tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6739664158250035432024-03-05T20:23:29.143-05:00Knit...Purl...Wait, What?...Damn!A girl and her quest to learn how to knit.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-12942877685218144942013-07-24T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-24T00:00:01.422-04:00{WIP} Hey, Hey, Hey<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a sucker for test knitting and I'm working on another pattern by <a href="http://stockiettezombies.com/">Megan</a>. This time it's the Blurred Lines socks which should be released in late August.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pattern uses self-striping yarn, so after digging through my stash I undug my Quaere Fibers self striping in the Tokyo Underground colorway and got to work. Since my yarn does not have 4 rows or more between stripes, I'm testing the method of doing it every other color change. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And....you may notice I am knitting these toe-up TWO AT A TIME. BOOYAH. I'm getting to my sock knitter's goal of learning. (and this way I won't have second sock syndrome)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And since the sock pattern is called Blurred Lines....I've had the song stuck in my head non-stop since casting on. Hey, hey, hey.</span></div>
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrCjSi7g57j9UeZdQZgH2kkqV6ZwQkqUKuxVZVdi1Ig-wlXXKVrzoe3XN0uRVq5cyXfGBqNwL6Gn-j-3ZLcF-KKY2aWECly8AUVxtFnn6U0C0QRAaQijXGniJsJ4NdB7gYqmPmPNmtmE/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-74701484496063676702013-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-10T00:00:07.008-04:00{WIP} It Fits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been too hot and too muggy to do much of anything lately. Very little knitting, spinning, or stitching has happened in the last week. But, I finally knit the few easy peasy stockinette rows after separating the sleeves from the body and with trepidation I finally tried it on. And it fits! Hallelujah, hallelujah! Now if I can survive the oncoming onslaught of short rows I will hopefully have a wearable garment :D I feel like half the battle is won. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQWUMqdlWmL3YXz3rir8T5dQutIBWQ6yMfntIXsQ46VrIAzodBlOeJM-s_5LWWa8PhmbwmnM_fUSckUJPvELk0kNa4njvVJnD0mOl-Dhgu6e8ojdr0LECbIiycPqMONO5NeIKkBHYV24/s320/daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQWUMqdlWmL3YXz3rir8T5dQutIBWQ6yMfntIXsQ46VrIAzodBlOeJM-s_5LWWa8PhmbwmnM_fUSckUJPvELk0kNa4njvVJnD0mOl-Dhgu6e8ojdr0LECbIiycPqMONO5NeIKkBHYV24/s200/daughter.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing that it has not been too hot for is reading! This week, for Ginny's Yarn Along, I am currently reading <b>Daughter of Smoke & Bone </b>by Laini Taylor. This book is amazing. Simply amazing. It is YA, as I am a self confessed YA junkie, but please do not let that scare you away...this book is gripping in its storytelling and features a strong female protagonist. It is a fresh twist on the age old battle between angels and demons with such very unique twists. It also takes place in a part of the world that doesn't really appear much in YA, or any American, fiction. From the streets of Prague to Paris, adventure happens on every page. I am almost done with it and cannot wait to start the sequel.</span></div>
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVgAKVBOSMBk_fHTl3GlZlHj5bmNF5vhEFQgLYDXIC-pOpqL5Jr_taIJvaYrSusHqq95x6z2lGwAmwDY4q5-ixYAha9FphWsOio0fGbkBOf8X86uLh8Q_XEG-Iz1spqZkBDKhpuaRD-Q/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /> </a><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yarnalong_gsheller_pink.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-47656564404036646312013-07-03T20:22:00.000-04:002013-07-03T20:22:03.135-04:00{WIP} Great Moogly, Oogly! I've got some sleeves!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better late than never! I kind of completely forgot today was Wednesday what with having tomorrow off for the 4th of July. And accounting. The accounting (work related) is eating my brain cells. For those of you curious, I am the FSA Specialist for my company and I am currently in the midst of the year end forfeiture accounting. Which is hysterical because one of the reasons why I was a European History major back in my BA days was so I could AVOID using maths. Lets just say this: there is a slew of former Amy math teachers who have been wandering around in a panic and not knowing why the last two weeks. As long as I keep telling myself that accounting isn't really real math I don't freak out too bad!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I didn't finish my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/vitamin-d">Vitamin D</a> in time for <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/">Must Stash Podcast's</a> sweater KAL. But, I am proud of myself for <i>trying</i> to get it done in time. Last weekend I finally took the plunge and separated the sleeves from the body. As I figured I totally over thought it. Piece of cake. However, I do have the scary short rows coming up. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have also been working on the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/">Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's</a> Springtime Sampler and I'm really enjoying this! Since each picture is small and contained I feel a great sense of accomplishment each time I finish a square. As you can see I have just started the outline for the third square. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Square one is a pint of strawberries, square 2 is a bunny, and square 3...well, we will have to wait and see!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a trip to the library yesterday evening and picked up a bunch of books that had come in (I like to "order" them online and pick them up on my way home). With my usual slew of YA books, I did pick up The Lady Most Willing by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. I am such a sucker for regency romance novels. </span></div>
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY1IAQPxIDb_lNSFIB-ZbfMqiQcT1oc8PLhimmKMf_glRiYJOFkYb1ckFy9MNTqolvhXKVVRiF_4_rjbMjbZeGLVwBkvuIEl5oBzlmWh6j8Csih8tvLdxB5dAMi0l1D-DHABvvImXv3Y/s170/tami_wip.jpg" /> </a><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yarnalong_gsheller_gray.jpg" /></a></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-88411974545444149182013-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-28T00:00:02.298-04:00{FO} Sanibel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/sanibel-cowl"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0_8KTmqwt9ouGC1wYKpaIqQh-OkDx2yQKB3-w4fRbgUAC5AOtiZ212pWnhBMJ2nrDQtBtpBbbc-uJ5BhA1XFTDmqhkal5sOihNUODzNoQY6QDFRKO8TZoXyB13YR_G76olh596PEyd8/s400/1016081_716283535314_432396691_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanibel-cowl">Sanibel Cowl</a> was such a fun, easy knit...and I think I might be itching to cast on a second one! Knit up in the Louisa Harding Albero, the cotton/viscose blend gives this cowl amazing drape. And it's so squishy! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was part of the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-east-coast-knitters"> East Coast Knitter's</a> summer KAL, and I actually finished it on time! Woo!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out some other amazing finished objects on Tami's page. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-53886913509672904442013-06-23T18:10:00.002-04:002013-06-23T18:10:21.913-04:00{TDF} Practice, Practice, Practice<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A person I had met at the Connecticut Sheep and Wool festival in April had told me that once I started spinning, in the beginning, I should spin for 15 minutes a day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried a little while ago, and put it up. I am taking lessons in July for the Tour De Fleece from the very talented Linda who is well known in the Rhode Island spinning community (I am going to be checking out the RI Spinning Guild in upcoming weeks as well) so I figured I would "get it" then. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then yesterday, at an ASPCA event, I met a lovely woman named Emilia who is a knitter and spinner as well and who really encouraged me to try some more before my lessons. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I broke out the spindle and fiber last night and did 15 minutes. And today, I did 15 minutes more. I am having trouble drafting (could be the fiber I'm using which is 50% merino and 50% alpaca which has a short staple) and there is no notch on my cheap-y beginner spindle so I have issues getting the yarn around the hook and have some parts that untwist so I needed to "respin" those sections. Consistency...eh...it's getting there. I have some bumps and thin areas but practice, practice, practice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first attempted spindling, I was giving it a flick with my left hand. And I wasn't getting a lot of twist. So last night I tried the down the leg method and holy moly sooo much twist. I think when I shattered my wrist last winter I lost a lot of OOMPH in my left hand, so this is much better!</span><br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-2698230557452974522013-06-21T20:32:00.001-04:002013-06-21T20:32:07.240-04:00Road Trip to New Jersey<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently listening to the most recent podcast from </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thefatsquirrel.com/2013/06/18/episode-68-budgies-are-from-australia/">The Fat Squirrel Speaks</a> and wishing I had decided to join the Orange KAL -- some amazing prizes out there to be won. But, I have two active KALs <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/sanibel-cowl">one</a> of which will be finished in time...and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/vitamin-d">other</a>, well, that was a pipe dream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, as I mentioned in <a href="http://knitpurldamn.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-mustache-for-dad-special-cancer-post.html">this post</a>, for Father's Day weekend I went home to New York to visit my dear old daddy and there was some definite stash enhancement. We went down to New Jersey for the day, and of course I had to check Ravelry for yarn stores. What better way to say "I love you dad!" then "let's go to a yarn store!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My first stop was <a href="http://doeweknit.com/">Do Ewe Knit? </a>in Westfield, NJ and despite the cicada horded that has settled in that area of NJ, it was such a fun shop! The owner, owner's husband (I think?) and her adorable Shih Tsu Ruby were so amazingly nice. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/kpoz">Karen</a> (the owner) stocks quite a bit of smaller hand-dyers and I was resistless. I scooped up a skein of <a href="http://anzula.com/">Anzula</a> (the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/anzula-cricket">cricket</a> base) in a stunning red colorway called "Madam" and a knitter's kit -- sock monkey stitch markers, a row counter and scissor set that clips onto a project bag. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczws416XRlye4FmAY5N18yK2ak1NtwI_J0OxnBz5dyGK177RGxnhMSI9Cgt6Mm_GU0sCTaPXC-J-5MYTCB_VMCNAYeJvNddqEwKvWBsHKVBubMG6MqDDgi4QqZkX9Y39MoVxq3fb66B8/s1600/photo-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczws416XRlye4FmAY5N18yK2ak1NtwI_J0OxnBz5dyGK177RGxnhMSI9Cgt6Mm_GU0sCTaPXC-J-5MYTCB_VMCNAYeJvNddqEwKvWBsHKVBubMG6MqDDgi4QqZkX9Y39MoVxq3fb66B8/s320/photo-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My next stop was in Red Bank...and the name of the shop was just so much fun, I couldn't resist. I mean, could you have resisted some place called <a href="http://woolymonmouth.com/">The Wooly Monmouth</a>? (Red Bank is right in Monmouth county NJ). I had just intended to browse here, but the selection was so amazing and I found a yarn I have never used or heard of before. <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/">Skein</a> is an Australian company and I got their <a href="http://skeinyarn.com/products/top-draw-socks-dyed-to-order">Top Draw Sock</a> base in <a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/0666/products/static5_1024x1024.jpg?1875">Static</a>. This yarn is AMAZING. I love the color and I love how soft it is. </span><br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-43135559646009386582013-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-19T00:00:05.634-04:00{WIP} Fiber ADD<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">As a reminder there is a KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway in my post from Sunday about cancer that can be found </span></strong><a href="http://knitpurldamn.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-mustache-for-dad-special-cancer-post.html"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">. The contest ends on Saturday!</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another one of those weeks where I feel like my Work-In-Progress pile is rather large. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhL03dnCUvWeAcb1xXLUt7Ebtv4SRrRDTIOBPAL419XtVDfPUQY7ygwYitrMlxhHiqBHUd37mzh-dymiowTX6QYAef3Wn-1EnAgREgPQxo86GCSuUz1AYdosWpQuLnN6atEFqPC0MWmc/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click here for lots of other amazing WIPS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will start with a KAL project that I actually will finish by the June 30th deadline. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-east-coast-knitters">East Coast Knitters</a> group is knitting an adorable, quick, easy cowl for their summer KAL. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sanibel-cowl">Sanibel</a> uses drapey worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles with a totally customizeable pattern. Despite attempting to use stash only yarn for my next few projects, I had nothing that was both worsted and drapey in my stash...so alas, to the yarn store my long suffering Nathan went for me. He picked me up a few skeins (on mega sale!) of Louisa Harding Albero, a cotton/viscose blend. Seriously guys this pattern is super easy and fast and FREE. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYzpvJrlFV-gAx27NZO-3mBV0dYTf0kHQHBLlqnZMJnOuEGxtIVKMoJK6PYCvsR6anOC0MVVUjCXIYSz4rwh_PnVO1ZToLXL3944bRfYFaorf9NYF5NrXd1ZinsIRgf7Kiu8_EdmZ900/s1600/sanibel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYzpvJrlFV-gAx27NZO-3mBV0dYTf0kHQHBLlqnZMJnOuEGxtIVKMoJK6PYCvsR6anOC0MVVUjCXIYSz4rwh_PnVO1ZToLXL3944bRfYFaorf9NYF5NrXd1ZinsIRgf7Kiu8_EdmZ900/s320/sanibel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like antique lace </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also started a non-yarn related project this week! I have jumped back on the cross stitch bandwagon thanks to my friend Siobhan sending me a pattern. I am stitching the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2013-springtime-sampler">Springtime Sampler</a> by <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> as a summer stitch-a-long with <a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/">Tami</a> and my friend Viki from high school. I haven't gotten too far yet but I'm really enjoying the cuteness of it. One of the reasons I got bored with cross stitching was because it all felt too old lady. These kawaii characters will definitely not go into the land of old anytime soon. One thing I find amusing is how much my shoulder aches afterwards!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyIzVj9ssv7n_4hZnqOcBrTbwVSrIY7MQdWsNOK6uLUS7cUEwwu22E9okV47-Cc5OBJz4uhUYJGUnD3C8CCO7iBwMKKoxgj_BB6cRqwgFhSnrSOVI9om2wIn2QtEDiu8svxMcpS4rFYI/s1600/xstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyIzVj9ssv7n_4hZnqOcBrTbwVSrIY7MQdWsNOK6uLUS7cUEwwu22E9okV47-Cc5OBJz4uhUYJGUnD3C8CCO7iBwMKKoxgj_BB6cRqwgFhSnrSOVI9om2wIn2QtEDiu8svxMcpS4rFYI/s320/xstitch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am so happy all my Xs face the same way</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't worked too much on my shawls lately as I've been consumed with working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitamin-d">Vitamin D</a> cardigan...but as I'm nearly approaching the sleeve separation and body work I've gotten nervous. Sure, it's just knitting. But now is the part where I will begin to tell whether or not I'm going to have a wearable garment. Additionally, the body involves A LOT of short rows. And instead of doing a normal Wrap and Turn (W&T) I wanted to use the no wrap no gap method I used for the heel in my super secret sock I test knitted (which I might have a HO on Friday for now that the pattern is out) but I haven't worked out the logistics yet...and my luck I would screw up.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cG4F9D6a_aL0O2PRuvAE1X-A50ORIVry-wMCXxBBASY_F1BZOTMKcAwYsH_ieKgh1iyuIZalxAGBoxsNme9eL2D_2vTEyLBr29ZaJWIpBcxJzDwG713Ib1q-XpaEqiN-PPVq2o8TUHE/s1600/sweater2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cG4F9D6a_aL0O2PRuvAE1X-A50ORIVry-wMCXxBBASY_F1BZOTMKcAwYsH_ieKgh1iyuIZalxAGBoxsNme9eL2D_2vTEyLBr29ZaJWIpBcxJzDwG713Ib1q-XpaEqiN-PPVq2o8TUHE/s320/sweater2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My progress is much more than this but I love how this photo looks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHbVOtnKPPx3mM4q07cNR9SEAe-hvck3oWmEympimpRrAloFui_OcOy1JmbLlPC1w6AMM-fB3P1xiX1-w9wWuU5HzhXQuSokuOUba5pcosFgLA4N2J5Z9yAJeKDvW1I6xzS62QL8glpQ/s1600/sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHbVOtnKPPx3mM4q07cNR9SEAe-hvck3oWmEympimpRrAloFui_OcOy1JmbLlPC1w6AMM-fB3P1xiX1-w9wWuU5HzhXQuSokuOUba5pcosFgLA4N2J5Z9yAJeKDvW1I6xzS62QL8glpQ/s320/sweater.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the little sleeve wedge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And that's it for this Wednesday. Now that I'm a couple of years out of the learning to knit stage I've been thinking of doing a blog re-branding with new name and possibly moving to Wordpress....but the very thought is super overwhelming. Thoughts? </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-18008108795678221372013-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-06-16T09:57:01.596-04:00A Mustache For Dad & Special Cancer Post complete with KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway!! #recipesfromtheheart<div style="border: currentColor; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLND0iROwOn3o7xS14j2OGUtSCqTAYClpFZ3Okq6uVE1w03nFlsj0JSpxCUQQ0N-9f0jLggjd4Pnc8THlnZQLkcoxmKkL1CvuQTQWYvIV4kv0Lnva_N7mxner7BC3_nzeeKUXoHL1qnw/s1600/KAButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLND0iROwOn3o7xS14j2OGUtSCqTAYClpFZ3Okq6uVE1w03nFlsj0JSpxCUQQ0N-9f0jLggjd4Pnc8THlnZQLkcoxmKkL1CvuQTQWYvIV4kv0Lnva_N7mxner7BC3_nzeeKUXoHL1qnw/s200/KAButton.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">"Today's event is being hosted by Kim of </span><a href="http://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Cravings of a Lunatic</a><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> and Jen of </span><a href="http://jcocina.com/" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Juanita's Cocina</a><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">. They teamed up with their blogger friends to help raise awareness and support for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Cancer</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> and</span> Hospice today in memory of Kim's dad. We encourage everyone to read the posts and share their own experiences with<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">cancer</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">. We also would like to encourage everyone to donate to the </span></span><a href="http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=donations_can_home" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">Canadian <span style="color: #222222;">Cancer</span> Society</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">, the </span><a href="https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">American <span style="color: #222222;">Cancer</span> Society</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> <wbr></wbr>and also to the </span><a href="http://www.chpca.net/" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">. Hospice was a key element during Kim's father's battle with </span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">cancer</span></span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">.</span> They made it possible for Kim to care for him at home. So please show your support and donate if you can. You can also contact your local Hospice and donate directly to them if you wish. A little goes a long way! "</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://cravingsofalunatic.com/">Kim</a> has been a good friend of mine for years now. I credit myself with her starting her blog (yes, I am *that* friend on her bio!) to which she took blogging to a whole new level of awesome. When she mentioned she wanted to do something like this for Father's Day, I jumped in. Am I a foodie like all of the other bloggers participating? No. Do I like to cook? Sure, but I like to dial a number on the phone more. So you may be asking why I am participating in a blogging phenomenon like all of these other amazing, talented bloggers and food makers...and the answer is that I too have been deeply affected by cancer. So, for all of you foodies who might have found your way to my blog and think you might be lost I hope that you stick around :) Perhaps you will find a new hobby to entertain yourselves with when waiting for the timer to go off.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and me</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cancer has always, unfortunately, been a part of my life. My beloved grandmother passed away from breast cancer on Christmas Eve when I was 10. To say we were close would be putting it mildly. Sure, when I was very little I liked to play with her jelly filled breast prosthetic (amd learned at an early age not to shout out that I want to play with her boobie in public places) but I never realized how bad cancer was until she got very sick. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her and hope that she is proud of the woman I have now become. </span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But, cancer has reared it's head once more in my life. This March, my father was diagnosed with Stage II Brain Cancer. I remember the day he called me telling me this and he said not to worry that it was a "good cancer." Good cancer? Those two words have never belonged in the same sentence. Though to the doctors, this slow growing non-moving cancer is "good." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let me give you a little back story. My father is a stubborn man whose favorite phrase is "don't worry." Eight years ago he was getting blinding headaches, walked around like he was drunk, and was just out of sorts. But I was told "don't worry about it" so I never realized how bad it was. I was up at college enjoying my junior year and trying not to worry about it. During winter break, I spent New Years Eve with my boyfriend out in western Massachusetts. We went to a New Year's Eve party at his brother's house and I got very, very, very tipsy. That morning I woke up, hungover, to the sound of my cell phone ringing. I blearily opened one eye and saw it was my mom. I ignored it. The phone rang again, and I still ignored it. Then Nate's family's house phone rang so we answered it. My mother was in tears telling me that my father had collapsed and was at the hospital - they thought it was a stroke. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Long story short, it wasn't a stroke. My father had a brain tumor the size of a large man's fist. Brain surgery was scheduled for the next day and that was 8 hours of waiting. When the brain surgeon came out he told us that due to the size of the tumor my father only had 6 months left to live. I was devasted to say the least and tried to be strong for my mother and father. Now, the brain surgeon made this proclamation with no lab results. So imagine our gratitude and surprise when a few weeks later he called, on my dad's birthday no less, to tell us he had made a mistake and the tumor wasn't malignant. My dad would be fine.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7OTheOMm3g5OBCpc6jl2ks67BYQ70aLIetrEQe4lIB6KM_yYdEINtCMvJBbN2OSh-azeNRbxouUTHzcKsPlx_P4-5mV-ZB7-oy01SvliegxIkkatUTsqxBmwsN9rsxaSgIjWxEvhzEc/s1600/mom+and+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7OTheOMm3g5OBCpc6jl2ks67BYQ70aLIetrEQe4lIB6KM_yYdEINtCMvJBbN2OSh-azeNRbxouUTHzcKsPlx_P4-5mV-ZB7-oy01SvliegxIkkatUTsqxBmwsN9rsxaSgIjWxEvhzEc/s320/mom+and+dad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine is a relative term...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4BjXTXiNqflhaSmh0MLtrSe7xJO6Dmm-VV8x6AIiS-agC0ArcGi7qLokWpxcLfXZsc60Al5YC7UcalBOLj8lRULThVMiSaqS4GuprUva9qBBcl8NweBliIItI2NKWxEUEskOk0UjZrU/s1600/35882_541192509134_1978405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4BjXTXiNqflhaSmh0MLtrSe7xJO6Dmm-VV8x6AIiS-agC0ArcGi7qLokWpxcLfXZsc60Al5YC7UcalBOLj8lRULThVMiSaqS4GuprUva9qBBcl8NweBliIItI2NKWxEUEskOk0UjZrU/s200/35882_541192509134_1978405_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad & me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't want to bore you with a very long, lengthy diatribe of the following eight years but let's just say due to circumstances I got into the habit of calling my father every day when I got out of work at 5 pm. One Monday night in February I was running late so I called my dad on his cell and he didn't answer. I then tried the house phone, no answer. I didn't think anything of it really - he was probably walking the dog. So I waited until I got to the next train station and tried again. And again. Still nothing. Now I started to panic - my dad usually jumped on the phone when I rang and called me out for being late. And mom had mentioned over the weekend that she wanted to make an appointment with the neurologist. And my dad wasn't answering the phone. My parents live on Long Island, and I work in Boston (live in Rhode Island) -- that's 4 hours away. I didn't know what to do. Should I call the police? Ask a friend to stop by? I called my mom and told her the situation, she said the same thing I thought that he was probably walking the dog. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong though. Mom left work early and rushed home, and my entire commute home I kept calling. and calling. and calling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Around 9:00 am that Monday morning my dad went down to the basement to get clean clothes from the dryer. Two steps down, his left leg gave out and he fell. He wound up fracturing his back and couldn't move, though he tried. When mom got home she called the ambulance and they brought him to the hospital. Like deja vu the EMTs said they thought he had a stroke. Like deja vu, it wasn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My dad had another fist sized tumor in his brain. Almost exactly where it was 8 years ago. I won't rehash the hours of tears (there were many) or the fear of the week (it was mind numbing) but the tumor was was benign once more and we thought my dad just had to recover again. With the back fracture he was in considerable pain but was hobbling along with a walker. Then some pathology results came back in saying that although the tumor was benign, surrounding brain tissue was malignant.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwN_l-Llcd9SP95HQ8lt1fDBOdQ-bqcidm8EVRaaPB4fuwdaiWcs1SmIYG64qCPKmnKPkCU6o6LuyFi3Elrqse-q4Tvp7OVHW4Jpt71etB2XMzp2sSkLxat2xTrTb3PWKqobkpcR5H5Y/s1600/dad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwN_l-Llcd9SP95HQ8lt1fDBOdQ-bqcidm8EVRaaPB4fuwdaiWcs1SmIYG64qCPKmnKPkCU6o6LuyFi3Elrqse-q4Tvp7OVHW4Jpt71etB2XMzp2sSkLxat2xTrTb3PWKqobkpcR5H5Y/s320/dad2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Brain Surgery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before round 3 of chemo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's now Father's Day, and I'm home visiting my father. He is about to start round 4 of chemo this Monday but he's doing OK. He is still in a lot of pain due to his back, but he says his head doesn't hurt at all. He doesn't remember the week in the hospital, only the part after he woke up from the brain surgery. He is back to telling me "don't worry" and constantly hounding me to see if I've eaten that day. Since he started chemo, I've been turning that question back on him since he has no appetite and food doesn't taste the same. I still live 4 hours away and don't get to see him nearly enough, but I talk with him every day on the phone -- at 5 pm and other times of the day. My dad is stubborn - he says he isn't going anywhere until he walks me down the aisle and bounces a grandbaby on his knee. I keep waiting for the news that he is in remission or the cancer is gone. But I remain hopeful that if anyone can beat cancer, it's my dad.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVEkE7-DCjrcBVQK2ewJstdz_nJ28jnBpmNhhycwLpCeoXHZLsjAb6hrbNpg45dEq8jghJVC7FrRAguU-j6ygrIiSTiLxTJdFW58UrXQW6VTzqD0i5Q_Oqn7ZjaLdO_NcqWHyfhAiR7s/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVEkE7-DCjrcBVQK2ewJstdz_nJ28jnBpmNhhycwLpCeoXHZLsjAb6hrbNpg45dEq8jghJVC7FrRAguU-j6ygrIiSTiLxTJdFW58UrXQW6VTzqD0i5Q_Oqn7ZjaLdO_NcqWHyfhAiR7s/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">In honor of my father and all other people affected by brain cancer I have crocheted a grey mustache pin to wear. For some reason the grey ribbon for brain cancer doesn't appeal to me -- grey is such a hopeless color! But, as you can tell by photos in this post. My dad has a mustache . And it is now mostly grey. As I mentioned earlier, this is not a foodie blog and while I could have posted a recipe I chose (with Kim's permission) to knit or crochet something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The pattern is a freebie that can be found <a href="http://wichecraft.blogspot.ca/2012/01/mustache-necklace-disguise.html">here</a> and is a very easy basic crochet pattern. I am always amazed at how much quicker crocheting is from knitting...but I'm still not about to turn my needles in and become a hooker full time (Foodies still reading, a hooker is not only a lady of the night but a term for someone who crochets.) To turn it into a pin, I just threaded a normal safety pin on the back. And Voila! I wear my Brain Cancer Mustache Pin with pride.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ9h5fxW6RIySGojcObO5vKgk5QwWECCPpeRJngGFhKZmADTMN88NvWWwQqN6if-vKUWGjgx5qnN5Nh6iTHarpTh3qaZEUGlGIfFLM2CU5bQz9FuUWuEoiHWHivNdi0v_EFVTlxCH0Mo/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ9h5fxW6RIySGojcObO5vKgk5QwWECCPpeRJngGFhKZmADTMN88NvWWwQqN6if-vKUWGjgx5qnN5Nh6iTHarpTh3qaZEUGlGIfFLM2CU5bQz9FuUWuEoiHWHivNdi0v_EFVTlxCH0Mo/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="231" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now this is the part of the post that would make sense if I was a foodie blog...but I'm not, so this is going to seem random and out there. But hey, even crafters cook and who wouldn't love to win a KitchenAid stand Mixer? (Contest open to only US and Canada residents only and is open to contestants from ALL blogs participating in this event, not one winner per blog)
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner gets to choose their color!</td></tr>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Enter for your chance to Win an Artisan® Series KitchenAid® Stand Mixer in the color of your choice (there are 26 to choose from) as well as an Ice Cream Maker Attachment. A sweet choice for all, this creative attachment features the largest ice cream bowl capacity in the industry. Prepare 2 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, gelato or other frozen desserts. We're pleased to announce the giveaway is open to Canadian residents, as well as U.S. Residents. Winner will be chosen and announced during the pinchatlive event, described below. Winner will also be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond another winner will be chosen. 1 Stand Mixer and 1 Ice Cream Attachment are being given away as a group, not 1 per blog just to be clear for our readers. </i></div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></i><br />
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">There are bonus prizes for the pinchatlive event. We are giving away 1 Vanilla Infused Gift Box Set, 1 Lemon Infused Gift Box Set and a $30 Amazon Gift Card. In order to participate in this event follow the Pinterest Board <a href="http://pinterest.com/CravingsLunatic/recipesfromtheheart/" target="_blank">#recipesfromtheheart</a>. Hop on the Pinterest board on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1210588181" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">June 22 at 2 pm</span></span> Est to follow along. We'll ask questions and those who comment are entered to win the bonus prizes. There will be a G+ Hangout on Air during the event as well. </i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Winners of the pinchatlive event must be Canadian or U.S. residents.</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman","Bitstream Charter",Times,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<i>Visit <a href="http://facebook.com/KitchenAidCanada" target="_blank">Facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>KitchenAidCanada</a> and click on the<b> “</b></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#%21/KitchenAidCanada/app_583182081692100" target="_blank"><b><i>More than a Mixer</i></b></a><b><i>” </i></b><i>tab to explore all 12 attachments available for the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer.</i></div>
</span></span></strong><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3071371/" id="rc-3071371" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that for me this has been a very long post but I do hope that you will check the blogs of the other participants in this event. They are all amazing, talented cooks and bakers and I have tried several of their recipes in the past and they are delicious!!<br /><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p2eiH5-1KV" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Home-made Strawberry Topping</a> by Cravings of a Lunatic
<a href="http://jcocina.com/?p=7304" target="_blank">Chili Verde</a> by Juanita's Cocina
<a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/2013/06/smores-brownies-in-jars-cancerawareness.html" target="_blank">S'Mores Brownies in Jars</a> by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
<a href="http://www.thedutchbakersdaughter.com/2013/06/dark-chocolate-and-orange.html" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate and Orange Muffins</a> by The Dutch Baker's Daughter
<a href="http://passthesushi.com/?p=13654" target="_blank">Boston Cream Pie</a> by Pass The Sushi
<a href="http://curryandcomfort.blogspot.ca/2013/06/my-fathers-day-recipe-round-up.html" target="_blank">My Fathers Day Recipe Round Up</a> by Curry and Comfort
<a href="http://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/tropical-smoothie-recipesfromtheheart" target="_blank">Tropical Smoothie</a> by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
<a href="http://masalaherb.com/2013/06/mini-gugelhupf.html" target="_blank">Mini Gugelhupf</a> by Masala Herb
<a href="http://www.cookthestory.com/?p=10276" target="_blank">Sauteed Strawberry and Sugarsnap Salad</a> by Cook The Story
<a href="http://infinebalance.com/2013/06/16/cranberry-and-cashew-breakfast-muffins/" target="_blank">Cranberry Cashew Breakfast Muffins</a> by In Fine Balance
<a href="http://crazyfoodiestunts.blogspot.com/2013/06/recipesfromtheheart-arugula-salad-with.html" target="_blank">Arugula Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Mushrooms</a> by Crazy Foodie Stunts
<a href="http://www.katiescucina.com/?p=4359" target="_blank">Spicy Beef Sliders</a> by Katie's Cucina
<a href="http://damndelicious.net/post/53091372353/thai-red-curry-soup-recipesfromtheheart-and-a" target="_blank">Thai Red Curry Soup</a> by Damn Delicious
<a href="http://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.ca/2013/06/suman-in-honor-of-grandma-eva.html" target="_blank">Suman (Sweet Rice and Banana Leaves)</a> by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
<a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Vegetable Salad</a> by White Lights on Wednesday
<a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2013/06/peanut-butter-cup-ice-cream-sundae" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Sundae</a> by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
<a href="http://themessybakerblog.com/2013/06/16/cinnamon-chip-cookie-butter-oat-bars-recipesfromtheheart-kitchenaid-giveaway/" target="_blank">Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Bars</a> by The Messy Baker
<a href="http://www.cookistry.com/2013/06/berrycherry-fro-yo-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Berry/Cherry Fro-Yo Ice Cream</a> by Cookistry
<a href="http://hungrycouplenyc.blogspot.ca/2013/06/honey-beer-bread-kitchenaid-stand-mixer_16.html" target="_blank">Honey Beer Bread</a> by Hungry Couple
<a href="http://www.thespiffycookie.com/2013/06/16/cinnamon-chocolate-chip-pancakes-recipesfromtheheart" target="_blank">Cinnamon-Chocolate Chip Pancakes</a> by The Spiffy Cookie
<a href="http://www.sweet-remedy.com/?p=5513" target="_blank">Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars</a> by Sweet Remedy
<a href="http://cookinginstilettos.com/cookies-and-cream-brownies/" target="_blank">Cookies and Cream Brownies</a> by Cooking in Stilettos
<a href="http://www.roxanashomebaking.com/?p=6389" target="_blank">Blueberry Lemon Cake</a> by Roxana's Home Baking
<a href="http://ninjabaking.com/angel-cake-recipesfromtheheart" target="_blank">Angel Cake</a> by Ninja Baking
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-633608735879735262013-06-07T10:25:00.001-04:002013-06-07T10:44:56.697-04:00{TDF} Spin Baby Spin<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm doing it this summer guys. I'm participating in the Tour de Fleece as part of the <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/">Must Stash Podcast's </a>team. I'm blogger accountable now :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will be starting spinning lessons in July...and my goal? Other than learn to spin? I'm aiming for 100 yards. Of recognizable yarn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So keep an eye out for {TDF} posts and encourage me on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yipee!! </span><br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-45349630818868726342013-06-05T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-05T00:00:01.824-04:00{WIP} Yarn Juggling<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knitting monogamy - I miss you. Currently, I have four active WIPs. FOUR. Well. I guess we can say three that are on the needles and the fourth is half of a sock pair that has yet to be cast on. With the exception of the non-cast on sock, none of these projects are easy to carry with me projects and all involve three skeins of yarn to be juggled. Oy. Vey. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Looks a Twi</span>x<span class="Apple-style-span"> Bar</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've made some progress with my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/color-affection">Color Affection</a> shawl by getting to the point where I can add the second color. I really like how the creamy Butter Pecan looks against the darker Fudge Brownie. I am knitting this with Candy Skein's <a href="http://www.candyskein.com/?page_id=1211">Sweet Fingering</a> base and I love how this yarn just glows in sunlight. It will be awhile, but I can't wait to join in the third color!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello. I'm Amy's first ever gauge swatch</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've swatched and started my first sweater! I'm only a few rows into the actual sweater, so I'm going to share my swatch. I am going to attempt to knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/vitamin-d">Vitamin D </a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/heidi-kirrmaier">Heidi Kirrmaier</a>. The parts of the pattern I've completed so far haven't been too hard. Rather, the difficulty for me is alternating three separate skeins of <a href="http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/tosh-merino-light.html">Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light</a> (in the lovely Well Water colorway) and keeping them from tangling. But I'd rather have a nicely blended sweater than one where you can see the changes in yarn....so alternate I shall. I'm alternating every other row - so purl w. skein A, knit w. skein A, purl w. skein V, knit w. skein B, purl w. skein C, knit w. skein C - then repeat. I haven't knit anything in stockinette stitch that wasn't in the round lately....so I've kind of forgotten how painful it can sometimes be. But, those rows are good TV watching rows. And the pattern itself isn't too difficult yet - just a lot of knits, purls, YOs, and make 1s. I have my fingers crossed that my first sweater looks amazing and fits me perfectly. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Deco</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And thirdly, I have a project that has been long languishing since last August (!!!). Memorial Day weekend I decided to randomly pick up and work on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/rockefeller">Rockefeller</a> by <a href="http://westknits.com/">Stephen West</a>. Last summer, I had finished Clue A of this mystery knit along behind schedule of the clues being released and was intimidated by the final object. So I placed it in a project bag along with the lovely yarns and kind of pretended it didn't e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xist for awhile. But having finished my socks for the <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Stockinette Zombie</a>'s Finish-That-KAL KAL I decided to work on it a bit. I worked on Clue B for the first section, and added my first horizontal stripes. This pattern has a lot of color work and yarn breaking in it which is why I've shied away from it for so long - but I really love the yarns I'm using in it and it's a shame to leave it moldering in the UFO pile. The green main color is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn-fiber/stroll-tonal-sock-yarn.html">Knit Pick's stroll tonal base</a> in the canopy color way and the darker contrasting color is <a href="http://cephalopodyarns.com/products/skinny-bugga">Cephalopod Yarn's Skinny Bugga! base</a> in the Montauk Monster colorway. Being a Long Islander, I loved the name of that yarn and named my project after it (please if you have no idea what the Montauk monster is don't google it...and if you do google it, I tried to warn you). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see some other amazing works in progress, check out:</span></div>
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnHREA635mREktcvzBZNrVTTtLVeor6HTjmRjV-nPzhu7FQwXxe-kIRs8IGiK2w2xDw67nbJcoHbb4VJBjnI40xXiOfGVTmkgjt0Fjq2znNhJk0KQx13zNaNm1lOfdVRg8Kcp5pOe9g/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-62875221874126923562013-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-31T00:00:09.113-04:00{FO} From head to toe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have TWO finished objects to share this week - one of which is old and the other of which I am so happy to finally be DONE with ^_^</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8NJ3T6vF27T5_BGVRqt3vMmv6uI1yVMg2ChZq5UKwRx-ZrC2d0rH9gYsRyOtPQTYlDQKzgui3IVeKTTyGk0UgkatSgqZiYVEwFa83y6gyQ2gAGixWklqNrDlaVLL44WHDBgXsXkoSYc/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8NJ3T6vF27T5_BGVRqt3vMmv6uI1yVMg2ChZq5UKwRx-ZrC2d0rH9gYsRyOtPQTYlDQKzgui3IVeKTTyGk0UgkatSgqZiYVEwFa83y6gyQ2gAGixWklqNrDlaVLL44WHDBgXsXkoSYc/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="212" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first finished object is the test knit for <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Megan</a> I did called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weather-the-weather-hat">Weather the Weather</a> hat which is a free download on Ravelry. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was such a fun knit, and I highly recommend trying it out! This pattern uses an Aran technique that is similar to making cables without a cable needle. I am guilty of not having much worsted weight yarn in my stash - shocker, I know since most of my projects are made out of fingering - so I had picked up some Cascade 220 in a glorious pink color for my 5 year old niece whose favorite color is...you guessed it, pink. I had meant to pick up Cascade 220 superwash but grabbed the wrong skein when I was at the LYS as I was too busy gabbing with the shop owner and I did find this yarn to make my hands sweat like crazy and pre-blocking was a bit scratchy. I'm glad I decided to block this because the yarn bled like crazy! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My second finished object is my very first pair of socks! I am so happy I finally finished these as my active WIP pile was getting out of control. I'm usually a monogamous knitter...but lately I have quite a few things on the needles. So...my first pair of socks. The pattern was a hodgepodge of patterns and techniques of my own choosing. These are loose on me because at the time I started I didn't have any 1.5 needles so I used size 2s and they are pretty big. So, my mom who has a wider foot and ankle will be getting these. These socks were plain jane vanilla socks and the yarn was not my most favorite so even though I started sock 1 in January...I didn't finish sock 2 until May. I'm hoping that future plain jane vanilla socks will be more fun with some nice self striping yarns I've recently picked up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for joining me this week and check out some other great finished objects here:</span><br />
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96CBkWPA9_g6GCJCJ0OpTOWYscXdHwaxdIl_7qFROJGGPzBTaR3wAbaqP_c1Q_un9EAM81WCsI3Co6R5SSm8ULL39UW86w5DewO0MZmT52y8dvE4BaIkEO1qcCqZXrwV9KuB0JHdHo1E/s1600/FOfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-40681062248213981222013-05-25T23:57:00.002-04:002013-05-26T18:58:38.784-04:00Podcasts, Or how productivity moves in opposite direction from stash enhancement <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been hard at work test knitting the super secret sock for <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Megan</a> and have been neglectful of my blog! I'm going to try to have a {WIP} and {FO} post this week but we shall see. My current {WIP} can't really be shown until the pattern is released as it is part of a yarn club for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnvszombies">Yarn vs. Zombies </a>(um, can we say best name EVER??) but if you follow me on instagram I've been posting some very exciting shots of the sole. What I will say is that this pattern is super fun and has taught me so many fun techniques and it fits great! I'm working on the leg now, so should hopefully finish it soon...and then, then, I must finish <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/step-by-step-cheat-sheet-for-socks">mom's sock</a>. And work on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/color-affection">Color Affection</a>. And...I bought three skeins of MadelineTosh Merino Light (Well Water colorway) to CO my first sweater which will be <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/vitamin-d">Vitamin D</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've recently been bitten by the knitting podcast bug and I wanted to share some of my favorites. I tend to listen to them (and sneak views) at work, but lately I've been watching them in lieu of TV at night. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/">Must Stash Podcast</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a relatively new podcast hosted by Steph and Stacie and these girls are adorable and so sweet. Each episode is about an hour, but they stay on topic pretty well and I love how their show notes give links to any and all shops and yarns that they use. My Etsy favorites have multiplied by quite a few new shops since I've started watching them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2) <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Stockinette Zombies</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been having fun test knitting for Megan, but her and Amy's podcast is fantastic as well. Just by watching them you can tell that the two of them have been friends for quite awhile, and I love how they joke with each other. Both are very talented knitters, and I have never really pictured myself ever wanting to go to Minnesota...but hearing about their Zombie Knitpocalypse makes me want to go in the future! Episodes last about an hour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(3) <a href="http://thefatsquirrel.com/">The Fat Squirrel Speaks</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly...we Amys have to stick together. Amy Beth is a R-I-O-T. The first podcast of hers I listened to I was like, "Um. I'm not sure what is going on..." but now I'm hooked. She makes me laugh and smile constantly. I took part in my first ever KAL with her Gratitude KAL over the spring. Episodes are only about a half hour, and she has a way of explaining things that make it seem very easy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(4) <a href="http://www.penguin-soup.com/">Penguin Soup</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ginny had followed me on Instagram and I've only recently started watching her newer podcast. Nerds unite! She's a Whovian amongst other things and I love her project choices. Seriously, I wish I knew her in life cause I would like to be part of her knitting circle :) She has made me want to try a 9" circular needle to knit socks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please share some of your favorite video podcasts in the comments. Now that we are in the slow season at work....I can use some entertainment while I do the office zombie routine :) </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-65909190390083851482013-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-15T00:00:00.595-04:00{WIP} Tootsie Roll <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQjhin2Ey067teDpBmGzXbrpjaP3EeY_LB7qCBpcQaTxeT4vb_my9DAlO9i6pyqTjIFuMPf4UBSN8dfjsJbWMkoZrzlqij8omZJd5zPEG31dl_Zmdr2toRDpb7MFIn5PPA6iVx_xWCtM/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my projects from last week have been put on the back burner while I have fun test knitting stuff for <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Megan</a>. I finished the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weather-the-weather-hat">Weather the Weather</a> hat this weekend, and immediately jumped on board for another test knit. This one is super secret and this will be the only picture I will be posting until the pattern is released as it is part of a club. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is my first ever attempt at a toe up sock - and I have got to say that <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html">Judy's Magic Cast On</a> is the KOOKIEST thing I have ever done. It felt like cat's cradle. But I am very pleased with how it came out :) One new sock technique in the bag. This pattern is definitely more advanced than my plain jane vanilla sock...so we shall see if I can actually do it or not.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am using <a href="http://sunshineyarns.com/">Sunshine Yarn</a>'s classic sock base in Wanderer. I had purchased this yarn from a Ravelry user a year and a half ago and I've been waiting for a good pattern for it. Notice that it's not caked, but balled. Let's just say...I think the hank was re-hanked a few times. It did not get along with my swift and ball winder. At all.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish me luck, friends! I am going to need it :) Thankfully I only have to finish ONE sock for the test knit....so who knows when sock #2 will be completed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also played around with roving and a drop spindle the other night...more to come on this adventure at a later date!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-23234465129846305242013-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-08T10:11:30.984-04:00{WIP} Oh, Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjFlvwUFkA_FHIeEk8cortxSAcOhdQffAYYErNW5NAiSj8IDNKtwz54D0bv76uoLejz5R-lQVFCaJhrzdfwSTvUp7ruE7B60KvXKiNQe9_qyU8MHlPG6sIzpQdC3o7Yp8eNajOIfeF0/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjFlvwUFkA_FHIeEk8cortxSAcOhdQffAYYErNW5NAiSj8IDNKtwz54D0bv76uoLejz5R-lQVFCaJhrzdfwSTvUp7ruE7B60KvXKiNQe9_qyU8MHlPG6sIzpQdC3o7Yp8eNajOIfeF0/s400/photo+(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So....um. Yeah. I've got quite a lot going on this week for Work-In-Progress Wednesday. Usually, I just highlight one item I'm working on...but I've got quite a few WIPs this time around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clockwise from top:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1) I finally cast on my Color Affection Shawl using <a href="http://candyskein.com/">Candy Skein</a> Sweet Fingering yarn in Fudge Brownie. I am following it per the pattern instructions...which means a lot of make ones. And I don't know why, but I'm having issues with these M1s....I cheated on the first row and used a KFB because I could not get the bar between stitches easily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2) I am test knitting the Weather the Weather hat by Megan (Justrunknit on Ravelry) from the podcast <a href="http://stockinettezombies.com/">Stockinette Zombies</a>. I love this pattern...so easy and fun. Plus I'm learning new techniques such as a Left and Right Twist. I am using Cascade 220 which is making my palms sweat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(3) And finally....the second sock on my plain jane vanilla beginner socks. This led to the Color Affection being cast on incidentally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it for this week. Check out other Work In Progress blog posts by clicking the image below.</span><br />
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY1IAQPxIDb_lNSFIB-ZbfMqiQcT1oc8PLhimmKMf_glRiYJOFkYb1ckFy9MNTqolvhXKVVRiF_4_rjbMjbZeGLVwBkvuIEl5oBzlmWh6j8Csih8tvLdxB5dAMi0l1D-DHABvvImXv3Y/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-38752811879741697922013-04-28T16:31:00.004-04:002013-04-28T16:31:52.224-04:00Connecticut Sheep and Wool Festival <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a lovely spring weekend, friends! On Saturday I went to the <a href="http://www.ctsheep.org/sheep_and_wool_festival">Connecticut Sheep and Wool Festival</a> and it was definitely a fun time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb-CZhVRMK3AybwjhXFv2v9J5fkttlV2IeHeCPRUayIXYaQPvk4P9QrxxJyHqtG6NiM_3tQCx9AOdiU0dn5P6VVAF4Flwq99EI4Gm2nAJy9RQVSMr7DTzpOYK34hSrof5ld-URAsBO8g/s1600/sheepandwool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb-CZhVRMK3AybwjhXFv2v9J5fkttlV2IeHeCPRUayIXYaQPvk4P9QrxxJyHqtG6NiM_3tQCx9AOdiU0dn5P6VVAF4Flwq99EI4Gm2nAJy9RQVSMr7DTzpOYK34hSrof5ld-URAsBO8g/s400/sheepandwool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From lambs to alpacas to angora bunnies and back to sheep, this festival certainly celebrated all things fiber. I saw my first sheep shearing and was amazed to see these giant animals put up hardly any fuss when the clippers started buzzing (my dog? Not so much...). I also saw sheep dogs work a flock. It was highly enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have wanted to learn how to spin for some time now and this was the perfect opportunity to watch and learn. And finger roving and enjoy the lotiony feel of lanolin fresh of the sheared sheep. Janet, Nate's mom, and I watched the spinners corner amazed at how easily roving turned into beautiful yarn. All of the ladies and gentlemen spinners were so helpful and answered all of our questions. After getting a personal drop spindle demonstration from a very nice lady, I decided to put actions to words and bite the bullet so to speak. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I purchased a cheap, basic drop spindle and another more pretty drop spindle in the Dogwood design by <a href="http://www.spinabit.com/products/drop-spindles/">Spin-A-Bit</a>. Of course, I then needed some roving so went back to my friends at <a href="http://flatlandalpacas.com/">Flatland Alpacas</a> (where I had earlier in the day purchased a yarn bowl) and picked out a 50/50 Alpaca and Merino roving blend in colors that reminded me of the sea. I also picked up a kool-aid dye kit from the 4Hers (not pictured). When all is said and done, Janet and I will be signing up for the drop spindle class at <a href="http://yarn.com/">Webs</a> this July.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_DZBOSk1hFuiuSK2lr55LUAlwhCIpiKybwakBp-LFKlBuRZdCAAkQxYs9vMtSwZDNUt7fTmpqe1TGwnKDhmLfrnicJZPE_52RVP572q1YgplH_srJHEz6CFjm-7b8Gra4DjW1Umxdaw/s1600/936247_703167534884_1747991943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_DZBOSk1hFuiuSK2lr55LUAlwhCIpiKybwakBp-LFKlBuRZdCAAkQxYs9vMtSwZDNUt7fTmpqe1TGwnKDhmLfrnicJZPE_52RVP572q1YgplH_srJHEz6CFjm-7b8Gra4DjW1Umxdaw/s320/936247_703167534884_1747991943_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-70078591256386279872013-04-25T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-25T01:00:03.611-04:00Color Wheel { 4KCBWDAY4 }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVeu_qLpHyNYbuod1_i1s7vddJ11Ub2hFDYmQjN8yVV5AhwSoOQ4RE5bs6Jxj_a2mMKW9aMpMCrEmjPXVS7pb5T9ZLHgL22jxTiJczXWxzY-p4yKH0ShGLoSWun3gX8VQYrzft8Y_Gok/s1600/8603356856_44e7142b6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVeu_qLpHyNYbuod1_i1s7vddJ11Ub2hFDYmQjN8yVV5AhwSoOQ4RE5bs6Jxj_a2mMKW9aMpMCrEmjPXVS7pb5T9ZLHgL22jxTiJczXWxzY-p4yKH0ShGLoSWun3gX8VQYrzft8Y_Gok/s400/8603356856_44e7142b6f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you ever notice that your eyes are drawn to the same colors whenever you go to the yarn store? For me, I tend to be drawn towards vibrant berries, dark teals, and cove-y blues. My eyes are drawn, like the Bee I am, to "shiny" colors - something different, something with variegated colors, and something a little bit different from what I usually knit with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick look at my completed projects revealed a startling result. I have a total of 67 projects listed and of those projects my color scheme falls at:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRAF0zYv9V_ufNyfgBn_y5NMbv8D6GV7gbcfOs_CAMyIZ_3GM2SbSymsoJsuPGnZQHSNTJNj5cu2Qlo7-Uzl8C-MFQ6FZqDyqIkTryPERu0fEj7748F35JFNHIJJzDxF3IM5qrugLr10/s1600/pie+chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRAF0zYv9V_ufNyfgBn_y5NMbv8D6GV7gbcfOs_CAMyIZ_3GM2SbSymsoJsuPGnZQHSNTJNj5cu2Qlo7-Uzl8C-MFQ6FZqDyqIkTryPERu0fEj7748F35JFNHIJJzDxF3IM5qrugLr10/s400/pie+chart.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to knit a lot of projects in a deep cranberry/burgundy color and I also tend to lean towards variegated projects. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the deep cranberry colors I gift even though I love the color for myself. But the variegateds, I tend to keep and then lament that I have nothing neutral to wear with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though I love fun, bright colors - my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyBamy/hitchhiker">Hitchhiking to Candy Land</a> shawl comes to mind - I will need to either start buying more neutral clothes....or should learn to realize that not everything I knit will go with everything I own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also amuses me how much yarns that I'm drawn to linger in my stash and how many times I have to buy more neutral yarns to make a project for someone. </span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-30249945693463278082013-04-24T01:30:00.000-04:002013-04-24T01:30:05.672-04:00{WIP} Hardly enough progress to blog about<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnHREA635mREktcvzBZNrVTTtLVeor6HTjmRjV-nPzhu7FQwXxe-kIRs8IGiK2w2xDw67nbJcoHbb4VJBjnI40xXiOfGVTmkgjt0Fjq2znNhJk0KQx13zNaNm1lOfdVRg8Kcp5pOe9g/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really don't have much more completed from last week on the second sock. The yarn used, Classic Elite Yarns Summer So</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x, is pretty tough on my hands and isn't really a joy to knit with. I know, I know - whine, whine, whine. I will be very happy to finish my first pair of socks and my mom will be happy to receive them. I'm hoping to finish them well before I have a knitting date with my sock knitting friend Sio in May. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumo desperately needs a hair cut</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.449999809265137px;">I'm again joining Ginny's <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/yarn-along">Yarn Along</a> this week. I was very happy to see Ally Carter's third Heist novel at the library on my most recent jaunt. As I've mentioned before I am hopelessly addicted to YA fiction and there are quite a few series I've read with new books out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-68953071874935712832013-04-24T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T01:00:10.529-04:00From one addict to another { 4KCBWDAY3 }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVeu_qLpHyNYbuod1_i1s7vddJ11Ub2hFDYmQjN8yVV5AhwSoOQ4RE5bs6Jxj_a2mMKW9aMpMCrEmjPXVS7pb5T9ZLHgL22jxTiJczXWxzY-p4yKH0ShGLoSWun3gX8VQYrzft8Y_Gok/s1600/8603356856_44e7142b6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVeu_qLpHyNYbuod1_i1s7vddJ11Ub2hFDYmQjN8yVV5AhwSoOQ4RE5bs6Jxj_a2mMKW9aMpMCrEmjPXVS7pb5T9ZLHgL22jxTiJczXWxzY-p4yKH0ShGLoSWun3gX8VQYrzft8Y_Gok/s400/8603356856_44e7142b6f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a wee little new knitter I suffered delusions of grandeur. I thought I could buy yarn for the current project at hand and be content. On my first trip to <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">Webs</a> I quickly realized my efforts would be futile and I could only hope that Nate would never realize he had an addict living with him. An addict who during the first hurricane since becoming a knitter went to Walmart to buy a plastic tote for her yarn and almost forgot to buy a case of water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now obviously some yarn was purchased for a specific project. Case in point I have three skeins of lovely Candy Skein <a href="http://www.candyskein.com/?page_id=1211">Sweet Fingering</a> yarn just waiting for me to cake up and start the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-affection">Color Affection</a> shawl. I also bought some amazing TARDIS blue self striping sock yarn from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Quaere">Quaere Fibre</a> to make some <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-socks-toe-up--afterthought-heel">toe-up afterthought vanilla socks</a>. But the majority of my yarn....I have no clue what I will ever knit with it but boy is it pretty.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crudely drawn by me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I often ask myself, as I try to cram another hank of yarn into a storage cube, was this life of buying and hiding yarn avoidable? Or, was it simply inevitable that I would join the ranks of "yarn stash exceeds life e</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xpectancy?" With all of the knitters I know...I strongly suspect it was inevitable. And yes, like other addicts out there, when I buy a house it will be with the hope of a crafting/yarn room. </span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-81759468320866578412013-04-23T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-23T13:32:10.923-04:00Socks on the Brain { 4KCBWDAY2 }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's prompt involves researching a pattern or project that embodies our house. As I said yesterday, I find myself relating to The House of Bee with an ever growing queue. Recently I've been adding a bunch of sock patterns to the old queue. Even though I have yet to finish my first pair I want to be a sock knitter. They seem like they are fun bring anywhere projects and I want to learn how to make different heels and different constructions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Socks are perfect bee projects because they can (so I've been told) be easily turned out and there are so many different ways to make them. You could make them from the toe up or from the cuff down. If you really want to make the most out of sock knitting you can even due two at once and if that isn't the epitome of bees I don't know what is. If you want something simple you can make an easy vanilla sock from memory. If you want something more complicated you can make a lace pattern or a cable pattern. Not only are they pretty but they are practical too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of these days I will be a true sock knitter. I definitely have enough sock yarn lined up to become some awesome socks. </span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-90919519126790050362013-04-22T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-23T13:31:57.901-04:00Buzz, Buzz Little Bee { 4KCBWDAY1 }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I will be participating in the <a href="http://www.eskimimimakes.com/2013/03/knitting-crcohet-blog-week-2013-join-in.html">Knitting and Crochet Blog Week</a>. Sarah over at <a href="http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/">Crafts from the Cwtch</a> posted about this event last week and I thought it would be fun to participate. This past year I have been struggling with my blogging - part of this is caused by the fact that I'm not really learning anything new in knitting, and this blog was created to catalogue my knitting education. Therefore, I am hoping that the post prompts will bring some fun, new focus to my blog beyond my typical and far spaced {WIP} and {FO} posts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my old knitting group we used to talk about different types of knitters. There are the process knitters who enjoy knitting an entire project from start to finish and who can't leave a small error in their work because it will drive them nutso. Then there are those knitters who are yarn snobs and have to use only the best or organic fibers (um, I might be a bit of a yarn snob) and for who the very though of acrylic makes them want to whimper. Then there are the adventurous knitters, these are the ones who grab needles and yarn and just go and see what they make. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first prompt for the Knitting and Crochet Blog Week is to choose a knitting house a la Harry Potter. This appeals to my inner nerd on so many levels but it also appeals to me on the level of discovering who I am as a knitter. There are four houses to choose from: The House of Bee, The House of Manatee, The House of Monkey and The House of Peacock. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After careful consideration, I feel that I most closely relate to the House of Bee. Characteristics of Bees include: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Bees are busy and industrious, but can flit from one interesting project to the next as bright and shiny things capture their interest. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually tend to work on one project at a time so as not to have too many WIPs going on an at once. Of course, the best laid plans of mice and men and all that jazz...over the past year I have definitely had a few WIPs going on at once. But, at the moment I am back on track with just a pair of socks on the needles and a long hibernating West Knits shawl. With that being said....my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/AmyBamy/queue">Ravelry</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> queue grows daily and I keep buying yarn for the next project and other future projects. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until I came into knitting I used to do this with other crafts. As a person who suffers from being anal I had some issues with crafts that relied fully on my creativity. Scrapbooking? I have a ton of tools, papers and adornments...but I've only ever made 4 pages and each of those 4 pages took f-o-r-e-v-e-r to make and I'm still not happy with them. Cross stitching? I liked this craft a lot, but I lost interest in the projects quickly. Although the adorable samplers from <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> definitely have me wanting to make a cute cross stitch sampler. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join me tomorrow for another post in the Knitting and Crochet Blog week. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d2a14; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"> </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-14454728879271095362013-04-19T07:25:00.001-04:002013-04-19T07:25:03.039-04:00{FO} Boston Strong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have an une</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xpected day off from work today due to the craziness that happened over night in Boston. My friend Dan called me right before my alarm went off telling me very briefly what happened and that the MBTA was shut down and not to go into the city today. And most importantly, don't die. Thinking of my knitting friend <a href="http://knittinginbeantown.blogspot.com/">Erin</a> and glad to know she is OK today.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night there was a massive shootout outside Boston in Watertown. One of the Boston marathon bomber suspect was killed, but the other is still at large. An MIT officer was killed. E</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">xplosives were thrown. Epic scariness is now unleashed. As a New Yorker, I always thought 9/11 would be the scariest thing I would ever live through - but, I was proven wrong.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Thinking and praying for Boston today. Hopefully this nightmare will be over soon. My biggest fear is that, like 9/11, innocent people will be racially profiled due to the fact that the suspects are being identified as foreigners from overseas. I pray that people make smart decisions and don't jump to conclusions about people just because they are not from here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Sorry to get waylaid from the knitting vibe of this blog, but some things are too important not to share. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Now back to the knitting....I finally finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vancouver-fog">Vancouver Fog</a> mitts last weekend just in time for the third annual Great Rhody Yarn Crawl. They are super thick and cozy - I've been wearing them all week at work (my office is usually two temperatures: Frigid & Sweltering).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> This was a very enjoyable knit. Quick and easy. As I mentioned <a href="http://knitpurldamn.blogspot.com/2013/03/wip-gratitude.html">here</a>, these mitts were part of <a href="http://thefatsquirrel.com/">The Fat Squirrel </a>Gratitude KAL on Ravelry. </span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-53327289570353895972013-04-17T19:42:00.001-04:002013-04-17T19:42:06.250-04:00{WIP} Sock Hop & Fear<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ack...how can it possibly be Wednesday already??? I'm sorry for such a late post. I honestly lost track of time. As most of you know, I work in Boston. And this week has been crazy due to the Patriot's Day/Marathon bombings. I'm still in shock that Boston was targeted in such a way - I've always felt safe in this city where I spend most of my time and to now walk in fear on the streets is something I'm not quite used to. I will point out that I am safe and sound physically - I work as far away from the bomb site as possible in the city. It's mostly my psyche that has taken a wee bit of a beating. My heart goes out to all of those who were maimed and to the families of the deceased. Boston is a strong city though, as the president said we are a resilient bunch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Despite the craziness I did get some knitting done. I also spent way too much money on yarn this week as this past weekend was the third annual Great Rhody Yarn Crawl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I finally managed to finish my Vancouver Fog mitts which will be displayed in Friday's post and absolutely love them. Rather then CO my Color Affection shawl, I decided to unbury a WIP and bring it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's right I am starting sock #2! I have incentive. Besides my mom asking me when she can get her socks, that is. One of my yarn purchases this weekend was some TARDIS self striping sock weight yarn from Quaere Fibres. Which will become a pair of vanilla socks for me :) So, please! Share your favorite basic sock pattern with me in the comments!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I am reading an entertaining knitting mystery this week, I figured I would hop onto Ginny's Yarn Along too this week. On my last library jaunt I picked up The Silence of the Llamas by Anne Canadeo, the author of The Black Sheep Knitting Mystery series. I've read her first one before andenjoy her writing. </span><br />
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrCjSi7g57j9UeZdQZgH2kkqV6ZwQkqUKuxVZVdi1Ig-wlXXKVrzoe3XN0uRVq5cyXfGBqNwL6Gn-j-3ZLcF-KKY2aWECly8AUVxtFnn6U0C0QRAaQijXGniJsJ4NdB7gYqmPmPNmtmE/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gsheller.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/yarnalong_gsheller_gray.jpg" /></a> Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-38638457647576654962013-04-12T05:00:00.000-04:002013-04-12T16:22:44.464-04:00{FO} Girlie Zombies of the Apocalypse <br />
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<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" bua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVZ3eHE4CsbjCsx8sqVwCeO3EogP4sXux74B8omo6aOq3rJP206zD0olWOwbPLPZps5FjTANz73opsIBjtnBOU4gBJVwhHQSECrtrubmImPtgO6IrAAP5eZlh6qMv8VTA7LgsvhEpy4s/s1600/FOfriday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVQFBVVJtOlg9MM43iS_O63Z0DRRRvPiWcPMM6rLPZiaACwxaBMqJ3YqOhgrv-h7gtwbsKJm7_k_25DRWcCeMX3VpE4sa4wBF5tNqvkpSX3LDatJQYnB0gkKy-qHpnTNJuqUJHpeao2Q/s1600/480049_697097908464_1655606829_n_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVQFBVVJtOlg9MM43iS_O63Z0DRRRvPiWcPMM6rLPZiaACwxaBMqJ3YqOhgrv-h7gtwbsKJm7_k_25DRWcCeMX3VpE4sa4wBF5tNqvkpSX3LDatJQYnB0gkKy-qHpnTNJuqUJHpeao2Q/s320/480049_697097908464_1655606829_n_medium.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever have that moment when you finish a gift for someone and you have that second where you want to hide the gift and replace it with something else? I had that moment when I finished the Zombie Vixen fingerless gloves for my sister-innotquite-law, Sarah. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved these gloves. And I loved the yarn I chose - <a href="http://candyskein.com/">Candy Skein</a> delicious fingering in Blackberry. Talk about a chameleon of yarn. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get a photo that was true to life. It would photograph as either green, grey, or a muted purple but never the true vibrant color it was. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I definitely will have to make a pair of these for myself sometime down the road. It is certainly an entertaining knit that requires a lot of concentration. Which was good for me, since I knit the second glove primarily in the hospital while we waited for my dad to come in and out of brain surgery. I did warn Sarah that one glove might be a wee bit tighter than the other but she said they fit perfectly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiUCHX6-_uDCAIbHhR4n5ebGNgYwTAWA_YUT_dQiuZBt68HFW3vx-ENR-Ri_YYRoIm932SBiRX5QwxonK_3zvf9n7uBRGNHXhWSQLzTx6zCF8Sn6YPHV_Oz3JtqwZt4Kjtkqb6HKN0jk/s1600/photo-16_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiUCHX6-_uDCAIbHhR4n5ebGNgYwTAWA_YUT_dQiuZBt68HFW3vx-ENR-Ri_YYRoIm932SBiRX5QwxonK_3zvf9n7uBRGNHXhWSQLzTx6zCF8Sn6YPHV_Oz3JtqwZt4Kjtkqb6HKN0jk/s320/photo-16_medium2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have this very silly, lovely completed project:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcGGNXSQFn6xAcZuJRAJ6tfqkyACTH-qyQeXOSIh6M9-heUSN3cAQGorZqLORDQiDIBL1Lr8joepi5aYwHhczbE2F0FAkPa_rwTdB7362_yjCcnP2Kh-y6KBx5i716V5jFXD3VfFeDcU/s1600/72672_699189531834_1038486641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcGGNXSQFn6xAcZuJRAJ6tfqkyACTH-qyQeXOSIh6M9-heUSN3cAQGorZqLORDQiDIBL1Lr8joepi5aYwHhczbE2F0FAkPa_rwTdB7362_yjCcnP2Kh-y6KBx5i716V5jFXD3VfFeDcU/s320/72672_699189531834_1038486641_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-43113644744096294452013-04-10T01:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T16:41:37.506-04:00{WIP}Nothing? Nothing? Tra la la <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" bua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnHREA635mREktcvzBZNrVTTtLVeor6HTjmRjV-nPzhu7FQwXxe-kIRs8IGiK2w2xDw67nbJcoHbb4VJBjnI40xXiOfGVTmkgjt0Fjq2znNhJk0KQx13zNaNm1lOfdVRg8Kcp5pOe9g/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a worsted weight project...I'm certainly taking my time with these mitts! I am almost done with the second one. Like annoyingly almost done...maybe 10 rounds? And then the thumb.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As these are part of the Gratitude KAL, I try to knit when I'm in a positive mood and try to infuse each knit and purl with thankfulness and love. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZBrb78yPHgoYu-W_kW4xJr2xzWrF4lIxXWA4GnQCqjAkR6FljW-GjZpxrnzTwF-4mZKCrDiw2p7J7xLn3DLWZlnAln39bJ-Z4D6fk8iPBcXXPq0Yj4cwDbnNaaPz6FBQ-lsng9dh_2A/s1600/5472_698166142714_1745079669_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZBrb78yPHgoYu-W_kW4xJr2xzWrF4lIxXWA4GnQCqjAkR6FljW-GjZpxrnzTwF-4mZKCrDiw2p7J7xLn3DLWZlnAln39bJ-Z4D6fk8iPBcXXPq0Yj4cwDbnNaaPz6FBQ-lsng9dh_2A/s320/5472_698166142714_1745079669_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cables on these remind me of a labyrinth. Which of course reminds me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of voodoo. Who do? You do. Do what? Remind me of the babe.</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-673966415825003543.post-4795244666612737482013-03-20T20:21:00.003-04:002013-03-20T21:04:28.585-04:00{WIP} Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdnHREA635mREktcvzBZNrVTTtLVeor6HTjmRjV-nPzhu7FQwXxe-kIRs8IGiK2w2xDw67nbJcoHbb4VJBjnI40xXiOfGVTmkgjt0Fjq2znNhJk0KQx13zNaNm1lOfdVRg8Kcp5pOe9g/s1600/tami_wip.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyrjmVycNhSZ47qyu1tQTUHT4bvbnIoxKXNhcSWMJxtHYZmZySRhujOFkR5qYWOBemGQ_v7LA-S8eiVX_EyZHvjB4SypOj5-WGDbfnH0Og7lKrlv4XtGbll29mVSfQ_uHWhFVNuQ5GHg/s1600/35882_541192509134_1978405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyrjmVycNhSZ47qyu1tQTUHT4bvbnIoxKXNhcSWMJxtHYZmZySRhujOFkR5qYWOBemGQ_v7LA-S8eiVX_EyZHvjB4SypOj5-WGDbfnH0Og7lKrlv4XtGbll29mVSfQ_uHWhFVNuQ5GHg/s320/35882_541192509134_1978405_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Me</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I touched about it in my last blog post, but lately I've been having a very hard time of it. A few weeks ago, I went to call my dad at 5 pm like I always do - I was running a few minutes late and knew he worries. When I couldn't get in touch with him for twenty minutes, I panicked and called my mother. She rushed home and found him collapsed at the bottom of the basement stairs where he had been since early that morning. You see, my dad had a brain tumor 8 years ago...and it apparently came back. The only reason I panicked was because my mom called me that weekend to let me know she was worried about him and was planning on making an appointment with a neurologist. After a very trying week my father had an emergency angiogram and brain surgery to remove the tumor. He survived, again. But when he fell down the stairs he fractured his back. He has only recently been discharged from rehab, and was just informed he has brain cancer. Apparently a non-bad form of cancer, which only means it is slow forming and won't spread. He will be starting chemotherapy soon....and I am going to knit him or crochet him some spare mustaches. I can picture my daddy bald, but not without a mustache. I am a daddy's girl, through and through and it is hurting me more than you could ever know that I live almost 4 hours away and can't be there for my dad. I am going through some tough personal things...and life is overwhelming at the moment. I've had no motivation for much of anything...let alone knitting. But I'm going to be starting therapy next week and hope to rediscover myself and find away to help me cope with this awfulness.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My knitterly friends <a href="http://knittinginbeantown.blogspot.com/">Erin</a> & <a href="http://urbanmousecountryhouse.blogspot.com/">Julie</a> suggested I join in the <a href="http://thefatsquirrel.com/">Fat Squirrel Speaks</a> Gratitude KAL on Ravelry. A KAL to remind us of what we are grateful for while we make something for ourselves. I can honestly say I drew a blank when trying to decide what I'm grateful for - I know i have much to be grateful for: I have a well paying job, my dad despite everything is alive, I have amazing friends and a loving boyfriend. I am very grateful for Nate who lets me fall apart and just holds me telling me he loves me and it will be OK. But sometimes I wonder if it really will ever be OK again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I try to remember the silver linings, I am going to be knitting myself a pair of fingerless gloves. I've decided on the Vancouver Fog pattern (found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vancouver-fog">here</a> on Ravelry) in some scrumptious Mad Tosh vintage (Earl Grey color way) - I went and did some deep stash diving to find this special yarn I've been saving for a rainy day. I literally just Cast On....so we shall see. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003181999603861937noreply@blogger.com7