little problems with the blog. It's just that I want to make the blog the homepage for my jpknits website and my mentor says wordpress is the way to do it.<br /><br />I would like to add more articles and tutorials to the site and keep them very convenient for you. Seems sensible to combine. Mentor is coming over in early May and we will make the switch then. Just thought I'd give you a heads up. You'll be forwarded over and then you can change your feed.<br /><br />To check my progress and to, please, offer suggestions go to <a href="http://merelyasuggestion.wordpress.com/">new site</a>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-28990026494403644012009-04-14T09:39:00.007-05:002009-04-15T08:10:07.682-05:00New ChallengesRemi has thrown yarn at me again. Make something out of this! I was skeptical, but I swatched. The flat ribbon is great, but I always like knitting with flat ribbon. The Gedifra Mexican with all the "platelets" in it was definitely different.<br /><br />Tried it, loved it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9T0Ay63K598fWiuj0RFOCHM3Iwh6IypK-sdA1XMWtu-4NK3zaSZdRegI4DJ3XMeoR9uVdWUrRORoxInhVVECXPr0IFd8ZrFrNNAJ5Ts8iIlzg8RYaGHYzmDeuXOQLGDxpO5phg/s1600-h/markers+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9T0Ay63K598fWiuj0RFOCHM3Iwh6IypK-sdA1XMWtu-4NK3zaSZdRegI4DJ3XMeoR9uVdWUrRORoxInhVVECXPr0IFd8ZrFrNNAJ5Ts8iIlzg8RYaGHYzmDeuXOQLGDxpO5phg/s400/markers+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324558143236729762" border="0" /></a><br />I think this is a shrug--never make a decision until you have to, my motto. It has a big triangle (isosceles) for the back and then I just picked up and knit straight from the side. Caveat: I do not yet know if this works. Just wait and let me make the errors and I'll pass it along to you ----IF it works.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UMxEbi1Tz0jWV-NWt4UExNiep1Nj3xcRuVpyTu4KTZLZBP33eLICw8j6zFwCH7k8vPmYKFQxaCXJBAKmtFPTWTkRs77679km4SJyquXY1CgEbubYLo5QaI-ZZYoHhtOFzQOlA/s1600-h/markers+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3UMxEbi1Tz0jWV-NWt4UExNiep1Nj3xcRuVpyTu4KTZLZBP33eLICw8j6zFwCH7k8vPmYKFQxaCXJBAKmtFPTWTkRs77679km4SJyquXY1CgEbubYLo5QaI-ZZYoHhtOFzQOlA/s400/markers+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324558138860786178" border="0" /></a>New Shrinky Dink markers to assist when casting on a bezillion sts. Plastic is Brite White from Michaels. Six big pages for under $5. Also includes instructions. Jump rings available there, too.<br />If you don't know how to do the jump rings, buy yours at Beadlush in Charlotte and they will help you. Beware. Beadlush is a feast for your eyes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjAkYYkiQP83bFTcWjuEFaywFWqEKMpwJPYnifQYUVKVGgr204qOfJzA2lT5QMAcImZ7397zSHxZ8O0JfxMO_kJGdI9-JrvNp_s2s1EjL_LiujnWnTk5wwCnxt-XYdWtWJBipFw/s1600-h/markers+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjAkYYkiQP83bFTcWjuEFaywFWqEKMpwJPYnifQYUVKVGgr204qOfJzA2lT5QMAcImZ7397zSHxZ8O0JfxMO_kJGdI9-JrvNp_s2s1EjL_LiujnWnTk5wwCnxt-XYdWtWJBipFw/s400/markers+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324558137823895730" border="0" /></a><br />New blog I discovered today. A must read. <a href="http://craftfail.com/?p=136">Craft Fail </a><br />It's by many people who post their craft failures. This sweater failure seems so familiar.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-39340405518700777272009-04-13T22:25:00.001-05:002009-04-14T09:36:59.250-05:00Serenity TestIn another test, I was Mal. I liked this test better.<br /><br />Your results:<br /><b>You are <span style="font-size:6;">Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)</span></b><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr><td>Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="80" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 80%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="80" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 80%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Wash (Ship Pilot)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="75" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 75%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="65" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 65%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="65" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 65%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Inara Serra (Companion)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="45" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 45%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>River (Stowaway)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="45" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 45%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="40" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 40%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Derrial Book (Shepherd)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="40" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 40%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>Alliance</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="40" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 40%</td><br /></tr><tr><td>A Reaver (Cannibal)</td><br /><td><hr size="4" width="10" align="left" noshade="noshade"></td><td> 10%</td><br /></tr></tbody></table></td><br /><td>Dependable and trustworthy.<br />You love your significant other and<br />you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/serenity/pics/zoe2.jpg" /></td><br /></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/serenity"><br />Click here to take the "Which Serenity character am I?" quiz...</a>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-17885088492917474692009-04-13T17:46:00.013-05:002009-04-13T22:07:13.070-05:00Studio or Junk Pile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoNLryLxCA9ZWKQJ9cedO9EKP51drMT-8rIAF4zIGxb_xm_EyqP6q4OsfAztSoXHY-Cvft3PFxyhHtEXxaYRhb3p_loBZgTEqz97XCDVrlgH4dLBmZg8bwV8i99QplKOiLack4Q/s1600-h/studio1+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoNLryLxCA9ZWKQJ9cedO9EKP51drMT-8rIAF4zIGxb_xm_EyqP6q4OsfAztSoXHY-Cvft3PFxyhHtEXxaYRhb3p_loBZgTEqz97XCDVrlgH4dLBmZg8bwV8i99QplKOiLack4Q/s320/studio1+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324312812878305954" border="0" /></a>I have an entire upstairs at my disposal. My daughter Meghan says I should emphasize the word disposal and get rid of some of my stuff. I tell her she doesn't understand the needs of an artist. She is probably right.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0KQ2ExCgFuNjn9u-zFKATgv87iClz73Yt-6oEV-mt-1P36A37KbLMTai-vyk51yVF6n24jzpFGYHWBomuWOFhYWylpV7lZgp1k7vGZHQekoLjx9boQ0dBzd4XQl_HIlPFNDqqA/s1600-h/studio1+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0KQ2ExCgFuNjn9u-zFKATgv87iClz73Yt-6oEV-mt-1P36A37KbLMTai-vyk51yVF6n24jzpFGYHWBomuWOFhYWylpV7lZgp1k7vGZHQekoLjx9boQ0dBzd4XQl_HIlPFNDqqA/s320/studio1+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324325086787713122" border="0" /></a>I store yarn and fabric and other stuff. I store well. What I don't do is sew. This is a shame because I have no spring clothes that fit. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDuwcKg9rRo4Ji32MzPK6BfX1-Yt-YF0L3rh3ks3DiLhL0Qt-J6k55FBsQcSxeVrCkXh0_z6HcDbbffjplNlFjR9DGjvnTByEkk3lm7ZeBhm5Qf2gqPMdcKIPNXF7Ilcaw2VDrA/s1600-h/studio1+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDuwcKg9rRo4Ji32MzPK6BfX1-Yt-YF0L3rh3ks3DiLhL0Qt-J6k55FBsQcSxeVrCkXh0_z6HcDbbffjplNlFjR9DGjvnTByEkk3lm7ZeBhm5Qf2gqPMdcKIPNXF7Ilcaw2VDrA/s320/studio1+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324324461138588514" border="0" /></a>See the T-shirt on the dress form. I started that months (and 29 lbs.) ago. It isn't quite finished---but finishing won't make it fit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGOGiMl2H_Y4KXxcs0jxrU7gWfS7dpILUo7Oa-1x2G2KzzS_C_5J43bkRsMnReIOO8srRBejMNXy4O7hRgRKCgM6k6YOayBaQh8BLtcj24l594Z15bhtb_SeTX7pDhK4zuh7FiQ/s1600-h/studio1+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGOGiMl2H_Y4KXxcs0jxrU7gWfS7dpILUo7Oa-1x2G2KzzS_C_5J43bkRsMnReIOO8srRBejMNXy4O7hRgRKCgM6k6YOayBaQh8BLtcj24l594Z15bhtb_SeTX7pDhK4zuh7FiQ/s320/studio1+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324325753882144706" border="0" /></a>Some of this yarn will never be knit by me. The problem is I don't know which yarn that is. I really need to set up and learn to use my knitting machine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G9KTkmEHARkK3lBwEYmVmdis2GW1FalFnMQ_mRcCojXJmx85K9qtG-ii_JNC3dHmaPNe82I3LTip01NOmSzEPzHuWBsCHUKeeeKzfInvinV3MoBOIWejuyRlvm-6nXjWEIFhEg/s1600-h/studio1+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G9KTkmEHARkK3lBwEYmVmdis2GW1FalFnMQ_mRcCojXJmx85K9qtG-ii_JNC3dHmaPNe82I3LTip01NOmSzEPzHuWBsCHUKeeeKzfInvinV3MoBOIWejuyRlvm-6nXjWEIFhEg/s320/studio1+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324326571095657746" border="0" /></a>Did I mention I also have a bit of fiber?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JpUHJO5AHQekfg16oFXJAzMcAJLNDmyuoGP9o-hLQYwb35CZnmsq-kPOlqurEfwzukWI9FUnVCa45R7OYiZD7icS3mq2rWIxUVIrYOUtVGjSNbAIWOvkTqYqCp1OGCKmyOkkmQ/s1600-h/studio1+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JpUHJO5AHQekfg16oFXJAzMcAJLNDmyuoGP9o-hLQYwb35CZnmsq-kPOlqurEfwzukWI9FUnVCa45R7OYiZD7icS3mq2rWIxUVIrYOUtVGjSNbAIWOvkTqYqCp1OGCKmyOkkmQ/s320/studio1+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324327070479277762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRc3QZPWHH3IVH9BJ7AosSbtDr0yK6n9kjfswRIHlvzz2UYzhbIrzyfNX9kemkACXHE1OvUuhuI90GCxBTj-tN718IRWehbNoxDxv77HXKlNIXqK0jA7EiyVXKsTqLE4fqzsCCg/s1600-h/studio1+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRc3QZPWHH3IVH9BJ7AosSbtDr0yK6n9kjfswRIHlvzz2UYzhbIrzyfNX9kemkACXHE1OvUuhuI90GCxBTj-tN718IRWehbNoxDxv77HXKlNIXqK0jA7EiyVXKsTqLE4fqzsCCg/s320/studio1+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324327067217195778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFckwoSILhiB6SGr331kXoRShi_amndcmufl8t9vlJ5xdl_5PtIYpm8Zh3g4Wpa6w3fjFFderWISsxq2PRvkYE69TdWbOua7fPwIz89fDxY-31bBII9L4jtES4zPTW_YBs5eG9Wg/s1600-h/studio1+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFckwoSILhiB6SGr331kXoRShi_amndcmufl8t9vlJ5xdl_5PtIYpm8Zh3g4Wpa6w3fjFFderWISsxq2PRvkYE69TdWbOua7fPwIz89fDxY-31bBII9L4jtES4zPTW_YBs5eG9Wg/s320/studio1+007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324327066439749938" border="0" /></a>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-18000502103188385772009-04-10T10:31:00.005-05:002009-04-10T10:40:00.227-05:00Meet-the-98-year-old-quake-survivor-who-knitted-to-stay-alive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-Bio9TcHwCkPHMwWIWXBaaZpleV2f9flVy-MSvusCAELGsw5y6BAkevklGOGPFzUbx7-VChw1U844AAvHo0dyAfe-xC7DD2Ac0gkDZLkxN_0V2pv6lb4bhz08dEuRnYOg5p58g/s1600-h/93980_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-Bio9TcHwCkPHMwWIWXBaaZpleV2f9flVy-MSvusCAELGsw5y6BAkevklGOGPFzUbx7-VChw1U844AAvHo0dyAfe-xC7DD2Ac0gkDZLkxN_0V2pv6lb4bhz08dEuRnYOg5p58g/s400/93980_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323087560509593538" border="0" /></a><br />Check <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/93980/Meet-the-98-year-old-quake-survivor-who-knitted-to-stay-alive">this </a>out.<br /><br />The focus we get when we knit gives us strength to deal with the world. We know that, but even so this story is amazing.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-56775783309294932532009-04-09T20:13:00.000-05:002009-04-09T20:13:58.492-05:00New Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRlrGQls5Pl1wDPayUM54GaCbBThUQijuTOIlZtNBGxpehtjTHuwtq_Fsw3ktZaLb9hTt-Q-Hm-UorXU_v63DAaxKtZ4BpRFI3fjfARrXEUZKg7olydtP6JObnkgU_mJZKCi4yw/s1600-h/new+markers.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRlrGQls5Pl1wDPayUM54GaCbBThUQijuTOIlZtNBGxpehtjTHuwtq_Fsw3ktZaLb9hTt-Q-Hm-UorXU_v63DAaxKtZ4BpRFI3fjfARrXEUZKg7olydtP6JObnkgU_mJZKCi4yw/s400/new+markers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322311166629135090" border="0" /></a>Charlotte Knitting Guild, April meeting. This is what we learned to make. They are so cute. I went to Michaels today and bought more Shrinky Dink stuff, in bright white. I'm going to make some markers to help in counting cast on stitches. Watching melted plastic curl and transform into these baby things is incredible fun. Heat guns give you a sense of power.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBof3TuuKjjaAjxmAy_ccVHB5ifVYrzO3FjpoS1YnvjzsNf4sjwWrNq46HCsAwoTNSYmSPZkzQiiaJ-Oxjon_NqWvbk_JHiBBxL1PXM5d4eKA43nVY3dKr1E4Vh-7-ZPV301hiQ/s1600-h/Harmony+needles.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBof3TuuKjjaAjxmAy_ccVHB5ifVYrzO3FjpoS1YnvjzsNf4sjwWrNq46HCsAwoTNSYmSPZkzQiiaJ-Oxjon_NqWvbk_JHiBBxL1PXM5d4eKA43nVY3dKr1E4Vh-7-ZPV301hiQ/s400/Harmony+needles.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322311167650025890" border="0" /></a>Blame Cristi; she loaned me one at the shop and I succombed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP-nwODwJ6h25uuCn0Fc_XfGKSyoW1i5sSAK6jURNnPztFCGpwF__9ep0ldse3iUZXAmOiPmBxNB5taVw9XJynNivHIm1Kfndc71CDq_jqPoUH08-mu7K7Ld8BYRO5JRFsfm_GA/s1600-h/Business+card.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP-nwODwJ6h25uuCn0Fc_XfGKSyoW1i5sSAK6jURNnPztFCGpwF__9ep0ldse3iUZXAmOiPmBxNB5taVw9XJynNivHIm1Kfndc71CDq_jqPoUH08-mu7K7Ld8BYRO5JRFsfm_GA/s400/Business+card.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322311160912393186" border="0" /></a>These are to hold me over until I can create a colored knitware piece in bright colors. I love the sheep. From Office Depot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKUunroT-TdMOl8VDOxkx9NGsMPC9lcyywOAuQO-wawTSeV0eaTUGbBfXg_81IM6SAqm4Gdu-s6yT9LWoh5aCxZWxuLMCUfa1A0W6CBZ7vlU2LbIfW-0iqP9IT00ADPY1UbntNg/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKUunroT-TdMOl8VDOxkx9NGsMPC9lcyywOAuQO-wawTSeV0eaTUGbBfXg_81IM6SAqm4Gdu-s6yT9LWoh5aCxZWxuLMCUfa1A0W6CBZ7vlU2LbIfW-0iqP9IT00ADPY1UbntNg/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322311156487024402" border="0" /></a>Thank Dani and the big guy for this. They took me by the hand and designed it. I only had to pay for it. I'm only slightly frustrated as I learn a new operating system. Vista puts things in some weird places.<br /><br />Later.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-31040978293076880992009-04-08T09:47:00.001-05:002009-04-08T09:47:00.783-05:00My role model for life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcD9CVREMEVl9iPDnDCwfbid4KGSkmWnHvKw2TzliCDEqSQSdaajHEar_CWo638Zt5WNifYrkWDkkTS7GWvDIujQde_0oglCyrz6iccfJcftjL2_m9seGDWZzK2u0_-X_IxfkVA/s1600-h/Aunt-Nene-and-Me-opt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcD9CVREMEVl9iPDnDCwfbid4KGSkmWnHvKw2TzliCDEqSQSdaajHEar_CWo638Zt5WNifYrkWDkkTS7GWvDIujQde_0oglCyrz6iccfJcftjL2_m9seGDWZzK2u0_-X_IxfkVA/s400/Aunt-Nene-and-Me-opt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321961361450006514" border="0" /></a>Today is Aunt Nene's birthday. Yes, that sexy baby is Baby Jane? Whatever happened . . . never mind.<br /><br />Aunt Nene loved me totally selflessly. No strings attached, no demands--just love. She loved me enough to send me off on my own life journey without guilt for not visiting her instead of going west to ski. Absolutely no strings and when we met up again, it was always as if no time had passed.<br /><br />I am more her child than anyone else's. She taught me the important things in life:<br /><ul><li>women should be athletes</li><li>never throw a card game just because your opponent is a child</li><li>crossword puzzles are your friends</li><li>mystery stories are the best, especially the Perry Mason series</li><li>never talk down to children--they are people, too.</li><li>nuture those you love and anyone else that needs it</li><li>dogs are family</li><li>be adventuresome--paint the bedroom aubergine and add some rum to that cake</li><li>root for the NY Giants, later the Atlanta Braves</li><li>Read, read, read, read, read.</li><li>Late in the day, sit down with a cup of tea (Lipton's with lemon), observe the world outside, and just quietly think.</li></ul>That cup of tea moment was the subject of my first published poem. I can still see it as if I were peeping in the window of the kitchen.<br /><br />Each moment I spend with my grandsons, I try to channel Aunt Nene. If I can be to them a tenth of what this lady was to me, I will have <span style="font-style: italic;">done good.<br /><br /></span>I hope someone has loved you this way.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-91607194051977747462009-04-07T10:12:00.004-05:002009-04-07T10:30:42.640-05:00Short Rows without Wraps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwipcIqfU84S4wHiSPfrFh4cvxDP0Z4IUt8P2RgCN7TMrj7UM7xs-3EUUrRoAonFM2WMJoUCrFriKOoDmwjPr_0ChBQ9tvyHZGzX5rhJ-2swCOYZ_dCKY5ECc2Rw4jD5G42B_mg/s1600-h/IMG_1671.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwipcIqfU84S4wHiSPfrFh4cvxDP0Z4IUt8P2RgCN7TMrj7UM7xs-3EUUrRoAonFM2WMJoUCrFriKOoDmwjPr_0ChBQ9tvyHZGzX5rhJ-2swCOYZ_dCKY5ECc2Rw4jD5G42B_mg/s400/IMG_1671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321969262120232306" border="0" /></a>I hate wrapping short rows as shown above. Then you have to pick up the wraps. I have undoubtedly wrapped one stitch backwards (or upside down or just weird) and then have to so some slip-slip--slip to get the sts in the correct relationship to hide the wrap.<br /><br />Imagine the frustration of a less experienced knitter who has not yet developed the <span style="font-style: italic;">eye</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">see </span>the error and then to <span style="font-weight: bold;">see </span>how to untangle the problem. (This <span style="font-style: italic;">eye </span>comes only through lots of experience.)<br /><br />I researched short rows--looked at yo's, Japanese method--tried to create a memory device for the more common method. I was still unhappy--well, very annoyed that I wasn't a mindless master of this technique.<br /><br />Then lightning struck. I've turned heels for years and never wrapped anything. I just turn, slip the next st and work the row. Why couldn't I just do that when I knit short rows? On knit rows and purl rows---same thing.<br /><br />Well, I can! And now I do. And my short rows are neat, less visible than before.<br /><br />I'm a genius.<br /><br />Since the Eureka, I have tripped over this identical technique done by dozens, maybe hundreds, of other knitters. Hardly anything is new in knitting. We just, as EZ said, "unvent" the technique for ourselves.<br /><br />So I'm not a genius? I'm a knitter. Much better.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23307193.post-52925978221995133072009-03-31T09:32:00.003-05:002009-03-31T09:41:55.327-05:00Spindle Success<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-ZsITzP9NLKAXZojV5x0bg1xJ5YQscbRrl80pQYueHUb3-7js5mqx92lAQiSzv2c3KldBgXFm0vj1YapumSa9sWCv9EiOcs6MxaUlyg-LA8ij4E85PpAagiz14O1OLwNzN1zjw/s1600-h/Spindle+spun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-ZsITzP9NLKAXZojV5x0bg1xJ5YQscbRrl80pQYueHUb3-7js5mqx92lAQiSzv2c3KldBgXFm0vj1YapumSa9sWCv9EiOcs6MxaUlyg-LA8ij4E85PpAagiz14O1OLwNzN1zjw/s400/Spindle+spun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319361623463993394" /></a><br /><br />I learned to spin on a wheel--actually an 18th c. reproduction at a local history site--<br /><br />I'm a fair hand at it. I spin by the seat of my pants. No math, no data, just two ply sport and dk weight yarns.<br /><br />Drop spindles came much later and were a disaster for me. Merike Saarnit took me in hand at a dye workshop and I discover top whorls and bowls for parking. Still clumsy though.<br /><br />Jet's talented husband Preston began making spindles. Gorgeous, intricate whorl patterns. Small, "lady-like" spindles. Had to have one. (Mine is one of his simpler ones.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAAYtVYHw9JvGYJFDyJrIqjemmpKf3RDs8-FjlOpGas6iA8Bi47GBRXVwKKWezmzYeqwSq832gdrAf5583rNBjO7duDO_3finsQsSbBk6Er17r4NKJXuNT8AVnW3GZ5_b5xo62g/s1600-h/Preston's+spindle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAAYtVYHw9JvGYJFDyJrIqjemmpKf3RDs8-FjlOpGas6iA8Bi47GBRXVwKKWezmzYeqwSq832gdrAf5583rNBjO7duDO_3finsQsSbBk6Er17r4NKJXuNT8AVnW3GZ5_b5xo62g/s400/Preston's+spindle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319361617432054290" /></a><br /><br />Bought it; couldn't spin with it. We all knew it wasn't the spindle that was the problem.<br /><br />Enter friend Cat!<br /><br />She said, "Oh. Change hands. Spin it with your dominant hand and draft with the other." A-hem! That's how I do it at the wheel. Duh. <br />She said, "Park and drive."<br />I said, "Park and draft."<br />She said, "Whatever."<br /><br />Result--Sock and lace weight singles. Can ply or can knit energized singles a la Kathryn Alexander.<br /><br />I love Cat.Jane Praterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282947601514247487noreply@blogger.com3