tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70372043421796100122024-03-04T22:37:08.911-08:00pudmuddlesThe crafty adventures of a SAHM living in the high desert of Southern CA and dreaming of sweater weather...Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-88890282567726086402012-01-17T13:30:00.001-08:002012-01-23T16:41:21.632-08:00Spinning and StitchesI hadn't spun in months when I sat down the other day to spin up some of my Lisa Souza merino in Fresh Avocado. This yarn is for a basic sweater with short row shaping in the bust. On the whole, I have been satisfied with my results. I am still relatively new to spinning on a wheel, and my yarn is a bit uneven at times because of it. I feel I need to make time to spin at least once a week so I can maintain the skills I have acquired and perhaps to move myself along towards mastery :)<br /><br />Also, I have made the decision not to go to Stitches West this year. With the big move coming up, I just can't justify laying out all that money to travel up to Santa Clara and/or purchasing yarn or fiber. I love Stitches West and hope to attend next year... <br /><br />That's it for now. It's not much, but I don't want to give in to procrastination!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-69707118134417162182012-01-12T09:31:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:37:45.836-08:00I'm back! ...I think :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqsDj9_F3Lmbq8zyPlOw2oEQIYKKHUq3UUpbj6ZRr3zaEhPYTGL5Q353VdxbwvWzoGgqn550irSBQojGV7bIRMYMNuWJeKg7bfh2t0IVaDITL3RiObForqcEP9-Uv2uzOY6y3a7x6V68/s1600/sockyarnjan2012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqsDj9_F3Lmbq8zyPlOw2oEQIYKKHUq3UUpbj6ZRr3zaEhPYTGL5Q353VdxbwvWzoGgqn550irSBQojGV7bIRMYMNuWJeKg7bfh2t0IVaDITL3RiObForqcEP9-Uv2uzOY6y3a7x6V68/s320/sockyarnjan2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696801442941799842" /></a><br />Hello world,<br /><br />Happy 2012! <br /><br />A great deal of stuff has happened since the last update, so let me sum things up: soon to be divorced, working full time, mothering three loving girls, packing for a downsize move to an apartment, lost weight, gained the weight back but trying to lose it again, knit some, crocheted some, and spun some... though not nearly enough to satisfy. TBR pile is again growing but I am making the shift to ebooks to save space. <br /><br />I continue to be blessed by loving family and AMAZING friends!<br /><br />I took advantage of the year-end sale at <a href="http://www.yarn.com">WEBS</a> to score some pretty sock yarn. Not that I am in danger of running out of sock yarn, mind you, but I can't resist an affordable opportunity to sample new sock yarns!<br /><br />I am saving up for a Kindle. For now, I use both Kindle and Nook apps on my ipod and PC. There are a lot of great free books available and I have to restrain myself so the digital TBR pile doesn't get out of control. <br /><br />I also have purchased several ebooks recently:<br />*CHRISTMAS MOON by Elizabeth Lane<br />*DULCIE'S GIFT, THE COURTSHIP OF IZZY MCCREE, BLACKTHORNE and the HIGHLANDERS bundle by Ruth Langan<br /><br />I recently finished WILD BOY: MY LIFE IN DURAN DURAN by Andy Taylor. Great read! As a longtime Duran Duran fan, I devoured this book and it really put certain events into context and showed the human side of these 80s icons. Now if only the other members of Duran Duran would write their memoirs, I would be all set :) My daughter expressed interest in reading this book, but I advised her that a great deal of the pop culture references would be completely lost on anyone who wasn't a part of that era. Plus, there are several F-bombs and she is only 11 :)<br /><br />As for my crafts...<br />*Knitting on a pair of socks for my oldest daughter (her feet are bigger than mine) out of a self striping yarn made by Cascade. <br />*Crocheting a giant granny square lapghan out of a Pound of Love. <br />*Spinning up some merino from Lisa Souza in the fresh avocado colorway for the rest of a sweater I am working on for myself. (Time permitting I will edit this post to include more links.)<br /><br />That's it for now! Love to everyone :)Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-23024819234564014972010-02-24T11:47:00.000-08:002010-02-24T11:52:23.560-08:00It's never too late to make a resolution!I'm in mourning because I can't make it up to Stitches West this weekend so I have decided to distract myself buy reorganizing my bedroom closet and with it, the stash. What I didn't realize, or was in denial about, was the fact that I have close to 40 knitting and or crochet books, but have maybe knit or crocheted from a total of 6... ugh! My resolution therefore, is to <span style="font-style:italic;">use<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> these books. I can't say I won't be getting more in the future (thank you <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com">paperbackswap.com</a>) but I will make more of an effort to explore what I have and hopefully put it to use! That's my story and I am sticking to it!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-75373021809178907772010-02-23T10:28:00.000-08:002010-02-24T08:35:46.104-08:00WIP-Dancing project finished :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4353989927_9b45fbc749_o.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4353989927_9b45fbc749_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4382794908_6f6013d21f_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4382794908_6f6013d21f_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So I finished that old <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATThallowig.html">Hallowig</a>, finally! This isn't such a complicated project and it went quickly once I sat down and knit so I really don't know what my problem was LOL!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-14095478716673139332010-02-22T08:27:00.001-08:002010-02-22T08:30:55.699-08:00Ravelympics!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4374189241_89f620030d_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 100px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4374189241_89f620030d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />At the moment, I have completed the Aerial Unwind event. I have also entered two projects in the WIP-Dancing. I know without a doubt that I will finish at least one (the Hallowig). The other, however, is a pair of socks (Nanners) I had to rip back to the toe, so we'll see...Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-51116306353185825732010-02-22T07:14:00.000-08:002010-02-22T08:15:10.835-08:00So something is up wth my computer...(Updated: Something is still funky with my computer but I managed to pull the picture directly from my phone.) Presenting my current project for Ravelympics - WIP Dancing! This Hallowig was started way back in September 2008 and I am just now getting around to finishing it LOL! I'm trying to figure out how to get this picture up on Ravelry without saving to my computer (problem solved for now -- but I need a new computer LOL).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/4378731995/" title="007 by pudmuddles, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4378731995_896a256ea0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="007" /></a>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-91542362456685810022009-10-20T15:17:00.000-07:002009-10-20T15:24:03.390-07:00Smell This!Ok, so the ability to transmit scent via the web is still a ways off... I just wanted to post a quick shout out to a super creative fun person who makes amazing soap! This is Dawn's site...<br><br /><A HREF="http://www.wolfefarms.net" target="wolfefarms"><IMG SRC="http://www.wolfefarms.net/graphics/wolfefarms_button168.jpg" alt="Wolfe Farms - <br />Herbal Soaps and More!" width="168" height="53" /></a><br />All of her scents are yummy including DIRT! Yup, you read correctly. Dawn has created a soap which invokes the smell of rich, clean earth. I really dig it!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-50188057447281632982009-08-31T11:39:00.000-07:002009-08-31T11:43:07.429-07:00Cruel, Cruel SummerI don't feel the need to elaborate on the title of this post. Life has been in a state of stress and upheaval. However, things are starting to settle down a bit. I am continuing to knit like mad, with a little crochet and spinning thrown in for good measure. Good thoughts are appreciated!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-1590067094867991292009-07-01T12:06:00.001-07:002009-07-01T12:17:43.073-07:00Shifting Gears...Like many others, I am becoming increasingly drawn to the "make do and mend" movement. In addition to my works in progress (knitting and crochet), I have an ever-growing pile of mending I need to get through. I am not an expert seamstress and however competent I become through practice of sewing, it won't be "my thing" like knitting and crochet. So to give myself the freedom to talk about mending/sewing and other crafts (in addition to crochet and knitting), I have decided to remove myself from all but one knitting blog rings. My blog, which I have become very lazy about updating, wasn't seeing a great deal of traffic anyway so quitting the blog rings doesn't feel like such a big deal.<br /><br />Another issue I wanted to share is my need to make wearables for myself. However, I am also working within the confines of my stash, so I have come to the conclusion (AGAIN) that I really need to lose some weight! The smaller I get, the less yardage it will take to make a garment and the further my yarn will go. Sounds good, huh? Too bad I can't just wiggle my nose and blink my eyes to make it happen. *sigh* From time to time I may share my dieting progress but I reserve the right not to share my starting or goal weight :p <br /><br />More soon...Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-6876134682450318102009-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:002010-02-22T13:39:42.563-08:00Spinning? Me?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FXCj61OQ5umIiFz4PSymQO1nHFBpxKvsO6kLdHcRH5tGm2ZxuhnSsdDHH4DZF4old-vrBBTcQT0SkkYTH5y185E6RgV50_J0n3nCB67pLgK2ZEcmtwNWbSquseTaDeqvuB1UuOecECg/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FXCj61OQ5umIiFz4PSymQO1nHFBpxKvsO6kLdHcRH5tGm2ZxuhnSsdDHH4DZF4old-vrBBTcQT0SkkYTH5y185E6RgV50_J0n3nCB67pLgK2ZEcmtwNWbSquseTaDeqvuB1UuOecECg/s200/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314930362680980194" /></a><br />It is true. I have joined the dark side and drank the kool-aid (goes great with cookies BTW). Several members of my local knit/cro/spin group have recently taken up spinning. While most are becoming quite adept with drop spindles, some have gone so far as to acquire wheels! Now, I don't see myself with a spinning wheel anytime soon but I am finding this new skill to be quite intriguing. Thanks goes to Bellatrix for the lessons, gifts and general enabling, and to <a href="http://cogknitivepodcast.blogspot.com/">Dr. Gemma</a> and <a href="http://stashymama.blogspot.com/">Stashymama</a> for their generous contributions and more enabling :)Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-82944352550136117562009-03-17T09:48:00.000-07:002009-03-17T09:55:40.260-07:00I won a prize :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpgc5qJAMu_sSYqwN7SSTkBwCJ5Tab5wVsoVT1cV782bVv46OydQJIcRLPwHo8NAmc8ogt8sS605qVXGGiecVPaF1FMYqzV1jJ2xiZ5I_wS3W5OuThq9i5a1zrg7Vtwc0YL5mEjGtjtw/s1600-h/IMG_0110.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpgc5qJAMu_sSYqwN7SSTkBwCJ5Tab5wVsoVT1cV782bVv46OydQJIcRLPwHo8NAmc8ogt8sS605qVXGGiecVPaF1FMYqzV1jJ2xiZ5I_wS3W5OuThq9i5a1zrg7Vtwc0YL5mEjGtjtw/s200/IMG_0110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314201413656033362" /></a><br />From the <a href="http://holidaykalcal.blogspot.com/">Holiday KAL/CAL</a>!!!<br /><br />I am the proud and thankful recipient of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Language-Knitters-Mary-Temple/dp/0740768735/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237308074&sr=8-1">THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF KNITTERS</a>. This little gem of a book is just a hoot to read! Filled with entertaining and informative definitions, this book fits neatly into any knitting bag. I can't wait to share this with my knitting/crochet/spinning group! I also received my choice of three pattern downloads from Mary Beth's <a href="http://www.hookedforlifepublishing.com/">site</a>. So many great patterns to choose from, you really should check it out! I can't wait to cast on for the 50/50 sock :) I do believe this will be one of the next two projects I cast on for... stay tuned!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-39352794188805969972009-01-28T12:22:00.000-08:002009-01-28T12:24:57.208-08:00Please spread the word!The freedom to buy and sell handmade items is under attack!<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.buyhandmade.org"><img src="http://blog.buyhandmade.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/save125.gif" alt="Save Handmade! BuyHandmade.org" width="125" height="125" border="0"></a>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-39862402767709068372009-01-19T10:40:00.001-08:002010-01-04T20:13:49.328-08:00Off to a pretty good start I'd say!940 Meters... This reflects both of my most current finished objects. With <a href="http://www.knitmeter.com">KnitMeter</a> you have the option of showing your progress by miles, meters and yards. For now, i will stick with meters...</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-69308853900554991812009-01-19T10:11:00.001-08:002010-01-04T20:14:45.565-08:00FO #2 for 2009: JoSpun Beanie<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3201218413/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3201218413_4a4cb01e57_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3201218413/">beanie</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/pudmuddles/">pudmuddles</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>This beanie was a very quick knit using some lovely hand spun yarn I was given as a gift from a dear friend. The pattern is a modified version of a hat recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Handy-Book-Patterns-Interweave/dp/1931499047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232388414&sr=8-1">The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd</a>. I knit it on size 8 (5.0 mm) because it was thick and thin in spots but I wanted to make as dense a fabric as possible.<br /><br />I'm very pleased with the results!</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-60574757586524850012009-01-19T09:56:00.001-08:002009-01-19T10:00:12.741-08:00First FO of 2009! A Baby Round Ripple<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3191342625/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3191342625_8b3372ae37_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3191342625/">IMG_0046</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/pudmuddles/">pudmuddles</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>My husband's sister is expecting her first child in July. Since I have had this gender neutral Pound of Love sitting in my stash since 2002, I thought this was a great time to try my hook at a round ripple pattern. I started January 2nd using a G (4.00 mm) and completed it on the 11th. I could have finished it two days sooner but had to take the time off to complete a book review. In all, I used just over 8/10 of a skein or 826.2 yards. I enjoyed this pattern and look forward to making another one (though bigger) in the future.<br /><br />The pattern I used can be found <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/roundripple.html">here</a>.</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-23158184415389705552009-01-07T16:58:00.000-08:002009-01-07T17:31:15.834-08:002008: A quick look back...The theme for 2008 was apparently stash busting and felting. I predict that 2009 will be dominated by socks :)<br /><br />In 2008, I finished a total of 18 projects -- this I find impressive since I believe I only finished 15 projects in 2007. There are still a few UFOs which are carrying over into the new year but I won't count those here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3108817628_726690bbe0_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3108817628_726690bbe0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3010340969_87187ea256_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3010340969_87187ea256_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2815823273_0502f0081c_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2815823273_0502f0081c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2759979991_fa845c1f5d_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2759979991_fa845c1f5d_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2760836624_89219d1aa7_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 201px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2760836624_89219d1aa7_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2682289507_1eaf5dccdd_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2682289507_1eaf5dccdd_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2682288085_cbeb71af10_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2682288085_cbeb71af10_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2613205555_c2100d89b0_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 204px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2613205555_c2100d89b0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2525911129_a870777dc4_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2525911129_a870777dc4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2525912527_d37c2eb312_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2525912527_d37c2eb312_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2482448744_7c2da8c489_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2482448744_7c2da8c489_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2481618665_887f8061e1_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2481618665_887f8061e1_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2442964313_2c9ff36531_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2442964313_2c9ff36531_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2411128123_7a12f23463_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2411128123_7a12f23463_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2360192120_c7eb9c85b9_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2360192120_c7eb9c85b9_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2343590111_dbf8d8a099_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2343590111_dbf8d8a099_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2314286207_97b9425bbb_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2314286207_97b9425bbb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2267589758_2c23a47531_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2267589758_2c23a47531_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As of this writing, I do not have any definite resolutions for 2009. However, I do want to be better about updating my blog. I would love to have an integrated blog which will cover all of my interests, instead of the handful I have spread out all over Blogger. Hopefully by the end of 2009 this little daydream can become reality. As always thanks for reading! Happy New Year!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-90705725520164656812008-11-25T08:02:00.001-08:002008-11-25T08:06:41.345-08:00FO: Bed Socks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3010340969/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3010340969_87187ea256_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pudmuddles/3010340969/">IMG_2161</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/pudmuddles/">pudmuddles</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>I've been in a sock frenzy lately but I've decided to knit up my "worst" sock yarn first. These socks were made with Cascade Fixation, which is a neat yarn, looks beautiful in tops, etc. However, in my opinion (experience), it is just NOT COMFY to walk on!<br /><br />NaNoWriMo was abandoned because of book reviews... Holiday knitting (crochet) plans are now in danger too. Today is a good day to give it some thought and try to come up with a list of quick/easy projects to complete in time for Christmas... wish me luck!</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-35227905036602480102008-11-02T11:05:00.000-08:002008-11-02T11:29:08.958-08:00I've been sort of down lately...Looking at the date of my last post it shocks me to see how much time has passed! I haven't been knitting or crocheting (or reading or writing) much lately. My oldest daughter went through a health crisis beginning in early October and though she is walking again, we still do not have a diagnosis.<br /><br />Of course, the economy has not helped and though I avoid the news to try and keep my anxiety level down, I still feel overwhelmed. My husband and I voted by absentee ballot. We are registered Libertarians and we both voted for our party's candidate. Speaking for myself, it really comes down to a protest vote because I don't have confidence in either the Republicans or Democrats.<br /><br />I've signed up for NaNoWriMo but have gotten off to a really slow start. I'm trying not to dwell on my inevitable failure to write 50,000 words by the end of the month, focusing on the creative process instead. There was a time when I was in the habit of writing daily but it all seems a distant memory now. Can I hope to get that back?<br /><br />I've volunteered to help a few hours twice a week in my oldest daughter's classroom. Her teacher is very nice but I worry because some of the students in the class can be quite rowdy.<br /><br />I have a couple knitting projects in progress: Nanners socks (in hibernation until I can wrap and turn to my satisfaction), dark green Hallowig (changed my mind about finishing it for Halloween), and socks for myself in Cascade Fixation. I want to knit up all of the Fixation in my stash as I don't have enough to make a garment with it and I am not all that confident that the socks will be comfy. I know I could probably trade it but it seems like a hassle at the moment.<br /><br />I'm hoping after the next follow-up with the pediatric rheumatologists my mood will improve. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is traditionally my favorite time of year and I really want to make it enjoyable for my whole family.<br /><br />I'm contemplating seeing my doctor for some "happy" pills, if you know what I mean...Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-23000843853011885732008-08-31T20:48:00.000-07:002008-08-31T21:16:51.757-07:00FOs: Shopping Bag & Cotton Candy Scarf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2760836624_89219d1aa7_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2760836624_89219d1aa7_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2815823273_0502f0081c_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2815823273_0502f0081c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is the second time I have made a cotton shopping bag using a free pattern from the Lion Brand website. My intent was to improve the length of the strap by using fewer stitches. It turned out great, I just wish I could remember exactly how many stitches I used for the strap! I think it is time to move on to other shopping bag patterns in future, however...<br /><br />The cotton candy scarf uses one skein of Lana Grossa Dasolo Print on US 13 (9.0 mm) needles. The pattern is as follows:<br /><br />Cast On 10 stitches<br />K2, * yo, p2tog, K2; rep from *<br />Repeat this pattern for every row until you nearly run out of yarn but make sure you save enough for the bind off!<br /><br />The scarf is the first of what I hope will be several items to donate to a local charity. My deadline is October 1st. I am hoping to make a variety of items, in both knit and crochet :)Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-41480296745969336232008-08-31T19:17:00.000-07:002008-08-31T21:20:57.222-07:00WIP updateNanners socks - still love them, just haven't worked on them lately!<br /><br />Nemisis (Clapotis) - nearly there, I am decreasing like crazy now and plan to finish no later than Labor Day :)Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-5209139846268200102008-07-28T18:57:00.000-07:002008-07-28T19:26:35.716-07:00It's been awhile...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2613205555_c2100d89b0_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2613205555_c2100d89b0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2682288085_cbeb71af10_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2682288085_cbeb71af10_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2682289507_1eaf5dccdd_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2682289507_1eaf5dccdd_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2683224011_91e95bdac7_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2683224011_91e95bdac7_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />...but I have been knitting! And reading... And <a href="http://www.plurk.com">Plurking</a>... My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> participation has decreased but I have managed to keep my projects updated there.<br /><br />Let's see, what is off my needles? <br />1. Accordion Cowl Hood by Diane Serviss - using gray boucle from stash<br />2. The Socks of Extreme Angst - using Austermann Step and Ann Budd's basic formula for making socks<br />3. My Scrap Happy Shawl - using a variety of samples and leftovers from my stash, this project was inspired by Miss Violet's post <a href="http://www.moderngypsy.com/blog/?p=237">here</a>. I may have a better picture of this project for the blog at some point LOL!<br /></br><br />On my needles:<br />1. Nanners Socks! I am really loving this pattern, I think <a href="http://wendyknits.net/">WendyKnits</a> is a fab designer and a great person in general! <br />2. Another cotton shopping bag - using the same pattern as before but shortening the strap considerably so it won't hang down to my ankles when filled. I also went down in needle size to see if that helps too...<br />3. Nemesis - this is a project which is rumored to be a Clapotis, that's all I will say for now... <br /><br />What's coming next?<br />1. More blog posts, to this and my other blogs.<br />2. Something for myself from More Big Girl Knits.<br />3. A crochet project... lace or amigurumi...<br />4. Catching up with the Plurkette Hencircle<br />5. Working with my local knit group on our ongoing charity projects...Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-79917143191070809372008-06-16T17:53:00.000-07:002008-06-16T18:07:28.236-07:00My update sans picturesHalfway into June and I am just now getting around to posting, bad blogger!<br /><br />What's on my needles: I am working on my Socks of Extreme Angst, almost done with the cuff of sock #2. I am also about 50% in on an <a href="http://earthlyfae.blogspot.com/2008/06/drowning-like-i-forgot-my-raincoat.html">Accordion Cowl Hood by Diane Serviss</a>. This is another "let's use up the boucle quick" project. This time, it is back to the grey Bernat Soft Boucle I used for <a href="http://pudmuddles.blogspot.com/2007/08/fo-presenting-never-ending-poncho.html">The Neverending Poncho</a> with a little Bernat Satin in black for contrast. So far, it is working up nicely though the accordion folds are not as clearly defined in the boucle than they would be if I had used a smooth yarn. Pictures will follow soon.<br /><br />Next to cast-on: I would like to make another shopping bag to use up the last of my kitchen cotton. I will buy kitchen cotton in the future, but ONLY when I have a SPECIFIC project in mind. Also, I found a bunch of granny squares I made years ago and I think they would make some cute scarves for my daughters.<br /><br />Finally, I didn't get to participate in WWKIP Day as I had family visiting. That's it for this update, more to follow soon. Peace to you and yours!Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-83050458147666357682008-05-27T18:13:00.001-07:002008-05-27T18:21:08.417-07:00Finally! A project to use up that boucle stuff...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7801941@N03/2525911129/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2525911129_a870777dc4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7801941@N03/2525911129/">IMG_1503</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7801941@N03/">pudmuddles</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>I can understand my temporary insanity with respect to the dozen or so balls of fun fur still lurking in my stash. I have a plan for eradication which includes amigurumi crochet creatures.<br /><br />The other novelty yarn (at least I consider it a novelty) is all the boucle I have laying around. There was the bit I bought to knit up the dreaded never-ending poncho of which I think I still have a full skein, if not more. Then there is a skein of BLACK boucle which is going to be a nightmare, no matter what I decide to do with it. I can't crochet with it, that much I know... Finally, there was a BIG skein of Joann's Rainbow Boucle in pink. This was an impulse buy. I think Joann's had it on sale for $3, marked down from $6. It was a thorn in my side as I had tried to make a hat for my daughter but I wasn't happy with my results so I left the yarn alone for about a year.<br /><br />As part of my ongoing mission to knit 95% of the time from my stash exclusively, I decided it was time to figure out something to do with this. I tried to hold two strands together but couldn't see the stitches at all! I settled on pairing the pink boucle with a white wool-ease sportweight (oh how I wish this stuff wasn't discontinued).<br /><br />I used Ann Budd's basic pattern for mittens and though it was difficult to obtain an accurate gauge AND the first mitten came out too large, I am very pleased with how these turned out :) Best of all, I have a plan to deal with the rest of boucle as I will be knitting up mittens for my daughters as well!</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-13426924760833036822008-05-26T18:26:00.000-07:002008-05-27T18:27:30.038-07:00FO: ribbed arm warmers<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7801941@N03/2525912527/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2237/2525912527_d37c2eb312_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7801941@N03/2525912527/">IMG_1504</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/7801941@N03/">pudmuddles</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>I've named these Greensleeves for obvious reasons. Made from LB wool-ease, from my stash. This was a relative quick and mindless knit... at least this incarnation was easy! I originally set out to demo a friend's pattern but soon realized that "one size fits most" doesn't include my small-ish hands. So I tinkered and this is what I came up with :)</p>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037204342179610012.post-46393461412531653582008-05-21T11:29:00.000-07:002008-05-23T19:35:05.211-07:00Of concern...I'm going to talk for a moment about knitting/crochet/crafting podcasts... Since I started listening to podcasts, I've noticed that some podcasts have been very consistent (Sticks & String for example). Others are either coming out less frequently or not at all. <br /><br />However, what is most troubling to me is a review I recently posted to iTunes for the <a href="http://limenviolet.blogspot.com/">Lime & Violet</a> podcast. First of all, I mean every word of the review. I love Lime & Violet, they are very entertaining, have provided me with a great deal more knowledge of yarn, books, etc. than I would have had if I hadn't been listening. Like others have said, its a virtual SNB in a podcast. Ok, so no problem, right? Wrong. I made a mistake in not posting the review SOONER... because of this my review doesn't have as much credibility since it was after Ms. V herself mentioned the slew of recent harsh reviews (some do contain valid criticisms) to the L&V Ravelry forum.<br /><br />BAAAAAAA! I feel like such a sheep right now and it is really bothering me! Ok, that is all I have to say at the moment... Stay tuned for more FOs and WIPs and as always, I humbly thank you for reading :)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">ETA: It's still bothering me, days later... I don't really give much credence to iTunes reviews which may seem odd considering that I review books for <a href="http://www.theromancereadersconnection.com">TRRC</a>. Anyway, I should have stepped back and either waited to post a review or temper my words a bit than my emotional glowing praise as shown... I wanted to be nice and give back in my way. I value the work of podcasters because they are providing a service which is essentially free to be consumed regardless of the level of expense endured by the podcaster. I can't at the moment show my regard for them monetarily. I don't anticipate posting any other reviews on iTunes. <font size="1">I can't help but feel a little bit tainted by the whole thing.</font></span>Melissa F. in CAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937025560084128534noreply@blogger.com1