tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38576576185110445982024-03-13T07:06:32.857-04:00Bad Cats, Good KnitsAllie's foray into the wide world of knittingAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-40625655044813416222016-09-28T20:24:00.001-04:002016-09-28T20:24:21.711-04:00An AnnouncementI have an announcement! <br />
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Well, two announcements, really. <br />
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First, I am now taking on work as a tech editor! I've completed Joeli's learn to tech edit course and have helped a few clients already and have an eye to take on more. If this is something that would interest you or you know someone who would be interested, please don't hesitate to contact me.<br />
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And that brings me to my second announcement: Bad Cats, Good Knits is moving! My new page is located <a href="https://badcatsgoodknits.com/blog/">here</a>. Please come check me out!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-65357591182307835852015-06-17T15:09:00.002-04:002015-06-17T15:10:23.191-04:00Saint Rémy<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is rather a late post and I'm sure you've all noticed by now, but if you haven't, my sweater pattern, Saint <span style="line-height: 17px;">Rémy</span><span style="line-height: 17px;"> </span>in the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff15/PATTsaintremy.php">latest issue of Knitty</a>!!</span><br />
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That's me!! I am simply beside myself with excitement. This is my very first professionally published pattern and in <i>Knitty</i>!! I could gush for roughly years about how happy this makes me, but will suffice to say that I am deeply flattered and honored to be included in such an illustrious and well-seasoned publication. Thank you, too, all those involved in the decision-making and editing processes that made this possible. Another big thank you to Bristol Ivy for her absolutely stunning photography!</div>
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My first inspiration was the color palette - the vibrant contrast of the canary yellow against a deep, regal blue - and was unable to break away from images of starry skies. And, art history dork that I am, I kept coming back to Vincent Van Gogh's <i>Starry Night</i>, struck by the similarities in color and shape between my swatches and the Dutch painter's depiction of the night sky of <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saint-</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">Rémy-de-Provence, France. Thus, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saint </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">Rémy, the sweater was born!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">The yarn is Quince & Co.'s Finch, a smooth, but delightfully springy fingering weight yarn. I think it's fair to say this is my new favorite yarn. It comes in an astonishingly vibrant variety of colors and the smooth ply is equally friendly to cables and colorwork. Plus, it's soft and squishy and a real pleasure to wear. I totally could not wait for the first rainy day after this pattern came out just so I could take her out in public - who cares if it's June?? (I mean, those photos were taken last August, anyway)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saint </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">Rémy is an elegant, fitted sweater suitable for work or play. The brilliantly colored yoke draws the eye upward to the wearer's face and the subtle waist shaping serves to flatter any body type. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">So please, tell all your friends! Add it to your <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saint-remy">Ravelry</a> queue! Cast it on and give it a go! If you have any questions or confusion, please shoot me an email.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Now that I've finished my little electronic happy dance, I hope you all have a lovely fiber-ful day!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">-Allie</span></span></div>
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<br />Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-81117251352461177032015-03-10T11:32:00.000-04:002015-06-17T15:10:04.217-04:00Allerton CowlMeet the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/allerton-cowl">Allerton Cowl</a>!<br />
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My latest cowl pattern comes in TWO sizes this time, worsted (above) and bulky (below)! </div>
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The half-lace, half-stockinette pattern is a real breeze to knit (I knit the entire worsted version while watching the Super Bowl), but never boring. </div>
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Exceptionally elegant:</div>
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And supremely cozy:</div>
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The worsted version calls for Quince & Co. Lark and the bulky for Quince & Co. Puffin, both beautiful, smooth yarns that feel so lovely against the skin. I'm so proud of the way this one came out!!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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-Allie</div>
<br />Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-83792580269682201472015-02-23T13:52:00.002-05:002015-02-23T13:53:33.811-05:00Rook: A SweaterAn actual, full-sized person sweater! Hurray!<br />
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Please excuse the terrible lighting - I was just so excited to finally have my husband home and available to take pictures (poor thing's a tax accountant :( ). Can you just see the delight in my face? It could be Walker's presence...or it could be that sweater. It's just that pretty.</div>
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I really love this sweater - it's so cozy and warm and look at all the pretty cabling down the front! It's mirrored on the back and, to a lesser extent, down the sleeves. I wore this bad boy skiing a few weeks ago and barely felt the cold! I probably couldn't say the same thing if I were to venture out today, but that's February in New England for you. -21 degree windchill just hurts my fingers to type!</div>
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I ended up making it a little bit wide for myself - you can especially see that in the sleeves, but that means it's the perfect size to wear over a blouse to the office. I swear I must have the coldest corner in our building, so I expect that this sweater will be making many an appearance before spring comes.</div>
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The patter is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rook-2">Rook</a> by Kyoko Nakayoshi. It took me a couple of tries to get started, but mostly because I didn't like the raglan increases as written. They seemed to like yarn over based increases and, frankly, they look a little sloppy to me on a cabled sweater, so I changed it to lifted increases. You can actually see a little hole on my left shoulder where I tried and abandoned the yarn over increases. Live and learn, right?</div>
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I also made the mistake of overestimating the amount of yarn I would need to make this sweater, but that just means that I get a matching hat now, too!<br />
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This one's another Brooklyn Tweed pattern by Jared Flood: Skiff. I looove huge cabled patterns like this one - it means they never got boring! They're simple enough that you can memorize the shape of it, but you don't get bogged down in endless repeats.<br />
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The yarn I used for both of them is Knit Picks Full Circle Worsted. I really like it for cables - they tend to pop nicely, plus it's super soft. Beware, though, it's not an easy yarn to work with. It's not spun very tightly (at all), so watch out for splitting. And don't abuse the finished garment since it tends to grow a little. Or a lot, in the case of my first foray into cat sweaters (I still have a small bump on my forehead from chasing him under the dining table!). Do not use this yarn for pet garments! The looseness does give it a considerable amount of loft and a lot of insulation, though - super warm! Great pieces for a cold day like today!<br />
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What is your favorite yarn for bitterly cold days?<br />
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-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-21868900178023653752015-02-09T15:16:00.001-05:002015-02-09T15:16:19.263-05:00A Little Winter StashbustingRemember me complaining about being over winter about a month ago? And that was <i>before </i>all these storms! It seems like we've gotten a snow storm every other day! We're seriously running out of places to put the snow. I ask myself every morning why on Earth we decided to live in Maine.<br />
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...and then I go into my closet and see all the warm winter woollies! (Bear with me - I'm looking for the silver lining). Californians just don't get the same kind of sweater selection. And come on, you don't get to wear octopus gloves in Miami!!<br />
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How cute are they?? I mean, when you put them on, your fingers become tentacles!<br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kraken-knuckles">Kraken Knuckles</a> by Annie Watts and they were almost as much fun to knit as to wear. That inventive pattern never gets boring and did I mention the finger-tentacle thing? These are just one example of a big stashbusting project, but probably my favorite so far. The purple is leftover from my favorite sweater evar and the gray is leftover from an original pattern that's due to release next month (I wish I could tell you more about that - I'm SO EXCITED). They are fun, they are warm, and also, finger-tentacles.<br />
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One other success was with some lace-weight yarn I'd bought for the <a href="http://www.ephknit.blogspot.com/2014/05/diamonds-lace.html">100 Diamonds Shawl</a>, after which I had about 800 yards left! So many options there! Ravelry is chock full of gorgeous lacy shawls and I ended up settling on an old favorite: the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/echo-flower-shawl">Echo Flower Shawl</a> by Jenny Johnson Johnen:<br />
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This one came out even better (and bigger) than the last time I tried it! What a beautiful design!<br />
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Here is a closeup of the pattern:<br />
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The bulk of the pattern is pretty easy to memorize, but not so simple to bore the knitter. I wouldn't recommend this one to someone just starting with lace, but what a beauty to aspire to knit! I'm really looking forward to taking this one out for a stroll!<br />
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Oh, and I also made the cat another sweater. I just couldn't call myself a crazy cat lady if I stopped at one, right?<br />
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Isn't he sweet? It was snowing and he was just fascinated - even tried to get the snowflakes through the glass door.<br />
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I used the same pattern as last time, just with a yarn that had some nylon in it. The last time I used Knit Picks's Full Circle, which is lovely, but doesn't have much memory to it, so the first sweater stretched and stretched and that little peanut was able to wriggle his way out of it every night. It sort of became a game every morning - "Hunt the Sweater." That is, until I wound up with a giant bruise on my face from trying to chase the little munchkin under the dining table! <br />
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Of course, the solution was not "let the cat run around without a sweater." For a knitter-cum-crazy-cat-lady, the answer was "buy more yarn!" So I did. I bought some Berocco Vintage, which is blended with nylon for ease of care and he's been stuck in there for almost a month! Problem solved!<br />
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That is until all his hair grows back and I get to vacuum it all up again, hurray!<br />
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Enjoy your snow day kiddies! <br />
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-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-18703874528249007192015-01-10T19:18:00.001-05:002015-01-10T19:19:08.749-05:00Spring Shoots CowlOkay, I've had enough of winter already - time for spring please! Yes, the snow is lovely and yes, it's cozy inside by the fire, but it's coooold!<br />
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So cold that I actually made the cat a sweater:<br />
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You know you're a crazy cat lady when...</div>
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Really, though, our poor baby had mats and we had to get him shaved. I felt like the worst kind of cat mommy (what is wrong with me - cat mommy?), leaving my precious charge in an unfamiliar place so they could knock him out and cut off all his hair??? Someone call PETA on me.</div>
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But then he was just so sad and shivery and I couldn't let the poor, little thing catch kitty pneumonia, right? So I did what any crazy knitting cat lady would do and I made him a sweater!! Adorable, right?</div>
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ANYWAY, what I was trying to say is that all this cold has me dreaming of those little green shoots that mean rebirth and renewal and the return of warmer weather. Hence the name of my newest original creation, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ReineduMonde/spring-shoots-cowl">Spring Shoots Cowl</a>:</div>
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It's a simple cowl in Shibui Knits Baby Alpaca that's knit flat to the desired length and finally grafted together to make one continuous piece. This would be an excellent piece for a first stab at lace!</div>
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I know chevrons are (or were) everywhere right now, but I was playing around with lace patterns and this one just screamed "spring!" to me. The lines are simple and clean, and inexorably shoot upwards with spring's eternal optimism. Plus, the yarn is SO soft. You will absolutely want to squish it against your face all year. I think I might even wear it tonight!</div>
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I'm really in love with these photos, too! Bristol Ivy and I went out to Mackworth Island for a little photo shoot and she did such a marvelous job. Just beautiful and so flattering! I'm sure you guys know what a genius she is at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bristol-ivy">knitting design</a>, but she has such a wonderful talent for photography.</div>
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Give it a try! Let me know what you think! I'm anxious to see how you guys like the pattern!</div>
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That's all for now - be well and stay warm.</div>
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-Allie</div>
Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-13568652575974488182014-12-18T14:38:00.001-05:002014-12-18T14:40:19.072-05:00A Very Merry Christmas to YouHow are your Christmas preparations coming? Are you madly dashing from store to store or are you the type to have all of their gifts wrapped before Thanksgiving? While I can't claim to fall into the latter category, I can say that I am ALL DONE!! Everything is bought, and wrapped, and labeled, and (in some cases) in the mail to Georgia. What a relief!<br />
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It probably helped that I didn't do much knitting for gifts this year. Or rather, I built a small stockpile of gifts over the year, making cute accessories out of leftovers from other projects, like this hat for Mary, my sister-in-law, for example:<br />
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You might recognize the pattern - it's from a test knit a did for Brooklyn Tweed a couple of years ago, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seasons-hat">Seasons Hat</a>. I just used some of the pretty purple yarns I had lying around from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ReineduMonde/plum-frost-pullover--cardigan">My Favorite Sweater Ever</a>. If I'm going to be a mad, mad knitting machine, I might as well put the product to good use so that I don't scramble later in the year. Seriously guys, this Christmas season has been such a breeze compared to earlier years.<br />
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Okay okay, I know what you're thinking: get off your soapbox crazy lady and show us the things you did actually knit for this year! Just some of the prettiest little ornaments you ever did see!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wr49ZjEBmSk/VJMpX5s1ROI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ohM_34XoZgo/s1600/Owl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wr49ZjEBmSk/VJMpX5s1ROI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ohM_34XoZgo/s1600/Owl2.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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How cute is he??? I don't know why owls are such a <i>thing </i>this year, but you certainly won't hear me complaining. (Boy have I got something to show you in my next post!) This patter is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-cordell-xmas-decorations">Mini Cordell Xmas Decoration</a>s by Knit-a-Zoo. Mine didn't come out quite as cute - I think it's because I embroidered the pupils on instead of using buttons. Oh well, something to keep in mind for next time!</div>
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And some oldies, but goodies again this year:</div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/315Ul_sMetvYinlMXmF4cFGtaKMksb3AfT6IQ7laBXlefu9xFT1cJaICWEjASwfza22ymqX4ubO7Kd024-mMhWT2fTSja7I4HFqfc7TUqLe3ZzM23I0l7NAHMg0qZGk1woIpbK5tjNnRWUBL" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/270240869/12-2014_Ivy_medium2.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-wonderful">Winter Wonderful</a> </div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/a1paFLxRjCr1_cFh_CTBPtsT_oRtltEra9Hta3I2kdjjR14SvWZvvxyi6Waw1r5mYmktQ6_lUlWqJDAt50zfELaBc0-JXgtFAO0VV53O4oR7_KF53IE61I1CsgPkJdkFotG8qZjs4aVZhW2m" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/270240185/12-2014_Moose_medium2.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-bums-moose">Jelly Bums Moose</a> <a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/270240185/12-2014_Moose_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/a1paFLxRjCr1_cFh_CTBPtsT_oRtltEra9Hta3I2kdjjR14SvWZvvxyi6Waw1r5mYmktQ6_lUlWqJDAt50zfELaBc0-JXgtFAO0VV53O4oR7_KF53IE61I1CsgPkJdkFotG8qZjs4aVZhW2m" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/270240605/12-2014_Coal_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/270240605/12-2014_Coal_medium2.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grumpy-the-lump-of-coal">Grumpy, the Lump of Coal</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-wonderful">Winter Wonderful </a></div>
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The yarn used for all of the above projects is Knit Picks Palette, my favorite workhorse yarn!</div>
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And finally, my very favorite project this year: a series of Andy Warhol inspired prints of my sister's dog, Brody.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkAzV8c4nyQ/VJMsu7Bk4vI/AAAAAAAAAqw/b0yJKyPlrng/s1600/Brody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkAzV8c4nyQ/VJMsu7Bk4vI/AAAAAAAAAqw/b0yJKyPlrng/s1600/Brody.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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All I did was take a photo of him, print it, and cut out his silhouette. I then scanned it in black and white, upped the contrast and printed it out on brightly colored paper. I easily finished this project in a couple of hours and look how pretty! I showed the photo to my mother and now she wants one of her dogs - oh boy!</div>
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I hope you all have a very Merry and Snowy Christmas!</div>
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-Allie</div>
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So now is the time to put away the heavy worsted wool yarns and pull out the sock and lace-weight silks and cottons! I can feel the shawls in my queue calling my name to turn the fine threads into frothy lace concoctions! This impulse must have been growing for the last couple of months, too, because I've got quite a few lightweight finished projects to show you - ones that I've been quite naughty about sharing for a while now...</div>
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Firstly, the Arachne Cardigan:</div>
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This one is a sock-weight delight by Lien Ngo with diamond lace panels around the body and repeated on the cuffs. It's mostly knit in once piece - the only seams are sewing the sleeve caps into the shoulders. I do love a sweater with minimal finishing and the lace is simple enough to memorize easily, but just complicated enough to keep the sweater interesting. An excellent knit!</div>
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For the yarn, I used KnitPicks's Capretta, their new(er) cashmere blend sock yarn. While I wouldn't use it for socks, since it seems a bit on the delicate side, it is <i>lovely </i>for a light cardigan like this one and much warmer than I expected. I would definitely use it again.</div>
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Next, the Mandy Cardigan:</div>
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Another sock-weight cardigan with a diamond lace panel, this time by Michellee Zaharis.</div>
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Here's the diamond panel:</div>
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This one I don't love as much, but I think that is simply due to the open front construction of the piece. It simply flops open too much for my liking - great for weekend wear, but not so professional for the office. I do <i>love </i>the little ruffle detail at the waist, though. (You can kind of see it in my picture above). Just enough emphasis drawn to the waist without overdoing it.</div>
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While I thoroughly enjoy a good top-down raglan sweater, this one was a bit of a slog with the wide front panels and the sock-weight gauge. I probably wouldn't knit it again. I will wear the heck out of it around the house though!</div>
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And lastly, the 100 Diamonds Shawl by Sachiko Uemura:</div>
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I <i>loved </i>knitting this. It was so quick and so engaging! I really need to knit lace more often!</div>
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Now the only bad thing about the weather getting warmer - fewer changes to show off my handiwork until fall! :( Except here, of course, I just need to get better about taking photos in a timely fashion!</div>
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Enjoy the beautiful weather everyone and have a wonderful Memorial Day </div>
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Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-13669624418181153122014-03-27T15:48:00.002-04:002014-03-27T15:49:18.214-04:00Perfect StormIt's rare that a knitting pattern can stop my in my cyber-tracks and drop my jaw. Maybe I'm just jaded, maybe I'm anesthetized by the wealth of beauty that is available on Ravelry. (I clearly need to work on this, but that is a story for another day). But the stunning force that is Kimberly Voisin's <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/component/content/article/132-shop/fall-2013-patterns/1494-perfect-storm-by-kimberly-vosin">Perfect Storm Mittens</a> absolutely blew me away. I had to have them <i>now.</i><br />
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Of course "now" in knitting terms can mean "six months from now" or "when I finally finish that sweater I'm working on." It's all relative. At least I couldn't resist casting them on almost immediately after the pattern was released. Christmas projects and a few demanding sample work projects forced me to put these aside for a few months, but now they're back...and finished!!!<br />
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I've been too afraid to wear them and sully the swirling waves with the nasty dirt and sand all over my car...I've just been carrying them everywhere so that I can proudly proclaim to my friends, "look what I did!!" <br />
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That sense of accomplishment is compounded by the fact that this pattern was <i>not </i>easy. Of course, it doesn't include any outrageously difficult techniques, unless you count stranding with three colors at the top of the right mitten. It's just that chart...and all the irregular swirls. It took a considerable amount of focus just to keep pace with the unpredictable chart. Definitely not TV knitting, but worth every minute.<br />
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I mean, look at the back of the thumbs! She thought to continue the wave pattern through the back of the thumbs. Now that takes dedication. I am so in love with these mittens and in awe of the creativity and <i>work </i>that must have gone into creating the pattern. Bravo, indeed.<br />
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I'm almost ashamed to admit that I didn't go out and buy any extravagant yarns for this masterpiece of a pattern, just some Knit Picks Palette that I happened to have lying around in the right colors - Whirlpool, Oyster Heather, and Pimento. While it probably gave me a tighter gauge (I had to block the hell out of these puppies) and it's not the softest fiber, the vibrant colors really bring out the colors of the crashing waves. <br />
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On another note, you may be interested to hear that once I finish my current sample project, I plan to take a little time to work on my own pattern designs again. I'm cooking up some good ones this time, I think...<br />
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Here's wishing you a warm and snow-free start to spring!<br />
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-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-32872231952336013642014-02-03T16:25:00.000-05:002014-02-03T16:25:09.383-05:00I'm Back!That's right! After a two-year hiatus from blogging, I am back. And with a vengeance!<br />
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There's absolutely no way I'll be able to fill you in on all of my knitting adventures in the last couple of years. I'm still irresistibly drawn to sweater patterns, I'm still working as a sample knitter, and if you're dying to see the beauties I've been creating since I've been gone (there are just so many!), you can link directly to my Ravelry page with the fancy schmancy button in the right sidebar.<br />
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However, the piece of news I'm most excited to share with you is that I am now <i>designing my own patterns!!! </i>That's right, I now have two of my very own patterns up on Ravelry. (I've also added a section to the right with direct links to anything I have already designed and will add more as I continue to publish).<br />
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My first was a pair of mittens, called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crystalline-mittens">Crystalline Mittens</a>:<br />
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I knit them in Quince & Co.'s sumptuous Tern, which is a sprightly blend of wool and silk. Just the sort of fiber you want warming your delicate fingers. <br />
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The inspiration for this one, oddly enough, from the color. It's called "Back Bay" by Quince & Co. The title, I'm sure, honors the prominent bay in their hometown of Portland, Maine, but it made me think of cool temperatures and elegant ice crystals. So here they are, complete with sharp, sophisticated cables, my Crystalline Mittens:<br />
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My second pattern was also a handwarmer, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carolina-gloves">Carolina Gloves</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747238/Carolina_1_medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747238/Carolina_1_medium.png" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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I knit them in SuriPaco's Springvale Collection, a blend of alpaca, wool, and silk. SO soft! The name, as many of you know, is for my sister Caroline, whose Christmas request was gloves. And overly-ambitious crazy person that I am, I thought, "Sure, Caroline, I'll just go ahead and design you a new pair!" I must have problems with saying "no."<br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747266/Carolina_2_medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747266/Carolina_2_medium.png" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
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The design itself was loosely inspired by the warm colors and geometric patterns of the American Southwest. I would say I was lucky enough to spend a little time there recently, but the real reason for the trip was to mourn my recently deceased grandfather, who was based in Santa Fe, NM. I wanted to honor his memory with this small tribute to his chosen hometown, one more token of affection from his granddaughter. <br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747338/Carolina_3_medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/207747338/Carolina_3_medium.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And they sure came out pretty, didn't they? I couldn't be more pleased.<br />
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So please, check out my new patterns! Tell all your friends! There's a new designer in town, baby!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-29530755724491586532012-03-12T22:09:00.000-04:002012-03-12T22:09:52.341-04:00Is it spring yet?It sure felt like it today. Sunny and 60 degrees! Too bad this means I soon won't be able to wear my pretty woolies! I've got a few more to show you--and to show off before the weather gets to warm!<br />
<br />
First *real* sweater of the year: the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twinings">Twinings Pullover</a> by Amy Herzog. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95762004/02-12_Twinings_Sweater_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95762004/02-12_Twinings_Sweater_medium2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think? The photo doesn't really do the cable band justice. You should check out the pattern page above. It is quite flattering though. But then that's Amy's thing, isn't it? Fit to Flatter. I've got another one of her patterns on my list (Oscillate) and I'm very much looking forward to wearing it (not just because I plan to knit it in Knit Picks's new angora yarn!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knit this one with an old standby--Knit Picks Swish, soft, great stitch definition, and beautiful saturated color. I quite like this deep blue on my fair skin, don't you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the back:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95762049/02-12_Twinings_Sweater__2__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95762049/02-12_Twinings_Sweater__2__medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This particular pattern was a departure from my usual preference for sweater construction in that it was knit flat in several pieces and sewn together. Normally, I like to knit it all in one piece, as it saves on finishing time later. However those sweaters can also become a slog--never ending sections, interminable rows. It was rather refreshing to knit smaller, discrete sections if only to be able to say "I'm <i>done </i>with the back." Nice to mix things up every once in a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, also some pretty pretty socks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95761854/02-12_Inlay_Socks__2__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/95761854/02-12_Inlay_Socks__2__medium2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff11/PATTinlay.php">Inlay</a> by Hunter Hammersen and they took <i>forever</i> (about 6 months). I think I have a sock problem--I pick the prettiest, most complicated socks and then whine about how long it takes to cable every other teeny tiny row. I had to sit down and make myself finish these, just so I could move on to the next thing. The result is lovely, but I'm going to stick to sweaters and shawls for a while... Every knitter's got to have a niche, or so they tell me.</div><br />
For next time, I've just finished knitting a gorgeous lace cowl in alpaca. I won't be needing it now, but it'll be there waiting for me next year :)<br />
<br />
Now get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!!<br />
<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-30161746812781652442012-02-01T16:32:00.000-05:002012-02-01T16:32:51.737-05:00Test Knit x2This post's been a long time coming, but I only just got permission to post a couple of these pictures, so there they are--in all their neon glory:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/100_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/100_2607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wow, that's orange! I don't get it, but this seems to be their very favorite color. And they took this particular model to a trade show! Yikes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I dislike garments with no waist shaping, this one does have a nice drape to it and the scalloped edging is quite lovely. I'm sorry I didn't model it for you, but it's a size too big and didn't fit me properly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was surprised by the yarn, too. At first was all "bamboo/nylon?? Ew!", but the bamboo has a slinky, drapey quality not unlike silk. This isn't to say that the final product was at all natural or that I would be adding any to my stash, but the final effect is not unpleasant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Should you want to give this pattern a try, it's available on <a href="http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/1906+Monhegan+Tee/part_number=PAT1906/703.0.1.1.1875.93428.0.0.0?pp=30&">Knit One, Crochet Too's website</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh and remember <a href="http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/1904+Summer+Waves+Tank/part_number=PAT1904/703.0.1.1.1875.95800.0.0.0?pp=30&">this one</a>? My handiwork is now on display on their website!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now proof that not all test knits need to be orange:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/100_2610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/100_2610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">You've heard of Brooklyn Tweed, right? Well, they're kind of a big deal. And it turns out I have an "in" with one of their newest designers--I work for her dad! Turns out BT was in a pinch putting together some kits for their newest publication. They weren't too sure of the yardage measurements and needed some knitters to test out the kits. Enter yours truly! They noticed on Ravelry that I did some prior test knits and asked me to help out. I even got to pick what color I want AND keep the final hat. Yeah.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">They were very concerned about my finishing it in the time frame (2 weeks), but I told them I would do my best. Turns out my best was 5 days--they were very impressed and offered me more test knits for future publications, about 4 a year!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This pattern hasn't come out yet, so you'll have to be patient. It will be available in 4 different colorways, one for each season. The one pictured above is the "winter" option.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I've also been trying to burn through my increasingly ridiculous stash. I had a full ball of Full Circle leftover when I finished FIL's "Cardinal Red" scarf. So I thought I would make myself a hat!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/91102563/100_2611_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/91102563/100_2611_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yay, red hat! This patter is waaay easier than it looks. I used <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf10/PATTbrambles.php">Brambles Beret</a> by Amanda Muscha, which is available for free on Knitty. You need to know basic cabling and how to read a chart, but that's all. Nothing terribly complicated, just a beautiful hat that works up very quickly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the cables on the side:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/91102700/100_2613_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/91102700/100_2613_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The hat is much bigger than this--I had to fold it over to get the cables to lie flat. I almost get excited when it snows now, just so I can wear my pretty new hats! Almost...<br />
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Man, I won't even bother trying to figure out what the next post will be about. I've got so many projects going on right now--1 sweater, 1 pair of socks, 1 afghan, and repairs/alterations to 4 other sweaters. You know what they say about idle hands...<br />
<br />
<br />
...I suppose you'll have to fill me in because I'll never have the chance to find out :)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<br />
-Allie<br />
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</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-88518144208112423052011-12-31T22:51:00.001-05:002011-12-31T22:53:06.371-05:00Goodbye 2011Last day to squeeze in one more blog post! I haven't been around here much this December. That's because I rather overbooked myself with handmade Christmas. Then we traveled to GA for the Holiday (lots of fun, despite the cold I brought home with me--boo). And to top it all off, I got a last minute commission from Knit One Crochet Too for a new pattern they want to debut...next weekend. Been a little busy--as you can imagine. At least it's better than being bored, right?<br />
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My current test knit project hasn't been released yet (how cool is that) so I can't show it to you just yet--that and I'm not quite finished with it. Guess how I'm spending my New Year's Eve. Not that I would want to be anywhere other than parked on my couch with a knitting project and a glass of wine :)<br />
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So, here is a crash course of all the handmade gifts I've neglected to show you over the last couple of weeks. I promise a more in-depth post once I've finished this next test knit. I am on a deadline ;)<br />
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First the knits:<br />
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A couple of ornaments for an online ornament exchange, courtesy of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfkits/kit_display.cfm?ID=40967&media=RAV&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=RAV">Knit Picks</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stjarna">Karolina Eckerdal,</a>both in Palette:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83535434/Ornaments_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83535434/Ornaments_medium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some gloves for Dad, from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/never-knit-your-man-a-sweater">Never Knit Your Man a Sweater*</a> in Swish Worsted:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/84146977/006_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/84146977/006_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And a scarf for FIL, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cerus-scarf">Cerus Scarf</a> by Hillary Smith Callis:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/85475911/001_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/85475911/001_medium2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't planning on making anything for him, but was having a really, really, really hard time coming up with something for him for Christmas. Turns out he's going to be taking some depositions in northern cities and very specifically wanted a *cardinal red* scarf to go with it. I thought I wouldn't have time to finish it, but I managed to squeak this one in about 2 days before we left!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The time it took to knit it could have something to do with the pattern--it is lovely and very masculine, but it makes for a very thick fabric and one that doesn't knit up very quickly. I recommend it highly, but not for projects that you need quickly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, if you get the chance, give Knit Picks Full Circle a try. It's made from recycled wool and merino fibers and comes in some really beautiful, vibrant colors. It is a bit splitty, so it wasn't really the best choice for so thick a fabric, but it's airy, warm, and super soft. I plan on ordering myself more as a belated Christmas gift to myself :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now a bunch of non-knits:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mentioned in my previous post that I am trying to enhance my sewing skills (up from nil). I decided to give this <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/12/22/oven-mitt-pattern-2/">quilted oven mitt pattern</a> a try. I think it came out well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/003-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/003-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made one for each of our mothers and they really seemed to like them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also tried this <a href="http://youseriouslymadethat.blogspot.com/2011/03/easy-etching-tutorial.html">etching tutorial </a>(really, it's amazing what you can find on Pinterest!) to make some personalized wine glasses for friends and family--look how pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/002-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a little tough to cut those shapes out of masking tape, but totally worth it. I think that etching cream was one of the best investments I made this season! Definitely making one of these for me in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you get any fun crafty gifts this year?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you all have a very Happy New Year. Hope 2012 treats you even better than 2011!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Allie</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-19314230502341704712011-12-08T21:02:00.000-05:002011-12-08T21:02:17.322-05:00A Few Christmas PresentsOh Boy, there is some hardcore holiday knitting going on in the Matthews residence. I think I overcommitted myself this year. I finished so early last year, I got overexcited. The just couple of weeks will just be full of busy fingers and Christmas movies :)<br />
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Here are a couple of projects I've already finished. Some felted slippers for our sisters:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83534922/Slippers_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83534922/Slippers_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern is called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffers-19-row-felted-slippers">Duffers</a> by Mindie Tallack. It was so, so easy. 19 rounds of knitting in bulky yarn, sewing up the bottom, and picking up the button flap. I got the suggestion for the button flap from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/PurlDiva/duffers-19-row-felted-slippers">PurlDiva's notes</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83535010/Slippers_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/83535010/Slippers_medium2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Maybe not a first knitting project, but this could definitely be a second. After I finished knitting them, I ran them twice through the washing machine on hot, put them out to dry, and sewed on the button. Maybe an hour and a half of work per slipper. Cute, easy, and comfortable--my favorite kind of project!<br />
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I also dug out the old sewing machine and took it for a proverbial spin:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Cases.jpg?t=1323179609" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Cases.jpg?t=1323179609" width="400" /></a> </div>I made sunglasses cases! Aren't they cute?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Case.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found <a href="http://sweet-verbena.blogspot.com/2011/08/glasses-sleeve-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> on Pinterest and thought it would be good practice for the amateur seamstress (me). Definitely saw improvement in my ability to sew a straight line by the last one. These were another really quick and easy project. I ended up making a total of 7--the 5 you see above, plus 2 more not pictured--in just 2 sittings! These will make great stocking stuffers :)</div><br />
What's left? Oh lots: 2 more big knitting projects, 2 more sewing projects, and a few miscellaneous etchings--plus baking. Busy, busy, busy! But I wouldn't have it any other way. You know what they say about idle hands...<br />
<br />
...they climb up Christmas trees. Or maybe that's kitty feet. Anyway, we've got ours up and the apartment nice and decorated, complete with naughty, climbing critters. I can tell he's been up there by how flat the middle branches are. Tsk tsk.<br />
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So pretty:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Honestly, how can you blame him? He's just so darn cute!<br />
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What are you making for Christmas presents this year?<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-41579298131179779022011-11-28T16:07:00.000-05:002011-11-28T16:07:58.022-05:00Never Knit Your Man a Sweater**Especially if he's 6'4"<br />
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Naw, I'm just kidding. I really couldn't be more pleased with this project. If you know my hubby, you know he's not really a sweater wearing kind of a guy. He likes jeans and flannel shirts. I'd offered to make him sweaters in the past and he'd always turned me down.<br />
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Unfortunately, his accounting firm tends to pinch pennies on the heating bill and the poor thing is left shivering at his desk. Since they have a dress code, my darling husband needed a sweater:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/81928277/002_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/81928277/002_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It looks a little lumpy in this picture, but that's because he'd been wearing that button-down shirt all day and it didn't want to lie flat. But look at where the seams hit--just perfect! The collar lies flat, the sleeves are just long enough, the armholes are big enough. SO happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think DH likes it, too. After all, he did pick out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/135-39-sweater-with-seed-st-yoke-in-classic-alpaca">the pattern</a>--the most boring pattern he possibly could have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/81928436/003_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/81928436/003_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I showed him sweaters with cables, I showed him sweaters with ribs, but all he wanted was the plainest, simplest sweater that wouldn't stand out in any way. Accountants, pssh. <br />
<br />
If you clicked my link above, you'll note that the Drops pattern he picked has a seed stitch yoke. He didn't want that either. He wanted the whole darn thing to be stockinette. For a guy with only a few opinions, he sure has some strong ones.<br />
<br />
I will say this, though, if he'd picked any of the patterns I'd shown him, I would probably still be working on it and no one else would be getting a knitted Christmas present this year. And I've got a few doozy requests this year. I'm going to need to learn to knit in my sleep to get them all done!<br />
<br />
For those of you who know us both--or heard the story of the green vest--you would think that I picked the yarn out, too. Nope. Hubby decided he has enough green and blue sweaters and really wanted a dark red one. I showed him picture after picture of yarn colorways and none of them were dark enough until we found KP's Swish DK in Garnet Heather. He does look dashing in that color, doesn't he?<br />
<br />
I think this might be my favorite Christmas gift this year. One down...lots more to go.<br />
<br />
Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and good luck with all your Christmas endeavors!<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
<br />
-Allie<br />
<br />
P.S. Bad Cat news: crazy, list-oriented person that I am, I've already got our tree up and most of the house already decorated. (You're jealous. Admit it.) Not 5 minutes later, Arty decided to "help" me put up decorations by climbing as far up the tree as he could. He always likes to "help" me with whatever I'm doing (sweeping the kitchen, folding laundry, etc), but this one landed him a fat squirt of water in the face. I've only seen him up there once more since then, but here's hoping our resident naughty kitty doesn't knock it over and destroy all my pretty ornaments!Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-11930885892897170312011-11-14T13:55:00.001-05:002011-11-14T13:58:34.507-05:00Lowry PulloverI know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas knitting is already in full swing. You have to start early if you want to get any sleep during the holiday season--and if you want to finish something pretty for yourself!<br />
<br />
I started this little number back in September, but then we had a crazy busy October, as stated above, I had to get going on my holiday knitting! I'm already about 65% of the way done with Hubby's sweater, but have lots more to go. At least I can cross this one off my list:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/80881945/002_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/80881945/002_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Very festive!<br />
<br />
The pattern is Lowry by Avril Lang and was featured in Knit Scene Fall 2011. I would highly recommend that issue--there were a ton of great projects I want to knit in the future, projects for every skill set!<br />
<br />
Part of what took so long with this sweater was the allover honeycomb cable pattern. It's a little hard to see in this picture, but there is a gorgeous hourglass pattern throughout the piece. The cable pattern is also super stretchy and you knit this sweater with about 10-12" of negative ease (pick a size about 10" smaller than your usual size so it stretches). Don't be nervous, it'll hug your curves beautifully!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/80882031/003_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/80882031/003_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unfortunately, the same principle didn't seem to apply to the sleeves. They came out SO tight! You can see the stretching in the first picture. It's a little bit uncomfortable. I know the yarn I used will stretch a little (Knit Picks Stroll Sport), but even so, I'm considering taking the sleeves off and knitting them again--once I get a little further into my holiday knitting, of course!<br />
<br />
If you plan on trying this sweater, knit the sleeves a size or two bigger than the rest of the sweater. The sleeve sizes in this pattern run a little small, even if you don't have the forarms of a Disney prince!<br />
<br />
For next time, depending on how productive I am, I might have a sweater to show you or I might have a little knit ornament to show you! (Pray for a sweater. I'm getting a little tired of the miles and miles of stockinette in the sweater pattern Hubby picked!)<br />
<br />
Until next time!<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
<br />
-Allie<br />
<br />
PS: If you're not on Pinterest already, what are you waiting for?? I added a little button to the sidebar that links to my pinboards. Need an invite? Let me know!Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-73295194886506030312011-10-27T16:39:00.000-04:002011-10-27T16:39:48.297-04:00Home Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promised this post to you ages ago and, finally, here it is. Cut me some slack--I was busy! MIL was here for a visit and then, poor baby that I am, I caught a bad cold. So now that I'm feeling better, I've finally taken the "after" pictures of our apartment that I promised you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've been living in this little townhouse for almost 3 years now. Every year, we considered it temporary: first, we thought we were going to law school and then we were thinking about moving south and most recently, we considered buying a house before coming to the decision that we're not ready and that Walker needs to get his CPA first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All sound decisions, but they mean that we won't be leaving our current abode for at least another year and a half--totally fine. Our loudest neighbors have moved out and after considering the options, we determined that we do, in fact, have the best apartment in the area for the price we pay for it. So instead of buying a home we can't afford, I've been working to make the apartment we can afford look more like a grownup home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our living room was probably in the most dire need of an upgrade. Just one look at the before and you can tell recent college grads lived here with Mom's hand-me-downs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Apartment/003-3.jpg?t=1241851921" width="320" /></div>This is how it looks today:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Crazy different, right? Most of the changes I made were not expensive at all (the TV being the only exception)! I bought the black cabinet in the corner from Target and the gold mirror is from TJ Maxx ($2!). I've been meaning to slipcover the sofas--blue striped is NMS--but I am no seamstress. If/when, I finally get around to that, you'll know, haha.<br />
<br />
This is my favorite part:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's not painted, just a vinyl wall decal that I bought from am Etsy seller. I just had to (carefully) stick it to the wall. Arty even helped me do it! Totally easy, gentle on your budget and makes a big impact on the room as a whole. You could even make one yourself if you're lucky enough to own one of those die-cutting machines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this, too. Another TJ Maxx purchase ($10), complete with a few more birds leftover from the design on the opposite wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The lower bird is actually covering a hole Walker made when he dropped the rowing machine, oops! So then I just added a couple more around the room for "thematic unity." Or something.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dining room before:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Apartment/004-2.jpg?t=1241851921" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Apartment/004-2.jpg?t=1241851921" width="320" /></a></div>Dining room after:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/001-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/001-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I mentioned before, Walker's mother came to visit last weekend. I was suitably embarassed to be entertaining my mother-in-law at a table where there are only two seats. Walker had been doing a lot of traveling for audits this summer, which meant I didn't get to see him as much, but also meant that his firm was paying him handsomely for the overtime. Seemed like the perfect time to upgrade to a grown-up table!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We bought this one at Bob's Discount Furniture (the <a href="http://www.mybobs.com/Brunswickpub">Brunswick model</a>, if you're interested). I was surprised by how nice their stuff is. I will probably be going back there in the future. We loved this one because it's tall (surprise), it's got storage underneath it, and the leaf expansion folds right into the tabletop--perfect for our small space! <br />
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What do you think of my little red lantern and dried grass accents? They're both from the Home Good Store :)<br />
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This is a little vignette I added to the upstairs hall:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The floating shelves and silver frame are from Target, but the rest of the items were wedding gifts. Easy way to jazz up a small empty space.<br />
<br />
Okay, remember that sad, empty guest room?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Apartment/006.jpg?t=1241851921" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/Apartment/006.jpg?t=1241851921" width="320" /></a></div>Ta-da!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I can't take the credit for most of this. My parents redid their upstairs and had no further use of these beds. So, these are totally Mom hand-me-downs, but at least they're cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now here's something I actually made myself:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/Froalabeast/021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got the idea from several Pinterest pins. My longer necklaces were getting tangled in my little jewelry cupboard and my earrings were all piled in a little bowl--it was hard to find anything! I just bought a couple of cheap frames from Walmart, some screw-in hooks (for the necklaces) and some stiff cross-stitch fabric (for the earrings) and voila! My jewelry is now art!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though I still have a few projects and improvements to tackle (the couches for one!), but the place already feels more like a sophisticated home than it did when we moved in. I think I could stay in this place for another year or so. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think of my changes? What would you have done differently?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I might actually have some knitting for you next time, stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Allie</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-59151102610903930272011-10-12T15:15:00.000-04:002011-10-12T15:15:07.562-04:00Gretel, Take IIIAlright, I'll admit it. I <em>love </em><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gretel">this Beret</a>. Its interwoven cable speaks of sophistication, but the slouch is all casual. The fact that this is the third time I've knit this pattern is a testament to what a great knit it is! I really don't like to repeat patterns, but this one is fun, it's well-written, and the results just speak for themselves. Not free, but absolutely worth every penny. <a href="http://ysolda.com/">Ysolda Teague</a> sure does know how to write a knitting pattern. I can definitely see a 4th and maybe a 5th in my future at some point.<br />
<br />
This time, I had the brilliant idea to try it in City Tweed, something soft and rustic looking. Why not combine one of my favorite yarns with one of my favorite patterns? I now own the perfect fall hat:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/76720609/002_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/76720609/002_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Right?<br />
<br />
Sorry, no action shot. Walker and I have been extremely busy lately. Maybe some other time--I am looking forward to the cool weather that requires such an elegant topper!<br />
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We have had an unusually busy fall this year. This past weekend we went to Quebec City to celebrate our anniversary (two years can you believe it)! The weather was absolutely amazing--70 and sunny the whole time. Great food, beautiful city, lovely husband: this girl had it all. If you're friends with me on Facebook, you can see the pictures I posted when we got back. If not, maybe if you're nice to me, I'll post some when I get home tonight--if I have time that is.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to our next event: Walker's mother is coming to visit this weekend. Dun dun DUN! Just kidding. I really do have a lovely mother-in-law, but we didn't get back from Quebec until Monday evening and now we're scrambling to get the house in order before she comes Friday afternoon. <br />
<br />
It wouldn't be as bad if we hadn't also just gotten our new dining chairs (some assembly required) last night. This "some assembly" took this spatially challenged girl about 3 hours to put the first chair together AND I used the wrong screws in one spot, which means the holes are now too big for the little screws that were supposed to go there and silly Allie has to go buy some more big screws after work tonight. Oops. So I still have to put two of them together, clean up the resulting mess, clean the rest of the house, put laundry away, prepare something tasty and pumpkin-y, and maybe get a workout in to maintain sanity all by bedtime tomorrow night. <br />
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MIL keeps emailing me, telling not to worry, that she's low-maintenance, etc, but c'mon, this is me. I don't DO half-measures. The house is going to be clean and perfect because I say it will be. Damn it. Don't worry. I'm sure I'll get it all done. I just worry and think too much when I can't be there getting it done NOW. And really, if worrying were an Olympic sport, I would win--or something.<br />
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Anyway, TL;DR: I've been crazy busy the last couple of weeks and that's why I haven't gotten much knitting done.<br />
<br />
I did make decent progress on Lowry--I'm now up to the armpit on the body section--and I started Walker's Christmas sweater--6" into it--but I have a long way to go on both. If my social calendar doesn't slow down soon, Christmas is going to be a harried mess! I don't see this happening, either, a dear friend is getting married in early November and is graciously including me in some of the preliminary events. Knitting can wait.<br />
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For next time, the final piece in my decorating overhaul is coming next weekend, so I'll take you for a tour of our now grown-up apartment with some tutorial links where appropriate.<br />
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Until next time, I hope you're enjoying the beautiful fall weather!<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-7326797292593784842011-09-29T12:33:00.001-04:002011-09-29T12:37:25.779-04:00I Love FallThis is how I feel when all the new fall patterns come out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.qkme.me/6ld6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://i.qkme.me/6ld6.jpg" /></a></div>Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of time and would probably knit my fingers clean off, but come on, just look at all the new Knitty has to offer:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/PATTtenneypark.php"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ElizabethSABLE/75050433/TenneyPark15_medium2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ooooohhh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/PATTambroso.php"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Littlefellers/75053513/Ambroso__1_medium2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ahhhhhhh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/PATTvignette.php"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/amyherzog/75076443/amyherzog-05210_medium2.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Drool....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/KSPATTglomerata.php"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/images/glomerataBEAUTY.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> So pretty... <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, it's not feasible to knit ALL the things. I'm still plugging away at Lowry...and Inlay...and you know, other productive things, so back to being productive I go. Sigh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and that decor post I promised you this week? We've got a couple of exciting new developments on the way, so it's going to get pushed back. This week, I'll have a pretty new beret to show you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Allie<br />
<br />
PS: For those of you don't get ALL the things, or just want a good chuckle: <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html">Hyperbole and a Half</a></div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-68399446516533451042011-09-26T13:56:00.000-04:002011-09-26T13:56:40.613-04:00First Test KnitI did it. I finished my first assignment, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vertical-waves-tank">Vertical Waves Tank</a> by Knit One Crochet Too:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/75269781/001_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/75269781/001_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I got the pattern figured out, the whole thing only took me about a week. Of course, that could have something to do with how ridiculous I've allowed my queue to become and how eager I was to move on to the next project. But now it's done and I've sent it back to Knit One Crochet Too along with my swatch and the leftovers. I got an email from them the other day--they were very pleased with my work and asked if I want to do more in the future! How cool is that?? I've already been paid for this piece, but I don't know what/when the next project will be. I'll keep you posted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one was a pretty fun knit, which could have something to do with how fast it was! The yarn was not my first choice, I mean, microfiber orange? I will grant that it <em>is</em> soft and I'm sure that color looks good one <em>someone, </em>but that someone is not me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, I do like the wave pattern--no cables, just increases and decreases:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/75269833/004_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" kca="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/75269833/004_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>(Color is truer in the first photo) What a cool motif!<br />
<br />
If I were to knit this pattern again, I would have to make some changes, like waist shaping, bring the neckline down, and finish the armhole edges. It's a good basic pattern and would be good for someone who wants to learn a simple cable without worrying about shaping the sweater.<br />
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I can't wait to see what they have next!<br />
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For next time: as you recall, Hubby and I decided to put off house hunting in favor of paying for his tuition while he studies to get his CPA, which means we've renewed our lease in our current apartment for another year. Next time I'll take you for a tour around the place and show you some before and after decor shots. Get excited--I'm really proud of some of my improvements!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-14759185140878454132011-09-20T15:54:00.000-04:002011-09-20T15:54:35.526-04:00New York CardiganAs promised, here is my latest selfish knit, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-cardigan">New York Cardigan</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/74895095/007_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" rba="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/74895095/007_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a nice, drapy cardigan for fall! The weather in Maine is finally starting to cool off and I get to pull out all my beautiful creations again, hurray! I had originally intended to make this sweater 3/4 sleeved, but lacked the foresight to order enough yarn. Oops. Guess I have to wear it with long-sleeved tees underneath. Oh well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The yarn is delicious, too. Gloss (merino/silk) with the softness, and the drape, and the sheen...drool... Good color for fall, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/74895243/008_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/74895243/008_medium2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Doesn't my hair look nice in that photo? All shiny...)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway! In terms of difficulty, I would rate this one a "tangy" on the Knitty scale. (Speaking of, have you noticed that Deep Fall is up? I actually see some things I like in there. To bad they have to wait until I get through some of my monstrous queue!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The body was super easy--just a basic raglan with yarnover increases and then transitioning into the lace. However, the lace "scarf" part was really, really tedious. I got so tired of the pattern after maybe the 3rd repeat. I guess this is why I don't knit scarves very often! It makes for good tv knitting, but be warned about the tedious factor! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The only reason I got it done as quickly as I did was because I wanted to move on to my first test knit and finish that sucker under deadline...and then I just wanted to be done with that as quickly as possible. Someone needs to work on their attention span, don't you think?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The good news is that I finished the test knit tank top this weekend and Joyce at Knit One Crochet Too tells me that they received (and liked!) it today. She asked me if I wanted to do <em>more </em>projects in the future--so of course I said yes! I'm just hoping that next time they'll send me something that isn't neon orange. I've asked if they're okay with my posting pictures of my test knits online so perhaps next time I'll have some test knit pictures to show you--or maybe we can just do a collective drool over some of the patterns in Knitty? What do you think?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Allie</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-29770950946998160632011-09-14T16:50:00.000-04:002011-09-14T16:50:10.944-04:00Birthday Yarn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know, my birthday was ages ago, you don't have to tell me. But it was a weird time of transition between jobs, so cut me a little slack--I have a little yarn porn for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Due to a <em>very </em>generous gift card from my MIL and a moderate lack of restraint on my part, happy birthday to me:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1f-hcC-K2o/TnAMSebsaII/AAAAAAAAAqE/Kz9UY9XvN7c/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1f-hcC-K2o/TnAMSebsaII/AAAAAAAAAqE/Kz9UY9XvN7c/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Just look at all that beautiful Knit Picks yarn! There's some Wool of the Andes, some Gloss DK (merino/silk), some Swish DK (superwash merino), some Stroll Sport(superwash merino), andm one of my favorites, some City Tweed! (alpaca/wool/donegal) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This order alone more than tripled the size of my dwindling stash. I probably have enough yarn here to keep me occupied well through the winter and into spring (especially if I'm doing test knitting on the side and with Christmas knitting coming up--yipe!). Projects I have in mind are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lowry-pullover-2">Lowry Pullover</a> (red Stroll), <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barcelona-jacket-2">Barcelona Jacket</a> (forest heather WoTA), <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kiyomi">Kiyomi </a>(WoTA pink and red), and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twinings">Twinings</a> (blue swish). Lots of beautiful fall/winter sweaters on the docket!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't quite decided what to do with the City Tweed yet, but it'll probably end up as a cabled beret for me. You can see my in-progress <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-cardigan">New York Cardigan</a> in Gloss, doe colored, in the back. Don't want to give anything away too soon! It's finished now, but I'm waiting to debut it until Knit Night tomorrow. You'll have to come back next time to see that one in all it's glory.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Some pretty cardigan pictures for next time!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">-Allie</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-49450993315112053142011-09-06T16:02:00.007-04:002011-09-06T16:24:14.700-04:00Goodbye Etsy<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And now for another transition: I'm closing my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Reinedumonde?ref=si_shop">Etsy shop</a>. I still have a bunch of merchandise sitting around, though, so for the month of September, everything is 50% off for Facebook fans and friends. Blog readers are clearly worthy individuals, as well, so the coupon code is GOODBYE2011. Anything left over at the end of the month will either be donated or given away, so stock up for baby showers, fall weather, and early Christmas shopping while you can!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now don't worry, if you still really want a knit item, I am completely open to commissions. The reason for the closure is that I'm now going to be a test knitter for <a href="http://www.knitonecrochettoo.com/">Knit One, Crochet Too</a>, a yarn company based in Windham, Maine! They just emailed me out of the blue on Friday and asked if I wanted to test knit their patterns. Apparently they like to work with local people and admired the work I'd been posting on Ravelry. How crazy is it that I found a side job off Ravelry?? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The instructions explicitly say that I can post pictures of my test knits on Ravelry, so I don't see any reason why I won't be able to share them here. The pattern they sent is pretty cute, too--a basic shell with a lovely cabled pattern on the front, one I would even knit for myself in the future. I am so, SO excited to be working with them. I can't wait to see what other patterns/yarns they send me in the future!</div><br />
Now, here is something I've already finished, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-plum">Summer Plum Cardigan</a>:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/72934295/001_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/72934295/001_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This particular pattern is by Veera Valimaki and really was a pleasure to knit. It looks sharp and sophisticated, but it's really just a basic raglan with big garter borders and <em>no seams</em>. If you can work basic increases and decreases, you can knit this pattern. Honest. Unlike some of the other patterns I frequently blog about, this one would make an excellent first sweater (or second, since it's in sock yarn).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/72934429/002_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/72934429/002_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a>What made it such a joy to knit, however, was the yarn. I used Quince & Co. Tern, a gorgeous wool/silk blend. Quince & Co. is another Maine based company with very limited distribution, but absolutely gorgeous colorways. The quality of this yarn is superb. It was such a pleasure to feel it slide through my fingers and it wears beautifully! As you might imagine from a small, but quality operation, the yarn wasn't exactly cheap (better than some other national chains, let me tell you), but totally worth it. I am going to treasure this cardigan! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="http://quinceandco.com/blog/">Quince & Co</a> also publishes a number of lovely patterns that are available for purchase on Ravelry. This isn't one of theirs, but they do have some really pretty ones.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Currently, I'm working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/new-york-cardigan">New York Cardigan</a> with yarn by our old friend, Knit Picks. In the event that I don't finish it by my next post, I'm going to take some pictures of my last yarn purchase tonight. Yarn porn is way better than nothing at all, right?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">And now, a kitty photo from hubby's birthday on Sunday:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">"Yarrr! Happy frickin' birthday."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Cheers,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">-Allie</div>Alliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-53224895222116625302011-08-30T13:51:00.001-04:002011-08-30T13:55:45.768-04:00TransitionsWow, so it's been a pretty long time since my last post. It's just been a weird summer, guys, what with all the job hunting, quitting, settling into a new job. I am doing pretty well in my new position. There are a lot of quirks to get used to and, since I'm still "in training," I don't quite have enough responsibility yet. I'm really not liking the change from knowing everything about how a place works to nothing about it, but I'm going to hang in there and will eventually reach that level in this company. <br />
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At least my new bosses are much easier than my last one. Less procrastinating, less yelling, more independent, more tech-savvy. and, best of all, no comments about what I do and do not eat!! Although, I have lost about 5lbs just from the lack of stress and having to walk more around the building and the city--I have to take walks to the bank and the courthouse sometimes, just <em>awful </em>in the warm sunshine with the breeze coming off the water, <em>horrible </em>I tell you. Of course I miss (some of) the people I used to work with, but I think I'm going to like it here.<br />
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Switching up my off-duty routine hasn't been easy, either. We all know how well I handle change! I had to find a new yoga studio (sorry Vicki). There's a lovely one across the bridge, but they only offer one style, which means I will still trek up to Brunswick for some Bikram practice (yay!)<br />
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I have yet to find a good LYS down here, though. I know, I know, it should have been easy in the larger city, but maybe I'm poorly situated? Any Mainers have good suggestions for Portland LYSes? <br />
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And <em>that </em>is why I haven't been posting--I had two cardigans that were waiting for buttons before I could wear/post them, but nowhere convenient to buy them. I know, my life is just so darn hard. I finally bit the bullet and drove out to a Joann this weekend, so I finally have some FOs to show you!<br />
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This is the cardigan I referred to in my last post, Madrigal:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70175980/002__2__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70175980/002__2__medium2.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>"Why is there no action shot?" you might be asking. That's because it came out too big. :( I even tried washing it in the hopes that it would shrink. It did not. Now I'm stuck with a beautiful purple cardigan one full size too big. Sad. Some (slightly larger) person is going to be very lucky this Christmas, I think. Oh, well.<br />
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The yarn I used for this one is KP's CotLin, a tanguis cotton/linen blend. It feels a little scratchy at first, but it softens amazingly with washing and the colors, my goodness the colors! The linen just soaks up the dye like silk does, so you have beautiful vibrant colorways like that purple up there! <br />
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My other rave for this cardigan is the source: Twist Collective. I mentioned it in a previous post and it's still true--TC is now my go-to knitting pattern source. This pattern in particular was very well-written and completely in the round, yay no seams! Man, I love TC so much that I waited a whole week after receiving a birthday gift certificate to KP before ordering because I wanted to see the Fall 2011 issue. So many things to love this season!!! I ordered yarn for two of the patterns and have several more in my queue. <br />
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Dang, that yarn's arrival would have made a good blog post, wouldn't it? Maybe I'll take some pictures later so you all can enjoy some yarn porn and we can ooh and ahh over all the new TC patterns?<br />
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At any rate, I have another finished cardigan to share with you in a future post, which won't be a month from now, I promise!! Now that I'm back into a more regular schedule, I should get back to (mostly) weekly posting.<br />
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Glad to be back!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3857657618511044598.post-67287069950216035262011-08-01T17:12:00.001-04:002011-08-30T13:56:06.349-04:00Oslo Walk ShawlI did it. I'm done! My last day with LOMAF was on Friday and I start my new position in Portland on Wednesday. Hurray for progress!<br />
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I went in for some training last Tuesday and I can already tell how much of an improvement it's going to be! I am SO excited!<br />
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Knitting: This is what remained of that huge cone of lace I bought for my wedding shawl. That gigantic amount of yarn was enough to make both my wedding shawl and Mel's wedding shawl with enough leftover to make the following, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oslo-walk-shawl">Oslo Walk Shawl</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/susanna-ic">Susanna IC</a>. Now my stash entirely consists of yarn bought after May 2011. Yay for stash-busting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70176312/07-11_Oslo_Walk__2__medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70176312/07-11_Oslo_Walk__2__medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Pretty, right? This was probably the fastest shawl I've ever knit. Not only was it knit on size 7 needles, but crescent shawls are amazingly fast. Susanna IC has recently published a number of crescent shaped shawls--in Interweave Knits, Twist Collective, and Knitty. I've also knit her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hawthorne-3">Hawthorne</a> pattern from TC Fall 2010.She has a great variety of difficulties, too.<br />
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This particular pattern was pretty easy. You should be able to read charts and read your own knitting--so you can recognize your place in long, long rows, but it would be a good second lace project for someone. A great pattern for a quick gift knit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70176157/07-11_Oslo_Walk_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ReineduMonde/70176157/07-11_Oslo_Walk_medium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>They are my new favorite shape. You start at the bottom of the lace edging and then knit the rest of the shawl in short rows. You knit fewer individual rows, so the pattern is always interesting, and the crescent shape is a lot easier to wear than a triangular shawl. I will absolutely be knitting more of these in the future. <br />
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Since I already have a pretty scarf in this exact yarn, I'm not sure what exactly I'll do with this shawl. Probably give it to some lucky lady for Christmas...we'll see.<br />
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For next time, I'll have a new cardigan to show you. It just needs some buttons :)<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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-AllieAlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526419890332659570noreply@blogger.com0