tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225308052024-03-23T13:07:13.036-05:00Purl Mia LoggiaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-72940047464734939982012-03-07T00:25:00.000-05:002012-03-07T00:25:08.904-05:00Feeling Stabby?Some time ago, before heading off to a sheep & wool festival, I promised my sister that I would not take up a new hobby. The new hobby she had in mind was spinning. I think she was envisioning a living room already spilling yarn and fabric off of shelves would then be stuffed to the ceiling with fleeces and batts, a spinning wheel in front of the couch. And I have not taken up spinning despite the huge temptation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While at Rhinebeck several years ago <a href="http://purlewe.typepad.com/">Purlewe</a> and I happened into the <a href="http://www.woolenwhimsies.com/">Woolen Whimsies</a> booth. The owner was sitting in a chair and vigorously stabbing an implement into a piece of fabric stretched on a frame. I have a huge affection for all tiny tedious needlework. I was fascinated. She asked if I would like to try it and I bit. They had great starter kits for sale, but I was feeling a little strapped for cash. I took their info, thinking that this would be a great Christmas present and passed it on to my mother. Christmas came and there was no kit, disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSM4NN0YzTzhY-WR96BT_6G0uiSLV3Mf6BXL2BVqitE3sq49rRD4-4f-PynuzpqDxRKvPFlSYSEAKqidVTCYzo_GKRoyEDd0_zdG8WD03ZtpuA58ojxOydONv2MvpyjxgVoIQEg/s1600/knitting+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSM4NN0YzTzhY-WR96BT_6G0uiSLV3Mf6BXL2BVqitE3sq49rRD4-4f-PynuzpqDxRKvPFlSYSEAKqidVTCYzo_GKRoyEDd0_zdG8WD03ZtpuA58ojxOydONv2MvpyjxgVoIQEg/s1600/knitting+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Fast forward to the next fall, I bought the kit for my mother to give to me. I even feigned surprise when I unwrapped it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSM4NN0YzTzhY-WR96BT_6G0uiSLV3Mf6BXL2BVqitE3sq49rRD4-4f-PynuzpqDxRKvPFlSYSEAKqidVTCYzo_GKRoyEDd0_zdG8WD03ZtpuA58ojxOydONv2MvpyjxgVoIQEg/s1600/knitting+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSM4NN0YzTzhY-WR96BT_6G0uiSLV3Mf6BXL2BVqitE3sq49rRD4-4f-PynuzpqDxRKvPFlSYSEAKqidVTCYzo_GKRoyEDd0_zdG8WD03ZtpuA58ojxOydONv2MvpyjxgVoIQEg/s320/knitting+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrong side</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, this is obviously not spinning; I have honored my promise. This is Russian punch needle embroidery. The supplies are embroidery threads of which I already own an obscene amount, a smallish frame and the needle tool...all taking up very little space. Punch needle embroidery looks like miniature rug hooking.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUvfJh3tHONFfVMt0i03w3Wj5CLBAvWNXjrRERdqtSdUaQowLS91uJ3aMGwCoA-NlphvSCYiv1cb7BzyqZamP6baUXaZlGDpo_PAHIFU1rdyMKtY4QTvKyirBdQ-RbhEExAsfaw/s1600/knitting+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUvfJh3tHONFfVMt0i03w3Wj5CLBAvWNXjrRERdqtSdUaQowLS91uJ3aMGwCoA-NlphvSCYiv1cb7BzyqZamP6baUXaZlGDpo_PAHIFU1rdyMKtY4QTvKyirBdQ-RbhEExAsfaw/s320/knitting+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Turns out stabbing the needle repeatedly into the fabric is completely therapeutic and LEGAL! The tool is dangerous looking and fortunately there has not yet been a craft related injury intentional or unintentional.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how this turned out. Bet this technique would make for some really cute Christmas ornaments. Anyone have a source for primitive Christmas designs? I think all my job rejection rage and angst should be channeled into craft. I could end up with a heap of cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM6RpR5I4t7aH6YBOX1HBrcvkgcgR3pcy6BEfWHfJvZzXTZ76NUQzdSTloSIjUjY5fRZXoAS1169QJXMEYRXh9SmCxjylYj1W4gQTM1PKZyp29Uc9UgAuaR_5Mq7ey8KUhsPuCw/s1600/knitting+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM6RpR5I4t7aH6YBOX1HBrcvkgcgR3pcy6BEfWHfJvZzXTZ76NUQzdSTloSIjUjY5fRZXoAS1169QJXMEYRXh9SmCxjylYj1W4gQTM1PKZyp29Uc9UgAuaR_5Mq7ey8KUhsPuCw/s320/knitting+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished embroidery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-59313862634079012592012-02-29T00:05:00.000-05:002012-02-29T00:05:11.731-05:00The Towering Inferno<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS3_3OoD5pptLCU5XS7SmiMcPW0Z4-ND6vNRuwXNvPt-xW0cW5mC1tmF5dJg7aAl4Avemj_Y65HFEDNjUScMCiLiHmfbvACZrrUS_m5-_0Lwq7Z4jaJTmiKeyRIS9HcHZl2-dNw/s1600/knitting+001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714408800039928498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS3_3OoD5pptLCU5XS7SmiMcPW0Z4-ND6vNRuwXNvPt-xW0cW5mC1tmF5dJg7aAl4Avemj_Y65HFEDNjUScMCiLiHmfbvACZrrUS_m5-_0Lwq7Z4jaJTmiKeyRIS9HcHZl2-dNw/s320/knitting+001.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 246px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>After a patch of knitting where all of my projects were on US 3s or smaller I really needed something that would be at a bigger gauge. All my needs were met with this sweater. I was unnaturally attracted to this yarn, in fact a little obsessed. My typical color choices are blues and greens, not OMG red/orange. This is my friend Sherry's color and part of me expects her to leap out from behind a tree, tackle me to the ground and run off with my sweater (oranges and vivid reds have that effect on her.)</div><div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H6p7Qf3vmqqRD7WSmdmDEcf3fEoIrQEef3FQmEP9GCRBLbsgcmjKgFzzp05t2RoMxy6ykGZsJHtN8o0St99Xtj-wf-Y6UPfbFuYvutQ5l8JJgS-AF3IMrb5tRNH37XhzCvweew/s1600/knitting+004.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714408604958318210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H6p7Qf3vmqqRD7WSmdmDEcf3fEoIrQEef3FQmEP9GCRBLbsgcmjKgFzzp05t2RoMxy6ykGZsJHtN8o0St99Xtj-wf-Y6UPfbFuYvutQ5l8JJgS-AF3IMrb5tRNH37XhzCvweew/s320/knitting+004.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px;" /></a>This yummy yarn is Maxima from Manos de Uruguay in you guessed it, Fire. What a pleasure this is to knit with. Soft and warm, without being heavy, it has great drape knit at a slightly larger gauge. I knit the body on US 9s and the cowl on 10s. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/idlewood">Idlewood</a> by Cecily Glowick McDonald. This is a breeze to knit and it was really nice to have a good basic sweater that let this yarn shine. I love the huge, over-the-top cowl...something I have not sported in a few decades. <br />
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This sweater is just the mood elevater I needed for the end of winter. It makes me ridiculously happy, in fact. <br />
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I am planning on knitting this again, maybe in another unusual yarn for me. Did I hear someone mention tweed?</div><div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-51569402256557979982012-01-25T22:12:00.012-05:002012-01-26T00:27:58.539-05:00What I Learned from Neiman<div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScco4WsDBhTMkF_x3XLuqFEHtN8mrZW826xSxb4DrFYyHlugGvWTK4HBw98JBW5bjQj3j3pHtjqrWn3P8DHrDR-DZ9Tq7IPdzu1kCntrlpr0ew85aKXeQ1Ln2lcjE1AtoKxDD7w/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701802757641198962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScco4WsDBhTMkF_x3XLuqFEHtN8mrZW826xSxb4DrFYyHlugGvWTK4HBw98JBW5bjQj3j3pHtjqrWn3P8DHrDR-DZ9Tq7IPdzu1kCntrlpr0ew85aKXeQ1Ln2lcjE1AtoKxDD7w/s320/087.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTneiman.html"><strong>Neiman</strong></a> by Ann Weaver<div>Reynolds <em>Whiskey</em> in Light Grey (031) and Raspberry (131)</div><div> </div><p>1. I kind of like crunchy yarn.<br /><br />2. Grey is a <strong>much</strong> more complicated color than one might think.</p><div> </div><div> </div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701801198957783842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdF3SCX0goW3BHCuwswgXFWZTHNAteDNkRkWscujYqgFW7O9xBrGVm1MMzc3-SNt0JW-sqq397-fFJBJqLsd8pMu_CGe4HjNMPPcySH7jyKvhOJd5mmL1nTGBI2ulH8Vm2JYl5Q/s320/098.JPG" />3. I swatched, but did not wash and block the swatch. Next time I swatch for a sweater, I will. My sweater grew a bit in length. Fortunately tunics are coming back. And if I had washed and blocked my swatch, I would have been knitting on US 1s...<em>cray cray</em>. The sweater would have been scrapped before it began.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701802737623400866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7cA_91134VTWXJfreCcNBCO1g-I_ui91SM27E79WplRCGeMYNvmklcVt-Uy33RNgAJW7w90tbiZP_Xftv3USW6lJpGDTBqWJy6RhhQFQVFhsA8Q4SGdlyFc-JMbF0gD8-QSSYg/s320/093.JPG" /></div> <div><div><br />4. Short rows are not just for heels. Short rows at the neck line saved this from being Flashdance Fair Isle. Love this design, but really wish that designers would keep in mind that just because a girl is big doesn't mean that she has linebacker shoulders or a melon head. My boobs may be bodacious, but my neckline doesn't need to be bigger than anyone else's.</div><div> </div><div> </div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701805916091925682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxJnIYzeqcrIMTanke5lN6j8xVN0gKnWUdRezNu3QICL3VZjoSrkHnlsd0QUExB3vJEo4FoHmdjhWfpY6AjCmxkJyYoyJTj5q-m8jW29eI8RzlEjoPkONKxPOJBCgqUXGc6I7lg/s320/092.JPG" /><div> </div><div>5. Ceiling fans and Shamwows really speed up drying time when blocking. And when the cat wads up your sweater to make a nest, the sweater is dry enough to wear.</div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701802765330802898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyqTiElTAKVMg0fSGSM80Fd8v5Wt6p83XQdITFts30_-UGsvBsHq2HtU-HfgkLxBJyibMsgxmxA96Hdep8i5JqvGFcy3UQdhIstpGwswgbP6Mwde_oo-KpF1XFc-YIYyUksX5jw/s320/074.JPG" /><br />6. Finally, I really wish that I had purchased lots of Whiskey while it was more widely available. Think I will be haunting the destashes on Ravelry. It is really too bad that Reynolds is no longer in business.</div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-14481602726538664802010-04-22T15:08:00.015-05:002010-04-22T18:48:34.238-05:00Kitty LitterLast year, I made one of my kitties for my sister to give as a baby shower present. Kitty was of course a huge success. Another friend of the mother-to-be contacted me and asked if I could make a bunch for her as presents for an upcoming babyboom.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062201962558018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcd9BPZRfzV2-BSJX37WSNfMCU4-enArVbmd7UA_K1SLD6AvTp-8X68k3RELTIWVEaZaCE0CW4aXrHRH3O3HE0Tm8ipnjveSu0Qn3HRbbhUxd8tQ3odJpJ3B9BVsRr1s3ryTeTQ/s320/Misc+002.jpg" />I, as a matter of course, procrastinated. And the last few months have been really lacking in any artistic mojo. I almost procrastinated my way out of the thrifted wool sweaters that are my main component.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062025734267906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30Ds1MHSLHOrgaSSZfWnbxhcMawYbYuOCwLnrD-QmQ_jtNQHFsrc6d97a9mHsHIxqh77cbWFIrU6HzPjtz3-QEh3DF71ieeQmJIu_CyO6R2qkcnQzQAXq4rixZNkYgYxeqeugcQ/s320/Misc+006.jpg" />I use the felted sweaters as the upper body of my kitties. Thrift shopping for cool wool sweaters is really getting hard. Everything is nasty acrylic and ramie, bleh. And I have a hard time, when I find a nice wool sweater, justifying felting something in perfect shape that someone could wear out of the store. I did manage to find some that were interesting and fortunately made nice soft felt.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062855305034402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVFPRHOe0VGXtNvLXpswDKJsfOeNrUJLqRDr9wtT4pT3twAeIJ1UwxcyTYRCe8onS6HGOe9WKStXca2lGXi2v-9Wo3HtsXrDotiVVv5ph6OnUhUF8ivJf05gcNQ7GnsVnqFnqLA/s320/Misc+017.jpg" /> Ajax was pretty interested in all the bits and pieces on the sewing table. Nothing got carried away.<br /><br />When I first developed the pattern, no real practical thought was given to construction. This has been a real source of frustration with every single one I have made. Finally, while watching a nature program on giant octopuses, this odd solution presented itself...really odd...no, truly odd.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNHzTrS8w5kntya1Gn5cu7AEey4H6SBSq5-JfV-yG8ex8Qz2IYJsWqlvLFnuR8DIDR99EtIBqsDvhG0VoRWUcYx9Pq4Q2RmBRvqSPG6yV-nZAQg4GHFFvOUbGMLmT_TRoM3R0_w/s1600/Misc+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062020155601826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNHzTrS8w5kntya1Gn5cu7AEey4H6SBSq5-JfV-yG8ex8Qz2IYJsWqlvLFnuR8DIDR99EtIBqsDvhG0VoRWUcYx9Pq4Q2RmBRvqSPG6yV-nZAQg4GHFFvOUbGMLmT_TRoM3R0_w/s320/Misc+012.jpg" /></a> So, here are my wee babies, turned right side out, stuffed with fluff and tarted up. I love that they all are different and unique.<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCUYpL10RhW9oqmT4wJ6diMk3wby52yKwI_V91mEGimDLT0sdviy5B0cOE7UblIW1jchrZfY2aPjRTGGTiFvTMe0LPPq6CejjaIvvNw41VGQy44dhp5g_uCwNP9CdcVoEZ0Imxw/s1600/Misc+026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062015245891954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCUYpL10RhW9oqmT4wJ6diMk3wby52yKwI_V91mEGimDLT0sdviy5B0cOE7UblIW1jchrZfY2aPjRTGGTiFvTMe0LPPq6CejjaIvvNw41VGQy44dhp5g_uCwNP9CdcVoEZ0Imxw/s320/Misc+026.jpg" /></a> And for the most part made of recycled materials.<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6cdI04AFODSiQAo_QK_RqHO5xvrR23qKm73jml7W1amaqiH7kws8zW3KPYhK1ygzeEzpp5SW6Jv7_NRV883N6r-LiHOS3pfBoyfCRPdXi6NamGsoeMKXTH8QzWczYz2KOJ0haQ/s1600/Misc+027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062005941429058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6cdI04AFODSiQAo_QK_RqHO5xvrR23qKm73jml7W1amaqiH7kws8zW3KPYhK1ygzeEzpp5SW6Jv7_NRV883N6r-LiHOS3pfBoyfCRPdXi6NamGsoeMKXTH8QzWczYz2KOJ0haQ/s320/Misc+027.jpg" /></a> Happy Earth Day!<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKinNA27-gIP7KNSxIbk1k-Zv81oxki6YpiYhCxlIkerteNJeT9w6FpGaE-FMLAoDEfHi6BlBEt9dateu5Z5sxJJYis5LMmMWgPkuwgOZCTpJ8zrkdNey1L1OsnrkozwtqR8Pjg/s1600/Misc+029.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463062004158797618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKinNA27-gIP7KNSxIbk1k-Zv81oxki6YpiYhCxlIkerteNJeT9w6FpGaE-FMLAoDEfHi6BlBEt9dateu5Z5sxJJYis5LMmMWgPkuwgOZCTpJ8zrkdNey1L1OsnrkozwtqR8Pjg/s320/Misc+029.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-53091377578221089162010-02-06T16:02:00.002-05:002010-02-06T16:22:46.223-05:00Snow DayToday was the second largest snow storm in Philadelphia's recorded history. We got over 2 feet of the fluffy white stuff.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435239607978775090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjNHyih9P-4d9Zo2IbHYn_u8Vyam05KeK6Lhj5At0CPtscrStWKesKxmxKsG8m4S9STjF0TiGtaQNfZAimJJAKaaHJfHbc6KYqI_G0FSLccfHm_eFwA451FjcPGyweGnlXmp3nw/s400/Snow+Day+002.jpg" />I love my city in the snow. Everything is so quiet, only the sound of people laughing in the streets and the scrape of shovels on the walks.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435239620105326114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZM_OThGknG_ucO_TvyIT8ielu20hy_lTgJo_dpJ8acVyjwtK_IiJlgAAjWcslX26KMC98NWUTRWBpbNVfHSIg3KXWI4xwOsqNJdRPF1DwH2LKWrWxjN1KL3wj_09fO-tgkD2PA/s400/Snow+Day+015.jpg" />Rittenhouse Square is magical in the snow. The square was packed with squealing children learning the rules of snowball warfare and dogs bouncing and frolicking in the new snow. I wish I could experience that pure joy rather then just watching and appreciating it.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435239614773413682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4-s919y0QoOXOH27llNC0IaDCEI5msqRzqie6thoCuLljW-WRIVE9xgaoOhIDGiojCey1DPhUuHbCtj5ny_jey97hj74CsL2tU7s12L0dQ3tORPFVRKbUEZsz4bXH_w-vhIzOg/s400/Snow+Day+013.jpg" />When I came home from my walk through the streets, I saw the unbelievable. There was a raptor hanging out in the ginko tree in front of the house. Wish I could have gotten a better shot of him, but the damn batteries in my camera were dying and he flew off just as I returned with fresh ones.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435239625470941618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvnJ6TVScpk16zDP8FQkHiwXIbQZpU1eB8ya87ts2VuJVbCXyhIm-OQJJF9kn53NZ-yXRMaPkwX-8hVqHoB2VUJcO_9udiXpdAcyVeIqWRHuiXVVx-SZEYLxCwCPwA1XnjxMkWQ/s400/Snow+Day+005.jpg" />Ajax has been chattering away all day. He is very concerned about all this white stuff on the deck. The drift against the door is so deep that the poor thing has to stand on his hind legs to see out the door.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435239629696592066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW3ZxuYyTM0KvIFa9DqugNULnkMfJd_oEOmrN74Cp56apVgCThgaYCQHQ3FIKuJoU2n-c-3TVP9Dur5et-6H5Oksz_WTNC59bHbzkoCd3yc2IlsT-Wc2LZtFDV_OUsQNWAz4P4g/s400/Snow+Day+009.jpg" /><br /><div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-43327290726982934722009-11-03T11:10:00.003-05:002009-11-03T11:40:05.844-05:00Blue SkiesThis the shawl that I knit for my <a href="http://www.fpcphila.org/index.php">church</a>'s Harvest Festival Silent Auction. I am happy to say that the church raised $13,500 for <a href="http://www.steppingstonescholars.org/">Steppingstone Scholars</a>. Steppingstone Scholars is a Philadelphia based organization that helps under-privileged children prepare for college.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910937478225858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkluUuvIxv-DYTwzLThmboJ89k4o-OoGoqVPs47VVa8E9f_OfNs8PHRbOgZXODjoXspMrH03ckGldOWTiggYQjq-xIQR9vQcpd3JzOAbWq774MLKLvhCeuJnj7iRu34yP0D2Byow/s320/knitting+782.jpg" /><br />The pattern is the <a href="http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/designs/2009/06/la.html">Lavellette Shawl</a>, which I first saw when my friend <a href="http://knittingbybicycle.net/">Andrea</a> did a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittingbybicycle/lavalette">test knit</a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(RAV link) </span>for the pattern. It was an easy lace pattern and made a very elegant piece. I used one skein of Tess' Superwash Merino Lace Weight. I think of the color as being Virgin Mary Blue, but my Catholic friends have corrected this Presbyterian girl. Oh well.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910930853660274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQQFE3i_TL27zAGiAJ0GHKTTUU44MEm-j7t-nVSAJiiGJlU1bTvKPh3NQQzMSNNwD2muls9k1r8QNOIk4npOo17jNP5fltmloxruT4r_q09r9Fqt0Fd4DXtF-mvQow7Gm74Eolw/s320/knitting+767.jpg" /><br />Most importantly, I chose it from my stash because it reminded me of Nan Somerville, the force of nature that started the Harvest Festival and ran it for 30 plus years. Nan passed away this past year and left a huge hole in our congregation. Her daughter, Margaret, stepped into the breach and did a brilliant job organizing this year's festival. This blue was one of Nan's favorite colors and I know she would have approved. And then asked me, "So what are you going to make for next year?"<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910942995207042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL12GHk3qT5lsoFaPbMpj2V7D-6c_jP1wYGt1iDNeRxe2zZjplMzbbWqV3ifirh2QYRVZwCotGXfoVu7EoZbgYd-ghq44VpGOOEFyYjNP5112cEkuGPoV4Ksdzx2yZ6K0I2KsAtg/s320/knitting+783.jpg" /><br /><div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-49031803730690652592009-10-31T14:24:00.004-05:002009-10-31T15:05:20.490-05:00More Picots, PleaseWhen I first became aware of the <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/product/203884/S2002/_/S2002_The_Landscape_Shawl_by_Evelyn_A_Clark">Landscape</a> pattern I only knew it as a huge shawl, not a scarf. As a shawl, I had zero interest in the pattern...endless stockinette, endless seed and moss stitch... ick. Then <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/">Marissa the Marvelous</a> started knitting the scarf version. She was using lots of Koigu millends, some of which I had enabled the purchasing. I'm a good friend like that. <div><br /></div><div></div><div>We were having coffee one afternoon and she was knitting away on it. I had never done picots before and was a little fascinated by them.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398848150606983938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSjDaqwfhTUgH2NZ0HZ9yqWjhSGDnHcxCeIXZAHqmkfiikCXl-MDaiySStBw3LtSStGNvHLKJ4rZiZvlByto6zetE0cwHuOkW3_YpXfJGMVaO4jz-Hn1pjFyvKVaE4dR7qkkNUg/s320/knitting+723.jpg" />The pattern calls for picots on every other row. Marissa, who thinks that more embellishment is always better, was putting them on every row. I too became a little obsessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>She kindly and trustingly let me wear <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2008/07/completed-landscape-scarf.html">her scarf </a>one afternoon. I <strong>loved</strong> it. She pried it out of my hands before we parted company. And I began planning my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>I dug into my cache of millends and selected a bunch to mix together. I started knitting, randomly switching yarn and using a <a href="http://www.knittinganyway.com/freethings/russianjoin.htm">Russian join </a>for the transitions. Love that Russian join!!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398851661973441522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3jof6sqxqX9M6iz-QVnriQuISAYL666WhTdO8pCKDFs97PWrziiiKi8RwmK8b_X63EPnLZlIM4KmUeE3yK9tyclnu3ofONab-HPt45OvaKpajW1LmuCwL1OZE4Ex0bf3hghRqg/s320/knitting+721.jpg" /></div><div>Mine also had to have a bazillion picots. Knitting them is so much fun! Particularly in Koigu, because you are always looking to see what color they are going to be. This is one time where surprise in knitting is a wonderful thing.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398848158982799874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv9TEhpSQBfog84Y5oHYKxpduHa-4us5DxYvnY6C7l8M0IVdhNpzyBOQ4E2JsS0wlwX3JCz5W0QgQJs-OonEpC_ZG_2nOfHpGGJFbBV8nd7HB3HwUsSGQuZDYVeb4XCsFt1jcCQ/s320/landscape+3.jpg" />I love my little scarf...so jaunty...so insouciant! My friend, Suzanne, thought it was pretty cool, so I made on for her too. I cannot wait for her birthday! This time I upped the needle size a smidge and hers has better drape.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398848161011068194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAYhtm7Y0ZrBbjj6LidaUIEXTzvZEkyvlnybpH6hw2r4zklYVETFhvfTOFOtCE4ZV6ONYz4DC5jehYbO6caZxkg8AqBdpWAsdf_C_MI3OCQl0mQRfNgchOGDt26NzK-KbBUHW9g/s320/knitting+786.jpg" /> </div><div>You would think that after all these picots that I would be done. You would be wrong...Bring'em on! I have been eyeballing the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boneyard-shawl">Boneyard Shawl's</a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Rav Link)</span> picot edged version for some beautiful alpaca lace weight that I scored at Rhinebeck. Now I just need to be disciplined enough to get my Christmas knitting done before I cast on. I'll let you know how that goes...<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-39583935703324388132009-10-22T11:53:00.007-05:002009-10-22T20:15:26.704-05:00A First Time.......some good, some questionable, some weird.<br /><br />Many, many thanks to my dear friend <a href="http://purlewe.typepad.com/">Anj</a>, who invited me to drive up to Rhinebeck with her and stay with her delightful Aunt Judy and Uncle Wynn at <a href="http://herron.digitopia.net/cgi-bin/iowa/section/home/index.html">Herron Farm</a>. I got to pet the llamas, feed the alpacas, check out the chickens and threaten to make soup from the rooster who woke me up every half hour both mornings. Who knew that roosters come with a doze function?<br /><br />The weather report for the weekend was grim and it looked like the Nor'easter was targeting Rhinebeck. Amazingly the rain skirted the festival...not a drop landed. The sky was overcast, but the lack of sunshine meant it was cool enough for all of us to show off our hand knits!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395469213414005426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBoPWTG8LYtp-O-AMQWOy8b5_R4RjlTxOtJQAi-8lgDhkBk4xdYtIYKzRLyTAyqNEuAz05F-GFlcEE2ZJ836fNmN1V3B3pYEPneAsPKwVl5VafujzWwa1SPdfBDLMN5UMDcRhAg/s320/Rhinebeck+2009+020.jpg" />Not all of the hand knits were equal. Dude, I hope your friends don't see my blog. How could you let her do that to you? Guess we know who wears the pants in that family.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395469221432280754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kNaEZOAUpjNZcBuqvORkX2OrmYCiUJ16Sgk36YVM43vmX0JPlA41yXQPssUMk5dkjVXWUJdzWVlkn5xWNuYLYZVdqWHzhZA4b49PRyt4y_cxWx45xoVEU2XiQ50owANtN0bIxA/s320/Rhinebeck+2009+019.jpg" />I spent a lot more time with the animals then I ever have at MDS&W. There were tons of cute sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas. I got in some serious heavy petting...met a new boy friend, Buster Brown. I was too busy petting him to take his picture.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395583893928864114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaam42ntITqwSf64zxN7uYMlghPKSqTwqa9I53epVDgwzfPcJjGR_1hQvmVw5THHQtxvYtAG_EW6kE4gKg6Y6WpSDqoEYlE4vHxNEORjvRrWzaymlEv1JtEyd6FEIgW6nkw2yU9Q/s320/Rhinebeck+2009+018.jpg" /><br />A couple of us made out with this llama, Biscotti Chips. She was pretty promiscuous and doling out kisses to everyone. I think Judy was trying to figure out how to get this cutie into her car. First time I have ever had llama kisses or seen one so affectionate and approachable...to <strong>everyone</strong>.<br /><div></div><div><br /><div>I fondled a lot of yarn, but bought very little, just enough to not feel deprived and not too much, so no feelings of guilt. I try very hard not to mix guilt and yarn.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Now, on to the downright weird. Have you ever seen an egg that didn't have a shell? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOCSA_btSuo3qwGwEQ3hVpmI1AURWpTyWzr88YirqNnfqTwOoVm4btPAK0ZjZtKVAnPjvOC8gvKa73Xsxv8cek6LulGi0s_RLqPDQMo4QBb3Ph3PSDY6uMlsL4_Pa0nAy1Of-sg/s1600-h/Rhinebeck+2009+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395469207455634482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOCSA_btSuo3qwGwEQ3hVpmI1AURWpTyWzr88YirqNnfqTwOoVm4btPAK0ZjZtKVAnPjvOC8gvKa73Xsxv8cek6LulGi0s_RLqPDQMo4QBb3Ph3PSDY6uMlsL4_Pa0nAy1Of-sg/s320/Rhinebeck+2009+001.jpg" /></a> It was a little old by the time I got to see it. It was shriveling up and drying out. The membrane felt like really fine grit sandpaper.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>They have had other egg anomalies at the farm. One of the eggs had three yolks. Does that mean it has triple the cholesterol?</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I am already looking forward to returning to Rhinebeck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-53819881938663318142009-10-13T16:58:00.003-05:002009-10-13T17:42:11.300-05:00Scraptacular<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUimqbp6lmUKzWy_Ojj2MGQVWTJppIyJkYRCnv-ub492aoRcmVHvhR0Y3G7IaARwhIUQVPEcCe7kdYCr3mTPHxwJG2aC8k-yf8zjl9uXj9qB1XrNsWxOsCGBfyhkSDPZXePj6AMg/s1600-h/Noro+hats+006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392207908868279410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUimqbp6lmUKzWy_Ojj2MGQVWTJppIyJkYRCnv-ub492aoRcmVHvhR0Y3G7IaARwhIUQVPEcCe7kdYCr3mTPHxwJG2aC8k-yf8zjl9uXj9qB1XrNsWxOsCGBfyhkSDPZXePj6AMg/s320/Noro+hats+006.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg647oXyhj1eq7l8TGyeAZOyuHbBkO8tuYGG3nEJPAIRCAXsidIRlFmv8SV23B6BX_uKi7hXBVYiwCfgcEhDVCXYCreLmbUrPfQyir0UtLlCNZU-t8kk7hKmHjDxgLp96XiuSvVjQ/s1600-h/Noro+hats+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392207899807398386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg647oXyhj1eq7l8TGyeAZOyuHbBkO8tuYGG3nEJPAIRCAXsidIRlFmv8SV23B6BX_uKi7hXBVYiwCfgcEhDVCXYCreLmbUrPfQyir0UtLlCNZU-t8kk7hKmHjDxgLp96XiuSvVjQ/s320/Noro+hats+005.jpg" /></a>Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/james-dean-hat">James Dean Hat</a> <span style="font-size:85%;">(Ravelry link)</span> - designed by <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Joy-Knitting-Companion-Lisa-Myers/dp/0762414510">Lisa R. Myers</a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Yarn: Noro Kureyon ( one gallon ziplock bag full of scraps leftover from the huge <a href="http://purlmialoggia.blogspot.com/2009/03/hexagon-finale.html">Hexagon Blanket</a>....yup, a lot of spit-splicing in these babies! God knows how many colorways are in the mix.)</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Needles: US7 24" circulars</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I whipped these hats up in a few days for donation to charity. It was the perfect use for my ziplock of scraps...some only slightly longer than a yard. As I said above there was a <strong>lot </strong>of spit involved. When I was all finished I had about a yard left over.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a great pattern, and my first time knitting it in the intended gage. I have knit tons of these using Koigu and giving them away as baby gifts. Those are always a hit.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Its a fast knit, but not entirely mindless. The skills needed for the project are a provisional cast-on, short rows and a 51 stitch Kitchnered finish. The good news is that you jump into the kitchner groove at about 7 stiches and cruise from there.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A huge thanks to my oh-so-fabulous models that I met in Rittenhouse Square. BTW, they lovvvvved my hats!</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-66388230128802753152009-10-11T19:57:00.005-05:002009-10-11T20:57:20.357-05:00IntroThe girls who knit, know that I haunt the window at Rittenhouse Pet Supply. They use their window for kitty adoptions and I love me some kittehs. When I was working and having a horrible day, I would stop by and hold a kitten. Purring kittens make all evils go away.<br /><br />There have been many close calls, when I thought yes this is the one I want to add to my family. And many times that I talked myself out of it...wrong sex...bad timing...whatever. Then I saw this little man in the window. Adopted yet? No- Check! I asked, boy or girl, with my fingers crossed. Little boy- Check! And the second I picked him up he started purring loudly. He was totally at ease and content to hang out in my arms, staring up at me. I was smitten.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391513160592739826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpzV1ORCbzWsVllE0IJne8Sr6ymmowzRisgiSsG7dOHizUci2wFh9Ng9whVRndMgBAI1E9j3J3A3YmoNkXgTfqmQWc43R8J724J2GhHmcttXJ0gOct_MX-XmHid4Z2R_PKQrSrQ/s320/kitties+048.jpg" /> The night I brought him home, he went to knitting circle first and met his knitting aunties. He got passed around the room and everyone got a chance to hold him. Everyone approved my choice.<br /><br />Coincidently my mother and I both hit on the same name, Ajax. Think hero of the Iliad, not the cleanser. Its hard finding a good boy name...pull out Bullfinch's Mythology and give it a try.<br /><br />Here he is checking out my fathers mustache for leftover dinner morsels. Mmmmm....is that mushroom soup? Maybe a little au poivre sauce? Delish!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391513819884349922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpbASYjzPY3MG07FdK0BfTD4PM-vp-cD2FU9KQXbWW_seQnS37AJl8ZFfHa1BG8Gec0_tYbAfbX8a2pB4Fpc-MI1_VGxbY67dwYAsmpt1oUQqDbhhXi0CnlPwTnubMctocLN8dA/s320/kitties+069.jpg" />Ajax was the only boy left in his litter when they were in foster care. They would all curl up in a kitty pile to sleep and he was missing his sisters. Artemis is not the snuggling type, but he has high hopes for Toscabelle. This is Ajax in the middle of a yawn and roll--his goal is spooning with Toscabelle. On his next roll she bopped him on the head with a mighty hiss and sent him running.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391513814657531618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimccJ-nIRkcHgVgNdoKuDnmIP-NeFyL8dNMDX4OL_xmRz8QpWNTuA98luo1FzITSlEd4MCCfHKA34c7BRORH3Wpnnk9wegtc3zylCyafYH4rOYXoRCw19nk9ED0D-iUUTVALrexQ/s320/kitties+053.jpg" />She still will not snuggle with him- poor lad. But they do have a fabulous time chasing each other around the apartment. Its pretty funny. Now that he is completely at home he has also found the voice that no one heard at the pet store. He talks more than Artemis and Tosca combined...nonstop. Its such a funny little voice for a kitty with so much swagger.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391513835334626930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi97XWv5SUVClh5L6StO1F071QUMkibV7RJuczD92U7jSWPl06ls-FKxvg5BbkJwr7OE76SZffFQXR-VJiHIo0vdTLQKcBHITvZQbtR-EcLm0WyxpD2cSpZS91cx1MeJQRMRtg5w/s320/Picture+005.jpg" /><br />I love my little man!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391513829201056130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRhE_lTxjBaaIwqMBaf8xMmqS6P6SE_5PJR0dExxCipXvB0hjIFNUfUlvBfUjqnwACzgPwn4HZF_KzjfYYMBwmZWOcQJKPEfjdWCEeGbRmMmRjhLuLlylEHCPYS7Zq-lSlBlS4w/s320/knitting+003.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-61808725680138475032009-03-05T18:41:00.008-05:002009-03-05T19:31:56.197-05:00Hexagon Finale<div><div>Once upon a time a talented designer, <a href="http://dullegriet.wordpress.com/">Megan Rogers</a>, got the Noro bug and knit a <a href="http://dullegriet.wordpress.com/my-patterns/">hexagon blanket</a>. I was mauled by the bug...badly. My hexagon fascination grew by leaps and bounds. There was no stopping me.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDQ_LMEHK-fsRzYPgYCpb28SmYKILjLN35fHH5J2pFr3lmdXnsgO6D7a0CdmpQgIQQqeVmgcC6ot8ijj8GodBWSu-KgO4v4XhsJRCJH2isMDI3pymsgyrQY1h96CmL5ehXM2Nw/s1600-h/knitting+427.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309853933268221682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDQ_LMEHK-fsRzYPgYCpb28SmYKILjLN35fHH5J2pFr3lmdXnsgO6D7a0CdmpQgIQQqeVmgcC6ot8ijj8GodBWSu-KgO4v4XhsJRCJH2isMDI3pymsgyrQY1h96CmL5ehXM2Nw/s400/knitting+427.jpg" border="0" /></a> I knit through mountains of Noro and thought I was only going to make this blanket the size of a couch throw. It was wonderfully warm knitting it this fall with Toscabelle often nested in its folds.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309858955559188546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MVYUg2C57CA58GZgB13rs6f5GoJGLMOVhfHZo3U9KP9AjYlMkNS6wq32aJg5GKeSHGaO2AOe_7UIFF_81-yWHrY2HM8XHzyFmMH9J_cZdw8DpJL8cdweAEAO6H6UlRwZGCQdlA/s400/knitting+614.jpg" border="0" />Well, the blanket was a Christmas present for my parents. It was not quite finished on Christmas morning, but almost. This beast, even when I thought it was throw size was too big to block in my home, so I knew it would be unblocked under the tree. Washing this blanket was a huge challenge...several trips through the bathtub with Soak and a spin cycle in Mom's front loader. </div><div><br /> </div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309858962165614866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujf4kekdR5Hf5PN119FRAtmUbWEExPe9yUnjIXBhfsULJx07UgeQgZu5cUraU3yatcmSPckFEy9IMWiYGk67vKbBynbRBFHtCLk41mM428AdJam-ErvK_snWM_i4eFIO2ldA4vg/s400/knitting+660.jpg" border="0" /><br />Blocking was a family affair-- mom, Muffy and I stretching and pinning, EB supervising. It grew and it grew. The finished product was big enough for a twin-size bed.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SLs91XnoBIeYl0lsGfSMzO14rsho4IgB6aGu_VF1B7SI28_0yjBjqHxhVWzuG2MgzjejlZXF3cEoi8YNw1GjD93PX4TwhPXkPYTMb9KgRnLuse5DRXMFvjW0WpDs5NssFvf2iA/s1600-h/knitting+665.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309853927061151330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SLs91XnoBIeYl0lsGfSMzO14rsho4IgB6aGu_VF1B7SI28_0yjBjqHxhVWzuG2MgzjejlZXF3cEoi8YNw1GjD93PX4TwhPXkPYTMb9KgRnLuse5DRXMFvjW0WpDs5NssFvf2iA/s400/knitting+665.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309856268448165170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8HHNUIv_WTA2jvSLxwVBh9299-xdr_7npZYILFVIadxAxOntVlFBTphyphenhyphen4Z5XR2RMl3RiMSR7J7oVwKIqYfJ2CTwrmny6xK8Lt-kGOHffzHPj5jL5KI5XNBUgLogrw5A-6iyryA/s400/DSCN2500.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>Here's EB happily snoozing under his new blanket! Snug as a bug...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309857514025659538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7YJR25SJnLDkaOhRGGArRS6kk88jO1ECGQmpq3vhxGP-ddEuDOzuw-iVRJ0Hq4M6PZTwAMPFd25q-TYIpU0R4L01s0nUM-bOat9kCvOE-7giZrR0shRMbodTNPPkCIOgp0ceeA/s400/DSCN2508.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>I don't think I will ever invest the time and huge amounts of dough into making one for myself, but my fixation with hexagons continues. Now that a crochet hook has been put back in my hands, I have visions of small crocheted Koigu hexagons wrapping my neck.</div><div></div><br /><div>And for those who love Meg's designs...check out her two new patterns in the <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2009/spring/magazinepage_011.php">Spring Twist Collective</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-66222820462308002202009-02-14T11:07:00.006-05:002009-02-14T11:33:59.174-05:00Hearts and FlowersHappy Valentines Day, everyone! Valentines Day is traditionally not my favorite day, probably because I am without a sweetie...le sigh.<br /><br /><br />I have however finished my <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=review/profile/070823_a.asp">Hedgerow socks</a>. Yeah, it took me almost a year to finish these. I cannot tell you why. Love the color--just look at this yumminess. It is <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Socks That Rock </a>light weight in "Bleeding Hearts". I will confess to being a bit disappointed that after very little pooling on the ankles that it did start doing way funky things once I turned the heel. Next confession is that I managed to screw up a simple four row repeat, but at least I was consistent through the whole pair and they still look great. The socks are comfy and warm. I am now looking forward to knitting up more of my STR stash. Next time I will go down in needle size just a smidge...Addi's vs anything else in 1s. And I will go toe-up, I have short feet, only size seven and the cuffs weren't particulary long, but I finished with only about a yard to spare. It was a nail biter!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302686245566582962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25ienPdj3kolnhal6K47stVYoMK0rl-soGK1Adv5doYmL_UpZvJ5ZmERCsc0vJOPgdPnGVI-2W_V69uJYL8gLEgJjG6kNyMdTHj18aWExp0PLG8HCmIl3NaZ__GOYsCyXqJ-DRQ/s400/knitting+708.jpg" border="0" /><br />Well, no sweetie in sight, but these beauties arrived yesterday...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302686248707911714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7jU0IDeep5X4OaxxpWqZ6h5Tq7jzpb4Gopxn7kd3fG7x0anNlxlV4pdKyXCS3eBZdunNCsc_r7_6VhEPlUyEmwW0f4YLeIeKrLj9pN7fgqDXiyVsfbcH3kJrT45gv8YS0vGUVg/s400/kitties+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Tosca was very appreciative. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302686258989730386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xGeYePn2oTdHycTZwt4ZwDLondmEnTKKByA4lVMRkNWELbbAYC8DJf4WNADNFc4svJXwpkOENdzDBnLNpfumaIZI4AbayaUBCtyFHIdB6JS0mZc3THeUTa4RElsiScNdCzs72A/s400/kitties+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center">And no, I did not mug a delivery guy on the street.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302686263884520770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RklnkPCRs2Vh8OFRskCEe4gapjNMKoeNMJkMBDgGA3hBsQ7NNP9t255X2PleW7wVDBkWHSow0SH-4P9XJWk9ecNUA7V0s7nL2omVed6EkmjpXD2-TEURSOgViYpkJNTImERxWw/s400/kitties+005.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Thanks, Daddy!</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-30700797837125066882009-02-10T21:55:00.006-05:002009-02-10T22:33:29.043-05:00Comfort ContinuedSo, in the midst of this freakishly warm weather I am still in comfort mode. I am a realist and know that by the end of the week I will be back to mad layering. Last year <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/">Marissa</a> made <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2008/02/completed-full-spectrum-legwarmers.html">fabulous leg warmers</a> from Noro Silk Garden in a handful of colorways. I coveted those leg warmers and settled for making my own. I am using Noro Kureyon for mine in two colorways, 188 and 207. I am doing mine in a k2p2 rib and knitting two rows of each color <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">ala Jared Flood</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteUuVbQaX3w7qqdnDIRlGutAdK6O8JeFYOdyuOvsxABEmwRtbKUH_U06RLPLJU0Q1SCpC8dnf4uYymrqvUbm2Z4EiTN4BaT93dZFnM2NuuBNKjPXeNdRQrImsw8GsiQhjziaggg/s1600-h/knitting+716.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301368449744537698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteUuVbQaX3w7qqdnDIRlGutAdK6O8JeFYOdyuOvsxABEmwRtbKUH_U06RLPLJU0Q1SCpC8dnf4uYymrqvUbm2Z4EiTN4BaT93dZFnM2NuuBNKjPXeNdRQrImsw8GsiQhjziaggg/s400/knitting+716.jpg" border="0" /></a> I knit them long enough to pull flat over my knees or pushed down slouchy below. They are knitting up fast and that is a good thing...I may need them this weekend.<br /><br />Comfort part deux has come in the form of food. I am not sure what has come over me, but I have been cooking. First I made a killer batch of chili in my slow cooker. Next came two dishes of pumpkin chocolate bread pudding. I took one to my first attendance at <a href="http://purlewe.typepad.com/">Anjeanette</a>'s Fiber Night. Anj and her wife Sue are fantastic hostesses. I was really impressed with the bread pudding if I do say so myself. I found the recipe on <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Bread-Pudding-240275">Epicurious.com</a>, it was from the October 2007 issue of Gourmet magazine.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN13jAQDAdySH6f-Vn1MHE6jJ4NQUiN0ug5Qzk2qk_TtGBbilyJWEqCD1WTFVbpJBWNl-CltDtIL9KhmQAwAcTF_CQrSdtq0fvrJJiXNUyXUj5J122I3pI8mUxh7CrPLKh5JKbEQ/s1600-h/knitting+719.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301368446122411522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN13jAQDAdySH6f-Vn1MHE6jJ4NQUiN0ug5Qzk2qk_TtGBbilyJWEqCD1WTFVbpJBWNl-CltDtIL9KhmQAwAcTF_CQrSdtq0fvrJJiXNUyXUj5J122I3pI8mUxh7CrPLKh5JKbEQ/s400/knitting+719.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ingredients:</div><div><br />1 cup heavy cream<br />3/4 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin<br />1/2 cup whole milk<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />2 large eggs plus 1 yolk<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1/8 teaspoon ground allspice<br />Pinch of ground cloves<br />5 cups cubed (1-inch) day-old baguette or crusty bread<br />3/4 stick unsalted butter, melted </div><div>1 generous handful of chocolate morsels (this is my twist...everything is better with chocolate, right?)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.<br />Whisk together cream, pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, yolk, salt, and spices in a bowl.<br />Toss bread cubes with butter in another bowl, then add pumpkin mixture and toss to coat. Mix in chocolate morsels. Transfer to an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish and bake until custard is set, 25 to 30 minutes.<br /></div><div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-69319047048817531382009-01-29T23:08:00.006-05:002009-01-29T23:49:44.683-05:00Comfort<div>There has been a little too much comfort food this week. First I read <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/">Pozy Gets Cozy</a> and became obsessed with her <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2009/01/coconut-custard.html">Coconut Custard</a>. I have never baked a custard before--can it be done and still jiggle abit? Apparently, yes...</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296935296506230866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd76NNLW9l-cps6fJncSpByl-v4JlcdyoiF2iCfXMSUt8Sn_0BGspagYVxys4Pk_lrHtBwYS-y8clEQWCsLFIlp7XSWIVVDNj5db9sxwcAmHqlcUfiCt8OfKDXa_2u4EDt6M8Lw/s400/misc.+022.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Turns out that it sets up after being out of the oven for a bit. (Its so good to have an aunt who is a cooking whiz!) The recipe is easy-peasy and really yummy. Bake up a bit of comfort for yourself.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Wednesday for dins, the girls and I went to Devil's Alley. I indulged in their mac and cheese. So so fabulous...my arteries are clicking shut just thinking about it. The crowning touch to their mac and cheese is tomato jam. I know a lot of people serve stewed tomatoes with theirs, but I often find the tomatos really acidic. This was sweet yummy bliss.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296936623559898754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRqWu58_Y220-3mhfYqrx-Ot8KHu0-c_rvhvEIFuPwvZExg7zsSjHSUbd0oSK8nOYRBKqC-sWGK06u-TGNIKOUSBJmgHjW1fjpx9AuxTG7xdr4FhBZlVlgIaOp2Tu8lO1mmajgQ/s400/misc.+027.jpg" border="0" />And because I cannot seem to get enough coconut this week, I had to stop at <a href="http://brownbettydesserts.com/">Brown Betty Pe</a>tite and get a cupcake...chocolate with cream cheese icing and coconut. Somebody please stop me.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296935295730552098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HGWAnHpHOuC8-bUhsLQ4K2ksLZ3v7lmmB6Mbj4TgE4YAaYWhWbGV_yDCJmyuCigv8Y6Vcthzq6iQiD0eDSpvfqBm3MRYudfkn3VjoysxhhR5ts9iOturF13rYzYCFWwuAwS8Jw/s400/misc.+018.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />Fortunately not all comforting things this week were food related. I knit up this cozy hat using some of the alpaca from the <strong><a href="http://purlmialoggia.blogspot.com/2007/11/are-we-there-yet.html">visit</a></strong> to <a href="http://www.southwindfarms.com/">Southwind Farms</a>. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/felicity">Felicity</a> (Rav link) by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/knitology.wordpress.com">Wanette Clyde</a>. Super quick knit, nothing tricky--my only suggestion is that it seems to run a bit on the small side. I got gauge (I know!) but ended up ripping it out and going up a needle size so the hat wouldn't shoot off the back of my head. I might give this another go, adjust for a chunkier yarn and add a little more length in the top to give it more slouch.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-4130959409480851622009-01-18T13:57:00.001-05:002009-01-18T13:59:51.096-05:00Oh MY!!!!<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292710054745957682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQXxQGdql-zpoWRfXy6_4aSKeJRVz5I6ch5SH0Mr82dolp9_kVVy0ZG2a0duCczacM90avuVMJWTYuuY54rAK21zZBBaB-7wCuuP4z9ucbqoQml7MuoNaMZ97MMFvA_v86LONg/s400/misc.+002.jpg" border="0" />David has a <strong>huge</strong> unit! </div><div align="center">(giggle, giggle)<br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-58857427364611684762009-01-11T18:02:00.003-05:002009-01-11T19:19:02.566-05:00Cuckoo for CowlsThey are everywhere, everyone is knitting them, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> has a zillion patterns. What could be better for a quick, cozy Christmas gift? Oh yeah, and an excellent stash busting exercise as well!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPAHMos1YiMu0ktyG8AG0Gph7FJtHt_HSMitE5S7ABXf7q2RRJb0Bh5yzoY8OIRbxRepcjskd9dw6dXRJipOZKvfHZmd4pQA9uua-xH2OuYl3rYPtudiQ5l7y2lPQR2hRadeS3Q/s1600-h/knitting+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290176922029011058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPAHMos1YiMu0ktyG8AG0Gph7FJtHt_HSMitE5S7ABXf7q2RRJb0Bh5yzoY8OIRbxRepcjskd9dw6dXRJipOZKvfHZmd4pQA9uua-xH2OuYl3rYPtudiQ5l7y2lPQR2hRadeS3Q/s320/knitting+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is <a href="http://www.lunastrixae.blogspot.com/">Sherry</a>, modeling the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tamarind-cowl">Tamarind Cowl</a> <span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">(Ravelry link)</span>. I knit this using one skein of Manos del Uruguay. This is a free pattern download! Loved knitting this, very easy, quick and visually interesting. The recipient loved its lipstick red color...Philly in the winter needs some punchy color.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZvilQlR5vqJDRtTD4NhmASTDQcTtvCg49Cbrd8NXlOyw72hwQoz361n0mFDRDqezKsrY2AEhvwvahxniW-9PeQ-Bt12iugiHIOyHdjTwwYugVq9nmbwChQtAF-carFwrkwWgDA/s1600-h/knitting+633.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290176922203036658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZvilQlR5vqJDRtTD4NhmASTDQcTtvCg49Cbrd8NXlOyw72hwQoz361n0mFDRDqezKsrY2AEhvwvahxniW-9PeQ-Bt12iugiHIOyHdjTwwYugVq9nmbwChQtAF-carFwrkwWgDA/s320/knitting+633.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cowl number two was knit with one skein of Manos as well. The pics of this, not so good. This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darkside-cowl">Darkside Cowl</a> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Ravelry link)</span>. </span><span style="color:#000000;">Not a bad knit, but I am not certain that this was the right pattern for the right yarn. Love the color, but it might have needed a yarn with less substance and more drape than the Manos. </span></span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/darkside-cowl"><br /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290176906854467938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjYXaKoVvO_Vkoj9OWvoJ3xJKd5XYUh2szvjuRsZCGRfRViSzoPlNq9kM9XdZzAMD2iZplYnn57PdPEv3I5-x4q4gUKCS8IgB31XntsQMFzKcKb9ROuqNY8DG14FazlMKb83tPA/s320/knitting+603.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>This is the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTaibhlinn.html">Aibhlinn</a>, knit with some modifications. The original pattern is for a very loose drapey cowl that you could pull up over your head, like a smoke ring. I cast on only 101 stitches to make a much closer fitting cowl. The yarn is from the fabulous alpacas of <a href="http://www.southwindfarms.com/">Southwind Farms</a>, that I scored on last year's <a href="http://purlmialoggia.blogspot.com/2007/11/are-we-there-yet.html">New England road trip</a> with the girls. It is so soft and smooshie, I have started knitting a hat with some other yarn I got there. The other thing that I love about this cowl is the bobbles...my very first! Now I am almost as much of a bobble fan as <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/">Marissa</a>. Okay, maybe not quite as bobble-crazed, but I am working on it.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTaibhlinn.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290176915887517394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X59kvJSMKug7IEJfd2ZKD4yUz9-BCYVsNzC5aYCdRA0EAnuJ9R-8Dj1TNC0Nl11A859sGbDNWU79hA7NkMNgtYccr49Pgjn-sQWP9ly-KZ3w0mfYGmpJJvWKVTeF6mOa1aW41Q/s320/knitting+629.jpg" border="0" /></a> Having knit three for girlfriends, I decided that I needed some for myself. This is the <a href="http://sourcherries.typepad.com/sourcherries/2008/07/cowl-a-licious.html">Stacked Eyelet Cowl</a>. I bought this skein of medium weight Socks that Rock in the Hard Rock colorway several years ago. We had a love/hate relationship...so ugly that surely it was cool. I couldn't visualize this as socks and had no brilliant ideas on how to use it. Then this cowl came along and it looked like the design would hold up well to a high contrast yarn. I zipped through this one, and really love the results with one small catch. When I washed it, all umph left the yarn and now I have a yarn necklace rather than cowl. I'll be ripping this back and taking about 2 1/2 inches out of the circumference. There was a ton of yarn left over, so I made myself some wrist warmers to match. They have been a big hit since I have the heat turned down low.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XkcMvQ0nJ3RNkRK2svtAzxXW8KNht60HPMpCoX9w5bajv6dkV2cXPjsj0eInQ70w-6sVwka0mO3VvZ8U3vccCosRZ0CoyzwdiuU7EoJTNq4QusBOHBsZEekAu_SUIMHi32ioNw/s1600-h/knitting+692.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290176914378615682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XkcMvQ0nJ3RNkRK2svtAzxXW8KNht60HPMpCoX9w5bajv6dkV2cXPjsj0eInQ70w-6sVwka0mO3VvZ8U3vccCosRZ0CoyzwdiuU7EoJTNq4QusBOHBsZEekAu_SUIMHi32ioNw/s320/knitting+692.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This week's cowl is a modification of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bubbles--cables-cowl">Bubbles & Cables Cowl</a> <span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">(Ravelry link)</span>, knit in Plymouth Suri Merino. The color....why Lisa Blue...of course! I have been wearing this all week. LOVE IT! Alpaca, Lisa Blue and bobbles, what is there not to love?</div><div></div><div></div><div>I don't think this is the end of my cowl kick. There are way too many great patterns out there, and lots of yarn in my stash. And right now I can use some instant gratification in my life.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-17377022711621044522008-12-30T17:47:00.004-05:002008-12-30T18:36:35.647-05:00...More ChristmasI missed all my knitting buds so much while I was up in Connecticut, slaving away for my mom! I have been dancing in the streets of Philadelphia, celebrating being home.<br /><br />While in Simsbury I did get a small chance to interact with knitters. I went to the Simsbury Stitch'n Bitch at the Starbucks and spent some time with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/raenct">Rachel</a> (rav link) who was knitting a snazzy fair isle beret. I also had what Jeannie called a "play date" with <a href="http://www.wbnm.typepad.com/">Bev</a>. I had such a great time with her, hopefully if the girls do a road trip to Stitches in Hartford in the fall, you'll all get to meet her. And <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/buttonjar">Julie</a> (rav link) from Creative Fibers stopped in to Say Cheese for some fromage...I immediately recognized a fellow knitter from her sweet fuzzy armwarmers. She told me about Creative Fibers after-Christmas sale. Jeannie and I dutifully went shopping and did our best to relieve their inventory!<br /><br />Part of my Christmas present to Muffy this year were some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19039743">ornaments</a> for her tree. I knitted up a bunch of covered glass balls with leftover sock yarn and gave her a few.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285723784561526786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6K51PhAGNwIk_ouTinxo_Tu6CFJLfQJdCDibqfw73p-XqOLFzSFfEAZbtPmiWiCWCKWKhAaueyv1-fNBJ7gIqs-ZUPIqot9F2_MJ7LlCMa-8HsBbzvNQkQC4q_m5mGyyYUE5Dg/s320/knitting+617.jpg" border="0" />I also made her some adorable garland from recycled Christmas cards and clear nylon thread. The garland is super easy...I used a huge circle punch that I bought at Michael's. You punch out the circles, use glue stick on both back-sides and sandwich the nylon thread between. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285723793166524146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfB9tzAql93gjEZrQoYN4_1Yriwd27Onu_Mbh7rKkBOVlnRoIRLfEgMudvARss2rdpIwKYMQB2wKeLe5u5pHY8n_BG7r2-XEUHR-rf2hrUo9az2wkAfewUadzKdxY3eevEZor8Q/s320/knitting+636.jpg" border="0" />I spaced the circles out about 3 inches. Its green and every other color under the sun. Some of the circles were fussy cut, so there are cute little faces, etc. on them. They give a great splash of color to a tree short on ornaments! Start saving up your Christmas cards...<br /><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285723799593824242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jlAOe2LSoysG8mSpOA5sTtr1eaaOuSTBz41U09yi0Ay5CDBWWyrHI_KaJDGpVtZrZR42amXGMZAgI5O7aANPexWEE06zR4bQLz6TI1qRKzs2pZDk6HI3GT44oBRgP7_b918-UA/s320/knitting+669.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />While at the parents, Muffy and I rummaged through drawers in the guest room closet and found bits and pieces of our childhoods...an AEPhi sweatshirt from college, my graduation dress from high school, Paddington Bear, Raggedy Ann, and my much loved, lumpy baby doll Drowsely. Drowsely once had beautiful silky yellow blond hair. Much love and over attention had turned the 'do into a Don King look. Mom tried to salvage the hair years later...now she looks like a deranged monk. I think she should have stuck with the Don King 'do!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-55506783709042549062008-12-29T21:21:00.007-05:002008-12-29T22:27:47.945-05:00Finally, a white ChristmasIts been a long time since we have really had a white Christmas in CT. Days before Christmas we had two big snowfalls, great for the holiday visuals, bad for retail. I spent the weeks leading up to Christmas working at the cheese store my mom manages. I now know more about cheese than just Velveeta...I can even recommend a strong flavored brie or a milder one...how 'bout one with mushrooms for an earthier cheese. Are you impressed? I certainly am!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChzuk77xAZtWb21TIrgOFjPTwxFNKhefFuRuYb2SZMngiZIpn2Nv2t1qX0fhE0T5YIvjDY6A1E21NmeZiyCRtP1l8uGjXK695WADU2maahiLDK19jNGyiMObgKgU7Mo7LLtMwDA/s1600-h/knitting+646.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403878658237394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChzuk77xAZtWb21TIrgOFjPTwxFNKhefFuRuYb2SZMngiZIpn2Nv2t1qX0fhE0T5YIvjDY6A1E21NmeZiyCRtP1l8uGjXK695WADU2maahiLDK19jNGyiMObgKgU7Mo7LLtMwDA/s320/knitting+646.jpg" border="0" /></a>My parents have tons of deer in the woods behind the house. This visit, they frequently came down into the yard. Artemis and Tosca got quite a show...these guys are seriously bigger than squirrels!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9Dpb6OYG4xc0aucZ_RXfmtRW0eI47Md_kRzz5YnuTS02-5pxbg3FUOewF49QnsGbroyjGDc8HT0iMKljK4m1j46Y5xToqavwZGE9gmy8tcxUGNI9T3iTjnUpyRNZPSENemylfg/s1600-h/knitting+643.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403867028674850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9Dpb6OYG4xc0aucZ_RXfmtRW0eI47Md_kRzz5YnuTS02-5pxbg3FUOewF49QnsGbroyjGDc8HT0iMKljK4m1j46Y5xToqavwZGE9gmy8tcxUGNI9T3iTjnUpyRNZPSENemylfg/s320/knitting+643.jpg" border="0" /></a>Artemis is all about being in the center of the Christmas morning festivities.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403879406419394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKoMFaNoN_D2IX0SUTa-DKUpgLfb5YUffzGMmn5m5iFI1T44sVfTpvpA7B8Tc89NQ-7qUsqe76byLiEbxG1roGPqyGwhmOD0u4kNR241mR1D8rbhK1pwoHRZzfg7BpZ-gatRK9A/s320/knitting+647.jpg" border="0" /><br />Tosca is terrified of Christmas and for the second year in a row hid upstairs all day. She even refused to come downstairs for some attention and admiration when the guests showed up for wine and cheese before Christmas dinner.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>This little guy has been in our family forever. His paint is disappearing, a side is broken in...but he still makes me smile. I love him.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403887045559426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FXLHj2hZSA1F58IqawPXgLq9U4DXU_vkxmxbkUfgGyGwySp5wN0gpMWoY1UEf5p4TnqiVHC-5rx3OIlHX4k72ftEs5C3ZYFwhztEpzC-8GJ9668nAUNwo4w2ThMNW5YmadRu9Q/s320/knitting+654.jpg" border="0" />Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and Santa brought you everything on your list!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-37574406733763499972008-12-23T21:42:00.005-05:002008-12-23T23:10:52.403-05:00Its all about me.Dear friend, <a href="http://jenjerpeach2.wordpress.com/">Jen,</a> has commanded me to titillate you all with seven things about me....mwha ha ha...<div><ol><li>My senior year in college I rounded up a bunch of co-conspirators and sorority pledges and made lime jello in the fountain at the <a href="http://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour-080.html">Cathedral of Learning</a>. FYI, it took 4 cases of jello.</li><li>I can recite from memory the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/stage/7535/gorey.html">Gashlyc</a><a href="http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/stage/7535/gorey.html">rumb </a><a href="http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/stage/7535/gorey.html">Tinies</a> by Edward Gorey. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbu10FS4HpIg_ac71Qp-i7H20dgcg-H8lps8aI3Nr1ZguEsIAjiTHmHJVa9_93BCLbkckc8NqQcxcViMyygiBFAmB3xNQ7MwA5E-ZedKPxzwTkq4bE3ho6OWHx3rKOVWy38dz3g/s320/zillah.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283201641208245634" /></li><li>My one cat, Artemis, was never properly weened. After 14 years, she still sucks on my left ear....slurp.....slurp....slurp.</li><li>I was born at the beginning of the baby boom after the JFK assassination.</li><li>I have arches in my feet that you could drive an 18-wheeler under.</li><li>I once got stuck at a one-star "hotel" on top of a Swiss Alp, trying to view the <a href="http://www.adventuresportsholidays.com/all/mont-blanc-materhorn-and-the-eiger-geneva-6200.php">Matterhorn</a>. It was the beginning of July and there was a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">blizzard</span>. For the record, I don't actually think the Matterhorn exists. Its just a painted cardboard set that they occasionally pull out of storage and photograph....I'm just sayin'.</li><li>I am currently amongst the ranks of a bozillion unemployed Americans. Anyone know of an opening for a SAP business analyst?? I hear its all about networking...</li></ol>I choose <a href="http://robineiseman.blogspot.com/">Robin</a>, <a href="http://http://knit-knac.blogspot.com">Andrea</a> and <a href="http://muchadored.wordpress.com">Mick</a> to play along.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-11892099748054933362008-12-02T18:57:00.002-05:002008-12-02T19:39:56.278-05:00Washoe<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275351004514231666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUOwAIFyBMGxXjKSKf57KUZhb1tsdfVWYxCMwlzxJISQXYPRcH-H4C7nMHtpWCkCa2O9z3XwUgvJRFzkWRAmbv01hScbiLQ0D5MQvfPFDF9X2g-3kXOS7tEOSOd4k1tYrVyAwmA/s320/Nevada+017.jpg" border="0" /><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><br /><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u>Last Thanksgiving this sweet bag of bones showed up at my uncle's home in Nevada looking for some attention and food. He had no collar and a bad case of fleas. If it weren't for the fleas and a holiday schedule at the vet's, there is a good chance that he might have ended up in a suitcase bound for Philadelphia. My uncle lost a black cat, Midnight, several years ago. I think Midnight sent this fellow to fill in the gap. The kitty stopped coming around shortly after I returned home. Broke my heart, cause I thought he was so close to being let in the house.<br /><br />Well, he made it through the winter and started coming back around late this spring for some grub and conversation. He is quite talkative. By the end of the summer he'd been in some bad scrapes and needed emergency surgery at the vet. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275351008454686338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUyZT5whab0mjUFs_J2QEDHX86-bGNE-MBvN3rBd5VxHaIOsGA9SqkD9W27ZZ4hUGTtptxOPlx7bfc1vlYg-BRoKHsUE7Jv2CIHtS-FXvjMu0B2TqRK9-DViCtKZ3unIgKLGNKw/s320/Nevada+034.jpg" border="0" /><br />All fixed up, he is now completely in control of the house. No longer scrawny, he looks like a bowling ball in a fur coat. My uncle has named him Washoe. He is a great cat, full of love, with a great purr. He also has no shame and not a trace of kitty aloofness. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275351010069412210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNO3WShwahsLV11aYwyxoT5qMxkK-ze4jMx0nOXUGXPxxAV7sSLnViPAi56jXkTcJGfQzek_0fyMnUIK33vNUPO5M6xfm8sz515blxc1YFUWUgI1SrY0ueHkuNkZ0hMGX5Gn1XQ/s320/Nevada+025.jpg" border="0" />It was great to get to know him over Thanksgiving. I am back to a trio of black kitties to love!<br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-87113589579182324372008-11-17T17:25:00.004-05:002008-11-17T17:52:24.209-05:00Meme time, meme placeI have been tagged for this Book Meme by <a href="http://robineiseman.blogspot.com/">Robin</a>, the intrepid traveler.<br /><br />The rules for this meme are:<br /><br />Grab the nearest book<br /><br />Open it to page 56<br /><br />Post the text of the sentence on your blog along with these instructions.<br /><br />Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the <strong>closest</strong> book.<br /><br />My book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Fenice-Commissario-Brunetti-Mystery/dp/006074068X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226962019&sr=8-1">Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon</a>. The book is hanging out on the shelf by my computer awaiting its fate...sold on half.com or passed on to a friend to read. Let me know if you are in the mood for a fun, charming murder mystery.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269759499162122178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqPCIDq0MhqEQQWnLI1KAwzFGMxoMv-0Z0OqYqRDC_PR5qYQ_kHueb2F4UmlM07GP85KE45Xr_QyifWj0LUT1BpB0Zrh1H001uhxiVTObO0rbX_t3mA3eUpxzitAfq4p8uWfABA/s320/Italy+2004+202.jpg" border="0" />The fifth sentence on page 56 is: "Not for the first time in his career, Brunetti reflected upon the possible advantage of censorship of the press."<br /><br />I'm now supposed to tag a few other bloggers to do the same:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.knitandthecity.blogspot.com/">Wendy</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://jenjerpeach2.wordpress.com/">Jen</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://www.lunastrixae.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sherry</a></li></ul>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-46505644135939617332008-09-22T17:11:00.007-05:002008-09-22T18:03:07.263-05:00Fun with Jeannie...<div align="center"> or how not to wear a beret*<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPF55bohJrR1fStTpEZg62edHfJpkysYQp4OO9-dKU7s004UZGlWHKqo1XhLbeWEGcd-rGOLmb4QA9Q3gbWBk8w_t73wgaEZJCAwjjQN3bE_tsL2ZE8M_I-7irOGvyKEc-fbXgQ/s1600-h/knitting+543.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248972830515423346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPF55bohJrR1fStTpEZg62edHfJpkysYQp4OO9-dKU7s004UZGlWHKqo1XhLbeWEGcd-rGOLmb4QA9Q3gbWBk8w_t73wgaEZJCAwjjQN3bE_tsL2ZE8M_I-7irOGvyKEc-fbXgQ/s320/knitting+543.jpg" border="0" /></a> Golf anyone?<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vnDFB2GRcN17DZaSpUQrvGDoaxBjN6u39-HfDFzPchteVFK4fN4AQ05lyLB_zMH8HA3vKo46i-lSLSu4tiBNnnlLhNDSTSUEfIuq0o0NIHSxAXBpQoBk5Fo9GOyexngcxEKBTw/s1600-h/knitting+544.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248972837039851330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vnDFB2GRcN17DZaSpUQrvGDoaxBjN6u39-HfDFzPchteVFK4fN4AQ05lyLB_zMH8HA3vKo46i-lSLSu4tiBNnnlLhNDSTSUEfIuq0o0NIHSxAXBpQoBk5Fo9GOyexngcxEKBTw/s320/knitting+544.jpg" border="0" /></a> Snoods are back in fashion, aren't they??</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248984576245817074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U_5_a3mgmslzc_LrDaB3iFywRYqC4xvsqZwkC_A0pSppjDt1mV9O8Y3lTlmxKPHG_DYNKX-EhkLdsnoJ7eD8n0N8nMPhpvcj8UnUXqv1r2pKE5Oljybs5YBSfkQvBwOj1rcAug/s320/knitting+545.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Don't have a paperbag or lampshade handy?</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248974494124729394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr8CTvyxxfwtRlFVFuhgDZDyeUTZRAekl5QWn1kE-XB68hwPZYqj4DB6agX378IR2lCZi02dxdO551bkdZuHgXfLF6U5ijMZalFdJHLI0w7DLNHrRqdVd2dEnJuC6O1n7EFXjvA/s320/knitting+546.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> French chef hitting the wine or eyepatch alternative?<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9Un8BtSACNrwsIgQmrjOXFflv1wBkHV3yakc99clq01oYN0UMA-692MqBltw_bpB88GUqTbnRYXZ_-AqcnxHYn_ohYSfaIZuHcI1AVsyesrE7s1Ft1lsoqYDwdLdp4t3Tp5l1w/s1600-h/knitting+548.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248972856037511890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9Un8BtSACNrwsIgQmrjOXFflv1wBkHV3yakc99clq01oYN0UMA-692MqBltw_bpB88GUqTbnRYXZ_-AqcnxHYn_ohYSfaIZuHcI1AVsyesrE7s1Ft1lsoqYDwdLdp4t3Tp5l1w/s320/knitting+548.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">The Queen from <em>Alice and Wonderland</em> </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248973088421422418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjnz4w1KcO-P9mhAUkRgOq_DSRmMTCHRrQED0pWAb-6bAqxXlgK8DNi9XKpXpgf9KzyRL-ZYUzSzVyeQ_HjxNDOgaQKVd8p4ywRljbJP_WPwEFHqKO78cxmbSsp44VjIkgyvVKQ/s320/knitting+549.jpg" border="0" /> Ahhhhhhhh, now that is so much prettier!</p><br /><p align="center">*Berets are Ysolda's <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/hats/gretel/">Gretel</a> and the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/beret-purl">Purl Bee Beret</a><br /><br /><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-30797522188586216372008-09-14T22:29:00.003-05:002008-09-15T22:04:04.126-05:00Lago AtitlanReturning to our previously scheduled adventures in Guatemala...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246085739003706098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl4pQGTmSkustWBreFDsE8Qwezwz82XqK013u47AOGOXa1w91hTiAjbeDafUmUXZK37Wnv6XBmPTnaw0ZXaXh1UXmH5pyOpnf20lupf0wk9hyphenhyphenj6qGAmZgnq7mWmbVXekVJuKSIA/s320/Guatemala+097.jpg" border="0" /><br />Muffy and I spent the night of my birthday at a very special place, the <a href="http://lacasadelmundo.com/index.htm">Casa del Mundo</a> on Lake Atitlan. The guide books love this place and who can blame them? Truly, if I were to return to Guatemala, the Casa del Mundo would be why. The only flaw we found with the hotel was poor lighting in our room. Oh, and the huge, HUGE muffin sized spiders that were hanging out on the wall by my bed. The booklet in the room said not to worry, they weren't poisonous. Just really massive.<br /><br />The hotel is very eco-friendly, even the water is solar heated. So in the spirit of the place I chilled out, and became spider friendly. I know, rather surprising isn't it? As I said before, Guatemala was a growth experience.<br /><br />The hotel is so relaxing...hammocks on porches, terraces, a wood-fired hot tub, books to borrow, games to play and really yummy food. Dinner at the Casa del Mundo is served family style and all the guests sit down together for a candlelight meal. The experience was lots of fun and so civilized after the prior day's chicken bus trauma.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246446056420419634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEi8mtc93dHtu-eIxLKDcYbgea9avwz-3hl6MgVDo-ECY-u0Y-1_M3OuS0ykJ1wDrpGpfo8JcPGzcJ0_99Sl4fyW6ilwiFoclDJn49yrJIXfT1pZ7a8NkiWEb2JlxWcKahMielA/s320/knitting+527.jpg" border="0" />This <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaceribbon.html">Lace Ribbon Scarf</a> was my choice for travel knitting. Who knew this scrumptious soothing shade of Mini Maiden would be the same color as the beautiful Lake Atitlan? <p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246085729291347634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs4f7L69lZTZkbYTMC1JSDJYCa4Y8a_ZQDuB0Cm5izfQ9-F464WKKh4aO2Y-OHFXqn2_ZTbddHCh4b5rn8YamLHSP4bKZUaXq65A9qmoKwhT3S_WbZ-SZwdsaKi8FGtrPnI_XtQ/s320/knitting+529.jpg" border="0" />And that with all the wild bright colors of Guatemala, this lovely shade of blue would be the one to follow me home and take over my knitting? I have been very busy since coming home, working on adorable DC's <a href="http://www.rosiesyarncellar.com/library/rosieknitsdownloads/rktrellislacecapelet.shtml">Trellis Lace Capelet</a> in Rowan 4-ply Cotton. Funny how the color reminds me of something.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuiJ3dMgrQKdtMZ2QqqqgvmF1OsUDWHunYdZVsdA3eJIjdTtMY4rbWHWNFhkMAq5cRh9tVMKbdtr0rZrp4OKpykf-_YpWKvKgCz89p4AtXE50nMnC7-MxotZ4aQfnqjqieAl7_w/s1600-h/Guatemala+106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246085742726530338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuiJ3dMgrQKdtMZ2QqqqgvmF1OsUDWHunYdZVsdA3eJIjdTtMY4rbWHWNFhkMAq5cRh9tVMKbdtr0rZrp4OKpykf-_YpWKvKgCz89p4AtXE50nMnC7-MxotZ4aQfnqjqieAl7_w/s320/Guatemala+106.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-18870915986142287902008-08-24T19:07:00.003-05:002008-08-24T19:59:22.360-05:00Tree of Happiness MemeWe interrupt the previously scheduled installment of Lisa and Muffy's most excellent Guatemalan adventure to bring you this short meme...<br /><br />I have been tagged by the crafty <a href="http://www.wardi.dk/craftyblog.html">Carina</a> to do the Tree of Happiness meme. I sort of forgot to do the last one she tagged me with, so I am trying to be a better blogging friend :) I am tagging these lovely people: <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/">Marissa</a>, <a href="http://knit-knac.blogspot.com/">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://simplymindy.blogspot.com/">Minders</a>, <a href="http://www.lunastrixae.blogspot.com/">Sherry</a> and <a href="http://jenjerpeach2.wordpress.com/">Jen</a>. The Happiness Tree sayeth that you must list six things that make you happy. These are six of my happy bringers:<br /><br /><p>1. Beautiful weekends in the city, when nothing is so pressing that you cannot spend the day on a park bench in Rittenhouse Square reading, knitting, watching the dogs and their owners and gossiping with the other "regulars."</p><p>2. My two little furry balls of love, Artemis and Tosca. Yes, Artemis, I still love you even though you bit off the skein of Mini Maiden and buried it in my bed the other night.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238249834582717442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26rhEOa9BZcOO8zTtfPARUSo2YXMCWcs_TC3y5OnV07pAv2hElIuqbc0AQwTGB4sJsg4CPZQkapT3kIy73bnT-26iW-dnEpFvvITmoBATe4lz_VsjdJZB8XkLHeyvXCxKzHAwlg/s320/knitting+511.jpg" border="0" />3. Hamburgers...medium rare...caramelized onions...I'm just sayin'</p><p>4. My girlfriends. You all know who you are! And am including a shout out to those too, that I have only met in this electronic world.</p><p>5. The Olympics. I have been an Olympic junkie for as long as I have memories. I love the wild pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies, the drama of the competition and the heroic achievements of the athletes. Its a big two week emotional drain for me. Boy, am I wiped out. I am also happy that tonight is the end, now I can look forward to 2012.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238249828089396370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYT2CxyUKhDf_EDxLLu4-BngUhHFnCbRv9XNTs2UxSe5XigOIX1s8mVYkO813Yi386ainrx_oR0UX7OWSJhYrFFrKmGV9_xSbvDwQQhfY60QjGIT8R3sbBmhIZTyduk4m32gzDw/s320/knitting+509.jpg" border="0" />6. And today I met and fell in love with my friend Amy's little girl, Danielle. She has really grabbed my heart. Sorry, Jeannie, I listened carefully, but there was zero ticking of the biological clock.</p><br /><p></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22530805.post-84033887978635790482008-08-21T19:59:00.002-05:002008-08-21T20:59:32.394-05:00Chichi and the Chicken Bus Ride from Hellor the continuing saga of Lisa and Muffy's most excellent adventure.<br /><br />Chichi, emmm Chichicastenango, is famous for its large Mayan markets held on Thursdays and Sundays. We left Antiqua on Saturday afternoon for the 5 hour trip up into the highlands. <br /><br />Unfortunately, we had to take two <a href="http://ontheroadtravel.blogs.com/chronicles_on_the_road/2006/10/how_to_ride_a_c.html">chicken buses </a>to reach Chichi, with an absolutely horrific transfer in the driving rain that left us soaked to the skin. Our first bus was fortunately a cushy ride to break me in gently. The connection found us on a bus with people three deep in each seat and packed like sardines in the aisle. We were the tallest of the sardines...I know...Lisa tall?...how could that be? Well, Mayans are rather short in stature. So that put my bottom directly in their faces...nice, huh? For three and a half hours, I not only had to hold on for dear life, but concentrate on not farting in any one's face.<br /><br />The highlight of the chicken bus ride to Chichi happened when rounding a curve way too fast. The lady sitting directly behind me did not just brace herself against my ass, but grabbed a whole hand-full and held on <em>way </em>too long. Muffy and I cracked up, she was mortified. <br /><br />Once we made it to Chichi we changed into dry clothing and headed out for dinner. Lots of yummy tortillas, chorizo and the <em>best</em> hot chocolate.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141762588766194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4wmcHD0XOeYlvOVqPbpihY-Mlm2oD5u-t0nrlkRH9OZ08Y2gB5nHgsq62ZYLPNNhv4oOkf5_4m7fU3r-hJ3tzBv1IEu1SsflYOwaHsZzQtauGTXqlCLuiXlL2R-s-L_BN4eoaw/s320/Guatemala+082.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>We got an early start at the market, kind of walking the perimeter, before diving into the heart of it. The market is not just handmade items for sale to tourists, there is also a lot of commerce going on in raw materials for the crafts, like this yarn stall. Beautiful colors, but it was really crunchy.</p><p><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141748211526434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oDY0kRksLHxg3qvlk8kfFJ_HCVc0dOi-RYU0XSwTMza_zpTml5GuEolrLb9_zSPm4RxL7bFqn7NJ3UuZTEzUPx4f3kpl4JELh1b216F92W0mQcUW92oDcj2zQ3mTOBFIixPwxg/s320/Guatemala+072.jpg" border="0" />Chichi was my first introduction to street/market food with a tamales for breakfast. What I wish is that I had a picture of the hurt expression Muffy adopts when haggling with vendors...the you wound me to my soul by over charging me look...priceless!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu_W4n68i6j1pR3bhCAMoWdE9AADchLlgo6cltStlXDe6bfHn5Ey-P7TQnDGevUW0QmKk6oCvrvW-tzxtg1_Mz8YBnPZMQrgG1lG0ZS-vPLSVfr_kKCLsXtamQInQZ6ncC5C5wQ/s1600-h/Guatemala+078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141753921064146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu_W4n68i6j1pR3bhCAMoWdE9AADchLlgo6cltStlXDe6bfHn5Ey-P7TQnDGevUW0QmKk6oCvrvW-tzxtg1_Mz8YBnPZMQrgG1lG0ZS-vPLSVfr_kKCLsXtamQInQZ6ncC5C5wQ/s320/Guatemala+078.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unquestionably, my favorite part of our visit to Chichi was sitting in the Iglesa di Santo Tomas. Listening to the quiet prayers of families, watching the rituals of lighting candles for the dead and leaving offerings of flower petals and liquor. It was so calm and peaceful compared to the pushing and shoving crowds outside in the market.<br /><br />There are more Chichi pictures <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/purlmialoggia/Chichicastenango">here</a>.</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956149601295184876noreply@blogger.com4