tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80784976892318162742024-03-13T05:42:47.269-06:00House Full of MonkeysThis blog started out as a family blog. The name derives from the fact that, according to the Chinese Zodiac, all the members of my household are Monkeys.
Somehow, my hobbies started taking over, and I finally gave in. You'll still see an occasional "family" post, but mostly, this Monkey likes to show off.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.comBlogger680125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-41452886076432699802021-12-23T15:03:00.006-07:002021-12-24T23:13:08.179-07:00Chunky Baby Christmas Stocking<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW5vo82mNZ8d-nf6ALhuZCD01KIZkTVaagMK5mFC1XD5GM__847R-xrgKz-s_tKbXA1PesC0oAv5IFAbFYz9hP-LsgwNjlFDwaiOoKfZXcqWwtqcn7uv7HzMX7GrveXZXSI2krhtnm4UpwsLTSPBVIsX9I_jVFsWvmzwKag8KdhIxhQ_xaS0ylZb7M=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW5vo82mNZ8d-nf6ALhuZCD01KIZkTVaagMK5mFC1XD5GM__847R-xrgKz-s_tKbXA1PesC0oAv5IFAbFYz9hP-LsgwNjlFDwaiOoKfZXcqWwtqcn7uv7HzMX7GrveXZXSI2krhtnm4UpwsLTSPBVIsX9I_jVFsWvmzwKag8KdhIxhQ_xaS0ylZb7M=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Remember the Christmas Stocking I made up last year? This year, I made the companion, smaller, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y19qaMki3zMKPagYhbkMvhjUtgyOD_WH/view">baby stocking pattern</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>Free pattern, just like the other one. And I hope you patronize your local yarn shop for the super bulky yarn.</p><p>You can get at least two stockings from one skein of Malabrigo Rasta (90yds per skein), or Cascade Magnum (123yds per skein).</p><p>Now, isn't that just the cutest thing?</p>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-58326871376647272822020-12-11T18:42:00.003-07:002020-12-11T18:48:38.029-07:00Chunky Christmas Stocking<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENz2lDnxccE/X9QefdKsq1I/AAAAAAAAgCo/Lx6KlDLKREQX1nS50TCijGnqOpfZa9nXACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_20201208_115112493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENz2lDnxccE/X9QefdKsq1I/AAAAAAAAgCo/Lx6KlDLKREQX1nS50TCijGnqOpfZa9nXACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20201208_115112493.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hi! I made a chunky Christmas stocking, and then I made a pattern!</p><p>you can find the pattern here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDIidG8z-ClPQNg-xys1HhgKtIMtpPc7/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Chunky Christmas Stocking</a></p><p>it only takes one skein of Malabrigo Rasta, and knits up super fast on size 13US needles.</p><p>I hope you have as much fun making it as I did!</p><p>Merry Christmas</p>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-40491125798862965032016-12-31T14:51:00.000-07:002017-07-06T14:53:05.678-06:002016 FO<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finished Objects 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">in reverse order, with multiples added to original as per usual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I managed 11 major pieces of clothing for myself, coming just shy of my goal of 12 for the year.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">toast blanket w/butter (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3 pr pj pants (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4 pr fleece armwarmers (s)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Everyday socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">3 giant pompoms<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">8 Octopus towels (a)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">hot water bottle cover (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Smitten pillow (e&s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">bee pillowcase (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">34 pr fleece socks (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lukas sweater (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fall tablecloth (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">tiny pumpkin pie (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">tiny turkey (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">reindeer sweater (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Beach House socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">6 Fall pillowcases (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">ghost lights<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">candy corn costume<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bat blouse (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">White Witch snood (c)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">White Witch skirt (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">December stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Out of the Oven towel (e)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">tiny superhero (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dutch Treat pin cushion (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">October stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">September stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2 mini mittens (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">white knit tunic (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">orange plaid jacket (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">August stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">snowman towel (a)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">brown&pink floral retro dress (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ninjabun Garden toy (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">July stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">JigJag socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Golden socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">13 tassle necklaces<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Whale Jammies for me (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">10 mermaid keychains<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">little car pouch (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4 Tiny Mermaids (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Little Texas baby sweater (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Diapees & Wipees case (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">12+ assorted soaps<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">12 applique towels<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">4 Tiny Pirates (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Flamingo Pillow (x&s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Girls Camp Crafts<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Koi Pond needlepoint<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So Very Deer hat (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Beachy bag (c)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Butter Me Up towel (e)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">6 small baskets<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">June stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">shark time pouch (c)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">sapphire baby sweater (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">May stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Better With Butter towel (e)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">curtains for friend (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2 angel towels (a)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Halloween pincushion (a+s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Distilled socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">16 starfish washcloths (c)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">April stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">8 tiny bunnies (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Owlie Socks (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Squares washcloth (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ninja pillowcase (s)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Giant Olive (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">March stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Negative Space mittens (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">chunky carrot (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">January stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">February stamp pillow (x)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Home Sweet Home block<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bully for Chloe (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Woodland Marshmallow cowl (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">15 washcloths (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Campside Shawl (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">picnic ant (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">t-basket (c)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">2 sheep balls (k)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">sparkly grey yoga pants (s)<o:p></o:p></span>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-33317727289739736932015-12-31T13:16:00.000-07:002016-01-04T18:18:42.066-07:002015 finished objectsIn reverse order of when they were finished, except where multiples were made later, as per usual for me.<br />
<br />
I managed 11 total major pieces of clothing for myself, so that's much better than last year. Two of those items are knitted. I took a longish vacation, traveling to Singapore and South Korea, and that motivated three of those pieces, and a few more minor pieces knitted while traveling.<br />
I had an idea I might be able to finish one more item, on New Years Eve, but instead I watched a movie with friends, and made it the next day. So at least I've given myself a good start to the new year.<br />
<br />
I only managed to knit five pairs of socks (six if you count the little sandal socks, which are only about 3 inches long), of which three were given away. I have a couple more pairs on the needles, but I don't think they'll get done anytime soon. I did have one pair that I nearly finished, but realized they were too tight, and had to frog them. They're up next in my knitting queue, and I plan to go up a size rather than change up the needles. I liked the tightness of the knit.<br />
<br />
I made two adult-sized afghans, one baby blanket, and at least 18 toys.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"knitting sheep" cropped pj pants (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 pocket knights (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">artichoke cowl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny mermaid (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 full set of pj's (s)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Believe towel (a)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 pr pajama pants (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">15 pr fleece socks (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tiny pirates (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny Christmas pudding (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny snowman (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny rose (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"emergency" yarn ornament</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny sweater & hanger (k)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tiny socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 sheep balls (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 flame hats (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fall Afghan (c)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kitchmas Tree (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">calla lily earrings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 candy corns (c)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tiny eyeballs (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">eyeball (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hallowig (k)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Lars" baby blanket (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blanket Blanket (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 party hat hair clips</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Neck Kraken scarf (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mama Bear Cave (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Golders Green shawlette (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 crown hair clips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scrumptious Masala sweater (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">bikinisocken (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanksgiving pillowcase (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coffee Pod socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before and After scarf (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pretty Little Mitts (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oddity Scarf (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">hot yellow cropped cardi (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">orange twist top (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aquaphobia socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">purple & blue top (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">cosmetic bag (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fruit basket towel (a)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">moose towel (a)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandmothers Favorite dishcloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aegaea shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">magnet board</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 pr monster pj pants (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ridged Furrows dishcloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 silk pillow covers (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rocky Point dishcloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">eyelet dishcloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lily Pad wash cloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Favorite Scarf (k) (frogged)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken Strips mini quilt (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 bead-filled dome rings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">13 more washcloths (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">textured washcloth (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet Nothing scarflette (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Singapore Drift shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 flower rings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">brown capri pants (s)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asian Night PJ's (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 blanket squares (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 packing cubes (s)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the green cowl (k) (frogged)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Campfire Socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 scrabble tile pendants</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vestigial Wings (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tiny gnomes (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">cactus baby cardi (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Antler cardigan (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up With Pendleton shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 knit scrubbies</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">15 Lucky Penny charms (c)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 dishtowels (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Berries socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 dishcloths (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sit a Spell pillow (x)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">calico critter sweater (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 owlie sleep sacks & hats (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Freedom Typography (x)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">River(bed) shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">unfortunate shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">man-shawl (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 gripper helpers (c)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ginger Cream socks (k)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">k=knit, c=crochet, s=sewn, x=cross stitch, a=applique</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-42473698510065393512015-07-01T17:36:00.000-06:002015-07-01T17:36:05.399-06:00Chicken Strips (forever)how long should it take to finish a mini-quilt? weeks? months? years?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNMhYy4VqoQ/VZR4fg-aQKI/AAAAAAAAIwc/D6FqFU0xfsQ/s1600/IMG_0975%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNMhYy4VqoQ/VZR4fg-aQKI/AAAAAAAAIwc/D6FqFU0xfsQ/s320/IMG_0975%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I just couldn't seem to get that quilting done, until I made myself pick it up, again and again.</div>
Then, it just sat there, needing binding, until one night, after finishing another project, I had a few more minutes of whatever I was binge-watching on Netflix from the sewing room, and I sewed on the binding, ready to hand-stitch the opposite edge when I felt so inspired.<br />
<br />
which did, eventually, happen. so, here it is, after way too long in process, the chicken strip mini quilt. Fin.<br />
<br />
(what week was that? I have no clue. not that it matters.)bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-49012783503412062822014-12-31T17:49:00.000-07:002015-07-01T17:52:45.105-06:00Finished Objects 2014in reverse order of when I finished them.<br />
<br />
a miserable total of 5 items sewn for myself (or maybe 6, if I made myself a pair of pj pants), but add to that one crochet lace top, a few shawls, and a cowl or two, and it doesn't feel quite as bad.<br />
<br />
I managed only 9 pairs of socks, from my goal of 12 for the year. unless you count slippers, and then we can call it 11 pair.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bunny Slippers! (k) (mine!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tubby stuffy (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">squooshy cowl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">saturn's rings shawl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crochet trimmed blanket</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">22 pr fleece socks (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 pr pajama pants (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">30 pr mini briefs (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">eventually wristers (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">aquaman mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">electric executive socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">November stamp pillow (x)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">bat signal mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">unraveled scarf (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fightin' words mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">patriotic socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lichen cowl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ginger Cream Sweater (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Possessed Printer Mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fox Paw Stole (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny cupcake (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">River socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fall hotpad (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">random baby sweater (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fall apron (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 fall dishtowels (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Becktastic Cowl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">celestial earrings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 pr Little Witch earrings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">26 velvet acorns (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">brown/pink/yellow stripe top (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Zuzu's Petals cowls (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">seafoam green tunic (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny mailbox (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny pirate (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny owl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">tiny frog & lilypad (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knots for Knits mini-shawl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Casual Lace top (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 beaded stitch markers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 pr earrings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fallish Mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">black & mustard knit top (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diglett (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everybody Loves Bacon scarf (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 pieces bacon (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blooming Cowl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hayfever socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">lobster small (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serious Lace shawlette (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jayne hat (k) for GMGofA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phila socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seconds socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honey Stung shawl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spring Trellis socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fawn necklace</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">slouchy hat for Aleks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blue Spice socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">crochet dumpling</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">pb&j (c)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">knit dumpling</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gingerbread Boy (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">11 wash cloths (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 snake bracelets (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rustic Slippers (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"chocolate" bunny (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">blue stripe blouse (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wild Blue shawlette (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monkey Boy sleep sack & hat (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brassy Neckerchief (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">LEPrecon retiree (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I Am Not Your Bookmark broom (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 crochet hot pads</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I (heart) U cowl (k)<!--3--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">St Paddy's Day scarf (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">black vest for Twin1 (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">pale pines shawlette (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">sugar twist cowl (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Audrey's mittens (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 hearts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">dress & slippers for squirrel (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">renfest homespun mitts (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">camel toes socks (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">angry little toaster (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">crochet acetaminophen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">knit acetaminophen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">owlie sleep sack & hat (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">clam trio (c)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">charcoal knit dress (s)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">slouchy hat for Izzi (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">fiesty scarf (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 little bite-free bed bugs (k)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">k=knit, c=crochet, s=sewn, x=cross stitch</span></div>
bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-74022401403365129472014-01-02T14:03:00.000-07:002014-07-31T11:34:29.299-06:00A is for....Acetaminophen!I know, it's an odd one. But as I looked through my ami patterns, and attempted to start on some of them, I came to realize I really didn't want a <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/knitting/airplane-toy" target="_blank">knitted toy airplane</a>, or to figure out if <a href="http://loxosceles.org/crafty/anemone/" target="_blank">this pattern for an anemone</a> would actually work out (the notes within the pattern say it may not be accurate, so...?)<br />
<br />
And then, there it was, the perfect thing. Something I'd thought of making before, but hadn't, and something I could see me displaying on a shelf somewhere - giant versions of a little pill that is mostly harmless, but can make your day so much better if/when you need it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4vcecLRa_Y/U9p9-W6yE5I/AAAAAAAAGQY/7ncC1XKwv78/s1600/acetaminophen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4vcecLRa_Y/U9p9-W6yE5I/AAAAAAAAGQY/7ncC1XKwv78/s1600/acetaminophen.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
the knit version can be found <a href="http://knittingpony.blogspot.com/2011/05/chill-pill-free-knitting-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
the crochet version <a href="http://esshaych.blogspot.com/2010/05/free-pattern-happy-pills.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
or, for a comically large version in crochet, I give you the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pill-o" target="_blank">Pill-O</a><br />
<br />
Happy yarn-play!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo of finished objects added after-the-fact</span>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-32900998737722057932014-01-01T15:12:00.000-07:002014-01-09T15:39:44.423-07:00wanna do it again?I've been ogling some of the ami patterns I've got stashed away in binders, laying loose in various places, and tucked away in project bags with the half-started remnants of projects long abandoned, and I've been thinking that I <em>really</em> want to make some of them.<br />
I was just going to pick up a few, knit/crochet a couple that escaped me when I did my epic <a href="http://monkeyhousefull.blogspot.com/p/year-of-ami.html" target="_blank">Year of Ami.</a><br />
<br />
But then, I thought, maybe it's time to do that again.<br />
<br />
Do it as a series on the blog.<br />
<br />
Next thing you know, I was pulling things out of binders, thinking alphabetically, and starting to choose my next ami project.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking, this year, I'll be smart about it, do the knit ami one week, and the crochet the next (or flip that) instead of doing both in one week, and having to do the alphabet twice, which, frankly, wore me out a bit by the end. (Okay, maybe not. Maybe it was still loads of fun by years-end. But it was a lot of work, and now that I'm more advanced in my knitting skills, and I knit things like socks and sweaters and such, I may not want to spend quite as much time with the toys. Maybe.)<br />
<br />
Ground rules:<br />
Patterns will all be free, found on the internet. (Sometimes, I will make up my own. When I do, I'll write them up and post them.)<br />
We'll work through in alphabetical order, but I may, at times, apply artistic license; renaming things when I need to.<br />
I will do one of each, knit and crochet. Each letter of the alphabet will have two weeks.<br />
If I'm not able to finish, I will still start the next item on the appointed day.<br />
This year starts and ends with a Wednesday, so I'm going to go with Wednesday for the launch day each week.<br />
Because I've done this before, I'm going to restrict myself to patterns I haven't yet tried.<br />
<br />
I'm open to suggestions! If you're following along, and you have seen a pattern you want to try, or need some help with, let me know, and I'll see if I can work it in.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-85164938586713985192013-12-31T12:21:00.000-07:002014-01-02T12:22:01.801-07:00Finished Objects 2013Once again, my list of finished objects, in reverse order of when they were completed, with slight variation for those times when I made multiples, which were sometimes completed somewhat later than the original item.<br />
<br />
In all, I'd have to say this was a good year, completion-wise. For myself, I made 11 major items of clothing, 5 pairs of hand-knit socks, 7 pieces of neckwear, and one pair of mittens. And one of the pairs of fleece socks were mine, too.<br />
I fell one piece short of my goal of making an average of one major clothing item per month for myself, but I'm okay with that, since I also made many, many things for family and friends.<br />
<br />
For the coming year, 2014, I plan to keep to my goal of 12 major items of clothing for myself (those for the rest of my loved ones happen as they will - they always do), and add to this a resolution to finish more projects than I start. Since I've got quite the stash of items cut out, ready to be sewn, and another healthy stash of half-finished yarn-based projects, I think I can make this one work.<br />
<br />
Here's to another year of successful creative endeavors!<br />
<br />
<li>bite-free bed bug (k)</li>
<li>Catching flutterby mitts (k)</li>
<li>Gingerbread Union Suit (s)</li>
<li>pink & orange stocking (s)</li>
<li>2 pr pj's for nephews (s)</li>
<li>pj's for little one (s)</li>
<li>3 pr pj pants (s)</li>
<li>2 knit dishcloths</li>
<li>1 crochet dishcloth</li>
<li>12 pr fleece socks (s)</li>
<li>Spooky Cables socks (k)</li>
<li>mini invaders cozy (k)</li>
<li>2 Teeny-Tiny snowmen (k)</li>
<li>Warmity-Warm-Warm Mittens (k)</li>
<li>Fleece socks for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>PJ top & pants for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>Tiny Pumpkin Pie (c)</li>
<li>Yorick scarf (k)</li>
<li>Rock Creek Cowl (k)</li>
<li>Punkin Hat (k)</li>
<li>Socks for Mom (k)</li>
<li>Hood for Heidi (k)</li>
<li>Dead Fish Hat for Daniel (k)</li>
<li>Wily Fox jacket for Daniel (k)</li>
<li>3 snake friendship bracelets (k)</li>
<li>Keeping an Eye(ball) on You (k)</li>
<li>Pickled Lightning cowl (k)</li>
<li>fairisle boot toppers (k)</li>
<li>tiny volcano for John (k)</li>
<li>poppycock socks (k)</li>
<li>3pr earrings</li>
<li>12 skully stitch markers</li>
<li>little pumpkin (k)</li>
<li>5 candy corn cuties (c)</li>
<li>crispy boneyard shawl (k)</li>
<li>bee stripe socks for sis (k)</li>
<li>Nibble Nibble socks (k)</li>
<li>Ren Faire costume (s)</li>
<li>warm & cozy sweater (k)</li>
<li>rooster pants (s)</li>
<li>black/brown/grey knit top (s)</li>
<li>white crinkle knit top (s)</li>
<li>grey & white striped knit top (s)</li>
<li>bearfoot socks (k)</li>
<li>cuddle crush cowl (k)</li>
<li>Halloween shadow box (p)</li>
<li>mobius cowl (k)</li>
<li>caramel trim sheer blouse (s)</li>
<li>sheer blue knit top (s)</li>
<li>Bumble Daisy dog sweater (k)</li>
<li>Patriotic summer wreath</li>
<li>smaller drinks doily (c)</li>
<li>heart & home applique towel (s)</li>
<li>4 packing cubes+ditty bag (s)</li>
<li>plain drinks doily (c)</li>
<li>super-hero mitts (k)</li>
<li>5 more pence jugs (k)</li>
<li>2 sunshine pence jugs (k)</li>
<li>baby love sweater (k)</li>
<li>tiny baby booties (k)</li>
<li>little daisy pal (c)</li>
<li>it's all relative socks (k)</li>
<li>li'l bit bat (k)</li>
<li>fading stripes baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>pale pink baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>plushie deathstar (c)</li>
<li>baby waves socks (k)</li>
<li>sneaker slips socks (k)</li>
<li>hot pink eyelet baby socks (k)</li>
<li>ici bebe beret (k)</li>
<li>Paris is for bebe's sweater (k)</li>
<li>dog sweater for Daisy (k)</li>
<li>plush-pin (c)</li>
<li>baby jays socks (k)</li>
<li>Hoodie for Pearl (k)</li>
<li>Softly Pale baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>paleo baby sweater & hat (k)</li>
<li>can't get enough baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>yoga legs legwarmers (k)</li>
<li>dino diapees & wipees case (s)</li>
<li>fair(l)y warm mittens (k)</li>
<li>so many babies! baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>pj pants for bestie (s)</li>
<li>pj pants for twin1 (s)</li>
<li>gingerbread & holly applique towel</li>
<li>star & holly applique towel</li>
<li>Yet Another baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>Variations baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>Cabbage Envy Scarf (k)</li>
<li>3pr bunny slippers (k)</li>
<br />
(k)=knit, (c)=crochet, (s)=sewn, (p)=paintedbookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-66776800617003602012013-08-14T17:21:00.001-06:002013-10-07T11:33:44.532-06:00sheer caramelYou know that blouse I was telling you about in the last post? The one I said I got excited about wearing every time I thought about it?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here it is!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXrwP4aehDw/UgUxQks6HJI/AAAAAAAADyk/NQuuA7joYPY/s1600/caramel+trim+blouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXrwP4aehDw/UgUxQks6HJI/AAAAAAAADyk/NQuuA7joYPY/s320/caramel+trim+blouse.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(excuse the terrible lighting, please. my photo-taking ops are limited)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
See, I really did get right back in that sewing room and work on it, just like I said I would.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE IT!</div>
<br />
It took ages, because there was a lot of hand sewing involved - on the placket, the cuffs, the collar. Normally, when the blouse fabric isn't sheer, the reverse sides of cuffs and the like don't get such a clean finish. I usually just sew the band on as one piece, and serge off the edge. Structurally sound, and nobody sees it. But this, I had to fold under and stitch in place, to maintain the look of the sheer fabric banded by satin.<br />
The satin is heavy enough that I could have done without the interfacing, I think.<br />
<br />
Sadly, I already had to mend this. The left side seam shredded itself at some point during the day, and I ran right home and patched it up. This sheer fabric can be delicate sometimes.<br />
(I say "patched" because that's what I actually did - used a scrap of the fabric to patch over the frayed section, and then sewed that into the side seam. Really the best idea when you have a fabric that tends to fray, because sewing it back up, which generally means your seam is deeper than before, therefore making your blouse slightly smaller, it's just gonna rip itself out again.)<br />
<br />
Pattern is <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/12862" target="_blank">NL6621</a> (discontinued)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEkimipSoVk/UlLwZlUVcwI/AAAAAAAAEJc/yjyfXluYcok/s1600/IMG_20130809_003547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEkimipSoVk/UlLwZlUVcwI/AAAAAAAAEJc/yjyfXluYcok/s320/IMG_20130809_003547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I think this will require hand-washing. Not a huge deal, but it might mean I wear this less often.</div>
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Also, I think I need some reddish-pink pants to wear with it. The beige look okay, if a little boring. I went out looking for fabric, but so far, nothing that's just the right color, except some faux-suede, which seems totally wrong, since this blouse weighs practically nothing. (The collar weighs more than all the rest of it put together.)</div>
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It's perfect for the hot weather we've been having this summer. And I feel like it's a flattering silhouette for me.</div>
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I have plans to use this sleeve on another blouse, so I was doubly motivated to get this done. I needed to know if I really do like this sleeve before subbing it in.</div>
bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-57462201704606955462013-07-29T19:46:00.000-06:002014-10-13T14:54:12.951-06:00I Sewed Something! For Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVQNq2VpNdg/UfbFR3J929I/AAAAAAAADyI/OowVRivuMqY/s1600/new+blue+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVQNq2VpNdg/UfbFR3J929I/AAAAAAAADyI/OowVRivuMqY/s320/new+blue+top.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been an age since I last sat down in my sewing room to do anything but alter or mend.<br />
Or, at least, it feels that way. It's been hot, is my latest excuse. I don't have central air at home, so I tend to retreat to my much cooler, oh-so-inviting basement rooms right-quick after work.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Thursday night, for some reason, I felt I could brave the heat and sew for a few hours. (Note to self: move sewing room downstairs.) Earlier in the day, I'd been in there to do a quick mend before work, and as I idly noted to myself that I still had blue thread on the serger (from an alteration), I felt I'd best think about what blue things I might have in my queue*. I pulled out a sheer knit top I'd cut out way back when, and propped it up on my machine, to remind me.<br />
<br />
(I'd actually been <em>more</em> excited to sew up this sort of caramel colored sheer blouse I finally cut out last weekend**, but I was trying to be practical, use the serger as-is, instead of changing the thread.)<br />
<br />
So, instead of settling in to watch some Netflix in the cool of my basement family room, I trudged back up the stairs and sat myself down in front of the sewing machine. I thought I'd go mad if I had to change the needle, so I left it. It seems to have worked out okay.<br />
<br />
I reminded myself to check the fit of everything before I serged off the seam allowance. Had to let out the sleeves a bit, for my less-than-slender upper arms. Other than that, this is as the pattern was printed.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty pleased with myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOevNAI8csg/UfbFXgc6m1I/AAAAAAAADyQ/b86XkUoi4n0/s1600/new+blue+top2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOevNAI8csg/UfbFXgc6m1I/AAAAAAAADyQ/b86XkUoi4n0/s320/new+blue+top2.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
I was sort of using up fabric, and testing the pattern, seeing if I liked the look of it; but also, I liked the idea of this fabric in this sort of shape.<br />
<br />
I think the bustline is fairly flattering, so, I think it'll be worth making for myself again, in some other fabric.<br />
Fabric was purchased too long ago to remember where. Pattern is <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5185-products-7768.php?page_id=875" target="_blank">Butterick 5185</a>, which is out of print now. (Sometimes, it just takes me a while to make something...)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAxeafWhSYI/VDw757-jleI/AAAAAAAAGXE/Hus9tgYLIsA/s1600/B5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAxeafWhSYI/VDw757-jleI/AAAAAAAAGXE/Hus9tgYLIsA/s1600/B5185.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
It must be noted that the "knot" and the "waistline" are really much more empire than shown on the pattern. This means that the slit is above the waist, so even non-sheer fabrics might need an undershirt. (Too bad my photos don't show the hemline. I was doing a selfie using the timer, and there are only so many places I can take pictures without a tripod, so, this was as much of the top as I could get.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*When I figure out what I want to make, I put it all in a gallon Ziploc, pattern, fabric, buttons, etc. so it's all together. When I cut it out, I put it all back in the baggie so I can keep it clean and together until I sew it up. I have a healthy stash of these little "kits" near my sewing machine, so I can sew whenever the mood strikes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Every time I thought about that blouse, and the fabrics, and how they were going to look together, and the buttons I'd picked out, I got all excited and wanted it sewn up already. It wasn't even cut out, but still I got excited - so I finally forced myself to cut it out, which took forever because it was all sheer and/or slippery fabrics. It's my next sewing project, I swear, and it's gonna be awesome!</span>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-89286013280189854622013-04-12T17:52:00.000-06:002013-04-12T17:52:52.751-06:00pin this!Sometimes, you wake up in the morning, and you think, 'Today, I want to make that huge crochet push-pin.' So you do.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asZS2YRaI74/UWiapA1CM3I/AAAAAAAADAM/M8FaByaJ_4c/s1600/IMG_20130412_115215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asZS2YRaI74/UWiapA1CM3I/AAAAAAAADAM/M8FaByaJ_4c/s320/IMG_20130412_115215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Made using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gigantic-pushpin">this free pattern</a>.<br />
<br />
Modifications: I used <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/tutorials/magic-ring-right-handed/">magic ring</a> to start, and my <a href="http://www.monkeyhousefull.blogspot.com/2010/03/is-it-circle-or-hexagon.html">staggered increase</a> (and decrease) rounds. Naturally, I couldn't have stood myself if I'd had to make up separate parts and sew them together, so this was made all in one piece, from the top of the head, to the tip of the pin.<br />
Wasn't even fiddly to do it that way.<br />
(For decreases that are practically invisible, I use <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/amigurumi-help/invisible-decrease/">this technique</a>.) I end off, at that pin-point, with my <a href="http://www.monkeyhousefull.blogspot.com/2010/04/luscious-lime-nice-finish.html">nice finish</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yarns: Vanna Baby in Little Boy Blue, Vanna in Silver Blue</span>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-18447065309846746942013-01-11T17:18:00.000-07:002013-01-11T17:18:16.968-07:00BUNNY SLIPPERS!(I had to wait to post this until my brother received the package)<br />
<br />
I MADE BUNNY SLIPPERS!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ltyGL6tr0U/UPCpWq6YxbI/AAAAAAAAC4A/roZLWtjKX7c/s1600/bunnyslippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ltyGL6tr0U/UPCpWq6YxbI/AAAAAAAAC4A/roZLWtjKX7c/s320/bunnyslippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love them. I wish I had a pair. I want to make more.<br />
<br />
They are knitted and fulled/felted/shrunk in a hot water wash.<br />
<br />
They took practically no time at all to make, and they are so easy.<br />
<br />
Pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hopsalots">Hopsalots</a>. Yarn is <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.com/wool-pak-new-zealand-wool-yarn.html">Wool Pak New Zealand 8-ply.</a> I bought the yarn together with the pattern <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.com/tiny-owl-knits-hopsalots-kit.html">from Paradise Fibers</a> (one of my favorite online yarn shops).bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-90620634888995714952013-01-03T19:00:00.000-07:002013-01-11T17:00:35.759-07:00Christmas StockingsI had a dilemma. I didn't want to send my missionary son his same Christmas stocking that he grew up with (what if he lost it? left it behind?) and I also didn't want to get him one of those basic red & white numbers from the dollar store (huge, and, kinda dumb, really). Not to mention, what is he supposed to do with it between now and next Christmas? Or would I have to come up with another one next year? What to do? I mulled it over for quite a while. Days, in fact. I was coming up on the day I had to mail his package, and I still had nothing.<br />
<br />
And then, it hit me. I was planning on making him some fleece socks anyway, and I realized that I could put a fur cuff on the top, with a hanging loop, and just make it so he could remove these when Christmas was over.<br />
<br />
I used black fleece (he's not much for color) and sewed up the socks as usual. (I use a <a href="http://www.thegreenpepper.com/hats.html?id=CXSiR8YL">pattern from Green Pepper, 527</a>, which has all the sizes, child to adult. It says slippers, but I make them without folding down the cuff - I just leave it.)<br />
<br />
I then took some strips of white fleece/fur (very silky, soft - no idea where or when I got it), about 4" wide and about 1/2" longer than the circumference of the top of the socks. Sewed the short ends together, rights sides facing, then folded it over the long way, wrong sides together, and sewed all around, making this into a cuff. I had some leftover pieces from his PJ top, in black knit, which I cut into skinny strips (about 1" wide) and pulled them to make them roll up into strings, to use for hanging loops. Sewed that onto the inside of the cuff, making sure it was totally secure.<br />
<br />
Once I had the cuffs ready, I put my sewing machine on the longest basting stitch, and sewed them onto the tops of the stockings. Easy to remove the stitching later, so they could be socks, but in the meantime, they'd make a cute Christmas stocking.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh-B4p0OeEQ/UOY29GHoTNI/AAAAAAAAC3g/zNE2U8370wY/s1600/stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yh-B4p0OeEQ/UOY29GHoTNI/AAAAAAAAC3g/zNE2U8370wY/s320/stocking.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I put in instructions for him, on how to remove the cuffs, and filled up both stockings with the usual Christmas stocking contents. (Doing the cuff on just one didn't seem right.)<br />
<br />
After I'd mailed everything off, and was showing off the pictures and telling everyone how creative I was, it occurred to me that my boy was just the sort of kid to wear them as-is, without taking off the furry cuff.<br />
<br />
Turns out, I was right.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmox1SfrNmc/UN0EkwzyiMI/AAAAAAAAC3I/ak-53kivLho/s1600/christmas+stockings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nmox1SfrNmc/UN0EkwzyiMI/AAAAAAAAC3I/ak-53kivLho/s320/christmas+stockings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-39756144634725865642012-12-31T18:38:00.000-07:002013-01-03T18:40:26.431-07:00Finished Objects 2012<ul>
<li>Moose applique towel (s)</li>
<li>PJ pants for Twin2 (s)</li>
<li>Pajamas for John (s)</li>
<li>soft & twee baby mitts (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>2 skinny scarflettes (c)</li>
<li>Pink & Red Unicorn (c) (gifted)</li>
<li>2 owls green & cozy (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>12 Christmas Ornaments (painted & modpodged)</li>
<li>2 Cabled Mug Hugs (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>Black Fleece Christmas Socks for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>PJ's for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>Shrug (k)</li>
<li>Hello, Handsome! baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>she asked for it! mitts (k)</li>
<li>socks for John (k)</li>
<li>googlie-eye garland</li>
<li>7 festive pillow cases (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>knitted eyeball for Twin1</li>
<li>2 pr flannel pj pants (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>candy corn baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>2 more gratis grass (k)</li>
<li>2 Woodins & Log home (k)</li>
<li>seconds baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>coffee-filter wreath</li>
<li>chocolate baby sweater (k)</li>
<li>14 scully stitch markers (gifted)</li>
<li>earrings for moi & mom</li>
<li>slice o' cherry pie (c)</li>
<li>Fetching Koigu (k)</li>
<li>punkin' boy mini pillow (x)</li>
<li>happy haunting mini-pillow (x)</li>
<li>spudknit</li>
<li>amethyst ribbon socks (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>mon petit cabbage (c)</li>
<li>Jaywalkers for ME (k)</li>
<li>Black Ops Socks for Twin1 (k)</li>
<li>Squirrel for Pearl (k)</li>
<li>Beaded Baby Socks (c) (gifted)</li>
<li>Braaains (c)</li>
<li>2 BBQ towels (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>Halloween stitchery pillow (s)</li>
<li>Fleece blanket & pillow case for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>Silky Robe for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>pajamas for Twin1 (s)</li>
<li>3pr baby anklets (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>1 asparagus spear (c)</li>
<li>1 peanut (c)</li>
<li>Slider (c)</li>
<li>knock a girl down! mitts (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>fortune cookie (c)</li>
<li>Coal Dust Socks (k)</li>
<li>pence jug for Aleks (k)</li>
<li>ice cream sammich (c)</li>
<li>2 raspberries (c)</li>
<li>twee bunny (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>1 egg in shell (c) (gifted)</li>
<li>lemming (c) (gifted)</li>
<li>Mission Impossible Socks (k)</li>
<li>1 green beaded stitch-marker/pendant</li>
<li>4 pr pink cupcake earrings (3 gifted)</li>
<li>Pink & Purple Dead Fish Hat (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>darned my first sock</li>
<li>7 pairs fleece socks (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>cowboy baby booties (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>red sky socks (k)</li>
<li>sweet potato cowl (k)</li>
<li>2 diapees & wipees cases (s) (gifted)</li>
<li>cupcake earrings (for sis)</li>
<li>mock-mercury glass earrings</li>
<li>earrings in pink (disassembled)</li>
<li>resized spider ring (for mom)</li>
<li>repaired jingly purse (for mom)</li>
<li>Nemo Dead Fish Hat (k) (gifted)</li>
<li>Lemon Drop Socks (k)</li>
</ul>
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</div>
bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-33081779834462948582012-12-12T19:27:00.000-07:002012-12-12T19:27:00.835-07:00Hug Your MugI wanted something handmade to send off to my brother in Chi-town, but I knew it would be foolish to try anything larger than a scarf. Or, for that matter, anything even as large as a scarf, since most of my knitting/sewing time needs to be designated to creating warm things for my missionary son, currently wintering in Maryland.<br />
I compromised, and decided on something small but useful.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7uzIxnj5Y/UMjgjZVKTOI/AAAAAAAAC0w/Kco1BrXdPW0/s1600/mug+hug+button+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj7uzIxnj5Y/UMjgjZVKTOI/AAAAAAAAC0w/Kco1BrXdPW0/s320/mug+hug+button+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A little knitted hug for a mug.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu0Dq8Du8s8/UMk5ieWTyVI/AAAAAAAAC1E/H8Il6yJXid8/s1600/mug+hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu0Dq8Du8s8/UMk5ieWTyVI/AAAAAAAAC1E/H8Il6yJXid8/s320/mug+hug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used <a href="http://knitpickinsweetaimee.blogspot.com/2010/02/aimeepowers.html">this</a> pattern, but kinda couldn't figure out what was supposed to be happening after you make the buttonhole. I think she forgot to finish the instructions for the rest of that row (61), because it just leaves off. I figured you should work the buttonhole across the center three stitches, and then complete the row with k3, p1, p2tog, k1. That's what I did, anyway (sort of - I just did a simple yo buttonhole - k1, yo, k2tog). After that, I was really confused, because her picture looks like she did seed stitch for the rest, but her instructions have you start the next row with purl, when I would have thought knit, and she does that again a couple rows later. I didn't do what she said, because it seemed wrong. Since it didn't turn out looking quite like hers, I can't say I figured out what it should have been. Maybe her instructions were right.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKTvKv4nq8o/UMk5mBCOuMI/AAAAAAAAC1M/f6w5T_kszTg/s1600/mug+hug+flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKTvKv4nq8o/UMk5mBCOuMI/AAAAAAAAC1M/f6w5T_kszTg/s320/mug+hug+flat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In any case, I decided later that I quite liked how the beginning end looks, the way it flares, so, if I make another (which I probably will), I fully intend to make the opposite end look the same, instead of decreasing.<br />
<br />
Yarn is Filo by Roberts Craft in Denim (discontinued), and it took so very little, of what was a very small skein to begin with, that I think this might be the pattern I look to when I feel the need to do something useful with my leftovers.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-35327419851451462502012-12-05T17:35:00.000-07:002012-12-05T17:35:00.721-07:00Christmas PJ'sKnow what? I just figured out how come it's okay for some stores to have their Christmas stuff out on the shelves a couple months early. It's for those of us that have a relative/loved one far from home. I mean, how can we give, say, our missionary son, a piece of home, if those particular Christmas tradition-type items aren't in the stores when it's time to send our packages? So, in a way, I'm grateful you can buy candy canes and chocolate oranges in October.<br />
<br />
My boy isn't overseas, but I still had to ship his package out before December had hardly begun. This meant I had to get busy and get his usual Christmas pajamas sewn up.<br />
<br />
I had the fabric. I had measurements (taken before he left). I just needed to make the time to get them cut out and sewn. When I finally forced myself to get it all out, I discovered the fabric was just a smidge shorter than what I needed for his tall self. I mulled it over, and finally decided I'd add a strip of plain black flannel to the bottoms of each leg instead of hemming them. It works.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCur0fGekko/UL_LtZLM-oI/AAAAAAAAC0U/E8JlQLPT11A/s1600/pjs+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCur0fGekko/UL_LtZLM-oI/AAAAAAAAC0U/E8JlQLPT11A/s320/pjs+closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the top, I dug up some random remnants of black knit, and more of white knit, and figured out which pieces would work. I ended up cutting the sleeves (in white) on the cross-grain, again due to a shortage of fabric length. Lucky for me, both knits I used were 2-way stretch.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJXIKyXXXPk/UL_L5G-CBxI/AAAAAAAAC0c/GPKWBAi4NaY/s1600/Levi+pjs+christmas+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJXIKyXXXPk/UL_L5G-CBxI/AAAAAAAAC0c/GPKWBAi4NaY/s320/Levi+pjs+christmas+2012.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
I like how the whole thing came together, in the end. I sure hope he's happy with them, too.<br />
<br />
(He'd better be! I even gave him pockets this year! I almost never do pockets.)bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-9569831433695907272012-11-19T17:46:00.000-07:002012-11-21T11:50:55.419-07:00The Dumb-DeadYou've heard of the un-dead. Now, meet the dumb-dead:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IJNR2EpS0jw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I cannot stop singing this song - it's just so catchy and cute!<br />
<br />
Also, upon watching this for the first time, I wanted to start making up a bunch of plushies!<br />
<br />
Think about it - simple shapes (actually, a lot of them start out sort of Twinkie shaped, so, there's that) and just enough detail - sounds like a fun project to me!<br />
<br />
Which one is your favorite?bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-19382774852313583012012-11-13T17:20:00.000-07:002012-11-13T17:20:15.620-07:00Can't StopI seriously can't stop making this little baby sweater.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zSl7sRDe2M/UKLgS3q9rLI/AAAAAAAACz4/kOC7PHM00oY/s1600/waiting+for+baby+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zSl7sRDe2M/UKLgS3q9rLI/AAAAAAAACz4/kOC7PHM00oY/s320/waiting+for+baby+sweater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's just the perfect little sweater.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRX4jbrGO9A/UKLffe-tBPI/AAAAAAAACzg/SNY7bfyu9rQ/s1600/second+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRX4jbrGO9A/UKLffe-tBPI/AAAAAAAACzg/SNY7bfyu9rQ/s320/second+sweater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So many ways to make it, and so easy to size it up or down.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiVRKr97wEw/UKLgXH8fOoI/AAAAAAAAC0A/U0DU2G33yTg/s1600/candy+corn+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiVRKr97wEw/UKLgXH8fOoI/AAAAAAAAC0A/U0DU2G33yTg/s320/candy+corn+sweater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Four already done, and another on the needles.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AULZIOUKy4c/UKLeGk2x95I/AAAAAAAACzY/QeaZQ2z3Luw/s1600/hello+handsome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AULZIOUKy4c/UKLeGk2x95I/AAAAAAAACzY/QeaZQ2z3Luw/s320/hello+handsome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And isn't it amazing that the human body is shaped just right for raglan increases from the neck? I mean, it's just so cool that you can start out with the stitches you need for the right neck size, and work regular increases, and you get shoulders and underarms and sleeves and all of it just exactly where it needs to be.<br />
<br />
I love knitting.<br />
<br />
(The second one, in that lovely moss green, barely fit my new little nephew when we went out to visit. Hence the repeat of style and color, in a larger size, for my fourth.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sweater pattern is </span><a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babysweragcard.htm"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Top Down Raglan Baby</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">yarns from the top: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Chocolate,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cascade 220 Sport in Moss,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">a mish-mash of sport-weight yarns from my stash,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and Berroco Vintage worsted.</span><br />
bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-77211656004344050102012-10-20T12:09:00.001-06:002012-10-20T12:09:28.754-06:00a Halloween traditionNew skully stitch markers (or, if you like, earrings)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GrMEnTm6Vo/UILoox_s_YI/AAAAAAAACx8/q98NqNJUMlE/s1600/skull+stitch+markers+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GrMEnTm6Vo/UILoox_s_YI/AAAAAAAACx8/q98NqNJUMlE/s320/skull+stitch+markers+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used up all the skull beads I had on hand making the rest of these. I'll have to get more for next year.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-52352092961651721552012-10-02T17:26:00.000-06:002012-10-02T17:26:00.784-06:00FinishingDo you ever get in a mood to just finish something? Like, somehow, no matter how many hours you've put in at work, or how many loads of laundry you've done at home, you just aren't feeling like you've done ANYTHING?<br />
<br />
I get that way from time to time. And then I have to dig out some almost-finished objects, or a really quick project I know I can start and finish in less than a day, and just bust the thing out.<br />
<br />
Last week, I managed to finish up not just one project, but <strong>two</strong> that were already started, and <strong>two more </strong>that I had in kit form.<br />
(I feel so much better now!)<br />
<br />
First, I finished <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/98/Issue98.php">these socks</a>, which have been languishing in my unfinished stash ever since I realized I'd made the foot too long for myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIxskgswkNM/UGssOPXjoEI/AAAAAAAACv4/rVofMBQmTqE/s1600/amethyst+ribbon+socks+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIxskgswkNM/UGssOPXjoEI/AAAAAAAACv4/rVofMBQmTqE/s320/amethyst+ribbon+socks+finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Even after I'd had my sis try them on, and they fit her just fine, I still stalled on picking them back up. So glad to be done with them! (Serenity Sock in Amethyst)<br />
<br />
Then, I picked up a half-knit play-food item, my <a href="http://patchworkchicken.blogspot.com/2012/03/spud.html">Spudknit</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4uGsS6WviA/UGssTJaps5I/AAAAAAAACwA/Uv5ZpHwGDSo/s1600/spudknit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4uGsS6WviA/UGssTJaps5I/AAAAAAAACwA/Uv5ZpHwGDSo/s320/spudknit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Frankly, it got a little boring in the middle bit, because for 20 rounds, you just knit. I managed to make myself stick with it, and I was finished with the second half in, oh, 20 minutes or so. (I hate when I do that - letting something sit that is so quick to finish.)<br />
(Wool-Ease in Caramel)<br />
<br />
After that, I looked around for something that I could get excited about, but also not take too much time, and I pulled out these two Halloween-themed mini-pillows.<br />
Both are kits I bought at <a href="http://www.pineneedlesonline.com/">Pine Needles</a>.<br />
<br />
Stitched up the one with the least stitches first:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8UuRyScidw/UGoNgmTts0I/AAAAAAAACvY/dX8v459lS90/s1600/happy+haunting+mini-pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8UuRyScidw/UGoNgmTts0I/AAAAAAAACvY/dX8v459lS90/s320/happy+haunting+mini-pillow.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
then moved on to this one:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7i7kdgINPmw/UGoNkkGbODI/AAAAAAAACvg/AxtyJ3RyA4g/s1600/punkin+boy+mini-pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7i7kdgINPmw/UGoNkkGbODI/AAAAAAAACvg/AxtyJ3RyA4g/s320/punkin+boy+mini-pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I like both of them, but maybe not together. One is so bright, and the other is more subdued.<br />
<br />
Impressed with me yet?<br />
<br />
Going a bit further back, to the week before, I <em>also</em> managed to finish up the third pair of socks for Twin1, (Classic Socks from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2-at-Time-Socks-Revealed-Knitting/dp/1580176917%3FSubscriptionId%3D1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1580176917">2-at-a-time Socks</a>)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVt7joRz0Y8/UGssYa-uOvI/AAAAAAAACwI/BdiXqoukhVM/s1600/black+ops+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVt7joRz0Y8/UGssYa-uOvI/AAAAAAAACwI/BdiXqoukhVM/s320/black+ops+socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black is impossible to photograph...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and a pair of my own socks that had been back-burnered for almost 2 years.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmVjx9j8gQM/UGoNcVRsEyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/ocgoReoPLlg/s1600/jaywalkersdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmVjx9j8gQM/UGoNcVRsEyI/AAAAAAAACvQ/ocgoReoPLlg/s320/jaywalkersdone.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I love these socks! (<a href="http://azazello.org/nataliaknits/?p=36">Toe-up Jaywalkers</a>, in Patons Kroy Socks Jacquard, Summer Moss)<br />
<br />
I'm feeling tons more productive.<br />
Might not last, but, at least I'm getting somewhere.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-66227844592806031092012-08-23T17:30:00.000-06:002012-08-24T13:33:57.709-06:00Squirrel for PearlI finished my cute little squirrel!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLVeJRk6bkY/UDU-YnWYIdI/AAAAAAAACtU/AHNo7DvgaNA/s1600/P1010141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLVeJRk6bkY/UDU-YnWYIdI/AAAAAAAACtU/AHNo7DvgaNA/s320/P1010141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She's even got her pretty pink sweater, so she's all ready for fall.<br />
<br />
Here she is without the sweater:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJrL6JfnVvw/UDU-mmU1A3I/AAAAAAAACtc/cZqFLN9hZmY/s1600/squirrel+in+overalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJrL6JfnVvw/UDU-mmU1A3I/AAAAAAAACtc/cZqFLN9hZmY/s320/squirrel+in+overalls.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
Her tail is kinda bushy. In fact, so bushy, it helps her stand up on her own:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqLksJbI3QI/UDU_K-GfoLI/AAAAAAAACtk/A90nG_0vkLI/s1600/squirrel+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqLksJbI3QI/UDU_K-GfoLI/AAAAAAAACtk/A90nG_0vkLI/s320/squirrel+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She's a pretty cute squirrel, don't you think?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tK5punp2dtk/UDU_ixkXR0I/AAAAAAAACts/y38yDFJ1jHo/s1600/squirrel+naked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tK5punp2dtk/UDU_ixkXR0I/AAAAAAAACts/y38yDFJ1jHo/s320/squirrel+naked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I wonder what my little niece will name her?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yarns: Vanna in Linen and Purple, Vanna Baby in Pink Poodle, JoAnn Sensations Mink in Gray</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squirrel-3"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Squirrel</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Barbara Prime</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-83261800220578971362012-07-26T17:29:00.000-06:002012-10-02T15:27:57.615-06:00squirrel parts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mm0ps5qX-Lk/UBHQzFlwF2I/AAAAAAAACqw/87bNKaGgzTA/s1600/squirrel+parts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mm0ps5qX-Lk/UBHQzFlwF2I/AAAAAAAACqw/87bNKaGgzTA/s320/squirrel+parts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These bits and pieces are going to become a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squirrel-3">squirrel</a>.<br />
<br />
Eventually.<br />
<br />
Most likely soon.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*yarn is Vanna in Linen</span>bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-42053020187790231162012-06-12T16:54:00.000-06:002012-06-12T16:55:20.946-06:00out of seasonI've been in my sewing room a bit lately. First, to sew up PJ's for my boy, and then later, his robe. (Neither of which were photographed before being sent off. Bummer.) At any rate, having to do those projects got me back into the swing of things where sewing was concerned, and I'm so glad.<br />
<br />
Last night, while watching a little Netflix and putting blanket binding on the fleece blanket and pillow case for my missionary boy, I found myself with more time left of the show I was watching, and nothing left to do on the project. I could have turned it off, gone to bed, and finished the show on my Kindle Fire, but, there I was, surrounded by unfinished projects, so I stayed.<br />
<br />
Floating near the surface of those unfinished projects was a little Halloween pillow cover I'd not quite managed to finish last fall. I'd done all the stitching, and put on the borders, even chosen the backing. Where I got stalled was in how to finish the pillow. I reasoned that it was going to be easier to store a pillow cover than a whole pillow, so I wanted to be able to remove it when the seasons changed. But how best to do that?<br />
<br />
My backing piece was slightly longer than it needed to be, so I'd pretty much settled on some sort of overlapped opening in the back, perhaps tied with ribbons. Good idea, and something I'd done before, but I wanted just exactly the right finishing on the outer edge, and the right ribbon to tie it with. Hence the stalling.<br />
<br />
While mulling it over last night, my eyes lit on the exact right color of bias binding, and then a bit of ribbon, just a scrap really, that I thought would do.<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes later, I had this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a48YLINyyw/T9e9li4GmQI/AAAAAAAACmM/koDh-kDn7mk/s1600/happy+haunting+pillow+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a48YLINyyw/T9e9li4GmQI/AAAAAAAACmM/koDh-kDn7mk/s320/happy+haunting+pillow+back.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(in retrospect, I think the ribbons should be a bit closer to center)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I was done!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZYYn5PRy3E/T9e97txAgDI/AAAAAAAACmU/tTvaw_vvAG8/s1600/happy+haunting+pillow+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZYYn5PRy3E/T9e97txAgDI/AAAAAAAACmU/tTvaw_vvAG8/s320/happy+haunting+pillow+front.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
I know it's totally off-season, and I'll have to put it away until October. But it's finished, it's no longer taking up space in the sewing room, and I have a cute seasonal pillow cover!<br />
<br />
The embroidery pattern is something I've made before, for a friend, and then stitched up for myself later. (Can't find it online at the moment, or I'd link to the designer/source - will update if I find it.)<br />
<br />
I like to use a travel size pillow insert for decorative pillows like this. Easy to find at just about any fabric store, and very handy.<br />
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For the back, my piece happened to be about 3" too long, so I folded it in thirds, creased it, and cut off one third for the top portion. (I could have cut it in half, but I like thirds.) I then serged the upper edge of the bottom portion, just to make it so I didn't have to worry about fraying (it won't be seen), and bound the lower edge of the top portion with double fold extra wide bias tape. I used a sort of peach/coral color that I thought blended nicely with the Halloween colors on the front.<br />
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I overlapped the two back pieces, bias-bound edge on top, making the total finished length to match the front piece, and stitched the overlapped portions together at the outer edges.<br />
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Then I took the ribbon, a sheer ivory ribbon, about 1 1/2" wide and, at a guess, about a yard long (it was a scrap, likely from a package someone had given me, and I didn't measure it before I cut it up for this project), and cut it into four equal pieces, each piece being cut straight at one end and slanted at the other. I positioned them on the right side of the pillow back, two pieces to be sewn to the underside of the bound edge, the other two sewn just below these, on the lower portion of the backing.<br />
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After stitching them in place, I put the backing right sides together with the front, stitched around the whole outer edge using 1/4" seams, clipped my corners, and turned it right side out.<br />
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Slip in the pillow, tie the bows, and there you have it. Cute from either side, and ready for fall. Plus, I can use the pillow for other seasonal covers, and I can wash the cover easily - just untie the bows, slip it off, and it's ready.<br />
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Now I just need to hunt up a cute patriotic design that fits the pillow dimensions, and get that stitched up in time for the 4th.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078497689231816274.post-77580351975848951352012-06-08T19:04:00.000-06:002012-06-08T19:04:37.570-06:00Twin1 on a Mission (part 2)Just as we're going out the door, he hands me an envelope and asks me to mail it for him. I take it without looking at it, as I'm carrying luggage to the car and trying to hand the other boy the camera so we can get a picture.<br />
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After we've done some pics, I take a second to actually look at the envelope, and it's addressed to church headquarters. I ask the boy what it is, and he says that it's his acceptance. I give him a blank look. He says it again, and I realize, he means it's his official acceptance <strong>of his mission call.</strong><br />
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<strong>seriously?!?</strong></div>
We're about to drive to the MTC, where he will begin his training for his mission, and in my hand is the letter telling church headquarters that, yes, he accepts his call. Which, quite clearly, should have been sent ages ago. Flabbergasted doesn't even begin to cover it. For all I know, we'll get him over there, they'll take him in the doors, I'll have driven away, and then they'll tell him there isn't a place for him. Sheesh.<br />
I put the letter in my purse, just in case someone wants to see it. I'll mail it afterwards.<br />
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On the drive over, I start to get emotional. I know my boy will be in good hands. I know he'll adjust quickly and make friends and be able to take everything in just fine. But I've just spent the past couple of months working more closely with him than ever before, and he's leaving. For two years. And it's not like sending a kid off to college, knowing they'll be home for Christmas. This is two solid years without anything but letters, emails, and a couple of phone calls (Christmas and Mothers Day). I will not see him again until he comes home. Fine or not, I'm going to miss him.<br />
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I tell him so, and apologize for getting emotional. I say that I know I'm not supposed to tell him how much I'll miss him or anything like that, because it could make it harder for him to focus on what he's supposed to do. And he just tells me it's okay. I'm allowed to miss him, and it's okay if I say it, as long as I don't ask him to come home. That makes me laugh, because, we both know, I'd never do that! Much as I'm going to miss him, I know he's doing the right thing, and I want him to have the whole two years, no matter what goes on at home.<br />
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We drive into the MTC driveway, and a man in an orange vest greets us, says I have a fine-looking Elder, and puts a blue sticky-note on our windshield. He says to continue down the drive, that I'll be told where to pull over. (As we drive along, top down, he's getting thumbs up, and comments like, "sweet ride", "awesome", and "man, that's cool!" And to think, he didn't want to drive in with the top down...)<br />
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A little further in, and we're waved into this spot:<br />
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Seeing that number makes us both grin. I say it's a sign, a good omen, my lucky number, and the boy agrees with me. I know it's a small thing, but it makes me feel better.<br />
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Two "host" Elders (young missionaries-in-training) approach to help us with the luggage (they let me heft the largest one from the car without stepping in - seriously?), they ask him some questions (do you have your immunization records? any keys? a phone? do you have your ID? what mission?), and then they're starting to walk away. It was that quick.<br />
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I call out, "wait! I need a hug!", and both Elders turn, tell him that yes, in fact, that's sort of required. So my boy gives me one last hug - a very tight squeeze, and I squeeze him back - all his bony skinny self in that grown-up suit...it's almost enough hug to last me two years, I think.<br />
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And then he's gone.<br />
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And I'm driving away with tears in my eyes.bookettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02639285974211866080noreply@blogger.com0