tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9652827940010513202024-03-13T18:42:19.430-07:00knits and knitabilityA blog about knitting and other stuff.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-60857585243229655252011-09-27T10:56:00.001-07:002011-10-30T11:42:46.202-07:00Be Saavy, Not Fearful!I've been pondering the whole "green" movement with all its trends and legislature. Perhaps its because I was raised conservatively that it seems rather silly to me that it has been made into a fanciful, lucrative industry. We were always taught to turn off the lights when we left a room, to reuse non-biodegradeable items and not to take more than we needed. The difference is that we weren't taught these things to "save the earth". We were taught to control our personal covetous and greedy desires. I'm not saying we were perfect and that there was never any waste, but the idea was to be a good steward of whatever we were entrusted to whether it be relationships or things. So for me, as an adult, its perfectly natural to save plastic bags for reuse. I use them for many things from insulating windows in my garage (small spaces at the bottom of the windows)to putting them over the kids' socks before they put on their boots in heavy snow (to prevent moisture getting into the feet). My "Tupperware" consists of old butter and/or sour cream tubs. I have only on very rare occassions used paper towels. For us growing up they were too expensive. We used kitchen towels or rags for spills or clean up. I do the same today. There's no need to buy expensive "all natural" cleaning brands either. I used vinegar, Dr Bronner's and water for my hard floors. I clean almost everything in my house with Dr. Bronner's castille soap. I use eucalyptus oil for flea and tick control and sometimes a bit of diatomaceous earth. When a heavy scrubbing is needed I use Bar Keeper's Friend. It has the nice side effect of polishing as you scrub. I sprinkle carpets with baking soda for a fresh smell and keeping fleas and ticks away. I use Borax for fleas, ticks, fungus, laundry, you name it. I use diluted vinegar for windows and mirrors, and used them all in the same plastic spray bottles for years. I know the spray bottle I use for Dr. B's is about 5 years old and still going strong. I used cloth diapers on my kids when they were little. Its less expensive, healthier and they just look so cute in them. I am a huge proponent of teaching my children never to take more food than they can eat. Waste is a sign of glutony and we don't encourage it here. That doesn't me we don't love to indulge them, give them gifts, etc.. We just want them to appreciate the value of God's creations and all His abundance. But I say this all to end with my own personal sentiment that remains. We don't do these things because we fear limited resources or that somehow God will forget us in the future. I have had times when I've had much and times when I've had very little. I've not been forsaken. Nor will I ever be. So, we opt to be responsible with what God has provided with the attitude and philosophy of good stewards rather than fearful people who believe their God will fail them. We're not perfect, but He is. Phew!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-56293815885185991172011-06-21T10:24:00.000-07:002011-07-16T09:24:26.742-07:00Happy Summer!<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuLoDFVCdfBk1R_Hyarnb9cVCGd9YhUOBYsOyn7L6xebCARgAuMzVdAVIxvGkDFFJuRIiu0cCjnrq5PuQjlJAk37zlJg4mPBbbFAma2mwbFyJ_PxjODNpk5wJnMiyO-1JaWFzarOtdN0/s1600/P1017014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 200px; height: 150px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620727016963498546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuLoDFVCdfBk1R_Hyarnb9cVCGd9YhUOBYsOyn7L6xebCARgAuMzVdAVIxvGkDFFJuRIiu0cCjnrq5PuQjlJAk37zlJg4mPBbbFAma2mwbFyJ_PxjODNpk5wJnMiyO-1JaWFzarOtdN0/s200/P1017014.JPG" /></a><br />Model: Bethany Bressler<br />Photo: Christine H. Wilkins<br /><br />Happy Summer to all! I'm not a huge fan of the really hot days, but I like them better than I do the really cold ones. I guess that might be strange for a knitter. It kinda goes against all those lovely hand knits that sit in my cedar chest during warmer months, but I have designed a solution to that. My new design is a Summer knit that goes easily over tank tops or tees to give them that little extra something that they need. This pattern is available on Ravelry. The pattern is called "Giselle" and if you want to find me on Ravelry I'm Gertrudeperkins. The pattern is only 1.99 and is so easy and fast that it can be knit in a weekend! It is going to be a breeze for experienced knitters as well as beginners. Let me know if you try it and have any questions. I would be glad to help.</div></div>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-82897311335731093072011-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:002011-04-29T09:38:30.436-07:00Lynyrd Skynyrd<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCkUvGYtWAPLTIqELeQykM81iYhXKgZ0159_kY7NoI_JRhy70yYphlybaL6EoofBl-sFJf2kfTfMORrIBVAcMELBAzvpz-SLDyypn9_9-xc2wxy3kxiVK7_1lngcedOIxHX5qlXCOE5k/s1600/skyn_homeimage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCkUvGYtWAPLTIqELeQykM81iYhXKgZ0159_kY7NoI_JRhy70yYphlybaL6EoofBl-sFJf2kfTfMORrIBVAcMELBAzvpz-SLDyypn9_9-xc2wxy3kxiVK7_1lngcedOIxHX5qlXCOE5k/s200/skyn_homeimage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601045438430247282" /></a><br /><br />Here's the comment I left on their website.<br /><br />I had to drop in and say that even though I've been a fan since I was very young I had never seen LS live before until last night. It was sort of a short show in a smaller venue than I'm sure they've played in years gone by, but LS was tremendous. Innsbrook was rocked by one of the very few (anymore) extremely talented group of musicians who actually know how to play their instruments and play them WELL. I wonder how many of the audience actually knew it. We did. My children were totally into it too. From my 16 year old to my 6 year old, they were dancin' and enjoyin' the talented performance that is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not only was this performance noteworthy on so many levels that I cannot do it justice, but LS is also an iconic representation of southern rock n roll on the whole.<br /><br />I was caught off guard recently when mentioning of few of my favorite bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Bros., Boston, etc. when I realized the young person I was talking to had no idea who any of these bands were. Yikes! In a current age of snot nosed, gimme gimme gimme a free hand out, Obama gets a nobel peace prize, Justin Bieber and Lady Goo Goo are somehow talented or artists kinda world I just have to ramble a little. I say make sure you go out and see these bands. Enjoy the sound of real instruments being played by real musicians, true artists who make ya feel the natural vibes of real life. Take a moment to spend 20. or whatever it is to see these guys (and gals) and grab a piece of musical history that just may spark a new generation of talented people who don't rely so heavily on effects, computers and synthesizers to make them sound remotely listenable. <br /><br />We maybe older and not as able to "whoop" as loud as we used to, but here in Virginia we appreciate Lynyrd Skynyrd for all their musical talents and their heart. Thanks for coming to my town. Hope to see you again!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/tourdates">For tour dates.</a>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-23557545623256455352011-04-14T09:55:00.001-07:002011-04-14T10:04:04.736-07:00Ballet and Knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv5Oe4hSLG5tooU4XkE4JFTofTdimD4Wh8D-qD2_mDchUqr-wA_-OCVksG4OSg1dVuM6OrS4zYHBxaeBlWGlucdV_b7Zi58hnYkw-OnOYVkmtvNxm_4-nW25aqkACm_ewGv5GfnNEnlc/s1600/P1016354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv5Oe4hSLG5tooU4XkE4JFTofTdimD4Wh8D-qD2_mDchUqr-wA_-OCVksG4OSg1dVuM6OrS4zYHBxaeBlWGlucdV_b7Zi58hnYkw-OnOYVkmtvNxm_4-nW25aqkACm_ewGv5GfnNEnlc/s200/P1016354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595486070764096658" /></a><br />Last night I jumped in on the Adult Ballet II class. Wow, what a workout. I knew all the movements and steps. I just wasn't used to executing them that fast. The combinations were so fun and challenging. My pirouettes stink, but I have already made it my goal this year to be able to perform atleast a single, clean pirouette from fifth and fourth positions. Also, I will be moving up to Ballet II. Our instructor is so sweet and really gives attention to her adult students which I hear is pretty rare. I don't know how one can get so addicted to an activity that causes so much muscle soreness the next day. I read where a company member at our school said he was addicted to the sore muscles. I think there must be some truth to that for me. I can see my body getting stronger. My daughter is getting stronger too. People at the ballet keep telling me how gifted she is at ballet and how graceful and beautiful she is. She really loves it. I am so grateful to the Lord for leading us in this direction. I admit; she is a joy to watch. I am so looking forward to her performance in a couple of months.<br /><br />I am excited about my newest pattern published again in Cast On Magazine May-July 2011 Issue. I hope someone (anyone?) will knit this pattern, and let me know what you think of it. Feedback is important. :-)<br /><br />Happy Spring!!!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-85377684156031530322011-03-24T12:24:00.000-07:002011-03-24T12:25:54.811-07:00Underrated Artist David Wilcox<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ickWCGc5qHw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-41953362246220006572011-03-15T14:04:00.001-07:002011-03-15T14:14:16.999-07:00Keepin' It Simple...Keepin' It Real<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBLX8eVF7DH7MXUipTpvQH70vFZi6jC_jwP7JjmZvE1WycmL2axbh2Pmxa_BpJ4VTY6sNhn24SeP7Oi0L-PUIlEP6CzE_Jljcix_IPE5ZdykdI_pDP9juvRPFISyDU6HMOM1LUHpRQdc/s1600/P1016911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBLX8eVF7DH7MXUipTpvQH70vFZi6jC_jwP7JjmZvE1WycmL2axbh2Pmxa_BpJ4VTY6sNhn24SeP7Oi0L-PUIlEP6CzE_Jljcix_IPE5ZdykdI_pDP9juvRPFISyDU6HMOM1LUHpRQdc/s200/P1016911.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584417655906970194" /></a><br />Sometimes after knitting tedious projects such as three stranded colorwork, complicated celtic cabling, a sweater coat large enough to fit your XXL husband or ANY type of lace work your hands need a bit of a break. I would say they need a stretch of the legs, but I think you take my meaning. Sometimes you just need to knit something simple in between mind boggling patterns, something your hands can just fly through, something that can be completed in a day or two. I've been designing now for a while, mostly for Cast On Magazine. I am such a perfectionist (not to be confused with "perfect") that I go over and over and OVER directions, stitch counts, etc. that I almost can't even see the pattern anymore. So I sat down and decided to knit myself a pair of Lion's Brand Fisherman's Worsted Weight <br />2X2 ribbed socks to put on over my ballet shoes when its cold and my feet need to warm up fast. I can't tell you how rewarding they are. They aren't pretty. They're even a little scratchy against the skin. They're the color of dirt. They don't make anyone say, "Wow, you made that?" They're purely functional. Ahhhh! :-)<br /><br />You know what I mean...don't you???MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-18673920904195322242011-03-02T11:04:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:26:01.294-08:00A Little Catching UpI guess I'm just in a sock period. I am working on designing a sweater coat that I am very excited about. I'm gonna try for my first pattern (for sale) on Ravelry. We'll see. It has been sorta slow moving. The socks, however keep flowing. I was published last quarter in Cast On Magazine for a pair of socks called "Deco Socks". The colorwork in this pattern is so easy, fun and great for a beginner to colorwork. I was worried at first that the top of the sock wouldn't hold up without a proper ribbing, but this has not been the case. Actually, they hold up great. I can't stand sinking socks. Bleh. I have a lace sock pattern coming out in the next issue of Cast On that was very fun to design. I happen to love these socks. They are so feminine. I will post a picture after the issue is out.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOqwcwZoc73R_9290RgiAogTKQrW5_VBQGRsouopLgOvLTf_ECzd07CeTAfnxgb1E4UoeA9cmqsDqIpQ_HMduH6_7QlVDw6K2aHUUB_M6ee2DYrkQbMqgTMCTBcw1g_OkMRpJWITdMc/s1600/P6150003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOqwcwZoc73R_9290RgiAogTKQrW5_VBQGRsouopLgOvLTf_ECzd07CeTAfnxgb1E4UoeA9cmqsDqIpQ_HMduH6_7QlVDw6K2aHUUB_M6ee2DYrkQbMqgTMCTBcw1g_OkMRpJWITdMc/s200/P6150003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579563396126101602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HtWW50Xd9kt_X8jLE0FXs9SeMQrzYT3SbYz33_zCIjU-RAB0pZcvpgmipTz2wmjudD0yGERP_OSLYlDXt0xG9izwxI9GcM6qBihETDGKLzndQOKJC-iW9rt3Qy8w0n53QWKz4rN0fuY/s1600/P5240006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HtWW50Xd9kt_X8jLE0FXs9SeMQrzYT3SbYz33_zCIjU-RAB0pZcvpgmipTz2wmjudD0yGERP_OSLYlDXt0xG9izwxI9GcM6qBihETDGKLzndQOKJC-iW9rt3Qy8w0n53QWKz4rN0fuY/s200/P5240006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579562738061402050" /></a><br /> I'm so busy these days with homeschooling, ballet and my 5 wondeful kiddos that I don't have much time for blogging. I guess this is my token blog since its been about a year since my last entry. I can hardly wait for Spring. Around here we have one cold day followed by a warm one, so I can tell its trying to break through. I wonder how I could give it a little push? :-)<br />My daughter laid claim to the felted clogs I was making for myself at Christmas time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgprE4Hzxi97HUQrcP49DIqS7tFbHDkR8IREAH-8MfkSoO3OHn5qS0hsr-0-QOh67NLVXMe1t5rjzv8RoVDDjv_IZU7qsf6fc4LifSD1PUDyaJvoeoC4ZZy-2p3gA3SN5dCJDLAG-4_o/s1600/P1016466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgprE4Hzxi97HUQrcP49DIqS7tFbHDkR8IREAH-8MfkSoO3OHn5qS0hsr-0-QOh67NLVXMe1t5rjzv8RoVDDjv_IZU7qsf6fc4LifSD1PUDyaJvoeoC4ZZy-2p3gA3SN5dCJDLAG-4_o/s200/P1016466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579564098067867074" /></a><br />This pattern is much easier than it may look. I did have to wash them a couple of times in order for them to shrink properly. But I love the end result.<br />I also put up a new FREE pattern on Ravelry. Its called "Tendu". It was designed for my daughter who takes ballet. The pattern is very easy to size up for an adult. Just add more length. I strongly recommend using cotton for that project if it will be worn for functional purposes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gBx1TMPq5p9nJw4zeNuL0JQPvY9ua1HCFVfvURDiHFMcflSREGnLw9SuSpKZs24DmeZKl5PnKR8iGwbub0gsDmBJjJ_Lz6Hlb9pqasvoC3KvJJGGk3GhkY4iBqFJQ589YpyV0TbOGaQ/s1600/P2150008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gBx1TMPq5p9nJw4zeNuL0JQPvY9ua1HCFVfvURDiHFMcflSREGnLw9SuSpKZs24DmeZKl5PnKR8iGwbub0gsDmBJjJ_Lz6Hlb9pqasvoC3KvJJGGk3GhkY4iBqFJQ589YpyV0TbOGaQ/s200/P2150008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579565228716224146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRy4iPutnAd76kSCxbVh9jNDyMyJMGf-SkZ1AZAWYLrJvrNSM9SGZX7VhuHowc0XVx9HTTpUKOtSrYCrVV7bLfPQEagW3GKq_S_skuUYY6Gos6ZGNkWGZjlKKqypgD4dNXgpMPtKlza8/s1600/P2150009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRy4iPutnAd76kSCxbVh9jNDyMyJMGf-SkZ1AZAWYLrJvrNSM9SGZX7VhuHowc0XVx9HTTpUKOtSrYCrVV7bLfPQEagW3GKq_S_skuUYY6Gos6ZGNkWGZjlKKqypgD4dNXgpMPtKlza8/s200/P2150009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579565107588015154" /></a><br />You can message me if you are having trouble sizing up or down. I'd be glad to help.<br />Happy End of Winter! :-) ...hopefully soon.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-50417268158615905792010-06-22T13:21:00.001-07:002010-07-01T05:44:20.569-07:00Beach Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yeV3YI85rAt4u94Wq6KbFhAN6ft8wmyeB60xyr5vV7986MvkBxyhCci4OLlqP6bl1M0yW7ocUpH29aUOyLBo0ACw25u8Mgpcteo02jbX1gSrzmjhQFGnBOAWkfIy1Bxe3ciUnQsr-ig/s1600/P4200022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yeV3YI85rAt4u94Wq6KbFhAN6ft8wmyeB60xyr5vV7986MvkBxyhCci4OLlqP6bl1M0yW7ocUpH29aUOyLBo0ACw25u8Mgpcteo02jbX1gSrzmjhQFGnBOAWkfIy1Bxe3ciUnQsr-ig/s200/P4200022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485697796044494178" /></a><br /><br />"Beach Baby" is finally out published in the Summer 2010 Issue of <a href="http://petitepurls.com/">Petite Purls</a> . I am so excited about this pattern. It is relatively easy to knit and comes out so cute. I have knit it three times so far myself. I love multi-color stranded knitting. As many little people as I have in my life it makes sense I'd have to come up with something like this eventually. I hope you enjoy the pattern if you decide to knit it. Feel free to pm me on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login">Ravelry</a> if you have any questions. I am GertrudePerkins.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Veskz0lhhRTnUWmNBxL9l_VUzRZqgup_1-deP1s1Ai2N6NZuM9_ZVO8qMC-wQua7Xajc01XawDvlw0alx7iLhg-vEXKV_df0-YMoscBXk9J9T-GCmsObRoEg3vM43cUt83fRosgHvk/s1600/PB270006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Veskz0lhhRTnUWmNBxL9l_VUzRZqgup_1-deP1s1Ai2N6NZuM9_ZVO8qMC-wQua7Xajc01XawDvlw0alx7iLhg-vEXKV_df0-YMoscBXk9J9T-GCmsObRoEg3vM43cUt83fRosgHvk/s200/PB270006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485697311188380802" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Ballet is going great. I am finally doing my developpes correctly and not raising my stubborn ole hips. Hoorah!<br /><br /><br />Happy Summer!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-86086323421920951132010-05-14T09:10:00.000-07:002010-07-01T05:51:57.415-07:00No Swan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVBMPusuEOak1tkl0BbiT7r8GdgYJqRkAsmgoO0QUm_Sb1iOFVlALXQRLlfnuB6_Di04L2ChM42JaqNP0RpR04Kf-WB3CDeOTrw1xKj1ZvNFCaW0KScvhikArLlfnQYTB3ZF1wjDAlyg/s1600/P4060004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVBMPusuEOak1tkl0BbiT7r8GdgYJqRkAsmgoO0QUm_Sb1iOFVlALXQRLlfnuB6_Di04L2ChM42JaqNP0RpR04Kf-WB3CDeOTrw1xKj1ZvNFCaW0KScvhikArLlfnQYTB3ZF1wjDAlyg/s200/P4060004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471159611996805938" /></a><br /> I'm still taking classes and just loving it. My wonderful hubby took me to Swan Lake last weekend. It was fabulous. I'd never seen Swan Lake. I've been to see the Nutcracker a few times, and I saw Cinderella at the Bolshoi. This was the best. If that wasn't enough he also made a studio for me in the garage. Mind you, the floor is concrete so I won't be able to do any big jumping, but there is a large mirror on the wall with my own barre and even a video monitor overhead for me to practice with videos. He's such a sweetie! I'm no swan...but I want to learn this so badly. I have really come to love ballet. I'm addicted for sure. When I started ballet in December I could barely lift my leg 4 inches off the ground while standing in first. I feel so strong now.<br /> <br /><br />I will have a new pattern published soon in <a href="http://petitepurls.com/">Petite Purls</a> if you're interested.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-52129057742491870602010-02-21T15:21:00.000-08:002010-02-22T06:14:13.541-08:00Fulfilling Childhood Dreams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9eU9Um8T6qUHhQR6F5zB5QjLSnqaBtW9FmV2uxdbZobNRf7KRBXfCWnHBFlHZdmMpFvg25kB5OA3YamyttUF_zE_n9sbdg3JLwWpYbIexTM3eLmWgXinBXw4NFbbXY7G3G1Gu1Gpkq4/s1600-h/P2180001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9eU9Um8T6qUHhQR6F5zB5QjLSnqaBtW9FmV2uxdbZobNRf7KRBXfCWnHBFlHZdmMpFvg25kB5OA3YamyttUF_zE_n9sbdg3JLwWpYbIexTM3eLmWgXinBXw4NFbbXY7G3G1Gu1Gpkq4/s200/P2180001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440844918401044882" /></a><br />"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."<br /><br />When I was a child I wanted to be a ballerina. I don't think its too uncommon a dream for a young girl. When I was about 6-7 years old I used to put on the Nutcracker and make any guests my parents ever had sit down and watch me "perform". Now I am older and long past the years at which point a ballerina retires. But I'm outta shape. I'm looking for a a personal challenge, and the silly girlhood dream and the necessity to get fit have converged.<br /><br />I took my first real class last Saturday. I was so nervous that my tight covered knees were literally knocking. Slightly late for class I took my place at the back of the line up at the barre. I worked hard, tried to utilize the proper technique that I have been learning through ballet dvd classes and found that I had really learned alot from viewing them. The instructor was great, and class was a blast. I had so much fun that I left with a spring in my step and a smile in my heart. I can hardly wait for the next class. My personal goal is to get en pointe. I know it takes long, real, hard training, but that is my goal.<br /><br />Here's to not acting like a child in that we put away childish thoughts and reasoning and to a God who loves us all as His own children and gives us the desires of our hearts. Cheers with chocolate cookies and a latte'!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-90699093253458058702010-02-08T11:32:00.000-08:002010-02-08T11:40:08.982-08:00Demi Knitting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLhTQBtvGi4vTsV5oN89Hw44rYz_CvsQ_JL75iclpDD28fo0LR5P6bCCPb_BTlFdFvrUvh32p_sgOpnFUdneuYbukmAR4Er39MGsVw3ukYD0ZKgroEWtgTa7cN_ZjIZZxm1EN-Uh0g9Q/s1600-h/P2080005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLhTQBtvGi4vTsV5oN89Hw44rYz_CvsQ_JL75iclpDD28fo0LR5P6bCCPb_BTlFdFvrUvh32p_sgOpnFUdneuYbukmAR4Er39MGsVw3ukYD0ZKgroEWtgTa7cN_ZjIZZxm1EN-Uh0g9Q/s200/P2080005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435959209539191858" /></a><br />I've wanted to knit Demi since I ordered this Rowan book a couple of years ago. I started to knit Salina and just got too bored of it and frogged it. I decided that the Reynolds Whiskey I've had FOREVER and the Demi pattern must be destined for each other, and so it begins. I've already made a couple of mistakes on the back section. They aren't noticeable enough to rip. I can hardly believe I'm saying that since I am a true perfectionist, but I really just don't feel like it. The snow is still piled in my yard. Its dreary and cold outside, and I hate to complain or wish it away, but I really am a little anxious for spring. I guess I'll just knit to pass the time. Nice excuse to knit, huh?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdrpBPGCTOZ_8bu029B69K-kHu3yNzLuUMNq24nO359lMWryYZryJSod1ELs3coIjSOlwugZzKzyw8EJjpCy22UoUcHhdz3v-13LiWwmcflN_pZ7o6xkO1BmQZNC0pUOke6TLentxmVc/s1600-h/P2010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdrpBPGCTOZ_8bu029B69K-kHu3yNzLuUMNq24nO359lMWryYZryJSod1ELs3coIjSOlwugZzKzyw8EJjpCy22UoUcHhdz3v-13LiWwmcflN_pZ7o6xkO1BmQZNC0pUOke6TLentxmVc/s200/P2010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435959629249567938" /></a><br /><br />I also decided I'd knit little squares in garter stitch to used up odds and ends that won't amount to much of any kind of garment. I hate waste, so I'm thinking it will all turn to be a nice afghan some day.....slowly, but surely.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-12279980010815493522010-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:002010-01-30T09:42:55.344-08:00Finished!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-Qg0FtiAOvF4SY6Uy_p4kOeLBIs8XiFeiW4kXlLT1RqH0UU36KBcbpkfxa9f4SwYp_-anNndVja1c5iTWp_BBGT4upXEdfNNoKCsbo_Ug2HHlhd6D5Cy_9bUwauwgtX_ZzC5Zyncqg/s1600-h/P1300005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-Qg0FtiAOvF4SY6Uy_p4kOeLBIs8XiFeiW4kXlLT1RqH0UU36KBcbpkfxa9f4SwYp_-anNndVja1c5iTWp_BBGT4upXEdfNNoKCsbo_Ug2HHlhd6D5Cy_9bUwauwgtX_ZzC5Zyncqg/s200/P1300005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589032224845186" /></a><br />Maybe everyone knits this fast and easy, and I'm just not aware of it. I can't say it enough. This is truly a great knit. I've enjoyed every hour of it. I cannot say that about most patterns I knit. There is always some boring bit with yards and yards of stockinette or garter stitch or worse, there are the ones that I just can't seem to translate the right handed writer of the pattern for my left handed brain. Those buggers make me wanna give up knitting all together. My kids know that when mom says "shit" it means she's got some frogging to do.<br /><br />Try this pattern. You won't be disappointed. I only used three skeins of Knit Picks Palette in Tumeric for this project. That makes the yarn a little more than 12 dollars, and it took me 6 days to knit. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qpbvbeaPPqb89tTn7rJB-sJfljfPFmTuB1YNVUvt80x_W_EiNT2EGbYCKrdcuJur05UT-s3cYzetoaJbkxvweoWTaFashDEjjM7lt7XfdLqd004zUS3fqU9VbFoqSCCfwK_tUNASDFU/s1600-h/P1290001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qpbvbeaPPqb89tTn7rJB-sJfljfPFmTuB1YNVUvt80x_W_EiNT2EGbYCKrdcuJur05UT-s3cYzetoaJbkxvweoWTaFashDEjjM7lt7XfdLqd004zUS3fqU9VbFoqSCCfwK_tUNASDFU/s200/P1290001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589675845575090" /></a><br />Blocking (last night)MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-33929875923220728732010-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:002010-01-29T10:22:21.944-08:00Its Growing!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-NC9x92S2_J3f8m8t2pTaFT80aE8z_KBv5vM57vxrHulqbCD4YvrK36vQT1tZdjQtBgjfAhyphenhyphen-danHVXE169tRpxrJoMWtM2UUFti6K1qkn54KwXPcyeTTZEzu5xzwo013q2gqN6g988/s1600-h/P1290001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-NC9x92S2_J3f8m8t2pTaFT80aE8z_KBv5vM57vxrHulqbCD4YvrK36vQT1tZdjQtBgjfAhyphenhyphen-danHVXE169tRpxrJoMWtM2UUFti6K1qkn54KwXPcyeTTZEzu5xzwo013q2gqN6g988/s200/P1290001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432227758477211826" /></a><br />This shawl is probably the easiest thing I've knit in a long time. It is beautiful and intricate looking, but looks can be deceiving. The repeats are easy peasy to memorize. I find I can easily answer math questions, break up sibling arguements, keep an eye on dinner and even watch the news while knitting this baby. I highly recommend this for beginners in lace. I'm at the edging now. I've only been knitting this shawl for about four-five days. Yes, I'm a fast knitter (as you see in the video of me knitting), and I've been knitting for a long time. You try it. You'll see what I mean. This is a great pattern. Its easy to modify the size by reducing the repeats which is what I had to do to incorporate the larger gauge yarn. It takes no math at all to alter for size and gauge. I give it two thumbs way up!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-25417024248847752602010-01-27T06:46:00.000-08:002010-01-27T06:55:09.643-08:00Birthdays Coming Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDOMCwriLXn8Wz7sSov6tpNXOLwZ9VkAs3wGg-1KmeAj7PRI5llgrMAhqNVOpXmgdIoKojOGnBFqyAsPEiLl1_CHuQlRy3zlaeJISYmcDVKT-cdI2TjVXGaQhUDxouNTcqZw0wKV3-Uc/s1600-h/P1260001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDOMCwriLXn8Wz7sSov6tpNXOLwZ9VkAs3wGg-1KmeAj7PRI5llgrMAhqNVOpXmgdIoKojOGnBFqyAsPEiLl1_CHuQlRy3zlaeJISYmcDVKT-cdI2TjVXGaQhUDxouNTcqZw0wKV3-Uc/s200/P1260001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431433050321474818" /></a><br />I have a couple of birthdays on the horizon. My niece and my mother have birthdays in February. I just started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fountain-pen-shawl">Fountain Pen Shawl by Susan Lawrence</a>. It is printed in the Spring 2009 Issue of Interweave Knits. I actually ordered this to do Eunny's vest in this issue and still haven't knit it. I'm so tired (for now) of fretting over writing patterns I wanted to take a break and knit someone else's pattern. I really like this one. Its fast and easy. Don't be intimidated by the fact that its lace. If you can do deacreases and and yarn over you're good! It woud be a great first lace project for someone. I'm loving it. I'm knitting it in a golden colored fingering weight yarn. Its Palette by Knit Picks in case anyone is interested. Its not the gauge yarn called for, but I love this color and I like a slightly heavier shawl personally. I wear very few things only because of the way they look. I absolutely demand that they be comfortable. This will be more of a winter shawl for sure. She may even decide to leave it draped across her couch. We'll see. I'll keep ya posted on any modifications I need to make while changing the gauge.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-6467530089564354932010-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:23:02.074-08:00Love Ewe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm1lv3ayo90UuNd0LRn9zA8NO-ge9qExQdlfC_tBnPC0oPSMG6N1YEYRvgCLQ2fT4blbxrtFsMJU4lZEEApBAICx9rsB99GZefSO2FFyWimmbAiM51ihbZZZTsWB3aZcmDLf8w6FnfMQ/s1600-h/P8240009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm1lv3ayo90UuNd0LRn9zA8NO-ge9qExQdlfC_tBnPC0oPSMG6N1YEYRvgCLQ2fT4blbxrtFsMJU4lZEEApBAICx9rsB99GZefSO2FFyWimmbAiM51ihbZZZTsWB3aZcmDLf8w6FnfMQ/s200/P8240009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426289821171949250" /></a><br />I designed these little sheep last summer. My children love to play with them. I have always preferred my children to play with Waldorf-esque toys to plastic, battery powered junk. Somehow it just seems like they are using their own imagination more without all the fanfare. <br /><br />These really are a quick and easy knit. It is also a great opportunity to use up bits and pieces from your stash. I used Cascade worsted 10ply, but any ole worsted weight would do.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEOfG0E3CSwbZyrDut9ZwhSuuT93XfEr_BPaqXIASnmxQoi79vhCOk1IEtmDyZ-k62c5_4LW9ZuASitCDwZOPqJ6228QEv9uE0gHzTAJctvfxxIRfnZa80XphIONhfBC-jRwpKPagFOk/s1600-h/P5050003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEOfG0E3CSwbZyrDut9ZwhSuuT93XfEr_BPaqXIASnmxQoi79vhCOk1IEtmDyZ-k62c5_4LW9ZuASitCDwZOPqJ6228QEv9uE0gHzTAJctvfxxIRfnZa80XphIONhfBC-jRwpKPagFOk/s200/P5050003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426290031329445106" /></a><br />Working the body.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-tYOx6TcAlUYHMuwtkEZUpQ0UI3v_8tsb3dk-f3rZ6Zg-qSbILvxJdv2pPXFL38iX2oK_2gPC5cjKVM3ZLrT-g8B_kWPNYfypvzs2YxOPYdbk4Fgk-bSGFj7P6nflhJPb23ASVJ6y4A/s1600-h/P5050006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-tYOx6TcAlUYHMuwtkEZUpQ0UI3v_8tsb3dk-f3rZ6Zg-qSbILvxJdv2pPXFL38iX2oK_2gPC5cjKVM3ZLrT-g8B_kWPNYfypvzs2YxOPYdbk4Fgk-bSGFj7P6nflhJPb23ASVJ6y4A/s200/P5050006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426290170670623026" /></a><br />The inside before stuffing.<br /><br />This pattern is available on Ravelry for free. Just click on the link to the right.<br /><br />Enjoy!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-23947113992189316362009-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:002009-12-24T08:46:50.291-08:00Top Ten Things I Learned This Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib23DI_u7Sg-jZEsUqc33HyMcJFo8MdbVWXvE48B29MQRpUL_IjC61o3mRsf8g1SOAyP-ZpaD6CuSt3nB_2rFXm74JkgINMfXKCw3GlzcKBuokyCn98T7l0mdU8ZyJsHNUDUhjN3T194/s1600-h/P3020026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib23DI_u7Sg-jZEsUqc33HyMcJFo8MdbVWXvE48B29MQRpUL_IjC61o3mRsf8g1SOAyP-ZpaD6CuSt3nB_2rFXm74JkgINMfXKCw3GlzcKBuokyCn98T7l0mdU8ZyJsHNUDUhjN3T194/s200/P3020026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418845146555111154" /></a><br />10. All increases are NOT created equal.<br /><br />9. Just because something <em>can</em> be knit doesn't mean it should.<br /><br />8. When faced with opposition of the aggressive type you'll never lose when you respond in LOVE.<br />7. I would rather have crab grass than no grass at all.<br /><br />6. Marriage is work.....no matter who you're married to...if it isn't, you're not doing it right. (The same applies to children.)<br />5. Having a real tree in the living room is kind of a cruel thing to do to dogs and toddlers.<br />4. Never leave my toddler alone with a chair. He can get into all kinds of mischief to put it mildly.<br />3. Neighbors <em>can</em> be good things.<br /><br />2. I need some Ravelry time limits. :-)<br /><br />1. When someone comes around promising change no matter how charismatic they are make sure its the kind of change you want before you consent.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-69397346163010395952009-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:002009-12-10T12:56:46.154-08:00There Is No Such Thing As "Spare Time"There just don't seem to be enough hours in a day to accomplish all I'd like to do. So I'll have to settle for prioritizing my projects and my time. Ugh! Christmas is fast approaching. I've made jewelry for my sisters and mother this year. I think they've gotten a little tired of knitted gifts. We'll see if they are happy or disappointed. My hubby requested I design him a sweater coat. I get tons of wear out of mine and now he wants one. So its not that big of a deal except he wears a 2X and its a COAT. So its getting pretty heavy (100% peruvian wool) eh hm....and I'm really tired of the design pattern already. Thank the LORD I finally figured out how to cable without a needle or this would be a Christmas 2010 present.<br /><br />We did finally finish the chairs, and they are well loved already baby!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenHKiQ6XhfQ0oucDV1MALAZyB0e5DD3rnO4u1hx1U_xF0Dw5q9TCO-GMQO2gPc4P8pB8EcvKc51KYT6etwoWUx5j62JVq7QkPZV3Kp9tcZg1QxeG7oljgcQQ1Qpm8q4wrItwVEIUVGdw/s1600-h/PB160003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenHKiQ6XhfQ0oucDV1MALAZyB0e5DD3rnO4u1hx1U_xF0Dw5q9TCO-GMQO2gPc4P8pB8EcvKc51KYT6etwoWUx5j62JVq7QkPZV3Kp9tcZg1QxeG7oljgcQQ1Qpm8q4wrItwVEIUVGdw/s200/PB160003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413714302933595842" /></a><br /> <br /><br />My grandmother requested I make her a bib. Apparently in the retirement community she lives in they are all the rage. Here's a picture. The pattern will be up on Ravelry tonight I'm sure.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7BQwBDVtpfg9pvg6bOWEeitBVFVLEf2IzH1e9VGk7FYR_uEunkeJ8QuUBY-nk3T7Kv_ih5_j148qEt5BB38HIRxKeu4aKFfxmp84taU_zsHpC8lvYPWaJvklJxFOUbVwxVWRrvg5Yts/s1600-h/PC100015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7BQwBDVtpfg9pvg6bOWEeitBVFVLEf2IzH1e9VGk7FYR_uEunkeJ8QuUBY-nk3T7Kv_ih5_j148qEt5BB38HIRxKeu4aKFfxmp84taU_zsHpC8lvYPWaJvklJxFOUbVwxVWRrvg5Yts/s200/PC100015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413712877257958322" /></a> <br /><br />Anywho, I have Christmas cookies and yulecaka to make. Hoorah!<br /><br />And just a peek at the hubby sweater sketch....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DKY21hT04PGBTyX-2xQVzo_xK4JG2t5KxsFzQFlyFR2O6whrzOwSNkKNPNZaEAl48v783vjhkxI9wPwHRSN-exRnEaOFjWhVj9dlF9mG2wF55jnp6DQMAmwnHFeCi-UH2UWNZchm73I/s1600-h/PB300014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DKY21hT04PGBTyX-2xQVzo_xK4JG2t5KxsFzQFlyFR2O6whrzOwSNkKNPNZaEAl48v783vjhkxI9wPwHRSN-exRnEaOFjWhVj9dlF9mG2wF55jnp6DQMAmwnHFeCi-UH2UWNZchm73I/s200/PB300014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413713459999821634" /></a>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-27855564936564599832009-11-16T06:43:00.001-08:002009-11-18T08:31:45.319-08:00Yippee! The set is finished!I didn't think he'd do it. The first chair took a couple of weeks to motivate him to finish. Lo' and behold he goes and gets the materials for the second chair and even designed the table at midnight to complete the set. I'm blessed. :-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ64i8zUrmuATp6tQgr9ycsl5ebrHUhNfmdHupghMSZ5U6mpbIi8Y6HUcR7aSc_yNnBOxOCIwZornAUZjwhLxdVR1vNLiuGrEYBYkiWUTZj16X42mBelcR0u27Y_EiJoGdRGh5xfdPp8/s1600/PB150013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ64i8zUrmuATp6tQgr9ycsl5ebrHUhNfmdHupghMSZ5U6mpbIi8Y6HUcR7aSc_yNnBOxOCIwZornAUZjwhLxdVR1vNLiuGrEYBYkiWUTZj16X42mBelcR0u27Y_EiJoGdRGh5xfdPp8/s200/PB150013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404713041282892082" /></a><br /><br />I'm out in this quarter issue of Cast On. Its the November 2009-January 2010 issue if anyone is interested. You can look for retailers <a href="http://www.e-offinger.net/tkga/castondists.cfm">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Here is the hat in Trekking XXL.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8UoYEh3W4hsdtqmCD_XMwcyugC-4Wf-Bd1bQEskA4pm3LGIAmlghNFNxRUOYAr-sPCXelAo0mS9TBgwp4BQqf4luG5zNSdjC41z6qwl1UM9w7pC21LSUTjtpkPkosZxh5LqLa9ndwO4/s1600/P4240013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8UoYEh3W4hsdtqmCD_XMwcyugC-4Wf-Bd1bQEskA4pm3LGIAmlghNFNxRUOYAr-sPCXelAo0mS9TBgwp4BQqf4luG5zNSdjC41z6qwl1UM9w7pC21LSUTjtpkPkosZxh5LqLa9ndwO4/s200/P4240013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404713602203514002" /></a>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-23606201333051743352009-11-09T10:58:00.000-08:002009-11-09T11:02:15.873-08:00My Birthday Present<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsWGdwcMDVW-Lyph_2BrzZZdZofJlsdaPkNlBJQ8zVNTnR_1PAj5lsugxEX7QbEiFQuFxsdiJP6WGP2rNFmftzADQeLdQo-__nGr0oZPQn-e6jnylSc4zpZXIu5HzMrs3dSi_gA8cRI0/s1600-h/PB090035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsWGdwcMDVW-Lyph_2BrzZZdZofJlsdaPkNlBJQ8zVNTnR_1PAj5lsugxEX7QbEiFQuFxsdiJP6WGP2rNFmftzADQeLdQo-__nGr0oZPQn-e6jnylSc4zpZXIu5HzMrs3dSi_gA8cRI0/s200/PB090035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402180623582737698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F_HanmqyhmJS5IQFbG0MxjNiVkeBt3S6ITmt3d91ZbENdT6hc_gM2xm4Wn2b0Cf2O50CaiFYUiGLbBw7C9hmDno2-b4lNi6xPQzR8-u1AyDlU-4F39juDC0jHN-cHBQvvOMAlBq_tvw/s1600-h/PB090032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F_HanmqyhmJS5IQFbG0MxjNiVkeBt3S6ITmt3d91ZbENdT6hc_gM2xm4Wn2b0Cf2O50CaiFYUiGLbBw7C9hmDno2-b4lNi6xPQzR8-u1AyDlU-4F39juDC0jHN-cHBQvvOMAlBq_tvw/s200/PB090032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402180618751493970" /></a><br />My man made this for me for my birthday this year. After much consideration I've decided to stain them instead of painting them. I so prefer the natural design of the wood to painting these days. Hopefully soon this adirondack chair will be accompanied by another adirondack chair and an adirondack table for my porch. I'm so excited. He did such a great job.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-51912468991547464542009-11-05T06:50:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:08:18.228-08:00When Creativity Gets Frustrating<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XnbZNJlSvbRduRE4Fk2HM6zJnDpfg-lcv5t_0oLlSkx3bmngVklGxasnJZ4wDSMXnMm5rIEzgFSFtUzOf8vmOPRqYmslC5D5lrjhd5IQC0gbwO1HaDUABfzOJzU037a82gUewnMwMRI/s1600-h/P8170015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XnbZNJlSvbRduRE4Fk2HM6zJnDpfg-lcv5t_0oLlSkx3bmngVklGxasnJZ4wDSMXnMm5rIEzgFSFtUzOf8vmOPRqYmslC5D5lrjhd5IQC0gbwO1HaDUABfzOJzU037a82gUewnMwMRI/s200/P8170015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400636577201486754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eOp3AVPyrh-N_UeoGj1hGGN69Uyl14wCz-IpAem65S_rGYmC-3DPU02SqSodzan7jEInt8NJbU_h456huj7LcnlLbaVsSruTm8xzrKdBrDG1cQ1ZPQ6tzydjmcZ-HEzfnrKBafkWHhg/s1600-h/P8170017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eOp3AVPyrh-N_UeoGj1hGGN69Uyl14wCz-IpAem65S_rGYmC-3DPU02SqSodzan7jEInt8NJbU_h456huj7LcnlLbaVsSruTm8xzrKdBrDG1cQ1ZPQ6tzydjmcZ-HEzfnrKBafkWHhg/s200/P8170017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400636569436824770" /></a><br />We're coming up on my third published pattern. The first two were a breeze. The third has turned out to be quite a bit more frustrating. A few times I've gotten to those moments when you just want to throw the knitting across the room, use your needles for darts at the computer screen and say "forget it". The problem is that I enjoy this so much I can't stop myself. So I push past the frustration and go for it. I guess I'm addicted to it now. I knit the Veronique Avery's Lace Ribbon Scarf just to prove to myself I could still knit someone else's pattern. I've submitted a pattern to Knitty more than a month ago. I still haven't heard back from them. People on Ravelry keep telling me that the long wait usually means good news and a quick response is usually a reject. I guess we'll see soon. I have a mountain of stacked designs in my head just itching to get on my needles. My husband wants me to design him a cardigan for Christmas. I just finished a lovely vest I'm calling The Lady of Chalot. I can't show all these designs anymore on my blog because most companies want pattern submissions that haven't been shown anywhere. So you'll have to take my word for it. Its adorable. I've got a fairisle baby sweater pattern I'll be sending off to another magazine shortly. I've got to design a size up for it. My 5 year old saw it and claims he must have one. It is pretty cute. Its called Beach Baby. I've been sewing dresses for my daughter and myself for the past three days. My back has been hurting so much I had to get up from the knitting for a bit and sew something. Winter is almost here and with it comes the necessity for sweaters and knit socks. I only wish I could knit faster.MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-65097360597995502252009-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:002009-08-29T08:25:44.323-07:00Cell Phone Cozy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWxyTHk50Z3sTMua4pY_6BG5ahEDmUi8VJ-Tw5rbnMTDUzJxIWh91AhtdEY6_AGP7-Xypksmiy06Kbd4vb4AXV8g6gaZmw-aTik4CI6ZKOO4qqcWsirezle5e68s1po7VXrX2mY4FiA8/s1600-h/P8290020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWxyTHk50Z3sTMua4pY_6BG5ahEDmUi8VJ-Tw5rbnMTDUzJxIWh91AhtdEY6_AGP7-Xypksmiy06Kbd4vb4AXV8g6gaZmw-aTik4CI6ZKOO4qqcWsirezle5e68s1po7VXrX2mY4FiA8/s200/P8290020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375407137442476658" /></a><br /><br />Here's a new free pattern for you guys.<br />Cell Phone Cozy<br />By: Christine H. Wilkins<br />Okay, so I know you’re saying to yourself, “A cell phone cozy, does my<br />phone really need a cozy and why should I take my precious time to<br />knit it one?”<br />Reasons to knit your cell phone a cozy:<br />Your cell phone works hard for your every day…What have you done<br />for “it” lately?<br />The tea pot has a cozy, the Ipod has a cozy, even the coffee mug has a<br />cozy. All day, every day your cell phone has to know that it’s the only<br />appliance now without apparel.<br />Just look how snug and warm the cell phone in the picture looks. You<br />really don’t want your cell phone to catch any of those crazy viruses<br />out there.<br />For less than ten cents a day you can support your cell phone (and<br />others like it) by taking a few moments a day to knit a round or two<br />towards helping your cell phone have a brighter and happier future.<br />Really? I mean, don’t we have enough knitted “things” by now…its all<br />about the yarn addiction baby, and you know it.<br />Materials:<br />Leftover sock yarn (Regia), about enough for one baby sock (2oz.?)<br />Color “Rio”,<br />Co 48 sts<br />K 3 rounds.<br />*Yo, k2 tog*, repeat to the end of round.<br />Knit plain stock st rounds to 4 “from co edge or to just a “tad” longer<br />than your cell phone.<br />Turn your work inside out and bo off all sts using the three needle<br />bind off method.<br />Seam co edge to inside of cozy so that your picoted edge becomes the<br />opening edge.<br />Enjoy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA_3QDJ8Ucb17SWKHVethkoO1U3b1Gd_Kcu28A884RbLSJn1uy99VGJ-HGbb0Si8CL4sM5HN7MIqpyN4csHR9XFJTyitECI0aeXq_YmNq1uZGZm3fvvbt-bH0WrMqz9noFDVq9uKK2Z8/s1600-h/P8220034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA_3QDJ8Ucb17SWKHVethkoO1U3b1Gd_Kcu28A884RbLSJn1uy99VGJ-HGbb0Si8CL4sM5HN7MIqpyN4csHR9XFJTyitECI0aeXq_YmNq1uZGZm3fvvbt-bH0WrMqz9noFDVq9uKK2Z8/s200/P8220034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375407130066185074" /></a>MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-78762788534127200162009-08-23T14:25:00.000-07:002009-08-23T14:31:02.738-07:00You Learn Something New Every Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB0wNJTLITGer8loqChDI5bRhhtC4APWFSXZdeJw9Qn1w5P_H4BQNf0JqGV_Q5XpkFNaS5HLM_p4QnfU5hnDcXcJthkwrzBRxwtuftqVmDPqWWjGekJD1bSZb0WfUuorW8XpIswN_8cs/s1600-h/P8200007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB0wNJTLITGer8loqChDI5bRhhtC4APWFSXZdeJw9Qn1w5P_H4BQNf0JqGV_Q5XpkFNaS5HLM_p4QnfU5hnDcXcJthkwrzBRxwtuftqVmDPqWWjGekJD1bSZb0WfUuorW8XpIswN_8cs/s200/P8200007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373274059505118834" /></a><br />Atleast I feel like I learn something new every day. A few days ago my mother in law (also a knitter) sent me this interesting "Flat Feet" product. Anyone seen one of these before. Maybe I'm just behind on the times. That wouldn't shock me at all. I had never seen one and can't wait to come up with a pattern for this yarn. I was thinking maybe striped with black yarn? Hmmm. Any ideas?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhit7-oaXGRaF7ZIn4eJvW0oxDeyMVHjQOYrVecfaST7y6rhCH9Mh-lSXl_vvDe4bWJHHPvoWucaGHaDpboBf70q3E6AAp2vqSiC3bi1I1rDzStIfbZ5NIAM_MelYptXeGKpayg_P55ano/s1600-h/P8220034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhit7-oaXGRaF7ZIn4eJvW0oxDeyMVHjQOYrVecfaST7y6rhCH9Mh-lSXl_vvDe4bWJHHPvoWucaGHaDpboBf70q3E6AAp2vqSiC3bi1I1rDzStIfbZ5NIAM_MelYptXeGKpayg_P55ano/s200/P8220034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373274854599208210" /></a><br /><br />I had some left over Regia sock yarn I thought I'd use for something little. Here ya go....a cell phone cozy. Its all I had enough yarn for. I'll put it up as a free pattern on Ravelry soon just in case anyone else is interested.<br /><br />So glad its cooling down some here. This heat is oppresive. I'm thinking next year we'll get the a/c fixed. :-)MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-57641607065739296252009-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:002009-08-15T20:37:27.768-07:00Why Is Knitting For Babies So Much Fun?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCS_kk5vzjRJ7P30YdhC79ZEJ98nxR8dbrxJnYhbcFHn3JBglmXuvmlBGEM70KRkyildlfjVlg7z4y_hHiCNG0c9i_fEDz3_Q4OztpexMXsT4ndhioenOAEwEZAHUv69Ysv8gxKFbswg/s1600-h/P8090059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCS_kk5vzjRJ7P30YdhC79ZEJ98nxR8dbrxJnYhbcFHn3JBglmXuvmlBGEM70KRkyildlfjVlg7z4y_hHiCNG0c9i_fEDz3_Q4OztpexMXsT4ndhioenOAEwEZAHUv69Ysv8gxKFbswg/s200/P8090059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370400294643169234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpHRoW3WFtJS7h0ZXS6u2OeuArwIuH2o0siu515p9MYjiPKrpBPnXnNyUxWMCflnDO1lXTRy88zOM_zMP-cFt0w69bRy_OQn7hSihOCznzOybVGDuVAhgW9dD_W2wJnigdVdDZNGBo9Q/s1600-h/P8080054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpHRoW3WFtJS7h0ZXS6u2OeuArwIuH2o0siu515p9MYjiPKrpBPnXnNyUxWMCflnDO1lXTRy88zOM_zMP-cFt0w69bRy_OQn7hSihOCznzOybVGDuVAhgW9dD_W2wJnigdVdDZNGBo9Q/s200/P8080054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370400283781864306" /></a><br />I can start a new design or something for myself and it seems to take forever, but along comes a cute little baby and the knitting just flies! I was babysitting a cute little bundle this week which also happened to be her birthday. Lucky me! I got inspired by the cute little fat rolls and big blue eyes. <br /><br />On the other hand I have ripped/frogged about a dozen different designs that started off pretty cool but sorta petered out toward the middle. I dunno what's got into me. I seem to have knitters block or something. I finished the Ribbon Lace Scarf by Veronik Avery last week for a friend's birthday. That was fun. It was actually a relief to knit someone else's design for a change. It was almost like taking a vacation from designing. Have I knitted the heck outta the fun of designing? I hope not. I'll be out in the winter issue of Cast On. I'd like to be in the following issue as well. We'll see.....maybe its the heat? Hmmmm...I'll blame it on the heat. :-)MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-16961505154471789932009-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:002009-07-27T09:21:27.041-07:00Its Out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzrcNTIRmp-Oouh6bjq770QGLmmRqMf9WJE_d5Rg4IZV3oInXe_mct7Q3bkT8S9h1Ki_6zsxQuB7gp0IfoJAUY5pttC3pR9ojrfTU91E5j2tTCF3cKi6NFWYfxHtyUtFZswwQyDkiR1c/s1600-h/P7250019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzrcNTIRmp-Oouh6bjq770QGLmmRqMf9WJE_d5Rg4IZV3oInXe_mct7Q3bkT8S9h1Ki_6zsxQuB7gp0IfoJAUY5pttC3pR9ojrfTU91E5j2tTCF3cKi6NFWYfxHtyUtFZswwQyDkiR1c/s200/P7250019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363175797990988354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQb-4jZCeNJiLjx36jh7FsRx-Sijil9NIGhQz98kWJk_lhzAyzkRsfd8F1kxkMLbum8CAxJ40nfJBfNJCuHG63zkdNjMYmsB7nLzm35DEzfcU1nwGSQ23Yy5IgWN2NMta6DwUctjgYwc/s1600-h/P7250018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQb-4jZCeNJiLjx36jh7FsRx-Sijil9NIGhQz98kWJk_lhzAyzkRsfd8F1kxkMLbum8CAxJ40nfJBfNJCuHG63zkdNjMYmsB7nLzm35DEzfcU1nwGSQ23Yy5IgWN2NMta6DwUctjgYwc/s200/P7250018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363175796240391026" /></a><br />The waiting is over. My pattern is finally out in the fall issue of Cast On. These are some lousy pictures...but some of my friends wanna see. Right? It isn't a fancy pattern. I know. I'm a little nervous that there will be alot of errors or something lame like that. Thanks for all the input and support you guys!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-965282794001051320.post-70160406510042278192009-07-14T12:45:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:51:39.687-07:00Mates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupgnBDY1qKO-SIbczjXri21FCdmdjRD71l17_OfNe8_CWmJ0HMphQq_WqWGYw1U_2Q_CTIk0_KLyh-SzAdifOg54rCNgTUGVj5TypKYuOmY1GeejLH-kvfSNo69xah3oyVIFQ3tC6VjQ/s1600-h/P7100003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupgnBDY1qKO-SIbczjXri21FCdmdjRD71l17_OfNe8_CWmJ0HMphQq_WqWGYw1U_2Q_CTIk0_KLyh-SzAdifOg54rCNgTUGVj5TypKYuOmY1GeejLH-kvfSNo69xah3oyVIFQ3tC6VjQ/s200/P7100003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358405659588449010" /></a><br />I scrapped the last blue cotton sweater. The lattice (I felt) was just gonna be too stretchy for the sleeves. I was concerned that with regular wear it would get all droopy. I am really loving this plaited sleeve though. Tell me whatcha think! Also, gratuitous pic of my Phoebe's new mate. Of course he's gotta get a little older, but ain't he cute??? He is a present for my daughter who cut off ten inches of her hair to send to Locks of Love. We were so proud of her. It was all her idea. She couldn't bear the thought that some little girls didn't have any hair at all. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSncyneVjlC1a7KJVvs1VAtkBkEWDToiD5343hsDebSEeezGLPZ4uKYIyIJQV8KuMH1RRQv6nW6A5BCdi3FZsdIaHkFzBIQFKnlGGqI782n79he6xYYgtN-oIIoPweGBpjosIUsW8mbA/s1600-h/P7140003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSncyneVjlC1a7KJVvs1VAtkBkEWDToiD5343hsDebSEeezGLPZ4uKYIyIJQV8KuMH1RRQv6nW6A5BCdi3FZsdIaHkFzBIQFKnlGGqI782n79he6xYYgtN-oIIoPweGBpjosIUsW8mbA/s200/P7140003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358405667405274210" /></a><br />This apple pie was made by substituting half of the normal white flour for whole wheat. It came out lovely!MRS MJWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01557136357807707153noreply@blogger.com5