tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40386666574597156142024-02-07T08:14:05.813-05:00The Knitting BelleDREAM: Opening a knitting café,
REALITY: Knitting and drinking teaKnitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-88564267708667373012012-03-24T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-24T09:00:07.688-04:00I Work Out... While Knitting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKZh-KU0Js_vE4MXkRXDIOpymg8CzsMhqnj5Ar6XLu5WLwxB2LG2PoIJefaLYl8kzzWvWEeWROMJAmA8cWPBYMOjvU8z-xd-oOl4ypu0jJm19PZgROIkSv9LjRbYMeoeEr7EJ5Iy6dl4/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKZh-KU0Js_vE4MXkRXDIOpymg8CzsMhqnj5Ar6XLu5WLwxB2LG2PoIJefaLYl8kzzWvWEeWROMJAmA8cWPBYMOjvU8z-xd-oOl4ypu0jJm19PZgROIkSv9LjRbYMeoeEr7EJ5Iy6dl4/s320/IMG_6902.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess what I got in the mail ...</td></tr>
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A package has arrived. I've been waiting for this for a week and a half...<br />
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... A few hints. It's a big book. I hear it weighs 6 pounds...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the book</td></tr>
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... Here it is<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a big book!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Knitting-June-Hemmons-Hiatt/dp/1416535179/ref=pd_ts_zgc_b_5148_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&pf_rd_p=1287157462&pf_rd_s=right-5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=507846&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=01CS8M7R8BMH4X56CA8X" target="_blank">The Principles of Knitting</a> by June Hemmons Hiatt. This classic has been completely revised and updated. And by classic, I mean I've never heard of it. But it's heavy. 736 pages. Over 100 pages and 900 illustrations have been added since the 1988 edition. I think the old illustrations are in black and white and they still look good.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 color cast on</td></tr>
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I think I may read this book. From cover to cover. </div>
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Yes.</div>
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Sometimes you hands need a break from knitting. So why not turn pages. I've been flipping through, and I am thoroughly intrigued.</div>
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Look at his cast-on picture, to the right. Using 2 colors to cast on. I've never though of that! You can also use 3 colors. I've decided to, from now on, cast on differently for every project, if one way isn't recommended. There are so many options, including casting on in knit and purl to simulate your rib pattern, and it's not a tubular cast-on. Imagine that, a rib that goes to the edge of your fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lhR2a-K_ruL43D7vTRiGcjG0kfeDeqnhh4hEumUrdEYAn7R9-OgcimQtzsODhxwSdMoEGkH9tHyRLXEXLouQnBflucLJ87vw_StNSa3LEo1jmr3TI4HXQrqfc0qNmmWA7gKXzSQ-KGk/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lhR2a-K_ruL43D7vTRiGcjG0kfeDeqnhh4hEumUrdEYAn7R9-OgcimQtzsODhxwSdMoEGkH9tHyRLXEXLouQnBflucLJ87vw_StNSa3LEo1jmr3TI4HXQrqfc0qNmmWA7gKXzSQ-KGk/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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How about not sewing on an edge? You can knit a stockinette body and then turn the fabric 90 degrees and knit the edge, when using double pointed needles (dpn's)! This will obviously make a less bulky seam, since there is none. It also seems sturdy enough since there is no weight on this hem.</div>
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I love it. Here's to reading and working out those arms.</div>
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<br /></div>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-39234144607232094102012-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-22T09:00:03.638-04:00Buttons for Catkin<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJYNZmvtGVoRJPRJiJkKIURbAtRReuEZaK2nCoV_sQK2dorrvN1qOVCiLwGA1doUpHyk-F46S7v6Q32hMUcCHDRj5u83FyznZiruzBlMVsRe1p6YC9g1waKip9TonAaxXlQn_WRw6Xzw/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJYNZmvtGVoRJPRJiJkKIURbAtRReuEZaK2nCoV_sQK2dorrvN1qOVCiLwGA1doUpHyk-F46S7v6Q32hMUcCHDRj5u83FyznZiruzBlMVsRe1p6YC9g1waKip9TonAaxXlQn_WRw6Xzw/s400/IMG_6715.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Button-less Catkin Shawl</td></tr>
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Finishing is not my strong point. By finishing, I mean adding buttons, weaving in ends, sewing garment pieces to other garment pieces. I can go on. So guess what I ordered... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finishing-School-Master-Class-Knitters/dp/1936096196%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJNNSUP6J3RN4WZYQ%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1936096196" target="_blank">Finishing School: a Master Class for Knitters</a> by Deborah Newton. It was on sale on Amazon, as almost every book is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHsmEJCl2AQQoK4n1tkwZN_hKTnzpxH69dXwLLDeXmSCx_r9kXMz3VVEj6GAYxPZBh2dspId8ZtR74NVRjNvrig31GpvtfkEULiCC8LlGcZhvlzNVgpx_-8RKr8QL4QbRiHew6Y7qOT8/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHsmEJCl2AQQoK4n1tkwZN_hKTnzpxH69dXwLLDeXmSCx_r9kXMz3VVEj6GAYxPZBh2dspId8ZtR74NVRjNvrig31GpvtfkEULiCC8LlGcZhvlzNVgpx_-8RKr8QL4QbRiHew6Y7qOT8/s400/IMG_6856.JPG" width="300" /></a>I already have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Knitting-The-Ultimate-Book/dp/193154316X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331441627&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book</a>. That's a really good book. It goes through absolutely everything, but it also has a lot of things I don't need: Outdated patterns and an extensive stitch library.<br />
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<i>Finishing School</i> takes you through the things you have to do after things have been knit. This includes picking up stitches and knitting some more, seaming sleeves, hems, button bands, and attaching knitted edges to any garment. She also covers blocking. I used to block everything the same way. Dump it in water for 1/2 hr. Then block. She explains how water can weaken some fibers and overstretch it, thus losing elasticity. Oops. Silk is especially delicate.<br />
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I haven't read much of it yet. But is this a book to be read? Or a book to pick up when you have to learn something specific? I should read more of it, so I can give you a better review.<br />
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Well this book reminds me that I need to add some buttons to my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/catkin" target="_blank">Catkin Shawl</a> by Carina Spencer. I've been wearing it as a scarf, when I rather have it rest on my shoulders without sliding off. Gotta get on that.<br />
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</div>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-9338336865964548992012-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-20T09:00:03.853-04:00Mohair Caramel swatchI'm excited about my new <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2012/03/mohair-caramel.html" target="_blank">KAL</a>. I wound 2 skeins of yarn yesterday. Since <a href="http://madelinetosh.com/" target="_blank">Madelinetosh</a> has no dye lots, the colors are not the same from skein to skein. So to prevent an obvious stripe from occurring in the middle of your fabric, it is recommended that you alternate 2 skeins at a time to create a blended effect. Usually 2 to 3 rows in each skein is sufficient. I picked one of the lightest and one of the darkest skeins to start with. I also hand wound some of my 5ply mohair together to make a 10ply mohair. So fuzzy, I love it.<br />
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A swatch is one of the important first steps in knitting a structured garment. There are so many things that can affect your swatch. And 1 stitch, or 2, off can change the size of your garment, when multiplied many times. A swatch is important for me because there are many elements that I can't control, that I can be aware of after I swatch. Here's a list of some things that can change the size of your swatch.<br />
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<li>Using a different yarn (or weight) than the one recommended and used in the pattern.</li>
<li>Being a different knitter than the one that knitted the original pattern.</li>
<li>Being a loose or a tight knitter.</li>
<li>Knitting <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/12/english-knit-stitch.html" target="_blank">English</a> or <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/12/continental-knit-stitch_20.html" target="_blank">Continental</a> style.</li>
<li>Using steel, nickel, bamboo, wood, plastic or aluminum needles.</li>
<li>Is the swatch blocked? Do you plan on blocking the finished garment?</li>
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Let's delve deeper into these circumstances, one by one.</div>
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<b>1. Using a different yarn than the recommended one used in the pattern</b></div>
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The yarn used in a pattern has it's own gauge. Using any other yarn could lead to a different gauge swatch. This is especially true if you're substituting a different weight yarn. If the yarn is heavier, you can try swatching with a smaller needle size, than recommended. But if you go too small, the yarn fabric may become stiff, and so will your hands. Sometimes if I go for a heavier yarn, I use the needle size that is recommended for that yarn, then make the smaller size. It would be great if I had math to back this up... but I don't. I just hope it comes out okay. The converse is true for a lighter weight yarn. Sometimes you can go up a needle size. Just make sure that your fabric doesn't get too loose. There is something to be said about a evenly stitched fabric. It looks beautiful.</div>
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<b>2. Being a different knitter than the one that knitted the original pattern</b></div>
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Unless this is you, the gauge will be knit differently.The knitter may be a loose or tight knitter. They may have knit in Continental, when you knit English. They may have swatched with a different type of needle. And they probably have blocked the swatch, if they recommend the pattern to be blocked. Also the way a person knits can lead to a different row gauge, even if everything else is the same. This leads us to the rest of the reasons.</div>
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<b>3. Being a loose or a tight knitter</b></div>
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I'm a loose knitter. I always start by going down a needle size, especially if it's the same yarn as the pattern. It also makes my stitches neater. If you're a tight knitter, start one needle size up. If the swatch works, you've saved yourself some time.</div>
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<b>4. Knitting English or Continental style</b></div>
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<a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TECHknitting</a> has great illustrations showing the difference between these two styles of knitting. This blog is invaluable in learning new techniques. The care that goes into this blog is amazing. Basically with <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/12/english-knit-stitch.html" target="_blank">English knitting</a> you hold the working yarn in the right hand. With <a href="http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/12/continental-knit-stitch_20.html" target="_blank">Continental knitting</a>, the yarn is held in the left hand. This action is similar to crocheting, so crocheters may find this way of knitting easier and more natural. Continental knitting also tends to be looser. This leads to my knitting being looser than loose, since I'm a continental knitter. Are you?</div>
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<b>5. Using steel, nickel, bamboo, wood, plastic or aluminum needles</b></div>
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Different needles allow the yarn to flow of the needle differently. Some people like steel because it's slippery and allows you to knit faster without any friction. I like bamboo needles, because I used to have stitches fly off my needle. This is especially important when using smaller needles or double pointed needles (DPN's). Also depending on the needle used, your row gauge can be different. I know! Even if you're the one knitting both swatches. Don't get me started on row gauge. Mine is always off.</div>
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<b>6. Is the swatch blocked? Do you plan on blocking the finished garment?</b></div>
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I've never blocked a swatch, until yesterday. I wanted to see if I could block the swatch into the measurements I needed. For instance, If I use a size 4 needle and the swatch is too smaller, but with a size 5 needle the swatch is too big. Why not block the size 4 swatch? It could work to make smaller things bigger. Alternatively if your swatch grows a lot, you know to try a swatch on smaller needles.<br />
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Here's my alleged 2" x 2" swatch for Caramel. It's on size 5 (3.75mm) bamboo needles, knitted continental style. The stitch gauge is perfect. The row gauge is... 1.75" . Which means on a 4" swatch, it would .5" off. This always happens to me, and I'm not going up to a size 6 (4.25mm) needle, since the pattern recommends 4mm. I've decided to add a few rows here and there. Maybe 1 before starting the sleeves, a few in the body. I'm 5'8" so I usually add a few inches anyway. At least I know my row gauge is small. I can then decide where to control for that issue.</div>
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<br /></div>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-11828528599355683472012-03-18T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-18T12:34:34.015-04:00Ruffle Sweater<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm32mfBNy9nvgqaaTnJrgplGJnab5m4jGTUwYSo37vyqpQsw-boo1IkuFtzvK7Od5ubUhLS-IbCEaiGfzkBqmBbLCvnD-HgP-hAvgKxz_pxlQXoFQXb2XQx5NiKCkogTtO_Tf7R6oyBk/s1600/IMG_6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm32mfBNy9nvgqaaTnJrgplGJnab5m4jGTUwYSo37vyqpQsw-boo1IkuFtzvK7Od5ubUhLS-IbCEaiGfzkBqmBbLCvnD-HgP-hAvgKxz_pxlQXoFQXb2XQx5NiKCkogTtO_Tf7R6oyBk/s400/IMG_6787.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Rosa by Kim Hargreaves in </span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Thrown Together</i> </span></td></tr>
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I'm finally dedicated to making <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rosa-4" target="_blank">Rosa</a>, by Kim Hargreaves. I've had the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thrown-Together-Kim-Hargreaves/dp/1906487022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331159165&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Thrown Together</a> for a few years now. Sadly, it is now out of print, so if you love the patterns inside, it will now cost you a pretty penny to get. The cover photo immediately caught my attention. The off-center picture makes me want to lounge on a chaise, while staring out a window onto the countryside - or something like that. And I loved the earthy feel of the designs and the styling inside. I enjoy feeling warm and cozy when in a slightly cold environment.<br />
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Well Rosa is from 2008, so the pattern style is a few years old. It's actually knit in pieces! I've knit a few things in the round, but I've never had the patience to turn a straight pattern into a circular pattern... and it's not going to happen with this one, either. Part of the reason is I've already started the front, and there are some design elements that lend itself to being made in pieces.<br />
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I started by picking the yarn <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-ryc-cashsoft-4-ply" target="_blank">RYC Cashsoft 4 ply</a> (fingering) in Spa. It's by Rowan and it's a blend of wool, microfiber, and cashmere. It's soft and non-itchy. It was already in my stash since this yarn had already been used in an ill-fated, lace sweater experiment. The yarn is holding up well to a second chance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-6hM1van_g8sq_-BUIAaqVPCHoWyDNnzflgnJCQiYLtbKQyo_2Densw7pB3HqSdpJ5vac-tlkznDfR3gU2UqI89F4SHuYc2-pCUq9YSOGjM_I5xm_Vo82IKW58YlJrids7wnKSAK_HE/s1600/IMG_6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-6hM1van_g8sq_-BUIAaqVPCHoWyDNnzflgnJCQiYLtbKQyo_2Densw7pB3HqSdpJ5vac-tlkznDfR3gU2UqI89F4SHuYc2-pCUq9YSOGjM_I5xm_Vo82IKW58YlJrids7wnKSAK_HE/s320/IMG_6775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side view rib</td></tr>
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Well this is an interesting pattern. It starts at the bottom rib, which is actually a sideways rib, then you pick up stitches for the body. At first I thought that this was a unique way to do a rib, and wondered why Kim didn't opt for a regular rib: k1, p1. But this rib gives the blouse a unique style. You probably won't see this rib on machine made clothes, in stores. Also the rib pattern is continued on the button placket, and since the body is knit right to left, the rib is horizontal and it looks great.<br />
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The bottom of the blouse is shaped with short rows, something I've never done before. Short rows are a technique, where you knit part of a row, then you turn on go back on the row. I think we've all done that by accident. This creates more rows in a section. Knitty.com has a great tutorial with elaborate pictures, <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/FEATbonnetric.html" target="_blank">here</a>. When designed well, it can create curves. I realized this creates a curved hem in the front and back. What a great idea! Hopefully this blouse won't ride up, and I won't have to keep pulling it down. The sides are a regular length, so I think this calls for less side shaping because the sides sit higher on the hips. Also the curve in the front should allow extra room for your belly. Most people have some shape to the lower belly, I know I do, and to have some ease there will allow the blouse from creeping above it. Ditto for the back.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n2Bsv2j4IG7ot7IGTV1iAKJPJX3in8F-LAS4ALe6sOujsdnCeMSI2sHKcCzP80A6F7h5hAMI7pIJgGQjEp1zBUD7iJYkvQc_Qm-pGuERHll_PooGpV-Hu39WAQjqhX4GQaTJzCg465E/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n2Bsv2j4IG7ot7IGTV1iAKJPJX3in8F-LAS4ALe6sOujsdnCeMSI2sHKcCzP80A6F7h5hAMI7pIJgGQjEp1zBUD7iJYkvQc_Qm-pGuERHll_PooGpV-Hu39WAQjqhX4GQaTJzCg465E/s400/IMG_6766.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Rosa, not blocked</td></tr>
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The left and front side are knit separately, one at a time. The instructions for the right side are explicit. The instruction for the left, say reverse shaping... You have to be talented to do this. Instead of k2tog to decrease, you use ssk, etc. Also you start the arm shaping on different rows. One on a even row, the other side on an odd row. The only reason I know this was because I've made a few sweaters that had all the instructions written out. Otherwise, I would have been lost on how to reverse this shaping. I decided to knit both sides at the same time, using 2 different needles, so I could reverse the shaping immediately without having to think about it later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iiybglktyPF0Svmc6lH8lbivYPHCnOOVlrtkG2gWeHClQCEpGEGwlQzBxK7gzuGFcn2Wj3kz7zLpUqO2V2K0n6zYMeAv7Osq8QMZtd36DXAa4wnVYSBmgKLCxquY7g9qMAAvYGthXCU/s1600/IMG_6783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iiybglktyPF0Svmc6lH8lbivYPHCnOOVlrtkG2gWeHClQCEpGEGwlQzBxK7gzuGFcn2Wj3kz7zLpUqO2V2K0n6zYMeAv7Osq8QMZtd36DXAa4wnVYSBmgKLCxquY7g9qMAAvYGthXCU/s200/IMG_6783.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of front of sweater</td></tr>
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Other pattern details are purl bumps, vertically, to show where the ruffles are sewn later. I hear the ruffles are an event to behold, meaning it's a lot of work. Here's the inside of the sweater. Speaking of ruffles, I haven't decided what yarn to use. The pattern calls for mohair, which I have plenty of, but I want a cream mohair. This is not presently in my stash, and since I'm on a <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2012/03/yarn-diet.html" target="_blank">yarn diet</a>, I'm going to try to will the yarn into my life through a yarn swap. Wish me luck!<br />
<br /></div>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-4658739437474563792012-03-16T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-16T09:00:12.758-04:00Yarn DietI'm on a yarn diet.<br />
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Sometimes you just know when you have to go on one. My friend went on one 2 years ago, but I thought she was just being dramatic, and limiting herself as some kind of punishment for an imaginary crime. Then one day I looked at my stash, and I realized that it has grown to full capacity. It was as if I looked in the mirror and suddenly my clothes didn't fit. When you don't plan on filling up 10 sweater boxes of yarn, and suddenly you realize that you're almost up to an eleventh... Well, a diet is necessary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-AKzcHGYRHbZBNk3vvgCo7Ux64DvMw8yJF5ietZSiXyED08B2_6nHrffiTpe8trjJkkHXnZTN1pMNqtLBfoWQaW2cTiATrIttNX6c3QEGP6w4qSzgX6t8jFzBDSP8QKKCtA3XgZ71rM/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-AKzcHGYRHbZBNk3vvgCo7Ux64DvMw8yJF5ietZSiXyED08B2_6nHrffiTpe8trjJkkHXnZTN1pMNqtLBfoWQaW2cTiATrIttNX6c3QEGP6w4qSzgX6t8jFzBDSP8QKKCtA3XgZ71rM/s400/IMG_6866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Stash. Doesn't include projects I'm working on.</td></tr>
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This isn't punishment. This is a necessary step to prevent myself from buying yarn with the intention of making something, and then not following through. I like to finish what I've started, mostly. And having boxes of yarn, and not sweaters, is not how I imagined my knitting flourishing.<br />
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To help destash, I decided to catalogue everything I have in Ravelry. My stash and my library... I'm not done with the stash yet. It was taking me 1 box a day, to take pictures and everything. My library was pretty easy, so now I know what patterns I have.<br />
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Next, I went through my queue and favorites and organized them by what I wanted to make first. I also added some of the patterns I have in my library, that I've always wanted to make but never queued, since I could just search through the whole thing online. In the end, I only have 2 pages of a queue. So It was pretty easy.<br />
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Lastly, I started assigning yarn to the projects I wanted to make. This was fun. I ended up with about yarn for 25 projects, 11 of which are sweaters.<br />
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That's what I'm talking about.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-21068671244786110622012-03-14T09:00:00.001-04:002012-03-14T09:00:01.555-04:00Mohair CaramelI love mohair, the halo, the airiness... it gets me everytime. Incorporating mohair into my projects is a joy I look forward to. I have a lot of mohair, mostly from yarn swaps. My last full mohair project was the<a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/07/bliss-on-subway.html" target="_blank"> bubble dress</a>. I wear this dress a lot and always get compliments. It's like sunshine. So it makes sense that I'm using the same mohair in my newest project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5WBsRixo4jgzsUBh9O4mLcmEiICaBtfMkxUanhxYqIYkA7m08HHi-QmFvDyCEIuRkv8q6Axe2FfSwPgBTFAT6tw0Lc4JqXZaughpAsyUiJwdqx8w63LV4SETM7yGNwDEH7L5DS2lNPg/s1600/IMG_6805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5WBsRixo4jgzsUBh9O4mLcmEiICaBtfMkxUanhxYqIYkA7m08HHi-QmFvDyCEIuRkv8q6Axe2FfSwPgBTFAT6tw0Lc4JqXZaughpAsyUiJwdqx8w63LV4SETM7yGNwDEH7L5DS2lNPg/s320/IMG_6805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Schulana Kid-Seta in Gold</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYJv8X81bLzyDHhykeXmSmhGnA4S-TL7QHJ-T2idGGzelZu0VIqBO8jd7a1d8VT_y4jvmM2aVLb6EBmGqwrKWf6iCTvULuLngFNJ9fb1Vf5dRLYV88XVjpa5K9VuplyZJ1RLXOqGYpB0/s1600/Caramel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYJv8X81bLzyDHhykeXmSmhGnA4S-TL7QHJ-T2idGGzelZu0VIqBO8jd7a1d8VT_y4jvmM2aVLb6EBmGqwrKWf6iCTvULuLngFNJ9fb1Vf5dRLYV88XVjpa5K9VuplyZJ1RLXOqGYpB0/s320/Caramel.JPG" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/caramel-2" target="_blank">Caramel</a> designed by Isabell Kraemer</td></tr>
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I'm doing a KAL with my friend <i>Kay</i>. She's not an experienced knitter so she wanted to do a simple sweater. She picked <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/caramel-2" target="_blank">Caramel</a> by Isabell Kraemer. It's a free pattern, which I'm surprised because it is a cardigan, but the instructions are not long and there are no schematics. The cardigan is horizontally striped, but since it drapes in the front it ends up being diagonal... very flattering. It's a top down cardigan with no seaming. It also has no buttons, which makes it easier for a first sweater project. While perusing Ravelry, we decided that the best cardigans have a mostly light colored body with darker stripes. It makes the body look slimmer, no matter your size. The quest for the yarn had begun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8uICOhHokqMUq_fnpDWGGfjpwfVFhDl-Ede6aNDHSjWZT0R56P1qjo4CLbJLLUVD1QO0LJ5S8FmbOQQ54Ci5_wzaEEyJ6ifaOGGmK_eJbMW1nxHLoI7vSZbAVts9BtYI_i1HeuDqcuQ/s1600/IMG_6801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8uICOhHokqMUq_fnpDWGGfjpwfVFhDl-Ede6aNDHSjWZT0R56P1qjo4CLbJLLUVD1QO0LJ5S8FmbOQQ54Ci5_wzaEEyJ6ifaOGGmK_eJbMW1nxHLoI7vSZbAVts9BtYI_i1HeuDqcuQ/s320/IMG_6801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MadelineTosh Dk in Toast</td></tr>
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DK yarn was recommended. I picked <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-tosh-dk" target="_blank">MadelineTosh Dk</a> in Toast. I was saving this yarn for a cozy cabled sweater, TBD. I thought the earthy brown tone would have went well with cables, but this cardigan came first, and since I'm trying to get through my stash, I'll just have to buy more next year!<br />
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It took me forever to decide on the yarn for the stripes. I was ultimately inspired by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rililie/caramel" target="_blank">Hairy Caramel</a>. She used stripes of mohair. Genuis. I chose my left over <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schulana-kid-seta" target="_blank">Schulana Kid-Seta</a> in Gold (mohair and silk). Since this yarn is sport weight (5ply), I'm doubling it for 10ply. Super hairy! Because the mohair blooms, the knitter of Hairy Caramel only used 4 rows of the mohair stripe, instead of the 6 rows recommended by the pattern. I'm going to do the same, so I should have just enough.<br />
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The pattern recommends size 6, 4mm needles. Since I'm a loose knitter and Tosh Dk is a generous Dk, I'm swatching on a 5. Also my size 6 needles are 4.25mm.That's not going to work, and I don't understand why my needles are a different size than the standard? Anyway, this will my first time blocking a swatch, since I hear this yarn can grow...Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-26091606906393664882012-03-12T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-12T13:51:37.119-04:00Creative Fund<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdjd9Vm_fZ-AYMjTetX7X4A6sQ2p_jUg1qmqhRBlFmX3ZZc_RvyWTCNszvvT3Zr35vj9RgtfzfMy5breacbrOLSmzSOSfJapiJa4D6w7LovkpSYQC4Pq_lD1zZPcOnbTr7oCMd-WYsAE/s1600/2011-12-11_22-33-25_855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdjd9Vm_fZ-AYMjTetX7X4A6sQ2p_jUg1qmqhRBlFmX3ZZc_RvyWTCNszvvT3Zr35vj9RgtfzfMy5breacbrOLSmzSOSfJapiJa4D6w7LovkpSYQC4Pq_lD1zZPcOnbTr7oCMd-WYsAE/s400/2011-12-11_22-33-25_855.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My faceless owl lounging on my bed</td></tr>
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Don't you wish you can take sometime off and just knit and lounge around? Well I hear you. That time as come for me. Not entirely by choice. As you know I freelance in the TV, Film production industry. I've just come off a 15-month TV gig. That is the longest ever. A movie could be 1-2 months depending on my job. A TV gig usually is 2-3 months. But this show was mammoth. We had some weeks off now and then, but mostly it was work and more work.<br />
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I think I started around the time I stopped writing on this blog.<br />
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Luckily it was in Connecticut, so I had to take the MetroNorth train for 45min, in addition to the NYC MTA for 25 min... One way. On the MetroNorth, there was a lot of knitting going on, if I was awake. But I still craved unlimited amounts of knitting time. It wasn't enough.<br />
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Well the job is over, as expected. The one thing I've learned is you need to save your money for when your job ends. And it always ends. I'm great at saving money, thanks to <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838523" target="_blank">Suze Orman</a>. I've read her books for years, before I even had any money (I was wondering why I didn't have any). Suze suggests having an emergency fund, 6-8 months of expenses in a account easily accessible. This is for if your job ends or if any emergency pops up. Well my job has ended, and now I have to tap into that fund.<br />
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But this isn't what I call an emergency. I've padded my fund with some extra money. And I've cut down my expenses by paying off my student loans, going on a yarn diet, and shopping at Trader Joes rather than Whole Foods.<br />
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Instead, this is a well needed break. Working in TV is not easy, although it can be the most fun job ever. The long hours can be draining and you spend a lot of time doing things for other people to satisfy their creative pursuits. A creative recharge is definitely necessary for yourself. That's why I've renamed my<i> emergency fund</i> to <i>creative fund</i>.<br />
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My creative fund allows me to be creative without worrying that it's going to break the bank. In essence, I am paying myself to be creative. I cannot predict when I'll get another job, but I'm going to be knitting until then.<br />
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What do you do to stay creative?Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-64756758107641303912009-10-04T22:03:00.005-04:002009-10-04T23:25:51.971-04:00My New Apartment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqkcpdmhZgdvO0060rB88uocvZ8x2FBypVPHMHQ7PmjVAlHfmODDNAg31mRo-3l3Wa8vDw6co5LX4dTOwXUIsK70gT94dVrtfM2E0Eb3wabDa24Y8LIIU2LBeUepe7QL2nMLHLKsRPjw/s1600-h/studio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqkcpdmhZgdvO0060rB88uocvZ8x2FBypVPHMHQ7PmjVAlHfmODDNAg31mRo-3l3Wa8vDw6co5LX4dTOwXUIsK70gT94dVrtfM2E0Eb3wabDa24Y8LIIU2LBeUepe7QL2nMLHLKsRPjw/s400/studio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388951124439591938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Pic not my apartment, but pretty non?</span><br /><br />I'm moving out and going to live by myself. A cozy apartment with high ceilings and lots of sunlight. It's on a quiet, tree-lined block. Beautiful hardwood floors and lots of closet space. Two large closets for clothes, one for linens, one for yarn and one for my wardrobe kit. It's blessed with a roomy bathroom with wonderful hardware, a pretty mirror and a window.<br /><br />The comfortable couch is perfect to put your feet up and watch the flat screen television. My ottoman is nearby. The kitchen is spacious, the window providing the perfect light to have breakfast in the breakfast nook on the kitchen table.<br /><br />A tabby cat is lounging on a window sill, lazily watching the birds in the trees.<br /><br />What a wonderful life.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-82207771313050859852009-09-17T19:07:00.003-04:002009-09-17T19:32:52.586-04:00Crochet for Grannies?I love crochet. I have 2 crochet skirts, and have made a few baby clothes and bags. It is not always the prettiest fabric though.<br />Umm, look below...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/17/article-0-06779CA5000005DC-942_468x810.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 810px;" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/17/article-0-06779CA5000005DC-942_468x810.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Cate Blanchett at the Australian Center for the Moving Image.<br /><br /></span>Here's the lovely Cate Blanchett in a bulky, granny squared, one-shoulder dress.<br /><br />Really unflattering *sigh*.<br /><br />Up close, the yarn seems that it could be lovely, but not all those colors together. The black flounce thing on the neckline and hem, doesn't help in any way.<br /><br />It could be fixed though. Work with me.<br /><br />Picture a strapless dress, using only 2 or 3 colors like grey, white and black or grey, pink and black for a splash of color. Then making the squares look triangular around the waistline would make it look more body conscious.<br /><br />If all else fails, this dress could make a cute purse. What do you think?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Pic courtesy <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1214102/Cate-Blanchett-looks-proper-red-carpet-knitwit-crocheted-blanket.html">The Daily Mail</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-68412150190292177042009-09-16T12:00:00.002-04:002009-09-16T12:03:45.571-04:00Fantasy Pattern - Sexy Crochet Lace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922564/27_2009/f3601170c047788c_Diane-Kruger-2.preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 393px;" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922564/27_2009/f3601170c047788c_Diane-Kruger-2.preview.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Diane Kruger at Berlin Fashion Week Summer '09<br />Source: <a href="http://www.fabsugar.com/3419210">Fab Sugar</a></span><br /><br />Let's talk about this top.<br /><br />Lace crochet, the detail. So much is going on. It's 3 doilies sewn into the cutest top ever.<br /><br />The neckline is a bit high, but the top is see through, so it's still sexy.<br /><br />So, who wants to make this pattern? I'd buy it. After my foray into crocheting with thread, I believe I can do this in about a year.<br /><br />To fill up my obsession with thread, I bought this pattern, below, from <a href="http://universalyarn.com/book_pages.php?book=2">Universal Yarn</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://universalyarn.com/books/2_book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 508px;" src="http://universalyarn.com/books/2_book.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Might be my first thread, non-accessory project. But as you know, I have many other things to finish beforehand. So much fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">More Posts:</span> </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/crochet-wavy-doily-update.html">Crochet Wavy Doily Update </a> <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/wavy-doily.html">Wavy Doily</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-74337612263713789402009-09-13T13:36:00.000-04:002012-03-09T12:33:03.445-05:00Sewing Crochet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJKTFe5Zw7WS_V54eGjIFZxlWMxgZNU_tUgBXFEbbAUT4stPeDDwCSVxXHfkChfuhBSwscFroDibUp0cyZUo9fhhbTxMWIwJObE1UYjiBCKtZLv3PP1F-MaATEhxXc32IQ7jciAM9cwE/s1600-h/IMG_9677.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381006013597091506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJKTFe5Zw7WS_V54eGjIFZxlWMxgZNU_tUgBXFEbbAUT4stPeDDwCSVxXHfkChfuhBSwscFroDibUp0cyZUo9fhhbTxMWIwJObE1UYjiBCKtZLv3PP1F-MaATEhxXc32IQ7jciAM9cwE/s400/IMG_9677.JPG" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" width="300" /></a>I'm still working on that crazy ever expanding crochet skirt. So it seems that the Knit Picks Shine Sport yarn was too thick. I know I'm a loose knitter, ha! And I guess I'm a loose crocheter too. I didn't feel like frogging the skirt again, so I'm going to finish crocheting the body, machine sew down the sides to the size I want, then add the edging and zipper.<br />
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I'm using a subtle zig zag stitch to sew the skirt. This will keep the stretch inherent in the yarn. Then I'll sew another straight stitch 1/2" away and trim closely to minimize bulk and unraveling. At least my sewing machine will get some action. I rarely take it, out except for work, and I try to let other people use it. I also have the perfect color blue thread...<br />
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...Tada, I did it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkEtjeW53OnHSY56_0TMTbtEXpEdFEId28jwc0phr38PgQhpMTIgbJQFCfICewthhMs1oyeNNZ8J8oqKEZIzHIRoxrbqfMzg10xLamiIwDjaCWGIBcmNrvCHvf55OCiU6BKgipcq-KSE/s1600-h/IMG_9682.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381007035704424850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkEtjeW53OnHSY56_0TMTbtEXpEdFEId28jwc0phr38PgQhpMTIgbJQFCfICewthhMs1oyeNNZ8J8oqKEZIzHIRoxrbqfMzg10xLamiIwDjaCWGIBcmNrvCHvf55OCiU6BKgipcq-KSE/s320/IMG_9682.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here's the seam on the outside. It's not that wonky in real life</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4EvxmjW2IriHzwIap9PNoHDqj0a9UH1dHZglhTRSH5VEWnGz4vIg5S0CauzPOxaujQtYAKNvAx0PUWAvj7idM8r4-a9kMCH5nVINQ58XO0Vg3ooRka6NYmFbxqQaWtksP13JGuxbLjw/s1600-h/IMG_9683.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381007041352643138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4EvxmjW2IriHzwIap9PNoHDqj0a9UH1dHZglhTRSH5VEWnGz4vIg5S0CauzPOxaujQtYAKNvAx0PUWAvj7idM8r4-a9kMCH5nVINQ58XO0Vg3ooRka6NYmFbxqQaWtksP13JGuxbLjw/s320/IMG_9683.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here's the inside seam. This is hard to see in the picture. The seam folds to the right</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So now I have like 5 balls of yarn left. I'll probably have 1 left of the shiny yarn. Don't you hate when you have too much yarn left over? Not just one ball, but many. Don't know what else to make yet. Maybe I'll bring it to the yarn swap next month. Don't know...<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />More Posts: <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/warning-dont-overdo-shiny-yarn.html">Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-7135624217492164622009-09-11T09:00:00.001-04:002012-03-09T12:34:40.109-05:00Rosamund's Cardigan Knit-a-long<a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/Pomerantz-233.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/Pomerantz-233.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 316px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 211px;" /></a>I'm doing a knit-a-long with 2 of my friends. We're making the <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2009_fall.asp#Rosamunds-Cardigan">Rosamund's Cardigan</a> by Andrea Pomerantz from Interweave Knits Fall 2009 issue. It's a fitted short sleeved cardigan with a cabled neck and asymmetrical opening.<br />
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<a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/Pomerantz2-233.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/Pomerantz2-233.jpg" style="float: right; height: 334px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; width: 223px;" /></a>It's worked in the round, top down. I've never knitted a sweater like this. I've only made sweaters in pieces like front and back, then sewn in sleeves. This will be the first time making a sweater from the neck and working my way down.<br />
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I enjoy tight knits and cables. But without fail, everything I knit tends to be too big. So I'm making the medium in this. A small knit is a good knit, and it always stretches to fit.<br />
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I'm planning on using Cascade Rustic in #10 Eggplanted (Purple). It's wool and linen. I love how there's a lighter color spun in. It creates a depth I like. I haven't used this yarn yet. It's single ply so it might pill and look slightly felted. I don't think I'll mind that on this project.<br />
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<a href="http://cascadeyarns.com/graphics/RusticSkeins.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cascadeyarns.com/graphics/RusticSkeins.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 347px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 442px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Cascade Yarns "Rustic" # 10, 2nd from bottom on right<br /></span>The gauge for the pattern is 1 stitch bigger than the gauge for the yarn on size 8 needle. Since I'm a loose knitter I should always start swatching on a size smaller needle. But no, I try an8 - too big. Size 7 - too big. Size 6 - too big, really? Size 5 - same size as 6, for real? The swatch measure 4 1/4" instead of 4".<br />
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I blocked the size 6 and 5 swatches. Hmm, this yarn stretches I should probably use the 5. Cause I don't want to swatch a 4.<br />
Shall I?<br />
It's supposed to be an 8!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pics courtesy: <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/fall-2009/rosamunds-cardigan.asp">Interweave Knits</a><br /><a href="http://cascadeyarns.com/cascade-Rustic.asp">Cascade Yarns</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-79076488226171541052009-09-02T09:00:00.002-04:002009-09-02T09:00:05.797-04:00Upholster This, Finale!So I left off with <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/upholster-this.html">springs</a> tied down on the top frame of the ottoman, and a " I don't want to return to this" feeling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT9H-SygkxIRRrmY7lK0iBm9yLfow0FvlxS3wdEye3SF8lrWRvwPTTrUgDIkeLmfWvO8fgMcz7VhCnAgOJmlprgCW_mZTVaHBszDttyYirmlZVPnQt75Lg0z6GTgCERQk6donfm6owX8/s1600-h/IMG_9640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT9H-SygkxIRRrmY7lK0iBm9yLfow0FvlxS3wdEye3SF8lrWRvwPTTrUgDIkeLmfWvO8fgMcz7VhCnAgOJmlprgCW_mZTVaHBszDttyYirmlZVPnQt75Lg0z6GTgCERQk6donfm6owX8/s400/IMG_9640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302321251240466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Where we left off</span>...<br /><br />But I went back, and it was fun! The 2nd week<span style="font-style: italic;"> is</span> the hardest. The instructor said he's had people walk out of class in the 2nd week. Believable.<br /><br />We covered the springs with burlap. The burlap is to create a barrier between the fabric and the foam. Whenever you sit on the fabric it would rub on the foam and just wear it away, no good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj1rWKvppsFC0N9iL8Yzt_c0a1nl7_NmgOMJJaegzpgVd8gm9wjbbaod6XApz2UWTVo3Bo6UoIfMqbPRlOH1R_pSu88oM1cWCjP5o9F54Sj4D2o4SKSu2NmPCrTetNym1DWRI5fJ8PtM/s1600-h/IMG_9642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj1rWKvppsFC0N9iL8Yzt_c0a1nl7_NmgOMJJaegzpgVd8gm9wjbbaod6XApz2UWTVo3Bo6UoIfMqbPRlOH1R_pSu88oM1cWCjP5o9F54Sj4D2o4SKSu2NmPCrTetNym1DWRI5fJ8PtM/s400/IMG_9642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376303853855964674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Burlap cover. The fox edge is applied on all four sides on top of those staples, covering the raw edge.</span><br /><br />We also added some cylindrical burlap covered batting on the edges of the burlap (not pictured). It's called fox edge, I think. That's to protect your legs from touching the edge of the ottoman frame. That would be very uncomfortable. On top of the burlap we glue down cotton batting then 4 inch foam.<br /><br />3rd week we started working with the fabric. Just so you know upholstery fabric is expensive, minumum $10-$15 / yd. I stopped by my local fabric store in Brooklyn and picked something up for $2 /yd. That's what I'm talking about. It was recommended not to get fabric with stripes or repeating patterns. But those are the best, aren't they? I ended up with a safe, classic gold fabric with same color dots.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7baBAnx3iCHdfE2jRku-W1mTh-egD1g8bwULArdEECYXU0oAMXdhyphenhyphenZeDAAiWT1hI0DdmJTXqvIENg-ZZI2MhC7gdc1VgN43sOSHa3U-ntwEyBErcQUwO69vC1TMn37qk0Q7jY7IVr2c/s1600-h/IMG_9656.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7baBAnx3iCHdfE2jRku-W1mTh-egD1g8bwULArdEECYXU0oAMXdhyphenhyphenZeDAAiWT1hI0DdmJTXqvIENg-ZZI2MhC7gdc1VgN43sOSHa3U-ntwEyBErcQUwO69vC1TMn37qk0Q7jY7IVr2c/s400/IMG_9656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376302329355176002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Top view, after fabric is stretched over foam<br /><br /></span>Next, we stretch the fabric over the foam. But be careful, you don't want to warp the fabric by stretching the fabric too far on one side. After carefully stapling down fabric, the instructor walks by and says that it's even but not tight enough. You can never win with him. We are obviously not perfect, so our ottomans won't be either. Everyone decided that our ottomans were good enough to move on. He smiled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoyjQcRHZ9mdgWGWgh7CJpzKaZwbifHHsjHp3I4W7hs9A1gxugNRjV2n_aTqMQG0h6cygGNKLWiPkOli-FxEKKuEG4nlQr1uf8ae-r10femWOZI-r4vmz3v5dzW9u3_cZVwBiJ0zbZFQ/s1600-h/IMG_9657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoyjQcRHZ9mdgWGWgh7CJpzKaZwbifHHsjHp3I4W7hs9A1gxugNRjV2n_aTqMQG0h6cygGNKLWiPkOli-FxEKKuEG4nlQr1uf8ae-r10femWOZI-r4vmz3v5dzW9u3_cZVwBiJ0zbZFQ/s400/IMG_9657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376304431668794738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">A fold on each corner</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt2BgJTlr4wC7CWfktzI_CHbtt4xCvgp5NlPQKGnjzVRzlaHzqXkSSKqZt9YGo769kIZ8_nmys09G7YYTEJ9GRRghDQv6znuMrJ5zAYKv1UH2GJ9uvPvjuUNN45EYg5Hrl1NTlrkIxc4/s1600-h/IMG_9655.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt2BgJTlr4wC7CWfktzI_CHbtt4xCvgp5NlPQKGnjzVRzlaHzqXkSSKqZt9YGo769kIZ8_nmys09G7YYTEJ9GRRghDQv6znuMrJ5zAYKv1UH2GJ9uvPvjuUNN45EYg5Hrl1NTlrkIxc4/s400/IMG_9655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376303859341847282" border="0" /></a><br />Staple on some piping.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5G5c2cyIzvcS07KEO_Btv9af6512-Zf5YQpKFcKX5Fw3Mct25UT8XfAdhTqYzC17D5Pgdgcc7PDbXheqbcKGcMbqjvkwjTVUfg5oVoVpSE6QxF7Bns05kCBKw3DTgbLFI2OlorvDqg8/s1600-h/IMG_9658.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5G5c2cyIzvcS07KEO_Btv9af6512-Zf5YQpKFcKX5Fw3Mct25UT8XfAdhTqYzC17D5Pgdgcc7PDbXheqbcKGcMbqjvkwjTVUfg5oVoVpSE6QxF7Bns05kCBKw3DTgbLFI2OlorvDqg8/s400/IMG_9658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376312458718149602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Mitered edge of piping</span><br /><br />Then staple fabric upside down on sides beneath the piping. Staple a tacking strip (1/2" piece of cardboard), under the fabric right under piping to create that seamless look. Pull down fabric and staple down underneath bottom. Hand sew that one open side. Staple a black fabric (don't know what) under ottoman. Have instructor nail in some stops under ottoman, and you're done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIcIqGNJAf5v_eOC-mAq2UfC6uRQUCLU1nRXhYz-Iy0Lfythaf8UvascrMEJY20ihwGWQ8ERpRjPCDodxlUeSqydYu8-SeJ5XFq5q8eCflYUc-XuuyvsZKadJVFieOS7CcGVkYuMDhRo/s1600-h/IMG_9667.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIcIqGNJAf5v_eOC-mAq2UfC6uRQUCLU1nRXhYz-Iy0Lfythaf8UvascrMEJY20ihwGWQ8ERpRjPCDodxlUeSqydYu8-SeJ5XFq5q8eCflYUc-XuuyvsZKadJVFieOS7CcGVkYuMDhRo/s400/IMG_9667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376312465570007346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ooh, it's done!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqiJ13-eekNgtoLFABFvfyp0i51hrMg0s0hkSpi11oYaPhnujBWJiHRInbT4bLch0svNgneGKiuG1Gqa76JetOFEwKgx6k1OZe-2IJFch7mSrXWR9KDMlxsveNCVOIqM-Cg0zD6ysbdQ/s1600-h/IMG_9668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqiJ13-eekNgtoLFABFvfyp0i51hrMg0s0hkSpi11oYaPhnujBWJiHRInbT4bLch0svNgneGKiuG1Gqa76JetOFEwKgx6k1OZe-2IJFch7mSrXWR9KDMlxsveNCVOIqM-Cg0zD6ysbdQ/s400/IMG_9668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376317375919843714" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, and then carry it home. Pretty light.<br /><br />Here are beautiful samples from class.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxQSzz8BjVEvTvSQVQnwAyERrICBXW-BvPTfPGUo7wHJj_aCiO0PGaHdGgYW4dwtqGDtW-MtLDPFKNjIQxOqRM2UwTgK3sRpe_Q66tvkkwxCFoJ9AOIuEOVDQcQcd5FRlUJidzZDcnzQ/s1600-h/IMG_9661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxQSzz8BjVEvTvSQVQnwAyERrICBXW-BvPTfPGUo7wHJj_aCiO0PGaHdGgYW4dwtqGDtW-MtLDPFKNjIQxOqRM2UwTgK3sRpe_Q66tvkkwxCFoJ9AOIuEOVDQcQcd5FRlUJidzZDcnzQ/s400/IMG_9661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376322680737332914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToI9zTBdf2hyQfYnt4r0-azocrMtjGn5fBgKdfMC5XmXZjSAgzHa3iBZWjuiDW_xWc-RQmKdWnOFv2INVltrW5VrtIYQBwtgV37nBkWozlDaq18MdF4phlfMPUjKY2yMr2gqNtma9sL4/s1600-h/IMG_9659.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToI9zTBdf2hyQfYnt4r0-azocrMtjGn5fBgKdfMC5XmXZjSAgzHa3iBZWjuiDW_xWc-RQmKdWnOFv2INVltrW5VrtIYQBwtgV37nBkWozlDaq18MdF4phlfMPUjKY2yMr2gqNtma9sL4/s400/IMG_9659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376323966962682722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQQCrmJHJ3Ocns-FZk00UVWV85a8i1nefg98OyLACPSGOyJ2pgnGtC7qGr3nMKZ6caS0NYGRySoOwR20-J1uvn0xHglWMIHze6NrD52JUk-dEeQm04Lw37g9yQPr5vaf8u9C1JxPrO40/s1600-h/IMG_9665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQQCrmJHJ3Ocns-FZk00UVWV85a8i1nefg98OyLACPSGOyJ2pgnGtC7qGr3nMKZ6caS0NYGRySoOwR20-J1uvn0xHglWMIHze6NrD52JUk-dEeQm04Lw37g9yQPr5vaf8u9C1JxPrO40/s400/IMG_9665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376323962385635042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tdui1_DJzIjrMl8VCiINrnsbNmmP-icSHNS_FYi0it7iCwUoKDZhyphenhyphen0zyHuytiw9FugeL94QLCNSf45b-npRm7CF8UqMowDIx8kwVC980t8chUkYuc78EUMJ9bZuEUfTef199pMellto/s1600-h/IMG_9664.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tdui1_DJzIjrMl8VCiINrnsbNmmP-icSHNS_FYi0it7iCwUoKDZhyphenhyphen0zyHuytiw9FugeL94QLCNSf45b-npRm7CF8UqMowDIx8kwVC980t8chUkYuc78EUMJ9bZuEUfTef199pMellto/s400/IMG_9664.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376325711822517506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">More Posts: <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/upholster-this.html">Upholster This!</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-83181032542174138732009-08-30T21:35:00.015-04:002012-03-09T12:56:03.757-05:00Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqv8HM1gyG7PzhKWz2CQK75HQXTVfsMJ-S3foK5G-JHW5jTmqjFQJvHWSwYv-r7ijq_YyFqPNxPeLL9Xj0H5Z8tGvqCdmCsHqMOiQwO_PcG9crTBxLDUyjeR1NbVNVRZkKqpMlZw0MdE/s1600-h/IMG_9652.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376238351343352850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqv8HM1gyG7PzhKWz2CQK75HQXTVfsMJ-S3foK5G-JHW5jTmqjFQJvHWSwYv-r7ijq_YyFqPNxPeLL9Xj0H5Z8tGvqCdmCsHqMOiQwO_PcG9crTBxLDUyjeR1NbVNVRZkKqpMlZw0MdE/s400/IMG_9652.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I finally found glittery yarn to accent my seaside crochet skirt. I went to 3 yarn stores and settled on this blue yarn with gold accents "Gatsby Lux" by Katia.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwackNSEFtl6RmiR6ly-gOeKFkY0V1o9qsHm0UH6R3Sm1Yi7llhtknMOBjndY7f0Gu-aHlVBc0ub_BrsHaHoK58eF3TSrIsm5TnWnivCbmbtodI6gHA7bVubcG8cZ67SaERuV-Mfe-DM/s1600-h/IMG_9670.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376236875402893810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwackNSEFtl6RmiR6ly-gOeKFkY0V1o9qsHm0UH6R3Sm1Yi7llhtknMOBjndY7f0Gu-aHlVBc0ub_BrsHaHoK58eF3TSrIsm5TnWnivCbmbtodI6gHA7bVubcG8cZ67SaERuV-Mfe-DM/s320/IMG_9670.JPG" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt;" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2096678288_a5bc346136.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2096678288_a5bc346136.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
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I originally wanted gold yarn (like the sample to the right) to go with my "River" colored yarn from Knit Picks Shine Sport (Pima Cotton & Modal). When I couldn't find the right gold in the price and quantity that I needed, the owner of the yarn store recommended the blue with gold. That was a lovely sophisticated touch, better than the garish gold.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7OzfgpBeb4pGy4y5JH8cErxPMqmQoVQLahNSf64XVeA7UbobZLh3BkDGrS18jJHEPSK0VjDETtp2LSc4W5hCphbhBI6PFvENQ3R29gH03ESSD42lFiZPWQoXqqZdYMDN6dOpjijRVIY/s1600-h/IMG_9649.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376247627782772290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7OzfgpBeb4pGy4y5JH8cErxPMqmQoVQLahNSf64XVeA7UbobZLh3BkDGrS18jJHEPSK0VjDETtp2LSc4W5hCphbhBI6PFvENQ3R29gH03ESSD42lFiZPWQoXqqZdYMDN6dOpjijRVIY/s320/IMG_9649.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Stitches used: hdc, back post crochet stitches (hdc), hdc through back loop</span><br />
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I would tell you where I got the yarn from, but the lady wasn't so nice there. She barely made eye contact. When I thanked her for pointing out the blue and gold yarn, she replied in a sort of "I know I'm helpful that's why it's my job and why I'm better than you and I own this store because I'm better than everyone else" kind of way. She was nice the week before though. Anyway, got good yarn.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVwNBar122CPCXop5Nr9W-q6ETMv8_MFYNb0JUoiRR2Ra1uD3d5pswPbq7PEK7u1plXPDfnEhQjFTDZI9MxKGwVu_NOkcYUPhLJt4QoWv5XrVCu8fkR3sqI65aLTM8C8fIVDHiVYDPm4/s1600-h/IMG_9646.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376237690638722482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVwNBar122CPCXop5Nr9W-q6ETMv8_MFYNb0JUoiRR2Ra1uD3d5pswPbq7PEK7u1plXPDfnEhQjFTDZI9MxKGwVu_NOkcYUPhLJt4QoWv5XrVCu8fkR3sqI65aLTM8C8fIVDHiVYDPm4/s320/IMG_9646.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 231px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 307px;" /></a>The Shine Sport yarn for the body of the skirt is a bit thicker than what I needed. I started of using a smaller crochet hook to get gauge, but the fabric was coming out too thick, and I didn't think it would drape well. I went back to the original hook size and now I'm making a size small.<br /><br />Update:<br />So the small was becoming too A-line in the skirt. The increases were too much with the thick yarn. I did about 2 tiers, but unraveled most of it to the 2nd round of increases of tier 1. I'm starting again with less increases. It looks better already.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/2095140419_e6a7121413.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/2095140419_e6a7121413.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 328px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 194px;" /></a>BTW, this pattern (to the left) from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensual-Crochet-Luxurious-Alluring-Designs/dp/1402749198">Sensual Crochet</a> is the most convoluted, wrong pattern ever. There's so many mistakes, I can't even start. What it really needs is a stitch pattern schematic. That would be easier to follow than writing out vague instructions that are confusing.<br /><br />Oh well, been crocheting up a storm this weekend. Saw <a href="http://www.newline.com/properties/notebookthe.html">The Notebook</a> again on TV. I think it's my number 3 movie now.<br /><br />So good.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 78%;">Seaside Romance Skirt Pics Source: <a 2096678288="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20com=" n00="" photos="">flickr.com</a></span>Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-78187888758389363412009-08-25T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-09T12:58:49.065-05:00Crochet Wavy Doily Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG2SeBt4t-GcvEl7XExa_vtvMQa1U7_y-2HUvG076JUTmMBkozNT0Ns056iFe3e0ArWeX2pBZVKUI09OB2JFNlCmdu1mc-pxqTDMrDgUgAbGHiud_r1s9-t0bMK8GI-DqmAA6YFlgUoQ/s1600-h/IMG_9644.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373368190203433970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG2SeBt4t-GcvEl7XExa_vtvMQa1U7_y-2HUvG076JUTmMBkozNT0Ns056iFe3e0ArWeX2pBZVKUI09OB2JFNlCmdu1mc-pxqTDMrDgUgAbGHiud_r1s9-t0bMK8GI-DqmAA6YFlgUoQ/s320/IMG_9644.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>My <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/ahh-i-should-post.html">wavy doily</a> is flattening out. Where there was extra fabric the pattern later calls for decreases. Smart. I have one more pineapple to do, so naturally I've put it down and moved on to another project.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Update:</span><br />Right now I'm blocking doily. Lots of work. You want it to be even, but you're only human. Let it go.<br />
I think I have to starch it later, not sure. Came far from that <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/wavy-doily.html">wavyness</a>. Do you agree?<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Back to post:</span><br />
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<a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/stores/lionbrand/pictures/80757ada.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://cache.lionbrand.com/stores/lionbrand/pictures/80757ada.jpg" style="float: left; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; width: 266px;" /></a>I've also bought some thread with stainless steel for a new project. I was thinking of making a <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80757AD.html">necklace</a>. It's a free pattern from Lion Brand. The thread is LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel. It's 75% wool and 25% stainless steel. It's supposed to be delicate and good at holding shapes, wonderful qualities for jewelry. I bought an purple cherry color and a wine color to mix<br />
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I'll tell you how it goes. This yarn has gotten mixed reviews. Some say it's hard to handle. Not a good yarn for a newbie.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-5270881261746889262009-08-23T09:00:00.005-04:002009-08-23T20:49:17.065-04:00Upholster This!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fabricmaster.net/catalog/upholstery_chart.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 635px;" src="http://www.fabricmaster.net/catalog/upholstery_chart.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Pic: <a href="http://www.fabricmaster.net/servlet/Detail?no=325">Fabricmaster.net</a></span>
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<br /><span>I'm taking an <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/ahh-i-should-post.html">upholstery</a> class in NYC: </span><a href="http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm">http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm</a><span>
<br />I'm a slight perfectionist, so I suck at this class. Perfection, or anything better than mediocrity, comes with experience. The same is true for knitting</span>. The first time you try to knit, it's usually a jumbled mess:
<br /><ul><li>Your tension is off
<br /></li><li>Stitches are twisted or dropped</li><li>Knit stitches are confused with purl stitches</li><li>Your rectangular scarf may end up being a triangular shawl</li></ul>But that's all okay. You can do bad at knitting and have something viable. Not so with upholstery.
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<br />As per our instructor (implied), it's best when everything is perfect: tension of springs and fabric, stapling, nailing, tying down twine - it's too much. I wouldn't mind an inept, lumpy ottoman that may break down eventually, but alas my instructor won't allow it.
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<br />Why is (re)upholstery so expensive? Because generally you have to do the damn thing over again. Yep, practically build everything from scratch - hopefully not the frame. For reupholstery though, you have an extra step, taking apart everything that was built, to fix it.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWHkghA4C7RM67yenWX68yO4vTH_cOMgw5XOjtBrLwv2jzsFHReGlQ-tP9oD1v7W5GcEYlu3h32fmiActiqepuf2RGVXn3X34ia0r3M5U1rDyXUlES83cYoP5zTi7ujoizthfZ1I6Ac4/s1600-h/IMG_9628.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWHkghA4C7RM67yenWX68yO4vTH_cOMgw5XOjtBrLwv2jzsFHReGlQ-tP9oD1v7W5GcEYlu3h32fmiActiqepuf2RGVXn3X34ia0r3M5U1rDyXUlES83cYoP5zTi7ujoizthfZ1I6Ac4/s320/IMG_9628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373319527799774354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Frame of my ottoman</span>
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<br />Generally there are springs in chairs, couches and ottomans. Chairs and couches have seat cushions on top of the springs. Ottomans have foam and stuff covering the springs. I think ottomans and small chairs are like upside down couches. The springs are built near the top of the frame, while couches and comfortable chairs have springs near the bottom with cushions on top. My examples will be for ottomans, which could mean they are upside down for couches. Whatever, it's all a lot of detailed work.
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<br />Furniture (furny) can break in a few ways - one way is broken springs. They can pop out underneath or on top (for couches- underneath the cushion). Either way the whole furny has to be redone, not just the one spring.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY7JrDBHez3wScskJ4Ruf46bcRYIlMdn_8mkgh3FmGYmrPbDCkThXiSEfXB2LHWGzmOeUh0I8w4-RT0qJUXgf3UNqEzgbo1342kb1ZpmKkE4lLQdgpjWdDBcUhHZEkvB06Ng96BGFBRU/s1600-h/IMG_9629.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY7JrDBHez3wScskJ4Ruf46bcRYIlMdn_8mkgh3FmGYmrPbDCkThXiSEfXB2LHWGzmOeUh0I8w4-RT0qJUXgf3UNqEzgbo1342kb1ZpmKkE4lLQdgpjWdDBcUhHZEkvB06Ng96BGFBRU/s320/IMG_9629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373314176867677506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >1st step: Webbing - crisscrossed, then springs are sewn on, then tied down with twine (below)</span>
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<br />If the spring pops out of the bottom, you have to redo all the webbing that the springs rest on. The webbing is crisscrossed and woven between each other - probably makes it sturdier. So if a piece of the webbing wears away, you have to redo it all - but first you have to undo that twine holding the springs down, then remove the springs from the webbing (see below). It may be worth it to buy a new chair.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIKcX1b1cw6NKh8gudNkcYUpZp8MlTIG2D6t9tiOtdLBBbrmZY5gTwXlE3t6_L86Y4sMTyAiQRTiU9LDlqXZSZ04B9Z4lMLJOGXywMrisknKtZszTvLGy0dOPkWxVYHuDUwzdJ8-XYls/s1600-h/IMG_9638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIKcX1b1cw6NKh8gudNkcYUpZp8MlTIG2D6t9tiOtdLBBbrmZY5gTwXlE3t6_L86Y4sMTyAiQRTiU9LDlqXZSZ04B9Z4lMLJOGXywMrisknKtZszTvLGy0dOPkWxVYHuDUwzdJ8-XYls/s320/IMG_9638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373315607372504626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(2nd-3rd step) Twine holding down springs. After this photo three more ties were made crosswise.</span>
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<br />If the spring pops out on top it means the twine tying them together has broken. Why not just add more twine to tie down spring? Because all the springs are tied together with a continuous rope lengthwise and another crosswise. You have to redo most of the ties, just to fix one.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqGKuUQgXgAVdUH2PsKM6Pp9G6jPWCCcQa_L5hJH9i8VVU25glMZrOYCjN9bKTBCNgUfXPKSurWfc3_maxli0whackvQYF05gxmFWKOZSESDI8UuNdJaPSMk6_ZVv91PUmtv_sZbJ5l0/s1600-h/IMG_9640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqGKuUQgXgAVdUH2PsKM6Pp9G6jPWCCcQa_L5hJH9i8VVU25glMZrOYCjN9bKTBCNgUfXPKSurWfc3_maxli0whackvQYF05gxmFWKOZSESDI8UuNdJaPSMk6_ZVv91PUmtv_sZbJ5l0/s320/IMG_9640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373320174919982178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >3rd step: all ties down. got rope burn from doing this. sad face. I'm ok, considering my instructor tied two of these lines. happy face</span>
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<br />That been said, even though the first 2 weeks were <meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,serif;">ü</span>ber hard, the third week was fun and I'm looking forward to the last week.
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<br />Have you taken any classes, then used that skill? Or did you realize that you should just hire someone to to the job?
<br />Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-8421809920570251922009-08-18T13:49:00.005-04:002012-03-07T13:56:46.601-05:00Blog PreviewsAhh, I should post. There's so much going on, I don't have time to write. So I'm going to do previews.<br />
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<a href="http://experiencepr.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/busy-lady.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://experiencepr.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/busy-lady.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 469px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 364px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Pic: <a href="http://www.movietome.com/users/_melody_/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25141138">movietome.com</a></span><br />
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Coming Soon with pics....<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Upholster This!</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">I'm taking an upholstery class in NYC: </span><a href="http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm" style="font-style: italic;">http://www.furniturejoint.com/classes.htm</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I'm a slight perfectionist, so I suck at this class...</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Warning: Don't Overdo The Shiny Yarn</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Finally found glittery yarn to accent my seaside crochet skirt. I went to 3 yarn stores and settled on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet Wavy Doily Update</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">My </span><a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/08/wavy-doily.html" style="font-style: italic;">wavy doily</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> is flattening out. Where there was extra fabric the pattern later calls for decreases. Smart. I have one more pineapple to do, so naturally I've put it down and moved on to another project. I've also bought some thread with stainless steel for a new project. I was thinking of making...</span><br />
<br />Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-70915816809429070952009-08-07T09:00:00.002-04:002009-08-07T09:00:05.094-04:00Wavy DoilySo I'm working on this oversized doily pattern from Crochet Today June / July 2007 issue. It's my first time using thread on a big project. Below is what it's supposed to look like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2149450781_03edf5327b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 289px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2149450781_03edf5327b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13576527@N03/2149450781">Flickr</a> via <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Angelica/doily-re-do">Ravelry.com</a></span><br /><br />Here's mine so far. Blurry pics.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjFa9X8WAZq3tX7kfDHJGLKiN5m1cjcpaXj3kTEHLgL2l9U4aP15rtbUZn94H6uOCqpwVp2_h78yod4MTzyUhdNDpdrqmH-shK2phWlMroaCUFwG_7OakD39DyLNtQQKOVQQDzPOjulo/s1600-h/Doily.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjFa9X8WAZq3tX7kfDHJGLKiN5m1cjcpaXj3kTEHLgL2l9U4aP15rtbUZn94H6uOCqpwVp2_h78yod4MTzyUhdNDpdrqmH-shK2phWlMroaCUFwG_7OakD39DyLNtQQKOVQQDzPOjulo/s200/Doily.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584765287221186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH0ku9GVakqZlwuqn7E_ekqnMhuFhQY_EY5nK2J05NzacTzOV3k3ZIBGlaXSltGKPRqjUghwZBTdt_b3QYGDQ2waP3jQLoq1JFxox_kKb0kavmy_PSc8RUJijaNbrzmSQ98ynW4O4l6w/s1600-h/IMG_9623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH0ku9GVakqZlwuqn7E_ekqnMhuFhQY_EY5nK2J05NzacTzOV3k3ZIBGlaXSltGKPRqjUghwZBTdt_b3QYGDQ2waP3jQLoq1JFxox_kKb0kavmy_PSc8RUJijaNbrzmSQ98ynW4O4l6w/s320/IMG_9623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588009486503522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Thread: Aunt Lydias Crochet Thread Size 10 color black<br />Hook Size: 8 - 1.5mm</span><br /><br />What's with the waves?<br /><br />These are the tightest crochet stitches, I've ever done. Crocheting with thread demands extra tension, because any variation shows easily. It's not hidden by the thickness of the yarn. Some major blocking is coming my way.<br /><br />For my non-knitting friends, blocking is the process of wetting or steaming the yarn and reshaping it to lay flat in the shape you want it. Eunny Jang has a great tutorial on her old <a href="http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/12/how_to_be_happy.html">blog</a>.<br /><br />If only my doily could block itself. It's so wavy~~~~~~Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-31897965732031646122009-08-05T09:00:00.001-04:002012-03-07T13:41:37.521-05:00Knitting Survey<br />
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I took this <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vkhd9bXfYHDKbv1x2HeAZQ_3d_3d"> survey</a>, for <a href="http://knittinglinguist.blogspot.com/">Knitting Linguist</a>. She's doing a research project on knitters and knitting communities. Reminds me of Darwin from the<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780425219096&itm=1">The </a></span><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780425219096&itm=1">Friday Night Knitting Club</a> by Kate Jacobs. But not as repressed.<br />
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Check it out. I learned that my stash is bigger than I thought.<br />
<br />Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-48947227512922939892009-08-03T09:00:00.007-04:002009-08-05T17:09:08.887-04:00Crochetez-Vous?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3374972506_aa6b898b09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 411px; height: 309px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3374972506_aa6b898b09.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I enjoy crocheting immensely. It's way easier than knitting. My stitches come out more even, and the whole process goes by way quicker. It's also easy to shape items as you go, that's why it's the easiest way to make flowers and other circular items.<br /><br />Crochet fabrics take up a lot of yarn, and there isn't as much variation in the stitches as in knitting. But it's great for thick, warm fabrics and lace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3374176451_d974591547.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 470px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3374176451_d974591547.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In the above baby dress, the yoke was single crochet, the midriff was single crochet crisscrossed. I skipped a stitch, crocheted the next stitch, then went back and crocheted the stitch I skipped. The body was a lace pattern from a crochet stitch library. The hem is shell stitch.<br /><br />I'm in charge of the crochet section in my store. We plan on developing a great selection of crochet threads along with all the yarns available. The threads are great for thin garments and crafts. I'm making a doily now, just because (pics later).<br /><br />Learn more about crochet at <a href="http://crochet.about.com/">about.com</a>. Check out my fave crochet blog, <a href="http://www.skymagenta.com/">Crochet & Craft</a>.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-76772933133558138192009-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:002009-07-30T00:39:37.376-04:00Fantasy Pattern - Man Cardigan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxpsUgDgNoFVoBfTSjuBYCskfa2cLjmda_qhAYUM_HBDDmq4CDebpZEixRrth3mgqOZEdUnFpaozBnOkAgsDuTf_httj48hU4AfFBebHN7fiJSz4oDoANS8CLojsqhrTvsVE2SFAbl3I/s1600-h/TomCruiseCardigan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxpsUgDgNoFVoBfTSjuBYCskfa2cLjmda_qhAYUM_HBDDmq4CDebpZEixRrth3mgqOZEdUnFpaozBnOkAgsDuTf_httj48hU4AfFBebHN7fiJSz4oDoANS8CLojsqhrTvsVE2SFAbl3I/s400/TomCruiseCardigan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354293062818262402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Source: <a href="http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/07/03/tom-cruise-birthday-boy-football/">Just Jared</a></span><br /><br />Check out Tom Cruise's double breasted cardigan! I love the shawl collar with the mock neck.<br /><br />The cable details on the sleeve and body, and that zigzag pattern on the front.<br /><br />Great gift for that special guy.<br /><br />If you had to make up a pattern, how would you design this?<br /><ol><li>How long do you think it would take to make this?</li><li>What color yarn would you use?<br /></li><li>What modifications would you do - sleeveless, single breasted?<br /></li><li>What closures would you use - covered buttons, zipper?</li></ol>My answers:<br /><br />This will take me a really long time to make. Definitely won't finish until next year. I would love to try this in an oatmeal or cream colored yarn. Dream: Cashmere. Reality: Not. Probably a wool blend, the cables will keep you warm. Add some large wood buttons for a natural style. I'll have to get a pattern for this one, seriously complicated. I think it looks perfect. No changes.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-10478764731508183222009-07-21T11:59:00.006-04:002012-03-07T13:38:17.794-05:00Maxwell and Michael & MichaelSo, I'm typing while listening to the beautiful Maxwell. I'm obsessed with the song <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=321159450&id=321159421&s=143441">Pretty Wings</a> from BLACKSummers' night.<br />
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Yes, I know I was obsessed with <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/07/bliss-on-subway.html">Beyonce's Halo</a>. That's still my song, forever. But Maxwell's phrasing and melody on Pretty Wings, is so emotional, that it just loops itself on my ipod by sheer emotion. Love.<br />
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Let's talk about the Michael & Michael Have Issues <a href="http://theknittingbelle.blogspot.com/2009/07/michael-michael-have-nothing-to-wear.html">premiere party</a>!<br />
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Last Wednesday, I donned a printed summer dress, I bought at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redlipstick/sets/1326772/">Red Lipstick</a>, a cute boutique in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.<br />
<a href="http://www.redlipstick.net/newspace/images/sign_1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.redlipstick.net/newspace/images/sign_1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 347px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 463px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Source: Redlipstick.net</span><br />
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Kinda like Anthropologie, but without the overpricing. The owner Stacey, is also a fabulous <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redlipstick/sets/1326772/">knitter</a>.<br />
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I wore red shoes and red lipstick. To top off the look, I wore lace textured stockings. It was all a bit of an overkill, but the party was at a bar / screening room, so it's dark...<br />
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They did a comedy set then we watched the show on a projected screen. It got a great reaction, and I hope you all saw it. I actually didn't work on this episode, because it was the pilot. But check out the rest. They're funnier.<br />
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Check out Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter on Jimmy Fallon tonight, I think 12:35 am EST on NBC. Then Wed, 10:30 pm EST on Comedy Central for the show.<br />
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Cheers!Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-24742483165031540012009-07-15T14:41:00.005-04:002012-03-07T13:38:47.938-05:00Michael & Michael Have Nothing To Wear<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
Michael & Michael Have Issues premieres tonight on Comedy Central 10:30PM / 9:30C!!!<br />
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I worked on this show, and tonight's the premiere party. I seriously have nothing to wear. I think I wore everything I own to set. Maybe I'll wear what I wore the first day of shooting. I remember that it was super cute. Gonna stretch out those shoes for a dangerous dance party. I don't know where I come up with these played out adjectives ("played out", are you for real?)<br />
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The show is really funny. Everyone was laughing on set, while we were shooting. Usually a no-no because it ruins the sound. It's a sitcom, with sketches in between like commercials. Here's a<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/arts/television/11michael.html?_r=3"> link</a> to the NY Times article.<br />
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Tell you about the party later. I'm promise to behave ;-)Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-36389772087177016182009-07-04T12:47:00.007-04:002009-07-04T12:58:18.345-04:00Happy 4th of JulyIndependence Day is one of my favorite holidays here in the U.S., even though I was born in England. I still feel connected to the theme of declaring your own independence. <br />Such a bold move. <br />Then to put it into writing, no joke.<br />Here's to deciding your own life.Knitting Bellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07122006792957280497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4038666657459715614.post-72976822457688749162009-07-03T09:00:00.007-04:002009-07-15T15:09:42.530-04:00Knitting Café - The Beginning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/UK4FNIpnF8XdLQEFTDBL0g/l"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 592px; height: 444px;" src="http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/UK4FNIpnF8XdLQEFTDBL0g/l" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The Point Knitting Café Via: Yelp</span><meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>
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<br />Ever since our beloved The Point Knitting Caf<meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>é in NYC closed, my days have been at a loss. I used to go there almost every day when I vacaying (waiting for a freelance job). Sometimes I wouldn't even knit. I'd bring my computer and break down scripts for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Script_supervisor">Script Supervisor</a> jobs. It was such a calming environment.
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<br />Other times I would meet by film friends and knit, talk about work, chat with people in the store, drink tea and eat peanut butter covered chocolate cupcakes.
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<br />The need for a regular knitting caf<meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>é was so great, that some of my knitting buddies decided that all that talk about wanting to open up a kniting caf<meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>é in another borough or another country some day, couldn't compare to opening up one in Manhattan this year.
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<br />Good thing I was saving up to buy an expensive condo. It became my knitting caf<meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --></style>é fund :-)
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<br />What new things are you excited about? What stage are you in?
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