tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268131892024-03-07T01:08:15.729-08:00JeweledEleganceArtifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-91966871554978380852014-08-07T14:35:00.000-07:002014-08-07T14:37:49.959-07:00A New Direction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone!!<br />
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Well....it's been a while since I've been able to keep in touch here on the blog. Our family lost a beloved pet of almost 20 years to cancer, which was just heartbreaking. We were also blessed, against all the odds and a difficult pregnancy, with the miracle of a little girl! She is such a cutie and so very precious!<br />
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With welcoming our new baby, things are running a bit slower on the business side of life and it's time for me to simplify and focus more on family.<br />
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With that goal in mind, I'm going to be shutting down the old website, which is run entirely manually (Yes! It's THAT old! Lol!) and moving everything to Etsy and Ravely. The patterns there automatically download so you can start creating right away! I will also be moving all the jewels over to Etsy as I have time to photograph them. With all this change, a new simpler blog will be in order paired with a new focus on social media.<br />
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Looking toward 2015 and the future, I have a TON of awesome crochet/knit patterns on the back burner waiting to be photographed and formally written out and a whole new line of super cool wearables in the drawing notebook! <br />
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Please bear with me as I take a little longer to fulfill orders and communicate with you with the arrival of our new baby :) I thank you all for your patience and understanding!! I hope this transition to a simpler, more user-friendly Jeweled Elegance will enable me to keep serving all of you and keep the business going during this new joyous time for our family. Thank you!!!<br />
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I was strolling through Whole Foods grocery store the other day and found this: Bubbies Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream! Well, I'd never had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi_ice_cream">mochi ice cream</a> before, but always wanted to try it, so into the basket it went.<br />
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The verdict: this stuff is awesome! Chewy, sweet and refreshing. <b>Perfect</b> thing to eat out on the patio during those long, warm summer evenings. The green tea flavor was nice and light, but I think I'll go with chocolate next time :)<br />
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While chewing my mochi ice cream I've been playing with some new yarn. I really want to make a bunch of men's handwarmers for the holidays and I love <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/">Rowan yarn</a> .... so..... I bought 2 skeins of "cashsoft" (who doesn't love the softness of cashmere?) and two of "felted tweed", which the store clerk assured me could stand up to whatever outdoorsy, rugged things the recipients might do. Both are DK weight so I should have enough to make 4 pairs of gloves. Now I just need to find a nice pattern for men with large hands! Any suggestions?Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-42226056913221281112013-07-26T15:40:00.000-07:002013-07-27T19:43:21.097-07:00A Little Knitted Bunny with His Little Crocheted Carrot<br />
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I was going through my camera card and found a few things I made this year that I hadn't posted yet. Like this little guy! I made this for my son for when he went to the hospital this Spring. Love how it stands up by leaning on it's tail!<br />
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Here's my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/artifax/bunny-nuggets">Ravelry page with all the knitty details</a><br />
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The carrot is part of a whole set of crocheted vegetables I made as play food for my kids when they were little. All 100% wool and they have lasted beautifully! The carrot was too perfect an accessory to not include in this photo shoot.
Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-9075897529863515152013-06-20T16:35:00.002-07:002013-06-20T16:36:27.586-07:00Tiny Twist - Coffee CozyAlrighty! I finally got the free coffee cozy pattern I was raving about uploaded!<br />
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<u><b>Tiny Twist -- Coffee Cozy</b></u><br />
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I wanted to design a coffee cozy that men would use, but one that
still showed a touch of handmade goodness and wasn’t just utilitarian
plain.<br />
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Quick and easy to make, this makes a great gift for the guys in your
life, especially paired with a coffee gift certificate. Make it in hot
pink or another bright, feminine color and it’s fabulous for women too!<br />
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<li>worked in the round on double pointed needles</li>
<li>quick knit suitable for beginners/advanced beginners</li>
<li>approx. 3” tall; will fit a medium take-out coffee cup</li>
<li>easy to modify for smaller or larger take-out coffee cup </li>
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This is available as a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiny-twist-2">free PDF download</a> at my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/jeweled-elegance">Ravelry Store</a>. You shouldn't need a Ravelry account to access and download it, but I am still pretty new to the mechanics of the Ravelry Store so if you are having trouble let me know and I'll try to sort it out.<br />
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Enjoy!! </div>
Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-31559051994186095692013-05-03T09:49:00.000-07:002013-05-03T09:50:44.777-07:00Seamless Knitting in the RoundHiya all! Well, the weather here is just DIVINE. Perfect Spring weather with dappled sunlight, flowers, singing birds .. the works. It's inspired me to sit in my sun-drenched studio most mornings with an iced mocha and good music and write up patterns for some of the designs I've been working on this winter.<br />
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One thing I really wanted was an easy, quick coffee cozy pattern. I wanted something I could whip up for last-minute gifts (the coffee cup itself stuffed with tea/chocolate espresso beans/candy), but that was plain enough to work for men as well as women, without losing that handcrafted touch or being too boring. I worked on a crochet one for a while, but crochet just can't achieve the same reliable stretch as ribbing in knitting. I'm writing up what I think is the perfect pattern for my needs now, but how I did hate that gap/bump on the cast-on row (from joining your yarn when working in the round). I went searching for a simple seamless join. And I found this one! "<a href="http://youtu.be/EXJpwbE0mtk">Joining in the round</a>" by <a href="http://wynnknit.com/video.html">Nancy Wynn</a>.<br />
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Great tutorial, clear instructions, and nice big needles so you can see what's going on! I didn't want to embed the video, so you'll need to follow the link, but if you struggle with getting a nice-looking edge on your cast-on row, I recommend you give this a look. She's got a bunch of other great videos on her site .. all the knitty basics for learning and expanding your knitting skills!<br />
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I've also been busy planting flowers, mulching, and getting the garden in order. The photo is of my new violas .... so pretty all in a row. I do wish they weren't so popular with the slugs though!<br />
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Coffee cozy pattern (it's a free one) coming soon!! Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-15885681411840793592013-04-26T06:53:00.001-07:002013-04-26T06:55:21.931-07:00Creative Use For Little Scraps of YarnWhenever I finish a project, I always have little short lengths of yarn left over that are too small to make anything with, but that I just hate to throw away. This year, I saved all my little bits and pieces in a bag. Today the kids and I cut them up into 4-8" lengths. Then ..... we did this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We hung up all the bits of yarn in our backyard trees as nesting materials for birds to "find" and take home with them to build their nests. My hope is that as we go about our neighborhood walks this year that we will be able to spot some of the more brightly colored yarn in local nests.
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So far, the yarn seems to be a big hit with the birds! Within 10 minutes of festooning our trees and hiding back in the house by the window, there were several flocks of little birds checking it out. Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-12931020982349477582013-04-02T12:20:00.001-07:002013-04-02T12:20:47.990-07:00Book Review: Interweave Crochet Summer 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The weather is getting warm with flowers popping up all over and my thoughts are turning to summer knitted and crocheted things. In a past summer, I <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-lace-weight-shawl.html">made the Midnight Twilight Shawl</a> and I'm thinking of what summer project I'd like to work on this year. I'm always really impressed with the quality of projects in Interweave Crochet and happened to have an old Summer 2011 issue .... let's take a look at some possibilities.<br />
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Here's a shot of all the projects (click to enlarge). Downton Abbey had been airing for only a few months when this issue came out, but you can already see the design influence of that mega-popular show coming through. Note: if you crochet and are a Downton Abbey fan, the Interweave Crochet winter 2012 issue has several patterns you might be interested in :)<br />
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If I was looking for a wedding shawl, the "River Walk Wrap" might be a good bet. If I had a little girl, the "Early Girl Dress" is super cute and looks to be easy to both make and alter. I am a fan of sugared bowls and there is a great design for one with "Azalea Bowls". Someday I would love to try to make a sugared bowl design myself .. something with a vintage flower design inspired by my Grandma's glass candy bowls ....maybe later this year :) The number one reason I like this issue is that knitted wearables have a stretch and cling to them that is hard to achieve in crochet, which leads to a great many crocheted outfits looking like shapeless sacks, pretty lacey sacks, but not very figure conscious. This issue has *4* body conscious crocheted garments, "Pinecone Top", "Zipline Shell", "Trillium Tunic" and "Grove Park Tank" (that last one is on the front cover).<br />
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Bottom Line? Not sure I see a "must-make summer project" here, but if your local library or a friend has a copy, definitely worth a look inside.Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-36030715427776315842013-03-19T12:27:00.002-07:002013-07-27T19:51:09.948-07:00Super Easy Knitted Bunny & Secrets to An Awesome Pom-PomI have a few yarns in my yarn cupboard that I only have 1 lonely ball of. You know, the stuff that is too expensive to buy enough to actually make something out of, but way too pretty or just plain cool to pass up owing a tiny bit of it. This
Lana Gatto Class was one of those balls. Italian yarn, 20% angora, sooooo soft and fluffy.
In one of those happy accidents, I was looking for stuffie patterns on Ravelry and saw this <a href="http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/bunny-pattern.shtm">simple knitted bunny pattern</a>. A bunny stuffed animal out of angora yarn? And it only needed about 1/2 a skein? Sold! Cast on that night and in 3 afternoons I had this little bunny! Isn't he cute!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjPEJJm8z9mbPhkyojbtgawhf63QNGnrI4EqeTiGrqUG960nrR3kGZ-Wq-AmDpBVS-LAQfmRoGfUJ-4ufqWrCaRlx7oJO-_5NfndxraOoQVWYzpVfSzqhmCRSlACOJzkKOzz45A/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjPEJJm8z9mbPhkyojbtgawhf63QNGnrI4EqeTiGrqUG960nrR3kGZ-Wq-AmDpBVS-LAQfmRoGfUJ-4ufqWrCaRlx7oJO-_5NfndxraOoQVWYzpVfSzqhmCRSlACOJzkKOzz45A/s320/bunny2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is such a great project for beginning knitters. You basically are knitting a square out of any yarn and any needle size, as long as it produces a tight enough fabric for stuffing not to show through, and then sewing the square in a specific pattern to magically make the rabbit shape appear. I spent more time sewing this than knitting, took my time sewing, and a cute little bunny emerged!<br />
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I had plenty of yarn left over to make a matching pom-pom tail. I don't have a store bought pom-pom maker, I just used <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/12/pom-poms-a-very-simple-tutorial.html">these simple pom-pom instructions</a>. What's not stated in most pom-pom instruction tutorials:<br />
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1) Use a ton of yarn when wrapping. More than you think you need. The more you wrap the fluffier your pom-pom will be. I used *<b>80</b>* wraps for this small bunny tail.<br />
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2) When tying that piece of yarn around around the center of your wraps and knotting it, pull super, <b>SUPER</b> tight. Get someone to put their finger on the knot when you are tying it to make sure it stays tight. If it is too loose, little bits of yarn can be pulled out of the finished pom-pom. If in doubt ...... a dab or two or clear-drying glue on the knotted section can work wonders.<br />
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My usual black safety eyes didn't seem quite right for this white fellow, so I found some vintage pearl buttons for eyes. But ... my son came home, took one look at the bunny and proclaimed it perfect just the way it was and started snuggling it tight, so no eyes for this little guy. I'd love to make more of these. I think they would look cute with a knitted or felted heart embroidered on the side, or a bow around the neck .. oh, the possibilities!
Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-27079563077741591272012-12-25T10:26:00.000-08:002012-12-25T10:27:25.531-08:00Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year from Jeweled Elegance!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year, just as the snow comes and the new year begins ... the winter camellia bush in my backyard bursts into glorious bloom.<br />
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What a wonderful way to start the new year .... with beautiful flowers waking up from their long sleep and bursting into life!<br />
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Happy Holidays to all! May the winter camellia be a symbol for your New Year, beginning in a burst of beauty and joy!!<br />
<br />Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-37266699071899566612012-12-22T13:33:00.003-08:002012-12-23T11:37:59.095-08:00First Time Lace Knitting: Easy Pattern, Gorgeous Result<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBj2GUX59I7YgrXK079gxcK7bK9yUtuwo-peio2mpdkaQx-bHREKQgmRS8aaT0hDXILBGN71bk8MyvYYlDb0gWqeS7uAS8DgemtLfdJbpFNkzod-ob89w54iqDX4q2I8HrSinhQ/s1600/lacescarf_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBj2GUX59I7YgrXK079gxcK7bK9yUtuwo-peio2mpdkaQx-bHREKQgmRS8aaT0hDXILBGN71bk8MyvYYlDb0gWqeS7uAS8DgemtLfdJbpFNkzod-ob89w54iqDX4q2I8HrSinhQ/s320/lacescarf_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our local Borders closed some time ago and we have been left with no bookstore in the area....but.... a Barnes & Noble has just moved into the old Borders location. Joy! They had a book by Joelle Hoverson's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Knitted-Gifts-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584793678/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356210186&sr=8-2&keywords=hoverson">"Last-Minute Knitted Gifts"</a>. Just what I needed! A book for quick, last minute holiday gifts. And it was on clearance! Yes, the book went home with me.<br />
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Having a few skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in my stash, I dove right into "Airy Scarf". Projected time to make according to the book? Two to four hours. My first knitted lace for a gorgeous scarflette and it could be whipped up in about 2-3 hours? Cast on that morning. Eight.... hours... later ..... I finished. I'm not sure what type of knitter they timed making these, but it must have been someone a lot faster than me. I'd plan on a day or two to make this. The Kidsilk Haze is the *perfect* yarn for this (and you can get 2 scarves from 1 skein!), but it doesn't lend itself to ripping back because it snarls on itself .. so taking a bit of extra time on the eyelet row is a good time investment.<br />
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I was disappointed this book's patterns weren't going to be the quick gift knits I had hoped for, but the result for this scarf was gorgeous. Simple pattern, VERY easy to knit, and an instant classic that is oh so wearable. Light as a summer's breeze and soft as the touch of a butterfly's wing. Gifting this one, but I will definitely be making more of these. For a first time lace project, couldn't ask for a nicer pattern.<br />
<br />Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-35488534477032452852012-12-22T12:56:00.001-08:002012-12-23T11:38:41.217-08:00Green Tea Knitted Washcloths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVR6lbzD7WP_4ofmbg2g02h-esYJCl4pBuyMWhYR2MGNRm2VU9anoDwhnvjMCekgcLzOg0QN665YNjcG89Yvzxcce0PGirSYeSxI9i4hYF_AmfHTSdvhoKJ0yU5qxmj2NDaJ-WQ/s1600/leafwashclothfinal_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVR6lbzD7WP_4ofmbg2g02h-esYJCl4pBuyMWhYR2MGNRm2VU9anoDwhnvjMCekgcLzOg0QN665YNjcG89Yvzxcce0PGirSYeSxI9i4hYF_AmfHTSdvhoKJ0yU5qxmj2NDaJ-WQ/s320/leafwashclothfinal_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I finished my <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2012/11/knitted-leaf-pattern-clover-stitch.html">knitted leaves</a>! I was able to get four leaves out of one skein of Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton. These are just so cool! Super soft and a perfect pairing with my boys' handmade soaps.<br />
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These are lovely washcloths, but it occurred to me that, if made a little smaller, they would make excellent coasters. We drink quite a bit of tea around here with out current fav being jasmine green tea. These knitted leaves would make awesome coasters for green tea served in delicate celadon cups.<br />
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Think I'll go put the kettle on and make a cup now :)Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-58085974054127125222012-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:002012-11-29T14:46:41.403-08:00Knitted Leaf Pattern & Clover Stitch Markers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxQWQiAxAwJHs5_F4L3gu4mz_x0WEJGwT-hbBP6Xwx4WYuDUHCVlile-A3OyM5t64-SRiPgVw63peIEXYe1wYS_O6LG5pc1NWo3DHdkJR_jt52U-Wnlnld83ZYjl3YoeehBT_LQ/s1600/leafwashcloth_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxQWQiAxAwJHs5_F4L3gu4mz_x0WEJGwT-hbBP6Xwx4WYuDUHCVlile-A3OyM5t64-SRiPgVw63peIEXYe1wYS_O6LG5pc1NWo3DHdkJR_jt52U-Wnlnld83ZYjl3YoeehBT_LQ/s320/leafwashcloth_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every year my little guys make handmade soaps as holiday gifts. They choose all the scents and colors and additive combinations themselves in their "soap alchemy lab". I have a few go-to patterns for crocheted washcloths to pair with their beautiful soaps, but this year I ran across a fabulous knitted pattern and am using it instead. It is for these simple, but lovely, <a href="http://www.tricksyknitter.com/store/leafy-washcloth-27.php">knitted leaves</a>. These are SO satisfying to knit up. Fast, easy to memorize pattern, and the finished product looks great. I usually use a nice sturdy cotton, like Lily Sugar'n Cream, but this year I splurged a bit and got an oh-so-soft skein of Blue Sky Alpacas worsted organic cotton. The color is just fabulous, a fresh bright green. I will be able to get 4 leaves from this one skein, with a bit left over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOZApNxLZgiFqlrftgWcX-vSzdMSE_asf89BcDN4qOladgavSF96bXxPcF8cRtT68u6XNWMNm2IYLjzOTbRNBCzAgIyB3vdpoHFpwCvB4rIEpLaJDwoMgjOwM9NPMsllfjBOXdw/s1600/leafwashcloth_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOZApNxLZgiFqlrftgWcX-vSzdMSE_asf89BcDN4qOladgavSF96bXxPcF8cRtT68u6XNWMNm2IYLjzOTbRNBCzAgIyB3vdpoHFpwCvB4rIEpLaJDwoMgjOwM9NPMsllfjBOXdw/s320/leafwashcloth_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These leaves were perfect to try out my new toys. See that package of green and purple circles? Those are my new <a href="http://www.clover-usa.com/product/0/3107/_/Soft_Stitch_Ring_Markers">Clover stitch markers</a>! These are *awesome*. They are highly visible in their bright colors, come in different sizes to match your needles, and best of all .... are squishy and non-bulky. You can twist your yarn and needles however you want and these don't interfere or catch in your work at all. Best stitch markers ever!!Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-78850826571174594342012-11-13T11:44:00.000-08:002012-11-14T06:08:03.237-08:00Book Review: "Crochet Noro"I've been in love with Noro yarn ever since I learned to knit through <a href="http:///">the process of knitting the famous Noro Scarf design</a>. The color shifting of this yarn is simply sublime! First, came a pair of knitting books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Noro-Designs-Living-Color/dp/1936096153/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1351794024&sr=8-6&keywords=knitting+with+noro">"Knit Noro"</a> & "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Noro-Accessories-Colorful-Little/dp/193609620X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351794295&sr=8-2&keywords=knit+noro">Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits</a>", where projects were photographed and presented just as beautifully as the yarn it showcased.
Now, at long last, comes "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Noro-Dazzling-Designs-Spring/dp/193609648X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352834238&sr=8-1&keywords=crochet+noro">Crochet Noro</a>"!<br />
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Like the other books in the series, it is hardbound and gorgeously photographed in warm, rich tones. No area of the page is left out of the luxe treatment. Even the page borders let the European-style tapestry backgrounds show through.<br />
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Patterns include a full-spread splash shot, with the pattern itself starting on the next page. It includes difficulty rating, full materials list and clear instructions, both written and charted. Assembly and sizing diagrams are also provided as needed. There is no guessing in these patterns... they tell you exactly what to do!<br />
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Let's talk about the patterns themselves. If you like shawls, there are some absolute showstoppers in here. Above is the Chrysanthemum Shawl....gorgeous!!! There are several hats, bags and scarves, a nesting bowl home accessory pattern, a short skirt, a flower motif blanket, both a fingerless glove and a wristlet pattern, and some very wearable tunic & cardigan type garments. There were a number of ho-hum boring patterns, but given the large number of nice projects it is well worth adding this book to your crochet library.<br />
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As far as difficulty, like the Noro knitting books there is very little for beginners here. Overall, I thought the marked difficulty rating for many of the projects seemed too high for what was required in the pattern?? Just my opinion though :)<br />
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Bottom Line: Love Noro? Buy. Looking for a gorgeous crochet coffee-table book? Buy. Looking for nice patterns? A good bet.
Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-56234154813709917292012-11-01T11:14:00.001-07:002012-11-03T07:50:22.468-07:00 Charcoal Insanely Easy Cable ScarfYou may remember I was working <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2012/07/scarf-pattern-for-boys.html">on new winter scarves for my boys</a>. I finally finished the second scarf. It turned out just beautifully in the darker charcoal color!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ6cTH2NK7R6OLRnvPiX6PGTn6ZiKWSe9rKmRFaFy6KGT7AJzJvyp4dtUdfFIv_E2CzrZNGMIzcEzEfR7Ic9VPcPEBWbhA0NMWK-5x8woSbrWhk4lpnNWsYQ4NBiNaJvClpjP-Q/s1600/xcablescarf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJ6cTH2NK7R6OLRnvPiX6PGTn6ZiKWSe9rKmRFaFy6KGT7AJzJvyp4dtUdfFIv_E2CzrZNGMIzcEzEfR7Ic9VPcPEBWbhA0NMWK-5x8woSbrWhk4lpnNWsYQ4NBiNaJvClpjP-Q/s320/xcablescarf3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdBqBR4hqI4Q3vxpkrJSp8GnDqroDhVKJE43N29_KcKwm82Oto_Qpcc-WkYeDWyi14rhNN0n-uFhVREIoirZ1z7f_NlYzJjboLAWeFEBVgxffuiMPr-sz4b_SA5KcTC2o8DCKLg/s1600/xcablescarf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdBqBR4hqI4Q3vxpkrJSp8GnDqroDhVKJE43N29_KcKwm82Oto_Qpcc-WkYeDWyi14rhNN0n-uFhVREIoirZ1z7f_NlYzJjboLAWeFEBVgxffuiMPr-sz4b_SA5KcTC2o8DCKLg/s320/xcablescarf2.jpg" /></a></div>
And here is one of me modeling it. You can see how large the cables are and how warm and fluffy it is! (Please forgive the blurriness .. it's hard to hold the camera still at arm's length to take a picture of yourself!)
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As usual, you can find all the knitty details at my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/artifax/charcoal-insanely-easy-cable-scarf">Ravelry page</a>.
Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-92175649663134487222012-07-28T11:39:00.002-07:002012-12-25T10:03:52.093-08:00Scarf Pattern for BoysLike all avid new knitters, I started with scarves. Lots and lots and lots of scarves. Very satisfying to knit back and forth on large needles with fun yarn and watch them grow and grow and look awesome!<br />
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Of course, I made my darling little boys scarves. Kids are such a joy to knit for!! And I made them matching hats on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Provo-Craft-Knifty-Knitter-round/dp/B000WUVJUS/ref=cm_lmf_tit_6">Knifty Knitter</a> circular loom since I didn't know how to knit in the round. But my eldest is now heading to middle school (how fast they grow!) and wanted a more "grown up" scarf. I was thrilled to find this masculine, but still fun pattern at one of my favorite knitting stores, <a href="http://theknittingbee.com/index.html">Knitting Bee</a>.<br />
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Knit on big needles it reminds me of those beginner scarf days. Easy pattern, grows quickly, and looks great with little effort. It does have cables, but they are insanely easy. Which is why I called this the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/artifax/insanely-easy-cable-scarf">"Insanely Easy Cable Scarf" on my Ravelry Page</a>. I promise, even if have never done cables before, you can make this! You can find all the knitty details and a link to the pattern on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/artifax/insanely-easy-cable-scarf#">Ravelry page</a>.<br />
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This is scarf #1, made in a lovely shale color, and I'll be making scarf#2 for my second son in charcoal. They both *love* the design .. more grown up but not boring. There is even a matching hat pattern available!<br />
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<i>**Note: I have had an awful lot of queries about this scarf pattern. It is not my pattern. It is a pattern from <a href="http://theknittingbee.com/index.html">Knitting Bee</a>.</i>Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-88558774537754053652012-07-23T08:54:00.000-07:002012-07-23T08:57:48.234-07:00More World of Warcraft KnittingMy <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2011/12/world-of-warcraft-handwarmers.html">son's handwarmers</a> turned out so fabulously, I made a pair for myself too.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVjpmzPG45By82wmV-YwF1nZSWs10XVe0PeFc_7VnyO6N5e-esI1CETnrxhSCSaDVB2Yx-JjsHmHA8PGtpBMy2hOrpRFKgv1cURrntKVSy-13vcisR-HSrtZxUvuZTYKkTH0T7g/s1600/wowhandwarmers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVjpmzPG45By82wmV-YwF1nZSWs10XVe0PeFc_7VnyO6N5e-esI1CETnrxhSCSaDVB2Yx-JjsHmHA8PGtpBMy2hOrpRFKgv1cURrntKVSy-13vcisR-HSrtZxUvuZTYKkTH0T7g/s320/wowhandwarmers3.jpg" /></a></div>
I just adore the color shifting in this yarn. Every pair is unique. These are made in the "Violets" colorway of Lion Brand's "Amazing". Reminds me of Noro, but more affordable.Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-10113578080929588922011-12-11T06:51:00.000-08:002012-10-02T12:09:58.470-07:00World of Warcraft HandwarmersYes, my son has joined the 10+ million people in the world who play <a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/?-">World of Warcraft</a>. If you don't know what that is, it's a <a href="https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/World_of_Warcraft">massive multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment</a>. A huge shared world environment you adventure in with your avatar. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ieNIPlALCfOAawqhbTxx17Ghv7jIPb0AeyA0tfuGXftoTGzymxi5z96uoCXseg5kwVybps00dy_Wd11UpTjiIsj0wglRw0R6py5Jlf1opk1pIf6JQSh2bCAB2ot4CpSnGUjKgA/s1600/xandermitts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ieNIPlALCfOAawqhbTxx17Ghv7jIPb0AeyA0tfuGXftoTGzymxi5z96uoCXseg5kwVybps00dy_Wd11UpTjiIsj0wglRw0R6py5Jlf1opk1pIf6JQSh2bCAB2ot4CpSnGUjKgA/s320/xandermitts2.jpg" /></a></div>To keep my son's hands warm this winter while he plays online, I made him this cool pair of handwarmers. His fingers are free to keyboard, but his hands stay toasty! I love the color shifting in this yarn. The yarn is half wool and half acrylic so the finished handwarmers are both warm and washer friendly. My Ravely page for the handwarmers with all the knitty details is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/artifax/emerald-green-handwarmer">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl7yHPdH_jmltxnuUTMxhGSbk6wbms6BQLMUf6dmre6yTGMPqioQo0Cw6OLX4nmVn89GJ8wxpZca7mTCrZPViQf2DspnZo4fvzKPJVoM6LNO2dM5QzaGw3L4l7kDVbephYU21_w/s1600/xandermitts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl7yHPdH_jmltxnuUTMxhGSbk6wbms6BQLMUf6dmre6yTGMPqioQo0Cw6OLX4nmVn89GJ8wxpZca7mTCrZPViQf2DspnZo4fvzKPJVoM6LNO2dM5QzaGw3L4l7kDVbephYU21_w/s320/xandermitts4.jpg" /></a></div>Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-64206817707532093972011-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:002012-08-26T07:37:14.873-07:00Book Review: "Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011"Next up in holiday knit and crochet magazine reviews is the "Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011". <br />
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As an avid crocheter, I have been drooling for this to be released. Bought it without even peeking inside and settled down happily at home with some tea ready for some crochet bliss. Well....should have peeked. All I can say is, "What happened??" I have been noticing the 70's trending becoming more and more prominent in "Crochet Today", and it is certainly present here. In spades. All those bad 1970's acrylic crocheted toilet paper covers, lamp shades and granny square afghans in lurid colors are the reason it took crochet such a long time to stage a comeback. Let's not bring back that reputation. When you look at all the smart, gorgeous modern crochet patterns promoted in places like Stitch Diva Studios and Russian crochet periodicals,and by designers like Robyn Chachula in her Blueprint books, this issue is a real missed opportunity. <br />
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There are a few cute things in here, like the children's hats, but on the whole it made my eyes hurt. DayGlo primary orange, red, blue and yellow seemed to be the colors designers were urged to use. Many, many designs were of the repetitive "one simple motif" kind. The type of projects beginning crocheters start out with. It's true gift items need to be speedy to be finished in time for the holidays, but simplicity never seems to be a factor in similarly themed knitting magazines. Only crochet seems to be perpetually for beginners in the marketing overmind.<br />
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Bottom Line? Skip it. Live in the new Millennium.Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-50060110113070004342011-12-06T12:55:00.000-08:002012-08-26T07:37:04.718-07:00Book Review: "Jane Austin Knits 2011"Well, I've been super busy for weeks knitting and crocheting holiday gifts. Can't show any of those though or the recipients might see them! So, I thought I'd do a few posts on holiday knit and crochet publications. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYA8ZnYYxbioCO1lmELptSwoxdI3yzfZ8XNuWPN9pGW7y4AN2-9VvnY3INXDv8OrA2JQlC6CxiUcI_6zX9TeHh1Sopk2mOk5zCCp_QIgQIa9sIhcBHvmJcY-ZNlOIpJUvsuFcCg/s1600/bookreview_jane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYA8ZnYYxbioCO1lmELptSwoxdI3yzfZ8XNuWPN9pGW7y4AN2-9VvnY3INXDv8OrA2JQlC6CxiUcI_6zX9TeHh1Sopk2mOk5zCCp_QIgQIa9sIhcBHvmJcY-ZNlOIpJUvsuFcCg/s320/bookreview_jane2.jpg" /></a></div>First up, "Jane Austin Knits 2011". I spied this on a special display stand at my local Barnes and Noble and snapped it up. It's brilliant. At $14.99 it wasn't cheap, but well worth the money. 35 knitted projects inspired by Jane Austin's narratives. Plus a sprinkling of articles, which are not just fluff filler as is so often the case in these special publication, but rather interesting pieces on <a href="https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/British_Regency">Regency</a> fashion, knitting, and Jane Austin style.<br />
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The patterns are separated into four themed sections: "Country", "Manor", "Garden", and "Town", and gorgeously photographed. Here's a shot of what's included (click to enlarge):<br />
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This is a really nicely edited selection of patterns. Often times, there will be one or two good projects in a magazine and a few ho-hums, but there isn't a bad one in the bunch here. Great mix of types of items to make and skill levels. <br />
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Bottom Line? Good buy. Within minutes of cracking open the first page you'll find yourself popping in a Pride & Prejudice DVD, the first of what will be a Jane Austin movie marathon, putting the kettle on for a cup of hot tea, and picking up a knitting project to work on. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon :)<br />
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P.S. Looks like a "Jane Austin Knits 2012" is in the works, so head on over to <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/jane_austen_knits/default.aspx">janeaustinknits.com</a> for their call for entries if you're a designer, writer or Regency-era historian.Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-75496691096922999902011-10-03T13:51:00.000-07:002012-09-27T09:36:32.948-07:00Cheery Flowers & Purple Lace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EbVhWWcovrkrHExmeeeo8hHsC8KvuNSAC6SSGr3tqlB8l_TLzc_mDXJoTHKoe7RVMnPjk2RB0zL7ZHUm30GqBKEA3RWGUj3_sDxwQSLvosIEZbH8dtTWJTaefsQzuuRV1X_n6A/s1600/yellow_flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EbVhWWcovrkrHExmeeeo8hHsC8KvuNSAC6SSGr3tqlB8l_TLzc_mDXJoTHKoe7RVMnPjk2RB0zL7ZHUm30GqBKEA3RWGUj3_sDxwQSLvosIEZbH8dtTWJTaefsQzuuRV1X_n6A/s320/yellow_flower.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have been super sick with a nasty lung infection these past 6 weeks. It started as the flu and went deep into my lung. So .... there hasn't been a whole lot of creative crafting here lately. I can now drive about town without coughing up a lung (lol) and on my first grocery trip went out to buy some cheery flowers for the house. I love having fresh flowers around the house!<br />
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I also was on the mend enough to squeak in one quick project, this lilac lace bowl.<br />
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This is stiffened to hold its shape with hot liquid sugar. I worry about bugs and heat using the sugar, although I haven't had any problems to date. Maybe I'll try starch or some plasticizing art compound next time, if I make another. I shaped this one over the back of my mixing bowl, but you can really shape the lace over anything and make all kinds of intriguing shapes. Just remember to line your object with clingwrap first if it can't be washed later - the sugar is very sticky and dribbles all over!<br />
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Still sick and coughing, but much improved and hopefully getting better and better every day now!Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-77020816315294082602011-07-31T07:53:00.000-07:002011-07-31T11:43:27.065-07:00Summer Lace Shawl: Finished!Hurrah! My first lace-weight shawl is finished! Looking forward to summer nights sitting on the porch, ice tea with lemon slice in hand, wearing this gorgeous shawl instead of working on it :)<br />
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Wish I had a more glamorous backdrop than my garage door to photograph it against, but you work with what you have. I had a deadline to get a picture of this posted for an online class and this was the only place with bright enough, indirect light at photography time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMCctVSLzLXlaFsugElkEpdHMBhb9-gcNKHRoC45sTm64UfoMPsSED4DvguyZXF09wWyFjnt_wxkAg9Z1m0j2Loogzf9XUlZuJbm7mAjmMWxyKLNDqdr4bqkT8TjzSNKKwMpWKA/s1600/owlshawl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMCctVSLzLXlaFsugElkEpdHMBhb9-gcNKHRoC45sTm64UfoMPsSED4DvguyZXF09wWyFjnt_wxkAg9Z1m0j2Loogzf9XUlZuJbm7mAjmMWxyKLNDqdr4bqkT8TjzSNKKwMpWKA/s320/owlshawl2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBJciJLyhih1hmLa-X_cNjBe8rbL1GaxUlz_dBMMrXvCzvIzdSFR3cpWE-UmGwp0crRCHxYJ19Rokktog4IkMQG8DAu2WtthuKCg5gB0n2lV4UZoLMFv_4Dvj1kOc0k-OWCEQeg/s1600/owlshawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBJciJLyhih1hmLa-X_cNjBe8rbL1GaxUlz_dBMMrXvCzvIzdSFR3cpWE-UmGwp0crRCHxYJ19Rokktog4IkMQG8DAu2WtthuKCg5gB0n2lV4UZoLMFv_4Dvj1kOc0k-OWCEQeg/s320/owlshawl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I do admit to not being thrilled with this while working on it, but its nature changed completely upon severe blocking and it morphed into quite a beautiful shawl. Very instructive project on the nature of lace weight yarn in garments.<br />
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Going out for a celebratory lunch today to mark the successful completion of this big project. There are more than 1300 yds of spider-silk thin yarn in this!!! I will, of course, be wearing my new shawl to lunch.<br />
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Here's <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-lace-weight-shawl.html">the link to a prior post on this shawl</a> if you're interested in making one of your own.Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-25551494409813368692011-07-27T16:56:00.000-07:002011-07-27T16:56:06.117-07:00Chemisty Professor Cats and Puns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFCFrAnx7e12PFwJyLLEHidrOKUwA-iQeQRgM1c4KNBTUQ66JmDEvipIU5nDaoDZ8eroq-GhiK9Lq4Wky3cySWiyvMqanpmsjbZGY-1_n6JEu-waZqUgVYeEH3F3I1vfPiYjKpA/s1600/cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFCFrAnx7e12PFwJyLLEHidrOKUwA-iQeQRgM1c4KNBTUQ66JmDEvipIU5nDaoDZ8eroq-GhiK9Lq4Wky3cySWiyvMqanpmsjbZGY-1_n6JEu-waZqUgVYeEH3F3I1vfPiYjKpA/s320/cats.jpg" /></a></div>I ran across this at <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2011/07/26/funny-pictures-chemistry-cat-science-puns/">I Can Has Cheezeburger</a> this morning while I was checking my email and sipping my fresh-from-my-garden mint leaf tea and just HAD to share. This combo of cats, chemistry, and bad punning is awesome!<br />
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In other news, I've been working diligently on my <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-lace-weight-shawl.html">lace weight shawl</a>. I'll be ready to block it tomorrow or the day after. I'm going to block it outside because with this summer heat it should dry in just a few hours. I can't wait to see what it looks like after. Pictures coming soon!Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-61093034979277207832011-07-06T16:49:00.000-07:002011-07-27T16:57:15.376-07:00Stainless Steel and Silver Kimono<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xpsUial1JZ5EnugKyIp-NBTLkMgs1-6RhrCxAruoUAcXxPoHI1dua0g9FGLqIxQcZaxfIR8oVHoMVvDf83Fc5XrMCZNnpCb7x8YJvOlHognXK-NiH4xT6Qxeg5fRq8sbbLFS-g/s1600/ando-kimono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="259" alt="metal stainless steel silver kimono wall art miya ando"src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xpsUial1JZ5EnugKyIp-NBTLkMgs1-6RhrCxAruoUAcXxPoHI1dua0g9FGLqIxQcZaxfIR8oVHoMVvDf83Fc5XrMCZNnpCb7x8YJvOlHognXK-NiH4xT6Qxeg5fRq8sbbLFS-g/s320/ando-kimono.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />
"Miya Ando has hand-soldered over 4000 sterling silver rings and stainless steel plates to make a ‘Furisode‘ (long sleeve) kimono".<br />
Photo and quote from <a href="http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2011/07/06/miya-ando-stainless-steel-and-sterling-silver-kimono/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SpoonTamago+%28Spoon+%26+Tamago%29">Spoon and Tamago</a></span></span></div><br />
I. Love. This. Not as much as I love the <a href="http://jeweledelegance.blogspot.com/2010/11/incoming-from-parallel-universe-of.html">Mutant Bunnies</a>, but I do have a nice large blank wall this would look awesome on! Although I'm not sure it could handle the weight...it must be pretty heavy?Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-57025848645458556292011-07-05T17:47:00.000-07:002011-07-05T17:48:00.900-07:00Could Be a Great Crochet Book!Look at what I just saw over at Amazon for pre-order! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Austentatious-Crochet-Contemporary-Designs-Austen/dp/0762441461/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I8IEQ04373M76&colid=2STPLCG0FQYP9">Austentatious Crochet: 32 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen.</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJP3_Gouh1RZVgTHJYPpe-2DgGflayehmDH6nxkIcB5TRi5QC1FrtlOOaYW6_pWyfjgY4StgfaExhxQq7Pwa-3SvHQKFgDJpk4haMxM-sThi-qWqy67uOKZWcN_zwdTYaiGfjqg/s1600/austin_crochet_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJP3_Gouh1RZVgTHJYPpe-2DgGflayehmDH6nxkIcB5TRi5QC1FrtlOOaYW6_pWyfjgY4StgfaExhxQq7Pwa-3SvHQKFgDJpk4haMxM-sThi-qWqy67uOKZWcN_zwdTYaiGfjqg/s320/austin_crochet_book.jpg" /></a></div>Looks like it has the potential to be a very yummy crochet book!Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26813189.post-17605144282688240112011-07-01T08:26:00.000-07:002011-07-01T08:26:13.432-07:00First Lace-Weight ShawlI'v been busy on the crochet front working my first lace-weight yarn shawl. This stuff is like working with a thick spiderweb! Very delicate. I'm doing the <a href="http://interweavecrochet.com/issue/2010/materials-summer-2010.asp">Midsummer Twilight Shawl from Interweave Crochet</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/artifax/62746241/hpknc_owlshawlproposal_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="240" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/artifax/62746241/hpknc_owlshawlproposal_small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is the first time I have used <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/knitting.cfm">Knit Picks</a> yarn, a popular mail-order yarn company. It's not great for ordering a ball or two, because of the shipping costs, but if you meet the minimum for free shipping, it's a good deal. I also ordered my first pair of 16" circular knitting needles from them in that beautiful Harmony Wood product line. I've also heard good things about <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/">Jimmy Beans Wool</a> as an on-line supplier, although I haven't tried them yet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC0UxJk8tY8Q-LCDdzuTS8ckkGIMMbqSo9ytLAzBBogvA9-q1Airl3loqTSFQKHwIChJZRipry6Q_RWxfo8nLkhpdrIftWbnenJL-FPtQj5LWxOhJqmyeu72nN5tVCqVhzrm9wQ/s1600/owl_shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC0UxJk8tY8Q-LCDdzuTS8ckkGIMMbqSo9ytLAzBBogvA9-q1Airl3loqTSFQKHwIChJZRipry6Q_RWxfo8nLkhpdrIftWbnenJL-FPtQj5LWxOhJqmyeu72nN5tVCqVhzrm9wQ/s320/owl_shawl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm about 60% of the way done with the shawl. To be honest, it doesn't really look like much right now, but I've heard that the magic of lace-weight is in the blocking where the yarn relaxes and opens up and the shawl changes <i>completely</i>. I've finished all the main shawl repeats and am ready to start the wide edging section. I can't wait to block it and see the magic happen!Artifaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07228495709006240380noreply@blogger.com1