tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17478882728509681792024-03-07T00:10:41.929-08:00A Dizzy DiaryDizzy Ruth's meandering fiber thoughts.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-22267939480448987692011-07-10T11:56:00.001-07:002011-07-10T12:19:53.694-07:00Seriously?Did I really say that the humidity would keep the bunny fluff from flying away?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfaOmypfvEhBs1RrokLkZGlqTCCTJh8vZL2HByk0qb87unke6457w05kvQwv3T_oO1mwoY18zEn-JNcR3exBetgqeG3UPrlpeTnYBDU6f23jImK0xdYQE5CKnaR3KgU0Jpd42AyShCa8/s1600/everywhere.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfaOmypfvEhBs1RrokLkZGlqTCCTJh8vZL2HByk0qb87unke6457w05kvQwv3T_oO1mwoY18zEn-JNcR3exBetgqeG3UPrlpeTnYBDU6f23jImK0xdYQE5CKnaR3KgU0Jpd42AyShCa8/s200/everywhere.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627802680956641042" border="0" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0iPh3XhU-VSHy0I1yAKaa5s9_1Ux1le_Y0lGz9mz19VLQXHuvjkTBBL7D6uWJPGl24dR3mIejjCQq0UtCOabclgsjJ_sCdZLx6t8baybtK_OKXnSpFRWI5naSFVx5ICICsnaULd6zvU/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0iPh3XhU-VSHy0I1yAKaa5s9_1Ux1le_Y0lGz9mz19VLQXHuvjkTBBL7D6uWJPGl24dR3mIejjCQq0UtCOabclgsjJ_sCdZLx6t8baybtK_OKXnSpFRWI5naSFVx5ICICsnaULd6zvU/s200/IMG_1506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627802090913556706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3gKoO533p0AlRlFpX2nok52tsLe2flsze76IoAnJAS3uNcj34b40JDTTL5da68lp6fOfgMsAn_K0_vvVLVBrB3ZFdVRl6dtKvdDNZBdeZHNOWXRa1E42s-1BRcNgd1y2yFqGxgXaBN0/s1600/doormat.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3gKoO533p0AlRlFpX2nok52tsLe2flsze76IoAnJAS3uNcj34b40JDTTL5da68lp6fOfgMsAn_K0_vvVLVBrB3ZFdVRl6dtKvdDNZBdeZHNOWXRa1E42s-1BRcNgd1y2yFqGxgXaBN0/s200/doormat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627804992351136562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e6_M0OpK_60r-i7Q8y3V2JyC8ag_Dy9k6MjU81-iAqvQy_w6v-NM7BRnX4wcwfP7ByXDG1QZZBo8xlluuN3TJkkbfPatRj6sbE-rETWZJmUfKijH-kieeW5XIIoEy8XvRqpx6W5-0cU/s1600/doormat.JPG"><br /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-82595092739847368592011-07-07T09:47:00.000-07:002011-07-07T11:25:22.995-07:00Tour de UghThe weather is no longer delightful. The heat topped out (I hope) around 103 and this seems to be the week of the 90+ degrees. <span style="font-style: italic;">Thankfully</span>, the evenings are still cool. Next week is supposed to "cool down" to the 80's. But it's the 40% + of humidity that's kickin' my keester. Ugh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTHMBFdm8KS-7-AAOAqfgwJBSV1SdVpRloZ-jRfKj4gS1hzb94YihEaJldprSGHAA9c3EPvBtphAR-HhoFlJyVtnCpcviu5Srp8CUUL-JU2B6j6aLrlsq_sXK4EMd1w1EacR3vP2QicQ/s1600/bunny+batts.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTHMBFdm8KS-7-AAOAqfgwJBSV1SdVpRloZ-jRfKj4gS1hzb94YihEaJldprSGHAA9c3EPvBtphAR-HhoFlJyVtnCpcviu5Srp8CUUL-JU2B6j6aLrlsq_sXK4EMd1w1EacR3vP2QicQ/s200/bunny+batts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626670764411126274" border="0" /></a>Dizzy Hubby and I watch the Tour de France bike race every day, so I've started an informal Tour de Fleece project, which is actually a Tour de Fluff because I've got 8 oz. of German Angora bunny to spin and knit. It is from the fiber exchange at the <a href="http://www.studio66retreat.org/">Studio 66 Retreat</a><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxUbvHOXlnVuiYxMmKZnrtI2z1tt_YwtVEYUutBn0dbhQi29EIP1HpOqzZV__8on8hEHhsSJNGU0YkIHH-SZJHI_DnYaT13F1gJ_2vzpYfKmCwcel3ZBIRj9MM43xR_uBbOc5RT1rfhU/s1600/lots+of+bunny+fluff.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxUbvHOXlnVuiYxMmKZnrtI2z1tt_YwtVEYUutBn0dbhQi29EIP1HpOqzZV__8on8hEHhsSJNGU0YkIHH-SZJHI_DnYaT13F1gJ_2vzpYfKmCwcel3ZBIRj9MM43xR_uBbOc5RT1rfhU/s200/lots+of+bunny+fluff.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626671289193538626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">8 oz. of bunny is <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot</span> of bunny!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatYwvgLwFqV-PzQcm7E5FhCiyPNFoAKt_VAQKIGQWu86dZDTSAF786XOBCuE2IAa3q9EdU-e4FK79thOF4rm4g497Oj3bQsdW5sdzr6R6GVeUVU-aNrUhPO8KIcUL0LHBUJaWaH3GI2w/s1600/amethyst.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatYwvgLwFqV-PzQcm7E5FhCiyPNFoAKt_VAQKIGQWu86dZDTSAF786XOBCuE2IAa3q9EdU-e4FK79thOF4rm4g497Oj3bQsdW5sdzr6R6GVeUVU-aNrUhPO8KIcUL0LHBUJaWaH3GI2w/s200/amethyst.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626677269123010114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />I've added some Amethyst Merino for a bit of color (okay... and to make it easier for me to spin).<br /> <br /> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Humidity does keep the bunny fluff from flying everywhere, so there is a silver lining to the Ugh, after all.<br /></div><br />I want to knit a lace shawl. I haven't really knit much lace before, much less designed it, so I need all the time I can get. Hence the Tour de Fluff to get the bunny all spun within this month.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-10200601707966362522011-02-27T12:27:00.000-08:002011-02-27T14:28:57.138-08:00Bedroom RedoThe weather outside's delightful...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd50ZbSXT5igCoEq8Cp2Zjvhu_4mFfMo2-EYicLDh4oAsD-F6a63IAKOLtCVaA_ypMI6ESxJolASc0Ur1rKP1hAD6jJj5MUhGByrWbygKfDJjVzaNsipszYCUT-dINqfNPJnDjkOSYhU/s1600/left.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd50ZbSXT5igCoEq8Cp2Zjvhu_4mFfMo2-EYicLDh4oAsD-F6a63IAKOLtCVaA_ypMI6ESxJolASc0Ur1rKP1hAD6jJj5MUhGByrWbygKfDJjVzaNsipszYCUT-dINqfNPJnDjkOSYhU/s200/left.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578474315996688210" border="0" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON1QFDApTTHHsN5KaiPrNqYiZgQDJ9oi0Dp8zQWkBS7sgke4L2ecStkaWdrXFAWSOET5dHh9lNlEhaVq7b5pjttvREuJUCBFSRujGZBuPZTsbkeHsdaukyEjjURu83Su1PlQewfTxr78/s1600/middle.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON1QFDApTTHHsN5KaiPrNqYiZgQDJ9oi0Dp8zQWkBS7sgke4L2ecStkaWdrXFAWSOET5dHh9lNlEhaVq7b5pjttvREuJUCBFSRujGZBuPZTsbkeHsdaukyEjjURu83Su1PlQewfTxr78/s200/middle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578474443101061138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON1QFDApTTHHsN5KaiPrNqYiZgQDJ9oi0Dp8zQWkBS7sgke4L2ecStkaWdrXFAWSOET5dHh9lNlEhaVq7b5pjttvREuJUCBFSRujGZBuPZTsbkeHsdaukyEjjURu83Su1PlQewfTxr78/s1600/middle.JPG"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Add_Image" title="Add Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="addImage();" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" class="gl_photo" border="0" /></span></span></a><br /><br />my room inside is frightful...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKkVF2aq7iZcgXRoNM7rk5GPx14f-oo7QdAVP7ABVu6_nN8KrMr2x76uCAzZ7NFY74-hhiE6ZYnHB-nlARTHfhp-1INma-Zas7ERFXW2ktZvQOY8FRPIrW-bUqbud_bI72GCNFLBTKgw/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKkVF2aq7iZcgXRoNM7rk5GPx14f-oo7QdAVP7ABVu6_nN8KrMr2x76uCAzZ7NFY74-hhiE6ZYnHB-nlARTHfhp-1INma-Zas7ERFXW2ktZvQOY8FRPIrW-bUqbud_bI72GCNFLBTKgw/s200/IMG_1395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578486767146098498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HXeZfG-TfrYLATaPSE-m44UgaoT6nMBkX4E-4UHPqhfXkl97BJl-fLpXJk7Kriso3mylPVCsvXs5PcRnCP-wxFBuAGR3GV2NaZFbbCu-26DDS6sWs4MY87cjW06VBOp-wpnM-60XzdM/s1600/drop+cloth+to+be.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HXeZfG-TfrYLATaPSE-m44UgaoT6nMBkX4E-4UHPqhfXkl97BJl-fLpXJk7Kriso3mylPVCsvXs5PcRnCP-wxFBuAGR3GV2NaZFbbCu-26DDS6sWs4MY87cjW06VBOp-wpnM-60XzdM/s200/drop+cloth+to+be.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578486449894820162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOCJxSf1Q5aKIr9XjC2P4zZ8_pei7-vbLYXLHBjNV29TILz12wHCStha_kaAil8z4iX4hCC1YuIJyRsaeWsFg14a1Xdx1QRkIR-P0l9Hd8V5Mc0X_8I26Ng9Cm-Y854yyCxcs4RrNb1I/s1600/the+instigator.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOCJxSf1Q5aKIr9XjC2P4zZ8_pei7-vbLYXLHBjNV29TILz12wHCStha_kaAil8z4iX4hCC1YuIJyRsaeWsFg14a1Xdx1QRkIR-P0l9Hd8V5Mc0X_8I26Ng9Cm-Y854yyCxcs4RrNb1I/s200/the+instigator.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578478657606174530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iJ-DX8i0Lsi_dSMO_ft0lPsbfiUbBek_PZa-8SrM3AL77KB7mB92ReoUxilgmAGRQR8cI7LhVysWouUBl5_1gvAXds-z32ku9bLKai6k32qias8QjN7WhVq1iXHmb-uigk_H1zbbIBc/s1600/baseboards+out.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iJ-DX8i0Lsi_dSMO_ft0lPsbfiUbBek_PZa-8SrM3AL77KB7mB92ReoUxilgmAGRQR8cI7LhVysWouUBl5_1gvAXds-z32ku9bLKai6k32qias8QjN7WhVq1iXHmb-uigk_H1zbbIBc/s200/baseboards+out.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578482228484987554" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Add_Image" title="Add Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="addImage();" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" class="gl_photo" border="0" /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">'cause there's mold,<br />'cause there's mold,<br />'cause there's mold.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So Chloe and I sleep here now,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0A5Lab0KOhiWnfabcmjMsufFgE50TwNAbKAJENouqwFlmtxHmkn2BSROuBNeZK6xSdLiTWY41jTm_Ms_Ol0lgwQRYPi1rOeBjlNE6N05FAT-sgGcyTTQ_EtLmw9hu9ZeQOOO_s37djo/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0A5Lab0KOhiWnfabcmjMsufFgE50TwNAbKAJENouqwFlmtxHmkn2BSROuBNeZK6xSdLiTWY41jTm_Ms_Ol0lgwQRYPi1rOeBjlNE6N05FAT-sgGcyTTQ_EtLmw9hu9ZeQOOO_s37djo/s200/IMG_1404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578497303269307474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqzTNm68X3ieVQ8WeIxxQxcM-rw6MKyL2RbjT3jZmdIqrqHZNudzyJw5jM5PmOu0_X3BPs0u7nST0IYIHMFu5NHmnEgladJvazK-I8qyWynvYvvBMxlLHh-uDRx-APT8Rhyb4nf2X90o/s1600/dressing+room.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqzTNm68X3ieVQ8WeIxxQxcM-rw6MKyL2RbjT3jZmdIqrqHZNudzyJw5jM5PmOu0_X3BPs0u7nST0IYIHMFu5NHmnEgladJvazK-I8qyWynvYvvBMxlLHh-uDRx-APT8Rhyb4nf2X90o/s200/dressing+room.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578491952942661218" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>and this is my new dressing room. Come to find out that when it's 47 degrees out, finding your bra is a pain in the ____. Chloe, of course isn't bothered by this.<br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, Hubby stays nice and cozy while watching golf in warmer climates like Arizona and Bahrain.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-85569162516740682412009-09-07T11:54:00.000-07:002009-09-07T12:52:13.414-07:00Footstool in Parts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5AySBJIFWYi2PR-0rObps5U_F3hhllM6x1-v_eEQ4wk2qC0NUUh2BBg6ZRUI0oAzo22WFD3Fi8TIz7B-iCqCpvxew4F6HSuv8YupzRY7jDOubpBHTDO6gCQui0GnnRPSKlRFY9uta4k/s1600-h/sanded+frame+and+legs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5AySBJIFWYi2PR-0rObps5U_F3hhllM6x1-v_eEQ4wk2qC0NUUh2BBg6ZRUI0oAzo22WFD3Fi8TIz7B-iCqCpvxew4F6HSuv8YupzRY7jDOubpBHTDO6gCQui0GnnRPSKlRFY9uta4k/s200/sanded+frame+and+legs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378810191900289746" border="0" /></a><br />The frame has been dissected and hubby got out the sander. It required electricity and everything, so it's safe to say that I used a power tool (and safely, too). I don't know what kind of wood this is yet because I haven't done a Show and Tell with Uncle Dave, the wood artist of the family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNncUvdn4-bGwjRmowAcEsbR_kkIi4Xqh-TQQtph_0DQ5XCPv69JsiS3NU9KD3_Z4VELQjNCl7fhp4qxVN4bRsKqKxwXSCO43Ht0S_jLAfjFqbXPaCi5A5rd5CKd7Plkxw25BxJwAxM-g/s1600-h/sanded+legs+cu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNncUvdn4-bGwjRmowAcEsbR_kkIi4Xqh-TQQtph_0DQ5XCPv69JsiS3NU9KD3_Z4VELQjNCl7fhp4qxVN4bRsKqKxwXSCO43Ht0S_jLAfjFqbXPaCi5A5rd5CKd7Plkxw25BxJwAxM-g/s200/sanded+legs+cu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378807567200656274" border="0" /></a><br />But as I sanded, I couldn't get into all those little nicks that I had managed to inflict on the poor little stool over time. I've decided to keep them, however, because: they add character to the stool, I'm a lazy sander, I'd end up changing the shape of the legs, and to make it look old (I remember when some people took small chain link to furniture on purpose to <span style="font-style: italic;">make</span> it look this way). The stool still needs a bit more sanding and then I can finish it - once I decide what finish to use.<br /><br />Here is the original yarn, (hand-dyed by someone other than I). which is a wool & alpaca blend. Very soft. I tried to crochet with it, but came to the conclusion that I really, really don't like the colors (dizzy inducing).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjJWtpUiE1mec6Dac7GZatOoIYsZr4WQwucNIwwe4XAYlxY2QtOLdnhIDEBxQZbeKkVIa2m_AszJKng2fAVfpWEPyHaz0OPptF0tx5F8Iw3TN53SrKhyl2B61PCvYHDIAHf9pt85f1T0/s1600-h/original+skein.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjJWtpUiE1mec6Dac7GZatOoIYsZr4WQwucNIwwe4XAYlxY2QtOLdnhIDEBxQZbeKkVIa2m_AszJKng2fAVfpWEPyHaz0OPptF0tx5F8Iw3TN53SrKhyl2B61PCvYHDIAHf9pt85f1T0/s200/original+skein.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378811524684203330" border="0" /></a> So I over-dyed it because that is the answer to all dye issues, of course. Some of the it I over-dyed with yellow and some with green. The original colors give some interest to the yellow and green. A little bit of tweediness. That little wood thingy is the punch I'll use to make the top portion of the footstool. I added a bit of natural brown alpaca yarn for some contrast.<br /><br />No, I'm not going to show you the design yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVYHI6shgj9Yaubx8bQTnU58PlfOHceD1CF5aIu4b-sFiyNn9bpozHE6xkF-V7xEgst7gsIj39RZW2WN0fdGoZ1bzCGVBt0S5FUTlHhNvNL-Ez5QxonsYr_lgPFRODe2GTLfViYdYBXM/s1600-h/over-dyed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVYHI6shgj9Yaubx8bQTnU58PlfOHceD1CF5aIu4b-sFiyNn9bpozHE6xkF-V7xEgst7gsIj39RZW2WN0fdGoZ1bzCGVBt0S5FUTlHhNvNL-Ez5QxonsYr_lgPFRODe2GTLfViYdYBXM/s200/over-dyed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378808890126612930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHQHI4bSfS1n8YkB0ILlJ2Lfuj6qK61iBnTNZVeWdTRMCZrEvK3WD7bIvVZRvzqdpLc94eM2FK93VhgHOTY__YKKRAObIIlPZ_QxCGHjf30MFNtbNgtCXHoJ6M0923e62ROtcBxbmHNA/s1600-h/add+some+brown.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHQHI4bSfS1n8YkB0ILlJ2Lfuj6qK61iBnTNZVeWdTRMCZrEvK3WD7bIvVZRvzqdpLc94eM2FK93VhgHOTY__YKKRAObIIlPZ_QxCGHjf30MFNtbNgtCXHoJ6M0923e62ROtcBxbmHNA/s200/add+some+brown.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378809818845327186" border="0" /></a>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-90591406234276035842009-08-09T18:44:00.000-07:002009-08-24T15:48:18.232-07:00Footstool ala Familia<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrWEmBDdimHguUreNE8bghUssXKYcDa1JGZndwbCdGV9Y5Z5TVWIdO1Y9Hasgi8SjPGJ9czQWf80cdTQ5ejbpwXChqv49uZMUNqVrMeNSUcVUn_yiMRCvTvVwJli2Ls30AXjuiHrstlI/s1600-h/quarter+view.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrWEmBDdimHguUreNE8bghUssXKYcDa1JGZndwbCdGV9Y5Z5TVWIdO1Y9Hasgi8SjPGJ9czQWf80cdTQ5ejbpwXChqv49uZMUNqVrMeNSUcVUn_yiMRCvTvVwJli2Ls30AXjuiHrstlI/s200/quarter+view.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368169947681787074" border="0" /></a></div><br />Footstools are wonderfully useful little things - especially if you are short (ahem). So, when this gem was passed down from my mom's side of the family, I grabbed it. I have to be honest, though. It was in better shape when I got it than it is now (but what do you expect when it is useful and I am of a lower stature).<br /><br />Not that the family has pack-rat tendencies, mind you, but...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8SWbpHt7kAr8RZPZUL_1LqQZoImgfVug1i5TaJNhH7Adoq5qPP_mYwwfpahoIlsw2fw9-hNOUdKwGZxcxoya3FU8YWi_dZ8frvvND9FA1anZoCbkBItS3srUIrOOxqpOO19jErf2LcU/s1600-h/stitch+work+-+cu.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8SWbpHt7kAr8RZPZUL_1LqQZoImgfVug1i5TaJNhH7Adoq5qPP_mYwwfpahoIlsw2fw9-hNOUdKwGZxcxoya3FU8YWi_dZ8frvvND9FA1anZoCbkBItS3srUIrOOxqpOO19jErf2LcU/s200/stitch+work+-+cu.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368163764809855618" border="0" /></a><br />...this little thing is about 80-100 years old. It belonged to my great-<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_COpbDyn_u_xljB9vhzswLeqoCFGQHACPdyc1C4AI230XMouMWyhu6QTA9j2IBI72OqfBr14fwhG1JIoun1MFrhg0XbwcFqkxG3Z3QAc-t2_oC2uqDcOu35KODV-54Vcxv6iUcYd4Ntw/s1600-h/IMG_0821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_COpbDyn_u_xljB9vhzswLeqoCFGQHACPdyc1C4AI230XMouMWyhu6QTA9j2IBI72OqfBr14fwhG1JIoun1MFrhg0XbwcFqkxG3Z3QAc-t2_oC2uqDcOu35KODV-54Vcxv6iUcYd4Ntw/s200/IMG_0821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373651783208020530" border="0" /></a>grandmother, who was married in 1898. She did the same type of stitching and design on 3 chairs and a settee, which my brother has in his home. Aunt Godie (an aunt/cousin-ish sort of relative) did the stitching on this footstool.<br /><br />Now, the problem with old things is that they wear out, but (depending on when they were made) they still have 'good bones.' This beauty was not designed for disposability.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbKTOkRuSjTB4WDA8karmWJd4LaW2dOL0HrVitAArRsL_1Zs5GS8EWBiht_tRgPuO-RQRAMZ74CdNVueQXznduiWOwkI06zZLz4MP-y57GpzgCXG86FydU6aiMsQwxzo1Aczvm7oCGmw/s1600-h/ripped+corner.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbKTOkRuSjTB4WDA8karmWJd4LaW2dOL0HrVitAArRsL_1Zs5GS8EWBiht_tRgPuO-RQRAMZ74CdNVueQXznduiWOwkI06zZLz4MP-y57GpzgCXG86FydU6aiMsQwxzo1Aczvm7oCGmw/s200/ripped+corner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373647630410106194" border="0" /></a>And from a fiberish perspective, its other advantage is that it can be a Little Project (umm - <span style="font-style: italic;">short</span>-term). It can be a fiber artist's canvas, just waiting to be stepped upon. Thus bringing form and function together.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4_Xm1tcEWyzYz4qsoxU0KHUl_NRnLY3jTIDWUvtHtUVXQcJr0FRr_Z2zHjrqQeB3qWJbcPb2WMSogD22CX6JgtjZtsCR-66XBSzMbgA0EvfYgca49Ys6nENsJuwJwpkRFsSwknjDZSU/s1600-h/original+tag.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4_Xm1tcEWyzYz4qsoxU0KHUl_NRnLY3jTIDWUvtHtUVXQcJr0FRr_Z2zHjrqQeB3qWJbcPb2WMSogD22CX6JgtjZtsCR-66XBSzMbgA0EvfYgca49Ys6nENsJuwJwpkRFsSwknjDZSU/s200/original+tag.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373656409948537138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Don't worry - I am well aware of the importance of history and all things related, especially home textiles. History of Textiles was one of my favorite classes in Home Ec. during the college years. So I have taken many pictures and I'm keeping whatever documentation came with the stool...<br /><br />...which is this tag. It has just about everything <span style="font-style: italic;">except</span> the date it was made. It is 60% cotton felt and 40% Excelsior (such a New Material that I don't really know what it is, but probably the black backing fabric). It was made by the Heagle Co. in Wisconsin, has a New York registry number, and the tag was attached as required by the State of Washington. This footstool has been around, is old, and used.<br /><br />So face it, the poor little thing needs a face-lift...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFU9rIzzDl9wnsoxMnicifY29jNvPtBqz0H9en-Nach7htcePTTnXncnW2rfNoF5mdyL3UOnGxhiYcQ7tzM1otNeNv6Tg-zeb_J4xa1pVzoC0LNS0tjAxzRe-JtiQUG93f3Z6XinCfAY/s1600-h/original+tag.JPG"><br /></a></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-73211429081248244882009-06-11T19:39:00.000-07:002009-06-18T23:38:22.114-07:00Dyeing in Paradise<span style="font-family:arial;">I just cam</span><span style="font-family:arial;">e back from Paradise (fabulous folks there!), where I got to teach some spinning and dyeing classes (dying... Paradise..., yeah).<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORlPXu1T0V62UeYXfRlX-bY3Q02tMXTSvbRLBGd19Z38tBZ2wz6MyLwLuFTugvBrkxS_83D-y5RiadLkuLvDIlL2WKkwFvohL4MBz-F1SQkiONFwr3JgDHbYfXAihlB761k4dIlMYSb8/s1600-h/dyed+BFL+fiber.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORlPXu1T0V62UeYXfRlX-bY3Q02tMXTSvbRLBGd19Z38tBZ2wz6MyLwLuFTugvBrkxS_83D-y5RiadLkuLvDIlL2WKkwFvohL4MBz-F1SQkiONFwr3JgDHbYfXAihlB761k4dIlMYSb8/s320/dyed+BFL+fiber.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348918488174869986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On Saturday, we played with color, using two methods of painting fiber. We each had two 2 oz. bundles of Blue-Face Leicester wool. Without realizing it, I picked the same colors for both methods.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZjlV7XjeQO8-Et4qAq5yA8auuZzLf1V_RXhabNWhFP-brarfpLFADor7OO0bmSFPLXaRDllvXEVueVNM6em691pxIdPWP72jxJm0Ww3iekmpmtejBRR3ToZUWcsuuhPy1nIztXf2d8E/s1600-h/on+bobbin+dark.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZjlV7XjeQO8-Et4qAq5yA8auuZzLf1V_RXhabNWhFP-brarfpLFADor7OO0bmSFPLXaRDllvXEVueVNM6em691pxIdPWP72jxJm0Ww3iekmpmtejBRR3ToZUWcsuuhPy1nIztXf2d8E/s320/on+bobbin+dark.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348916457538934466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />One of the</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > </span><span style="font-family:arial;">2 oz. bundles</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">was a bit lighter than the other, so I decided to spin it from light to dark.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> I haven't been all that picky about the quality of the spinning - just having fun with the colors. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Next, I'll ply it from a center-pull ball so the lig</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ht end and dark end are plied together.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As you can see, the light to dark color idea didn't quite happen. No matter.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">It is still fabulous, if I do say so, myself.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGlO154vMteJD867swSY5ngL7xRmieU-C3SD3CoaOjikUAxiTf4LZLtc9b1ef3FGsmpjRaENcfL0QWZ3lVi72OefyvYjNF-phhEAZPj0jSnH1s6k4tZpuRIUJEpUwWna1DPPN1bMU1H0/s1600-h/soap+wash.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGlO154vMteJD867swSY5ngL7xRmieU-C3SD3CoaOjikUAxiTf4LZLtc9b1ef3FGsmpjRaENcfL0QWZ3lVi72OefyvYjNF-phhEAZPj0jSnH1s6k4tZpuRIUJEpUwWna1DPPN1bMU1H0/s320/soap+wash.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348922341852620642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Warm, soapy soak to set the tw</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ist so it woul</span><span style="font-family:arial;">dn't do the messy, untwisted thing when I started </span><span style="font-family:arial;">knitting with it. Hmm, green water so there must have been too much dye. Back to the rinse tub.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The results?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltGMEXN5QuK4C61DZBDvW2FKyUHWoGMYJA4R52fYLErTBN5mlrXdzQeTHjayczd5s_HrB0pCI71xAyiHyBLJJUlCV4NGFA09Txa9c3CTiqGBzvj4bpkWcRIJ4LAxV0YpVZt1EKDfKBbo/s1600-h/hank.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltGMEXN5QuK4C61DZBDvW2FKyUHWoGMYJA4R52fYLErTBN5mlrXdzQeTHjayczd5s_HrB0pCI71xAyiHyBLJJUlCV4NGFA09Txa9c3CTiqGBzvj4bpkWcRIJ4LAxV0YpVZt1EKDfKBbo/s320/hank.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348920382824395746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I like it!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br />It is more variegated and interesting than the theoretical version. I think I'll knit the neck warmer in the most recent Spin-Off magazine (yes, I know... believe it when you see it done).</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span></span></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-5372515781774526392008-07-22T11:49:00.001-07:002008-07-22T11:53:05.684-07:00Twisted Ruth's ServiceRuth Schooley's memorial service was yesterday.<br /><br />Her gravesite is near some undeveloped land and is full of our typical southern California brush. To me they are dry, scrubby bushes, but I'm sure Ruth would see many a natural dye opportunity. I didn't see any dodder in the field, but it wouldn't surprise me if some appeared in the near future.<br /><br />Mike brought Ruth's SpinTech to the reception, along with some cotton punis that Ruth had grown, harvested, and processed. Some of us were priviledged to spin some of her cotton on her 'wheel.' I'm sure Ruth would have liked every one of you to spin there, had it been possible. Mike also brought a bobbin of cotton that Ruth spun the day she died. Wow.<br /><br />Two things from the service spoke so well of Ruth and her too-short life. First, the minister read a poem called the Dash. Here is the site:<a href="http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com/</a><br /><br />Second, Mike picked the following passage from Proverbs (31: 10-29) in the the Christian Bible. Some of the passages that follow could be describing Ruth specifically:<br /><br /><em>A capable wife who can find?</em><br /><em>She is far more precius than jewels.</em><br /><em>The heart of her husband trusts in her,</em><br /><em>and he will have no lack of gain.</em><br /><em>She seeks wool and flax, </em><br /><em>and works with willing hands.</em><br /><em>She puts her hands to the distaff, </em><br /><em>and her hands hold the spindle.</em><br /><em>She is not afraid for her household when it snows,</em><br /><em>for all her household are clothed in crimson.</em><br /><em>She makes herself coverings;</em><br /><em>her clothing is fine linen and purple.</em><br /><em>She makes linen garments and sells them;</em><br /><em>she supplies the merchant with sashes.</em><br /><em>She opens her mouth with wisdom,</em><br /><em>and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.</em><br /><em>"Many women have done excellently,</em><br /><em>but you surpass them all."</em>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-87079079550183366832008-07-17T10:20:00.000-07:002008-07-17T10:49:54.977-07:00Wrong Person!A very dear friend, Ruth Schooley, died suddenly Tuesday night. Her family and our fiber community are devastated. Here she is about the time of the recent surgery on her foot, but on vacation and still smiling, as you can see.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224034832243951858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1u7ME5Mk8ii-3gyY0p3bHvrSR92nGUZo6IFKmHVA1hiX_mSAXaTSlnVB07GYjI4o5-9FFfr47ZnVehDjrkPH8AlQFtqluJWfJ_aCptEqUX8r5IME9tPk0zqiOMkjMM_6exyuK0VycL8/s320/Ruth+Schooley.jpg" border="0" /><br />I keep thinking that Ruth is the wrong person to die. I don't know or really care who the right person is, and I try not to wish death upon others. But still, Twisted Ruth is just the wrong person!<br /><br />She taught gazillions of spinners amazing things. She taught many dyers to take a second look those "weeds," like dodder, that grow along the freeway. Ironically, the subtitle of Ruth's blog is:<br />It is rumored...<br />That the dodder<br />Got her. </p><p>She was almost always chipper and flying her quirky sense of humor like a flag. One of the best words to describe Ruth is <em>Vivacious</em>. She would love that in her own humble way, while swiveling her hips like a belly dancer to see how the word fit her.<br /><br />Blessings and thanks, Ruth, for being a part of my life and making it so much more fun.</p>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-90121980800411461732008-04-01T09:26:00.000-07:002008-04-01T09:24:28.161-07:00Second Sock Sydrome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUFpP-THTY61uFC0hf68DWY-apfNURxd1DYY3Hl4RO8xvyGGB4BBDhzNoSrCxlMIyy7xoQ8hH3rLITcRUpDA-VkTh4S5Qi28swDN7xYkSukQUY8q7NgwrJk3O6xWgy9XQ3qITrgSD_XQ/s1600-h/IMG_0771.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137660081224584834" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 412px; cursor: pointer; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUFpP-THTY61uFC0hf68DWY-apfNURxd1DYY3Hl4RO8xvyGGB4BBDhzNoSrCxlMIyy7xoQ8hH3rLITcRUpDA-VkTh4S5Qi28swDN7xYkSukQUY8q7NgwrJk3O6xWgy9XQ3qITrgSD_XQ/s320/IMG_0771.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I rarely get around to making the second sock in a pair. I have heard that two socks are a pair, but one sock is art. I'm choosing to think, therefore, that I'm quite artistic.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">But now I have this beautiful sock </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">yarn that tempted me sorely while I was knitting Papa's Monogamous Vest. But I've resisted until now. It is 'Melody' by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jojoland</span>. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184302253498273746" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; width: 409px; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sNuRiBrwfVKQl3yeq4kaRwMrTNsL5i2o5wDL8k0FjkaidcSAj7MO9zw16Ch72F0tfzV2ZxTZpMehzG_bDBzk1MwPSeCY49u7IuSfiT8L6R0xOI7_DxiC1depfpwAXbd3kjqO6CtwKCE/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSZCfBC3mkDogm1UvCqKUszmPmu19RCoiiAR-hR4qVzQT4kU_Vw5yDUKfs9OJPg1V04ZNoEUfu4X6VlR4EKIX5jriD6CLSwolfsgxXXLgivRgxtn61rbXSfXpgqhbAMS9hiRKqqqNuT0/s1600-h/rotating+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179859053995986818" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 129px; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSZCfBC3mkDogm1UvCqKUszmPmu19RCoiiAR-hR4qVzQT4kU_Vw5yDUKfs9OJPg1V04ZNoEUfu4X6VlR4EKIX5jriD6CLSwolfsgxXXLgivRgxtn61rbXSfXpgqhbAMS9hiRKqqqNuT0/s320/rotating+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Determined to knit <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> socks, I chose this variegated yarn (and now my favorite) to try my hand at a rotating rib pattern. I also decided to try knitting on Double-Pointed needles which hasn't happened since my first sock. All of this should keep me going well into the second sock. (In the past I was not happy with the 5" DPs but the 7.5" needles aren't so bad).</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course, most of the way through the first sock (which I'm loving!) my mind starts straying toward non-sock knitting thoughts. Obviously it is time to trick the brain (again, sigh).<br /></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have a second ball of yarn and I have circular needles. Hmm. By golly, I think I'll try a little experiment: compare knitting on DPs with knitting on circular needles. I wonder which needles will feel better in my hands. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtjmac1ZnalWFtgY583Tge5AjplkM45Iy2QaGpScaIyP2NrZO9HdzT6p-4aVoc2heGnH07NFXbnyWRDsAOdvEqh8_AbJn-1PEgsrp8SdZLFDvglBna8GbfIT3Uzl5T_vQ4Wiy3sW4RXM/s1600-h/rotating+pair+b.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179859925874347922" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 409px; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtjmac1ZnalWFtgY583Tge5AjplkM45Iy2QaGpScaIyP2NrZO9HdzT6p-4aVoc2heGnH07NFXbnyWRDsAOdvEqh8_AbJn-1PEgsrp8SdZLFDvglBna8GbfIT3Uzl5T_vQ4Wiy3sW4RXM/s320/rotating+pair+b.jpg" border="0" /></span></a>The back up plan is to try to reverse the rotating pattern in the opposite direction. And just to be sure, I'm starting the second sock before finishing the first. This way, the whole project turns into an UFO if I don't do the second sock. Maybe this 'double dare ewe' approach will increase the FIQ (Finish It! Quotient).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aE6Zp6neLm3vsPdm_aA9cXHAEiPpiSTUEL7iB_oHpeC3Bg7dltWgGtPSv3CgPxvQYL2x7MtNg9F_olY8RxGN5WoP1sAl79KhPBefyU4oIzRavC3qULzBCZuW_XXWo-wWoQ-ZYY24tiE/s1600-h/chloe+04.08c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184308077473927138" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 129px; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aE6Zp6neLm3vsPdm_aA9cXHAEiPpiSTUEL7iB_oHpeC3Bg7dltWgGtPSv3CgPxvQYL2x7MtNg9F_olY8RxGN5WoP1sAl79KhPBefyU4oIzRavC3qULzBCZuW_XXWo-wWoQ-ZYY24tiE/s320/chloe+04.08c.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The first two attempts on circular needles were made on 16" Addi Turbos. Rather octopussy because all of the needles kept wanting to get into the action (and to think this is what I disliked about DPs). Not wanting to mess up the experiment, however, I switched over to longer circulars (one 24" and one 32" to be exact). These seem to be working quite well. The cords are long enough for the needles to dangle out of the way. Of course, Chloe the Cat finds this quite exciting while she's curled up in my lap. I, being the felines' matriarch, worry about poking out a kitty eye.</span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >But now...the ultimate humiliation in Second Sock Syndrome: I've knit and finished the first sock (of a different pair, obviously. But not to worry, the rotating ribs socks are coming around). Now I'm on my way through the second sock. Problem...? </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183572895036968898" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; width: 409px; height: 230px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKwK0IuLQizFjfwyDmbPntFDAzseZn4NrTMLQmmA1s2ycnDUQvh6EYdAPOjNcCDyPBgC38o6sjmBhrT0oTD-XuFNRrt9Ldi7JtcTr_fhYrsYLzxiFGqa1DiycK6pmoGhcnSnW67HqSYg/s320/java+cu.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">I can't find the first finished sock</span>!! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span></span></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-91988723923514488022008-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:002008-02-24T17:51:41.318-08:00Hugs & Shrugs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_nKhnJfcV_1Ea_s0i7xpgEKVNme52-YfP2SBlay5ymOErC341f-tfadsg0dvwxY9PcXQfCsSTm-vJ_-P8iiu_yVLii5nVaYKOhb2Z0SogbTv8b1-frlTOmRNKLD6tdcvQxHGIGrf5Co/s1600-h/Shrug.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_nKhnJfcV_1Ea_s0i7xpgEKVNme52-YfP2SBlay5ymOErC341f-tfadsg0dvwxY9PcXQfCsSTm-vJ_-P8iiu_yVLii5nVaYKOhb2Z0SogbTv8b1-frlTOmRNKLD6tdcvQxHGIGrf5Co/s320/Shrug.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170343315183631538" border="0" /></a>A couple of my spectacular friends made this shrug for me to wear during my dad's memorial service. Not only was it cozy during the graveside service, it was just like wearing hugs from friends.<br /><br />They made it with free-form crochet and knitting techniques, using handspun & commercial yarns, hand-dyed yarns, some from my stash and some from theirs. Una even made a little flower lapel pin out of the two yarns I used for my dad's sweater vest and socks. And all within two weeks!<br /><br />Thank ewe <span style="font-style: italic;">so much</span>, JoShell and Una.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-76434971581783164292008-02-05T11:18:00.001-08:002008-02-11T09:39:37.518-08:00Goodbye, Papa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKVOEWOdsLjk4fItL4Mj26ThquIu2AdZTFtvH5yUhomJ_D0ygLNEhU_fvkkY1zj6XrLOgbMysygz3SCMbskntDQ3snEGWDZ5oh1k39a75HjvdTp9q3uCL2NOfIRUTE0ZEt15A2MufUhY/s1600-h/IMG_0855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 612px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKVOEWOdsLjk4fItL4Mj26ThquIu2AdZTFtvH5yUhomJ_D0ygLNEhU_fvkkY1zj6XrLOgbMysygz3SCMbskntDQ3snEGWDZ5oh1k39a75HjvdTp9q3uCL2NOfIRUTE0ZEt15A2MufUhY/s320/IMG_0855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163592587260942354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My father died on Jan. 24th.</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> after a three year battle with cancer. We squeezed a lot of</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> 'quality' time into those three years. </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">He died at home su</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">rrounded by family. While he </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">died, he was wearing a pair of socks that I made for h</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">im. He and Ma </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">said they were the most comfy socks he had.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Here he is at his 75th birthday in October,</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zW-8GRqf_DP7288zSlHBLYkwk35bxVjJ-wcZJy1XWmpmWb-zHrfVVMWboFo_izZWp74cnyiQ3m_7O_6GFl74AUZVEWxByekcDGvd1T4c01I_bde8fAgkOhOZx1-vfWfDxvRmA0XfTAI/s1600-h/Pa's+75th+d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 613.5px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zW-8GRqf_DP7288zSlHBLYkwk35bxVjJ-wcZJy1XWmpmWb-zHrfVVMWboFo_izZWp74cnyiQ3m_7O_6GFl74AUZVEWxByekcDGvd1T4c01I_bde8fAgkOhOZx1-vfWfDxvRmA0XfTAI/s320/Pa's+75th+d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165775179377671314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8NtI_I9kKA01pDbGycVPC4-_-3nK1cKZJmlg6aw3RPmc8C0gvXUDuzQg8g_EtSCn24G1wHaBqsMF07XY9SBScWD0A65DwfLN9JzNlFdRbSCnT0beorCWJLoq1DDEf4iBbbJK4egd5I/s1600-h/Pa+in+November+a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 244.5px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR8NtI_I9kKA01pDbGycVPC4-_-3nK1cKZJmlg6aw3RPmc8C0gvXUDuzQg8g_EtSCn24G1wHaBqsMF07XY9SBScWD0A65DwfLN9JzNlFdRbSCnT0beorCWJLoq1DDEf4iBbbJK4egd5I/s320/Pa+in+November+a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165773993966697586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />in his hand knit<br />sweater vest in November,<br /></span></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27f3tYO7Z5bCEifqzyeJiXgaPdwS8ypAC0ZQ8RibpUAGEWRFwLaaWHMzByPOvNQDPuDLk0Qbkd-xhj92_ug-i-1W6ZgW8RrgP8tGw29opit9hG3ENRxdZ901MTwlFPbokncOFj0eM1cY/s1600-h/IMG_0795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 193.5px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27f3tYO7Z5bCEifqzyeJiXgaPdwS8ypAC0ZQ8RibpUAGEWRFwLaaWHMzByPOvNQDPuDLk0Qbkd-xhj92_ug-i-1W6ZgW8RrgP8tGw29opit9hG3ENRxdZ901MTwlFPbokncOFj0eM1cY/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165775913817078946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br />and at our last Christmas together.</span><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x3ixe26oVDyvbc84-XI-X0l3Le6C8RW1dor7aFArgvZE0T7yV86IWj0tRrVOP2BzDSWqNO1EyvRyQKi00S45EsdarUAbyL1UkZmoEgSKMYDdbD3FBdQRd_5j5MW8VaLwiqigqFCOelQ/s1600-h/IMG_0860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 193.5px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2x3ixe26oVDyvbc84-XI-X0l3Le6C8RW1dor7aFArgvZE0T7yV86IWj0tRrVOP2BzDSWqNO1EyvRyQKi00S45EsdarUAbyL1UkZmoEgSKMYDdbD3FBdQRd_5j5MW8VaLwiqigqFCOelQ/s320/IMG_0860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163594919428184098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Papa was very involved in state-wide education and our roles as citizens.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >He even volunteered, with my mom, as volunteers to work in the voting booths.</span><div style="text-align: left;font-family:arial;"><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >He viewed the right to vote as a privilege, no matter how small one vote seems to be. Our votes </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >do</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> add up, like knit stitches which turn into a sweater vest. Many other people in the world don't have this privilege.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br />You've taught us well, Papa. Goodbye.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-4557633596076609112007-11-26T17:37:00.000-08:002007-11-26T19:47:37.145-08:00Lovely LandscapingWell, here's an eyeful for you, in the shape of our new front and back yards. I've tried to put the 'before' pictures on the left and the 'after' pictures on the right.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4vd65tqS8Ver8_4dbRwTI3XdHrwyS9LxNl5t732V9lS8c8AwVPoFK5-mVX8BgznHuScwgItxZuRzfg7g06FljCIagUVqdbmDColTWESQ2F9PVuXTRfe1CCgOOxjpRDp3HRUkaI8vLyg/s1600-h/front+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4vd65tqS8Ver8_4dbRwTI3XdHrwyS9LxNl5t732V9lS8c8AwVPoFK5-mVX8BgznHuScwgItxZuRzfg7g06FljCIagUVqdbmDColTWESQ2F9PVuXTRfe1CCgOOxjpRDp3HRUkaI8vLyg/s320/front+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137331864118791634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPO9uYirgqwx7kEX7Fe_MqC1Zq1rHiKIEtrGP_ECwwwWqWVfcT9PLpQRn3ip81_UtBb7xJg1U_Snhfy-TziiSzznqC9YQWOb89wDsGlIX9YMwJXSgkrKEUzHbdvwWPSrUl03u8t9cOc/s1600-h/IMG_0738.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMPO9uYirgqwx7kEX7Fe_MqC1Zq1rHiKIEtrGP_ECwwwWqWVfcT9PLpQRn3ip81_UtBb7xJg1U_Snhfy-TziiSzznqC9YQWOb89wDsGlIX9YMwJXSgkrKEUzHbdvwWPSrUl03u8t9cOc/s320/IMG_0738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137332048802385378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-o-K1s_qQLYj5BmopGdOTM5FQBC5d34uCNAmgIDyUezsQm2gv3yr8cal-nCW6cui0eJz2O63Cb1rljQRcvjhSgzRYccaT8-0qd248bxKshI-9C7-mKIjYG4NEKb4R3ZefbzWWvrTnB4/s1600-h/driveway+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-o-K1s_qQLYj5BmopGdOTM5FQBC5d34uCNAmgIDyUezsQm2gv3yr8cal-nCW6cui0eJz2O63Cb1rljQRcvjhSgzRYccaT8-0qd248bxKshI-9C7-mKIjYG4NEKb4R3ZefbzWWvrTnB4/s320/driveway+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137331254233435554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEseNmH7msxQO4sQS_NG7IfU6Kx-1KkZrKKi_YqTeSQHuRqPm4nU4cJf9kIxirD5VACWUAVTuOSZfMSMke08YTPraAuZRF1tp6IBn1s9ScjDVxZ1qdD4VAJq3tGJICeM9tID_j-Wieedg/s1600-h/driveway+2n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEseNmH7msxQO4sQS_NG7IfU6Kx-1KkZrKKi_YqTeSQHuRqPm4nU4cJf9kIxirD5VACWUAVTuOSZfMSMke08YTPraAuZRF1tp6IBn1s9ScjDVxZ1qdD4VAJq3tGJICeM9tID_j-Wieedg/s320/driveway+2n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137347072597986930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On these two pictures of the front entry, you can test your eyesight by looking for the little speck just inside the door. That's Chloe, the cat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdKy04dJC9RYAd5qqn_EErv6bHLPFwecfX6WTtCZggvmPGZpJLImuVQQgsrOx6DtBk1IPsT2DWe1Ra6AG3ToTL_1bHq6lnXOvwSlOXozPqJzz6zjevh0xyxvYEkKWRKxxnTTZ1Vf0fo/s1600-h/entry+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdKy04dJC9RYAd5qqn_EErv6bHLPFwecfX6WTtCZggvmPGZpJLImuVQQgsrOx6DtBk1IPsT2DWe1Ra6AG3ToTL_1bHq6lnXOvwSlOXozPqJzz6zjevh0xyxvYEkKWRKxxnTTZ1Vf0fo/s320/entry+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137328703022861602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUDYFP2wvK3QG7UCfSu6GKOdh8KXXPC7axRuZ-Z8d4kOH0aruORH6tk0pLW0aJYShOBLBKPiPRsLP_I8KR1KyHaofLqdH4RXK0lk6D8LtrW3LxpZwHs2faSF7p4qiXmMJ1GrjSIBnTgc/s1600-h/IMG_0740.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUDYFP2wvK3QG7UCfSu6GKOdh8KXXPC7axRuZ-Z8d4kOH0aruORH6tk0pLW0aJYShOBLBKPiPRsLP_I8KR1KyHaofLqdH4RXK0lk6D8LtrW3LxpZwHs2faSF7p4qiXmMJ1GrjSIBnTgc/s320/IMG_0740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137329235598806338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I know, this next one is actually a 'during' picture. I've always wanted the groceries delivered right to our door. Besides, Esther (the car) got to go off road a little bit, in a conservative sort of way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUoxVeLueP5OUu84YYGOW3C95wgmCJgjinLRzjO6bzFoBeYV6-on2xpc6s55tXymN9K1Ur7Omf2GmSoppHjwN77lwytPTorrIqHvaqC7LNtRuB4LBPWQnG3aPLI-Glt2Q6ipVOmGFuRQ/s1600-h/entry+1c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUoxVeLueP5OUu84YYGOW3C95wgmCJgjinLRzjO6bzFoBeYV6-on2xpc6s55tXymN9K1Ur7Omf2GmSoppHjwN77lwytPTorrIqHvaqC7LNtRuB4LBPWQnG3aPLI-Glt2Q6ipVOmGFuRQ/s320/entry+1c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137328943541030194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Front yard:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyYSUjTqJvrkpQ9-FCa2hltfWV0wcHUQkSu2anREglw7VQc8RwlUa5YRHv-FfJW_q5gnOLSJbZskpFfb9cP3UDKD8MEpk0F_9otI3KfB1Bg8q6BHKNtPCMo4ds2SJr7dLJpKRbjJ1yS8/s1600-h/front+west+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyYSUjTqJvrkpQ9-FCa2hltfWV0wcHUQkSu2anREglw7VQc8RwlUa5YRHv-FfJW_q5gnOLSJbZskpFfb9cP3UDKD8MEpk0F_9otI3KfB1Bg8q6BHKNtPCMo4ds2SJr7dLJpKRbjJ1yS8/s320/front+west+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137332203421208050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJnAd8BEYQ14EyGTfcaa0Lsq0P7nVdQhPFjCZCJBp-tzDTyftv3cL9MaKV62CoFaoSNEgqu__5wYQym1oZ61SbhMINeI6Gu2811M0HSCOUWG6GXfFl5wzFMwLcS5KZMM3fBUu9AIljZE/s1600-h/IMG_0741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJnAd8BEYQ14EyGTfcaa0Lsq0P7nVdQhPFjCZCJBp-tzDTyftv3cL9MaKV62CoFaoSNEgqu__5wYQym1oZ61SbhMINeI6Gu2811M0HSCOUWG6GXfFl5wzFMwLcS5KZMM3fBUu9AIljZE/s320/IMG_0741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137332448234343938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVINGCpfwhVMINXIlwY8Vcr09d81Jaww0T9EUqMVz8MpxAls3tu-ldIMw2JiC4njoUKqZ0nQznHaRgTfVPcDZqCmwmQsF63NJyZ7JFcQY7IaMuko8SBOBDiSKv_hjp1REWck_7XX5yDc/s1600-h/back+west+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVINGCpfwhVMINXIlwY8Vcr09d81Jaww0T9EUqMVz8MpxAls3tu-ldIMw2JiC4njoUKqZ0nQznHaRgTfVPcDZqCmwmQsF63NJyZ7JFcQY7IaMuko8SBOBDiSKv_hjp1REWck_7XX5yDc/s320/back+west+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137343327386504754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Backyard, facing west.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpDNLlUh9q5Ruj1V_jYuW1_OB0Wlduew480jbmMi9mr4u-VG3R66gxpxiFSQKCc9XOxNXYnZBLnKUgOB9kJER9fFYFyVgiU-J4jXqB-JvIX08NK4IWlc4CHU8ptG-ITYdi8wnVTGSU8I/s1600-h/IMG_0732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpDNLlUh9q5Ruj1V_jYuW1_OB0Wlduew480jbmMi9mr4u-VG3R66gxpxiFSQKCc9XOxNXYnZBLnKUgOB9kJER9fFYFyVgiU-J4jXqB-JvIX08NK4IWlc4CHU8ptG-ITYdi8wnVTGSU8I/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137330992240430482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyj9LXyak420GqIATcpfwWHOAPE0MV47ovxVDs7pp7wtcQt6nIW6_fj9ROVVYGUoUEZlUgcKqiNj5cEqNna04TMLooFZoE5R3bTV1wzbWR-6HJobYBZC7Wj6MfB4mlGPDvnOihG94gxGE/s1600-h/back+east+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyj9LXyak420GqIATcpfwWHOAPE0MV47ovxVDs7pp7wtcQt6nIW6_fj9ROVVYGUoUEZlUgcKqiNj5cEqNna04TMLooFZoE5R3bTV1wzbWR-6HJobYBZC7Wj6MfB4mlGPDvnOihG94gxGE/s320/back+east+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137343932976893506" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Backyard, facing east.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBBqH_xvgLRRbbhrBLDCa4_sWfceSO4wPZM5a94rwMdxH3LzqzNaanSD7tlzbeeaqcGevAaEQ03pYkQAyierbCiq4OJbTCrFq4xnWPuPPT5X9UaLiv6Kkt3rw8FzleSmwWacjvxY9624/s1600-h/IMG_0730.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBBqH_xvgLRRbbhrBLDCa4_sWfceSO4wPZM5a94rwMdxH3LzqzNaanSD7tlzbeeaqcGevAaEQ03pYkQAyierbCiq4OJbTCrFq4xnWPuPPT5X9UaLiv6Kkt3rw8FzleSmwWacjvxY9624/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137344697481072210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi174CGIiYQVklmafiFKHlWZOb4gx0U3GUaMWF7savbTA4QN_Gt7iiH58VjmeO8B6mObN83XkjVhR6uigNkGNbDjfCanvfkDmJBBVs8JzbGh9-aQYHDy_CqjTjhIlf6QqZWZJ9llZTd_yM/s1600-h/IMG_0751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi174CGIiYQVklmafiFKHlWZOb4gx0U3GUaMWF7savbTA4QN_Gt7iiH58VjmeO8B6mObN83XkjVhR6uigNkGNbDjfCanvfkDmJBBVs8JzbGh9-aQYHDy_CqjTjhIlf6QqZWZJ9llZTd_yM/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137332826191466002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have a fabulous view of the mountains from our backyard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_81CWg1RFpd8HgtsAvwgrc43dgp58bCjuFhl_e_1htS7sFYZSpwR1-SiiJZpK7harxb1AzI9Qo_Ter3ultH_EvQQotP9gpCN7BGzJ1uPbUqb7ZeI9G0IZfMUw8pRZGUrF4PLuqJs0BA/s1600-h/IMG_0753.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_81CWg1RFpd8HgtsAvwgrc43dgp58bCjuFhl_e_1htS7sFYZSpwR1-SiiJZpK7harxb1AzI9Qo_Ter3ultH_EvQQotP9gpCN7BGzJ1uPbUqb7ZeI9G0IZfMUw8pRZGUrF4PLuqJs0BA/s320/IMG_0753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137345891481980514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />So we took advantage of it by putting in a cute little seating area. Dizzy Hubby and I have already spent a morning or two kicking back. And of course I immediately christened it by knitting there (socks, which will show up here at a later date).<br /><br />Blessings to ewe.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-82772809517417094742007-11-14T09:44:00.000-08:002007-11-14T12:00:09.836-08:00Ta Da!<span style="font-size:130%;">Yes!<br />The Vest really is finished. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />No close-up pictures because Pa is more important than knitting. But trust me: the ribbing matches and that nasty hole at the base of the V looks much better.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdba1ByoKCVvx8WwswZp2eLMoA9ed-UTjXEOtroHyd38KgBOg8nmta5eMA6ueXEBYCFI5ejaaRlnqCoxVNModrRGPM6gbDgacysGwGpKeZjvq0eofnzAS4bDYSz2TKHewKuVzedcANJw/s1600-h/IMG_0675.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdba1ByoKCVvx8WwswZp2eLMoA9ed-UTjXEOtroHyd38KgBOg8nmta5eMA6ueXEBYCFI5ejaaRlnqCoxVNModrRGPM6gbDgacysGwGpKeZjvq0eofnzAS4bDYSz2TKHewKuVzedcANJw/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132759802800456562" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Pa (his name is John, by the way) wore it all evening, even though it didn't really go with his very brown ensemble. Pretty happy guy considering he's fighting cancer, eh?<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh1qOr6oM-GVq67nvyEeoDnGUHkNFohHRWaaFC1iPasYo1K4tc2zoa38noGYSkCjtQImM3c8U7QkfssQfOyymffUjORnjKoUJVQaq2aHIAOhuPPE4SVOGI5Bd8OCy8wfJOkqmxdjUkig/s1600-h/IMG_0678.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh1qOr6oM-GVq67nvyEeoDnGUHkNFohHRWaaFC1iPasYo1K4tc2zoa38noGYSkCjtQImM3c8U7QkfssQfOyymffUjORnjKoUJVQaq2aHIAOhuPPE4SVOGI5Bd8OCy8wfJOkqmxdjUkig/s320/IMG_0678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132759274519479138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here he is with Ma (a.k.a. Betty). Obviously, they (and the whole family, really) are in good humor and continuing to enjoy life together.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Pa starts radiation today and will be going into USC/Norris (a wonderful hospital if you have to be in one) every week day or so, for the next three weeks. The goal is to reduce the cancer mass. Your positive thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.<br /><br />While I wasn't truly monogamous with this project, the vest did get knit to completion much faster than it would have otherwise. Dizzy Hubby has a vested interest (sorry) in my next project. I think I'll try the monogamous thing again with his sweater vest. Being the ever-patient man that he is, Dizzy Hubby isn't holding his breathe that his vest will be next. This is good because it has been 7ish years in the making so far.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Personally, I don't think I'll use this pattern again because the neck opening is just too big. Even for a V-neck. I'll go back to the ol' Patton's Back to Basics II. It's conservative in style, but so are the men in my life.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-5522733411958989082007-11-01T14:34:00.000-07:002007-11-01T15:22:30.168-07:00Finished! Not.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPQ4lLVcubdV1ZQ7z234Qx88O_AQojJG4nyp5Kmo5aqjL4ourjy9_zIb6iO_WVivrKBioe3yzTFpbt8uC_OAJ7JxByqT1eN3YKs8LrpaAvoEZ0eozqt949-Hlp_5WrsvegOYUjAWmCcM/s1600-h/IMG_0616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPQ4lLVcubdV1ZQ7z234Qx88O_AQojJG4nyp5Kmo5aqjL4ourjy9_zIb6iO_WVivrKBioe3yzTFpbt8uC_OAJ7JxByqT1eN3YKs8LrpaAvoEZ0eozqt949-Hlp_5WrsvegOYUjAWmCcM/s320/IMG_0616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127991174850963794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sigh.<br /><br />I knit the armholes' ribbing as K2,P2. Then I knit the ribbing for the neck as K1, P1. I can't even claim that the armholes and the neck were done on different days. Sigh.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkOGlomC6zt2X2UT27wep72rdyDSO7_m0nRrRpdXaHDnjQjtwk6q0PmgQ-t-yKmmmngVWK3dbFzgqiB0JhOVsj5qg1SSLMOMh56nEGhoFwD_KN4kq-kFyfZRiTbtmhfJF3mHa5QxDzZQ/s1600-h/IMG_0623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkOGlomC6zt2X2UT27wep72rdyDSO7_m0nRrRpdXaHDnjQjtwk6q0PmgQ-t-yKmmmngVWK3dbFzgqiB0JhOVsj5qg1SSLMOMh56nEGhoFwD_KN4kq-kFyfZRiTbtmhfJF3mHa5QxDzZQ/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127992459046185314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />In addition, the bottom of the V is pretty wonky. It turns out that I unknit a bit when I was trying to do something clever. I can't even remember what that clever thing was. Sigh.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU1PxK_o_CSybYYQPjJlvhPSSIyoyJk2aG4wKsVNAU6PZwwBOw5qO_WUsEXt1MkFVCz0dHlZOsY1VTKC61ZORiZS3H5SajWq8PgtAdfzli5iyDGp3W9ebJwSWxzIImEX1MvqFgNee1GA/s1600-h/IMG_0628.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU1PxK_o_CSybYYQPjJlvhPSSIyoyJk2aG4wKsVNAU6PZwwBOw5qO_WUsEXt1MkFVCz0dHlZOsY1VTKC61ZORiZS3H5SajWq8PgtAdfzli5iyDGp3W9ebJwSWxzIImEX1MvqFgNee1GA/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127996315926817154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I don't know what I'm going to do here. Is it possible to bind off in the middle of the section without continuing the wonkiness? I guess I'll find out.<br /><br />It really isn't hard to figure out why Adam was willing to part with a rib for Eve. He probably thought he could keep her from complaining once she learned how to knit.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnGe9h6dExWCO-Nc0hbCXR-QvzEYt1xXM4_JmZe3_Zr7VEGbo3oscNOegvZAwlV1-RdQiPCAASukvWHU1aotVoZ96C0AFO2Qkf5_31K5L-_h4f1gPKzGxt9Yzch9TWn6wZdkZU7zILjE/s1600-h/IMG_0624.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnGe9h6dExWCO-Nc0hbCXR-QvzEYt1xXM4_JmZe3_Zr7VEGbo3oscNOegvZAwlV1-RdQiPCAASukvWHU1aotVoZ96C0AFO2Qkf5_31K5L-_h4f1gPKzGxt9Yzch9TWn6wZdkZU7zILjE/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127995255069895026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here we go again.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-23803641226995371012007-10-29T11:52:00.001-07:002007-10-29T12:42:01.256-07:00Rib It, Rip It, Rib It<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Pattern says... pick up 136 stitches around the armhole for ribbing.<br /><br />Attempts 1-3 just aren't worth mentioning, but pulling hair was involved. Dizzy Hubby stayed <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> over on the other side of the sofa.<br /><br />Attempt 4: picked up 151 stitches. I reached for <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book</span>, which said to mark 2" sections with waste yarn, then do some math, then pick up the appropriate number of stitches according to the mathematical calculations, laws of physics and who knows what else.<br /><br />Attempt 5: picked up 104 stitches. I knew it! Math just isn't as trustworthy as everyone seems to think. This is not a new observation for me, but I'm still trying to convince my brother, the engineer, of this, as I carve another notch-of-error on my calculator. So I call Sharon at <a href="http://theyarndeli.com/">The Yarn Deli</a> for help. After a bit more mathematical discussion, I finally ask for a general rule of thumb. Here it is:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />On straight edges, pick up every stitch.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">On angled edges, pick up 3 out of every 4 stitches (skip every fourth stitch).<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLUZMhFcxnZHGIs7cZAfxo0cDjqylykE0YP4i8IS1KfVeA8RluM1Cv7CsB39Gyf3dEKAZfL0O4QVBvnp360jMxTVpKspIHZcSMF-b1uOkPDTIQ0GSuoDKNP8lEyA19XoT1FmzvIvLb7s/s1600-h/IMG_0586.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLUZMhFcxnZHGIs7cZAfxo0cDjqylykE0YP4i8IS1KfVeA8RluM1Cv7CsB39Gyf3dEKAZfL0O4QVBvnp360jMxTVpKspIHZcSMF-b1uOkPDTIQ0GSuoDKNP8lEyA19XoT1FmzvIvLb7s/s320/IMG_0586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126843035603462418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Attempt 6:<br />Beautiful! Knitting and ribbing lay side by side smoothly! </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Number of stitc</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">hes picked up? I don't know and I don't care.<br /><br />Other armhole, attempt 1:<br />Beautiful! </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Knitting and ribbing lay side by side smoothly! </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Number of stitc</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">hes picked up? I don't know and I don't care.<br /><br />Thank ewe, Sharon.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-35253693397656670302007-10-13T16:38:00.001-07:002007-10-13T18:37:59.636-07:00Moving Right Along<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Pa's 75th birthday is coming up in about a week, so of necessity his sweater vest has moved up in the list of daily priorities (yes, even higher than being the Monogamous Project). It is one of those important events-in-the-life-of-a-loved-one (= deadline, remember?)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7CSMU7mrlFe2CwWvuy43Mk8YS25sVLrNevNIVdb0fYhxPFnQIpd4VcHj7AIiCOOPjYERTTNtNz_Hwh6sGwMq-7JdL14Y1x_ndhyphenhyphenPuaGeTDdKQN4zQXWCol4ULkScq_flzQKZCcRRUDM/s1600-h/IMG_0393.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7CSMU7mrlFe2CwWvuy43Mk8YS25sVLrNevNIVdb0fYhxPFnQIpd4VcHj7AIiCOOPjYERTTNtNz_Hwh6sGwMq-7JdL14Y1x_ndhyphenhyphenPuaGeTDdKQN4zQXWCol4ULkScq_flzQKZCcRRUDM/s320/IMG_0393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120977039864050498" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > Here is a progress picture from about a week ago. Not only does the sweater feel like it has a</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > life of its own, but here is real, living proof that it does</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > (at least the yarn ball)</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > . Kinda looks like the proverbial granny, eh?<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > I haven't knit two separate sides of a piece on one pair of needles before - obviously time to get with the times, so to speak. The trick is to use two separate balls of yarn, one for each side. Makes sense since knitters are so clever. It always seems like it is some <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> knitter who is clever enough to think of these tricks. No 15 minutes of fame for me here.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The only problem with knitting both sides of the V became apparent when I was deciding </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >how to work the second row. Did I want to turn the piece around every other row to purl? Did I want to practice knitting backwards on a <span style="font-style: italic;">real </span>project. </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >(Usually I try new techniques on those cute, little 'I wonder how this would look' things that never grow up into anything recognizable. Some people call them swatches.) Thinking that practice mak</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >es perfect (or close....), I decided to knit backwards </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >instead of turning and purling every other row.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Oops. Evidently I knit backwards much more loosely than forward. </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Considering how tightly I usually knit, this would seem to be a boon. But no. The difference in tension does show, daggum it!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWP85QNrymC5csUIgiBBrJt1bcCOrFSocQc1WH5IFpA2fTAhInxkdvgeYhq1PPM5hpvIqhTT0pfux7i5TFn0MfuapR_lrodO7n0qtPP4oees2thHaAqR2RhWdubAcKAfjhclLzIkIySg/s1600-h/IMG_0394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 393px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWP85QNrymC5csUIgiBBrJt1bcCOrFSocQc1WH5IFpA2fTAhInxkdvgeYhq1PPM5hpvIqhTT0pfux7i5TFn0MfuapR_lrodO7n0qtPP4oees2thHaAqR2RhWdubAcKAfjhclLzIkIySg/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120987498109416274" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Right about here ---</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pretty quickly I decided the tension difference wasn't worth ripping out. It did take me a few rows to decide what to do (duh). Because this lovely yarn shows everything, I finally decided that purling was the way to go - Pa doesn't really need a bumpy chest. We'll leave that to Ma.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > I usually take the bloggy pictures on the nice, neutral concrete walkway that approaches the front door. When we started the front yard landscaping project, it didn't occur to me <span style="font-style: italic;">at</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >that</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>the photo site was in danger of extinction. But...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0tj0OJozRwMhQXnz6-gXiXix0b7ZJynrHeK1T5Lbyhmj_LJT3FOittvek-ev4vRcSQlwqWMZHtLDMp01JXgd-f1AJ-tbk4hgxqhXSlU_7ddj6zsFYnPI6USJ-M51aYcRbMbE5Gn67AQ/s1600-h/1+-+bushes+gone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0tj0OJozRwMhQXnz6-gXiXix0b7ZJynrHeK1T5Lbyhmj_LJT3FOittvek-ev4vRcSQlwqWMZHtLDMp01JXgd-f1AJ-tbk4hgxqhXSlU_7ddj6zsFYnPI6USJ-M51aYcRbMbE5Gn67AQ/s320/1+-+bushes+gone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120970803571536610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >...no walkway.<br /><br />I'll keep you in suspense as to the new walkway.</span> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" > Chloe the Cat (little tiny speck inside the door) thinks the lack of a walkway is quite interesting. Big, giant litterbox.<br /><br /><br />No concrete walkway, so the camera moved indoors to the kitchen table.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBYZ7vVqenIBgw3EY91xAEkREaiMtZrcZgEVRDuBhYYGgM5QufMJQm_JuiI65TAdTrfFw6YhHOyLPKmZ89NxJjLdrBzMKELI7_RspM43aFq1cwcf4C9zHbNXzuLOtzB_4s_H6C4v9SmM/s1600-h/IMG_0455.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBYZ7vVqenIBgw3EY91xAEkREaiMtZrcZgEVRDuBhYYGgM5QufMJQm_JuiI65TAdTrfFw6YhHOyLPKmZ89NxJjLdrBzMKELI7_RspM43aFq1cwcf4C9zHbNXzuLOtzB_4s_H6C4v9SmM/s320/IMG_0455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120975308992230194" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >I finished the body of the vest this evening and <span style="font-style: italic;">knit</span> the shoulder seams together (right sides together, pretty cool). Next comes the ribbing around the neck and arm holes. Oh, goody. Picking up stitches at an angle is my favorite thing to do (not!). </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />Eve and I: onto the ribbing...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-27066474005611103372007-10-09T15:38:00.001-07:002007-10-09T16:42:38.034-07:00Yarn Harlot in L.A.<span style="font-family:arial;">The Yarn Harlot came to LA. How about that for a strange mix of cultures? I mean that as a compliment, Ms. Harlot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Three of us took the trains to the LA Public Library. Janel was brave and drove </span>seperately<span style="font-family:arial;">. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Here we are with our projects du jour: Janel on the left with <a href="http://www.chameleoncolorworks.com/">hand-dyed gifts</a> to entice Ms. Harlot (to do what, I do not know). Theresa was working on a beautiful sock, but I can't remember the pattern (sorry). And Nancy is working on one of her <a href="http://www.traditioninspiredoriginals.com/">fabulous stole wraps</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jSBwyuvwCCdLhPsAL8LnuqipQOTqhm3TWk9-YGfy399_MVNZ0dUS3hU2T15RaU5DyMnY9Kjttr9HLDZPSudv0NNH0VKFvGbTwU-US9aQ3hei2vH_m0qw56LsSaaNh-dQU79Kbo-YH4s/s1600-h/IMG_0289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jSBwyuvwCCdLhPsAL8LnuqipQOTqhm3TWk9-YGfy399_MVNZ0dUS3hU2T15RaU5DyMnY9Kjttr9HLDZPSudv0NNH0VKFvGbTwU-US9aQ3hei2vH_m0qw56LsSaaNh-dQU79Kbo-YH4s/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119470764768572002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The crowd was small, but friendly, as knitters are wont to be (friendly, that is).</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTsRy8ePmUzIRCywvYTdAWsRLyVcMZslE1_y3oZuzprq7nVHv-Sp3xi8zmMVhYu8NXG2c99LDpTyheEsEsn53XJmVQQ7GrmjUWSpM4mRuA6FWHD1PZeVST62ofuSQsCWwEPyWEJ4p1As/s1600-h/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTsRy8ePmUzIRCywvYTdAWsRLyVcMZslE1_y3oZuzprq7nVHv-Sp3xi8zmMVhYu8NXG2c99LDpTyheEsEsn53XJmVQQ7GrmjUWSpM4mRuA6FWHD1PZeVST62ofuSQsCWwEPyWEJ4p1As/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119480522934268578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq_emiiaxnn9CHt0rpp8R6mjP8U36xEG6S4uB40ro2pQ8GPdY0JeQ2ENHKQap_l-h26BuBcuVcyu80lhClUlX21hXPFqxCBvy7s7aaMeLTJS4SKLoGubFJ_xK8t-uDN6_JYMui010sAY/s1600-h/IMG_0287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq_emiiaxnn9CHt0rpp8R6mjP8U36xEG6S4uB40ro2pQ8GPdY0JeQ2ENHKQap_l-h26BuBcuVcyu80lhClUlX21hXPFqxCBvy7s7aaMeLTJS4SKLoGubFJ_xK8t-uDN6_JYMui010sAY/s320/IMG_0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119482683302818482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Being the monogamous knitter that I am, I worked on my dad's sweater vest. Honest. Here's some proof for those of you who dare to doubt.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTFujx5bt8MjWZiB6s-Aa0OoxTW1seK1bTiSKE4tXgfcdIOq3qI7pgCLka1qUMp5nAM3ScqJycQAY7Ay_PtTZ3bv7rNJe6KU_D2K_3kC2RjEy9yy8x7F-TTs1uAgtQok23DjZiPqR0wI/s1600-h/IMG_0286.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTFujx5bt8MjWZiB6s-Aa0OoxTW1seK1bTiSKE4tXgfcdIOq3qI7pgCLka1qUMp5nAM3ScqJycQAY7Ay_PtTZ3bv7rNJe6KU_D2K_3kC2RjEy9yy8x7F-TTs1uAgtQok23DjZiPqR0wI/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119483391972422338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My apologies to Ms. Harlot for the fuzzy picture, but her smile is nice, eh? Maybe she was just so happy about getting yarn that she shivered with excitement. Yeah, that's why the picture is weird, yeah.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVaGjFjG2mwlDkI1eYO8CiQEzCLwvdaeigYWXlz5pLWL7By3m1VgAqZG4ZwMpDUF0AeCnaYgAKhfEMxz4smkp1hRROxVRA0nGRFfT3pnP7kQf9943uCPYMXNqjLzfKIOoVaMjTcy03fQ/s1600-h/IMG_0294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVaGjFjG2mwlDkI1eYO8CiQEzCLwvdaeigYWXlz5pLWL7By3m1VgAqZG4ZwMpDUF0AeCnaYgAKhfEMxz4smkp1hRROxVRA0nGRFfT3pnP7kQf9943uCPYMXNqjLzfKIOoVaMjTcy03fQ/s320/IMG_0294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119472706093789826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You know you're a good knitter when:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 1. you knit while you answer questions,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 2. you knit on double-pointed needles (yech - too octopussy for me),</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> 3. you do all of this while standing in front of a crowd,</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">and...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLd-FSiMOwNvW2N6vMHum6JUpc_MYZVVWb_lBGxdEEDIrTV5Un7jdItg5Fofhl50f9kFBg9Wkj1TX7jV_c5DlbeZaBrX5SgHCRqXkzIxomeDa2XeblcIh1fWe9Zv56901he_ZoRnYH4A/s1600-h/IMG_0298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLd-FSiMOwNvW2N6vMHum6JUpc_MYZVVWb_lBGxdEEDIrTV5Un7jdItg5Fofhl50f9kFBg9Wkj1TX7jV_c5DlbeZaBrX5SgHCRqXkzIxomeDa2XeblcIh1fWe9Zv56901he_ZoRnYH4A/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119473324569080466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> 4. you don't look at The Great Green Sock </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >even once</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> while doing all of the above, </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >at the same time</span><span style="font-family:arial;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm really glad I won't be tested by the Knitting Police any time soon (ever, I hope).<br /><br /><br /></span>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-88179618962938643772007-09-20T21:03:00.001-07:002007-09-20T22:18:44.042-07:00The One Night Stand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdoLKDjXpPqFj-4H26PPOOAgCudZuL7woWcgNH3tIBUpR5pao8bb6PYnYcUc8-NuTwuLCBntAEcCbTH4aWKF8Jt91K9vonsznnF1TZWhs1a_ruS0pCAZjSSfdaWh8vUUwqs11ZtUp7jQ/s1600-h/LAF+spinners.jpg"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></a> The Los Angeles Fiber Guild did an outreach thing by demonstrating spinning at the Los Angeles County Fair. Here are Karen, Cathy and Una going round and round while sitting in one place (only spinners can defy the laws of physics in this way, you see).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdoLKDjXpPqFj-4H26PPOOAgCudZuL7woWcgNH3tIBUpR5pao8bb6PYnYcUc8-NuTwuLCBntAEcCbTH4aWKF8Jt91K9vonsznnF1TZWhs1a_ruS0pCAZjSSfdaWh8vUUwqs11ZtUp7jQ/s1600-h/LAF+spinners.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdoLKDjXpPqFj-4H26PPOOAgCudZuL7woWcgNH3tIBUpR5pao8bb6PYnYcUc8-NuTwuLCBntAEcCbTH4aWKF8Jt91K9vonsznnF1TZWhs1a_ruS0pCAZjSSfdaWh8vUUwqs11ZtUp7jQ/s320/LAF+spinners.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112505848232882722" border="0" /></a><br /> Spinning is lovely. Spinning is spiffy. I love spinning. ...but, now is Not the Time For Spinning.<br /><br /> I <span style="font-style: italic;">knew</span> this would happen when I signed on for Project Monogamy. Did I not tell you about the fiberish dilemmas that would occurr? And sure enough, while I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">knitting</span> Pa's sweater vest, the time came to <span style="font-style: italic;">spin</span>. That's right, spinning when I should be knitting. What to do?<br /><br /> I thought, a) the Fair is an outreach opportunity for spinners to show young and old that our craft is still alive and well (not to mention getting to watch their faces while they try to figure out what the heck we're doing), and b) I took-on a commission to spin 2 ounces of Himalayan cat fur. I told Butterball's owner that I would spin her gorgeous kitty hair by the end of the month so it could be used in a piece of art. An honest-to-goodness deadline.<br /><br /> I thought some more. Yes, it would be cheating on Pa's sweater, but it was only for one day. It was for a good cause (not voyeuristic at all...). It was only a little bit - a mere 2 ounces. And it would never happen again, I promise!<br /><br />I thought...<br />I wavered...<br />I caved. <br /><br />Oh, the infidelity of it all!<br /><br />So meet Butterball, the Himalayan. She came to me in soft wads (only 2 ounces!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_Sa3fm574HYf1FZsIZxi66Htt_dhTjN2gn5FOQVqANLDSwUn3VBIYCojfEvgepl3pwYJOPNCOlpL2scMqMY7-aM61luA9ed4A3hnS4ZkkH9Y81gUewyHXgJMLMqBJbDavnFgXnvIZCg/s1600-h/cu+Butterball+wads+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_Sa3fm574HYf1FZsIZxi66Htt_dhTjN2gn5FOQVqANLDSwUn3VBIYCojfEvgepl3pwYJOPNCOlpL2scMqMY7-aM61luA9ed4A3hnS4ZkkH9Y81gUewyHXgJMLMqBJbDavnFgXnvIZCg/s320/cu+Butterball+wads+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112506166060462642" border="0" /></a><br />And here is Butterball getting wispy and ready for spinning (it was only one day!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-z9hh4NJjca1CY-BG7NYId825sWzQAznccIX6uQMG_eKSBy-lTFX6kjYUg9fFgz5bYml83APVVLcrR3YWZm7-9OeohVCXo-RqtPj2KZB4BMJyy0gr1YyhAqBov6h9XZXT5xPxH61Xx0/s1600-h/Butterball+gets+whispy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-z9hh4NJjca1CY-BG7NYId825sWzQAznccIX6uQMG_eKSBy-lTFX6kjYUg9fFgz5bYml83APVVLcrR3YWZm7-9OeohVCXo-RqtPj2KZB4BMJyy0gr1YyhAqBov6h9XZXT5xPxH61Xx0/s320/Butterball+gets+whispy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112506818895491666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> Here is Butterball on the wheel. I was surprised to discover that the fur was a bit greasy, but nothing different that petting my own kitties, I suppose. Butterball was fun and interesting to spin, actually. I really love the soft, fuzzy halo (I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">like</span>... I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> Pa's sweater vest).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lFvgtfZaNWYt4pALNBQzOzaO3fNq4yPQ8n1jrUlIODo_ajpD5SdKHYNjr_KQK_LGYnIKHVJ1UsJqzkioh3o3-nqCQ-VOaMif0Arshe9WdRyCjMLTbURO2LpVeEqbxBAMK2g60wBs2bg/s1600-h/Butterball+gets+dizzy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lFvgtfZaNWYt4pALNBQzOzaO3fNq4yPQ8n1jrUlIODo_ajpD5SdKHYNjr_KQK_LGYnIKHVJ1UsJqzkioh3o3-nqCQ-VOaMif0Arshe9WdRyCjMLTbURO2LpVeEqbxBAMK2g60wBs2bg/s320/Butterball+gets+dizzy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112506483888042562" border="0" /></a><br /> So now that my fling with Butterball is over, I'll not lament, but return to my true (current) companion that is my father's sweater vest. We have reconciled and are continuing our journey together. Ahh.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-31390586163193235552007-09-10T15:16:00.001-07:002007-09-10T16:51:41.600-07:00Ready, Set, Monogamy!<span style="font-family:georgia;">Okay, the Monogamous Project has begun (about a week ago, actually). I couldn't decide what to make for Pa, so I bounced ideas off the Dizzy Hubby: socks - no, full-on sweater (hoping this would make Pa live longer as it would take longer to make) - no because he never gets that cold</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">, blankie for his naps - no, scarf - no. Obviously, I was just getting vetoes here so I finally got smart and went to the paternal source. He said, "Sweater vest, although I'm not sure that's the best use of your time." <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Huh?<br /></span><br />Evidently the pater doesn't understand that spinning and knitting </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">aren't merely a 'use of one's time,' but a necessity! If I'm making a Monogamous Project,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> it might as well be for him. It's not like I can just not knit. I guess this logic is just a bit beyond those of the non-fiber world.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />With thoughts of spinning gorgeousness in my mind and knowing tha</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">t Pa is a blue-and-brown kinda guy, I dug into the stash and came up with "Denim" Merino top, of which Dizzy Hubby approved:</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnMQnC1JbRjD2hIoW8Kke4yBJ8J5hZRsTu9GqoRdIpexv_1zWb-iiG_2rKPDrRnSXf5-IwLJ8fEre2ZgwACieNmJrat7WWu2wUMVIluMdtv0SHNQ9W0clS4vTHseE21KCRN3bus2isKU/s1600-h/denim+ball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnMQnC1JbRjD2hIoW8Kke4yBJ8J5hZRsTu9GqoRdIpexv_1zWb-iiG_2rKPDrRnSXf5-IwLJ8fEre2ZgwACieNmJrat7WWu2wUMVIluMdtv0SHNQ9W0clS4vTHseE21KCRN3bus2isKU/s320/denim+ball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108709519455393698" border="0" /></a><br /> I started spinning, imagining true perfection. Unfortunately, I also decided to practice my long-draw spinning... from combed top... not so good. As it turned out, long-draw isn't saving a bit of time like I thought it would (duh). Nor does Pa have that lumpy aura of style about him. It's nice enough yarn, just not (at all!) perfect for this project.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AIq1SwBK-5PMU-_mxWdNKiCxdFeQ_Ir4Tqtt9L9Nb1T6rhsNR-SMre8d3SlFPz4zoiBuQDSwf1sfShYPksGFQTRREEVBvEAv090XH8bamThDtEZdaplUb0giem3W0nL7wNmh7oEplnI/s1600-h/IMG_0248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AIq1SwBK-5PMU-_mxWdNKiCxdFeQ_Ir4Tqtt9L9Nb1T6rhsNR-SMre8d3SlFPz4zoiBuQDSwf1sfShYPksGFQTRREEVBvEAv090XH8bamThDtEZdaplUb0giem3W0nL7wNmh7oEplnI/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108710468643166130" border="0" /></a><br />So, back to the drawing board. Knowing how long it would take me to spin the truly perfect yarn for this project (I'm capable of coming close, but Dizzy Hubby <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> still waiting for that 7-year sweater vest), I decided that knitting commercial yarn was the way to go this time. It's not that Pa doesn't deserve a fully hand-spun and hand-knit garment. He does. But he also deserves to wear the thing sometime this winter!<br /><br />Not taking any chances, I go to <a href="http://www.theyarndeli.com/">The Yarn Deli</a> with Dizzy Hubby in tow. We find a beautiful Merino Superwash from Reynolds, called Revue:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajnKfff-AdwyhNr1S5VbYpSUqqI4k1Oa2lGhbu2_LvH8-NgwJTQr-_lI3UcRnAr4HXWfM_R-p707H8XlddW6fMzbB_FbmaqzzoBmwQyl3fhIDBN23IWhDpQvSNy7BiL8TVaDapPipj28/s1600-h/IMG_0283.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajnKfff-AdwyhNr1S5VbYpSUqqI4k1Oa2lGhbu2_LvH8-NgwJTQr-_lI3UcRnAr4HXWfM_R-p707H8XlddW6fMzbB_FbmaqzzoBmwQyl3fhIDBN23IWhDpQvSNy7BiL8TVaDapPipj28/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108720630535788498" border="0" /></a><br />Is it luscious? Yes. Is it soft and bouncy? Yes. Is it eye-candy? Sorta. Cable thoughts begin to circle over my head, only to be shot down by my beloved males. Oh well. I did need a "new" technique, though, so I'm trying the knitting-on-one-circular-needle thing. It is now coming along quite nicely, but oh, the stories to come...Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-40109377207324356382007-08-14T10:53:00.000-07:002007-08-14T12:04:56.012-07:00Fiber DisciplineIn faith-building and spiritual formation, folks often speak of spiritual disciplines. These disciplines, or intentional practices, include regular prayer, readings that support and challenge one's beliefs, sabbath, being in a community such as church, and oh, so much more.<br /><br />Thanks to the <a href="http://www.yarnlot.com/">Yarn Harlot</a>, (Aug. 10 blog) there is yet another discipline to be added to my list of important priorities. This demanding practice is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Project Monogamy</span>. That's right - sticking to one project from start to finish.<br /><br />You see, my usual <span style="font-style: italic;">modus operandi</span> is to start a new project whenever I:<br /><ol> <li>see a new and lovely yarn or fiber that Speaks to me,</li> <li>feel stressed, bored, restless, or competitive,<br /> </li> <li>see an inspiring thing of beauty that someone actually finished (!)</li> <li>guild projects and challenges, and, of course<br /> </li> <li>wanting to gift special someones whose important dates (read deadlines) are altogether too soon (Hubby's 7-year sweater vest is the obvious example, but that's another lengthy blog for another time).<br /> </li> </ol> This concept of Project Monogamy is sooo foreign to my nature that I just have to give it a try. It brings on a strange mix of feelings that I can only describe as horrified curiosity. So, yes, I am going to challenge myself to make a project from start to finish, sans the infidelity of working on other projects for the duration. This brings on its own set of fiberish moral dilemnas (what to do while riding in the car during the spinning stage, for example). Dizzy Hubby is a bit sceptical, I do believe.<br /><br />But here is the real rub: with so many UnFinished Objects, how does one determine the one project to which one will be monogamous? Do I go back to the beginning and work in chronological order? Do I gaze lovingly at the shelves of UFO's and pick the one that catches my eye at the moment? Do I ask Helga (Schacht Matchless wheel) want she wants to play with next? Oh, no. Obviously the answer is to...<br /><br />start a new project!!<br /><br />Of course! Why go through the anguish of choosing from the shelves when I could spend the time in that delirious state of mind called design mode? Oh, the potential and possibilities! (Hmm, could this be the reason behind such a plethora of UFO's ? I'll think about that later).<br /><br />Since I've never made anything for Pa (yeah, his cancer is back), he is the obvious recipient of choice. Now onto the blissful beginnings of project development and design...Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-32343232866195462872007-06-14T11:50:00.001-07:002007-06-14T12:02:02.222-07:00Moving AheadThanks to ewe all for your prayers and good thoughts - Dad's cancer is in remission. He has another scan in a few weeks to see if the little cancer suckers stay the same or even die off some more (hope upon hope, even though it sounds a bit bloodthirsty). So the Dizzy Ewe is back in the saddle (don't kids ride sheep?) again.<br /><br />The Dizzy Ewe will be at the <a href="http://www.flockandfiberfestival.com/">Oregon Flock & Fiber Fest</a> in September. This is a wonderful show - do come along!<br /><br />Blessings.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-30628390588535435762007-04-06T15:39:00.000-07:002007-04-06T16:04:04.588-07:00Family Matters(I finally got the Sheep Game link up and running, so now ewe can try it).<br /><br /> My dad's cancer has come back in full force and he is now undergoing a more traditional/heavy duty chemo. routine (prayers requested). I will be staying closer to home this next year or so (hopefully longer) to be familyish. <br /> The Dizzy Ewe's merchandise will still be available through the gallery, as usual. Variety Packs will be at some shows, care of <a href="http://www.thesoapplantation.com">The Soap Plantation</a>.<br /> In June, The Dizzy Ewe will be at the <a href="http://www.griffindyeworks/retreat/2007">Griffin Dye Works Retreat</a> in Castaic (only a couple hours away). This is always a fun-filled weekend with all sorts of tradition/ancient crafts (natural dye pots going almost 24/7, leather stamping, spinning, using lucets and so much more). Check it out! It is well worth the money.<br /> Blessings.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-43768965035329130802007-03-05T15:11:00.000-08:002007-03-05T15:21:10.039-08:00SheepGameEwe... yes, ewe can be an urban shepherd!<br />I had so much fun playing Sheep Game that I laughed so much that my hubby wanted to know what was going on. Chloe, the cat, also enjoyed trying to herd the sheep on the screen with her paw. It may just be my first-grade teacher humor coming out, but this is really fun. <a href="http://www.david-lewis.com/sheepgame/launch/php">www.david-lewis.com/sheepgame/launch.php</a><br /><br />We could even start a Dizzy Flock league!<br /><br />Yes, I really do have other things to do, but waiting for a shipment of fiber always feels more important and like it takes forever.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747888272850968179.post-36209479886653096982007-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:002007-02-25T17:41:27.387-08:00VARIETY PACKS<a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmJ5pr13jhd5JdVh9fExd9WT2A8mSvfwHf9fhu-gQKbgpeskeRfnX5i9lcyTtRut5oGJQGG1mcj7o4LkuPvQsOZd8TqJlfhaGQCVuV9sZNxUYWYPaY1KkP3UJ-JZQ1YIp6Zcs-TWgczg/s1600-h/DSCN0159.JPG"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmJ5pr13jhd5JdVh9fExd9WT2A8mSvfwHf9fhu-gQKbgpeskeRfnX5i9lcyTtRut5oGJQGG1mcj7o4LkuPvQsOZd8TqJlfhaGQCVuV9sZNxUYWYPaY1KkP3UJ-JZQ1YIp6Zcs-TWgczg/s320/DSCN0159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035645699877301906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>Shown here: Peach Fuzz and Blue Skies. Each pack contains 1 oz. each of five different Merino and Merino blend fibers from Ashland Bay. $20 each including shipping and handling. Visit The <a href="http://www.dizzyewe.com/gallery">Dizzy Ewe's</a> fuzzy fiber gallery to see more.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263290865361233754noreply@blogger.com1