tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352614792024-03-07T00:20:28.867-05:00Nik's KnitsNikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.comBlogger463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-46266084403792014642020-01-09T16:43:00.000-05:002020-01-09T18:59:05.533-05:00Sugar FaceI love long rectangular shawls and decided to design one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg6GsxLNnUCZnslw0qX2AxbTp0wDBKQ1X31eDsz88wg-2XBOjUrurYrM8xZ0buKoVyXpHSL7vO8IVHOe8S47L5oOZL8XpxT7Y8oeuaDnaVGZQe47vRQ05KGMva1ikoaSjMaID/s1600/me+in+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg6GsxLNnUCZnslw0qX2AxbTp0wDBKQ1X31eDsz88wg-2XBOjUrurYrM8xZ0buKoVyXpHSL7vO8IVHOe8S47L5oOZL8XpxT7Y8oeuaDnaVGZQe47vRQ05KGMva1ikoaSjMaID/s320/me+in+shawl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/niks-knits/580267"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a></div>
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I call my best friend's daughter "Sugar Face" because she is the
cutest girl in the entire world. That fact is not up for debate. This shawl is named for her.<br />
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You can order the pattern to make this shawl from my Ravelry store. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/niks-knits/580267"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a> <br />
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It is knit by casting on for the entire length of the shawl, then knitting up to the final width. The cables are fun and classic. Oh, how I hope you have fun knitting them! <br />
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The pattern has been test knit by two awesome knitters: Zenzele Bell and Erica Hauge. The sample you see in the pictures was knit by Erica Hauge. <br />
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My cousin came to visit me once, saw the sample shawl, then asked if she could have it. She is one of those people who is so good to you that you can't say "no" to her. It's hers now. It's a good thing I took pictures before giving it away. <br />
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<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-77724161328434945412020-01-06T13:26:00.001-05:002020-01-07T07:26:48.762-05:00Drop Dead RedI was sitting in Panera bread with my best friend having dinner, knitting, and checking Facebook, when one message caught my attention. <br />
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It was a message from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/doloresvanh/">Dolores Van Hoofen's</a> assistant, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/franklin.habit?epa=SEARCH_BOX">Franklin Habit</a>, asking me if I would like to design a garment for Dolores. <br />
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My heart started to pound and I tossed the phone across the table and said, "Girrrrl. Read THIS."<br />
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Our 40-something selves regressed into 16-year-old girls whose crush just asked to marry them. Girly squees all around.<br />
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Dolores arrived and was sitting in the craft room when I got home from work one night. I wasn't expecting her to be in my house, invading my personal space. But somehow, I wasn't surprised to see her there. She said the dog let her in, but the broken glass near the patio doors suggested otherwise. <br />
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She demanded a party dress, and after many sketches she finally decided she liked this one:<br />
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Of course, it had to have cables (Have you met me?). A more delicate cable pattern would be great because it was going to be placed on a fancy dress. I thought that a cable that was combined with lace would be perfect. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcGhneyjg3iFLg9dDtPW3W81nxzvH273i8UYfd4JTGJ_2IG8A1Cq6P9cogpQFbJxXwLMUp0d7wMhhRnQx2Vq8IaVnsNmHy0YYXd7H-hWHtfL637ntqewfNj9RnRQcb_k_kifc/s1600/DOLORES+swatch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="375" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcGhneyjg3iFLg9dDtPW3W81nxzvH273i8UYfd4JTGJ_2IG8A1Cq6P9cogpQFbJxXwLMUp0d7wMhhRnQx2Vq8IaVnsNmHy0YYXd7H-hWHtfL637ntqewfNj9RnRQcb_k_kifc/s320/DOLORES+swatch.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f1f2f2; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Sport (100% Extrafine Merino; 50g/153yds) in #23 Crimson</span></td></tr>
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There was much swatching and trying to figure out how to make the top look like <strike>I</strike> she wanted. My first version of the top was a bit too wide. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI8eavL7SVQDo1TKZrkRLfdVvkaSumCLkjx-Rj3cApFbTqXhypqfkh75pVBvNABPercyqFSiKFWOCcRh_6WQNWJQlSOQBWiBdov74bqItcBzO29GxjknqkKRXCT014sufrZKD/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI8eavL7SVQDo1TKZrkRLfdVvkaSumCLkjx-Rj3cApFbTqXhypqfkh75pVBvNABPercyqFSiKFWOCcRh_6WQNWJQlSOQBWiBdov74bqItcBzO29GxjknqkKRXCT014sufrZKD/s320/IMG_3670.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She made me rip it out because she wasn't pleased with the lack of side boob.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7jfc2eMsJyoSyVOatrMGn1mtV-xJ_rahpN8RL0TJkueEI29h2rIIpe1g04EyupAa_hQgLwisoWe9T8vAX2OKpwtTQu8Fg2HWke3SdAEdvbyGEnG8aMA8k2gyw_0USea1nPWi/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7jfc2eMsJyoSyVOatrMGn1mtV-xJ_rahpN8RL0TJkueEI29h2rIIpe1g04EyupAa_hQgLwisoWe9T8vAX2OKpwtTQu8Fg2HWke3SdAEdvbyGEnG8aMA8k2gyw_0USea1nPWi/s320/IMG_3755.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is pleased with the side boob.</td></tr>
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She was determined that her back should be out.</div>
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And here is the dress with the cable overlay.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I want to thank </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/doloresvanh/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARAhclF_H8LclpwKnXqdbQ0oXLnCWciQboQHLa2P9GXO4zAJ6zfh7pbl14NFTzjZkIdo0l4SrbwdmSuo" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Dolores Van Hoofen</a><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/franklin.habit" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Franklin Habit</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/franklin-habit-dolores-17-drop-dead-red-kit-by-nicole-reeves?via=5e0a35b46170700ca5011d23%2C5e0a35b57961721a3300002e%2C5e0a35bf7961721a33000048" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">WEBS</a><span style="text-align: left;"> for this tremendous opportunity. It was great fun, and reminded me why I like designing knitwear and that I should keep doing it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieqPTvqP1JHUc7vnJEILq_YnhKSMagxTA4k439l1aH0E88EgzC_sRmpmNnd3iEgB-Db6PiWTiXKUB_qvgiOEE-RijyTDzLWi5oPB4qbCeWAn5dgMp3phtEn_fr8eJqjnRyWw0/s1600/Dolores+Drop+Dead+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieqPTvqP1JHUc7vnJEILq_YnhKSMagxTA4k439l1aH0E88EgzC_sRmpmNnd3iEgB-Db6PiWTiXKUB_qvgiOEE-RijyTDzLWi5oPB4qbCeWAn5dgMp3phtEn_fr8eJqjnRyWw0/s320/Dolores+Drop+Dead+Red.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Drop Dead Red Kit". Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/franklin-habit-dolores-17-drop-dead-red-kit-by-nicole-reeves?via=5e0a35b46170700ca5011d23%2C5e0a35b57961721a3300002e%2C5e0a35bf7961721a33000048" target="_blank">WEBS</a>.</td></tr>
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To order yourself a kit to make your own Drop Dead Red dress, go <a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/franklin-habit-dolores-17-drop-dead-red-kit-by-nicole-reeves?via=5e0a35b46170700ca5011d23%2C5e0a35b57961721a3300002e%2C5e0a35bf7961721a33000048">here.</a> You will receive all the items in the photo below.<br />
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<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-429118133101224412019-04-02T18:40:00.000-04:002019-04-02T18:40:12.074-04:00Hi everyone! <br />
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My knitting/crafting room is being featured on the <a href="https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/blog/2019/3/niks-knitting-room?utm_campaign=knitting-nook&utm_content=stage-5-1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=chase-up" target="_blank">Cut Out and Keep</a> website. Go take a look. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-58554438755225686412018-12-03T15:31:00.002-05:002018-12-03T15:31:48.334-05:00...a lot like ChristmasIt was supposed to be a quick operation, really. I was supposed to choose ONE type of Christmas card to make to send to friends and family. Choose a relatively simple design that was quick to make so that I could just quickly whip up a bunch of these suckers and be done with it. But I'm a bit "extra", so I should have know this plan was doomed from the start. I've known myself for 45 years. I should have known better. <br />
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I chose this card that I learned to make at a Stampin' Up gathering at <a href="https://stampedgreetings.com/wishing-you-well-birthday-card/" target="_blank">Laurie's house</a> using the "<a href="https://www.stampinup.com/ecweb/product/147864/wishing-you-well-clear-mount-stamp-set" target="_blank">Wishing You Well</a>" stamp set: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0fikb0byxVmyrzfNiDuMLdVeqFed-q7dxGXjFi9IAL1WtB2h8avp8OSV18qTFqvf-OriUVud_Z6jBBnIqsC7Q2itnogWDJbTLQQ5R96skvppXLlOQ-kG34FfBuhJRAnffRfb/s1600/stampin+up+christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0fikb0byxVmyrzfNiDuMLdVeqFed-q7dxGXjFi9IAL1WtB2h8avp8OSV18qTFqvf-OriUVud_Z6jBBnIqsC7Q2itnogWDJbTLQQ5R96skvppXLlOQ-kG34FfBuhJRAnffRfb/s320/stampin+up+christmas+card.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from <a href="http://stampedgreetings.com/">stampedgreetings.com</a></td></tr>
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This card was easy because all the images are done with stamps that could be loaded on my <a href="http://timholtz.com/the-stamp-platform/" target="_blank">Tim Holtz Stamping Platform</a> to quickly stamp images for multiple cards. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_LZyWcfnpI6SJo_ZS1VTveHjYPmxwDXw0_OjwNDLOwVis9UOEdCqnvg4MwG_XKjVulre5WWl884VbOhIkilKB0cawh61IkxnxUasxAaEkaFwKSMeR2mAoaAHrM9RE0XV6pNc/s1600/multiple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_LZyWcfnpI6SJo_ZS1VTveHjYPmxwDXw0_OjwNDLOwVis9UOEdCqnvg4MwG_XKjVulre5WWl884VbOhIkilKB0cawh61IkxnxUasxAaEkaFwKSMeR2mAoaAHrM9RE0XV6pNc/s320/multiple.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image panels drying. They just need the flowers stamped.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was originally a birthday card, but I changed the sentiment for Christmas. Here's my version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjYARKpaqvElpoI-x2WrQeQaZN6E2x0WVx4alMUOEDFiKaYmifFGk8povL-QMPOObu7hLKr3UpbWSeb2g9Jrb37yap_XF6gwbA_LZIFtQU6mrFejmtJS5tue0jhfTj5DMGjBA/s1600/Original+Christmas+Card+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjYARKpaqvElpoI-x2WrQeQaZN6E2x0WVx4alMUOEDFiKaYmifFGk8povL-QMPOObu7hLKr3UpbWSeb2g9Jrb37yap_XF6gwbA_LZIFtQU6mrFejmtJS5tue0jhfTj5DMGjBA/s320/Original+Christmas+Card+2018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My colors were a little different because I used what I had on hand, but the effect is the same. I had about 5 of these cards. I made more, actually, but there was a "smearing incident" with an ink that took days to dry and I ruined a few. <br />
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But I couldn't stop there. I'd recently taken a trip to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wonderwomangso/" target="_blank">Betty's Creative Studio</a> and picked up a cool Christmas die, so I had to use it. Betty's had a sample card on display (the one on the left) and I used it as inspiration to make my card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcameSypoGJneU89HhOqYkAlcNnMX3p9M-J426QrM1K0QaF5tD7h43iHK2RPRzTUpOC78ZTWmoLngPGssqQeEf6ReX9V1sZ6l0__mnBneXtgYt3P0KGGxRjMPU__JWwGqWUiD/s1600/betty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1416" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcameSypoGJneU89HhOqYkAlcNnMX3p9M-J426QrM1K0QaF5tD7h43iHK2RPRzTUpOC78ZTWmoLngPGssqQeEf6ReX9V1sZ6l0__mnBneXtgYt3P0KGGxRjMPU__JWwGqWUiD/s320/betty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there was <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and more cards came:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxKY8gKJIdBWUQ5pdHjGUah3OknR5goen4J_i7zFVznGoKa_HaW0IPXiwmt4ty4xdoTNv5F2hesXlaFWBDv3Udg0Nrw_OKHvUb1GOGAc8dbwzsnZ0qjHLckDye5m1lkTP4CUi/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxKY8gKJIdBWUQ5pdHjGUah3OknR5goen4J_i7zFVznGoKa_HaW0IPXiwmt4ty4xdoTNv5F2hesXlaFWBDv3Udg0Nrw_OKHvUb1GOGAc8dbwzsnZ0qjHLckDye5m1lkTP4CUi/s320/IMG_0850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Many of the cards were inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. I might not have had the exact dies/colors used, but there are elements of my cards from the inspiration cards. Many of them were literally made on the fly by me throwing a bunch of Christmas related stamps/dies/papers on my craft table and picking things I thought would go well together. Some of them have sparkle and shiny stuff because I believe that Christmas should blind you. Sight is overrated.<br />
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But wait, there's more:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH8xwzy8cgUTabrdQbKC3-KyDq10IC34aCKgTxE9mXVjHbtZRp7MuJ1Gq9Oj3JGXGiV2I-hTEZIwps8u6xZnxWaWIafWulgFkLmyYxOgCd3iWpQ3IO6vouqL94r7kgSdPCEir/s1600/IMG_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH8xwzy8cgUTabrdQbKC3-KyDq10IC34aCKgTxE9mXVjHbtZRp7MuJ1Gq9Oj3JGXGiV2I-hTEZIwps8u6xZnxWaWIafWulgFkLmyYxOgCd3iWpQ3IO6vouqL94r7kgSdPCEir/s320/IMG_0844.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbn9S47YJymernqzXhDJXfW1uaUDxoZ12ixemZDGPH5j9a7kV5jJIqa15LcIB2AY_hmQboOx3e2qeHHnXNtXasZV0Pv-vRETlhwW8DdgmIbOw2ZxFcKF1EoKTyMsjiJ7mlPGG/s1600/IMG_0847smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbn9S47YJymernqzXhDJXfW1uaUDxoZ12ixemZDGPH5j9a7kV5jJIqa15LcIB2AY_hmQboOx3e2qeHHnXNtXasZV0Pv-vRETlhwW8DdgmIbOw2ZxFcKF1EoKTyMsjiJ7mlPGG/s320/IMG_0847smaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So much for being simple. I'm having so much fun making these, though, that I don't mind putting in the extra work. I see them as my gifts to the recipients. I just hope that they don't toss these bitches in the trash so soon after the holidays are over. <br />
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I met a woman a couple of years ago that I had to train to use a lab technique that allows you to analyze DNA. After spending a few hours with someone, you're bound to discover things about them. I found out she is crafty and that her craft of choice is card making. We are now very good friends. <br />
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This obsession is all her fault. And I love her for it. <br />
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I'm sure I'm going to make more Christmas cards. Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/niksknits1/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/niksknits" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up with my shenanigans. <br />
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<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-86151523359012561742018-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:002018-10-01T08:12:43.349-04:00Infidelity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6PCs-GSt244Rv-uDnGEyc82psRErcVLNvKkJGWNEX_fuRA1o7udZF07Bs_Tg8gU2CbEgInXz59Y8w4TN5N_ecEJ3g-_ZWtB_PFtNUbrKRxPbHL136XvYlxWzMGu3_Yd7o-6Y/s1600/TANK+PROGRESS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6PCs-GSt244Rv-uDnGEyc82psRErcVLNvKkJGWNEX_fuRA1o7udZF07Bs_Tg8gU2CbEgInXz59Y8w4TN5N_ecEJ3g-_ZWtB_PFtNUbrKRxPbHL136XvYlxWzMGu3_Yd7o-6Y/s320/TANK+PROGRESS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to Enlarge</td></tr>
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I've been sitting here, knitting on this light blue tank top as if I don't have that other project in the bag to finish. <br />
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Good old-fashioned neglect. THAT project is a shawl. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruni" target="_blank"> “Haruni”</a> to be exact. And I’m really close to being done with it. I was working on it consistently until I walked into JoAnn Fabrics and started flipping through this book:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ3NrqWWP8QyPRes0XcL8thyBKkDUYy1TKBpKi1UKDSUV07UF5lEjuo87mXujy5r0LMa9_kMZCyKq21jGLJa1lY0gSwQY66KA8T0XkneAF9bRaNJjfASoMZcWO_ufo_ErcNrn/s1600/Knitted+Tanks+and+Tunics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ3NrqWWP8QyPRes0XcL8thyBKkDUYy1TKBpKi1UKDSUV07UF5lEjuo87mXujy5r0LMa9_kMZCyKq21jGLJa1lY0gSwQY66KA8T0XkneAF9bRaNJjfASoMZcWO_ufo_ErcNrn/s320/Knitted+Tanks+and+Tunics.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just looking at the cover tank top warns you that the book will contain projects worthy of starting immediately, and cheating on any project you are currently knitting. There’s a major “problem” with this book. That "problem" is that you’ll find it very difficult to be able to chose what you want to knit first. After much internal struggling, I decided to knit <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haddonfield-tank" target="_blank">Haddonfield</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy5dJy3NMBiOPwenhsou_cIWdY5VptaM4A2cg_uMz2HqVW67BuK6XAgWNogo6KyWw16nw28spnvdQ2xGw-CgRtY749hBMXi0Xmle4CgoY9Ir61tg2Vxy8Xu7tCFyT1IAInXXD/s1600/Haddonfield+Ravelry+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy5dJy3NMBiOPwenhsou_cIWdY5VptaM4A2cg_uMz2HqVW67BuK6XAgWNogo6KyWw16nw28spnvdQ2xGw-CgRtY749hBMXi0Xmle4CgoY9Ir61tg2Vxy8Xu7tCFyT1IAInXXD/s320/Haddonfield+Ravelry+pic.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from Ravelry Page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's knit in the round until the armholes, where you split then work the front and back separately. I don't think I've ever knit a sweater in the round, having been taught that seams are needed for structure. But I'm starting to challenge this teaching and start knitting in the round anyway because I like the idea of working the front and back at the same time.<br />
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I am knitting with Berroco Modern Cotton, which is the yarn suggested in the pattern. I will wear this as a shell over long-sleeved shirts, since the weather will start to get cooler soon. I will probably be able to wear it as a tank top once before it gets too cold. <br />
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I'll lay my hands on Haruni again, once I'm done.Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-27165687015215337002018-08-21T18:49:00.000-04:002018-08-21T18:49:16.518-04:00I saw this project to make a framed yarn ball on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> one day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dBT7tsOgfgS2yf-wJGFeUWEjJCEQr6FceDLmbq7cPzFKaedcqghuL5oXVpqrPBAAb2X1xT2TMViLdn0lJyKX7k2xROXlj0P1w5tedp8hvUjAm84ExSlEyA2l4qC2P67159GC/s1600/sample+yarn+ball+wall+decor..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="564" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dBT7tsOgfgS2yf-wJGFeUWEjJCEQr6FceDLmbq7cPzFKaedcqghuL5oXVpqrPBAAb2X1xT2TMViLdn0lJyKX7k2xROXlj0P1w5tedp8hvUjAm84ExSlEyA2l4qC2P67159GC/s320/sample+yarn+ball+wall+decor..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you: I didn't choose this project, this project chose me.<br />
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You see this, and you just need to have it in your life. That's just the way the world works. So, I accepted my fate and gathered the materials <a href="https://brightandblithe.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/yarnloverswalldecor/" target="_blank">per the instructions</a>. <br />
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I knew I had what I needed to make this. The only thing I had to purchase was the black 11" X 14" picture frame. Cost me 8 bucks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbc-qoz-FRl2x0a_lrghkZK122J7qhzlMhAaqebG2Ibv9An-VBmSqZBZkTjk6B-Dlx01pWxiAM3TaiDVgViKwYrSuYoC_s_c7y3XHT8rANt7f7PI-mhpuyBkXuJgdNivx6gl7/s1600/supplies+for+knitting+picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbc-qoz-FRl2x0a_lrghkZK122J7qhzlMhAaqebG2Ibv9An-VBmSqZBZkTjk6B-Dlx01pWxiAM3TaiDVgViKwYrSuYoC_s_c7y3XHT8rANt7f7PI-mhpuyBkXuJgdNivx6gl7/s320/supplies+for+knitting+picture2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3vDqbwgCCBIshFwMNLwZZTacm-1rWiS7PSEADsCNh5qXZippdUU9SIXn4s_CMzcBUYXEJk62XGY0BrvuPHzu4wkP1Rvpxfv71hBmyKuNdC9x0TAoGeNdMdM2iEO2sDvgiZfn/s1600/big+ass+knitting+needles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3vDqbwgCCBIshFwMNLwZZTacm-1rWiS7PSEADsCNh5qXZippdUU9SIXn4s_CMzcBUYXEJk62XGY0BrvuPHzu4wkP1Rvpxfv71hBmyKuNdC9x0TAoGeNdMdM2iEO2sDvgiZfn/s320/big+ass+knitting+needles.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I didn't have really thick cardboard lying around, so I had to sacrifice the top of a shoe box that house a cute pair of red boots. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMdUSP39o_xa126j6vny9YPPataQDmamvbhyphenhyphenqt8W-OJYiUiSggeYO1Q_3O2-466ICmvRQNFqmVaFHbhdNNVYrF8FSv3dYKumE0kbonrwgX5URLjlLqS7GPPXIEeD88kFelQcu/s1600/upright+circle+cut+from+kenneth+cole+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMdUSP39o_xa126j6vny9YPPataQDmamvbhyphenhyphenqt8W-OJYiUiSggeYO1Q_3O2-466ICmvRQNFqmVaFHbhdNNVYrF8FSv3dYKumE0kbonrwgX5URLjlLqS7GPPXIEeD88kFelQcu/s320/upright+circle+cut+from+kenneth+cole+box.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I like to think that Kenneth would be honored to know
that his box was used for such a noble cause. I drew the circle with a compass since I just happened to have one lying around, because: nerd. I must suggest, though,
that you use a piece of cardboard that is thicker than this. When I
wrapped the yarn around the circle, the cardboard would buckle the more
yarn I wrapped around it.<br />
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I originally chose the plain, light gray fabric on the left in the picture below for the background, but I didn't like it because I wanted something more interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EGltSbw-WwgWtCpZKWi0g44iPVU3p4fSQ8tSxIqod7p8sxKg51TXTTHzGkLbTePWM5Ltikx3rZI1xMgywC9lA0TyK4MY8oFu6QiU7uCiKYLMjJaQ8sJrlxAdr-1ZXqvledv1/s1600/yarn+frame+and+light+gray+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EGltSbw-WwgWtCpZKWi0g44iPVU3p4fSQ8tSxIqod7p8sxKg51TXTTHzGkLbTePWM5Ltikx3rZI1xMgywC9lA0TyK4MY8oFu6QiU7uCiKYLMjJaQ8sJrlxAdr-1ZXqvledv1/s320/yarn+frame+and+light+gray+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, I walked around Hobby Lobby's fabric section until I found something that I liked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBBBbBJW9tNTtrywGMSLxy5gNKc0cRPb7-mAbPkXw9VlrmSHEzJjliRo9WFCDs5jT9DA1HdmfLicaLUVe7ytJl0iWMnJT1ptkCCo7KCuOxtGG_W6OQCMduhf8vKVvotQWkKCS/s1600/final+yarn+picture+alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBBBbBJW9tNTtrywGMSLxy5gNKc0cRPb7-mAbPkXw9VlrmSHEzJjliRo9WFCDs5jT9DA1HdmfLicaLUVe7ytJl0iWMnJT1ptkCCo7KCuOxtGG_W6OQCMduhf8vKVvotQWkKCS/s320/final+yarn+picture+alone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The yarn ball is a little off-centered because I didn't want to cover up the Eiffel Tower. I hung this behind my sewing/craft table, and I couldn't be happier with it. <br />
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I didn't want the hanging string because I have a dog now. A big one. I'll tell you about him later. But he likes yarn and dangly things, and I believe that if he saw a piece of dangling string that he would make it his life's mission to grab it. <br />
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I'm back. I'm just going to continue blogging like this two year hiatus never happened. <br />
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Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-47136289309439686192016-08-05T18:25:00.000-04:002016-08-05T18:39:14.050-04:00Let's. Do. This.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYw-xw4sCwd-tLt1SPAMJYqpB_barGPCA5Q-H45YFTG7URBNzmaSRkCOSg-827kPKdt4OlFJ0MGMlur0OQPFt-oWvUOrgIu7Zctr41xenby5lQaPmpJitDuu6CDWuFAFieeTl/s1600/ravellenic+games+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYw-xw4sCwd-tLt1SPAMJYqpB_barGPCA5Q-H45YFTG7URBNzmaSRkCOSg-827kPKdt4OlFJ0MGMlur0OQPFt-oWvUOrgIu7Zctr41xenby5lQaPmpJitDuu6CDWuFAFieeTl/s320/ravellenic+games+yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit One, Crochet Too, Creme Brulee DK (Discontinued)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This yarn sat in the "crafty stuff storage room", (otherwise
know as "the room where I place things I don't want to deal with right
now") for quite some time. I bravely ventured into that room a few days
ago because I was searching my stash for a suitable DK weight yarn that
would take me all the way to the finish line of the Ravellenic Games.<br />
<br />
If you're on <a href="http://ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, a popular social networking site for knitters and crocheters, you already know about the Ravellenic Games. But to those who might not know, here is the gist of this popular event:<br />
<br />
<b>The One Rule To Rule Them All: Challenge yourself by starting
and finishing one or more projects during the 2016 Summer Olympics. (Taken from the Ravelry website.</b>) <br />
<br />
<a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-can-stop-when-i-want-to.html" target="_blank">I found the yarn years ago at a local Goodwill while I was thrifting for vintage Pyrex</a>. I figured now is the time for it to make it's debut. And this, my dears, is what it is going to be: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49AIx2bKkrC72KVLWl1urjiODiuzt8UrwfFbI-gFOpTvRku2eTyz0VbSoyaaQPQzk-mW_l2YDjYg2DXcQWp89BiBmBBImmGang_Ujk11VJ8Wrj8_3lHUytAjWDSvUxuAMruWJ/s1600/croeso_pres__small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49AIx2bKkrC72KVLWl1urjiODiuzt8UrwfFbI-gFOpTvRku2eTyz0VbSoyaaQPQzk-mW_l2YDjYg2DXcQWp89BiBmBBImmGang_Ujk11VJ8Wrj8_3lHUytAjWDSvUxuAMruWJ/s1600/croeso_pres__small.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/croeso-lace--cable-shawlette" target="_blank">Croeso Shawlette</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Isn't she beautiful? I have wanted this shawlette for a while, so The Games were the perfect opportunity for me to knit it. I have joined Team Ebony Elite Sistah Friends in the "shawl sailing" event. This will definitely be a challenge for me because I will be working on this shawl while working on <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/06/growth.html" target="_blank">this tank top</a>.<br />
<br />
Let's do this, Ladies!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzagRIVRSmNfVPvoeAIBYCjYwJAvIbdCfajI6nJ92BNTXmsR7qHKAoYFLnZLHCTmWgujmpDC9bzcOmjTVlCMMpRdHMJgtpqJd9S2YLePmQVUKF2xeaPtcUP9ihi1EuRJJHeUw2/s1600/Team_Ebony_Elite_Sistah_Friends_Badge_xlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzagRIVRSmNfVPvoeAIBYCjYwJAvIbdCfajI6nJ92BNTXmsR7qHKAoYFLnZLHCTmWgujmpDC9bzcOmjTVlCMMpRdHMJgtpqJd9S2YLePmQVUKF2xeaPtcUP9ihi1EuRJJHeUw2/s1600/Team_Ebony_Elite_Sistah_Friends_Badge_xlarge.jpg" /></a></div>
Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-90161928321902685402016-07-06T15:41:00.000-04:002016-07-06T15:48:42.680-04:00Unemizo CapeletI have a cousin who does not knit.<br />
<br />
Yet.<br />
<br />
But I am waiting for that glorious day when she asks me to teach her. It will go something like this:<br />
<br />
<b>Her</b>: Will you tea-<br />
<br />
And, before she gets the rest of the question out of her mouth, I will snatch a set of knitting needles and a hank of yarn out of my Afro. And the lesson will begin.<br />
<br />
Until then, I will just make her what she asks for. Because: Love.<br />
<br />
I went to visit her a few weeks ago and she went to <a href="http://bellafilati.com/" target="_blank">Bella Filati Luxury Yarns</a> with my friend Erica and I. She saw the cutest capelet on a mannequin and asked if I would knit it for her. It was this one:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ekGK60P2w-oCUMahkPcnyD4kdMc_BSpsC241WuE3hFec9qwVBMYD3Uu9R3KCXzUljtWBxpRO2LFKH2_uf6mi7Eog2tJgGDV4nUyZz2bPUsFM8VA3b2D59HUfGa6oMLYBxZtd/s1600/UnemizoCapelet500px_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ekGK60P2w-oCUMahkPcnyD4kdMc_BSpsC241WuE3hFec9qwVBMYD3Uu9R3KCXzUljtWBxpRO2LFKH2_uf6mi7Eog2tJgGDV4nUyZz2bPUsFM8VA3b2D59HUfGa6oMLYBxZtd/s320/UnemizoCapelet500px_medium.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unemizo-capelet" target="_blank">Unemizo Capelet by Onanoko</a></td></tr>
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She tried it on and it looked awesome on her. So, I bought the <a href="http://ito-yarn.com/en/yarn/ito-kinu" target="_blank">Ito Kinu</a> yarn suggested by the pattern, but I still have to buy the required mohair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlUrWSbtz2d7mmyLNj8Tf19xiOuaIRspoDo3jQNSEKnDv-YIvrkWPVQKXsqnDVbVzr1YGRiouf4FbMxNsv0SpviibFTYX0_XLzqt_0JZ2hor8BphSaovtQBltQfDnLa8sUHU1/s1600/ito2+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlUrWSbtz2d7mmyLNj8Tf19xiOuaIRspoDo3jQNSEKnDv-YIvrkWPVQKXsqnDVbVzr1YGRiouf4FbMxNsv0SpviibFTYX0_XLzqt_0JZ2hor8BphSaovtQBltQfDnLa8sUHU1/s320/ito2+final.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I really want to cast-on for this, so I'm hoping to get the mohair sometime this week. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-49692748712904073942016-07-04T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-04T06:00:06.952-04:00Andromeda II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISTf6xd1hyphenhyphenio819-BE08u2fEjzyYp7e3hyphenhyphenrDR9ncNHA_ldC0Ew10trhCemsVNMaY2_s0e9aXXhi8SAiG_rZAuPAhyphenhyphenN3hSZuahzXcAxQa_OyATBCYozIjrD3OEK9uppBWE4USg/s1600/4th-of-July_1600_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISTf6xd1hyphenhyphenio819-BE08u2fEjzyYp7e3hyphenhyphenrDR9ncNHA_ldC0Ew10trhCemsVNMaY2_s0e9aXXhi8SAiG_rZAuPAhyphenhyphenN3hSZuahzXcAxQa_OyATBCYozIjrD3OEK9uppBWE4USg/s320/4th-of-July_1600_1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Let me show you something.<br />
<br />
I finished a thing. A shawl. And here is a picture of it:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ3bsT-gvaD2zrfq_tzlk_6d3vQTOcm-6DbLmVNsDsO2sxFBcj-phDjLj3qAt_xVBD28wwXkigpxQZiSVuDpDca4004PSEEyN1-ZfP-orw3w9IrEHluoDsKM9afspkPIxoiwJ/s1600/shawl+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ3bsT-gvaD2zrfq_tzlk_6d3vQTOcm-6DbLmVNsDsO2sxFBcj-phDjLj3qAt_xVBD28wwXkigpxQZiSVuDpDca4004PSEEyN1-ZfP-orw3w9IrEHluoDsKM9afspkPIxoiwJ/s320/shawl+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the pictures to enlarge.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwo_DKGyXsAR7MVWkFzGMn07gNlHH5A6jkGjnMEOqAeSqIAxcuxEV9a4PeosR-uDnpN_1hm7oKzYVoMlBQKfrBUzwHswzarURyPc1QdxAHEyFd72egyjrdz-ZHxG0zqLQS2vI/s1600/back+of+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwo_DKGyXsAR7MVWkFzGMn07gNlHH5A6jkGjnMEOqAeSqIAxcuxEV9a4PeosR-uDnpN_1hm7oKzYVoMlBQKfrBUzwHswzarURyPc1QdxAHEyFd72egyjrdz-ZHxG0zqLQS2vI/s320/back+of+shawl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BFF, pretending to be one with nature. She ain't.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDNkSAPGYCugNMYJsMandIAStxD6zji9zmoqxN9-uGsLuFaDzioBaFlypC3JOpqzAR33uWAM94aMrzW3jnBbWfiOimj7xVr0Vq1KHFeyKToYTWlzwwcJKobmhntVbaaTzfKGh/s1600/border+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDNkSAPGYCugNMYJsMandIAStxD6zji9zmoqxN9-uGsLuFaDzioBaFlypC3JOpqzAR33uWAM94aMrzW3jnBbWfiOimj7xVr0Vq1KHFeyKToYTWlzwwcJKobmhntVbaaTzfKGh/s320/border+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
I love it. I made this for a woman I know who loved <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/andromeda.html" target="_blank">my first shawl</a> when she saw me wearing it. She wanted a deep red color with a black picot edge. I worked <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andromeda-shawl-2" target="_blank">the pattern</a> as written for the DK weight version of the shawl with a picot edge (You can also choose a garter edge.), except I added an additional repeat on the border.<br />
<br />
The giver in me wants to make one of these for about 5 of my female relatives for Christmas. The realist in me says, "Nope. Your fingers will die.". Gift cards it is.<br />
<br />
Now that this is done, I can get back to working on<a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/progress.html" target="_blank"> this tank top design</a>. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-67504387760167488582016-06-17T13:07:00.001-04:002016-06-17T13:07:41.696-04:00Growth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhkhOA3_32AjnkBSjkVsFKfxinrVIH8YnOeoMGz1iOY20IzgV4gHZ6NjC24Zz403gbzT8nhipyvddBN3tjR8NCTUYBwA8QdZrZEi2UToNOvj5ZaMTATaCXWdOPbcV2VKLOIrf/s1600/final+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhkhOA3_32AjnkBSjkVsFKfxinrVIH8YnOeoMGz1iOY20IzgV4gHZ6NjC24Zz403gbzT8nhipyvddBN3tjR8NCTUYBwA8QdZrZEi2UToNOvj5ZaMTATaCXWdOPbcV2VKLOIrf/s320/final+image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It's growing...<br />
<br />
Things are going slower than I wanted with this tank top, since I'm also working on a shawl with a deadline: I'm making another "<a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/andromeda.html" target="_blank">Andromeda</a>". I was just thinking that if you add the work I've done on the shawl to this tank, I'd probably be somewhere in the armhole area by now. <br />
<br />
I hope you all have an awesome weekend. Me? This weekend will be filled with shawl knitting. Tonight, I will be hanging out with a coworker for crafting and margaritas and quesadillas. I'm in charge of cheese. <br />
<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-73961390293143597152016-06-01T11:41:00.000-04:002016-06-01T11:41:02.142-04:00Coffee and DonutsOccasionally, I get this notion that I must
see what new knitting related items the creative folks selling
through Etsy have to offer. Yarn bowls and stitch markers are my usual targets.<br />
<br />
I try to look for unique things that I don't have, because what obsessed knitter do you know who doesn't have
almost e-ver-y-THANG s/he could ever want in the knitting world?<br />
<br />
Fancy set of knitting needles that you will cut somebody over
if they look like they're thinking about touching them? Check.<br />
<br />
Snooty
yarn with a qiviut/silk/cashmere/angel hair fiber content, but you only
have 6 inches because that's all you could afford (You're going to use it
to make about three stitches in that sweater you're working on.). Check. <br />
<br />
Platinum stitch markers covered in flawless diamonds? Check.<br />
<br />
But I didn't have stitch markers shaped like a cup of coffee and some donuts. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HcENnhqzp4A3AKmsReC4fNW9cln7RFE3oBYA3Eqm3icQscuupyS7zOOWZaLpAUf011wK88tH5yKFrIwh0t7vUaa12zyP8oW5CF-24gMS_3tIFxpnSs8a4IGKaGq177S16lsJ/s1600/combo+donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HcENnhqzp4A3AKmsReC4fNW9cln7RFE3oBYA3Eqm3icQscuupyS7zOOWZaLpAUf011wK88tH5yKFrIwh0t7vUaa12zyP8oW5CF-24gMS_3tIFxpnSs8a4IGKaGq177S16lsJ/s320/combo+donuts.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF3z-5UuL-hYcnc65VBjwE3u1YJczuxZjygQTT2XZJi_-s_xvVt9ZLF7Q7fqCvXQTJYR_uMNgz_Qjx3OzfiHlQSVhw-hriHPiBKxwYAFjw-z_7Rlh2l9dI6QXE0mOzibifwsS/s1600/chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF3z-5UuL-hYcnc65VBjwE3u1YJczuxZjygQTT2XZJi_-s_xvVt9ZLF7Q7fqCvXQTJYR_uMNgz_Qjx3OzfiHlQSVhw-hriHPiBKxwYAFjw-z_7Rlh2l9dI6QXE0mOzibifwsS/s320/chocolate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I got them from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/219047829/the-doughnut-shop-five-handmade-stitch?ref=shop_home_active_8" target="_blank">here</a>. You get a mug and four donuts. And you get to choose the color of your mug!<br />
<br />
I love these so hard. Remember that scene in Purple Rain when Apollonia rips out her
earring and throws it to the ground to replace it with one Prince was
giving her? That was me putting my new stitch markers on
the needles when they arrived. My old markers
slid underneath the bed when I threw them. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-35468812294332475472016-05-30T11:49:00.002-04:002016-05-30T11:49:39.019-04:00Memorial DayThank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-46684856752652383142016-05-25T16:04:00.000-04:002016-05-25T16:04:08.355-04:00ProgressThis yarn is a delight to knit with, and I'm happy with the way this tank top is working up so far. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfGNjzIFlM_Fr59PcNJSSdBqPkirg5QlrhoFP1wIKgS-fXMs5xB0fusNCFRPN1OTNHevvjMdNdIwF_onj2_iYACw26kO01CNMAtdM8HYBAKhd2eBuSYo459Wv2bE4OrHkPt9B/s1600/berroco+weekend+labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfGNjzIFlM_Fr59PcNJSSdBqPkirg5QlrhoFP1wIKgS-fXMs5xB0fusNCFRPN1OTNHevvjMdNdIwF_onj2_iYACw26kO01CNMAtdM8HYBAKhd2eBuSYo459Wv2bE4OrHkPt9B/s320/berroco+weekend+labeled.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to Enlarge</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It's difficult to see the cable and lace pattern since the stitches are crowded on the needles (and the stitch will need to be blocked to see more detail), but you can see it better in the swatch in <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/inspiration.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. <br />
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This yarn needed a bra badly because it is slippery and the yarn cake kept unraveling. I can't remember where I got this one from because I've had it for so long. But if you need some, you can buy them at<a href="https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/YarnBras/YarnBra.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=1714" target="_blank"> Jimmy Beans Wool</a>. <br />
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I will show you more as this piece grows. What are you guys working on? <br />
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<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-4428455749724680682016-05-18T11:55:00.001-04:002016-05-18T11:55:43.833-04:00DemandsI had strict instructions; The BFF said that if I am going to design a tank top for her that the pattern must be able to be knit in the round because she "no likey" to seam. EVER. But I know that she is actually very good at it because I had her knit and seam one of my designs once and the seaming was so perfect that I have a shrine built in honor of her seaming prowess. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYON6S_pAwi1ZmkxYJqtQu6rEvNNWJLjbl0FH-u-_OT8B_MtZw9p4lKHrTNZcoQFLJJDAiGBHm4bSyy0Izfr6z2su6Ou8txQw7MaGHWlAqO5cQ-25oiQxBTShRv_D-d9UlEDg_/s1600/IMG_0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYON6S_pAwi1ZmkxYJqtQu6rEvNNWJLjbl0FH-u-_OT8B_MtZw9p4lKHrTNZcoQFLJJDAiGBHm4bSyy0Izfr6z2su6Ou8txQw7MaGHWlAqO5cQ-25oiQxBTShRv_D-d9UlEDg_/s320/IMG_0951.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she is. All 184 stitches in the round.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/inspiration.html" target="_blank">In this post</a>, I mentioned I got as far as the sketch and swatch for this design, but it turns out that I actually have gotten a bit further in the process. I was going through some old files on a flash drive and discovered that I got so far as to have this design charted in Excel.<a href="http://www.marniemaclean.com/blog/2007/02/tutorial-using.html#.VzyDM-T-khA" target="_blank"> I learned to use Excel to chart my knitting designs using some of Marnie MacLean's blog posts</a>. If you're interested, head on over there and get some learnin'.<br />
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She describes using Excel for charting colorwork in this tutorial, but I've substituted colored squares for <a href="http://www.stitchmastery.com/knitting-font-collection/" target="_blank">Stitch Mastery Knitting Fonts</a>. I usually chart an entire sweater on Excel, and this has helped me tremendously in being able to see the garment stitch by stitch. It also helps me understand and plan for how increases and decreases will interrupt complex patterns like cables and lace; a lesson I learned while taking a free "design-along" course by <a href="http://shirleypaden.com/" target="_blank">Shirley Paden</a> over in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/we-love-shirley-paden" target="_blank">We Love Shirley Paden Group on Ravelry</a>. <br />
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I spent last night making changes to the original design. You can see a bit of it in the sketch above the swatch. <br />
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At first, only the front right side of the tank top was supposed to have this cable and lace pattern. Now, I want it to wrap around to the right back. That involved re-calculating the number of stitch repeats. I am satisfied with my calculations, so, as you can see in the first picture, I cast on. <br />
<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-24191325987051733662016-05-16T07:37:00.002-04:002016-05-16T07:37:51.872-04:00Contest WinnerCaroline (Fiber Tribe) my dear, you have <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/relax.html" target="_blank">won the contest</a>! Send your mailing address to niksknits@gmail.com and I will send you the prizes. Congratulations!!!!Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-86939674671886368512016-05-13T20:09:00.001-04:002016-05-13T20:09:40.969-04:00RelaxThe week is over! My week wasn't hard, there was just a lot to do. I had to give a poster presentation at work yesterday that went really well. I'm tired, and when I feel like relaxing, I find a fancy wine glass from which to drink (There can be anything from water to Riesling in that glass, depending on what I need.) and maybe a knitting magazine or book to read. <br />
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Imagine this: You're sitting at home with your feet up, browsing through a knitting book with some awesome patterns, all while a candle that smells like what the candle company thinks the ocean smells like is burning. <br />
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You like that, huh?<br />
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Well, I've got something to give to you.<br />
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Just tell me what you're knitting this weekend and how you're relaxing in the comments section by Sunday, 5/15/16 at 9pm and I will randomly draw one commenter's name. The winner will receive a copy of <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Free-Knits-No-Sew-Garments-Classic/dp/1596684887" target="_blank">finish-free knits</a></u>, that beautiful gold embellished wine glass, and the candle, because I'm all about helping you relax. You'll have to come back on Monday to see if you won. </div>
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Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-644244943105697852016-05-11T11:22:00.003-04:002016-05-11T11:36:11.112-04:00InspirationDesign inspiration can come from anywhere, and pop into your head at any time. Take yesterday for instance. Right after I cursed out a driver (in my mind) for swerving in and out of my lane in rush hour traffic, a design popped into my head for a sweater with a swerving neckline. I'm working on that one because I believe this design needs to come to life. I might call it "Traffic". Or maybe "&@$^*#%" would be a better name.<br />
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I have this notebook that contains sketches and notes for designs that just showed up in my head all of a sudden. Many of them have gotten as far as being swatched. I was flipping through said notebook and came across a sketch of a tank that I was designing for my best friend, but I didn't get past the swatch. This, too, needs to come to life.<br />
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So for my next knitting trick, watch me pull a tank top with an offset V-neck out of my hat. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-22752902851563814392016-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:002016-05-09T06:00:21.877-04:00AndromedaI am not normally a shawl knitter. I get most of my knitting kicks from making sweaters, vests, and tanks. But sometimes I will see a pattern out of my normal repertoire that makes me feel like I NEED it in my life. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andromeda-shawl-2" target="_blank">Andromeda</a> is one of them.<br />
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I started Andromeda during <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2016/05/ninja.html" target="_blank">that period when I started being adamant about focusing and finishing the patterns that I started</a>. It's a beautiful pattern that was great fun to knit. I was even able to work on it during knit-night with the girls because the cable and lace stitches weren't difficult; I could run my mouth and still get this done.<br />
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There are instructions to make this with either DK or fingering weight yarn. I chose to make it with the suggested <a href="https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/Madelinetosh/ToshDK.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=21906" target="_blank">Madeline Tosh DK in "Scarlet".</a> The pattern suggests two skeins, but I had to purchase a third skein because I ran out of yarn before finishing the lace border and the picot bind-off. You can choose a garter stitch edge instead of the picot edge, if you prefer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made with Madeline Tosh DK in "Scarlet".</td></tr>
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The model for the shawl is my awesome cousin, Denise. I went to her house to take her to lunch for Mother's Day, and I took the shawl with me so that she could help me get good shots of it. I had a lot of fun taking these pictures because she's very funny. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture of her.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It was over 80 degrees outside while she modeled this scorching hot wool shawl. I'd like to give her a round of applause for not dying. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-9200942754351815822016-05-06T11:47:00.002-04:002016-05-06T11:47:36.059-04:00Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyer9f4pLNbWB4UUVEmVv-_4Ngq8mVR63eP5ION_ixk_WCfiKzASAItKM2Zvc6jueBEAbcUbCFSZIZ5gboIJ0PYP2IIuOTvGUR2ps_x5cxgyfeTjifUgabbK0G0TvcRPCGhRoQ/s1600/smaller+andromeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyer9f4pLNbWB4UUVEmVv-_4Ngq8mVR63eP5ION_ixk_WCfiKzASAItKM2Zvc6jueBEAbcUbCFSZIZ5gboIJ0PYP2IIuOTvGUR2ps_x5cxgyfeTjifUgabbK0G0TvcRPCGhRoQ/s320/smaller+andromeda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm just going to leave this teaser right here. I blocked her last night, and she is still pinned to the floor of the craft room. I'll give you a full picture of what this is on Monday. I hope you all have an awesome weekend!<br /><br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-21213193870005944702016-05-04T11:58:00.000-04:002016-05-04T12:00:01.680-04:00I have no idea what these are going to become:<br />
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A hat? Somehow incorporate these into new sweater designs? Socks? A shawl?<br />
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I simply do. not. know. As a matter of fact, because I know you know that I don't know what these are going to be, if you ask me what I am making with them, I will give you this face:<br />
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'Cause I don't know.<br />
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I'm going through a serious shawl phase right now, so this might be a sign from the Universe that at least one of these hanks will magically be turned into a shawl.<br />
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I got these dreamy skeins from the <a href="http://www.carolinafiberfest.org/">Carolina Fiber Fest</a> we had here in Raleigh at the end of March. The one on the left is from <a href="http://www.twistfiberstudio.com/">Twist Fiber Studio,</a> and I can say for a fact that there was so much yummy yarn that it was difficult for me to make a decision about which skein to take home.<br />
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And what I said about the yarn from Twist Fiber Studio goes ditto for the hank on the right from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteKnitYarn">HauteKnit Yarn</a>. I had a budget when I went to the fiber fest and walking into this booth had me thinking, "Psssh, WHAT budget? I can live off of the awesome that is this yarn.". At one point, I was just walking around with multiple items in my arms, but my need to stick to my budget made me put some back. I swear it was like ripping my heart out. You MUST have a budget when you go to these events because you will definitely leave broke. I guess I can always head over to the Etsy shop and buy more. Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-69707310946588413352016-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:002016-05-02T06:00:01.277-04:00NinjaI finished <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2015/11/life-she-goes-on.html">this sweater</a> months ago, but let me tell you one thing: Knitting this baby sweater for a friend's grandson was a lesson in teaching myself to use ninja-like focus when finishing projects. <br />
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I was tired of having unfinished knitting lying around the house due to my "start-itis", so I had to put my foot down when it came to starting new projects: DON'T START A NEW ONE UNTIL THE PREVIOUS ONE IS FINISHED (unless it's absolutely necessary).<br />
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A groundbreaking idea, I know. <br />
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I swear I wanted to take a better picture of the sweater. I was even going to call <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Leibovitz">Annie Liebovitz </a>("Liebo" to me, since we're such good friends and all.*) and have her take superstar pictures of my creation. But before I knew it, I'd packed up the sweater before I got the chance to. Instead, you get this quick iPhone photo I took to show my friend: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsxIXYj18vfWqvHJcKGIhWY7T6tzeO1a0tVjvi4HA9C-WsAKGcyZeweHBFOwDmi61V4bQkPZZUsWnMkxDBbtpSymZ3xZI_8fSgsfJEGz4RfWhHMc7i_4OSxpPbmONxIihTeHg/s1600/finished+sweater+labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsxIXYj18vfWqvHJcKGIhWY7T6tzeO1a0tVjvi4HA9C-WsAKGcyZeweHBFOwDmi61V4bQkPZZUsWnMkxDBbtpSymZ3xZI_8fSgsfJEGz4RfWhHMc7i_4OSxpPbmONxIihTeHg/s320/finished+sweater+labeled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTtrellis.html">"Trellis" by Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff. Knit in Cascade 220 Superwash, Color 821.</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I was so proud to have finished that I wanted to mail it ASAP. I also didn't want much more time to pass because this is a growing baby and I'd made the 6 month size. I believe the child was 3 or 4 months old by the time I mailed it.<br />
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I've seen a picture of the baby wearing it, and he looks so cute!<br />
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My job here is done. <br />
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*<smaller>In my dreams.</smaller><br />
<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-82850173355536586412015-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-04T13:04:24.797-05:00Life is grand.It is very difficult for me to believe that some of the friends that I went to college with now have GRANDchildren. You know how your brain feels when you try to wrap it around a concept and it just keeps going round-and-round because it can't fully accept it? Yeah.<br />
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I think it's because I still think of us as those 20-something-year-olds we were back then. We are now awesome 40-something-year-olds, but since many of the memories I have of them were made while we were in our twenties (I haven't seen many since then), my brain is trying to make the adjustment. <br />
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I am saying all of this because I am making a baby sweater for one of my "Grandma Homies". How could I say, "No", when, after requesting a baby sweater, she promised she'd brag about my knitting skills to her friends? The pattern that I chose to make is <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTtrellis.html">"Trellis" from Knitty.com</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMRB5_zuqS83gyHRRTiiOkRRCu0n5cPAyo7Auy4O-WBAYh1WiKZBxJ2IzK4Grxw9BfVOqM5ZQqyIaetjTPSk686Kmj9xoMKx4tm0XYorT5kRdJdZTt5aXITRGql908mjLb4g9/s1600/trellisALT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMRB5_zuqS83gyHRRTiiOkRRCu0n5cPAyo7Auy4O-WBAYh1WiKZBxJ2IzK4Grxw9BfVOqM5ZQqyIaetjTPSk686Kmj9xoMKx4tm0XYorT5kRdJdZTt5aXITRGql908mjLb4g9/s320/trellisALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Picture is from Knitty.com</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr5d6GhtPMBt6pz704BqLGaGS7nK5-KbBCGmTir69Jxz7vMmMePvG928ag3ltHT_48ve0MLD7UEYFqFkD1mV5xLbz3OnpsJ2TplBL4eNeKm0RbTbmiBO17QVBG1hVXdvpVItl/s1600/trellis+smaller+labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr5d6GhtPMBt6pz704BqLGaGS7nK5-KbBCGmTir69Jxz7vMmMePvG928ag3ltHT_48ve0MLD7UEYFqFkD1mV5xLbz3OnpsJ2TplBL4eNeKm0RbTbmiBO17QVBG1hVXdvpVItl/s400/trellis+smaller+labeled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Click to enlarge</b></td></tr>
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I'm knitting this in the 6 month size and my goal is to finish this quickly. I have completed the back and left front, and I'm almost done with the right front. I think I might work the sleeves two-at-a-time to make this go quicker. This is the second time I've knit this sweater and I love it for the "wow factor". Non-knitters see the fancy stitch acrobatics of the cables and think you're a knitting goddess. This sweater will only take two balls of Cascade 220 Superwash (I wish a sweater for me only took two balls of yarn.). <br />
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<br />Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-18508389314306419012015-07-29T21:56:00.000-04:002015-07-29T22:06:03.087-04:00You Can Never Have Too Many<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need you to take a few moments and gaze upon the beauty of my new yarn bowl.<br />
(Click the pictures to enlarge.)</td></tr>
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I often browse <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> for beautiful yarn bowls, and my recent browsing session did not disappoint. I purchased this bowl from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HardwoodSpindles?ref=l2-shopheader-name">HardwoodSpindles</a> and I'm so glad I did. Shipping was fast; I ordered this bowl last Friday, Mr. Johnson emailed me to tell me that he will mail it on Monday, and I received it today. <br />
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AND it was reasonably priced at $45. There were a few different styles left the last time I checked, so if you want one, you best head on over there ASAP.<br />
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Of course I didn't NEED another yarn bowl:<br />
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But when you see something this beautiful, the next thing you know the screen reads "Thank you for your order.". I've already started using it to hold the yarn I'm using to make this beauty:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OU5azDyQNW3m51jYZJOzI8uzHob_6XEQ1WcgRR4-bV9v1qZ_MlEvNvRRliAqeXPewRc1ZU69hgnz-6xtywM7mITUfbK6gXOsL-eEKZy8NFKmQAWs3VRIAgd2VC4bNcqKmcbB/s1600/COMPTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OU5azDyQNW3m51jYZJOzI8uzHob_6XEQ1WcgRR4-bV9v1qZ_MlEvNvRRliAqeXPewRc1ZU69hgnz-6xtywM7mITUfbK6gXOsL-eEKZy8NFKmQAWs3VRIAgd2VC4bNcqKmcbB/s320/COMPTON.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Compton" from Rowan's "Alpaca Colour" book. (The picture is from Rowan's site.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I really thought that I would be done with knitting the pieces last night. I mean, I was in a groove, honey, and knitting like the wind because I was SO CLOSE to being done. But when I got to the shoulder shaping of the right front, I realized that I forgot to reverse the shaping as written for the left front. The neckline of the sweater is at my shoulder and its shoulder is at my neck. AGONY! Believe me, I thought about just switching my neck and shoulder around to keep from having to rip the knitting, but that would have been WAAAAY harder. So I put it in "time out" until I'm not mad anymore. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just looking at this picture makes the pain fresh again.</td></tr>
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Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-62333940533899733402015-06-14T20:51:00.003-04:002015-06-14T20:51:57.698-04:00"Superstar" Day 7Well folks, today is the last day of my "Knit and Crochet Superstar" feature. Today's free pattern is <a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/ocean">"Ocean"</a>. <br />
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I truly want to thank Cat Morely for the opportunity to show my work. It's been awesome. <br />
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*<small>Click <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2015/06/superstar.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read about what the "Knit and Crochet Superstar" feature is on the <a href="http://cutoutandkeep.net/" target="_blank">Cut Out and Keep</a> website.</small> Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35261479.post-27144141820461672672015-06-13T19:27:00.000-04:002015-06-13T20:36:01.134-04:00"Superstar" Day 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago, it dawned on me that I hadn't knit anything for three of my brothers. So, I decided to design a hat for each of them. "Cables and Ladders", the <a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/cables-and-ladders">Knit and Crochet Superstar* day 6 free pattern,</a> is one of those hats. I wish I had a clearer picture (you can make it a little larger by clicking on it), but hopefully you can appreciate the 6-stitch cables and the ladder pattern formed by alternating purl rows and knit rows. <br />
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*<small>Click <a href="http://niksknits.blogspot.com/2015/06/superstar.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read about what the "Knit and Crochet Superstar" feature is on the <a href="http://cutoutandkeep.net/" target="_blank">Cut Out and Keep</a> website.</small> Nikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16416504089177980525noreply@blogger.com0