tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64581872483910218372024-03-16T11:52:25.823-07:00Russet Lodge Custom KnitsA depository for my knitting patterns and activities, along with occasional spurts of other fiber arts.Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-18921322916307383432024-01-02T08:15:00.000-08:002024-01-02T08:15:33.609-08:00New Year, New FOs!Hi! I hope y'all survived the holidays like I did. I've been crafting up a storm, so I have lots to share. <div><br /></div><div>1. I made a pint-sized Kaanteinen for my nephew out of some knit picks merino from my stash, along with a coordinating pair of mittens, improvised from the Margot Mittens pattern I've used before.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXiIgXrwWh_MoLs3QOBcZLQZU9Slui-yv0BMZemuojswOolVjQR6tvdJa6y9Bx4YTICrAzBqUvise-R_V0AsSpEGr8NFLW-C-fCn3jHFcJ923B4TsxBD_nA-RYL_yoigQEmbPIDCuM5co2ICsStEu75NZr3VzW3knd44BY57vhMRFA5-bbFd9zfLZqpc/s4160/IMG20231219143722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXiIgXrwWh_MoLs3QOBcZLQZU9Slui-yv0BMZemuojswOolVjQR6tvdJa6y9Bx4YTICrAzBqUvise-R_V0AsSpEGr8NFLW-C-fCn3jHFcJ923B4TsxBD_nA-RYL_yoigQEmbPIDCuM5co2ICsStEu75NZr3VzW3knd44BY57vhMRFA5-bbFd9zfLZqpc/w300-h400/IMG20231219143722.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. My daughter got a Dean Street Hat and matching mittens using the No Swatch No Gauge mittens pattern. The yarn is some variety of mystery wool that was given to me by a friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzj8UoNznpLtIzIcpuezEQRFXZXKVSVnqeFDwy-0Oi-ns8IBShXgGszZFCHKor8N_lkjfDYBSTz7wfSalmzNFiFqDm2NMYss0joFMySPY8Hs6cXwSYY-JDBDZpjUhWqaleWkrVxaAUYnVgqWjq3jZORCnD7u6dN2z-ouPqh7GUbltV_IzlCKUUbtJXi0/s3373/IMG_20231231_094113_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3373" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzj8UoNznpLtIzIcpuezEQRFXZXKVSVnqeFDwy-0Oi-ns8IBShXgGszZFCHKor8N_lkjfDYBSTz7wfSalmzNFiFqDm2NMYss0joFMySPY8Hs6cXwSYY-JDBDZpjUhWqaleWkrVxaAUYnVgqWjq3jZORCnD7u6dN2z-ouPqh7GUbltV_IzlCKUUbtJXi0/w370-h400/IMG_20231231_094113_010.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. My mom got the Swirl Socks I'd been working on, she's definitely sock-worthy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BaVTRSZViUFDAQF5jtHBxOaQ4RU7pLnJ6b5aEkXUVTzDg6S2aBWXigNtjO1YcACnZGyhQ7bTiOHzH8WOePxAeUf7j5RaWoa-yW2zNXA6hcr4H14ymG85WdbenCwPIE8o002cJw7Q0dbPD1-PWrq6cPDTmkdssNZHiFSdzTdymdPEkIjLA3TnspgFWpM/s3493/IMG_20240101_165434_385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3493" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BaVTRSZViUFDAQF5jtHBxOaQ4RU7pLnJ6b5aEkXUVTzDg6S2aBWXigNtjO1YcACnZGyhQ7bTiOHzH8WOePxAeUf7j5RaWoa-yW2zNXA6hcr4H14ymG85WdbenCwPIE8o002cJw7Q0dbPD1-PWrq6cPDTmkdssNZHiFSdzTdymdPEkIjLA3TnspgFWpM/w358-h400/IMG_20240101_165434_385.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. I gifted my daughter's dad some sock yarn for a pair of socks that are in progress, so that's a new WIP that I need to get set up in Ravelry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. I finished the green spindle spun yarn which was a gift for my friend M. The color is so hard to capture.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheGCGOJxOzdncBJqehI2nb9IAw0b6q8CqtvIjxJt6PBMJ1Y8W8bu1FeAGEqbxEHeczcefwGtFF-OuhNImS_h63B2HDOC11OjBjV4jOGcSQCEz0ZjWg8CNwaLszvdaa-Vd47ODINam7aJ1lFH-eDM5N3uapHqqNbcVfOESlcTtUqxD2FOVjQplVqRcPaU/s4160/IMG20231216172545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheGCGOJxOzdncBJqehI2nb9IAw0b6q8CqtvIjxJt6PBMJ1Y8W8bu1FeAGEqbxEHeczcefwGtFF-OuhNImS_h63B2HDOC11OjBjV4jOGcSQCEz0ZjWg8CNwaLszvdaa-Vd47ODINam7aJ1lFH-eDM5N3uapHqqNbcVfOESlcTtUqxD2FOVjQplVqRcPaU/w400-h300/IMG20231216172545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. I started a new spindle spun project which also needs to go in Ravelry, it's some Paradise Fibers merino in the colorway Granada. It's going to be three ply sock yarn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKqhjGvsH32a_e4_B3yHQKcJgoMXef8WUzaw4l93-VLOMzOQOmgOAFDzrbW8IdIXr7H_a1_b6AnKSB6AJu46YzNF_4hluJFoDulSjI8vJi35e_dhtlJbwDVtLvi4ev1spf5_Fv7Gy0Pk9_VVGCjtlbUE3A7j0h6qBbkA2y9uBEeyZiAYkXgkT4Mje4iw/s4160/IMG20231230193907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKqhjGvsH32a_e4_B3yHQKcJgoMXef8WUzaw4l93-VLOMzOQOmgOAFDzrbW8IdIXr7H_a1_b6AnKSB6AJu46YzNF_4hluJFoDulSjI8vJi35e_dhtlJbwDVtLvi4ev1spf5_Fv7Gy0Pk9_VVGCjtlbUE3A7j0h6qBbkA2y9uBEeyZiAYkXgkT4Mje4iw/w300-h400/IMG20231230193907.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7 and 8. I received two commissions for kilt hose that will be my main focus for the next few weeks, one a set of cabled Aran hose, the other a set of argyle ones. Wish me luck!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-87263138009949131472023-11-03T14:31:00.004-07:002023-11-03T14:31:25.750-07:00I have a FO, must be time to update<p>Somehow November showed up before I could even process October, but here we are. I've been very faithful to a small number of projects recently. Due to a water/mold situation in my craft room and laundry room (where all my extra craft stuff lived) everything is packed up while we wait for restoration to happen. I do have a few fun things to share though.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I still pick up the Vacillate shawl pretty steadily. It's going well. It's easier than I'd usually choose for a project that large, but I'm beginning to appreciate the less high-concentration projects.</li><li>The Boyfriend socks are done! The photo doesn't really do the colors of the yarn justice. I could have made the feet slightly shorter, but not enough to redo them. I added calf shaping and made the socks as tall as possible. I like long socks and there's something satisfying about using up every bit of the yarn.</li><li>I made a second Jacobite bonnet for my customer in Canada, the first wasn't quite to his specifications, but he decided to keep it and order another to be more like what he wanted. That one's in the mail and I'm waiting to hear from him when he gets it;</li><li>I'm done with the second of three plies of my green wool spinning project on my goat spindle. I'm enjoying it, wish I had more time to spin.</li><li>The class I taught at the symposium in September went really well. I also took a nalbinding class and learned the Oslo stitch. I started a hat for myself that's going okay. I had several restarts for technical issues, but this is a learning project and I'm enjoying it. I'm so grateful to my friend Harmony who was finally able to teach me in a way that made sense.</li><li>The weather has turned cold here and I don't have enough handknit socks to wear them all the time. I started getting rid of pairs that had been darned too many times, or had gotten stained/faded. I suppose if I was more thrifty I could keep repairing and re-dyeing them, but in the meantime a pair of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/swirl-socks#" target="_blank">Swirl Socks</a>, which are mostly stockinette, with garter stitch toes/heels in contrasting yarn, are going very quickly. I plan to keep diligently working on socks for myself until I have a week's worth. I think right now I have four pairs, which is just sad, especially considering how much yarn I have.</li><li>The holidays are fast approaching. I like to give handmade gifts, but I don't like the pressure, so I really don't know if it'll happen, and I'm giving myself permission to not feel guilty about it.</li></ol><div>What are you working on?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHykkhpe4u17DYWpe26CGIGSGw7_DZzHXnDgwgoql3w5q6E6JCBMA-nPAj4hVNcNGuUpGfx5F44_wtw7liXPkANdmukhDbYKc46IrPHF10nJQ9kg0QlG40jEOA4KtO0lJP1UMr78_M9xUZbSycFMftpUbJHe9rbgb3kigFvssnMmzCT5wLbm0oU1Qg6I/s4160/IMG20231031205337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHykkhpe4u17DYWpe26CGIGSGw7_DZzHXnDgwgoql3w5q6E6JCBMA-nPAj4hVNcNGuUpGfx5F44_wtw7liXPkANdmukhDbYKc46IrPHF10nJQ9kg0QlG40jEOA4KtO0lJP1UMr78_M9xUZbSycFMftpUbJHe9rbgb3kigFvssnMmzCT5wLbm0oU1Qg6I/w480-h640/IMG20231031205337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-47228402423331768752023-09-19T09:09:00.003-07:002023-09-19T09:09:14.257-07:00And just like that, summer is over.<p> Well. The days fly by and I haven't been back to update things in quite some time. I haven't done a ton of knitting, but I do have a few updates on my fiber arts.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I picked a new pattern for the brown yarn from Miss BB, I'm going to do the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rocky-coast-cardigan" target="_blank">Rocky Coast</a> cardigan by Hannah Fettig. It's knit slightly looser and in a wider variety of sizes. I may modify the pattern to put a couple buttons in the front, but otherwise I think it'll be a good pick, and I'm going to make sure my gauge is spot-on and I choose the right size if I get back to this project.</li><li>I'm still working steadily on the Vacillate shawl, and I'm more than halfway done. I'd love to be able to wear it this winter.</li><li>The Boyfriend socks are one of my other main projects these days, I have moved up the legs and have started the calf increases. I plan to just keep going until I'm low on yarn and then do the cuffs. I can't wait to wear these.</li><li>The Jacobite bonnet is done. I mailed it without taking pictures, but the post office returned it, which I'm taking as a sign from the universe that I should take pics before I remail.</li><li>I also did a good amount of spinning on my medieval spindle the other day at my latest SCA historical reenactment event. It's a pleasure to spin on.</li><li>I'll be teaching at the Northern Valley Textile Guild fiber symposium on 9/30, a class on beginner drop spindle spinning. Should be lots of fun!</li><li>I've made a few little mug rugs on this mini loom I got ages ago. They've been fun and go pretty quickly. I'll share a pic of the first :)</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpw2bU62SdnudTH8_dR8Zxz7fnZY4lu2RVrhCGH2JlfoX6tjoK3JFeFiCKeU2Htai_nrwhvpI0vUt5apxvrfgda2tCOPCyHpIGR1FYq9rsR2B5mnm9YFuj1GdvbmyJrw30020-poW1o4rm8VcHWLY_hpUOP_8J17F-9xHQRicy6NuQQvT6_AhKL9Mq1c/s3120/IMG_20230830_172737_611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpw2bU62SdnudTH8_dR8Zxz7fnZY4lu2RVrhCGH2JlfoX6tjoK3JFeFiCKeU2Htai_nrwhvpI0vUt5apxvrfgda2tCOPCyHpIGR1FYq9rsR2B5mnm9YFuj1GdvbmyJrw30020-poW1o4rm8VcHWLY_hpUOP_8J17F-9xHQRicy6NuQQvT6_AhKL9Mq1c/w640-h640/IMG_20230830_172737_611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-68066014983659617842023-07-20T10:33:00.006-07:002023-07-20T10:34:11.800-07:00Time for an Update<p> I've had a lot of life lately, and for a while I lost steam on my craft projects, but it's back and I've actually got a lot going on, so let's get to it.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>With much sadness, I ripped out the entire Miss BB cardigan. I have taken new measurements and picked a new pattern for that yarn, but it's going to be a bit before I start it. I'm really trying to clear out WIPs and take care of obligations.</li><li>The green spinning on the goat spindle is progressing nicely. Having a distaff to hold my fiber and having less time to use my wheel means I'm getting quite a bit of this done. I'm almost done with the second of three plies. </li><li>The baby alpaca (Harley) fleece project is still progressing slowly. It's hard to get wheel time and processing by hand takes time too, but it's so silky soft.</li><li>The whipcord braid is done (for now). There's always a demand for cord for SCA awards, so I imagine I'll make more as it gets used up.</li><li>The Bayou Giles wavy socks were frogged, because they didn't fit and I wasn't feeling them. I'll use the yarn for something else at someday.</li><li>The Vacillate shawl is going well, it's been my main knitting project. It must be over halfway done. I'll use a recent pic of it as the photo for this post.</li><li>The Boyfriend socks are going well too. I'm doing them two at a time and right now I'm turning the heel on the second sock, then I'll just have to knit the legs. The color is pretty and pooling nicely. I need to try them on once I get the heels done and make sure they fit right.</li><li>I had been working on a pair of Adrift mitts for my sister with some leftover handspun, but the colors weren't looking great, so those were ripped.</li><li>Finally, for the first time in ages I took a commission to knit a Jacobite bonnet for a Scottish-American reenactor. It's going well, they're easy-peasy.</li></ol><div>Happy summer, all!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvnl257FQiWmTmxmXfniF-XKfwrqWHUMsujOvZ6-O87WUpRmogfST9UOiUguDIDCv3_g95fqof3Ob0LteFD5OGL4mj9czQB7AOtKfVmMkNrr3BNTgqOLHeRjy_metzZZhERHWdAJsHiWurwGvY1Rd885lk3b9Pa0n_sD9ME0Zr23OpscH_h5zEza7nFo/s4160/IMG20230709204320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvnl257FQiWmTmxmXfniF-XKfwrqWHUMsujOvZ6-O87WUpRmogfST9UOiUguDIDCv3_g95fqof3Ob0LteFD5OGL4mj9czQB7AOtKfVmMkNrr3BNTgqOLHeRjy_metzZZhERHWdAJsHiWurwGvY1Rd885lk3b9Pa0n_sD9ME0Zr23OpscH_h5zEza7nFo/w480-h640/IMG20230709204320.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-34113916307805466952023-03-20T11:11:00.005-07:002023-03-20T11:11:56.592-07:00Equinox Arts<p> It's been a long time since I've sat down to write here. I've felt swamped at work, I've felt swamped at home. I've felt obligated to work on things that didn't bring me joy. I made little progress and got sick of saying so. But I'm shaking the dust off today with a few updates. Hopefully it'll help my momentum continue. Here's how my art has been going lately.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>UGH - I finished all the knitting on the Miss BB cardigan, and was heartbroken to realize that the sleeves are too small. The project has been in time out for a while before I decide if I rip out and reknit the sleeves, which would be faster but I'm already knitting the largest size (hello body dysmorphia), rip out and reknit the whole thing (because at one time I really liked this pattern) or rip out and find another use for the yarn, either a more size-inclusive pattern or something I customize myself. I've had little experience with sweaters and I've never made one I actually loved, so for now it's in serious time out.</li><li>UGH - The blue/gray/white spinning project on the turkish spindle is in time out because the cop is getting too heavy for the fineness of yarn and I didn't split up the fiber right anyway and I'm generally just pissed at it. It may just go in the garbage. It was originally sock yarn for the ex anyway.</li><li>FO - The Rye Light socks are done and delivered. Woo.</li><li>WIP - I started a new spinning project on the goat spindle. It's that green corriedale I dyed a million years ago. I'll be doing a traditional three-ply this time, I wasn't in love with the chain ply.</li><li>WIP - I have taken a little time to spin my baby alpaca project on my spinning wheel. The cats want to help, which is challenging, but I feel like my hand-combing skills have gotten better, so the spinning is more pleasant. I really want a new set of viking combs though.</li><li>FO - I finally delivered the Eleanora de Toledo stockings to their recipient the other day. I hope I get a picture from her soon.</li><li>WIP - I'm working on some purple and gold whipcord braid for SCA award medallions. I need to make better bobbins for that, they're the worst part.</li><li>WIP - The Bayou Giles wavy socks are still my go-to for work desk knitting. The first sock is almost done.</li><li>WIP - <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/vacillate" target="_blank">I cast on the Vacillate shawl for myself a while ago</a>, using some deep stash yarn, one in a tonal silver gray and the other a blue/green/gray with sparkle. The stitch pattern is pretty easy to pick up and it's really looking pretty. I've mostly been working on this one during gaming nights/brunches, which works well and keeps me from getting too bored of the size of the thing.</li><li>WIP - I've made executive decisions on a lot of my WIPs. Those to frog include: Windswept, the ancient socks for the ex, the ten stitch baby blanket, the Aidez sweater, the Able cable sweater, and the Kelley's Ski sweater. I will reevaluate the phone addict mittens, kilt hose, and Outlander shawl, but they may be frogged too. I haven't missed them or thought about them in nearly a year, I don't need that on my mind.</li><li>WIP - And finally, I was having a really hard evening yesterday, and I'm running low on handknit socks with many of the pairs I have starting to look decidedly ratty, so <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/boyfriend-socks" target="_blank">I cast on the Boyfriend Socks from a long-ago issue of Knitty</a>. The yarn is a skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Blueberry Hill. I'm doing them two at a time, and I got most of the toes done last night. The yarn is pretty, hopefully the tonal color won't be too busy for the cable pattern.</li></ol><div>I don't have any FO/WIP photos for today, so here's a selfie from the medieval reenactment event I went to the other day, you may recognize the dress as one I made and shared a few progress pics of last summer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjIRkX2z4BNf07y9LRmwhQE4iTNf4MLXETIIMqhq4gyLX4IdSBDsM1dJQKR17lFQzhwvMqHas2KwLuYgGwahAHineWPh07Z3dJntWCPLcDfnpH_-2Iwccww5i1ukMrqQjAL4V3WkaCoE9oSn2yHkSPjGGFFvC1ubTQ-637Fdq2CzZCyAqtesz2eb0/s4096/IMG_20230318_140145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjIRkX2z4BNf07y9LRmwhQE4iTNf4MLXETIIMqhq4gyLX4IdSBDsM1dJQKR17lFQzhwvMqHas2KwLuYgGwahAHineWPh07Z3dJntWCPLcDfnpH_-2Iwccww5i1ukMrqQjAL4V3WkaCoE9oSn2yHkSPjGGFFvC1ubTQ-637Fdq2CzZCyAqtesz2eb0/w480-h640/IMG_20230318_140145.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-4438710893803309202022-12-20T07:46:00.001-08:002022-12-20T07:46:03.935-08:00Where the River Meets the Sea<p> Life has been full and busy lately. I earned a promotion at work but that means I've been absolutely swamped with that stuff. Life at home has been challenging too, and I've been doing a lot of work on myself. All that is to say it's been hard to make myself sit down and write with all that going on. I have done a bit of knitting though, so here's a brief overview.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I'm working on the shoulder shaping for the sleeves (which I'm doing two at-a-time) on the Miss BB cardigan, which means I'm closing in on the end! I'm going to have a lot of that handspun yarn left over when I finish the sweater, so I'll have to decide what to do with that. Maybe sell it or make it into gifts.</li><li>I've been working on my blue/gray/white spinning project on the Turkish spindle. I don't know what that wants to become, but I'm enjoying it.</li><li>I did decide to go ahead and toss the already spun portion of the red and gray spinning project. I just wasn't feeling it. It wasn't bringing me joy.</li><li>The Taylor shawl is finished and blocked and it's lovely, but not photographed yet. I have some of that yarn left over too, I think I'll save it for colorwork mittens for me.</li><li>I'm done with the first Rye Light sock (picture below) and the second is about halfway done, I'm working on the heel flap.</li><li>The Giles Wavy socks are going well, I'm about 2/3 done with the first one. I really need more hand-knit socks, so that'll definitely be on the docket for 2023.</li><li>And lastly, I've been working on photographing and logging my stash on Ravelry and listing anything as sale/trade that I'm not absolutely in love with. I haven't gotten rid of much, but it's a nice way to pay it forward, get a bit of extra cash, and get more aware of what I have so I know what to do with it when things are cleared out enough to start more new things.</li></ol><div>How's your crafting going?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuduhE7K0coga9Xscq5cgeHi3OgrCh4dahTFfoyYJQYojX0ZchMKq8xwpw3xi28xOKJ9IAs9ChmDKUGd6X_NQGKPKfnmj8a36Jd8-mUJGLKGUvlb2OeB2b7LpENAFeld3_fG8tIwd8Gm3rMlrLToN4dcOZhAfuypkjM3O78sqHphBKLcmBmLKUnj5/s4032/1122222013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuduhE7K0coga9Xscq5cgeHi3OgrCh4dahTFfoyYJQYojX0ZchMKq8xwpw3xi28xOKJ9IAs9ChmDKUGd6X_NQGKPKfnmj8a36Jd8-mUJGLKGUvlb2OeB2b7LpENAFeld3_fG8tIwd8Gm3rMlrLToN4dcOZhAfuypkjM3O78sqHphBKLcmBmLKUnj5/w480-h640/1122222013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-23522905241977877332022-11-17T15:08:00.008-08:002022-11-17T15:08:38.278-08:00Things are happeningHi! Time for more updates on my art. <div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I've done a bit of spinning on my wheel and practicing my wool combing techniques. It's slow going but I love it.</li><li> I just wasn't in love with the green chain-ply spindle project, so I've tossed what's already spun (maybe an ounce? maybe less?) and I'll find something else to do with that spindle and that wool.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/quynn" target="_blank">Quynn hat for my nephew </a>is done! This was quick and easy and it's so cute on him.</li><li>The Taylor shawl is nearly done. I'll have left over handspun so I might make some matching mitts.</li><li>I've worked on the Rye Light socks, I'm about 2/3 done with the first one. Making socks for big feet takes ages.</li><li>I dug out the Turkish spindle and distaff with the blue/gray/white wool on it. I'm amazed at how finely past me spun the first few ounces. Keeping it at that level is tough.</li><li>I cast on more socks for me, the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/giles-wavy-socks" target="_blank">Giles Wavy socks</a>. This is my new desk knitting at work.</li></ol><div>That's all for now! Hat picture because <3</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UYcOapGG7Fgk56S8C-Ud3rEdceXfsSXMv_i2kk9pAsMN842mA7rAREON5gNE15uQp4mdY2SKjnT6JuKM-mNp9HW7_t7_wmJ4Yn3xE5paUJlOPB3sXPKq3o8An7yZa4WsgCH3shvdfhs394_NK6jRn2JdekVDb1yrA8h-a2gAkn15ZiLL4xWLV59O/s1560/received_1279216816271276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UYcOapGG7Fgk56S8C-Ud3rEdceXfsSXMv_i2kk9pAsMN842mA7rAREON5gNE15uQp4mdY2SKjnT6JuKM-mNp9HW7_t7_wmJ4Yn3xE5paUJlOPB3sXPKq3o8An7yZa4WsgCH3shvdfhs394_NK6jRn2JdekVDb1yrA8h-a2gAkn15ZiLL4xWLV59O/w300-h400/received_1279216816271276.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-39369178805913412592022-10-28T10:26:00.005-07:002022-10-30T15:27:59.996-07:00Proof of life<p> Goodness, somehow 2.5 months have flown by since I updated this blog. I've been really busy with work and SCA activities and just kept thinking I'd come back to this when I had more bandwidth. Oops. I haven't come very far on my quest to wrap up some WIPs, but here's an update.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Hue Shift Afghan remains in time out. After looking at the pattern more closely I realized I'd done not one, but two sections backwards. I should have left the backwards sections intact and ripped out the correct one. Sigh. I haven't had the heart to do any more ripping, so it's still marinating and thinking about what it's done.</li><li>The Lizard Ridge socks are done. They're shorter than I tend to make socks because I wasn't sure how I'd work calf shaping into the short row pattern. The fit is good and I have lots of yarn left, so I'm planning to make a pair of socks for my daughter with what's left. Picture is below.</li><li>The Miss BB sweater is going slowly. I received a promotion at work so I've been avoiding knitting between work tasks unless I actually have spare time. I'd really like to get it finalized so I can wear it, so we'll see.</li><li>The spinning wheel hasn't gotten much attention, though I have had one or two spinning sessions. I reached 1000 followers on Instagram somehow, so I took the opportunity of going live to spin and chat at my phone, which felt very weird. I only had a few people come in, but I'll probably do it again sometime.</li><li>I've worked on the green chain-ply spindle project once or twice too. No idea what will happen with that yarn.</li><li>The Eleanora socks are all done! I need to block them and get a photo, but I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. I'm planning to enter them in our SCA kingdom arts competition next spring if I can get some other pieces done to go with.</li><li>I have started a couple of things because I just couldn't bear to deal with either digging out my other WIPS or figuring out where to go next with them. I'm almost done with <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/quynn" target="_blank">a Quynn hat </a>for my nephew out of some stash yarn.</li><li>I also started <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/taylor#" target="_blank">a Taylor shawl</a> out of some purple handspun I made. I'm enjoying the pattern. I had originally thought I'd keep this, but I think I'll give it to my Hanukkah gift swap partner, who will definitely appreciate it. If I have leftover yarn I'll add some coordinating mitts. That's been my office knitting so it hasn't been going as quickly as I like, but I have time still.</li><li>I started a pair of Rye Light socks for a friend that didn't make it into ravelry somehow. </li></ol><div>What are you working on for the holidays? What WIPs have you finished?</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloBvL5CWN0uzTSFySRqaPCXraJ1r7te720xmVp57GmOVDMTEHqcCLWYYNlan8lT7MzbJU4WPL5BomxJGPXRh5qxdlJGQOCSTy7kh1M_uuwKvJGPM5NhcsuoGjlqD-hxa_zP1BdRuSxaCQiQMdwJY6lOwP26lYPcUwXEFLB3lFqy00XQhOdzLhwbuA/s3780/IMG_20220914_211322_063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloBvL5CWN0uzTSFySRqaPCXraJ1r7te720xmVp57GmOVDMTEHqcCLWYYNlan8lT7MzbJU4WPL5BomxJGPXRh5qxdlJGQOCSTy7kh1M_uuwKvJGPM5NhcsuoGjlqD-hxa_zP1BdRuSxaCQiQMdwJY6lOwP26lYPcUwXEFLB3lFqy00XQhOdzLhwbuA/w512-h640/IMG_20220914_211322_063.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-29556778637981449752022-08-10T15:07:00.008-07:002022-08-10T15:07:46.483-07:00At least we have a FO!<p> Well, we're into August and I've been hard at work on SCA garb and trying to keep my head above water with life and work. Here are a few project updates from the last couple of weeks.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I have been working on the Hue Shift Afghan again after my ball of yarn arrived to finish off the last square of the third section. I also started unraveling the incorrect first section, so I'll probably do that one before I start on section four. This project feels like a black hole right now.</li><li>I'm on to the second of the Lizard Ridge socks after finishing the afterthought heel on the first. I'm now almost to the point where I'll put in the contrast yarn for the heel on the second sock. This pattern goes quickly for some reason. Those short rows are fun.</li><li>The New Year's Socks are done! They still need ends woven in because my knitting tool kit is currently hiding, and it has all my darning needles in it. It's too hot for socks right now anyway.</li><li>I've worked some more on the sleeves for the Miss BB sweater. I've only had to drop back and redo two mis-crossed cables so far, which is pretty good for my inattentive brain.</li><li>I've made a little time to spin on my spinning wheel. That baby alpaca I'm working through is so wonderfully soft. It makes me feel better about the enormous quantity I have to spin.</li><li>I've continued working on the green chain-ply on the fly project on my sheep spindle.</li><li>I did some whipcording for an SCA project, and the video I took went viral (at least for me) on tiktok, it now has over 31k views. I have been making a few fiber art-related videos there because I've had requests from folks interested in seeing more. It's been a fun diversion.</li></ol><div>What are you working on these days?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O8ojhPw3hVEG6KqOhCEUaRyfehha9Q07gchm44UDuOOfW9Kik3f7Zh9xY7ma8p8daWJpW2s7K4F_1o-apW3JcHOGwTqZQbSd3JLnWWizTzTZyOIWf2EYeL-yl6g_thOYH01JgJWTjnLsoOAXM62G_EBxWj7lmB1IaWLjJsQ_qswRxQVuF9XrIVAC/s4032/0810220938~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2O8ojhPw3hVEG6KqOhCEUaRyfehha9Q07gchm44UDuOOfW9Kik3f7Zh9xY7ma8p8daWJpW2s7K4F_1o-apW3JcHOGwTqZQbSd3JLnWWizTzTZyOIWf2EYeL-yl6g_thOYH01JgJWTjnLsoOAXM62G_EBxWj7lmB1IaWLjJsQ_qswRxQVuF9XrIVAC/w480-h640/0810220938~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-43066990150860832412022-07-29T07:46:00.003-07:002022-07-29T07:46:14.316-07:00How is it almost August?<p> Well, the summer is flying by. I haven't had as much time to craft lately. Real life stuff is getting in the way of my hobbies, but I do have a few progress updates.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Hue Shift Afghan is stalled again. I started working on that last bit of section three, but ran out of one of the yarn colors with only a square and a half to go. This necessitated a dig through the project bag where I've been tossing all the ball bands since I started the project lo these many years ago. There seemed to be two labels for the two different shades of yellow, but I had no idea which one was the darker one I have enough of and which the lighter one I used up. Looking on the website made it hard to tell which was lighter too, but I think I figured it out, and of course had to buy some clearance sock yarn while I was at it. Let's not talk about how much is already in my stash.</li><li>I started the afterthought heel on the Lizard Ridge socks. I have a high instep so I always worry there won't be enough room for my foot in there, but I guess if I have to rip it out, I can do that.</li><li>I am down (up) to the cuff on the second New Year's sock and have about six rounds to go. I expect to finish that one this weekend. It'll be great to cross a project off my list!</li></ol><div>For now, here's a photo of an SCA garb project in progress for my investiture next month. Eek.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMjZhbE7twQOe1LzewcYwzjlsP990W7unlmJB0cxHWqWvpcriktlWs1rjt3jm4h4ph9_y10UKCkLXhEB3Vw8QS8J2ckEjnpvqUdmYzr_tKfd6g-tlLhXfb_QeqeQF9RPuMMYgNAJVXp8GvVVPEKtHMWMyDt4OIrZUg8-s1ZBi1BY1oJftR1k10CRa/s1529/IMG_20220723_110121_437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1529" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMjZhbE7twQOe1LzewcYwzjlsP990W7unlmJB0cxHWqWvpcriktlWs1rjt3jm4h4ph9_y10UKCkLXhEB3Vw8QS8J2ckEjnpvqUdmYzr_tKfd6g-tlLhXfb_QeqeQF9RPuMMYgNAJVXp8GvVVPEKtHMWMyDt4OIrZUg8-s1ZBi1BY1oJftR1k10CRa/w400-h400/IMG_20220723_110121_437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-62493358157280044752022-07-14T09:37:00.005-07:002022-07-14T09:37:30.958-07:00July Updates (OMG how is it mid July already?!)<p> Hi all! I'm having a small amount of panic about the fact that it's the middle of July already. I have a big SCA event in late August involving making a bunch of new garb, and I haven't gotten nearly enough done on that yet. But that's for another day and another blog. Here's my knitting updates for the past two weeks.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Work on the Miss BB sweater is going on, slowly but surely. The sleeves about five inches each on them and I've started the shaping. So far so good.</li><li>The Hue Shift afghan has had a minor tragedy. Here's what I wrote about it on Facebook: "A sad story: many years ago I started knitting myself a rainbow blanket. It is worked in four sections. I made the first section, then took several years off. I made the second section, then the third, and started the fourth. The other day I decided to look at the pattern. I had started making the fourth section backwards. Okay, I'm less than 25% done with that one, I can rip it out. I get the other sections out to look at. The third section was not actually finished, that was oops #2. Section two looked good. Then I looked at section one, and apparently it was ALSO backwards. So a project I thought was now nearly finished is now less than HALF finished because that whole first section from ages ago needs to be ripped out and redone. At least I like the pattern, right? *sigh*" I am working on finishing up the third section. Then I will probably do the fourth section before I go back and rip/redo section 1. Ouch.</li><li>I'm almost done with the first Lizard Ridge sock, finishing up the cuff then I'll go in and do the afterthought heel.</li><li>Progress on the New Year's socks continues.</li></ol><div>That's all I've had time for this past week with everything else going on. Here's a picture I took at Craters of the Moon a few weeks ago when I was passing through. Happy knitting!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQMXydyqMfKIEQpT6z0mCWRNpiawHZ6z574pY3Del-1ufMhfEi9MRh3ovhKUt1UMTSk50GBM-FukZ0zrv4R5di8Ai4SsgFJ88ff8UoAh8ZBKCfZi3nXAYtacDyYdEoa4SMKe1jK_l_DaMdvaNP7z8xQ6qprVI3qQIWkzitO23vQE2u9LN0kItetm/s4032/0609221424d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXQMXydyqMfKIEQpT6z0mCWRNpiawHZ6z574pY3Del-1ufMhfEi9MRh3ovhKUt1UMTSk50GBM-FukZ0zrv4R5di8Ai4SsgFJ88ff8UoAh8ZBKCfZi3nXAYtacDyYdEoa4SMKe1jK_l_DaMdvaNP7z8xQ6qprVI3qQIWkzitO23vQE2u9LN0kItetm/w640-h480/0609221424d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-67422527527977383872022-06-30T09:26:00.008-07:002022-06-30T09:26:43.276-07:00Wrapping up June<p> Well, friends, another two weeks have passed and much more crafting has happened. Let's see what's been in the works.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Miss BB sweater is going well. I finished the right front and started the sleeves, which I'm doing two at a time. This has been a lot of fun. Such a luxury to use my own handspun. I think I'm going to make it a rule that when I finish with a handspun project I should knit with it immediately. The thought of handspun languishing in my stash (and there's quite a bit) is just tragic.</li><li>The Hue Shift afghan has only gotten a little love, having been displaced by other projects. I did work on it in the past two weeks though.</li><li>The Lizard Ridge socks got some work done too. I'm past the heel marker on the first sock (these will have afterthought heels.</li><li>The New Year's socks are coming along slowly but surely, the leg of the second sock is almost four inches long.</li><li>And finally, I started another new/old spinning project (oops). I had loaned my sheep spindle to a friend and given her a braid of corriedale roving I dyed in various greens because she was interested in spinning a while back. She returned both recently, saying she didn't have time to try it out, so I did the logical thing and started spinning on it myself. I forgot how beautifully that spindle works. I'm doing chain ply on the fly with this project for practice and instant gratification. </li></ol><div>Nothing more to report at the moment. I've been sewing on a new chemise for my SCA wardrobe, but I'm still trying to fit in other crafts too. Here's a picture of the finished sweater parts and a photobombing cat.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrneBwX8eaTTy5cXCB5UHiDDJD39rXAkgDPHW5BEXwglS3daLtGlAFgHpwfBKrSwvJj7VV-YQUiN9-7-Sng2tCFgd4fdzWnaS2Hn3pstygAyR1xQjhJkQKv8E5tOnM_jJfUT3NqWs4SkaESHfCTHuTVfty5_C-eXLeAELwFp0z9Vp_5tcTvA3QIr-L/s3478/IMG_20220624_094027_338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3478" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrneBwX8eaTTy5cXCB5UHiDDJD39rXAkgDPHW5BEXwglS3daLtGlAFgHpwfBKrSwvJj7VV-YQUiN9-7-Sng2tCFgd4fdzWnaS2Hn3pstygAyR1xQjhJkQKv8E5tOnM_jJfUT3NqWs4SkaESHfCTHuTVfty5_C-eXLeAELwFp0z9Vp_5tcTvA3QIr-L/w556-h640/IMG_20220624_094027_338.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-76040993206704915972022-06-16T11:18:00.001-07:002022-06-16T11:18:05.793-07:00I fell off the wagon! Progress updates 6/16/22Well, it's been two weeks and I have more updates on my knitting resolution, some good, some... questionable as far as my ability to reach my goals. <div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> Miss BB sweater has had a little attention, I'm almost done with the second front, then it'll be just sleeves (hopefully I can do these two at a time) and finishing. Maybe I can get this one done in time for autumn. </li><li>Hue shift afghan has gotten a bit of work too. I briefly lost one of the balls of yarn but my daughter found it under the couch. By my math I've finished 81 of the 100 squares, then it'll just need to be sewn up and the edging done. </li><li>The Eleanora de Toledo stockings got some air time at the SCA event I attended last weekend. I got the new yarn attached and I think I have about an inch of foot left, then it'll just be making the toes and finishing. Hooray!
</li><li>I got a new flicker brush for my Alpaca spinning project to hopefully make processing easier.</li><li>And finally, I slipped and started a new pair of socks. My mom gave me a skein of lovely self-striping yarn for Mother's Day and I was having a stressful day and needed something to work on right away, so I started the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/lizard-ridge-socks">Lizard Ridge Socks</a> out of my new yarn. I'm about 2/3 of the way up the foot of the first sock and having fun.</li></ol><div>That's all for now, hopefully more projects to come if my sewing plans don't get in the way too much. Here's a selfie of me at the SCA event in my Norse garb, featuring handwoven inkle trim made by moi from leftover sock yarn. :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk4t_d6tb79rIhoine_FA7FnD5x-D_-4-giHMj_k912FKpMSsKdTuNsw1CQ1Qguu5e1R10HI9kxrnnH6J-fQILa8QY-ZppX_izjh3xTWPgXSqgibzP6EIEKedS3unCr-8DS7kTIxJTeUwGCNIWEZZRmAZZz6wt6jQB4LT8_TqBLy-SRzZlJA3kUy_/s500/c2e4bc6a-a1b9-4bfe-92cc-86101c730218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk4t_d6tb79rIhoine_FA7FnD5x-D_-4-giHMj_k912FKpMSsKdTuNsw1CQ1Qguu5e1R10HI9kxrnnH6J-fQILa8QY-ZppX_izjh3xTWPgXSqgibzP6EIEKedS3unCr-8DS7kTIxJTeUwGCNIWEZZRmAZZz6wt6jQB4LT8_TqBLy-SRzZlJA3kUy_/w400-h400/c2e4bc6a-a1b9-4bfe-92cc-86101c730218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-89316092233052921612022-06-02T13:24:00.002-07:002022-06-02T13:24:54.591-07:00Progress Updates 6/2/22<p> Time for some updates on my WIPs! Here's what's actually been going on since my last entry.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Temperance Socks - something went weird with these while I was working on them and I decided I wasn't feeling the combo of yarn/color/pattern, so they've been ripped out and can be crossed off the list.</li><li>Miss BB sweater - Finished another skein of yarn and a few inches away from finishing the right front. Then it'll just be sleeves and finishing work.</li><li>Hue Shift afghan - Did a few more squares of this, it's a delight.</li><li>New Year's Socks - Turned the heel on the second sock and have about an inch on the leg, so progress is happening.</li><li>Red and gray on the sheep spindle - I'd loaned the spindle from this project to a friend who was learning and she just returned. I am tempted to toss the existing yarn from years ago and start over with what's left, but I'll need to reevaluate.</li></ol><div>I desperately want to be doing more spinning and possibly weaving these days, but I've got a lot of irons in the fire craft-wise, so I'm trying to stay focused.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN8w08VvOHtdUcU5G_3XSYb2l6Z08_YcP6v32lZvA1GQJREKlh9DRtA2_tBWxe15_cVyDi4EyodKRuKSX5ARNxSTMwOLCnblHmuha_AnvQyJRABq9XX9fsdxinDAfY5xlvjNejVLqil9tvOPkSnWV56iv1VWHxt5Hh7RFhfQ2TqDI_stze5RQAn6z/s4032/0601220958~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN8w08VvOHtdUcU5G_3XSYb2l6Z08_YcP6v32lZvA1GQJREKlh9DRtA2_tBWxe15_cVyDi4EyodKRuKSX5ARNxSTMwOLCnblHmuha_AnvQyJRABq9XX9fsdxinDAfY5xlvjNejVLqil9tvOPkSnWV56iv1VWHxt5Hh7RFhfQ2TqDI_stze5RQAn6z/w640-h480/0601220958~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maisie the Idaho Shag is helpful as always.</div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-48928151979555455212022-05-19T10:07:00.004-07:002022-05-19T10:08:59.275-07:00Alive and WIP-ing!<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_N4pz1p_bPRccprqGnJfKd63pOCiNE0d5xvXnP_uVxJg10svxbE0dleKb2aAvCov-R1_S2LwpD0DJ-z_dUJNo5Qa9A-TGFbgLhvltD2LyCIs8ucyovqYJBfulmdQ_x87wNmKBZp_oiRFjRH3eF4N4az0sU7QMSfu8LYuWcsi6jeSNM-mbVDWB5gJ/s3397/IMG_20220208_224249_557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3397" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_N4pz1p_bPRccprqGnJfKd63pOCiNE0d5xvXnP_uVxJg10svxbE0dleKb2aAvCov-R1_S2LwpD0DJ-z_dUJNo5Qa9A-TGFbgLhvltD2LyCIs8ucyovqYJBfulmdQ_x87wNmKBZp_oiRFjRH3eF4N4az0sU7QMSfu8LYuWcsi6jeSNM-mbVDWB5gJ/s320/IMG_20220208_224249_557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the New Year's Socks in progress, my office/desk WIP</td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>I've been thinking about coming back to this blog for a long time, and I've decided it's finally time to do so. Maybe it's because I'm not at all interested in working right now thanks to anxiety, sleep deprivation, allergies, and stress. I'll try to make this quick.</p><p>I've set myself a task for 2022 and I want to document it a bit more formally. After not being able to find a pair of size 6 needles (my most commonly-used size, I have a zillion pairs), I realized I have too many UFOs in my life and I need to finish them, so other than paid commissions, I decided that I will not start any new projects in 2022. I'm sure I won't stick to that, but the mindset of clearing out my Area 51 (you know, where the UFOs live) is freeing. I've also given myself permission to frog any projects that are no longer inspiring me, or are the wrong size or somehow otherwise no longer satisfying. I'm going to start by listing my projects in progress. This is everything that's in my Ravelry projects. I'll add more as I find them (becaus I know there are more) and start trying to give more regular updates on how it's going.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/windswept" target="_blank">Windswept sweater</a>, started 11/1/13 - will probably need to frog and reknit in a more current size.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/temperance" target="_blank">Temperance socks</a>, started 4/7/22 (I told you I wasn't good at sticking to my own rules) - these will be easy once I get to them.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/temperance" target="_blank">Miss BB sweater</a>, started 4/2/21 - I've been actively working on this one. It's made out of some handspun merino I bought from the shearer, had processed at a mill, and gradually spun into a lovely woolen yarn.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/thrummed-mittens-with-gusset-thumb" target="_blank">My phone addict mittens</a>, started 12/6/18. These are open palm thrummed mittens that I also added an opening in the thumb too, These will be lovely once I get them done, and I'll probably do a matching hat or scarf with the rest of the yarn.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/hue-shift-afghan" target="_blank">Hue Shift afghan</a>, started 6/9/15 - I've been regularly working on this one too, it's about 75% finished and has been fun all the way along.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/toe-up-kilt-hose-calculator-3" target="_blank">Kilt hose</a> for my now ex, started in 2013 - I need to talk to him about if he'd be interested in me finishing these. Otherwise I'll frog them and use the yarn for something else.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/nutkin" target="_blank">Ancient socks</a> for the ex, started 5/13/11 - Same as above.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/ten-stitch-blanket" target="_blank">Ten stitch baby blanket</a> started 12/23/10 - I started this for a friend who had a baby on the way, and that kid is now almost a teenager. Not sure about this one.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/aidez" target="_blank">Aidez sweater</a>, started 3/18/2017 - This yarn was a gift from my sister in law when I completed my master's degree. I'm not sure about the pattern or sizing. I guess we'll see.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/able-cable">Able Cable sweater</a> for the ex, started 10/15/15 - I handspun the yarn for this too. The pattern was awful. I think I'll frog this one and make something for myself.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/top-down-kilt-hose-calculator">Eleanora de Toledo stockings</a> for a friend started 6/5/20 - These ones need to be moved into active work as soon as I get bandwidth. They're a huge project that is going to be epic.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/kelleys-ski-sweater" target="_blank">Kelley's Ski Sweater</a> for me, started 2/22/15 - Needs to be frogged because it's now the wrong size, but I'll probably start over. This is a neat pattern.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/outlander-mkal">Outlander Shawl</a> started 8/13/14 - not sure if I'll rip this one or keep going. I like the pattern but may change yarns.</li><li><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Shekure/new-years-socks">New Year's socks</a> started 12/31/21 - I'm actively working on these, they'll probably be done soon.</li><li>Blue/Purple Nube on the Turkish spindle</li><li>Blue/Gray/White on the other Turkish spindle</li><li>Alpaca project on the spinning wheel</li><li>Medieval spinning on the hand spindle</li><li>Red and gray on the sheep spindle</li><li>Card weaving project on the easy weaver</li></ol><p></p>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-47380400990686731922013-10-23T07:04:00.001-07:002013-10-23T07:04:20.835-07:00I've created a monster!It seems people like free things, and they like knitting socks, because my toe-up hose have now been downloaded 1766 times. I am now on the main ravelry pattern page in the number 1 spot of "Designs that Ravelers are looking at today." I never expected this pattern to do any better than my others did. None of my other free or purchase patterns have been made more than a few dozen times. I've also sold about five of my for-pay patterns since offering the temporary freebie, so I guess that's a bit of spillover interest. Time will tell if this giveaway helps my pattern sales in the long run (i.e. if it gets enough buzz while it's free to make people want it after it's not).<br />
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For now, here's another gratuitous screen shot with yours truly in that coveted spot...<br />
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<br />Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-8382180556083533712013-10-22T07:39:00.004-07:002013-10-22T07:55:14.718-07:00Wahoo, here's a first for me as a designer!I made the "hot right now" list of patterns in Ravelry's pattern database, and as of 8:30 this morning my kilt hose pattern has been downloaded a massive 499 times! I guess people like free stuff, and it looks like it's been shared in lots of different groups around Ravelry. Thanks to everyone for getting the word out. This has also seemed to generate a lot of interest in my other patterns too. For a free copy, <a href="http://russetlodgeknits.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-pattern-toe-up-kilt-hose-calculator.html">visit yesterday's blog post</a> and click the "buy now" button. Discount applies automatically at checkout through 10/31.<br />
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Here's a screen shot, since this will probably never happen again...
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Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-27507064118208445712013-10-21T10:45:00.001-07:002013-11-05T11:30:18.622-08:00New Pattern - Toe-Up Kilt Hose Calculator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJvijK9ljk9c2Bnt27cisbMkGsgAXEW4stQ1h6F8F9P3H3Fbi6TAJkClTpfiWXxBAvhG2E08Yrv8zwwVy9ID1LoBX0AjTUedh5chRfBGQloObzOpTLfz3mGHb9tfdkrZ9EY80JubSMq0/s1600/1384659_10101124848890716_776122801_o_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJvijK9ljk9c2Bnt27cisbMkGsgAXEW4stQ1h6F8F9P3H3Fbi6TAJkClTpfiWXxBAvhG2E08Yrv8zwwVy9ID1LoBX0AjTUedh5chRfBGQloObzOpTLfz3mGHb9tfdkrZ9EY80JubSMq0/s640/1384659_10101124848890716_776122801_o_medium2.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have another great pattern available now, and best of all it is FREE through 10/31/13! I published my top-down kilt hose calculator pattern a little over a year ago, but I didn't have anything available for those who like to knit toe-up (as I often do). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">This pattern is all you need to make toe-up kilt hose from any yarn for any size body from baby to big-and-tall.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">The pattern includes information on how to measure and fit kilt hose, choosing yarn and needle sizes, and how to plug in any cables, color work, stitch patterns, or intarsia your heart desires.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">This is an intermediate pattern. Basic knowledge of toe-up sock construction and working short row heels and toes is helpful.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Click the button below to get your free download any time until 10/31/13. After that date it is available for $6.50 No Ravelry membership is required.</span></span>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/russet-lodge-designs/179106"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-27605293136048062922013-05-14T15:55:00.001-07:002019-10-21T15:10:25.038-07:00Shekure's Spiral SocksI have been intrigued by the free <a href="http://hipknitism.com/classes/stashbuster_spirals/">stashbuster spirals</a> pattern by Janine Hempy for quite a while, and after looking at comments on the ravelry page I knew I wanted to use the technique I preferred (toe-up, gusset and heel flap, two at a time, magic loop) instead of the designer's choice of toe and heel. As you can probably guess, this was a HUGE hassle. The basic gist of the spirals pattern is that you split the round into thirds and knit a third with the first yarn, a third with a second, a third with the third. If you do gusset increases, this kind of messes up your numbers, though you can't really tell. The other issue is that two at a time means, in my case, SIX balls of yarn going at once. I did it, but it involved a lot of untwisting. I have yet to weave in all the ends on my (frankly, kind of fugly) first pair done this way, but I did eventually wrestle them into submission.<br />
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My second pair, is much simpler and easier for me to knit on autopilot. After a request from a friend I decided to write it up and share it. ;) Because my version is algebra-based it works with whatever size yarn or needles you have.<br />
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I picked garter stitch toes and heels because they're comfortable and easy. You could do regular (stockinette) short row toes and heels if you want, but then you have to pick up your wraps.<br />
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Please note - the spiral pattern is all Janine Hempy's and this is only my take on her original idea. Credit where credit is due and all that. :)<br />
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ETA: Here is a picture of the finished socks!<br />
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<b>Material</b>s:<br />
Your choice of yarn - at least four different colors (use up scraps!) and set of five double pointed needles to give a good firm gauge. <br />
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<b>Notes: </b><br />
Here is <a href="http://sockpr0n.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-weave-in-ends-while-knitting.html">a tutorial on weaving in ends while knitting</a>. Just make sure you don't make it too tight and interfere with the stretchiness of the sock. When I do this technique I work the weaving in on the round following the introduction of the new yarn, and after doing the woven in stitches I stretch the work vigorously to loosen it all up.<br />
If you run out of a color, simply add in a new one! You can weigh each color and divide in half evenly for two perfectly matched socks, or let them be fraternal twins. The choice is yours.<br />
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<b>Setup:</b><br />
First, a bit of basic math. You can do it. I even left spaces so you can print this out and write in your own numbers.<br />
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Measure around the widest part of your foot (circumference). A=__________<br />
Subtract 20% for negative ease to prevent droopy socks B=__________<br />
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Knit a gauge swatch. <br />
Measure stitches per inch. C=__________<br />
Total stitches for each sock BxC=D__________ (round to nearest multiple of four)<br />
Stitches to cast on D/2=E __________<br />
Wrapped stitches per side of toe E/3=F__________ (round to the nearest whole number)<br />
Desired foot length (subtract .25 inch for a snug fit) G=__________<br />
Heel stitches (60% of D) 0.6xD=H__________ (round to nearest whole number)<br />
Stitches to pick up for heel H-E=I__________<br />
Wrapped stitches on each side of heel H/3=J__________(round to the nearest whole number)<br />
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<b>Short row garter stitch toe:</b><br />
Cast on E __________ stitches in yarn 1.<br />
Decrease rows:<br />
Knit across E-1 stitches. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4GxFvi4KD0">Wrap and turn</a>. <br />
Knit across E-2 stitches. Wrap and turn.<br />
Knit to last stitch before wrapped stitch. Wrap and turn.<br />
Continue working until you have F__________ wrapped stitches on each side.<br />
Increase rows:<br />
Knit across to first wrapped stitch. Knit this stitch (no need to pick up wraps in garter stitch). Wrap and turn.<br />
Continue working until all wrapped stitches are worked. You now have a garter stitch toe!<br />
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<b>Foot:</b><br />
Round 1 - Pick up and knit across E stitches along the cast on edge of the toe so that your knitting is now joined in the round. Divide evenly onto four double pointed needles, E/2 stitches on each needle. Mark the beginning of your round.<br />
Round 2 - Work k3, p1 ribbing across needle 1 in yarn 1. Work k3, p1 ribbing across needle 2 in yarn 2. Knit (or purl for princess feet) across needle 3 in yarn 3. Knit (or purl) across needle 4 in yarn 4. You now have worked one round, a different yarn on each needle. <br />
Round 3 - Continuing with yarn 4, work across needle 1. Drop yarn 4 and pick up yarn 1 (which should be at the end of needle 1 in the round below). Pick up yarn 1 and work across needle 2. Drop yarn 1 and pick up yarn 2. Work across needle 3 in yarn 2. Drop yarn 2, pick up yarn 3. Work across needle 4 in yarn 3. Make sense? Except at the beginning of the round, where you continue on with the yarn from needle 4, you are dropping your old yarn and picking up a new one at the end of each of your four needles.<br />
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Continue working in the spiral until foot measures approximately 2 inches less than G__________. Garter stitch toes and heels are quite stretchy, so this will help with exact fit.<br />
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<b>Heel: </b><br />
Rearrange your stitches, adding I/2 stitches from needle 3 to needle 2 and I/2 stitches from needle 4 to needle 1. This will temporarily shift the beginning of your round.<br />
Using yarn 2 (or whichever yarn you like, really) k across H-1 stitches. Wrap and turn.<br />
K across H-2 stitches. Wrap and turn.<br />
Knit to last stitch before wrapped stitch. Wrap and turn.<br />
Continue working until you have J__________ wrapped stitches on each side.<br />
Increase rows:<br />
Knit across to first wrapped stitch. Knit this stitch. Wrap and turn. See how you're basically making a slightly bigger toe?<br />
Continue working until all wrapped stitches are worked.<br />
Shift I/2 stitches from needle 2 back to needle 3 and from needle 1 back to needle 4. Return to working in the round in spiral pattern. You may have to cut/rejoin yarns to keep the spiral pattern the way it ought to be.<br />
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<b>Leg: </b><br />
Work in spiral to desired length. Work 1-2 inches of k1 p1 or k2 p2 ribbing in yarn 3 (or whichever yarn you like). Bind off loosely. I like <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/FEATjssbo.php">Jenny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off</a>.<br />
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Et voila!<br />
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If you need help with math or have questions. please don't hesitate to email or comment. Find me on Ravelry as Shekure (or click the link on the right). I'll get pics up ASAP.<br />
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Happy knitting!
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=shekures-spiral-socks"><img src="https://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=shekures-spiral-socks&t=.gif" style="border: none;"></a>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-4607015430156937442012-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:002012-12-19T13:16:07.157-08:00WIP Wednesday #8Just a quick post today, since I can't share most of my current works in progress because they're holiday gifts and test knits. This is my current purse knitting project, a pair of toe-up socks in a 3x1 rib using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/davids-toe-up-sock-cookbook">David's Toe-Up Sock Cookbook</a>. The yarn is good old Red Heart Heart & Sole. What can I say? It was in my stash and it wears like iron.<br />
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What's on your needles this week?Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-32096177863030251272012-12-12T15:15:00.001-08:002012-12-12T15:15:59.320-08:00Happy Birthday To Me!In honor of my birthday in two weeks I am giving away copies of my knitting patterns! Enter below for a chance to win your choice of any of my designs available at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/diane-jensen">my designer page on ravelry</a>
<a id="rc-eaf8fb0" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/eaf8fb0/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-80338701340507947312012-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:002012-10-19T12:14:26.197-07:00FO FridayI don't have a lot of time to chatter today, but I do have pics of my latest finished socks. I cobbled together pieces of various patterns I liked to come up with this.<br />
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<br />Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-22086243445775832152012-10-11T07:41:00.002-07:002012-10-11T08:39:49.294-07:00A Big Day - Announcing a Universal Kilt Hose Calculator!I have to admit, today I am as pleased as the cat that got the cream. For all the years I've been making custom kilt hose for sale I have had the idea rattling around to make a universal pattern calculator for kilt hose. I am a knitter who loves the freedom of knitting without a pattern to make something unique and well-fitted. There is something thrilling in sitting down with paper and pencil and working it out every step of the way. That said, I know not everyone's mind has the degree of math geekery and OCD that mine does, and I wanted to find a relatively simple way to help people who don't daydream about becoming an engineer to create something fully customized. I've avoided this project for a long time because, well, pattern design is complicated. It requires a lot of time and thought, even when you're not doing algebra that includes nineteen different variables (yes, really).<br />
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I would first like to say a huge thank you to the kind folks over at the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/free-pattern-testers">Free Pattern Testers Group</a> on Ravelry. What a great resource for people who like to help test and edit patterns, and for people like me who are just looking for some assistance in proofreading and making sure the math is correct.<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/camelliabramble/DSCF1767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/camelliabramble/DSCF1767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pattern is all you need to make top-down kilt hose from any yarn for any size body. Really. I have used it to make hose for someone with 12 inch feet and 19 inch calves (yes, really, see the photo above) as well as my hubby's much more reasonably-sized leg. Really, it's the pattern I've used to make every pair of kilt hose I've ever made, it just never existed outside of my head. <br />
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The pattern includes information on how to measure and fit kilt hose, choosing yarn and needle sizes, and how to plug in any cables, color work, stitch patterns, or intarsia your heart desires.<br />
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This is an advanced beginner pattern. Basic knowledge of top-down sock construction is important.<br />
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Click the button below to purchase a copy of the pattern for $6.50. No Ravelry membership is required.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/russet-lodge-designs/121075"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/badges/redirect?p=top-down-kilt-hose-calculator"><img src="http://api.ravelry.com/badges/projects?p=top-down-kilt-hose-calculator&t=.gif" style="border: none;" /></a>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-73496491065420923992012-10-03T21:24:00.000-07:002012-10-03T21:24:48.268-07:00WiP Wednesday #7Boy have I got a mess o' projects to share with everyone!<br />
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First is a simple scarf I'm weaving in the pinwheel houndstooth pattern, also known as the friendship star. This is 100% Peruvian Highland wool and will be heading to a dear friend in a cold place.<br />
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Remember that SPAKAL (spin and knit-along) I'm doing? I've spun 9 out of 24 ounces of the wool for my sweater. It's still possible I could do this in 2012, though I'll have to work hard.<br />
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I have just a few repeats of the last section on my Color Affection shawl before starting the solid border. I should have yarn left over for hat/mitts too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEF8wkTQgtdqyNiE9ix_mNjb54CtQaNLNnwpiOHsHnOYm7jM-jkBaB5ieB6JfMuNCsHQH0VnM0NXc5KGPMfb9Q1DZJvdALb-L4iE8bLiMpjtBQn8kjs__D6anF_aEhJ9OtaV_-RSsW8w/s1600/DSCF3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEF8wkTQgtdqyNiE9ix_mNjb54CtQaNLNnwpiOHsHnOYm7jM-jkBaB5ieB6JfMuNCsHQH0VnM0NXc5KGPMfb9Q1DZJvdALb-L4iE8bLiMpjtBQn8kjs__D6anF_aEhJ9OtaV_-RSsW8w/s640/DSCF3054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And heavens preserve us, I've started an English paper piecing project. I'm not sure how I'll put these together yet, right now I'm happily making hexagons, then I can lay them out and see what speaks to me.<br />
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Come check out all the great projects at Idaho Etsy Team and please make sure to say hi and check out what everyone else is up to!<br />
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<a href="http://idahoetsyteam.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Idaho Etsy Team" src=" http://sunflowermuse.com/files/2012/03/idaho-etsy-team-button.png " /></a>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458187248391021837.post-26211429912778224152012-08-29T20:14:00.000-07:002012-08-29T20:14:42.867-07:00WiP Wednesday #6I have been working up a storm and haven't posted any works in progress for two weeks, so I pulled out the camera and took a mess of pictures for y'all today!<br />
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Last weekend I got out the dye pot and dyed 8 ounces of white merino spinning fiber so I can make the <a href="http://beckyinvt.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/long-time-coming/">Nymphaea shawl by Becky Herrick</a> (click the indie patterns link at the top of the page to purchase/download). She was kind enough to give me a copy of this pattern, which she just published, after I told her I thought it would be lovely in handspun. I considered the gift a challenge, and when I realized nothing in my stash would work, I got down to business.<br />
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I dyed the fiber using Wiltons' Icing Dyes. I don't like acid dyes because they're so toxic, and you can get some amazing color variations from simple food coloring. To me this still counts as a WIP because I still have all the spinning and knitting to do. Yay!</div>
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I have been doing a lot of drawing and doodling lately. There's been a lot of stress at my job lately, and working on small, soothing, abstract art is a nice way to de-stress. I thought I'd see how they do in my shop since I usually (gasp) just draw on scrap paper and recycle it when I'm done.</div>
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Remember<a href="http://russetlodgeknits.blogspot.com/2012/04/wip-wednesday-with-idaho-etsy-team.html"> that post a long time ago</a> about my goal to spin and knit a sweater in 2012? Combing raw wool is hard work, and spinning plain white wool is BORING. I have spun 2 of the 24 total ounces I need, and I have only combed 13 ounces so far. I will finish this someday, but maybe not in 2012. Meh.
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My current knitting obsession is the <a href="http://www.rainknitwear.com/index.php/patterns/shawls-hats/color-affection">Color Affection shawl by Veera Valimaki</a>. This has been a huge fad in the knitting world, and now that I've started I can see why. Why are stripes in garter stitch so addictive?
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This shawl uses three different colors, and when I started I had planned to use this yarn:</div>
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In the skein it looked like a more bright pea green, but as I wound it up I found it to be much more brown, and I'm really not wowed. I wanted something with more pop to go with the subdued gray and deep purple. I have been auditioning other potential third yarns. First up is this one, a sparkly and slightly variegated lilac purple.</div>
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I'm not sold on it, but it's definitely more lively than the green. Here's my third option. This one's really starting to grow on me...</div>
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Since the purple I chose is definitely a red purple I think this red would be a good candidate, and it might bring out my color a little bit more than three relatively neutral shades right around my face. I am ready to add the third color as soon as I can decide which one to use. What would your choice be? </div>
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Come check out what other folks are working on at the Idaho Etsy Team page:</div>
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<a href="http://idahoetsyteam.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Idaho Etsy Team" src=" http://sunflowermuse.com/files/2012/03/idaho-etsy-team-button.png " /></a>Diane Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15747934765004704310noreply@blogger.com2