tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79783304807042945212024-03-12T23:17:53.570-04:00riizu.blogspot.comLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-72815634924744947792009-01-05T12:16:00.004-05:002009-01-05T12:18:22.885-05:00I'm moving…… to Wordpress!<br /><br />I've had this blog for about a year now, and find that I really hate how blogger handles comments. I'll be moving all of my content over to my new blog at <a href="http://riizu.wordpress.com/">riizu.wordpress.com</a>, though I will leave all of my old content here as well. So, as of today, I will no longer be updating here.<br /><br />Please update your bookmarks! h<a href="http://riizu.wordpress.com/">ttp://riizu.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br />Thank you all for being there for me over the last year, and I hope you will follow me over to my new location.<br /><br />Happy New Year!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-59631030655793830022008-12-17T15:04:00.004-05:002008-12-17T15:26:20.653-05:00Heels by NumberI was wandering around the internet today, and found a great new resource; <a href="http://www.socknitters.com/Tips/heels_by_the_number.htm">Heels by Number</a>. Basically, she's created a chart where you can find (approximately) on her chart your stitch count, and she'll tell you how many you need for your heel, for various different kinds of heels.<br /><br />This is really useful if you've in the process of modifying an existing sock pattern like I am right now. Isn't it great that I just stumbled across it, right when I need it? So, using myself as an example:<br /><br />I'm knitting <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=review/profile/070823_a.asp">Hedgerow Socks</a>. The initial pattern is written for about 8-8½ inches (20-22 cm) foot circumference and about 9½ inches (24 cm) in foot length, and recommends just going up or down a needle size to get the size you want. I really hate that with socks. I really think that the drape of the material is really important, and you lose that when you start messing with gauge. With socks, I would much rather just cast on more or less stitches to get the right size. This introduces problems when you get to the shaping of the heel, not so much with the toe.<br /><br />Hedgerow starts with a cast on of 66 stitches. I did my gauge swatch, measured the desired foot which has a circumference of 9 inches, and did the math to learn that I needed to cast on around 78 stitches. I had to pick a cast on that worked with the stitch pattern, which is worked over 6 stitches. After making sure 78 is divisible by 6 (it is!), I cast on and made my happy way down the leg of the sock. Since all the measurements are for length up until the heel, I didn't worry that my stitch count was so much larger than the original pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3105412862_0fdf06196c.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3105412862_0fdf06196c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, I'm almost to the heel and realizing that I didn't have a plan for my altered stitch count. Woops. But wait! This chart may hold the key. I think I like the look of the <a href="http://www.finsout.com/knit/sockpattern.html">round heel</a>, and that may be the way to go. If this fails, I can always fall back on the flap heel that's in the <a href="http://allbuttonedup.wordpress.com/2007/07/02/9-to-5-socks-some-help-with-modifications/?referer=sphere_related_content/">9 to 5 sock pattern</a> which happens to have the exact stitch count I want anyway. XP Bear with me.<br /><br />I just thought that this was pretty cool, and wanted to share my find. I'll keep you all informed on the socks, since I think I might be able to start the heel today or tomorrow. Cheers!<br /><br />~ ElizabethLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-52180558810499438432008-12-15T14:29:00.003-05:002008-12-15T14:39:24.096-05:00Transit strike, delays, new friends, and socks!First off, I need to send out an apology to <a href="http://pdxknitterati.com/">PDXKniterai</a>. We're in the middle of a <a href="http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/N2008120801b.htm">transit strike</a> right now, and so my ability to get things done is severely limited. I'm getting paid today, and so I'm hoping to be able to get your package out by Wednesday at the latest. I am so sorry!!!<br /><br />In happier news, Josiane (winner number 2) met up with me on Friday. We hung out a knit-knackers for a bit, then walked to <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=51326262">Aunt Olive's</a> for food where I met her boyfriend and we talked about all sorts of stuff. I gave her yarn, which she's hoping to weave into a scarf for her boyfriend. It was great to meet her!<br /><br />Saturday was a Christmas party, and Sunday was laundry day, so not much knitting has gotten done. I have been working on my fiancé's socks, and I'm still hopeful I'll have them done for Christmas. I’m at approximately 6 inches in length for the leg. I’m starting to think about how long these should go. I’m pretty sure I saw somewhere that the leg should be about 8.5”, but now I’ve read other suggestions saying it should be about the same length as the foot, or an inch longer. That would make an 11” (ish) long sock. Is that too long? Or should I stick to an 8.5" length sock. I really have no idea what boys prefer in terms of sock-fit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3105413136_a36e83fc6c.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3105413136_a36e83fc6c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm also torn about what to start next. Either, <a href="http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/BellaPaquita/index.html">Bella Paquita</a>, or the <a href="http://www.colorsongyarn.com/jackets_sweaters/garter_stitch_jacket_kit.htm">garter stitch jacket from fleece artist</a>. Those of you reading since last year (lol) will remember this gorgeous yarn from my fiancé's parents. I finally feel 'strong' enough in my kitting abilities to work with this awesome yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2352746582_8caa955884.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 326px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2352746582_8caa955884.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-566703661310969782008-12-08T21:51:00.003-05:002008-12-08T22:01:13.780-05:00Noro virgin, finished mittens!For the first time ever, I got to knit with Noro. In this case, Noro Kureyon. It's a pretty rough wool, and I understand that most people choose it for the colours… I obviously chose it for the price. There were only two balls left in this colour, but I really do love how it knits up.<br /><br />The pattern I used is Berry Hill Fingerless mittens by Liz (not me… another Liz), only I made them full mittens, rather than fingerless. I just can't think of a good reason why I would need more than one pair of fingerless gloves. Anyway, they're crazy warm, knit up in just a few days, and I really do love them.<br /><br />Pattern: Berry Hill Fingerless Mittens (free pattern)<br />Ravelry: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/berry-hill-fingerless-mittens">Berry Noro Mittens</a><br />Source: <a href="http://thomasinaknits.blogspot.com/2008/05/i-can-knit-rainbow.html">thomasinaknits.blogspot.com<br /></a>Yarn: 3/4 each, two balls of <a href="http://www.theknittinggarden.com/no-kureyon.htm">Noro Kureyon</a><br />Needles: 4.5mm<br />Started: December 3, 2008<br />Finished: December 8, 2008<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAELv-Yd2V55l9SIM5uYhkV2QS2z5gFDe9koeIdoAmiFwwt4llCyyGAzR4X5tu8tClUkshSN1wwToFbrfw82UYvaKtP2Gn1A8GpOdA9zvQzlr2WVZFP6LRpoBuxw5EjL-Dp4nTW2I-rp_-/s1600-h/HPIM5537.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAELv-Yd2V55l9SIM5uYhkV2QS2z5gFDe9koeIdoAmiFwwt4llCyyGAzR4X5tu8tClUkshSN1wwToFbrfw82UYvaKtP2Gn1A8GpOdA9zvQzlr2WVZFP6LRpoBuxw5EjL-Dp4nTW2I-rp_-/s320/HPIM5537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277619000537868626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC5n8ZdiRZTD8z6QfCwbHyg5zJJY86mPBXkgAwVSolW-yEoZ5sDcV2i1qd9YC7ufsgyXqeKkOAWALTchP1-G0f3eZx7AAZ3c4D3igR818QUKKdqeO3p0kI_d6Oc0pVILQ-90uOERMw2pt/s1600-h/HPIM5536.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC5n8ZdiRZTD8z6QfCwbHyg5zJJY86mPBXkgAwVSolW-yEoZ5sDcV2i1qd9YC7ufsgyXqeKkOAWALTchP1-G0f3eZx7AAZ3c4D3igR818QUKKdqeO3p0kI_d6Oc0pVILQ-90uOERMw2pt/s320/HPIM5536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277618996439273090" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-49568599709900437462008-12-05T23:48:00.000-05:002008-12-16T10:42:08.214-05:00Finished Knitting in 2008This is a re-cap of my 2008 knitting adventures. Read the blurb, and click the image for the original post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/01/sheep-encounters-sort-of-also-new-wip.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySBZNcTKatTeshaVBKrI2UHm2N1WzgXUbOtUWQB6SOgxa3_fmfvH72HQ1uwfZd4YHITGcSqeq-W5MNfcS1wPgsHWsNQLwjjeeFaXYfHvWjk8rnQdx_D1PBdNExxQhJVWqge_MiOxc5_0k/s400/bubby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224387437436981010" border="0" /></a><br />I knit Bubby as part of my first-ever swap experience. I had only just learned to knit in the round, and had never made anything either so small, or so complex, before. On top of that, he was a gift, and so I had to make sure he wasn't too terribly made. He did end up being a little lop-sided ;) This was my first knitted item of 2008, and he was finished on January 10th, and shipped out a few days later. Click the image for the original post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/01/resolutions-first-pattern-and-hot-cocoa.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9n51KkoCjf0L1t7jwq9ooSkavQiSPM_LG-XgaEpGqA7FDRbXfAtI-CJb02E9D5BwkybIlajRX84BrGpGIz4dYGgjTyi20XlaltlS8rLybxzNTr0rZb1c9Q2NAqW2k-fUH6k-ZL-eeN-s/s400/sleepmask.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224409431399267042" border="0" /></a><br />This was a quick and simple knit. I had left-over yarn from a Christmas project, and needed to sleep in the afternoons when I have migraines. I couldn't find a free pattern that suited my needs, so I made it myself. January 18, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-baby-hat.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpPJX7ecqD93YBzjPiBuSViQ1gtmCEbOIc6z88xxg31ORCQ3_BXryfyFjWhVn-HF1SDyfPvhvdbwzOYhsRSDSKEDyFQOq1piegealCA-OaN3MLSL9lV01eiGCRAP1Fl75nQQjRB8AoMlY/s400/babyhat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225512578446235202" border="0" /></a><br />I knit this baby hat using left over yarn from slippers at Christmas-time. It was for a baby girl, so I added embroidered flowers. It ended up working very well! March 1, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/dear-thermal-fos-2008-gift-long.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaROLW7ndsCB7O8AoG5GZwdVj1ig0kSGm-niCwoy2y4VMeWdLh0ZAyFBSgOX9K_HMatpCS5K9ugajHM8du_Vw7lMcTFccN0NHUDK43F6czmPgD3hb0ApNos3ecMjbXySjKY887oQyOGwA/s400/mockcablehat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234039694900788098" border="0" /></a><br />I knit this hat with my friend, Jeannine in mind. It was supposed to be "slouchy" but I mis-judged how much yarn I needed, and it ended up being more of a cap. March 2, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-bristol-neck-warmer-wip-tura-maeve.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQAEZrZ4sQjst9koJ_R8CZbg35oTBBoilAgtIJR57-QpHRB-NP8pa0RNcqy88ccjWA-CDSUsEb1F0J7REPDvBOvkznXF9wwen6K_AGJ-ZDYef3TG8iy4u8Ur1CdFKQvpPvpHc5yO0CPYZ/s320/bristolneckwarmer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248163934211367618" border="0" /></a><br />I bought this yarn with nothing in mind, other than me touching it and going mmmm soft. I was going to knit the <a href="http://cabledsheep.com/bristol.htm">Bristol neckwarmer</a> pattern, but ended up ignoring it completely (well, not completely…). It's a great pattern, and I would love to try it someday for real! Finished February 26, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-baby-dress.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHj_ngpigPTEAjP0-EFQbL4lEIxO4d9prm6EUm2qx4oeCZFDt27uBeAIJK7x20eH_D2vcCd9UoDrq9MKlWJ9S2abN-Jue5zuNg1FcwAQRcDPeOoAiUh3Ny0YxfrGNzilAWbHp-oCppHy4/s320/Tura+Maeve+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249280674736321442" border="0" /></a><br />I knit this for my niece, Emma. She was born in May of this year, and looked adorable in the dress. She doesn't even fit in it anymore, but it's been mended and is now ready for baby number two (or any other future babies). Click the image for the original post. Finished March 17, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-new-sew-slippers-for-chris.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdf9G1sZsZzCd4ay1BQCqqRongS0p0ZK0YqwtlWHBNaBHilVgrfgBiOzKJyv8bDdwudICb0Jfy8XvRaSzgIkO7IfIbX4f_6YOIvzFZOoYmOgQroYwoy26OWwakw6YIXzTlf1i9C4f0CAK/s320/slippers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249282036556043666" border="0" /></a><br />I had some left-over yarn from my <a href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/03/fo-bristol-neck-warmer-wip-tura-maeve.html">neck warmer</a> I knit early in the year, and decided to kit some slippers for Chris. They were warm and squishy, and now live inside of his other, purchased slippers. Finished March 25, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/04/fo-thermal-my-first-sweater.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRMN8PnTX8EsxiIEpdOTy5V-tIt7IryGh0ZItIuNpon-NFXKVdqRzr50WtMKqBRPfoYQUh26w0bl8CJXKYhaBIkYsMQQpTzUW21aSBcFkyk5mXOHIZYubamtJo249CIRrhsVuMtU145aB/s320/thermal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249283346877354690" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/04/fo-thermal-my-first-sweater.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabO8t4_t5aqNUUSXmwPzNUWf43nL3aVhmm8QnKugMRzZmfkio3Irv8FlnayfwmKubSn1bW9RFEPEvZ1suIiFeI-Awt6zebNwMZWPNqzQ68vxIDRk_WfAeSunjCbaVuavy7Aw53l76w_AS/s320/thermaltank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249283346622306578" border="0" /></a><br />My very first sweater! All in all, I liked the pattern, and i think it was a great sweater but I messed up on the armholes. It's also REALLY warm, as it's made out of wool (go me), and a little on the small side. So, it was a good learning experience, but will probably revert to the vest it was before I added sleeves… maybe a little longer in the ribbing on the bottom. Finished April 3, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/04/fo-cabled-armwarmers.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCVxzBX_jc1Cvg2kdVtbnEoW19UKiq5fIbRU2pftVwJ-WPzuCqmmGXjpW0PMX6tIKSz1Qn7hxWO54tAigonIWhZjThHdFAI-MpXSdoTGRocRJ4Dva5L3HmxjkQ3fs5qlHbWWiCAGbX_sK/s320/armwarmers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249580543071218690" border="0" /></a><br />I knit some cabled arm-warmers for my friend Anna. These were long overdue, and so were sort of an early birthday present, even though her birthday was in November. The pattern is pretty much my own, and the cable pattern is borrowed from a book even if it is a really simple one. I intentionally off-set the cables and I think they look pretty cool. Finished April 16, 2008.<br />Download Twisted Cabled Armwarmers Pattern: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ravelry.com/dl/elizabeth-martin-designs/4120?filename=CabledArmWarmers-riizu.pdf"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHo82VPnVtj7u6k0v5bvm7JXIbfzBm8o92Lv8g914OlbExKpOREMF5bpKVVKPHpODlUVfD7ZKJLhJle7IfrZOpVfX_dDY7PoyFfCFLJXLsZ4QJfh2VHANuTu6qigfBzk5dLZskIMoLrFx/s320/download-button.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194900849250190770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/04/fo-branching-out-scarf.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r0WMW6KZjgux9eA_TkepWmNcgA-_U6jwwNdaxGOE3qJ3jXMEhhnqYGzCy-3IbSu2PSNnGhatjDWKUVBB_Ez_hHW2UEn7QiTkDpAaI0TnKXNv6NxUzi5fQdkLeO8ciFPv6Tv-9AQzfR_6/s320/branchingout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251485561821671922" border="0" /></a><br />I had some yarn left over from the arm warmers (see above) and decided to put it to good use and make my friend, Anna a lace scarf to wear with her arm warmers ^^ It's a lovely lace pattern, and it turned out nicely. Finished April 20, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/06/memes-new-wips-and-mystery-project.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWcuhG_g473VOy7QQotEm9CnNh7j_xwivyWlw1hRDmRKr05_jyo-bsjyPgeRGWu0qsNgTFkLnOgpyp18MWBalraa4Fp59kTNmS_p9Q52Cta7hxOKJk9hqA2zBczWKQxARrYysH4SPyZzM/s320/parisloop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251487188665039074" border="0" /></a><br />I was so excited to try something with the <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2406492460_bbcc341d86.jpg?v=0">recycled sari yarn</a> I picked up at my LYS; <a href="http://www.knit-knackers.com/">Knit-knackers</a>. (they have bunnies!) I made the <a href="http://glampyreknits.tripod.com/glampyrephotos/id18.html">Paris Loop</a> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paris-loop">rav link</a>). I figured I had enough yarn since I had purchased two skeins. I decided I wanted it to be wearable since it's so soft, and opted not to do a bag or something. Shame it's so stinky. Finished June 18, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/07/new-techniques-yarn-shopping-socks-and.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApnZPdyjbvLXXSRMJUwdkYLT-n9qGdZFSe08yPhO33bMLXXtyIkF0yVRKyocrrp1IW-bN7CZaRfizeseg479TZTIzR_qfyPqnXV_Uflfu-T50vCAHo47wYISbrv0ygH4-E9oLxShlQOGl/s320/arbor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251488803026966050" border="0" /></a><br />This lace pullover was my first garment. I am so happy that I successfully churned out something that I can actually wear without looking like a crazy knitting person. I get compliments, and unless they know I knit, no one wonders if I made it. I am so happy with it. Finished June 5, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/07/xmas-slippers-also-q3-challenge-and-my.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsiHnA9QEw81ZNxGw0t_ncmVybPeW_POiYrOBrG3hQPK8BvJPFKDEQA-8gfvD6pvlwdAZQMf2mbS1G9NnpbTf0EeLKGHAYr54yQ3-WltgiLnNZgXbrJDg5AjHU6BwJRMTjU_6omBCUIzx/s320/slippers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273034351755818914" border="0" /></a><br />I knit these slippers for my dad at the end of June (early christmas knitting). It's hard to know if they'll fit, though his feet are only half an inch longer than mine so I can guess based on how they fit me that they should be alright. They turned out well, but they're more like socks than slippers. I need to make him a pair in a really warm and soft yarn. Finished July 7, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/07/finished-anklets.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eyJqgzxIFmYaBIAUN_oITAw6mDPDqKRnqo7PEZwapyptwiGQLwOVlqtTbeif6HhEH6kfMY6cDe7rvQSazIjojLAZNoi4CA-bPYrYAUk5ZNoFcf5UuM4Od5uPvRSyE1hBxR9rYTV1PW8m/s320/footies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273035579558198290" border="0" /></a><br />These took me just under 1 week to finish. They're my very first socks, and super comfortable. The pattern was pretty awesome too. Wow my toes look weird! lol Finished July 12, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/07/miss-saigon-muir-yarn-and-other-new.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVLraxZ061qNyFGROLZUqbE36l__3rVbnuiG8_UOrws2U6z3CfsXgfkovwolmt0GCCIO5YxjM5NE5I3Rpbu_NHPXg2yelI-7HtB867eqBzyL8sFQpRKbICOV2i4TL4cJkU3BgM7eZRDsE/s320/headband.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273036059357064146" border="0" /></a><br />Knit a headband for my friend Alex for her birthday. Finished it in just over a day, and never had a chance to take a finished picture. Maybe she'll take one for me someday. Finished July 26, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/08/we-now-return-to-knitting.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF8LnsVhynOzONI0cpyIydZON9GmpPvCCLV3EOuI9UOfQsTxBBF31NFRWNxTDT7TqyD7cbV9UQaGK1uGCAcj3_NQ2yQcBSZCqv3EHFnHk3_RBPTmQU_p7wfZBvclwDg1EweWShuZE6zqF/s320/fuzzy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273036720786294914" border="0" /></a><br />knit this neckwarmer on a whim for my friend Rin when I was home visiting. Finished August 31, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/09/fo-parade.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJup3rG6x5RJVdykjVfNbiB0IjJSd6WsuNWCuSW0Sg99wKhtGIJ9pjbdOKVkoc0g8EnIj-1IJCimMOJkOaeSVHtDphd0WS9EF9db-xCprrtoBN3Colqd2AzsEIP4uk6zTsBp74dcSULut8/s320/muir.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273037343800054258" border="0" /></a><br />Knit Muir in a worsted weight, instead of lace. I only did 7 of the 13 repeats and made it more of a lap-blanket. Finished September 1, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/09/fo-finished-victorian-lace-shawl.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeh4tg-jh8ldOpQ6WQxOohb_yDJEjZzgTvbQJ6DremJVsDDmJv-7d9o_klgFWutWG4YOzgp2T-PfVq3iyzELD5mY_lFAFItbs1MGxkb_-GfY5983GvSOY3589F8UsSANNTK5utFjir52G/s320/laceshawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274864858672652162" border="0" /></a><br />Lace shawl for one of my bridesmaids. Shawl 1 of 5. Finished July 22, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/09/hat-attack-2-complete.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDdl04VjpP3aqXDBi83uww8PRTedhErqgkJLGWQ-l1PjDXLA1DV_0UPvpR49-E8BYu7z0nVvnPtPIJHIW__yMwgjYn9BHPR2yK0w020UYrRuvFf-dQbpDxmPBU4ztLEu6N8YFa0TVOGyO/s320/hatattack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274865655598460434" border="0" /></a><br />Knit for the second hat attack. I assassinated my target within the first week, and was assassinated myself the following Monday. Lots of fun. Finished September 28, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/hat-for-my-brother.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsZ40dcf26W-yce-rONdDz5-zHicSEPdXjsdNpmERkovcGl3Ul2KpGGeskQbOi-BZOgmwY-gzA0CVwXFwiMlPZu7cpYAGzx_eo901DQDo6n50_C8dBvOWyQXiyrowcy6gRq_GQh23CyG9/s320/joeyhat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274879403827382770" border="0" /></a><br />A hat for my brother for Christmas. I love it. It was fast to knit, it's soft and sqooshy and warm, and I think he'll love it. Hooray! Finished September 30, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-so-socks-from-hell.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT034I8x-k1dSeqBAXjqcEQSXzaA6etCE1nGUdOX3m2re3fwn_xkCGzJEGsq3o05hHmEcsT3nINIi92JPJXv8qPQ0S6I-O6L_4RvgH5B4TKB8Nl8xHC3543mjJg46mTddpxGF2q1CNA1rh/s320/socks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276389950857792578" border="0" /></a><br />I knit these socks for my mom for Christmas. These were my very first pair of wool socks, as well as my first pair of full-length socks. I actually love how the wool feels on my feet, and want to make a pair for myself. Finished September 29, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/fos-and-i-won-contest.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqkBLYtvG4SKFz2OgCfWicnMMhJRbnOpJY8r19mTxLHp54EPk3ToTkpibZCxydCHsPynqYwprtnQx1W_CBzE7YqyhhSDIUcV33yjiGoysERNmTH3Vw2akwqI2ae81KYzBm1kh0giqFLAp/s320/hat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276390655337747154" border="0" /></a><br />This hat marked the beginnings of my christmas-knitting for my fiancé's familiy. It's really warm wool from knit-picks.com and is super stretchy. It'll be a great warm hat. Finished October 12, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/fos-and-i-won-contest.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1aAY78hecoxXtMCl4FlgMp2FjFPCjHYEosnmVes0klcbnqTiAprS4hwQlD0Bq5F3o-cTf6lZmlOM2f5lc4ewOv6symfEua4OIUo-ZsLGDa8J5cA6G-FyM_OS4CXRSZs6viAjtaVeo-mz/s320/mirasol.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280412069525996578" border="0" /></a><br />Knit with one skein of Mirasol Hacho, and another random yarn that I now hate. It pills and it's gross. I'm considering ripping it out and doing it again with a different contrasting colour. The mirasol is awesome and they keep my wrists warm. Finished October 10, 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/knitting-yarn-contests-and-weddings.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7CllB6uMJXH7g7waM75vOow2PopwhkoPCOpwO5MWljy_CDomMd09aYw7oOfEcnxtAfBBRcDiqk-Hd-CeS91nOOySFBno2HOl5Mq2mbJBfelSOjex5r-RCbduZjajVQVc4qYjUXki8q89/s320/picot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280412918073976962" border="0" /></a><br />My very first pair of gloves with fingers. I knit a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I am very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Finished October 18, 2008.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-47042330135757248212008-12-02T00:14:00.001-05:002008-12-02T00:14:44.767-05:00December Knitting ListI can't believe how well this Christmas season is going for knitting. I credit you, dear bloggers! I have knit 17 gifts for Christmas, including the one in progress right now. So I present to you, my December list!<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Sherbrooke Cowl</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/sherbrooke">ravlink</a>)</span><br /><b>Recipient:</b> Gisèle (fiancé's grandmother)<br /><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://lollygirl.com/patterns/Sherbrooke_Cowl.pdf">Sherbrooke</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by Lauren Weinhold</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> (free PDF download)</span><b><br />Occasion:</b> Christmas 2008<br /><b>Finished:</b> Dec 1/08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes: </span>This cowl went a little slower than my other knits. Maybe it was because the stitch pattern was a teensy bit boring… maybe it was because I needed a break from knitting… either way, it turned out quite nicely. Yay! One gift down, one left before christmas!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3076675626_63f1bc763c.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 262px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3076675626_63f1bc763c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3076676722_1f28cdf8e2.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 262px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3076676722_1f28cdf8e2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3075845119_cf5ac8b70d.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 262px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3075845119_cf5ac8b70d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2. Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Hedgerow Man Socks</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/hedgerow-socks">ravlink</a>)</span><br /><b>Recipient:</b> Chris (fiancé)<br /><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=review/profile/070823_a.asp">Hedgerow</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by Jane Cochran (free)</span><b><br />Occasion:</b> Christmas 2008<br /><b>WIP:</b> Nov 30/08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes: </span>Finished the cuffs of both socks, and got them both on the needles for two-at-a-time. Man this yarn is <em>tiny</em>! I love it though, very soft, I’m sure he’ll love them. I can see this stitch pattern getting a little boring, but that will make them great for a travel project. I’m already a good couple inches into the legs.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Once those items are all done, I'll get to start working on birthday and wedding knitting for 2009!</span><br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3. Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>Gloves or mittens<br /> <b>Recipient:</b> Joel (brother)<br /> <b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/ken/ken.html">Ken Gloves</a> or <a href="http://www.midnightknitter.com/knitpixiepatterns/uploads/mittens_two.htm">Tweedy Mittens</a><b><br />Occasion:</b> Birthday<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Due date</span><b>:</b> Jan 7/09<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes: </span>To go with his <a href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/10/hat-for-my-brother.html">hat</a><br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4. Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Undecided</span><br /> <b>Recipient:</b> Auntie Julie<br /> <b>Pattern: </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">…</span><b><br />Occasion:</b> Awesomeness<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Due date</span><b>:</b> Feb 7/09<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5. Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Lace knitting</span><br /> <b>Recipient:</b> One of my bridesmaids: Lise, Rin, Ve, or Elsa<br /> <b>Pattern: </b>undecided<b><br />Occasion:</b> Wedding<br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Due date</span><b>:</b> September 2009<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes: </span>I would like to start one of these in December<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Other gifts I'm thinking about:</span><br /><ul><li>Joel and Chantelle — Wedding Gift / May</li><li>Dad — Birthday / June</li><li>Auntie Julie and Auntie Linda — Thank you gift / September</li><li>Holly — Thank you gift / September</li><li>Fran, Pete and Blip — Thank you gift / September</li><li>Mom — Thank you gift and Birthday gift / September</li></ul>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-55176615185871164832008-12-01T10:41:00.002-05:002008-12-01T11:12:13.882-05:00Contest Closed: and the prize goes to!…<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contest Closed!</span></span><br /><br />Thank you so much to everyone that entered my Blogoversary contest in November. I had no idea there were so many of you out there! Your comments helped me get through my push to finish Christmas-knitting (only two gifts to go!), and I really appreciated everyone's help trying to decide what to knit for myself next (Bella Paquita).<br /><br />On with the results! My final entry count as of last night, midnight, was 203 comments. Way to go everyone! I never expected the number to go so high. So, I've decided to draw TWO names, instead of one. I'm going to my LYS tomorrow to pick up something special for the second prize winner.<br /><br />I took all of the entries from my spreadsheet and had random.org list them (randomly) for me in a numbered list. Then I had random.org select two integers between 0 and 203. Here are the results.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHOcNu2fSrRDJ3QGFI0bJt43O2InEn6ZW8OFmHXJsXnKmewPd-NhQ0t8QYpSke4_CbMZP9sruYVGE5GqTnDMaxyFyIkYpKQUNY8DvVgp8DBDSofO_iBAjYLhdvxzncISDwa4_rqVsN_cD/s1600-h/winningnumber.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHOcNu2fSrRDJ3QGFI0bJt43O2InEn6ZW8OFmHXJsXnKmewPd-NhQ0t8QYpSke4_CbMZP9sruYVGE5GqTnDMaxyFyIkYpKQUNY8DvVgp8DBDSofO_iBAjYLhdvxzncISDwa4_rqVsN_cD/s320/winningnumber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274847545948892898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first prize winner is Entry 63, and the second prize winner is Entry 15.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTzOpWSce-mbE3vciYh6PeMq7PAZ8wFw1n4ih7MWbJg61IDr-ssDt6xyiv_Fo8Um-_t8MQl594rmHjnyFjEYZ-_HNmz64MM4RSvnNOySuz4_KGVmiRXWkaA0SLmlTedoYOvjBzN9j2Gzz/s1600-h/winner1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTzOpWSce-mbE3vciYh6PeMq7PAZ8wFw1n4ih7MWbJg61IDr-ssDt6xyiv_Fo8Um-_t8MQl594rmHjnyFjEYZ-_HNmz64MM4RSvnNOySuz4_KGVmiRXWkaA0SLmlTedoYOvjBzN9j2Gzz/s320/winner1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274847548213136946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://pdxknitterati.com/">PDXKnitterati</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> has won two skeins of Mirasol Yarn Hacho in Peacock Ripple 302. Congratulations! </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/riizu/1510385/hpim4985_medium.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/riizu/1510385/hpim4985_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZJsPn5X1qkuxEA-SCEOvlhpis_hYf6Fv1q60Zdq7GSuD3mynYFSMtvHB3thtbB2TO1lyDNjZxZ6EbCwkqlI_UTTOTfBudqlt0O_FIGbhikvlqTArstLv7QZ7_FHQ5DZmegTPhzgo-Q5i/s1600-h/winner2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZJsPn5X1qkuxEA-SCEOvlhpis_hYf6Fv1q60Zdq7GSuD3mynYFSMtvHB3thtbB2TO1lyDNjZxZ6EbCwkqlI_UTTOTfBudqlt0O_FIGbhikvlqTArstLv7QZ7_FHQ5DZmegTPhzgo-Q5i/s320/winner2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274847560883125618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Josiane has won a special something too. Congratulations! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">If you could both email me your addresses and any allergies/health concerns, I'll send out your packages this week. My email address is aldron at gmail dot com. </span><br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-33478308349206167622008-11-29T11:45:00.002-05:002008-11-29T11:57:26.905-05:00mmmm granola…<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/3067772285_9ca445d957.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/3067772285_9ca445d957.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made granola yesterday, and it turned out awesome! It's way better than the last batch I made. Not a sweet so it doesn't feel like I'm eating candy. It's really more of a cereal but I like it that way. Mods: I omitted raisins because I'm not a fan of them, sunflower oil instead of canola oil, Flax seed instead of sesame seed, dried apples for the fruit, and a smidge of sweetened coconut with the unsweetened stuff.<br /><br />It's delicious, and you can find the recipe here: <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?p=390">http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?p=390</a><br /><br />In knitting news, I started a cowl for my fiancé last night. It's white which is a little scary for me. I'm always afraid I'm going to get it dirty before I even give to her.<br /><br />Oh, and I have a question for you folks; If you ask your significant other to give you their foot for measuring, do you think they'll guess that you're making them socks?<br /><br />Me: Give me your foot<br />Him: Why?<br />Me: Just give me your foot!<br />Him: (gives me his foot) You're making me socks aren't you?<br />Me: No! (In a sarcastic tone) No, I'm not making you socks! Goddammit! lol<br />Him: Riiiight… It's kind of obvious…<br />Me: Dammit! I'm not making you socks!<br /><br />*sigh* I lost didn't I? Happy Saturday everyone, one more day in the contest!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-33603657151113399112008-11-28T21:56:00.002-05:002008-11-28T21:59:30.970-05:00Friday Fill-In #100Keep the comments coming! Only 2 more days until the contests is closed. Thank you so much to everyone who has entered!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/11/100.html"><img alt="fridayfillin.gif" src="http://www.fondofsnape.com/archives/fridayfillin.gif" height="31" width="88" /></a><br /><br />1. My stomach <strong>is full of yummy granola</strong>.<br />2.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Cookies</span> are what I ate the most of on Thursday.<br />3. The yard <strong>doesn't exist</strong>.<br />4. <strong>With loved ones</strong> is where I'd rather be at any given time.<br />5. The smell of <strong>grass</strong> reminds me of <strong>home</strong>.<br />6. <strong>Knitting</strong> is what I need right now!<br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <strong>working on a christmas gift</strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>going to see one of my favourite bands, Ukrania,</strong> and Sunday, I want to <strong>bake bread!<br /></strong>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-31212664293118902982008-11-26T13:19:00.007-05:002008-11-27T19:15:16.451-05:00Knittings Tips, Magazines and another FOI finished a hat for me yesterday! It's made from a crazy chunky yarn that Ikkleknitter (ravlink) gave me at the knit-night on Tuesday. It knit up really fast, and was the perfect thing for a bit of hat-improvisation. I didn't have a pattern, I just sort of did it. This is a new thing for me; knitting without a pattern. It can be a lot of fun, if you're not adverse to a bit of ripping. I love it, and I can't wait for it to get colder so I can wear it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXUfZAHgH8m9IzKeVzE-AflL9sPPhd1wC_MXupycW5PrB3xnj56D_oc_N5ZF3ta3ob7mLasuCQeCUVQ2xS_F_leiJTayi23A-VIRUwHVNXaeVd0pwhxvcnKqCg61KvZwSdH5hDVGBXKOE/s1600-h/HPIM5522.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXUfZAHgH8m9IzKeVzE-AflL9sPPhd1wC_MXupycW5PrB3xnj56D_oc_N5ZF3ta3ob7mLasuCQeCUVQ2xS_F_leiJTayi23A-VIRUwHVNXaeVd0pwhxvcnKqCg61KvZwSdH5hDVGBXKOE/s320/HPIM5522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273491496474297426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Eqi7PIWNjOKbRdrwHnqRYvFj8YrBa1soSLYzKIMeQ9iQZRB-3Ywiy5wHeLaWSjkvU0noI0G73yeSaUB-xcRCFL-n0KPN7zWXzExOFkk2oKLx5k09NafrViRSeqAA_RzCM9OeopBUUD8i/s1600-h/HPIM5519.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Eqi7PIWNjOKbRdrwHnqRYvFj8YrBa1soSLYzKIMeQ9iQZRB-3Ywiy5wHeLaWSjkvU0noI0G73yeSaUB-xcRCFL-n0KPN7zWXzExOFkk2oKLx5k09NafrViRSeqAA_RzCM9OeopBUUD8i/s320/HPIM5519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273491491103556050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvjOVWHGau4WFrREJJMEqk_kPT7B98i8zJjIpxN62dII4QJ-VNprcQDoYwmWZI2DNtdpOdwM9nWhafZOInrZ8eDd4yR9DpX4VWpGNERSGmzpigMZ48qPRqzjCogzh2FL3-bar-kYrQOnp/s1600-h/HPIM5513.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvjOVWHGau4WFrREJJMEqk_kPT7B98i8zJjIpxN62dII4QJ-VNprcQDoYwmWZI2DNtdpOdwM9nWhafZOInrZ8eDd4yR9DpX4VWpGNERSGmzpigMZ48qPRqzjCogzh2FL3-bar-kYrQOnp/s320/HPIM5513.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273491487510903858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />*****<br /><br />I found some great tutorials over at <a href="http://math4knitters.blogspot.com/">Math4Knitters</a>; how to do the duplicate stitch over different kinds of knitting. She has tutorials (with photos!) on how to do it with <a href="http://math4knitters.blogspot.com/2008/07/duplicate-stitch-on-stockinette.html">Stockinette</a>, <a href="http://math4knitters.blogspot.com/2008/07/duplicate-stitch-on-garter-stitch.html">Garter Stitch</a>, and <a href="http://math4knitters.blogspot.com/2008/07/duplicate-stitch-on-ribbing.html">Ribbing</a>. I know this might be old news to most of you, but I was really struggling with how to do it with ribbing. Now I know :)<br /><br />Whenever I find some useful bit of information, I stick in my side bar under "Knitting Techniques". Check it out! There's some really great tips there.<br /><br />*****<br /><br />Look what came in the mail today! Interweave Knits: Winter 2008.<br /><br />Sometimes I'm lukewarm when it comes to some Interweave Knits issues, but not so with this one. There's lots I like about this issue!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJMjAxTCVsGPRVEz82we7baY2p3-VEJm1enYwnHa0Wic75l9eIytWp-hbVkHOPIf3XgyrgBqie9nICTCX-1qTiawQJACto0TYR2JV9UHeS-al1vRoScUWZ2kY0vWCR5hyphenhyphen5YOfat7QrQD/s1600-h/HPIM5523.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJMjAxTCVsGPRVEz82we7baY2p3-VEJm1enYwnHa0Wic75l9eIytWp-hbVkHOPIf3XgyrgBqie9nICTCX-1qTiawQJACto0TYR2JV9UHeS-al1vRoScUWZ2kY0vWCR5hyphenhyphen5YOfat7QrQD/s320/HPIM5523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273491503015314162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm really excited about <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Blooming-Cardigan.asp">Blooming Cardigan</a>, even if it does look like it's in need of some waist shaping. Personally, I don't think a sweater should call for BOTH buttons and a sash, but that's just me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Blooming-Cardigan-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Blooming-Cardigan-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But that's not all for cardigans. There's also <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Ropes-Picots-Cardigan.asp">Ropes and Picots Cardigan</a> and <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Marilyns-Bed-Jacket.asp">Marilyn's Bedjacket</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Ropes-Picots-Cardigan-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Ropes-Picots-Cardigan-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Marilyns-Bed-Jacket-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Marilyns-Bed-Jacket-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am in love with Anne Kuo Lukito's <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Pfeiffer-Falls-Hooded-Scarf.asp">Pfeiffer Falls Hooded Scarf</a>. It's a scarf, a hood, and even has pockets! This one looks like a lot of fun ^__^<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Pfeiffer-Falls-Hooded-Scarf-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Pfeiffer-Falls-Hooded-Scarf-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been eyeing <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Climbing-Vines-Pullover.asp">Climbing Vines</a> for awhile now, and I'm so happy it's in this issue!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Climbing-Vines-Pullover-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Climbing-Vines-Pullover-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But I think I'm even more likely to knit something as simple as the <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/galleries/bonus/winter-2008/Dainty-Pinstripes-Pullover.asp">Dainty Pinstripes Pullover</a>. Which really looks very pretty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Dainty-Pinstripes-Pullover-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.interweaveknits.com/images/backissues/toc-winter-2008/Dainty-Pinstripes-Pullover-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm not big on vests or pullovers with close necks, and there's also a pattern for some cabled pillow covers that look pretty nice. I had heard early on some criticism for this issue, but I'm pretty excited about it.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-83490538168128361822008-11-25T23:23:00.003-05:002008-11-25T23:30:18.527-05:00More finished knitting!There have been two FO's since I last posted. I finished a scarf for my fiancé's brother, and also a pair of mittens for myself. The scarf took awhile, since it was knit the long way. I knit it using the <a href="http://donyale.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/gulp-pattern/">Gulp pattern (free) by Donyale Grant</a>. Yarn was: Knit Picks Essential Kettle Dyed and Knit Picks Imagination Hand Painted Sock Yarn in Frog Prince. (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/gulp">rav link</a>)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OpJRWUBYiaUqNdudAaUrcso8whw9u5TZGK61lfJXNSKnbnoHhNVlT1lNT8DPtBsCeOeFs41NNB0UzJBXFr-aPtPPEQ-8rHD1qZl7-l2WtRuk8L_5vzVYDwgbZEe50miLEWzrTgp7jouJ/s1600-h/HPIM5508.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OpJRWUBYiaUqNdudAaUrcso8whw9u5TZGK61lfJXNSKnbnoHhNVlT1lNT8DPtBsCeOeFs41NNB0UzJBXFr-aPtPPEQ-8rHD1qZl7-l2WtRuk8L_5vzVYDwgbZEe50miLEWzrTgp7jouJ/s320/HPIM5508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272818614220285394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRV5uh-SyOGbx5Ao36Fa_jnl6PBcS4xCW1amQm6jKdPaLvmZDbEIl3c-jmWeQ-yS-qHMC3Uel1XxpXfbqWCy31GRl4yfjVLeE5Gj9BofMk8edf4QcU1aZ5I65mS1hPm_nbis67OvuCBb-/s1600-h/HPIM5507.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRV5uh-SyOGbx5Ao36Fa_jnl6PBcS4xCW1amQm6jKdPaLvmZDbEIl3c-jmWeQ-yS-qHMC3Uel1XxpXfbqWCy31GRl4yfjVLeE5Gj9BofMk8edf4QcU1aZ5I65mS1hPm_nbis67OvuCBb-/s320/HPIM5507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272818608065480146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also decided I needed mittens now that it's getting cold and my fingers need protection. I was at the LYS on Saturday and picked up some Mirasol Sulka to make some mittens. I did some embroidery on top so I could be sure to know which glove goes on which hand. This an improvised pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDafo00frWzidVONvgixtA7lpIzZ8Bm8ez3nuaQ5p40_lainVim68WWXlYPzhJrjm1EDAWUdYn-wXy9Uq4cLLen7xUiF50YLQkZKhHaQoTobXelClInhKwdFTTlnGb1aKnaTSD-_O6dQcH/s1600-h/HPIM5505.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDafo00frWzidVONvgixtA7lpIzZ8Bm8ez3nuaQ5p40_lainVim68WWXlYPzhJrjm1EDAWUdYn-wXy9Uq4cLLen7xUiF50YLQkZKhHaQoTobXelClInhKwdFTTlnGb1aKnaTSD-_O6dQcH/s320/HPIM5505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272818601319104322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq40uwgCMMHxQCgWL-wYLTH3y05UGa_GdRmJDvcyadbooLBr6PCYgzOK4jCE39HXNfR4C3F2vE1Zt9m4ZEhM0v1HQ1xe5BrYZ-dtwvBSTZHPrBaCtgwbBF1rQahYgw_vlI04XGPcl8HEz/s1600-h/HPIM5503.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq40uwgCMMHxQCgWL-wYLTH3y05UGa_GdRmJDvcyadbooLBr6PCYgzOK4jCE39HXNfR4C3F2vE1Zt9m4ZEhM0v1HQ1xe5BrYZ-dtwvBSTZHPrBaCtgwbBF1rQahYgw_vlI04XGPcl8HEz/s320/HPIM5503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272818594953117314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are still 5 more days left in the blogiversary contest! You have until Sunday at Midnight to get your comments in. Thank you so much for all of the support everyone!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-91568761194423850042008-11-21T17:07:00.001-05:002008-11-22T10:12:17.847-05:00Pre-Weekend UpdateI love how quickly I am getting through all of these gifts. I finished a cowl on Tuesday night for my fiancé's aunt (who I'm pretty sure doesn't read this XP) that turned out great. The pattern is the Quickie Cowl by Fawn Pea. The pattern is <a href="http://fpea.blogspot.com/2006/12/free-pattern-friday-quickie-cowl.html">available for free on her website</a>, and through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quickie-cowl">ravelry</a>. My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/quickie-cowl">ravelry project page is here</a>. I loved this pattern. It was a quick as promised, knit flat and seamed (I did a 3-needle bind off because I'm lazy). It was easy to memorize and turned out really nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw8rBWTAN5nZkfmuy4NUwkcLZaP56VVf7W1qqfTAhctsDyRINB_181t0eNzU_fRTSLZXE9J4uHbfuCK_w98YMZJ3k6XzPpjKPIYWBUPK9baHeNtPDE7oW0mNFwoOzVsSsNMjUovJEKlTT/s1600-h/HPIM5495.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw8rBWTAN5nZkfmuy4NUwkcLZaP56VVf7W1qqfTAhctsDyRINB_181t0eNzU_fRTSLZXE9J4uHbfuCK_w98YMZJ3k6XzPpjKPIYWBUPK9baHeNtPDE7oW0mNFwoOzVsSsNMjUovJEKlTT/s320/HPIM5495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271235265505256818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb1C2_XDytWG-PMYg8YDqdsST0Z2XDXP8Yk8zN-pTBZYjDJSwyvD4HKEYFmBUej0lkil7FnpygANDtzhGCRuFTrqb5ohBo_TL081T4D89FfhdtParLb9JuvjK7-SS75dY1pAvLMeMDNc/s1600-h/HPIM5491.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb1C2_XDytWG-PMYg8YDqdsST0Z2XDXP8Yk8zN-pTBZYjDJSwyvD4HKEYFmBUej0lkil7FnpygANDtzhGCRuFTrqb5ohBo_TL081T4D89FfhdtParLb9JuvjK7-SS75dY1pAvLMeMDNc/s320/HPIM5491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271235261210317890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I just have to say that all of the comments have really helped me to keep up with the blogging, as well as the knitting. Not only that, but all of you that I've found your blogs, I have now started following you! Thank you for broadening my blogosphere :) We're at 145 entries. Keep 'em coming! I have a shout-out to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dogmommy4</span>: Arbor is available for free here: <a href="http://indigomouse.net/?p=82">http://indigomouse.net/?p=82</a><br /><br />The next project will be a scarf for my FBIL to match the <a href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/11/birthday-toque-in-order.html">hat I knit for his birthday last week</a>. The plan is to knit the Gulp Scarf by Donyale Grant. The pattern is available for free <a href="http://donyale.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/gulp-pattern/">through her blog</a>, as well as a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gulp">free PDF download on ravelry</a>. My project page is here (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/gulp">where you can see the yarn!</a>) Oh, alright. Here is the yarn I'm using. Isn't it pretty?<br /><br />I really should learn to read patterns before I start them. This scarf is knit the long way, not the short way. ((sigh)) This scarf has a confusing way of describing something as simple as dropped stitches, and it would have helped to clarify that before starting. ((sigh)) This scarf requires that you cast on 250 stitches. 250!!!!! ((sigh)) Overall, I still like how it’s turning out, but felt I should register that I’m annoyed with myself for not reading ahead.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/3026312214_538dcc689b.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/3026312214_538dcc689b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/3026312984_5b01c45fcb.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/3026312984_5b01c45fcb.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also finally managed to get some photos of the hat I knit for my fiancé back in October. I never thought I would want him out of the apartment so badly! I'm really happy with how it turned out too. Please ignore my spaced out look, I was having trouble getting a good angle on the hat lol. Pattern is loosely based on the <a href="http://meadowooddesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/fibonacci-pea-cap.html">Fibonacci pea cap</a> (free pattern)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3049030644_0ced3d34c7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3049030644_0ced3d34c7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3049030324_d55b54a763.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3049030324_d55b54a763.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/3048189449_84465f2bf0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/3048189449_84465f2bf0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/11/99.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 81px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2459486282_9be6217be7_t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />1. The last band I saw live was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ukrania!</span><strong></strong><br />2. What I looked forward to most on Thanksgiving was <span style="font-weight: bold;">getting our apartment mostly unpacked, finally, after 6 months of living with boxes! </span>(Thanksgiving is in October for Canadians)<br />3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is <strong>not applicable? I'm knitting for Christmas this year</strong>.<br />4. Thoughts of <span style="font-weight: bold;">tea</span><strong></strong> fill my head.<br />5. I wish I could wear <strong>corn based knits</strong>.<br />6. Bagpipes <strong>can be awesome</strong>.<br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <strong>Rin arriving from Toronto</strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>brunch, the LYS and a knitterly afternoon</strong> and Sunday, I want to <span style="font-weight: bold;">make pancakes</span><strong></strong>!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-65972246895163044172008-11-16T23:29:00.003-05:002008-11-18T12:15:17.025-05:00Zig Zag Cowl FO<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">First I have to say how AMAZING all the comments have been. We are up to 137 entries. Keep 'em coming! You can enter up until November 30th. You were asking about my FO of the day? lol here ya go!<br /><br />Alpaca/Bamboo Cowl</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/zigzag-cowl">ravlink</a>)</span><br /><b>Recipient:</b> It's a secret! Shh! (though I don't think she reads this blog)<br /><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://zigzagstitch.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/free-pattern-dudes/">Zig Zag Cowl</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by Mandy Powers (free)</span><b><br />Occasion:</b> Birthday December 1st<br /><b>Finished:</b> Nov 16/08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes: </span>I started the Gemma Beret pattern first, but got so frustrated with how the pattern was written, and with how it was turning out, that I gave up and started this cowl instead. <p>I do have a minor complaint with the pattern though. When it tells you to cast on, it really should tell you to do a provisional cast on. I know there are people out there who hate prov. cast ons, but isn’t picking up stitches for a picot hem EVEN WORSE? Anyway, it was a really quick knit, and I love how it turned out.</p> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNg4ocnF9BO8h78ZBwMW8uxnYy6Rfci6EFtOJqoYNg0m8Xu5ejmgGQypWV7g0VXy6GO-U7DYfD2F75Kugf27-cnt14VMS9l0KLfKqqxHgRfHGPcxpJuXxvkWsIBTaJ0bktJuIVKKXxvVL/s1600-h/HPIM5462.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNg4ocnF9BO8h78ZBwMW8uxnYy6Rfci6EFtOJqoYNg0m8Xu5ejmgGQypWV7g0VXy6GO-U7DYfD2F75Kugf27-cnt14VMS9l0KLfKqqxHgRfHGPcxpJuXxvkWsIBTaJ0bktJuIVKKXxvVL/s320/HPIM5462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269480200765064306" border="0" /></a></p><p>ETA: I took a few more pics last night! See it in action :)</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3040124588_83a5a04af4.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3040124588_83a5a04af4.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3040125266_a8fbe9501c.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3040125266_a8fbe9501c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-83146979518726463172008-11-14T10:20:00.003-05:002008-11-14T10:24:43.480-05:00Another contest, at another blog<span style="font-size:85%;">In case you're confused, the contest is still ongoing, so keep up with the comments. So far we have over 100 entries! Holy cow guys! But enough about me…</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Georgi is having a 'just because' contest on her blog: <a href="http://toknitandwrite.blogspot.com/2008/11/contest-just-because.html">To Knit and Write</a>. To enter, comment on that post telling her your favourite yarn and your favourite project. For extra entries, comment on other posts on her blog, and link to the contest for another entry. You also get another entry for each person who sends you her way. First prize will go to she/he with the most comments, while second and third will be found via the random number generator. Good luck!</span>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-61370081947884793582008-11-13T23:44:00.001-05:002008-11-13T23:45:08.300-05:00Birthday Toque in orderSo I'm crazy and I decided I needed to knit a hat for my FBIL for his birthday. Um… his birthday is <span style="font-style: italic;">tomorrow!</span> **headdesk**. The wool arrived YESTERDAY, and I just cast off now. I'm going to be weaving in ends on the car ride over, but it's DONE. Gah. I don't know what possessed me… I'm fast at hats but now my hands hurt lol I think I need a break from hats. I know it looks tiny, but it stretches a lot, soo it fits, promise ^_~<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Wool Toque</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/a-hat-fit-for-a-boyfriend">ravlink</a>)</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /><b>Recipient:</b> Mike (Fiancé's Brother)<br /><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://stephanieknits.blogspot.com/2007/03/keeping-boyfriends-ears-warm-since-2006.html">Hat Fit For a Boyfriend/relative?</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (free)</span><b><br />Occasion:</b> Birthday<br /><b>Finished:</b> Nov 13/08<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lz0Zxd18j-m7NoK2c1VS2RTr3zNy8IqOtmrdyUFG46TRX6gN90Cs6x2cEmsPy1Tzbbfc7Es2AKK7mR9BoF4iRPYmw_B2ht0q704CyvFya8Lpv_DDvuLmBWlRHog3f1NDpurtzZzD_haz/s1600-h/HPIM5463.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lz0Zxd18j-m7NoK2c1VS2RTr3zNy8IqOtmrdyUFG46TRX6gN90Cs6x2cEmsPy1Tzbbfc7Es2AKK7mR9BoF4iRPYmw_B2ht0q704CyvFya8Lpv_DDvuLmBWlRHog3f1NDpurtzZzD_haz/s320/HPIM5463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268368889253337698" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-55590606506388272262008-11-13T09:52:00.011-05:002008-11-13T15:19:00.386-05:00Wow, decision made!Wow guys, thank you so much for your input! Here are the votes:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3974522">Wicked (Worsted Weight Version)</a></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/i/patterns/web2_3.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 186px;" src="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/i/patterns/web2_3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First choice votes: 4<br />Total votes: 8<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008-Projects.asp#opulent">Opulent Raglan</a></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008/Opulent-Raglan-2.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 188px;" src="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008/Opulent-Raglan-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First choice votes: 2<br />Total votes: 4<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />3. </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/BellaPaquita/index.html">Bella Paquita</a> WINNER! With a total of 16 votes, 8 of them first pick.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2183041187_f2a383c42b.jpg?v=0"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 359px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2183041187_f2a383c42b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4. Sweater with Wide Collar</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/847003723_4567cb9475.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 125px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/847003723_4567cb9475.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />No votes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />5. Textured Tunic with Side Buttons<br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.mycraftivityshop.com/mycraftivity/Images/products/large/z3855.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 157px;" src="http://image.mycraftivityshop.com/mycraftivity/Images/products/large/z3855.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />No votes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />6. Cropped Sweater</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/1385362079_52da849223.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 125px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/1385362079_52da849223.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First choice votes: 0<br />Total votes: 1<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />7. Central Park Hoodie</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images3.ravelry.com/gallery/knitscene/500/www.knitscene.com-13-central-park-hoodie.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 186px;" src="http://images3.ravelry.com/gallery/knitscene/500/www.knitscene.com-13-central-park-hoodie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First choice votes: 4<br />Total votes: 8<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />8. Sweater w/round yoke (by rebecca)</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2952596364_c6e4655567.jpg"><img style="float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 93px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2952596364_c6e4655567.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First choice votes: 0<br />Total votes: 6<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now if I were to go with total vote, I would end up knitting Bella Paquita, hands down. Even if I go with first votes, it still wins lol I guess it was only a difficult choice for me! You guys rock! Once I'm finished my christmas knitting, this will be the first thing on the needles for me. Thanks!<br /><br />Last night my knit picks order arrived, which is great news, because now I can start on a new project. Tomorrow night is my fiancé's brother's birthday part (sssh! It's a secret!) and I had wanted to knit him a hat for a gift. I was getting really worried that the yarn wouldn't arrive in time, but it did. I've been knitting like mad, and this is my progress so far. Please excuse the crappy camera phone quality.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3028262728_85e99530aa.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3028262728_85e99530aa.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-47513949491650581852008-11-11T11:14:00.003-05:002008-11-11T11:34:06.716-05:00I need your helpIn October, I won the quarterly challenge prize through the (AWESOME) knit all year community blog that I'm part of. Part of what I won was 10 balls of some lovely merino from WEBS. I have been trying to decide what to make with it, and I think a sweater is in order, but I need help deciding what to make. Here's where you come in :)<br /><br />I'm going to list the patterns that I'm thinking of, and I'll number them to make it easy. Just post a comment of your top 2 or 3 (in order) and I'll tally the votes and see if it will help me make a decision. OH, and I guess it's just a bonus that these comments are eligible for entries in my contest for November. All of these patterns I either own already, are free, or I don't mind purchasing, so don't let that be a factor.<br /><br />Thank you so much to all of my readers, I had no idea there were so many of you out there. Happy knitting!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. <a href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/catalog/item.cfm/2367447/3974522">Wicked (Worsted Weight Version)</a></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/i/patterns/web2_3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.zephyrstyle.com/i/patterns/web2_3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. <a href="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008-Projects.asp#opulent">Opulent Raglan</a></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008/Opulent-Raglan-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.knitscene.com/issue/Fall-2008/Opulent-Raglan-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/BellaPaquita/index.html">Bella Paquita</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2183041187_f2a383c42b.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 363px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2183041187_f2a383c42b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Sweater with Wide Collar</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/847003723_4567cb9475.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/847003723_4567cb9475.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Textured Tunic with Side Buttons<br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.mycraftivityshop.com/mycraftivity/Images/products/large/z3855.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 378px;" src="http://image.mycraftivityshop.com/mycraftivity/Images/products/large/z3855.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Cropped Sweater</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/1385362079_52da849223.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/1385362079_52da849223.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Central Park Hoodie</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images3.ravelry.com/gallery/knitscene/500/www.knitscene.com-13-central-park-hoodie.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 450px;" src="http://images3.ravelry.com/gallery/knitscene/500/www.knitscene.com-13-central-park-hoodie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Sweater w/round yoke (by rebecca)</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2952596364_c6e4655567.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2952596364_c6e4655567.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-36319727440404407832008-11-09T14:02:00.000-05:002008-11-09T14:03:01.024-05:00I am on FIRE!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I ordered this yarn through</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> my LYS, Knit-knackers, a few weeks ago. Originally I had planned to reverse the colours for the original pattern; a blue hat, with brown fair isle. When the yarn arrived in the store, only the blue had come in. I really didn't want to wait, so instead, I used white for the colour work. I love how it turned out, and I love the tassels.<br /><br />My only real change to the original pattern was to knit it in the round, instead of flat. I also decided to use both yarn colours in the tassels, instead of just the blue. This hat took no time at all. A real quick knit!</span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Fair isle Tassel Hat</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/emma-hat">ravlink</a>)</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /><b>Recipient:</b> Kim (Fiancé's Sister)<br /><b>Pattern: </b>Emma Hat by Louisa Harding<span style="font-weight: bold;"> (not free)<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Source: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1596680547?tag=worldcat-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1596680547&adid=0KK4MWRKFRQWQPXFXKWY&">BOOK — Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding</a><b><br />Occasion:</b> Christmas<br /><b>Finished:</b> Nov 9/08<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3016606936_b46b5bfb4c.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3016606936_b46b5bfb4c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3015771159_6a23c96b91.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3015771159_6a23c96b91.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-43566581442008052362008-11-08T09:02:00.003-05:002008-11-08T09:25:50.669-05:00Emergency Birthday knittingMy friend, Anna's birthday was last weekend, and a whole bunch of us are getting together tonight to celebrate. Being the knitter I am, I decided I wanted to knit her something. I bought some variegated yarn and tried to make a cowl, and I hated it. So I made a hat with it instead, and I really don't like how it turned out. Back to the yarn store I go, and I picked up some Louet Gems Chunky on sale and spent the last two days making a pair of mittens. ^_^ Love these! I'm sure she'll like them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/3012959664_cbd5fee001.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/3012959664_cbd5fee001.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3012124465_a6f707205f.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3012124465_a6f707205f.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3012124761_d5a8f5ef05.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3012124761_d5a8f5ef05.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Everyone is doing well with the contest~! Thanks so much for the support everyone :)<br /><br /><img alt="fridayfillin.gif" src="http://www.fondofsnape.com/archives/fridayfillin.gif" height="31" width="88" /><br /><br />1. My blueprint for success includes <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">positive thinking</span>.<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Wintergreen Lifesavers</span> was the last candy I ate.<br />3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">some brand that start with an 'N' lol</span><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Pie</span> can be good therapy.<br />5. I'd like to tell you about <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">my emotional problems, but that would be boring, so I tell you about my knitting instead :)</span><br />6.<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> p</span> is my strongest characteristic.<br />7. And as for the weekend, last night I looked forward to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">a knit night,</span> today my plans include <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">celebrating Anna's birthday</span> and Sunday, I want to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">relax</span>!<span class="post-author vcard"><span class="fn"></span></span><span class="post-timestamp"><a class="timestamp-link" href="http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/11/97.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2008-11-06T20:34:00-05:00"></abbr></a></span>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-23524739478710195882008-11-04T23:51:00.003-05:002008-11-04T23:54:55.488-05:00Finished Christmas Present!<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I finished another Christmas item recently, and finally got around to uploading the pics to ravelry. Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://riizu.blogspot.com/2008/11/blogoversary-contest.html">comment contest</a> for the month of November! You can comment on ANY POST in November for entries ^_^<br /><br />I started a pair of socks earlier in the week, but realized too late that I didn't have enough yarn to finish them. I did that thing that knitters do where they pretend that there's no problem and just keep on knitting. *sigh* I have come to my senses, ripped it out, and started again with a toe-up pattern. I also had the sense to divide the ball in half, so I would be sure to use the right amount. I'll probably get a nice pair of shorty socks. I'm much happier with the progress I'm getting now anyway.<br /><br />1. </span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gift Item:</b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Picot Mittens (</span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/woodland-shawl">ravlink</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span> — Rollover<br /><b>Recipient:</b> Anik (Fiancé's SIL)<br /><b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://cmeknit.blogspot.com/2008/01/picot-edged-mittens.html">Picot Edged Mittens</a> by Carolyn <span style="font-weight: bold;">(free pattern)</span><br /><b>Occasion:</b> Christmas<br /><b>Deadline:</b> Dec 25/08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finished:</span> Oct 26/08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notes:</span> These were actually finished in October, but I finally got the buttons in the mail (which I purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5446001">pinksupply</a>'s shop on Etsy), and sewed them on. Yay!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/3004782554_56d0655e8c_m.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/3004782554_56d0655e8c_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/3003947397_bb4ea246dc_m.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/3003947397_bb4ea246dc_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-63263496129934095802008-11-01T08:21:00.008-04:002008-11-03T16:42:51.574-05:00Blogiversary Contest!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blogiversary Contest!!!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">About a year and a half ago, I decided I wanted to knit. It went badly, but I loved it, and decided to keep going. Last November, while scouring the web for free patterns, I discovered the wonderful online knitting community of blogs and forums. Everyone is so enthusiastic, and I wanted in on the fun. Last November I started my blog. It was around the same time I joined ravelry, and around the time when knitting took over my life.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In thanks to the love and support from all my readers and knitters everywhere, I'm hosting a contest for the month of November 2008. For every comment in November, I will put your name in a draw for a prize.<br /><br /></span><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Rules:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Comment on any posts in November (as many as you want).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Link back to my contest on your blog for an extra entry.<br /></span></span><br />THE PRIZE!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/riizu/1510385/hpim4985_medium.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/riizu/1510385/hpim4985_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Mirasol Yarn Hacho<br /><br />I will probably add more to the package than just yarn, but the yarn itself is lovely to work with. Let the contest begin!<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-34237115628624683722008-10-29T10:16:00.000-04:002008-10-30T10:16:27.364-04:00mittens progress<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2 days until the contest!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PSA: If you are family do not read this post!!!</span></span><br /><br /></span>I finished my very first pair of gloves with fingers. I knit a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I'm very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Christmas knitting has been plugging along. I've made it really far down my list, and think that I can get a few more done yet before Christmas.<br /><br />I already have knits done for my parents, my brother and his fiancée, my niece Emma, and my future father-in-law. I'm working on a secret project for my fiancé and have so far been able to keep it a secret from him, and would love to make a pair of mittens for his brother and his brother's wife. A pair of mittens for me wouldn't hurt either.<br /><br />As of last night, I finished my goals for October.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://knitallyear.blogspot.com/2008/10/elizabeths-october-list-and-fo-already.html">October</a> Wrap Up:</b><br /><br />1. <b>Gift Item:</b> Llama Striped Hat for my brother, Joel (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/turn-a-square">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2008/07/turn-square-pattern-now-available.html">Turn A Square Hat by Jared Flood</a> (free pattern)<br /><b>Progress:</b> I finished this hat in record time. I think I started it on the last day of September, and it was done by the following evening. <span style="font-weight: bold;">COMPLETED Oct 1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pf41jxJ_L7USIbmqw_9bb-q_hYLf8lPaamNcjC3jjtjSocrrwPRl0a9JL_3LxpFSqamZ_bNxTQHYQLHaJxDV6NliK4bRBvsP4BZJ6xaffNSSSLhwlGVDUkn4yXl8K7VbkUTP6mkCFzOL/s1600-h/HPIM5397.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pf41jxJ_L7USIbmqw_9bb-q_hYLf8lPaamNcjC3jjtjSocrrwPRl0a9JL_3LxpFSqamZ_bNxTQHYQLHaJxDV6NliK4bRBvsP4BZJ6xaffNSSSLhwlGVDUkn4yXl8K7VbkUTP6mkCFzOL/s320/HPIM5397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252321726616812146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2. <b>Gift Item:</b> Baby Jacket for my new niece, Emma (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/jacket--hat">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://www.cabinfever.ca/P606.html">Buttons Hat and Jacket from Naturally Yarns</a><br /><b>Progress:</b> The jacket went surprisingly quickly, and the hat too. I had to wait a few weeks for the buttons to arrive, but once they did, they were adorable! <strong>COMPLETED Oct 13</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2986686862_66d0f67be0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 261px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2986686862_66d0f67be0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2985831913_2d32eaf08d.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 261px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/2985831913_2d32eaf08d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2943158472_f8389d4f0e.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 467px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2943158472_f8389d4f0e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3. <b>Gift Item:</b> Simple Hat for my FFIL, Gerry (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/jacques-cousteau-hat">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://pirouette.vuodatus.net/blog/402495">Jacques Cousteau Hat by Typy</a> (free pattern)<br /><b>Progress:</b> Another really quick-knit. The yarn is from knit picks, and it's a big, warm hat. I know he'll love it. <strong>COMPLETED Oct 12</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2934946409_c5109c6311.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2934946409_c5109c6311.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2934945891_33d284c2ba.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2934945891_33d284c2ba.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4. <b>Gift Item:</b> Embroidered Gloves for my FFMIL, Diane (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/picot-edged-cashmere-gloves">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://www.breadmama.com/picotgloves.pdf"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cashmere Picot Edged Gloves by Insaknitty</span></a> (direct PDF download link)<br /><b>Progress:</b> These took longer than the others. The picot edging on the first glove took <span style="font-style: italic;">forever</span> but once I figured out the picot, I was much happier. after the edging, they went quickly enough. doing the fingers were a lot of fun, since I'd never done them before, and I learned some embroidery!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2960128560_48fab0aa0b.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2960128560_48fab0aa0b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />5. <b>Gift Item:</b> Striped Hat for my Fiancé, Chris (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/fibonacci-pea-cap">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://www.breadmama.com/picotgloves.pdf"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fibonacci Pea Cap by Lisa Bennett</span></a> (free pattern)<br /><b>Progress:</b> Chris keeps complaining about being cold, and I've never knit him anything before. So, I went and bought a skein of some lovely alpaca, used up some scrap yarn, and made him a warm hat. This hat is very loosely based on the pattern above, but I didn't really follow it at all. This item wasn't on my original list. <span style="font-weight: bold;">COMPLETED Oct 24</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's done, but I haven't been able to get him out of the apartment, so I haven't been able to get a finished photo.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2959297447_8c52f19652.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 262px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2959297447_8c52f19652.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />6. <b>Gift Item:</b> Mittens for FFSIL, Anik (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/picot-edged-mittens">ravlink</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><a href="http://cmeknit.blogspot.com/2008/01/picot-edged-mittens.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn</span></a> (free pattern)<br /><b>Progress:</b> These were fun to make, and a really easy pattern. Instead of seaming the cuff, I'm attaching buttons that I bought on Etsy. I'll post photos when it's done. This wasn't on my original list either. <span style="font-weight: bold;">COMPLETED Oct 24</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2986688024_be85017bd0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 261px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2986688024_be85017bd0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><hr /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Knitting Meme!</span> <em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here is a list of knitting techniques. Bold the ones you have tried, italicize the ones you want to try and leave the rest in plain text.<br /><br /></em> <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" name="cutid1"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Afghan</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">I-cord</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Garter stitch</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting with metal wire</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Shawl</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Stockinette stitch</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Socks: top-down</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Socks: toe-up</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting with camel yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Mittens: Cuff-up</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Mittens: Tip-down</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Hat</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with silk</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Mobius band knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Participating in a KAL</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sweater</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Drop stitch patterns</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Slip stitch patterns</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Knitting with banana fiber yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Domino knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Twisted stitch patterns</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting with bamboo yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Two end knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Charity knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting with soy yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Cardigan</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Toy/doll clothing</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with circular needles</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Baby items</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Slippers</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Graffiti knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Continental knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Designing knitted garments</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Cable stitch patterns</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Lace patterns</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Publishing a knitting book</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Participate in an exchange</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Scarf</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Teaching a child/teenager to knit </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />American/English knitting </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting to make money</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Buttonholes</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with alpaca</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Fair Isle knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Norwegian knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Dying with plant colors</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting items for a wedding</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Household items</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with dpns</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Holiday related knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Teaching a male how to knit</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Bobbles</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting for a living</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with cotton</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting smocking</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dying yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Steeks</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting art</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Felting<br /></em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Knitting with wool</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Textured knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Kitchener stitch</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Knitted flowers</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Purses/bags</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting with beads</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Swatching</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Long Tail CO</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Entrelac</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knitting backwards</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Machine knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Stuffed toys</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting with cashmere</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Darning</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Jewelry</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting with synthetic yarn</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Writing a pattern</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gloves</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></em> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Intarsia</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Knitting with linen</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting for preemies</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br />Tubular CO</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Free-form knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Short rows</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Pillows</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Rug</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Knitting on a loom</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Thrummed knitting</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting a gift</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting for pets</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Shrug/bolero/poncho</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Knitting with dog/cat hair</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Hair accessories</span> <strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />Knitting in public</strong>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-48979420397387152002008-10-18T15:01:00.003-04:002008-10-20T22:52:31.541-04:00Knitting, Yarn, contests and weddingsI am 22 days and 8 posts away from my blogoversary (and a contest too!). So, watch for November when I'm going to host a month-long contest and I'll be giving away yarn! Wonderful Mirasol yarn! And maybe you'll get candy too, if you're really good :)<br /><br />Lots going on in my world these days. In knitting news, I'm working on my very first pair of gloves with fingers. I'm knitting a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I'm very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Christmas knitting has been plugging along. I've made it really far down my list, and think that I can get a few more done yet before christmas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2960128560_48fab0aa0b.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2960128560_48fab0aa0b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I already have knits done for my parents, my brother and his fiancée, my niece Emma, and my future father-in-law. I'm working on a secret project for my fiancé and have so far been able to keep it a secret from him, and would love to make a pair of mittens for his brother and his brother's wife. A pair of mittens for me wouldn't hurt either.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2959297447_8c52f19652.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2959297447_8c52f19652.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I did pick up some Mirasol Miski so that I could make myself a hat. It's going to be so cushy and warm. I'm so excited about it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2959299815_6b66220ec4.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2959299815_6b66220ec4.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's also wedding news! We are in the process of booking the <a href="http://www.cpottawa.com/">Crowne Plaza</a> for our wedding reception next year. We need to work out a kink or two regarding a DJ, but are pretty optimistic about the whole thing. I've also commissioned myv eil from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5614943">amandaarcher</a> on etsy. I'm just so happy about how well things are moving along on all fronts.<br /><br />Hope everything is well in your worlds,<br />~ Elizabeth<br /><br />And for some fun, even though it's Saturday<br /><div class="entry"> <p>TEASER TUESDAYS ask you to:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/shouldbereading.wordpress.com"><img style="margin: 5px 10px;" title="Teaser Tuesdays" src="http://shouldbereading.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/teasertuesdays2.jpg?w=229&h=141" alt="" align="right" height="141" width="229" /></a></p> <ul><li>Grab your current read.</li><li>Let the book fall open to a random page.</li><li>Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.</li><li>You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!</li><li>Please avoid spoilers</li></ul> <p><em>“As we approached the gates, I heard a shout. Francesco stood out in front, his palm thrust forward, fingers spread out, indicating that we should stop. Beside him, draped in dark <span style="font-weight: bold;">mantelli</span>, stood his stooped father and three middle-aged dark-haired men: his brothers.</em>”</p> <p><strong>- I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis<br /></strong></p> </div>And…<br /><br /><a href="http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/10/94.html"><img alt="fridayfillin.gif" src="http://www.fondofsnape.com/archives/fridayfillin.gif" height="31" width="88" /></a><br /><br />1. Follow the <strong>yellow brick road</strong>.<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knitting</span> is something I always take with me on vacation.<br />3. To achieve your goals, you must <strong>leave your comfort zone</strong>.<br />4. <strong>My stubborness </strong>is something I'd like you to know about me.<br />5. I have a <strong>sense of accomplishment</strong>.<br />6.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Egg</span> <strong></strong> floats.<br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <strong>hanging out with Vero</strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>seeing a band with Fran and Pete</strong> and Sunday, I want to <span style="font-weight: bold;">do brunch!</span><strong></strong>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-71235259319583094722008-10-12T16:31:00.003-04:002008-10-12T16:41:20.884-04:00FO's and I won a contest!Plugging away at the Christmas knitting, I finished a hat for my fiancés dad today. I knit the larger size.<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/riizu/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2934946409_c5109c6311.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2934946409_c5109c6311.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2934945891_33d284c2ba.jpg?v=0"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2934945891_33d284c2ba.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gerry Cousteau Hat</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (</span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/jacques-cousteau-hat"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">rav link</span></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">) </span><br />Pattern: <a href="http://pirouette.vuodatus.net/blog/402495">Jacques Cousteau Hat</a> by Typy<br />Source: <a href="http://pirouette.vuodatus.net/">http://pirouette.vuodatus.net</a><br />Recipient: FFIL<br />Occasion: Christmas 2008<br />Started: October 10, 2008<br />Completed: October 12, 2008<br /><br />Yarn: Just under 2 skeins of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Swish+Worsted+Yarn_YD5420153.html">Knit Picks Swish Worsted</a> in Lava Heather<br />Needles: US 2.5 / 3mm<br /><br /><hr /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My October gifting Progress:<br /></span> <ul><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Turn a Square Hat for my brother — FINISHED</span><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Baby Cardigan and hat for my niece — WIP</span><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Jacques Cousteau Hat for my fiancé's dad — FINISHED</span><br /></li><li>Picot Edged Gloves for my fiancé's mom — Have the yarn, need to start</li></ul>In other news, I <a href="http://knitallyear.blogspot.com/2008/10/our-q3-challenge-winner-is.html">won a contest</a> over at the knitallyear blog! Yay! I feel so special that I won ^_^ Apparently, I won 10 balls of yarn from <a href="http://yarn.com/">Webs</a>, and an autographed cartoon from Franklin Habit at <a href="http://www.the-panopticon.blogspot.com/">The Panopticon blog</a>! Yay!!!<br /><br />My second FO this week was a pair of fingerless gloves for myself. This way I can knit while I'm waiting for the bus without getting (too) cold. I love the thumb on the pattern, and the yarn I used is really nice too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2926571813_b41404dcd0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2926571813_b41404dcd0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mirasol Valentino</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (</span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/riizu/valentino"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">rav link</span></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">) </span><br />Pattern: <a href="http://pirouette.vuodatus.net/blog/402495">Valentino</a> by Emily Elizabeth<br />Source: <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070813135227/http://eeknits.com/blog/2007/02/valentino.php">EmilyElizabethKnits</a><br />Recipient: Myself<br />Occasion: Cold fingers<br />Started: October 2, 2008<br />Completed: October 10, 2008<br /><br />Yarn: Just 1 skeins of Filtes King Kiss (which was splitty, but created a nice fabric) in 510 Charcoal and <a href="http://www.mirasolperu.com/hachoyarn.htm">Mirasol Yarn Hacho</a> (which I LOVE!) in a red-orange variegation<br />Needles: US 3 / 3.25mmLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7978330480704294521.post-40154000842982334462008-10-10T18:44:00.003-04:002008-10-20T22:50:10.476-04:00Friday Fill-In #93I'm nearing completion on the baby jacket I started last week. I need to block and sew all the pieces together, plus knit the neckband. And I would love to knit a matching hat… guess I'm further away than I though lol. I ordered buttons from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5344501">rabbitandtheduck</a>'s Etsy shop, and they should arrive sometime next week.<br /><br />I've also ordered a new knitting bag that I'm very excited about.<br /><br />I was trying to knit while waiting for the bus the other day, and my hands were too cold, so I made some armwarmers for myself. They're wonderful, and I love them.<br /><br /><img alt="fridayfillin.gif" src="http://www.fondofsnape.com/archives/fridayfillin.gif" height="31" width="88" /><br /><br />1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was <strong>John Mellencamp. One of the best shows I've ever been to</strong>.<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Malaysian Beef Curry</span> is a recipe I recently made (or meal I recently ordered) that was delicious!<br />3. It's time for <span style="font-weight: bold;">pajamas</span>.<br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Honesty</span> is quite refreshing.<br />5. If I never hear the words <span style="font-weight: bold;">"my bad"</span> again, it'll be too soon.<br />6. To one side of the curving road was <strong>my health</strong>, and on the other was <strong>my work ethic</strong>.<br />7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to <span style="font-weight: bold;">checking out the last of the reception halls we have to choose from</span><strong></strong>, tomorrow my plans include <strong>laundry</strong> and Sunday, I want to <span style="font-weight: bold;">draw up a second comp for my brother's wedding invitations</span><strong></strong>!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398980365256728149noreply@blogger.com0