tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50367224086377208132024-03-13T13:21:33.766-04:00Brackenbury LaneOne woman's artistic endeavorLauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-9715316854354003942009-08-11T01:12:00.008-04:002009-08-22T11:50:40.358-04:00LimbsThese mitts were designed specifically for the Fingerless Gloves Fanatics Group on Ravelry.<br /><br /><strong>Limbs</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a title="FGF1 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3810036435/"><img alt="FGF1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3810036435_bd81e92e87.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Materials<br />Steel 2.20 mm Hook<br />1/2 ball of Trekking XXL Sock Weight yarn in 321<br />or 50 grams of sock weight yarn<br /><br />Gauge: 29 hdc & 24 rows = 4"<br /><br />Pattern Notes: Glove is worked cuff up. Ribbing is made flat then stitched together.<br />I recommend using plenty of stitch markers. I used one at in the first and last stitch of each row (moving them up as I went along), as well as at the outermost post stitches, but I would recommend anyone unfamiliar with making crochet cables to put them in the loops of each post stitch so you know which loops to NOT work into.<br /><br />All post stitches are worked into previous post stitches and all post stitches should be raised on the right side.<br /><br />Resources:<br /><a href="http://serendipity.gpvm.com/no_chain.html#n_ch_dc">Double Crochet Foundation Chain</a><br /><a href="http://www.thecrochetside.com/video-tutorials/double-crochet-base-chain/">Double Crochet Foundation Chain Video</a> (I crochet through the top two loops, however, not top and spine, yes it does make a difference)<br /><a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2009/1/tutorial-seamless-single-crochet-better.aspx">Seamless Rounds</a><br /><a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/12/weaving-in-the-last-end.aspx">Finishing in the round</a><br /><br />Abbreviations:<br />bpdc: back post double crochet<br />ch: chain<br />dc: double crochet<br />fpdc: front post double crochet<br />sk: skip<br />sl-st: slip stitch<br />st: stitch<br /><br />Terms in capitals refer to previous row's stitches. For example, "fpdc in BPDC" means to front post double crochet around the previous row's back post double crochet stitch (which will look like a fpdc from the working side of the fabric).<br /><br /><a title="fgfaugust dimensions by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3810852426/"><img alt="fgfaugust dimensions" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3810852426_fd8c0fd318_o.jpg" width="217" height="370" /></a><br /><br />Sizing: This pattern fits forearm (4 1/2" below wrist) at 6 1/2" and around knuckles at 7 7/8".<br /><br />To make a larger size, DC Foundation Chain to fit (ending with an even number). Adjust row 5 (center the tree roots on front side) and thumbhole placement as neccesary.<br /><br /><strong>RIGHT MITT<br /></strong>Leaving a tail of several inches to sew up ribbing, dc foundation chain 47 sts, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />1. In second DC from hook, fpdc, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />2. bpdc in FPDC (of previous row) , (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />3. fpdc in BPDC, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st. ch 2, turn.<br /><br />4. bpdc in FPDC, (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />5. Being sure to skip the sl-st, hdc in first st, hdc 31, [sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st (BPDC of previous row) ] x2, fpdc, [sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st (FPDC of previous row)] x2, hdc to end, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />6. hdc to FPDC, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, bpdc 3, skip 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />7. hdc to BPDC, fpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />8. hdc to FPDC, bpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />9-24. Repeat rows 7 and 8.<br /><br />25. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st, fpdc 3, sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />26. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc 3, hdc sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />27. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, fpdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />28. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />29. (Splitting Center Tree Trunk) hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, [fpdc, hdc, fpdc] in same st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />30. 2hdc in first st, hdc to first FPDC, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />31. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st,hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />32. (Splitting Center Tree Limbs Again) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 3, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />33. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />34. (Drop Outside Limbs) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />35. (Crossing Center Limbs) hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 2, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in each skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk [BDPC and HDC], (working in next BPDC) fpdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc 2, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />36. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, [sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 7,] x 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />37. hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 7, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />38. (Remove Limb at Pinky, add Branch) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in last FPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, (working in last FPDC) bpdc, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />39. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />40. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, hdc (working behind), bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />41. (Creating Thumbhole) hdc to 17 sts before last st, place st marker in next st (for thumbhole instructions), sk sts, sl st to last st, hdc in same st, sl st to first st of row, ch 1, turn. (If thumbhole is not big enough, create a chain before sl st to last st)<br /><br />42. sc around, sl st to first st of row, fasten off.<br /><br /><strong>THUMBHOLE </strong><br /><br />43. Attach yarn at st marker placed in row 41. hdc in st and around, working into the bottom of the 3 sts between thumb and index finger. sl st to first st, ch 1, turn.<br /><br />44. sc around, sl st to first st, fasten off.<br /><br /><a title="fgf4 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3810036723/"><img alt="fgf4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3810036723_46a7304a3d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><strong>LEFT MITT<br /></strong><br />Leaving a tail of several inches to sew up ribbing, dc foundation chain 47 sts, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />1. In second DC from hook, fpdc, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />2. bpdc in FPDC (of previous row) , (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />3. fpdc in BPDC, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st. ch 2, turn.<br /><br />4. bpdc in FPDC, (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />5. Being sure to skip the sl-st, hdc in first st, hdc 7, [sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st (BPDC of previous row) ] x2, fpdc, [sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st (FPDC of previous row)] x2, hdc to end, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />6. hdc to FPDC, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, bpdc 3, skip 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />7. hdc to BPDC, fpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />8. hdc to FPDC, bpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />9-24. Repeat rows 7 and 8.<br /><br />25. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st, fpdc 3, sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />26. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc 3, hdc sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />27. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, fpdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />28. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />29. (Splitting Center Tree Trunk) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, [fpdc, hdc, fpdc] in same st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />30. hdc to first FPDC, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />31. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st,hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />32. (Splitting Center Tree Limbs Again) hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 3, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />33. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />34. (Drop Outside Limbs) hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />35. (crossing center limbs) 2hdc in first st, hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 2, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in each skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk [BDPC and HDC], (working in next BPDC) fpdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc 2, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />36. hdc to st before first FPDC, [sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 7,] x 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />37. 2hdc in first st, hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 7, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />38. (Remove Limb at Pinky, Add Branches) hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in last FPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, (working in last FPDC) bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />39. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />40. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, hdc (working behind), bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.<br /><br />41. (Creating Thumbhole) hdc 29 sts, place st marker in next st (for thumbhole instructions), skip 16 sts, sl st, hdc in same st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 1, turn. (If thumbhole is not big enough, create a chain after skipping 17 sts)<br /><br />42. sc around, sl st to first st of row, fasten off.<br /><br /><strong>THUMBHOLE<br /></strong><br />43. Attach yarn at st marker placed in row 41. hdc in st and around, working into the bottom of the 3 sts between thumb and index finger. sl st to first st, ch 1, turn.<br /><br />44. sc around, sl st to first st, fasten off.<br /><br /><a title="fgf3 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3810853234/"><img alt="fgf3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3810853234_1b61e87ea4.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><strong>OPTIONAL FINISHING<br /></strong>Embroider leaves in fall colors on branches.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-11455296816163926182009-07-13T14:10:00.003-04:002009-07-13T15:06:22.587-04:00Yarn Stormed!Okay, so I don't know how many of my blog friends know about Yarn Storming. There's a group on Raverly, called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarn-storming">Yarn Storming</a>, which is an off shoot of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/mvff-csa-groupies">Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm group</a>. Basically, they were formed to help out those who knit, crochet, or spin but were having a difficult time doing so in the present ecconomy. I fell into that category, and so SOMEONE nominated me to recieve a "stash busting yarn storming box of sunshine!" And it is! This box was filled with so much yarn.<br /><br />As soon as I saw the box and saw who it was from, I grabbed my camera because I wanted to share my joy of unwrapping it with all of you!<br /><br />Here's the box. It's big!<br /><a title="Yarn Storming Box by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3717818380/"><img alt="Yarn Storming Box" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3717818380_de6357e326.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Top Layer....<br /><a title="Yarn Storming Box by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3717818572/"><img alt="Yarn Storming Box" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/3717818572_66e8d75449.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Middle layer.... (See the adorable graphic by <a href="http://unionstreetfiber.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a>?)<br /><a title="Yarn Storming Box by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3717819056/"><img alt="Yarn Storming Box" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3717819056_44516ecb3b_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />Bottom layer...<br /><a title="Yarn Storming Box by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3717005317/"><img alt="Yarn Storming Box" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3717005317_83493e07a9.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />All Layed Out...<br /><a title="Yarn Storming Box by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3717819910/"><img alt="Yarn Storming Box" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3717819910_651d9db187.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Here's a breakdown of what I received:<br /><br />I have NO idea what the blue unskeined yarn is. (What is that technically called before yarn is twisted into a hank, but after it's been... niddy noddy-ed?) I tried to see if my cat would attack it, since he's attacked merino, wool, and alpaca in the past, but he didn't. But he also didn't attack any of the merino, alpaca, or wool that IS in the box. I'm going to do a burn test, if I can ever find the yarn end!!! Id' love to know what it is. If the donator knows, please let me know!<br /><br />5 balls of LB Landscapes = 275 yards<br />4 Balls Elann Lara = 508 yards<br />6 balls Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud = 2,640 yards<br />10 hanks Hacho Merino = 1,370 yards<br /><br />I have no idea the yardage on the blue yarn, but it definitely puts me well over 5,000 yards of yarn!<br /><br />I'm such a lucky girl! I can't even tell you all how greatful I am to the Yarn Stormers, and especially Nancy, who is the amazing organizer. I am more yarn rich than I ever have been! This weill help me get through quite awhile of lean-times. I never know just where my next job is, so I always worry about money and buying yarn is a HUGE treat for myself. (Seriously, I needed to buy a new hook today so fulfill a promise, and I agonized for over half an hour over spending the 2 dollars on a "luxury.") Thank you, thank you, thank you!<br /><br /><br />If you know anyone who could be nominated for a yarn storming, please email her at yarnstorming99 AT gmail DOT com.<br /><br />PS. I also won a couple of giveaways lately and recieved a yarn birthday present, so I'm overwhelmed with fiber. I'll blog about those sometime soon.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-64225815155603073942008-12-29T14:45:00.004-05:002008-12-29T14:56:11.822-05:00Lover's PurseI made this little purse for my niece's Christmas present. I stuffed it with little girly things - nail polish, bath fizzies, lip gloss, etc.<br /><br /><br /><center><a title="Lover's Purse by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3139642683/"><img height="240" alt="Lover's Purse" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3139642683_ec5a9bb72f_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></center><br /><br />I love how it came out! I used the Solomon's knot / lover's knot for the lacy stitch pattern. I used futuregirl's <a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/10/tutorial-sew-a-lining-into-a-crocheted-bag.aspx">Sew a Lining into a Crocheted Bag Tutorial</a> to, well, sew the lining into the bag.<br />See how neatly it came out?:<br /><br /><br /><center><a title="Lover's Purse by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3140474156/"><img height="180" alt="Lover's Purse" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/3140474156_d9d31e8831_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></center><br /><br />The only thing I'd suggest would be to maybe add more stitches in cases where you're using bulky yarn. I noticed that where the the snaps were was facing a lot of pressure and separating from the bag, slightly. So I added some reinforcement stitching there.<br /><br />I also used futuregirl's <a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/12/weaving-in-the-last-end.aspx">Tutorial on how to weave in the last end</a> when working in rounds. Very seamless.<br /><br />The ravelry project page is locatedLauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-43287219317389307842008-12-18T22:03:00.004-05:002008-12-18T22:39:36.874-05:00Slip Stitch Crochet & Fingerless GlovesSo, I saw this great way to make <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23545655@N05/2703183288/">crocheted ribbing</a> wile working horizontally. (Really, go check out the link. You won't believe it.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ayarnifiedlife.blogspot.com/">David Burchall</a> has worked out ribbing that is very effective and looks knitted. I've spent much of the day trying to figure it out before I found a tip in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/slip-stitch-crochet">Slip Stitch Crochet</a> group on Ravelry. It's very important when making the iB stitches to hold the yarn BEHIND the hook, rather than in front as usual. After I got that, things really clicked! I've even moved from slip stitch crochet (SSC) to single crocheted ribbing using the same principle. <br /><br />Another good idea is to use a hook with a sharp tip, not a blunt one. I'd like to try this technique with a larger hook size, as is recommended, but my large hooks are round on the end (as well as uncomfortable) and it makes it nearly impossible and frustrating as all get out to try to work into slip stitches.<br /><br />I'm also a tight crocheter and so working into my stitches is rather difficult. But I'm trying hard to stay relaxed. Things really went better when I switched to a smaller hook with a pointy end. But I lost drape, I think.<br /><br />Also, when working in the round, I cannot work in a spiral or it won't create ribbing. So tomorrow I'll swatch with joining and turning using the new method that <a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/12/revisiting-seamless-single-crochet.aspx">Futuregirl</a> invented. Stumbled upon? You decide.<br /><br />I found that when you're working in ssc for the ribbing and then change to sc ribbing, your piece not only grows vertically, but also horizontally. This is perfect for my purposes!<br /><br />And what are my purposes, you ask? I'm glad that you asked!<br /><br />I'm designing fingerless gloves for my co-worker! I mentioned this long long ago. And now I'm finally getting off my butt and doing it. Uh, good thing since Christmas is in 6 days (not including today since I'm about to go to bed.)<br /><br />A few nights ago, I realized that what was really holding me up was the size issue. I had used this <a href="http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/12/revisiting-seamless-single-crochet.aspx">sizing chart</a> to help me figure out that her hands were a woman's large, but then I didn't really want to use any of the patterns I found online. My hand falls in the small range. I definitely can't use my hand as comparison! What if it didn't fit? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.siskiyouknits.com/grannielinda/GLOVES/glovenotesI.htm">This schematic</a> is much more helpful for people designing their on gloves. But before I saw that, I thought I'd do a ribbed glove so that there would be more of a chance of it fitting. In my head, I designed a glove that had a ribbed cuff and then ribbing running up the back of the hand with sc or linked dc for the palm and maybe some small edging at the top. <br /><br />Well that's great, but I'm trying to make these be a one skein project! And ribbing is tricky in sc. If I did fpdc/bpdc then I don't think I'd be able to come close to using only one skein. And I did do a glove worked vertically before so I could do blo, but I find shaping to be a bit harder. So I went looking around. And then I found the ssc ribbing! Awesome. Tomorrow I'm going to try to get a larger pointer hook and I'll try to sneakily (or not) get a wrist measurement and lower hand measurement from said co-worker so I know if I'm in the right ballpark.<br /><br />If all goes well, I'll take pictures of the swatches I worked on today and the finished project! I better get cracking, though. I've got one more crochet/sewing project to work on and I need to finish up another one before Christmas!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-61920179619056215772008-11-30T23:12:00.003-05:002008-11-30T23:17:21.587-05:00LAST DAY!OMG, guys! It's the last day! I'm relieved. It was great until about half way through when I started to get really busy with concerts. I'll probably take the next week off from blogging so that I can finish with concerts. Hopefully when I return I'll have some yarning stuff to show off. Maybe even a new car!<br /><br />Bill Engvall is very nice. His comedy wasn't all "red neck" jokes like Country Fried Videos. There was a lot of poop jokes, though! But he was extremely friendly and kind. I'm sure he'll be back next season!<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who has joined me in the nablopomo quest! I've really enjoyed it and making and receiving comments was definitely helpful to keep me going! Rest up your fingers and get back to you crocheting! I'll be reading your blogs. :)Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-44793730158966121392008-11-30T00:57:00.004-05:002008-11-30T01:00:44.841-05:00Family<p align="center"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/2933668060/" title="DSC00301 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2933668060_0dceb48b3b.jpg" width="400" alt="DSC00301" /></a></p><br /><br /><p>This is one of my favorite pictures that I took of my sister, my niece, and my brother in law lifting my nephew at my Mom's wedding in October. I just love that you can't see anyone's face, but that there is a lot happening in the photo. The only thing that would make this shot better would be if you could see that my sister is pregnant. Michael is due in February!<br /><br />That's all I've got for tonight, folks. Tonight was the Aaron Neville featuring Charles Neville concert. I met Charles' wife and kids. They were all very nice people. Bill Engvall tomorrow. Should I just bring my "sign" when I pick him up from the hotel tomorrow?</p>Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-82924505571636372932008-11-29T01:01:00.003-05:002008-11-29T01:25:45.841-05:0021 Things!I was tagged by <a href="http://nervousrabbit.blogspot.com/">Laux</a>, <a href="http://worksofartemis.blogspot.com/">Diana</a> and <a href="http://aimeewrites.wordpress.com/">Aimee</a>, I thought I'd do 21 things instead of seven! Here goes....<br /><br /><strong>The Rules</strong><br />1) Link to your tagger and list all these rules in your blog.<br />2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.<br /><strike>3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs<br />4) Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog</strike><br /><br /><br /><ol><li>People think I'm being fake when I'm wishing them a happy holiday, etc. but really I'm just very enthusiastic and I MEAN it.</li><li>My dad used to stop me from crying as a baby by kissing the bridge of my nose (like so that either side of his lips were on either side of my nose - sideways like).</li><li>I will eat cranberry sauce out of the can. My little sister Kayla and I used to sometimes feed ourselves this way - by splitting a can of cranberry sauce.</li><li>I dropped out of high school when I was 16 to go to college.</li><li>I only drink mixed drinks with rum in them. I do not like any other alcoholic beverage, except Mike's and those kinds of drinks.</li><li>The only time I failed a test was a third grade math test. And I cried because I had to get my parents to sign it.</li><li>I never had a dog and I've always wanted one.</li><li>I started dancing when I was 3.</li><li>I had muscle spasms all down my spine when I was 14, permanently ending any thought of dancing professionally. (Dancing in a show, or becoming a dance teacher. Not becoming a ballerina.) That eventually led me into the backstage life of theater.</li><li>Tonight I worked on the B.B. King concert. He (aka his assistant) ordered 4 shrimp Chinese food dishes. </li><li>My favorite dishes growing up were a humpty dumpty plate and bowl that were purchased specially for me. I loved them and broke them. I wish I had them back.</li><li>I had a favorite knit blanket growing up. It was a circle and had pastel rainbow colors. I think made of triangles, rather than concentric rings. I used to pretend I was a princess with it wrapped around my shoulders.</li><li>My dad and my sister and I used buy cheap kites and take them flying, sometimes letting them free if they got high enough. We ruined and enjoyed many a plastic kite!</li><li>I played soccer for 5 years as a sweeper and eventually quit to spend more time dancing and acting. I was very good at serrupticiously body checking the taller girls. I was also good at booting a ball down the field, but couldn't score a goal. (The goal totally freaked me out!!)</li><li>I had my first panic attack on the first day of 3rd grade. I threw up three times and was still forced into going to school. I hadn't done my book report.</li><li>One of my most valuable possessions was a rock. I used to carry it in my right pant pocket. Many of my pants had a worn spot from where it would sit. I was heartbroken when I lost it.</li><li>When I was on painkillers for the muscle spasms, I wrote an email about butternut squash and Ben & Jerry's cherry garcia ice cream. It's one of the few things I remember from that 2 month period of my life.</li><li>Every night I sleep in fleece pants that I made when I was 14. They're big and baggy and are multi colored. I used to wear them to school and was known as "the girl with the pants." (I also had a pair of crushed velvet NEON green pants with black sequin trim that I'd wear to school.)</li><li>I grew my hair out for 5.5 years from chin to butt, then cut it off and donated it to locks of love. My head was much lighter, it improved my back pain!</li><li>My husband was (is) my first love.</li><li>I call my cat all kinds of silly names like, Dipstick, fartstick, purrpod, catter, stinkbutt, midnight louie, etc. I don't think he gets it.</li></ol><p>'Night all! Tomorrow is an <a href="http://www.aaronneville.com/">Aaron Neville </a>concert!</p>Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-45682614049585866812008-11-27T22:52:00.002-05:002008-11-27T22:58:26.733-05:00As American as....<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3065156992/" title="As American as... by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3065156992_b97d1f3185.jpg" width="400" alt="As American as..." /></a><br /><br />Yum! This apple pie was delicious. I made it this morning, cutting up cortland and macoun apples with some spices and taking a shortcut by using a premade pie crust. Very tasty and satisfying.<br /><br />What are you thankful for? This year I didn't put enough emphasis on what I'm thankful for; I was too busy to comtemplate. But I think it's important. I'm going to work on figuring that out in the Christmas season.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-27412645846737297892008-11-27T00:58:00.004-05:002008-11-27T01:04:12.545-05:00Day OffToday should have been a good day since I had it off, but I spent most of the day feeling grumpy, moody, and light headed. Ick. But I did get some important things done! I tidied up the living room a bit, talked to the doctor's office about Robin's surgery consulation appointment, was pre-approved for an auto loan (grr @ them for not calling me back LAST week!), folded and put away laundry from last week's expedition, went to the laundry, shopped for the apple pie I'm supposed to be bringing to Thanksgiving tomorrow (uh, note to self, get up an hour earlier to actually make the pie...), folded all the laundry while watching House and Bones, made myself feel pretty for tomorrow, and mixed the dry ingredients for the apple pie.<br /><br />Of course I missed the time deadline for today's post, but I thought I'd post anyway, as the day isn't over yet.<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel less emotional and we'll have a good time at my mother's house!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-51770618356440813862008-11-25T22:24:00.003-05:002008-11-25T22:33:45.505-05:00SurgerySo today after I went shopping for three hours for work (the grocery store was surprisingly NOT packed, thank Bob!), and spent another hour putting things away and getting ready to be out of the office for 2 days, I came home to find my husband sleeping. We had to leave for his ultrasound appointment; he'd been having bad stomach pains. Apparently he hadn't slept well last night (a common occurance) and got up and fed the cat and then ended up taking a nap for three hours!<br /><br />At the ultrasound, the tech asked if he was feeling any pain in a specific spot, so I knew that there was something wrong and that she'd found it. I couldn't tell what she was pressing on, but I knew it was somewhere near the kidney since that's where she worked next.<br /><br />We came home and chilled for a while and then Robin turned on his cell phone to make a phone call. He had a voicemail from his PCP (primary care physician) asking him to call her because the results from the ultrasound were in. Woah. Well then we definitely knew something was up.<br /><br />It turns out that his gallbladder needs to be removed! Eep. I'm hoping that they had do the less invasive surgery, but looking it up, I think he might have to have the more intense surgery. That means longer recovery time. Neither of us gets sick/vacation time and this is the busiest time of year for both of us at work and personally. So we don't know what is going to happen. They're scheduling him for the next available appointment, so it's pretty important. I'm so greatful we have insurance, otherwise we just couldn't do it. I don't know how we're going to afford his time off from work; we're just recovering from him being out of work for several months while looking or a job after we moved here. I'm nervous, but glad that something is going to happen to make him feel better.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-66504513346047814892008-11-24T22:31:00.003-05:002008-11-24T22:40:51.652-05:00Shawl UpdateI thought it was time to take a picture of my shawl. I've been working and working on it and I thought it would be good to do a little photo comparison!<br /><br /><center><a title="Shawl Progress 11/24/08 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3057156043/"><img alt="Shawl Progress 11/24/08" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3057156043_f6ddd2a8e5.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />This J. Knit's lace-a-licious is extremely elastic and full of dreamy, soft texture. I can't wait until it's time to block it.<br /><br /><center><a title="Texture by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3057156417/"><img alt="Texture" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3057156417_db78fd96c2_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br /><br />When I had brought it into the yarn shop before, the one of the owners said it looked almost double-knit. But I don't know what that is. I assume it has something to do with how plush each stitch is.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://brackenburylane.blogspot.com/2008/09/knit-night-yarns-in-farms.html">post</a> that has the photo from before. By looking at the pictures, it looks like I've done about 15 more rows on it since September. Each row takes about an hour, so I think that this is decent progress. Once I get started on some Christmas creating, I'm sure it'll get put aside for awhile, though.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-5883509814774330822008-11-23T23:48:00.001-05:002008-11-23T23:49:42.600-05:00Fingerless GlovesTonight I started looking at fingerless glove patterns for my friend witha skein of yarn I already have. I may pick up another skein of a different color and do a two-toned glove. We'll see...Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-42334525493207890782008-11-22T23:51:00.003-05:002008-11-23T00:00:16.002-05:00StressThank you to those who left me kind comments on my last post. I needed to hear that I had some people who didn't think I was crazy. :)<br /><br />Tonight after work, I vegged out in front of the TV and then realized I should be working on something! So, I pulled out my shawl that I've been working on for forever and did about two rows of it while watching criminal justice programs. I don't feel like I'm ever going to finish it. I'm pretty sure that I'll spend the rest of my life crocheting it and it will never be big enough to wrap around me!<br /><br />I should be starting on some Christmas present type things. Like the hand warmers I'm going to make one of my co-workers. And I might make my Meme a shawl (she's one of our secret santa picks!). But even though I have the yarn to make the gloves, I don't have a pattern idea. I should just look through Ravelry, but something keeps holding me back! Why? I don't know. <br /><br />I wish I weren't such a procrastinator. I think that work and trying to find another car has been so stressful that I just can't put any energy into doing anything new. Last night I couldn't sleep. I felt my chest all tight and I coudln't get air or stay still because I just kept thinking about what I needed to get done today at work. I finally got up and filled a sheet of paper with everything that I needed to get done. And I actually did it! Except for some things relating the concerts. I decided that I could take ONE day off from that and just pick it up on Monday. I had major things happening tomorrow and next weekend that I hadn't started yet and needed to get cracking on. So I did those things. I finally got to sleep after making the list because I allowed it all to leave my head. I could allow myself to let it leave my head because I couldn't forget it since it was on paper.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-23843616928194385292008-11-22T00:03:00.002-05:002008-11-22T00:10:11.863-05:00Age Gap RealtionshipsI just got into a big discusion over on Raverly about age gap relationships. I'm in one. A BIG one. And we work. I know not all of them do. But some do. And I hate that people think that none of them can and that they're all "sick" or "weird." It really hurts. And it brings up Years worth of hurt. It's not fair that people get to say that I'm sick and disgusting because my husband is older than me. We have a much more normal relationship than so many people that I see out in the world. We're healthy and happy with each other. Why should you get to pass judgment on that?<br /><br />Would people make the same assumptions if I were dating a black man? An Asian man? Someone from Europe? Why because I'm married to an older man? What if I were gay? I know that some people don't think that that is morally right, but most people seem to be okay with it. So, what would the big deal be? Why is it a big deal when my husband is older?<br /><br />Power imbalances happen in EVERY relationship! Not just age gap ones! People take advantage of other people in all kinds of relationships! Not just age gap ones! My husband is going to die before me! That could happen if he and I were the same age and he had a chronic illness! Or I could die because I could be hit by a bus! He's old. His lips are just as kissable as any other lips! They don't feel different! ARG.<br /><br />Okay, I just needed to get that out. I wrote a HUGE post on Ravelry, but I needed to sound a little more rational there and not so crazy. It just pushes all my buttons and opens all my old wounds. They really haven't healed. They just haven't had salt rubbed in them in a while.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-27192190783033182992008-11-21T00:07:00.002-05:002008-11-21T00:09:50.273-05:00P P Party<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3047583796/" title="Pajama Party by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3047583796_81ed59076f_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Pajama Party" /></a><br /><br />Tonight after the show I went to a Pajamas and Pancake party with the cast! We had a blast, but now I must turn into bed. Work has been really draining. We're prepping for concerts which involves buying a tremedous quantity of beverages and food. $137.00 at BJ's for beverages and we're not done with shopping for those, yet!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-84543403422979025512008-11-19T23:54:00.001-05:002008-11-19T23:54:31.777-05:00Note to Self:Do Not Use Salt as a scrub.<br /><br />Ow, Ow, the burning! The burning!!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-24529373950444770562008-11-19T22:29:00.003-05:002008-11-19T22:38:02.159-05:00Hand ScrubI decided to try the hand scrub that <a href="http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2008/11/girly-hands.html">Laughing Purple Goldfish</a> posted. I did on on the 12th of November, but the picture didn't make the <a href="http://brackenburylane.blogspot.com/2008/11/12-of-12-november.html">12 of 12</a> cut, so I hadn't blogged about it.<br /><p align="center"><a title="Hand Scrub by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3044346225/"><img height="180" alt="Hand Scrub" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/3044346225_886122faaf_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><br /><br />I liked the scrub. I felt the sugar scrubbing away at the dead skin that was roughing up my hand, and the olive oil made my hands very smooth and soft.<br /><br />I liked it so much that I tried adding sugar to my gentle face wash because I noticed a little dry skin. Less sucessful because the sugar melted while I was scrubbing! Oops. Maybe I'll try it with a bit of salt...Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-64580523062263715152008-11-18T22:48:00.002-05:002008-11-18T22:55:35.433-05:00Couch. Throw. Done. Finally.Tonight while listening to Christmas music, (uh... we start early. There's a lot of GOOD Christmas music to hear!) I finished weaving in the ends for my sister and brother-in-law's couch throw!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Footsie by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3042843360/"><img alt="Footsie" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3042843360_d33226bbba.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p align="left">Technically, I've been working on it since last December. Actually, it's more like February or April because I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">frogged</span> the first attempt. And I took at least three months off from it entirely. But it's done now. And I'm so happy!</p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Blanket Chair by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3042843626/"><img height="640" alt="Blanket Chair" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3042843626_e4ebe8d9e3_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p align="left">It's very warm and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snugly</span>, even for Lion Brand Homespun acrylic. I hope that it sees many good years of use in the family. I hope that it gets stained and dirty from being dragged around the house by the kids! I hope it ends up on the floor wrapped around the family while they watch a movie. I hope that it gets pulled out of shape in an effort to get the most blanket.</p><p align="left">All those things happened to the ripple blanket that my mother made. And I love that blanket and it was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trapezoidal</span> to start with (I thought we had just warped it with too much tough love!) and I would still be glad and proud to toss it on our couch!</p>Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-73026987560026160812008-11-17T20:08:00.003-05:002008-11-17T20:18:39.097-05:00Are you Expecting?So today I went to the bank to change my name on the account. Yes, I've been married for 2.5 years. Yes, I'm a chronic procrastinator, why do you ask? <br /><br />Anyway, I whipped out my crochet while I was waiting, never missing a few minutes to add a few stitches. A banker comes up to me and tells me that she can help me. Great! I put my crochet away and follow her into her office. I'm in the process of taking off my coat when she said, "Are you expecting?" I looked down at my stomach, confused. I don't see how this woman would ask this question, even though I am dressed in a bulky jacket... "No...?"<br /><br />She says, "Oh, when I see people do this," her hands wave in vaguely in front of her, "it usually means..." <br /><br />I replied, "Oh, I was just wondering if I looked fat!" That certainly embarrassed her. "Oh no!" She murmurs slight apologies and I wave them away.<br /><br />I'm not surprised to get the assumption that handiwork = pregnancy, but it took me off guard that it was after the hook went into the bag. I had stopped thinking about what I was working on (my shawl) as soon as she approached. It's funny that people still make that assumption, even though it's so much cheaper to buy baby clothes and less of a hassle. I wouldn't make everyday things for a baby to wear, and certainly not out of lace weight alpaca that cost me $40! But it's a common occurrence in the fiber world, just not one that had happened to me before!<br /><br />Now I'm off to watch <i>The Seven Year Itch</i> with the husband. We love our old movies!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-75944693146622297782008-11-16T23:55:00.003-05:002008-11-16T23:59:43.870-05:00Only Have 5 Minutes Left of the Day to Update!I am SO close to finishing the blanket. I'll finish it tomorrow. <br /><br />Husband and I watched <i>HIs Girl Friday</i> tonight. Wow. That dialogue was insane! I would have loved to have seen the stage show it was taken from. That would be truly amazing.<br /><br />We have to buy a car. I thought we were going to get one from my Meme (grandmother), but that's not happening. The inspection is due at the end of the month and there's no way it'll pass and it's not worth putting any money into (and it would be a lot to make it pass!). I'm not entirely certain where we're going to get the money to do this. We have some, but not enough...<br /><br />I spent the past hour making husband's food for tomorrow at work! Yummy rice with veggies, a salad, and a tuna salad to make into a sandwich. Okay, time to hit post to count for today!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-21173542691706232272008-11-15T23:30:00.002-05:002008-11-15T23:39:58.325-05:0042nd StreetSo the current show that's playing is <i>42nd Street</i>. My mother and Meme (grandmother) came to see the show tonight. They both really enjoyed it. Throughout the show, I worked frantically to try and finish the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lauria/couch-throw">couch throw </a>for my sister. I really wanted it to be done so that I could just have my mom take it and give it to her. But I decided that I didn't like the border I had started, so I ripped it out and then I started a simple sc border with two different color rounds. I ran out of the tan! ARRH! FOUR stitches from the end. UGH. But I made it work and ended up crochet backwards from the other side with another end and knotted the two ends together. heh. Whatever works, right?<br /><br />I did one round of blue, but I want to do a second round before I consider it done. And then I have some ends to weave in. Fortunately, I weaved most of them in as I went, but the last row needs weaving in. I tried crocheting over the ends, but this blanket is too loosely crocheted for that. They stuck out all funny and looked stupid. So weaving them it is!<br /><br />Tomorrow and Monday I have off. Then I go on an early schedule of 9-5 for two days. Weird for me! I just hope I get enough sleep. I've been needing a crazy 11 hours of sleep lately! I wonder if I'm fighting something off.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-6881006580445612062008-11-14T22:58:00.002-05:002008-11-14T23:05:33.335-05:0017 things i made - a videoOkay, I just spent an hour catching up on NaBloPoMo blogs (neglecting my other daily read blogs... I'm so behind!) and I'm too wiped to write out a post. So instead, I'm going to leave you with these two beautiful videos. I felt so touched by them. I'd love to make my own version of "17 things..." You must watch the first and then the second for it to make sense. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o3eZvEIdmq4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o3eZvEIdmq4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVQSZA9zSk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVQSZA9zSk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Isn't it inspiring and touching? I just want to go out and DO something after watching!Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-55897221899933558252008-11-13T23:36:00.005-05:002008-11-13T23:51:59.489-05:00Mycroft the CatSo most every comment was about my cat, so I thought I'd do a short post dedicated to him.<br /><br />Mycroft found us. When living in a different apartment, we had a fire escape that overlooked a roof of another apartment. One day, I heard a mewing. At first I ignored it, figuring it was coming from someone else's window. But soon I went to the fire escape and a cat was mewing across the rooftops. I called for it, and it came prancing over and immediately rubbed my hand. I couldn't believe that this little guy was so friendly. We couldn't figure out where we came from, though we tried. And after a visit to the vet's for a peeing all over the place problem (UTI) and a stern warning that the cat weighed 17 pounds and was likely to develop diabetes and have chronic UTIs unless he shed some pounds, we took him home and named him Mycroft.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3028369481/" title="IMAG0395 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3028369481_0130cf76f2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />Mycroft is Sherlock Holmes's older brother. He's incredibly smart, but also incredibly fat and lazy. He'd rather sit in an armchair, sipping brandy, then hit the street to figure out a crime. Well, this cat that already knew "no" and not to jump on the table and mostly liked to lay around the house, not tear around, seemed to fit the name.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3029206490/" title="DSC00525 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/3029206490_f0c198eb1c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />He'd shed a few pounds since we've had him. I can actually see his hip bones, but he's still a very large cat. In order for him to have enough room on my lap, I have to sit criss crossed in the chair. My legs certainly grow numb with his giant furriness on me, but I just LOVE to hear him purr. He has a purr like a motor boat! It is INCREDIBLY loud, and <a href="http://www.normhacking.com/l_orangecats.html">the song</a> that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/07266031957030063157">Heather</a> linked me to fits him perfectly! I'd love to have a listen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/2689390443/" title="IMAG0144 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2689390443_7f872764c4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="IMAG0144" /></a><br /><br />Mycroft is a very gentle cat and is almost always up for a snuggle. Since moving into our new place, he is more active and since he's been getting wet food, he's even more vocal when it gets near dinner time. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3029207188/" title="DSC00533 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/3029207188_cde0880724_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="DSC00533" /></a><br /><br />Right now he's meowing at his toys, wanting them to move. He doesn't do so well at playing by himself. And he's not socialized with other cats. He's afraid of them and every other creature!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3028370835/" title="DSC00530 by lauriakincaid, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3028370835_6ac7ebc142_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="DSC00530" /></a><br /><br />He hates having his paws touched, but I just love them!<br /><br />(I'll catch up on blogs tomorrow, I promise! It's been a very busy couple of days!!)Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-26574409130327852252008-11-12T22:45:00.003-05:002008-11-12T23:03:12.132-05:0012 of 12 NovemberThe 12th of every month, one of my friends posts 12 pictures of her day to share with everyone. I thought it would be fun to do, so here are 12 pictures out of the 89 I took today!<br /><br /><strong>10:24a</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 10:24a by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026744398/"><img height="400" alt="12 of 12 - 10:24a" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3026744398_c304283d32.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After snoozing a few times and and snuggling with the husband for a few mintues, I roll out of bed. I know I have to hurry, like usual, but I stop to look in the mirror for this photo. I'm glad I don't generally look in the mirror when I first get up!<br /><br /><strong>10:48a</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 10:48a by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025911689/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 10:48a" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3025911689_106601d047.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I have to be at work in 12 minutes. I'm stopping to take a picture WHY?<br /><br /><strong>11:02a</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 11:02a by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025912063/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 11:02a" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/3025912063_f539bcbd2d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Rolling into work late, but I slow to take a picture of our sign!<br /><br /><strong>11:05a</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 11:05a by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025912145/"><img height="400" alt="12 of 12 - 11:05a" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/3025912145_340b7b36b4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Only three minutes late by punch card time, which is a couple minutes slow for real time...<br /><br /><strong>12:26p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 12:26p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025912249/"><img height="400" alt="12 of 12 - 12:26p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3025912249_8542dfd379_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'm on hold... AGAIN. I called the safe company three times today (and was on hold for 25+ minutes) to figure out if I could and how to change the safe combo...<br /><br /><strong>1:27p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 1:27p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026745596/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 1:27p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3026745596_b63fe60f73_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />One of the actor's bright pink shoes brightens my day. I answer many questions about this and that for them. That's my bag making a public appearance!<br /><br /><strong>1:34p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 1:34p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025912983/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 1:34p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/3025912983_507979ca41_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />At my work station, trying to get these complimentary (comp) ticket requests squared away while my email inbox continually gives me more to do.<br /><br /><strong>4:28p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 4:28p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3025913387/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 4:28p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3025913387_1dd3f74f67_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Donations for <a href="http://www.bcefa.org/">Broadway Care / Equity Fights AIDS</a>. I have to sort and band eight buckets worth of cash every time I work this show.<br /><br /><strong>6:31p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 6:31p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026746598/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 6:31p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3026746598_bfc82f9dee_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Had to step outside to see if there was coffee in the other building. The moon was so lovely.<br /><br /><strong>7:25p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 7:25p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026746940/"><img alt="12 of 12 - 7:25p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3026746940_14819cc11d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Whenever I go to the library, I have to stop by the craft books. I picked up three books on needle felting.<br /><br /><strong>7:59p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 7:59p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026747036/"><img height="400" alt="12 of 12 - 7:59p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3026747036_783589fa07.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A quick stop at CVS to get a perscription and some Dove deodorant. UNSCENTED as I have multiple chemical sensitivity and resperatory system can't handle fragrance etc.<br /><br /><strong>9:33p</strong><br /><br /><a title="12 of 12 - 9:33p by lauriakincaid, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3026747154/"><img height="400" alt="12 of 12 - 9:33p" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3026747154_22f166e423_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Watching last night's <em>House</em> and crocheting while Mycroft keeps my lap warm.Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036722408637720813.post-33008340698640303802008-11-11T23:21:00.003-05:002008-11-11T23:23:48.894-05:00Hearts<a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21374998@N05/3024231392/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3024231392_49b853a3e3_m.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p>This is the dessert I made tonight upon returning from knit night at <a href="http://yarnsinthefarms.com/">Yarns in the Farms</a>. I chopped up some red delicious apples and bosc pears (they were what I had on hand!), tossed in some vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and ginger and put it on the stove until everything was soft.<br /><br />I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to get the right shapes. On the right is just a sprinkling of cinnamon and on the left is the fresh baked apple walnut bread that Jill's daughter made. (Jill is one of the owners of Yarns in the Farms.)<br /><br />A homemade candle topped it off. I turned down the lights and surprised the husband with a little treat.<br /><br />This is the second knit night I've gone to at YitF. The first one was on a Wednesday night, which is run by Carolyn. Both groups of ladies were chatty and inviting and I had a very pleasant time. I again worked on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lauria/evas-shawl">Lauria's Lovely Lacy Shawl</a>. And again, I received many compliments on my work. No snobbery there!<br /><br />I also asked the ladies what they thought I should do with my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lauria/couch-throw">Couch Throw.</a> I'm going to frog back the wonky short rows and do a border. My original intention was to do a border, and I want to do that.<br /><br />I'll work on that at home and take my shawl out and about. It hasn't grown much since the last time I photographed it. Partially because I realized I had done a couple rows with the wrong hook size and I was concerned about ripping it out. The alpaca is very sticky. But it was suprisingly easy and I've moved a few rows beyond that point now. It takes about an hour and a half to do each row (the eyelit row is quicker!) and I know it's only going to get longer with five increases each row...</p>Lauriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03684726286975874023noreply@blogger.com3