tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84642960346391032192024-03-13T06:04:46.455-05:00cheryl knitsCheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-20834290885039669242009-10-01T12:07:00.001-05:002009-10-01T12:08:53.667-05:00New Blog!Hey, everyone! I've moved over to a new blog that I'm hoping to keep updated more regularly and start up my Etsy again.<br /><br />You can find me now <a href="http://lapoli.typepad.com">here</a>! I hope you'll come over and join me! :)Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-61507068323886952682009-05-24T06:17:00.002-05:002009-05-24T06:26:02.123-05:00Joining the ClubIt never fails that every time I sit down to update my blog, Miss Runtlets has an unstoppable urge to sit on my lap. She really is the sweetest little girl--good thing, too, because it makes it impossible to toss her off.<br /><br />So, dear blog readers, for this post, and all future posts, you can imagine a happy, purring, snuggly brown tabby kitten on my lap. I, on tne other hand, am going to try to happily ignore her.<br /><br />It's only Sunday morning but this weekend has felt so long. J had dental surgery on Friday that's left him swollen and in a lot of pain. I went to a "total body conditioning" class on Saturday and got my ass handed to me. A good friend of mine had, in the words of her psychologist, a "mild manic break" that's left me both worried and scared about her road to recovery. And, of course, what's a summer weekend without a wedding? Another of our friends has joined the "old & married" club.<br /><br />We clean up nicely, don't we?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3558554899_fe5e754b91_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3558554899_fe5e754b91_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It was a nice wedding--an outside, small-ish garden wedding and there really is nothing more romantic than watching two people exchange vows. I'm a closeted wedding cryer, but I managed to hold it together to take pictures (thank goodness for busy hands). <br /><br />Today, we're left cleaning and starting food prep for my parents to visit tomorrow.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-42591700346589069532009-05-17T07:53:00.004-05:002009-05-17T08:16:26.120-05:00Notes From the Weekend KitchenI've spent the majority of my weekend in the kitchen--I love the sudden bursts of culinary productivity!<br /><br />It started with picking up my <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa/">CSA box</a> from the <a href="http://www.carrborofarmersmarket.com/">farmer's market</a>. Inside were these amazing <a href="http://www.ecofarmnc.com/index.html">sugar snap peas</a>--they are the perfect raw snack.. crispy, slightly sweet. I stocked up on two extra quarts to last me through the week!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3538082139_f8a1b8c89b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3538082139_f8a1b8c89b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After picking up our box, I decided to pick strawberries before the season ends. We've been getting steady supplies through our CSA, but I like to freeze them so we can have strawberries throughout the year. The 40 lbs I picked last year lasted us until about a month ago. And, of course, nothing beats homemade, strawberry jam!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/3538894456_b62c9524c6_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/3538894456_b62c9524c6_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The nearly constant rain from this year has been really difficult on the strawberry crop. There were a lot of strawberries with rain damage and it was sad to see so many otherwise ripe strawberries going to waste. As I tend to clean them up as I prepare them for freezing, I tried to pick some of the not-so-beautiful strawberries. I didn't realize I had done that until I returned home and started cleaning them up. I spent almost 4 hours in the kitchen with 20-lbs of strawberries! <br /><br />While I was cutting, chopping and washing the strawberries, I got inspired to make some garlic herb bread for dinner last night. As I was occupied with the strawberries, I thought that finding a bread machine recipe was the way to go. I found one that looked decent and I faithfully loaded it into my bread machine. As I checked on its progress, it seemed too soft, so after an hour or two in the machine, I took it out, kneaded it by hand and added flour until it held together better.<br /><br />Was it a success? I suppose so, because as of this morning, this was all that was left:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/3538894792_7f50c60982_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/3538894792_7f50c60982_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Since I altered the recipe so much from its original form, I feel pretty good about posting the recipe that I ended up with. Some of the measurements aren't exact--I'm sorry bakers, but I am not a baker. Measuring ingredients precisely is one of the reasons why I don't bake more than I do. :) <br /><br />Garlic-Herb Cheese Bread:<br /><br />In a bread machine, add the following:<br /><br />1 1/4 c warm water<br />3 c unbleached flour<br />2 T sugar<br />2 T softened butter<br />3 T cheese (est.) (I used sharp cheddar)<br />1 T yeast<br />5 t total - your choice of seasonings. I used two cloves garlic, oregano, salt.<br /><br />I let my bread machine mix the mixture for about an hour and a half until I couldn't stand watching it any longer and thought I could do better if I kneaded it by hand. When I pulled it out of the machine, it was a very, very soft and sticky dough. I added 1/4 c flour and kneaded it until it was still soft, but less sticky. All together, I'm guessing I added a total of 3/4 c - 1 c flour.<br /><br />After I was happy with the dough consistency, I folded in some extra cheese, probably about half a cup. I patted it into a medium bread loaf pan to rise for about 30 minutes.<br /><br />In a preheated, 350 degree oven, I baked it for about 30 minutes and then checked it every 5-7 minutes. It took about an hour to cook altogether, but as your loaf pan may be a different size or material, I'd recommend keeping an eye on it.<br /><br />The end result was delicious--the bread has an amazingly soft, light texture and as we will be fighting over the last piece, I imagine I'll be making more soon!<br /><br />If you try the recipe, please let me know how it turns out!Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-34705043584579724732009-05-03T17:55:00.003-05:002009-05-03T18:09:52.851-05:00Forgotten Knitting + My Dog is Trying to Tell Me Something<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3498934190_cd98abed32.jpg?v=1241391222"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3498934190_cd98abed32.jpg?v=1241391222" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's been one of those... well, what do you call it? Weeks from hell? Yes, one of those. Not that anything has happened that's so terrible to me, but it seems like everyone around me is grappling with some enormous personal struggle. It feels like there's one giant inhale.. and no one wants to exhale.<br /><br />Me? Things are okay but life can just be <span style="font-style:italic;">exhausting</span> sometimes. I have piles of to-do lists and less than 5 hours before my weekend ends. <br /><br />My mother-in-law spent the better part of the weekend with us. It was a nice visit, punctuated with frequent thrifting, a perfect trip to the farmer's market and delicious meals. She left this morning and I've spent the day doing laundry and trying to get the house ready for the week.<br /><br />One of the things that concerns us most is, always, Q's behavior. I will admit to being a tad partial, but he IS much better than he used to be. Of course, with company, you always hope that your "children" are on good behavior. And Q started off the visit with a bang. So to speak.<br /><br />Q frequently has joint problems, so I try to give him <a href="http://www.dogswell.com/happy_hips">Happy Hips</a> that have Glucosamine supplement to keep him nice and strong. Runt, who is immensely curious about anything bigger than her that she can jump on, likes to sometimes jump on the fridge and knocks down gifts to the grateful Q below. Of course, these things don't happen while we're at home. Oh, no. They wait to happen until we have guests (and my MIL, at that), and then they're not just tiny problems, but larger, longer-lasting problems. <br /><br />Long story short, it appears as if Runt knocked down an ENTIRE (read: brand new) bag of Happy Hips, to which Q ate all of. Every last one. This not only led to swollen-belly Q, but also farting Q and the Q that got to sleep alone downstairs. Which in turn, led to difficulties with the outside life, too. Because Q is so hairy, he, ahem, sometimes gets things stuck which leads him to an immediate bath. I will spare you the details, but I'm thankful that I have an awesome husband and a pretty good dog, and with some snipping and some other disgusting maneuvers, we managed to get everything cleaned up.<br /><br />Everything good, right? <br /><br />So, jump forward to today, when I gave Q a toy for being (mostly) good during the weekend. A nice innocent toy..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3498120007_c981368f19.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3498120007_c981368f19.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard when I turned the toy around to find this greeting me:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3498120333_6857990b62.jpg?v=1241391408"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3498120333_6857990b62.jpg?v=1241391408" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I think my dog is trying to tell me something.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-58770492837744157182009-04-19T10:13:00.002-05:002009-04-19T10:22:46.612-05:00AdjustmentsWell, the "thing in the wall," I guess, has found its way back outdoors. It's been over a week and I don't smell anything unusual seeping from the walls of the den, so we can put that saga behind us. Thankfully.<br /><br />Adjusting back into a 40-hr work week has been difficult. I feel like I haven't seen J in about three weeks. I haven't knit a stitch. My energy and patience for almost everything have waned. Strangely, in some odd ways, I'm feeling more productive, but in others, remarkably less so. It's a strange middle ground and I know that things are not going to get better.. ever, really. So, I need to prioritize, find peace and strength in times where I'm roaring on the inside and unstable on the outside. I need to carve out little niches of time that are for me only. <br /><br />But enough complaining, as I actually have exciting news that I haven't shared with you yet! My fiber (from my sadly empty <a href="http://lapoli.etsy.com">Etsy</a> store) made it into the <a href="http://spinoffmagazine.com/blogs/spinoff/archive/2009/03/12/spin-off-spring-2009.aspx">Spring 2009 Spin Off Magazine</a>! How cool is that? <br /><br />Anyway, in one of my oddly productive ways, I've started making these tiny little batts. They are usually a bit over half an ounce and I think they're fun and really, really cute!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3446072516_49b4ac4a2f.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3446072516_49b4ac4a2f.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a>Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-9724451734340044522009-04-06T20:21:00.002-05:002009-04-06T20:34:38.728-05:00There is Something Alive in My Wall.For the last three, no, four, days, the kittens have taken to staring at this particular wall. At first, of course, we wrote it off to the kitten crazies. (I can't tell you how often I've walked into the room and Pig has been on his back feet catching <span style="font-style:italic;">nothing</span> between his front paws.) Runt is prone to being overly curious about everything, so staring at the wall, really, just seemed the next in line of her unexplainable hobbies. Then, we started tossing around the idea that perhaps it wasn't CRAZY, but maybe they were having a religious experience? Do kittens have those? <br /><br />Last night, as J napped on the couch and I, instead of deciding what to knit, poked around on Ravelry, I heard scratching. I look over the "the wall" and Runt has curiously twisted her head, her eyes gazed upwards. Next, we hear a thump. A couple more minutes of listening and I know we've got something...alive. In our walls. <br /><br />Seeing that it's been there now for four days, I'm pretty certain its end will follow the path of every other animal that's been caught in a wall: look for path outside, scratch at the wall, look for food. What, no food? Death. Decomposition. Unusable room due to death stench for two months.<br /><br />I sent J on a man mission today to find whatever animal has lodged itself within this wall. I have three cats. Three. I shouldn't have to deal with ANY animal problem. Three cats! What am I feeding them for? <br /><br />Pig is staking out the wall, now cutting in front of whomever happens to be closest. Runtlet is doing belly dances and flips around the ottoman, pretending like she doesn't care (though she's the watchman). I have three cats and a husband. I shouldn't have burrowing animals in my wall. It's a bit... disturbing.<br /><br />I just hope it's big and fat and had some reserves before it kicks the bucket.<br /><br />And because I don't just want to talk about death smells, it seems that my carder and I are on speaking terms again:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3413933247_a1fd1652b5.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3413933247_a1fd1652b5.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Ack! The game has started! I can already hear the helicopter outside!Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-67740781345968282982009-04-04T18:11:00.003-05:002009-04-04T18:27:01.326-05:00Spring Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3412332265_d406584524.jpg?v=0"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3412332265_d406584524.jpg?v=0" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />See, the thing about spring is that you can have a room full of options and still be indecisive. Should I work on the front panel of the Fair Isle Yoke Sweater? Or start a pair of socks? 13 hours later, and I still haven't made up my mind, so I've done <span style="font-style:italic;">nothing.</span> Great, isn't it?<br /><br />I did sprain my ankle falling down the front stairs Wednesday morning. No, Q was not involved--I just fell on my own graces. This morning was the first day I've walked without a limp, but it my ankle is feeling better.<br /><br />I'm also on the hunt for <span style="font-style:italic;">the dress</span>. You know, THE dress. My very amazing husband has even given the okay to spend an ungodly amount of money finding one. We'll see. I looked through a bunch of websites and haven't found it yet. I'd prefer something vintage, knee-length with a nice, summery print. Either blue or green. And it has to be spectacular. I will know it when I see it, but I haven't seen it yet. I did find <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3019463/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014174?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014174&P=8">this</a> beauty at Nordstroms, but I hate that it only comes in navy, so I'm still looking. I'm scoping out the vintage site where I found my wedding dress--if it worked once, it'll work again... right?Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-6991607712706343302009-03-31T17:46:00.002-05:002009-03-31T17:54:42.450-05:00March Charity Knitting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3403002028_dde8c47c7c.jpg?v=1238539523"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3403002028_dde8c47c7c.jpg?v=1238539523" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A snap of my March charity knitting. I've completed one baby hat and 5 afghan squares. Once all those annoying ends are sewn in, they'll be going to their new home in Durham and then donated to local charities in need. I hope to complete more in April, but with the recent changes afoot here, we'll have to see. <br /><br />I finally saw a bird in our new bird feeder. The kittens were instantly on the feeder. I imagine their reaction was something similar to the coyote looking at the roadrunner, but seeing only juicy, tender meals. At least it gives them something to do other tha playing Tarzan on the couch.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-10318527130192757702009-03-30T17:46:00.003-05:002009-03-30T17:55:21.914-05:00Impromptu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3400126964_1bbc0c2d6d.jpg?v=1238453167"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3400126964_1bbc0c2d6d.jpg?v=1238453167" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I think the most amazing part of nuno felting is how something so organic, so freeform can become so beautiful. It's well worth all the rolling and arm aches to see wool and silk mingling to form a solid fiber. This is my newest creation, made with a coworker yesterday afternoon who wanted to learn to do it herself.<br /><br />Our felting engagement became quickly an impromptu dinner date. Her husband came over and we shared a spur-of-the-moment dinner (isn't that the best kind?) and a bottle of wine, good conversation and I then spent the rest of the evening pulling out different yarn and sharing my passions with someone who shared my fiber-y enthusiasm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3399319069_7db22c0cd7.jpg?v=1238453149"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/3399319069_7db22c0cd7.jpg?v=1238453149" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Our new (squirrel-proof, at least according to the box) bird feeder is hanging up outside our living room window. I have yet to see a single bird feed, but J said earlier that there had been several... and that they had caught the eye of two curious kittens.<br /><br />I start back in the real world this week, my luxuriously long weekends now gone. With the economy the way it is, I am lucky to have a job that wants me to work MORE, not less. I'll need to spend the next couple weeks readjusting my time, my time management and my priorities. It has been, however, a beautiful weekend to end with.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-39352579595963543342009-03-27T12:10:00.003-05:002009-03-27T12:47:47.077-05:00Making ButterWhat do you do on a rainy weekend?<br /><br />Make butter!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/3389564549_e9487dfc87.jpg?v=1238173568"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/3389564549_e9487dfc87.jpg?v=1238173568" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Making butter is <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> easy. I followed some <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=6&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motherearthnews.com%2FReal-Food%2F1978-03-01%2FHow-to-Make-Fresh-Butter-without-a-separator-without-a-churn-and-without.aspx&ei=BBDNSYO-FsGMtgfVsqzrCQ&usg=AFQjCNH2rpi2i5R4HydBS58L18d--G3tBw&sig2=ksnrXUoSqxmgn514Jt7Oyw">online tutorials </a>, but basically, you start with heavy cream and shake and shake and shake until you end up with butter. Not only did I get two delicious crocks of butter, we've got buttermilk for pancakes tomorrow morning!<br /><br />In knitting news, I've finally cast on for for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-isle-yoke">Fair Isle Yoke from Stitch in Time</a> (warning for link-followers--it takes you to Ravelry which you'll need an account for to see the pattern.) I've also got the yarn for <a href="http://cocoknits.com/knit/garments/women/katarina.html">Katarina</a> which is part of the <a href="http://knitmoregirls.blogspot.com/">Knitmore Girl</a>'s podcast's knit-a-long. I'm not typically a joiner, so we'll see how my enthusiasm keeps up.<br /><br />Other than that, it looks like it's shaping up to be another weekend of house cleaning and laundry. Not much else to do when your 5-day forecast looks like mine.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-92058231239830566502009-03-22T13:00:00.001-05:002009-03-22T13:02:08.324-05:00Congrats!Congrats to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12434395798719359718">Monique</a>! She was the closest to guessing my stash mileage. Monique, would you be so kind to email me (lapoliknits at gmail dot com) with your address and I'll see that your squishy, beautiful sock yarn hits the mail this week!Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-24755108219848536382009-03-21T08:42:00.003-05:002009-03-21T08:53:22.596-05:00Last Chance! Sweet Pea Blanket and Charity KnittingToday is the last day you'll have to enter the contest to win the fabulous Chameleon Colorworks sock yarn! (Believe me, I don't part with yarn easily.) If you're not signed up for Blogger but still want to enter, please email me at lapoliknits at gmail dot com. I'll give everyone until noon tomorrow!<br /><br />I feel like I've had a pretty productive weekend, so far. I've really been in the mood to cook! The two loaves of homemade bread I made on Thursday are practically gone (and can I mention here how much I forget how wonderful homemade bread is with a little honey?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3370760739_2182a74eff_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3370760739_2182a74eff_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3372702268_2ebbca9622_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3372702268_2ebbca9622_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The tofu jerky I made yesterday survived the night, so we'll be able to enjoy it today. It rarely lasts more than 12 hours--I usually wake up to find that my husband has eaten it all night before!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3371582236_62257303cf_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3371582236_62257303cf_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I started on the Sweet Pea Blanket for a fillet-sized baby (not yet born!) (Oh, and mom and dad, <span style="font-style:italic;">definitely not mine.. don't worry!</span>). <br /><br />I've finished up a bunch of charity knitting this week, too. I'd like to find some time each week that I dedicate only to knitting for charity. Documenting all my stash really made me realize that I'm fortunate to have so much and made start thinking about sharing with others. There are a lot of really wonderful charities you can knit for (and I'd encourage anyone interested to check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Peace-World-Better-Stitch/dp/1584795336">Knitting for Peace</a> as a great resource/starting point), but I was interested in finding a local group that needed knitters. I emailed several people I had found online and finally (!) I heard back from <span style="font-style:italic;">one</span>. I've finished up two afghan blocks and started on a preemie hat.<br /><br />Anyway, it's early Saturday and I'd like to get a good start for the day. I think I'll be making some more bread, but I also think I may make some peanut butter/maple cookies, too. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and I'll announce the contest winner tomorrow!Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-33816715638092443792009-03-19T08:57:00.003-05:002009-03-19T09:03:18.986-05:00The Prize for the Stash ContestKeep the guesses coming! We're up to 7 now, but you still have until Sunday to pick a number (any number!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3367221163_96d2a06657_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3367221163_96d2a06657_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I've picked out a prize for the winner, too. I've selected the <a href="http://www.chameleoncolorworks.com/home.htm">Chameleon Colorworks</a> Footsie sock yarn in a colorway called "Klee." I thought it was a perfect springtime sock yarn and since it's languishing in my stash, I will happily add it to the contest winner's stash. It's a 75% superwash wool, 25% nylon yarn and approx 400yds in the skein.<br /><br />Keep your guesses coming! There are still three full days left in the contest. I was going to help everyone along by taking a picture of my craft room but the cats have made up their own contest this week to see how quickly they can destroy my spinning fiber stash, leaving the craft room in a state unfit for pictures. If, by some miracle, I can clean it up enough that it looks presentable, I'll be posting a photo here. If not, you'll just have to use your imagination.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-63735920379152142042009-03-15T12:37:00.003-05:002009-03-15T12:44:27.293-05:00Lordy Lordy, Ain't It Great!Q-jamins is turning.. four?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3356325553_c563690041_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3356325553_c563690041_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />See what a patient puppy he is? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3356324871_e51c54bdcc_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3356324871_e51c54bdcc_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For his birthday, I made four homemade tartlets for Q. One was banana, one was banana/peanut butter, one was pb/carob and the last was carob. Spoiled!<br /><br />Thank you for all who have more faith in my destashing than I do.. stash contest is now up to 4 votes! There's still a week left--I'll be posting prizes soon, too. I will say that it's good for me to have now listed mostly everything in a giant excel spreadsheet. I can sort by weight, I can see everything in my stash at once, and I can record everything I knit this year to see how much I knit up in a year.<br /><br />Still raining.. J has a friend in town, I think we'll be meeting up with her soon.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-29860471041736665542009-03-13T16:38:00.002-05:002009-03-13T16:47:45.468-05:00The "Is Anyone Reading?" Stash ContestBecause of a ball winding debacle this morning, my fibery pursuits have been limited. I've long wanted to know how many miles of yarn I have, so today, I've begun the documenting process necessary to find an answer.<br /><br />So, my dear reader, I am having my very first blog contest.<br /><br />I haven't determined a prize as of yet, as my brain is a little frazzled, but I will post the prize to be awarded before the end of the contest.<br /><br />The question you have to answer is simple: how many miles of yarn do I have in my stash?<br /><br />You should know the following: I am not counting the acrylic yarn I have stashed under our bed upstairs, miscellaneous handspun from a fiber festival that was labeled only in weight, not in yards. I am currently "in progress" on a project, I will not count the skein of yarn that is attached to my needles. I will, however, count the rest of the yarn not currently in use. (Does that make sense?) I will also not count half-used skeins, as I have a scientifically sound method of organizing the yardage, I'm just lazy.<br /><br />The closest person to guess without going over will win.. something. The contest will end next Sunday, March 22nd.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-78398814499788421202009-03-13T07:38:00.002-05:002009-03-13T07:49:03.657-05:00Hap BlanketThe <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/accessories/hap-blanket/">hap blanket</a> is finally finished!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3351446180_5a8fae31ec_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3351446180_5a8fae31ec_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3350622571_52db21a0eb_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3350622571_52db21a0eb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3350622251_ebe7d9d062_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3350622251_ebe7d9d062_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I <span style="font-style:italic;">love</span> it! It's soft, beautiful, and I think I may go curl up underneath it with all this rainy weather. I didn't have a chance to swatch for <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/sweaters/coraline/">Coraline</a> yesterday. I think I may try that, as well as swatch for the Wakame Lace Tunic from last year's summer IK. I figure that I may as well cast on for something that seems.. seasonal?Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-49681546756400640962009-03-12T08:10:00.002-05:002009-03-12T08:23:53.826-05:00I am thankful this week that I have my full weekend to unwind, decompress and to knit! Last weekend, I spent elbow-deep in mucky sheep fleece. This weekend, I intend to finish up some UFOs (do you see that side bar over there?!) and maybe start on some new ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3347545349_ca6aa88e7d_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3347545349_ca6aa88e7d_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have finished up two projects this week.. a pair of socks and a pair of soap holders. The soap holders are a remake from a lost int'l package that will be resent today (and hopefully this time they will make it to their destination). The socks are for a swap, too. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3347152813_4df3c09101_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3347152813_4df3c09101_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday, the mailman was kind enough to leave my package of warm wooly goodness at the doorstep for me. I ordered four skeins of <a href="https://shelridge.com/index.php?cPath=44_48">Shelridge Farms DKW</a> for <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/sweaters/coraline/">Coraline</a>. Reading the pattern more closely last night made me a little nervous that I don't have enough yardage, but I think if I find that's the case, I may do 3/4 length sleeves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3347158781_80ed56aebc_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3347158781_80ed56aebc_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I am hopefully going to swatch for Coraline this weekend. Otherwise, I'll be working on the last twenty rows of my <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/accessories/hap-blanket/">Hap Blanket</a>.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-18121088018074808052009-03-08T12:36:00.003-05:002009-03-08T12:40:42.952-05:00Progress!Many of the tips from the fleece need to be flicked open... I was feeling a bit frustrated this morning until I looked over at a pile of discarded, raw fleece on the side of the deck. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3337863227_a1d33439c6_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3337863227_a1d33439c6_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I do say there's been an improvement, no?<br /><br />Yesterday afternoon I got impatient, so I quickly carded up some of the gray shetland so I could begin spinning:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3337862807_eede77ac57_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3337862807_eede77ac57_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's spinning so finely. I think I'll be able to get a DK/Sport 2-ply of it, which is probably the finest I've spun so far. I'd like to be able to get a fingering weight 2-ply (or even try for a 3-ply) but my spinning skills are still lacking.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-36258560141863556572009-03-07T12:49:00.002-05:002009-03-07T12:55:46.874-05:00Saturday.. nom nom nom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3335941396_3fa0179b92_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3335941396_3fa0179b92_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />2.6lb of a fawn-colored shetland fleece. It's drying in the sun now (this was before picking and washing) but it's nice and squishy and oh, I can't wait for it to dry! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3335941224_cac22d890c_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3335941224_cac22d890c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Nom nom nom. Delicious moorit gray/brown shetland. Here, still raw, but it cleaned up so beautifully. <br /><br />What else, you ask? Handmade pie crust (a la Mastering the Art of French Cooking) in the fridge for tonight's custard pie. 5 skeins hand-painted yarn. 5 inches of sock knitting. Isn't that enough???Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-37001661161192219992009-03-06T08:29:00.004-05:002009-03-06T08:43:11.367-05:00A Stitch in Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3333224374_262e5a1d8a.jpg?v=1236346128"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3333224374_262e5a1d8a.jpg?v=1236346128" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />A Grade 2 AC Joint Separation has J temporarily without hobbies. The ortho doctor said yesterday 4 weeks no motorcycle, 6 weeks without skating. Of course, the doctor didn't say anything about driving oneself to the "Watchmen" midnight showing down the road. I'm thankful to have sat, or slept, that one out, as he didn't make it home before 3am.<br /><br />In yesterday's mail, I was surprised to find my copy of <a href="http://shop.knitonthenet.com/">"A Stitch in Time"</a> which came surprisingly fast from the UK. I had promised myself I wouldn't get excited about it until week three but now, I can easily spend all weekend flipping through (and drooling over) the gorgeous patterns. The book is absolutely gorgeous, complete with beautiful photography. I'm happy, too, to see that the book contains both the original knitting pattern as well as the modern rewrite, as it will certainly impact how I look at vintage knitting patterns from now on. I saw, too, on Ravelry, that there is talk of a second volume within the next year, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment. The only downside to such a terrific book is trying to decide what to knit first.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-47447462537877652232009-01-17T08:19:00.002-05:002009-01-17T08:39:17.156-05:00On and On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3201325729_fa60c053b6_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3201325729_fa60c053b6_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />"Spring is Coming?" - handspun yarn spun from <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com">Spunky Eclectic</a> roving. South African Fine Wool--beautiful and fun to spin. About 63 yards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3202933859_41ac589813_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3202933859_41ac589813_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />"Toxic Avenger" from art batts by Craftster's frankierevolver--made of wool, silk noils and glitz. This came out to about 25 yards. Fun spinning as I just let the universe have its way with it.. I think this is enough to make a funky neckwarmer, or to use as an accent on a hat or scarf.<br /><br />This week, I've spent plenty of time browsing over on <a href="http://www.bookmooch.com">BookMooch</a>--I highly recommend everyone running over there to try it out. It's a free website to join and use and the only costs you'll incur are costs shipping paperbacks/magazines/etc to people who have requested them. You are awarded points for adding books to your inventory that you're willing to part with. Each time a book in your inventory is requested, you get a point that you can then turn around and request another book from someone else. Because it's an international community, you also have access to books in other countries that you wouldn't in the US, or if you're looking for a book in another language, it's much easier to find. Have I mentioned, too, that it's a terrific way to recycle all your old books? <br /><br />I, shamefully, haven't knit a stitch since last Sunday. I think today's a day to devote to the couch, Hank Williams, and a bunch of long-forgotten projects.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-52669519026314101942009-01-12T20:14:00.003-05:002009-01-12T20:17:48.223-05:00Armless Wabbit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3180834918_cf9cb98524_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3180834918_cf9cb98524_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3171785967_c18e29bd73_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3171785967_c18e29bd73_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3190215562_3134f2a449_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3190215562_3134f2a449_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />New year, new crafts. Soy wax votive candles, a nuno felted scarf and an armless rabbit are all parading around here while my knitting waits.<br /><br />Don't worry--I haven't forgotten my goals this year. They're just on the back burner for a little bit.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-83694604669427331802008-12-04T12:59:00.001-05:002008-12-04T13:00:19.618-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3082805770_a0e1cc4d27_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3082805770_a0e1cc4d27_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Not a ton of knitting finished so far this week but I'm hoping that will change with the start of my weekend.<br /><br />Now if only my house would find a way to clean itself...Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-43374304982237206352008-11-29T09:16:00.002-05:002008-11-29T09:38:23.322-05:00Knitting Goals 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3067426697_81bdb4dcb6_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3067426697_81bdb4dcb6_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We celebrated <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adbusters.org%2Fcampaigns%2Fbnd&ei=Jk8xSf2CMYyQ9QSdp6DrCg&usg=AFQjCNEXcgW7zH2FAC70J1q7PGDlYS93QA&sig2=D86zB2uvc3b5xRwgJWlrvQ">Buy Nothing Day</a> by a trip to our local thrift store. In addition to the 5 wool (1 cashmere!) sweaters, we found these vintage sewing books. I think they'll be perfect for J's clothing modification projects.<br /><br />I've started thinking about knitting for 2009. With all the hats I've been making, I'm itching to start something more challenging and interesting, though I feel that, in fairness, I shouldn't start on anything until after holiday knitting is over.<br /><br />So, here's my preliminary list of what I'd like to knit in 2009:<br /><br />*<a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring Blanket</a> by Brooklyn Tweed<br />*<a href="http://www.purlbee.com/kusha-kusha-scarf/">Kusha Kusha Scarf</a> by Habu Textiles<br />*<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/97519060@N00/536784331/">Myrtle Leaf Shawl</a> from <a href="http://www.stitchesmarket.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=7406&cat=214&page=2">Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby</a><br />*sweater for J, possibly the <a href="http://interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Woven-Bands-Pullover.asp">Woven Bands Pullover</a> in the new IK or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68971937@N00/2185862752/">Smokin'</a> (another Brooklyn Tweed)<br /><br />I think that's enough at the moment. I know this won't be all, or it could change, but this is what I'm thinking of now.Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8464296034639103219.post-70449176748489604602008-11-28T08:12:00.004-05:002008-11-28T08:23:36.874-05:00Thanksgiving + AfterWell, luckily, I'm feeling better today. I've heard from several people in the area that there's a weird bug going around--runny nose, aches, slight fever. The good news is that it lasts a couple of days and it's gone, so I can return to doing laundry and knitting.<br /><br />Of course, not that knitting ever ceases:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3063828608_d7d7c537f5_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/3063828608_d7d7c537f5_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />... there's the owl-cabled hat. The dark wool makes the cables a bit difficult to make out, but they look like little horned owls.<br /><br />And, of course, Thanksgiving Day knitting, where I was joined by an unexpected visitor:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3063828362_2815c92372_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3063828362_2815c92372_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />(He's usually too busy with his sleeping-under-the-bed routine to bother with us humans)<br /><br />And the results of what I was working on:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/3064973451_b9de2aa10b_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/3064973451_b9de2aa10b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I wouldn't say that I <span style="font-style:italic;">designed</span> this baby hat, as it was based off a picture of someone's <a href="http://www.wists.com">Wists</a> and I just used it as a guide. The original creator sells them on <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy</a>, so I wouldn't say that I created this at all--BUT, there are parts of this hat I am really proud of + excited to have figured out. I think it turned out pretty cute, wouldn't you agree?Cheryl Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15267489791737187102noreply@blogger.com2