tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330180852024-03-07T18:26:36.308-08:00CatKnitzCAThy's bitz about KNITZcatknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-26812211116061565002011-12-09T17:18:00.000-08:002011-12-09T17:18:25.550-08:00Better than Costco<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055STYHC/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0055STYHC%22%3EName%20Your%20Link%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cathyknit-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0055STYHC%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Vitabath</a>, price is better than Costco and with Amazon Prime, no warehouse, no lines, free delivery to your door in 2 days. Time and stress saved is free, too!catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-75422666413251529952009-12-22T13:49:00.001-08:002010-02-10T13:52:34.354-08:00He’s Got the Moves<span style="color: #0060ff;"></span> <br />
<span style="color: #0060ff;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45553126@N06/4182104219/" title="Weston and Brennan try out their new Bibs! by CatKnitz, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;"><img alt="Weston and Brennan try out their new Bibs!" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/4182104219_82544963d5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0060ff;"><span style="color: black; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">I made some bibs for our friends Lisa and David’s twins Weston and Brennan. I think you can see that Weston, on the left, might have the size advantage, but Brennan has the moves!</span></span> <br /><span style="color: #0060ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">Inspired by </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O0NCO0?tag=cathyknit-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B002O0NCO0&adid=0RNE8KSHNJ6A7VQD4APA&"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">Mason Dixon Knitting</span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">, and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0942018176?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0942018176" name="evtst|a|0942018176"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">Barbara Walker </span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">, and my own </span><a href="http://catknitz.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash-cloth-and-softie-toy-you-decide/"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">free pattern</span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;">; these boys are well covered for now! Check out my <a href="http://atknitz.wordpress.com/" title="http://catknitz.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #df0000;">blog</span></a> for more bib details.</span></span></span> <br /><span style="color: #0060ff;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;"></span></span> <br /><span style="color: #0060ff;"></span> <br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;"></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: small;"></span>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-5790453635748875162009-12-14T20:06:00.001-08:002009-12-14T20:10:34.360-08:00Find Me Now on WordPress<p>Now over on <a href="http://catknitz.wordpress.com/"><font color="#ff0000" size="5">CatKnitz</font></a><font color="#008000" size="5">.</font>  </p> <p>Hope to see you there!</p> catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-41450962250241610642009-09-04T16:53:00.000-07:002009-09-04T18:46:33.552-07:00Koah's Bib's 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VcGOUJhhvC7v4jlU8Mp-GUOGMFyfC8Cu_W7Oma7jHVoi_8afaR8DoAUZ7hOnYioxs-g2RPZZmVsCtPYygH4vcwxi2Y-WqNYbRfyarrr3FJ-2zdWlmg_ZmJ8MAFrKn0JRS1rn/s1600-h/IMG_4832.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VcGOUJhhvC7v4jlU8Mp-GUOGMFyfC8Cu_W7Oma7jHVoi_8afaR8DoAUZ7hOnYioxs-g2RPZZmVsCtPYygH4vcwxi2Y-WqNYbRfyarrr3FJ-2zdWlmg_ZmJ8MAFrKn0JRS1rn/s400/IMG_4832.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-68043811681446400812009-09-04T16:51:00.000-07:002009-09-04T18:47:28.734-07:00Koah's Bibs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar32Np494FF1wVlVh5RON6JrbSvA_TI4l1_oSHV07iTcvMRYnP-kb_5zA4p7WbHHhnE8drUubLeiO0jTEaAcfkCnj13UNcjq2P7wm65VPT8dpGsK1T1haUBjpEqmjzBkeqrA1/s1600-h/IMG_4823.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar32Np494FF1wVlVh5RON6JrbSvA_TI4l1_oSHV07iTcvMRYnP-kb_5zA4p7WbHHhnE8drUubLeiO0jTEaAcfkCnj13UNcjq2P7wm65VPT8dpGsK1T1haUBjpEqmjzBkeqrA1/s400/IMG_4823.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRjN08S-CBgr1R8cez733y2YZMy7XLqrmczBNr4fWLa9ZpOzZu2MTHWZtB8PLi6-VySVTrwFW5gBCYx7DzkvkAc9zoAY1NE7ggEYQCJV24cKWiiwQWke9iyn2HxKrTOaqWaee/s1600-h/IMG_4826.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRjN08S-CBgr1R8cez733y2YZMy7XLqrmczBNr4fWLa9ZpOzZu2MTHWZtB8PLi6-VySVTrwFW5gBCYx7DzkvkAc9zoAY1NE7ggEYQCJV24cKWiiwQWke9iyn2HxKrTOaqWaee/s400/IMG_4826.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrSjVy9Iq8BmZORzYt5mvIDf66f5RVnLVCZc7ApQl-n_MC4OTuYV_Vk-2uVJeZn_2akppMMWx25Rz14NA8qXM9YjBIqMBqk6bTMSA5dRcURHA0erjr7NydDahjq1-KzM0tOpy/s1600-h/IMG_4829.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrSjVy9Iq8BmZORzYt5mvIDf66f5RVnLVCZc7ApQl-n_MC4OTuYV_Vk-2uVJeZn_2akppMMWx25Rz14NA8qXM9YjBIqMBqk6bTMSA5dRcURHA0erjr7NydDahjq1-KzM0tOpy/s400/IMG_4829.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXN8LvpI1sCMbzKayxD4dYalHOsNZYK-QrKiuQ5ZmNFr8knsqJgA7QqlgKmm79GLHcN12u4OBJtb2fGFbZGH6X_mRr7cAiv7Dq_ZhybkFrVmBFfNouTsqyfK7_jaPIF1YcfvF/s1600-h/IMG_4831.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXN8LvpI1sCMbzKayxD4dYalHOsNZYK-QrKiuQ5ZmNFr8knsqJgA7QqlgKmm79GLHcN12u4OBJtb2fGFbZGH6X_mRr7cAiv7Dq_ZhybkFrVmBFfNouTsqyfK7_jaPIF1YcfvF/s400/IMG_4831.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-33649809562334926042009-05-22T15:22:00.001-07:002010-02-10T13:56:52.299-08:00Never Pay a Credit Card Late Fee Again<div class="Section1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">I have been reading </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014311526X?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=014311526X"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Nudge</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> and I had to make my pitch for behavioral economics since I am taking a short break from knitting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here’s my nudge suggestion that I think would reduce and possibly mostly eliminate late credit card payment fees for consumers and provide a win for card issuers, too. (not that they need it!).<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Make the “default” method of payment for credit card bills the “auto-pay” option which many, if not all, credit card companies offer. Among the auto-pay options, make the default, the minimum payment.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most, if not all, credit card companies allow for payment by an “automatic deduction” or “auto-pay” (there are other names for it) from your checking or savings account. This is NOT online banking (where you have to “push the button” to initiate the payment<i><span style="font-style: italic;">). (Online banking is not foolproof. If you forget to initiate the payment, it doesn’t get made. If the credit card company changes the date the payment is due and you don’t catch that piece of information, the payment is late, online banking or no online banking. OK, I’m not a fan of online banking.) <o:p></o:p></span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You fill out a form with your checking or savings account number on it, your signature, etc. giving the credit card company “permission” to deduct the payment from your account each month. This is a pre-determined deduction/payment (usually around the same day each month) from your checking or savings account for payment of the credit card bill. The deduction/payment can take 1 of 3 forms:<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">(<b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">default choice</span></i></b>) You can choose the minimum payment to be deducted from your account each month<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can choose a fixed amount as long as it is above the minimum payment. Otherwise, it will be the minimum payment.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Or you can request that the entire balance each month be deducted from your account.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">At any time during the month, the consumer can send additional payments toward reducing the balance.<o:p> </o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here are the facts:<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most consumers are already paying the credit card bill with a check so a checking or savings account exists in most cases. True, some people may be using a cashier’s check or going to the bank with cash and may not have a checking account, but I would suspect the majority of people mail the check to make the payment.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">By using the “auto-pay” method, checks NEVER arrive late. Consumers never forget to pay the bill. Checks don’t get lost in the mail. Credit card companies always get the payment (unless there are insufficient funds in the account). <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Consumers are protected should they go on vacation, out of town, get sick, etc. and neglect to pay the bill.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Consumers are protected should the credit card company move the PO Box where payments go and now it takes more time for their payment to reach the PO Box and now the payment is late. This doesn’t happen with “auto-pay”.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Consumers are protected if the credit card company changes the date due or shortens the time between billing and payment due.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Consumers are protected from checks being “lost in the mail or delayed because of inclement weather, natural disasters, or holidays”. With the US Postal system currently operating under large financial stress, this may increase.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you are signed up for the “auto-pay” option, the credit card company will never be able to say your payment is late, unlike if you pay by online banking since THE CREDIT CARD COMPANY is in control of deducting the money from your account to pay the bill.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Consumers will never pay a late fee if they use this option and have sufficient funds in their account</span></span></u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The banks/credit card issuers would not earn as much from late fees, but I suspect default rates on credit cards would decline if the agreed upon monthly payments were automatically deducted from the consumer’s account. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">While I don’t have data to support this, (but I am certain somebody does) my guess is lower default rates would:<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">1.<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Offset the loss in revenue from late fees, and <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">2.<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Generate more revenue overall. If people weren’t spending money on late fees, they might put that money toward keeping their credit card bills current.<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe that before the current economic crisis, the default rate on credit cards was 6%; I don’t know what the current rate is now, but I know it has risen along with unemployment rates. If an incentive (lower interest rates or higher credit limits, perhaps?) were given to the consumer to choose the default, “auto-pay” option; both sides win.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As you may suspect, my husband and I have been paying our bills this way for many years. In addition to saving lots of postage (!), we have saved ourselves a lot of worry. We now pay the majority of our bills this way: our utilities, our insurance premiums, credit cards, etc. are all deducted from our checking account every month. Several weeks before the deduction we receive the bill, we look it over and then I write the amount to be deducted in the check register (I’m old fashioned). Some of my friends just wait for it to show up on their bank statement. Nothing gives you more peace of mind when you go out of town than to know that your bills will be paid whether or not you are there to do it.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is my nudge suggestion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"></span>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-26878929641641309332008-12-09T14:29:00.001-08:002008-12-09T14:31:24.525-08:00Beanie Babe<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">This is the first in a series of Beanie
posts.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Noro Kureyon Beanie. Takes one
skein. Knit in the round. </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Get your gauge, then cast on the number of
stitches based on your head circumference (<i>make the number divisible by 8,
more on that later</i>) and how you want the hat to fit. If you want it
tight fitting, subtract an inch. If you like it loose fitting, do not
subtract.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Garter edge for 1 1/2 inches then
stockinette stitch for the desired length (depends on your head size and how you
like to wear your beanie: high on your forehead or low near your
eyebrows. Measure a hat that you like the fit.)</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><i>Note: Garter stitch in the round
is: knit a row, purl a row. Repeat these 2 rows for a garter "ridge"
or 2 garter stitch rows. Be sure to mark the beginning or end of the round
so you know where to change from knit to purl.</i></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotrZ9uiTrTOJThL8-Y-tTs9E4a8c3p2ne8TdOLLVgRsd37TvXW0bW-CM2crbRAo2V3m42gMv66RKENYwdHyMQD8j3LCK2nWlKcDmz64bGQhls_Jw8z7VsTCL8BRke3Ys9r57b/s1600-h/IMG_3915.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotrZ9uiTrTOJThL8-Y-tTs9E4a8c3p2ne8TdOLLVgRsd37TvXW0bW-CM2crbRAo2V3m42gMv66RKENYwdHyMQD8j3LCK2nWlKcDmz64bGQhls_Jw8z7VsTCL8BRke3Ys9r57b/s400/IMG_3915.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="355" /></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">When it is time to begin the crown
decrease, divide the total number of stitches by 8, (you will have 8 sections)
then knit to the last 2 stitches in each section and knit 2 together. (k2 tog)
for the entire round.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Knit the next round, no decreases.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Repeat these 2 rounds until you have 8
stitches remaining. Try the hat on to see if it fits. If so,
cut the yarn, leaving about a 6" tail. </p>
Thread a tapestry needle and thread the yarn through the open 8 loops. Pull
tight to close hole. Weave in all ends, block as appropriate for your
yarn, and enjoy! <a href="http://www.thedietdiary.com/knittingfiend/tools/knittingHat.html">this
website explains it really well.</a><p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-78357946249403225342008-12-08T08:06:00.000-08:002008-12-08T08:07:11.402-08:00Wild Rice<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Click to enlarge, the detail is delicious
looking!</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6oRsqWE18afaMiq8SzKx-SDdKFQNREDtFXre9LqCMMMcInelVr_jiigOHH8y6AQL7ao4HgWoJY3hnw3k5lYt_Zs79wW8Xlg3DxcXcqPoNupK7tmk9OieW-hZ10jkkNJS_qPi/s1600-h/IMG_3926.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6oRsqWE18afaMiq8SzKx-SDdKFQNREDtFXre9LqCMMMcInelVr_jiigOHH8y6AQL7ao4HgWoJY3hnw3k5lYt_Zs79wW8Xlg3DxcXcqPoNupK7tmk9OieW-hZ10jkkNJS_qPi/s400/IMG_3926.JPG" border="0" width="355" height="321"></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><u>WILD
RICE SALAD<o:p>
</o:p>
</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
<u>1 lb wild rice, which is approximately 3 cups wild rice</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">2 bay leaves</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">8 sprigs fresh thyme,
tied in a bundle</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Cook
wild rice as follows:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rinse wild
rice in a <a name="evtst|a|B00004OCLX" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004OCLX?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00004OCLX" id="static_txt_preview">sieve/strainer</a>
under cold water.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Combine 1 ¾ c.
chicken stock with ¼ c. cold water to make 2 cups liquid for each cup of wild
rice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, for the pound of wild
rice, 6 cups of the stock/water mixture is needed. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Add
2 bay leaves, a bundle of fresh thyme (8 sprigs), 1 tsp salt.<o:p>
</o:p>
</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">In
a <a name="evtst|a|B001D77IN6" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D77IN6?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B001D77IN6" id="static_txt_preview">heavy
pot</a>, bring to boil, and then simmer for 25 to 35 minutes until rice is
chewy, but tender; individual grains plumped but still intact (start checking at
25 minutes).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drain any excess
liquid. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal">There will be excess liquid, possibly a few cups.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Not to worry!</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">
</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">
</i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">(This
method of cooking the rice is courtesy of <a name="evtst|a|B000069YW9" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000069YW9?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000069YW9" id="static_txt_preview">Cook's
Illustrated</a> Magazine which has been a favorite subscription for many years).</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><o:p>
</o:p>
</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
For vinaigrette</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Puree
all ingredients except olive oil in <a name="evtst|a|B0000TFCO0" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000TFCO0?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0000TFCO0" id="static_txt_preview0">food
processor</a> or <a name="evtst|a|B000MX05GO" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MX05GO?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000MX05GO" id="static_txt_preview">blender</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>With the <a name="evtst|a|B0000TFCO0" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000TFCO0?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0000TFCO0" id="static_txt_preview">food
processor</a> running, add olive oil in steady stream until olive oil is
incorporated/emulsified.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Make
vinaigrette at least one day ahead for flavors to meld.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
1/2 cup fresh orange juice or I have used OJ concentrate undiluted<br>
6 tablespoons chopped shallot<br>
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">1-2 T sugar</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">4 teaspoons <st1:City w:st="on">
<st1:place w:st="on">
Dijon</st1:place>
</st1:City>
mustard<br>
2 teaspoon minced garlic<br>
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><o:p>
</o:p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">1 cup jasmine or basmati
white rice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Cook
white rice as follows:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rinse rice
according to package directions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sauté
rice for 2-3 minutes in melted butter and salt in sauce pan you are going to
cook it in on low to medium heat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You
are coating the grains of rice with the butter as (similar to risotto) and
lightly toasting the rice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Add water
and cook until rice is done, 10 minutes +/-. Remove from heat and let stand,
covered, 5 minutes.<o:p>
</o:p>
</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><o:p>
</o:p>
</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">2 T unsalted butter,
melted<br>
1 1/2 cups water, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:
normal">boiling!</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">½ t salt</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
3 cups hickory nuts (!) or chopped pecans, toasted<br>
1 1/4 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (you can use more)<br>
1 cup dried apricots, thinly sliced<br>
1 cup dried cranberries or sour cherries (I chop them)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
Assemble salad:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Stir together the rices,
vinaigrette, nuts, parsley, dried fruit, and salt and pepper to taste.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:
normal"><u>Serve at room temperature.<o:p>
</o:p>
</u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Cooks' note:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">• Salad keeps, covered
and chilled, 3 days.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">• If making ahead of
time, you can combine the rice and vinaigrette.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Add the dried fruit, parsley and nuts up to an hour before serving for
best flavor.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><br>
<br>
Serves 12 (I think it serves more than 12)<br>
<br>
<a name="evtst|a|B00005N7QH" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005N7QH?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00005N7QH" id="static_txt_preview">Gourmet</a><br>
Gourmet Entertains, original recipe, see Epicurious: additions and revisions by
CatKnitz<br>
February 2000</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><o:p>
</o:p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><o:p>
</o:p>
</p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-32510712559973642292008-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:002008-12-07T12:19:43.990-08:00A Little Horsing Around<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a name="evtst|a|B000WPCN2G" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPCN2G?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000WPCN2G" id="static_txt_preview">Fine
Cooking</a>, simple ingredients.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlmmnzVHPgyERnt59tYG1uUBBy1bZWYP6EZvuNYWZkNde9J3lQb1fvyepNtUhbMtuwjGF9KDyn2OUiAlPcaYEtlxBywCBt8OwSvPt7PH4WTPAstnty2hZxA0M8dRjmwC27_g7/s1600-h/IMG_4666.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlmmnzVHPgyERnt59tYG1uUBBy1bZWYP6EZvuNYWZkNde9J3lQb1fvyepNtUhbMtuwjGF9KDyn2OUiAlPcaYEtlxBywCBt8OwSvPt7PH4WTPAstnty2hZxA0M8dRjmwC27_g7/s400/IMG_4666.JPG" alt border="0" width="344" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">From a John Ash recipe in a 2000 issue of <a name="evtst|a|B000WPCN2G" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPCN2G?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000WPCN2G" id="static_txt_preview0">Fine
Cooking</a> Magazine. (In my house a lot of cooking magazines have come
and gone, this one remains.)</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Sweet Potatoes with heavy cream and grated
horseradish, plus salt and pepper. Sounds weird, but the taste is
heavenly. The horseradish becomes sort of "nutty" in flavor but
remains reminiscent of its origins, the heavy cream becomes somewhat
cheese-y/sweet tasting and the sweet potatoes/yams bring it all together.
YUM.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Use horseradish like this: <a name="evtst|a|B000NY8OY2" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NY8OY2?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000NY8OY2" id="static_txt_preview">Zakuson
Gourmet Horseradish</a> and a flat baking dish like this: <a name="evtst|a|B0016KZPDK" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016KZPDK?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0016KZPDK" id="static_txt_preview">CorningWare
SimplyLite 2-Quart Oblong Baking Dish</a>. My dish is vintage Corningware
and any flat baking dish will do, but if you need something, Corningware is a
workhorse which will not break the bank.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Other great cookbooks by this author which
I refer to often:</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a name="evtst|a|0811854795" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811854795?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0811854795" id="static_txt_preview">From
the Earth to the Table: John Ash's Wine Country Cuisine</a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a name="evtst|a|0811820718" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811820718?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0811820718" id="static_txt_preview">The
Wine Lover's Cookbook: Great Recipes for the Perfect Glass of Wine</a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-2139250893903070582008-12-07T10:57:00.001-08:002008-12-07T11:33:01.837-08:00Stray Socks<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Let someone else knit the sock.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj-xVTkGji5oyFWiDxyJVkJ8DwwLxohaGvSt9QSebv_7HGPcLZoP00MBt-VM1qO66jwrss1bLj6PYnm9aygCf4HiO01-Y4dMHV_ul-78_aVDBce3wEJ6usM_XoR_xIF9zDN5A/s1600-h/IMG_4671.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirj-xVTkGji5oyFWiDxyJVkJ8DwwLxohaGvSt9QSebv_7HGPcLZoP00MBt-VM1qO66jwrss1bLj6PYnm9aygCf4HiO01-Y4dMHV_ul-78_aVDBce3wEJ6usM_XoR_xIF9zDN5A/s400/IMG_4671.JPG" alt border="0" width="370" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a name="evtst|a|1600611990" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600611990?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1600611990" id="static_txt_preview">Stray
Sock Sewing: Making One of a Kind Creatures from Socks</a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Then make really cute sock toys.
These are only a few. Simple, effective, creative results.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySsCGITl0SF-vHj8cIVq4_8ukky2MbTqT0-bcJsRaq5VsSF49DutUP3F3s6dPFnMZu6HoXYA81cqQO9sRZ3LbR1nKBSFaRTDcCGJt0VhemCKGu1L9baLvQYM4gNQ0QCYGmMbU/s1600-h/IMG_4672.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySsCGITl0SF-vHj8cIVq4_8ukky2MbTqT0-bcJsRaq5VsSF49DutUP3F3s6dPFnMZu6HoXYA81cqQO9sRZ3LbR1nKBSFaRTDcCGJt0VhemCKGu1L9baLvQYM4gNQ0QCYGmMbU/s400/IMG_4672.JPG" alt border="0" width="289" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNXGaJtA4A1tsYxwfmt7UeO0yLNOqWBiZt0Q62_cAZoL_EJCWrZSZrQSYIZ2RlT3vOfUd86XmnKZtMq9XSrOVg_MYSyJXsdLyqLafRZhZ3vLOmseMgTdUTz8FI5JeuXmSBfqt/s1600-h/IMG_4678.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNXGaJtA4A1tsYxwfmt7UeO0yLNOqWBiZt0Q62_cAZoL_EJCWrZSZrQSYIZ2RlT3vOfUd86XmnKZtMq9XSrOVg_MYSyJXsdLyqLafRZhZ3vLOmseMgTdUTz8FI5JeuXmSBfqt/s400/IMG_4678.JPG" alt border="0" width="400" height="291"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqCpfSCD0FG02E0Q9vwWxo0RCDEqUj9sdI1ckmm_tHMHUgFPxGJftNoBmvT-0-NWNcwg3Bnv8e5sNtsyVLDmc6XqFuDipYQj0_56EPxUR-oIWEJ6DpdDI190VRQcoj5UwaJdy/s1600-h/IMG_4679.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqCpfSCD0FG02E0Q9vwWxo0RCDEqUj9sdI1ckmm_tHMHUgFPxGJftNoBmvT-0-NWNcwg3Bnv8e5sNtsyVLDmc6XqFuDipYQj0_56EPxUR-oIWEJ6DpdDI190VRQcoj5UwaJdy/s400/IMG_4679.JPG" alt border="0" width="400" height="212"></a></p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-19538502885263211932008-12-07T08:37:00.000-08:002008-12-07T08:39:07.380-08:00Velvet Rabbit: The White Album<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">My version. A gift for a
friend who made my shoulder better.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioht9dy6_PIdgB7potSMwnF1zP2CyvK7IDwYm4vOWvbKu7C8GDICNjEeAvUunTREdhb1crs4ZEzpl4NC33YxPtLUZcsTRG9-OeXB9GH6ftJfFncEM5DD-t_hW5TS1ktEf4rjsr/s1600-h/IMG_4572.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioht9dy6_PIdgB7potSMwnF1zP2CyvK7IDwYm4vOWvbKu7C8GDICNjEeAvUunTREdhb1crs4ZEzpl4NC33YxPtLUZcsTRG9-OeXB9GH6ftJfFncEM5DD-t_hW5TS1ktEf4rjsr/s400/IMG_4572.JPG" alt border="0" width="395" height="553"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">The view from the back.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p7UDWFAO_bQ21FLi5q7bAVHhIrIvoTHTWfyQ96L9UUupKyJa7H4_fDU0B6PB2WEliPgyFU9pTFvE9raerIUkfpnlEmm90mcxHoqWVHtGMdGM4zEouEpLCYq_ylFYQVpYMFe5/s1600-h/IMG_4581.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p7UDWFAO_bQ21FLi5q7bAVHhIrIvoTHTWfyQ96L9UUupKyJa7H4_fDU0B6PB2WEliPgyFU9pTFvE9raerIUkfpnlEmm90mcxHoqWVHtGMdGM4zEouEpLCYq_ylFYQVpYMFe5/s400/IMG_4581.JPG" alt border="0" width="325" height="400"></a> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Separates</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByrOoC3lb_oOgeAgP-bSHefLPlMHGveFeNqsY7LLgM9zBmidIDdRVu_Pqav_2QKmJa_sCS7apafbWJasQy3n88iWP7I4AT7-QIOjS2JIj1XwnVNNbSq-LpFXRJvtvRXYmTvbq/s1600-h/IMG_4578.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByrOoC3lb_oOgeAgP-bSHefLPlMHGveFeNqsY7LLgM9zBmidIDdRVu_Pqav_2QKmJa_sCS7apafbWJasQy3n88iWP7I4AT7-QIOjS2JIj1XwnVNNbSq-LpFXRJvtvRXYmTvbq/s400/IMG_4578.JPG" alt border="0" width="322" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">This adorable bunny</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4DvbbS5rOO5VuQGorBoUgnBoVPAfu5xY2j3BP5qtrQUNfF2YXH9hBCMvUiFZHfGrk11WVLeASNiXn11NkR7RxN3B0SONue8ZyWwx9VZeaQXP5lk1oUjbDBjZnDt0N_zwlPKx/s1600-h/IMG_4561.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4DvbbS5rOO5VuQGorBoUgnBoVPAfu5xY2j3BP5qtrQUNfF2YXH9hBCMvUiFZHfGrk11WVLeASNiXn11NkR7RxN3B0SONue8ZyWwx9VZeaQXP5lk1oUjbDBjZnDt0N_zwlPKx/s400/IMG_4561.JPG" border="0" width="350" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">(photo from the book)</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">from <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1843400189/002-1341430-7125610?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1843400189">Simple
Knits for Little Cherubs</a> </strong>called the "<b>Velvet Rabbit</b>"<strong><b>, </b>
</strong>by Erika Knight. The bunny pattern was pretty straightforward.
All garter stitch. I knit both front and back pieces at the same time to
ensure that they were the same size. Same strategy as for sweater sleeves.
Also, when you are done, you are done, except for the arms, which are very
quick. The ear shaping works quite well.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">The instructions for sewing up the bunny
don't seem (no pun intended) as if they will work, but follow them and they
do! I'm making another one in Cascade Ecological Wool (a gift for the son
of one of my knitting friends).. This one was made using Cascade 220
Superwash since the recipients were busy parents. </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Note: The pattern calls for Rowan
Fine Chenille, which appears to be somewhere between fingering and DK weight
yarn, using needles that are several sizes smaller than normally used for the
yarn, (pattern calls for a US 1 needle, yarn recommends US 2-5 needles).
So, where I am going with this is: <i><b>Whatever yarn you choose to make
this adorable bunny out of, go down several needle sizes from the recommended
needle for the yarn. </b></i>What this produces is a fabric that is denser
and more "velvet-y" (especially if you are using a chenille yarn or
cotton yarn), it keeps the stuffing from showing through and helps keep the
garter stitch from stretching too much.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Enough said.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">And of course, this <a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash.html">bib</a>
(free pattern)</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucEyEx9LLyed7cKw-Rryn6Dk6qOLgSNrENlErjazyytjKBdFSawsvlaYBNtbKtT6oCq30LYJK_9FjqvMU7nwzm57zabE1tHXoOD-MZmSioc-JCLQP9UmRh15LtctAPp8NAjXe/s1600-h/IMG_4566.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucEyEx9LLyed7cKw-Rryn6Dk6qOLgSNrENlErjazyytjKBdFSawsvlaYBNtbKtT6oCq30LYJK_9FjqvMU7nwzm57zabE1tHXoOD-MZmSioc-JCLQP9UmRh15LtctAPp8NAjXe/s400/IMG_4566.JPG" border="0" width="269" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">before photos on the "board". Blocking
makes a big difference when you are sewing together pieces that are supposed to
be the same size. I bought <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/D70C4816-FBD2-432B-AE35-30ADC3D57EF6/productID/EBF1267E-57C1-4C95-8E58-C335C570CE2C/">this
one</a> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> and it makes all the
difference. It folds in half for easy storage and well, you can read about
on Webs. Enjoy. </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfwygsKKiWmwwI0o25buZaqj7YOMINILVNy3nS3penORCeEWYqcfxkbHFQ1B3YK9z8gfakrJDTZ1uefyEbsCrhyphenhyphent2g5-WIxX0-NAeNf8qqVtjtPAk6WKGO2bpyYUxZkstY55s/s1600-h/IMG_4565.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfwygsKKiWmwwI0o25buZaqj7YOMINILVNy3nS3penORCeEWYqcfxkbHFQ1B3YK9z8gfakrJDTZ1uefyEbsCrhyphenhyphent2g5-WIxX0-NAeNf8qqVtjtPAk6WKGO2bpyYUxZkstY55s/s400/IMG_4565.JPG" border="0" width="312" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-18006118420133459022008-12-05T10:09:00.001-08:002008-12-05T10:12:09.939-08:00Bib Caterpillar<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Put them together and you get:</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7ivDWY0mApLurjdKdFlczRFORLDai5RKum3-QVCEtR7bJBxzl7TbleAQXXPo4GnfsQLCzIocKAsThZJNXMhRp5u-aAOR7HDJjsT8yRBq5aXeMV-orCPV5cJik-RSOu_NMzsJ/s1600-h/IMG_4655.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7ivDWY0mApLurjdKdFlczRFORLDai5RKum3-QVCEtR7bJBxzl7TbleAQXXPo4GnfsQLCzIocKAsThZJNXMhRp5u-aAOR7HDJjsT8yRBq5aXeMV-orCPV5cJik-RSOu_NMzsJ/s400/IMG_4655.JPG" border="0" width="148" height="177"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK9Ki1KfMzjhDZ735T0QN75dFKv2TZREULR1O-fIzQx1UWPCcmeaIqXmXtReSsVBiGPBs3FzVsGaGjgz-gDA4Q2bKMybdazSU6E_VHZ2jLbEcIuQMzBX3WJNgilmsP9Mnuqts/s1600-h/IMG_4651.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK9Ki1KfMzjhDZ735T0QN75dFKv2TZREULR1O-fIzQx1UWPCcmeaIqXmXtReSsVBiGPBs3FzVsGaGjgz-gDA4Q2bKMybdazSU6E_VHZ2jLbEcIuQMzBX3WJNgilmsP9Mnuqts/s400/IMG_4651.JPG" border="0" width="140" height="180"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-F9U8BJrI6MTQspiTDRdLMMZ1Cktumu2Ksh0A3kj7QJsFWgzhF-83E-U7t6t3YDKAkx9RSq_inKBY6tx60qYCXZUsuiHFXU633-WOqOLn1nfU0ns0wVW3I3nveIxzIk911bx/s1600-h/IMG_4653.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-F9U8BJrI6MTQspiTDRdLMMZ1Cktumu2Ksh0A3kj7QJsFWgzhF-83E-U7t6t3YDKAkx9RSq_inKBY6tx60qYCXZUsuiHFXU633-WOqOLn1nfU0ns0wVW3I3nveIxzIk911bx/s400/IMG_4653.JPG" border="0" width="161" height="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz9oWZJ-ojGU0eG-Wnbe-nowZ35qtTrRH9yG5aK-SO44zVd5AmBVFiqNrUXhHh7Pf7ZvOZhavtEW7B2S41nrBQlVwr4m_-XnIxBrSgKVfUMsP8d5ygWMbwZ3GC3TulBp3JECA/s1600-h/IMG_4635.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz9oWZJ-ojGU0eG-Wnbe-nowZ35qtTrRH9yG5aK-SO44zVd5AmBVFiqNrUXhHh7Pf7ZvOZhavtEW7B2S41nrBQlVwr4m_-XnIxBrSgKVfUMsP8d5ygWMbwZ3GC3TulBp3JECA/s400/IMG_4635.JPG" border="0" width="173" height="178"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAY6BAToZzEOoxiPxrmflLz5irm5J5ypvAyg2DUNSmh5ezF0tyZlSkFGRmbaCoaA-QEET-5ppyQmZpdg3QPKMxxzbwjLICeqPELi4GDKwbRmzo_dnG99SUt_dJ1BsGblEOFbR/s1600-h/IMG_4654.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAY6BAToZzEOoxiPxrmflLz5irm5J5ypvAyg2DUNSmh5ezF0tyZlSkFGRmbaCoaA-QEET-5ppyQmZpdg3QPKMxxzbwjLICeqPELi4GDKwbRmzo_dnG99SUt_dJ1BsGblEOFbR/s400/IMG_4654.JPG" border="0" width="175" height="177"></a></a></a></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J8DmtsaBqhryK260Rz0z1wjuPDvWKMJL-6Hg9pP47r8AzeHNBQE6ctNQFBdo4qud93R3fLILdVtMkg9BJ2-3BsMR_k7ORAooFVEbHJ77XYM1clWurb1MMeLgBa4nKOF99TXU/s1600-h/IMG_4646.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J8DmtsaBqhryK260Rz0z1wjuPDvWKMJL-6Hg9pP47r8AzeHNBQE6ctNQFBdo4qud93R3fLILdVtMkg9BJ2-3BsMR_k7ORAooFVEbHJ77XYM1clWurb1MMeLgBa4nKOF99TXU/s400/IMG_4646.JPG" border="0" width="158" height="179"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">A caterpillar of bibs.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBlvrjcpmuuKOBaJ4eznSk0QF33UT0qToFNPm1-1ib66mvAThvDGsZ0dvzMxgtdOUL4xUC2S1BzrR6baMa3M4OU30j88T_4nYMFTaCZoIR0r4WRkNHPZCNUslp_qsiQOOT0KU/s1600-h/IMG_4640.JPG"><img alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBlvrjcpmuuKOBaJ4eznSk0QF33UT0qToFNPm1-1ib66mvAThvDGsZ0dvzMxgtdOUL4xUC2S1BzrR6baMa3M4OU30j88T_4nYMFTaCZoIR0r4WRkNHPZCNUslp_qsiQOOT0KU/s400/IMG_4640.JPG" border="0" width="366" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Made for my friends David and Lisa's new
twin boys from various yarns and patterns using my <a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash.html">Button
Knot Bib</a> Pattern as a template. Some Fibonacci striping (bottom row on
the left) going on and a Barbara Walker "String of Purls"
pattern (middle row on the left) from <a name="evtst|a|0942018176" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0942018176?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0942018176" id="static_txt_preview">A
Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns</a>. You will recognize the first two
patterns from <a name="evtst|a|0307236056" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307236056?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0307236056" id="static_txt_preview">Mason-Dixon
Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions,
Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures</a>.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-47815480515588106812008-02-25T18:18:00.001-08:002008-02-25T18:24:22.576-08:00Frozen Shoulder, Spring Thaw<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">Along with the lengthening and warming
days comes the thawing of my shoulder. Recently I noticed I couldn't move
my right arm, (my knitting arm!!) with the same range of motion as my other
arm. I also was experiencing aching pain. I won't go on and on but
after a visit to my internist and a referral to a physical therapist the
diagnosis was: <span style="font-family:Matteroffact;">Frozen Shoulder!!!!</span>
It turns out it is VERY COMMON in women of "<i>my age"</i>!</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">My first question to the physical
therapist was, " Do I have to give up knitting?" Fortunately,
no. But no "hunching" my shoulders so I have to hold my knitting
way down in my lap.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">All I can say to my fellow knitters
is: beware! Read about <a href="http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/frozenshoulder/a/frozenshoulder.htm">frozen
shoulder</a> here and this book, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157224447X/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=157224447X">The
Frozen Shoulder Workbook</a></strong> and DVD, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W9D3OE/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000W9D3OE">Frozen
Shoulder</a></strong> are useful, too.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">The therapy is slow but I am told the
success rate is high and I haven't stopped knitting!</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7NVcDE5vCgKYwHknbWaf6x6u2StCt6qTsMjUGm5bkS6-qQlFqD-exqTr_PAb-MhAXyi9Pcc7yRwHSL9OP0uFIie1VqGgMK5Qadko0T_EdbFgCaElP7E-LnsA62JyOzprHaoy/s1600-h/IMG_3856.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7NVcDE5vCgKYwHknbWaf6x6u2StCt6qTsMjUGm5bkS6-qQlFqD-exqTr_PAb-MhAXyi9Pcc7yRwHSL9OP0uFIie1VqGgMK5Qadko0T_EdbFgCaElP7E-LnsA62JyOzprHaoy/s400/IMG_3856.JPG" border="0" width="326" height="220" /></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">;-D</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-83913614961145215522008-02-23T16:55:00.001-08:002008-02-23T16:55:34.453-08:00Macaw Socks<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">First sock! I love the yarn.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-pLOjnIkAD8w1XOuoPfsIqIrwtLLMo1FU14L8QwrtwTKpsZMBEP6prH4d2PIXh00yI5oXe5vOb4iH8D10YEeXrm0J4xDd2vCp9VX4lEjqKe2av4R7s1RqJbMJe1lOZvF722F/s1600-h/IMG_3963.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-pLOjnIkAD8w1XOuoPfsIqIrwtLLMo1FU14L8QwrtwTKpsZMBEP6prH4d2PIXh00yI5oXe5vOb4iH8D10YEeXrm0J4xDd2vCp9VX4lEjqKe2av4R7s1RqJbMJe1lOZvF722F/s400/IMG_3963.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="366" /></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">This yarn... (click to see details)</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2z4eRDCv82awUqA72xMqPSGu-sLvVe00JoQWNSdCAQ-DjfLd9wQbzWYkiiwheIANZdcyIw_wH9i6nTy5h6NZpvvlffdHuAzLg7_qo9TyOvb4r9bvtjQ3s5xeHhajrIRamNmc/s1600-h/IMG_3950.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2z4eRDCv82awUqA72xMqPSGu-sLvVe00JoQWNSdCAQ-DjfLd9wQbzWYkiiwheIANZdcyIw_wH9i6nTy5h6NZpvvlffdHuAzLg7_qo9TyOvb4r9bvtjQ3s5xeHhajrIRamNmc/s400/IMG_3950.JPG" border="0" width="234" height="400" /></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">I didn't come to this lightly. I
read <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580178340/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1580178340">Knitting
Rules!</a><b>. </b></strong>I watched, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QIYE44/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000QIYE44">Knitting
Sock Techniques 1, Lucy Neatby a Knitter's Companion</a>. </strong>Then I
watched<strong> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QIWWUC/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000QIWWUC">Knitting
Sock Techniques 2, Lucy Neatby a Knitter's Companion!</a></strong></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">It was a cold and rainy afternoon with the
fireplace cranked up and a husband working in the other room. (These
videos are really good). Lucy Neatby has so many good ideas, tips, techniques,
and the video is clear and easy to follow. Watching her use those blunt
birch needles (I am a devotee to Knitpicks' very pointy needles) was something
else. And besides, anyone with raspberry and blue hair can't be anything
but GOOD!</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">It's amazing how much fun it is to watch
someone else knit!! I think my husband thought I was watching grass grow but it
reminded me of watching cooking shows ;-D.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">I also read <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596680296/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1596680296">Getting
Started Knitting Socks</a>, <a href="http://www.royea.net/sockdemo1.html"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0970886950/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0970886950">Socks
Soar on Two Circular Needles</a></a>, <a href="http://www.royea.net/sockdemo1.html">Socks
101</a>, <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuespring05/FEATsocks101.html">knitty's
tutorial socks101</a>, </strong>and looked at lots of sock patterns.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">I purchased the needles, I purchased the
yarn, but I just couldn't get started. Finally I started doing gauge
swatches and that took an number of tries (this poor yarn probably got knitted
10 or 15 times before I was satisfied). And then I realized that I didn't
know how to do the long tail cast on (a-r-r-g-g-h) so I had to find a website
with a video to show me how to do THAT!! </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">This one worked for me: <a href="http://www.knittingatknoon.com/longtail.html">http://www.knittingatknoon.com/longtail.html</a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">So, after much reading and thinking and
fiddling, I decided to stick with the basics and used <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580178340/104-8412756-9221518?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1580178340">Knitting
Rules!</a><b> </b></strong>(Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the Yarn Harlot) basic sock
pattern and the fun began...</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-81938838842910935672007-10-16T09:24:00.001-07:002007-10-16T09:24:17.544-07:00Never Leave Home Without ...<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0">I've been doing some traveling and hiking
and here are some suggestions for what to take with you. Photos and
commentary to follow soon.<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><span class="post-timestamp"><a class="timestamp-link" href="http://catknitztravelsandhikes.blogspot.com/2007/10/never-leave-home-without_16.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2007-10-16T08:45:00-07:00">CatKnitz's
Travel and Hiking: "Never Leave Home Without..."</abbr></a></span>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-13443828616184229992007-09-23T09:54:00.001-07:002007-09-23T09:55:21.356-07:00Help DeskNo knitting today, just laughing.
Enjoy!<p></p><p><b>Medieval helpdesk with English subtitles</b></p>
<p>
<object height="353" width="425">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQHX-SjgQvQ">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pQHX-SjgQvQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="353" width="425"></embed>
</object>
</p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-33047128366159821262007-09-20T14:28:00.000-07:002007-09-20T14:34:36.667-07:00Solstice Stocking<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">I am thinking of
starting a new tradition: the Solstice Stocking. For those of us in
the Northern Hemisphere (especially here at the 47th parallel), we celebrate the
winter solstice or midwinter. Midwinter is the day when we have the
shortest number of daylight hours, but after that, the days start to get longer
. I think we all need a stocking filled with goodies to celebrate the
returning of the LIGHT!!! All in the Southern Hemisphere, how about a
Summer Solstice Stocking?</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Why a stocking, you
say? Especially a striped one? Well, another tradition that goes
along with this Solstice Stocking could be stash busting! Check out this
fabulous looking example my friend Michelle made for her son, Grant, from pieces
of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EUR8T2/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000EUR8T2">Cascade
220 </a>, Cascade Pastaza, and other mystery yarn from her stash and a pattern
from the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931499004/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1931499004">Christmas
Stockings</a>.</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiVv28OOHi4ExSta9eBrzAlRS0Dic2xrBQkd0tfaoFlTvM4zSLjB8r09T9PGCM1Qlp6_yzfwKw3ra2M4WnRVdQ7Tl_Icx_B41W-dA2BsuKpUy8y3F5VKCxs1eeBh4Xkey3lgQ/s1600-h/IMG_2771.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiVv28OOHi4ExSta9eBrzAlRS0Dic2xrBQkd0tfaoFlTvM4zSLjB8r09T9PGCM1Qlp6_yzfwKw3ra2M4WnRVdQ7Tl_Icx_B41W-dA2BsuKpUy8y3F5VKCxs1eeBh4Xkey3lgQ/s400/IMG_2771.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" width="360" height="400"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">She brought this to our
knitting group the other evening and we all went crazy. We couldn't take
our hands off it. It's big enough to get your hand inside of it (!) and
long enough but not tooooo long. Just right.</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">And, since I (and
several others in our group) have yet to knit a sock (!!!) what a great way to
learn sock basics than on a really big sock, that doesn't have to fit and is
going to be felted so that any minor mistakes will be somewhat obliterated!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">A couple of interesting
items to note:</font></p>
<ol>
<li>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Michelle tells me
she knit all the stripes the same width/same number of rows.</font></li>
<li>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">As you can see,
they didn't felt the same. Which, actually, I think, adds to the
visual interest of the stocking. If (no WHEN) I make my stocking, and
if I use all the same yarn, I will vary the widths of the stripes so that
the end result is like Michelle's.</font></li>
<li>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M1AAAW/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000M1AAAW">Shaving</a>
the finished product made a huge difference in the look. The consensus
among the group (and most importantly, from Grant's point of view) was the
shaved look was superior to the fuzzy look. Here are the two sides,
you decide.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomSqRU2SSSzv9sbDSMT3RrU-ceGX-mPnCgyDUt8-0EhnEIF2lrvo0J1xPfRk9siF0Oo-U3FtoDPY2y_NdZ0F4QvUlydR02JZMk-hIYMDLB30jauKlAQYLyk7iRpN-Pb_96c__/s1600-h/IMG_2777.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomSqRU2SSSzv9sbDSMT3RrU-ceGX-mPnCgyDUt8-0EhnEIF2lrvo0J1xPfRk9siF0Oo-U3FtoDPY2y_NdZ0F4QvUlydR02JZMk-hIYMDLB30jauKlAQYLyk7iRpN-Pb_96c__/s400/IMG_2777.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" width="162" height="263"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEYbLOqzfVWtFmgpLTarTHpz5xExy9mR7OaZUiND_7AheaJ4HSSKbbtFQXKu6fXuDVtzg5JXxeyWYD65WVxtuqf0WGbELefONYRgoMkC3xgK5JrxcaA07fRDF_ncHVTouIWQ/s1600-h/IMG_2778.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEYbLOqzfVWtFmgpLTarTHpz5xExy9mR7OaZUiND_7AheaJ4HSSKbbtFQXKu6fXuDVtzg5JXxeyWYD65WVxtuqf0WGbELefONYRgoMkC3xgK5JrxcaA07fRDF_ncHVTouIWQ/s400/IMG_2778.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" width="159" height="265"></a></font></li>
<li>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">The <a name="evtst|a|B000GVW2RM" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GVW2RM?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000GVW2RM" id="static_preview0">Wonder
Washer</a>. I just recently read about this product on <a href="http://felting.craftgossip.com/2007/08/15/wonder-washer-review/">Craft
Gossip,</a> a new site for me. I will be checking this site out for
tips. Back to the <a name="evtst|a|B000GVW2RM" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GVW2RM?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000GVW2RM" id="static_preview1">Wonder
Washer</a>, it looks like it might be a good solution for those of us with
front loaders that take forever to felt items.</font></li>
</ol>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">He's playing soccer
now, but come December 21st, he will be looking in his stocking to see what the
Solstice has brought him.</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EHjSi1j_qQj-rt4i8qAwj3oXCkKwklxUji4QinlLFRlTfk3hIQuykBnFMC9xC-5gH3gE_xQdA4tTQCLK8zlkXDCG3J3hKlregf2__UqDduuDg3lgoHw0tDSa9bO4lLCMRiRq/s1600-h/IMG_2775.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EHjSi1j_qQj-rt4i8qAwj3oXCkKwklxUji4QinlLFRlTfk3hIQuykBnFMC9xC-5gH3gE_xQdA4tTQCLK8zlkXDCG3J3hKlregf2__UqDduuDg3lgoHw0tDSa9bO4lLCMRiRq/s400/IMG_2775.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" width="222" height="400"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><img border="0" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/011XA5M0K7L.jpg" width="53" height="75"></font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a name="evtst|a|B000GVW2RM" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GVW2RM?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000GVW2RM" id="static_preview"><font face="Arial">Wonder
Washer</font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><img border="0" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31BCTVPXXBL._AA_SL160_.jpg" width="132" height="140"> </font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1931499004/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1931499004"><font face="Arial">Christmas
Stockings</font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1584794542.01._AA_SCTZZZZZZZ_.jpg" border="0" height="73" width="72"></font></p>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=as2&path=ASIN/1584794542&tag=cathyknit-20&camp=1789&creative=9325"><font face="Arial">Handknit
Holidays : Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice</font></a><font face="Arial"><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cathyknit-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1584794542" alt style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0"></font>
<p> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-80834100288482757872007-09-18T17:03:00.000-07:002007-09-18T17:46:18.024-07:00Loving This Apron from Kim<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">A way to support a
local crafts person and it looks good, too!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Give me
grasshoppers!!!!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">I love this <a href="http://www.kimthings.com/viewproduct.php?productid=1010">apron</a>
from <a href="http://www.kimthings.com/">K</a><a href="http://www.kimthings.com/">im.</a></font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><img border="0" src="http://www.kimthings.com/images/patterns/GRA-01_120.jpg"></font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"><img border="0" src="http://www.kimthings.com/images/products/1010GRA-01.jpg"></font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">And if you want to dip
your toe or your <a name="evtst|a|B000BULX8C" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BULX8C?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000BULX8C" id="static_preview">grasshoppers
</a>into creating your own apron, try taking a peek at these books:</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307347214/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0307347214"><font face="Arial">Bend-the-Rules
Sewing</font></a><font face="Arial"> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811851591/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0811851591">Amy
Butler's In Stitches</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811844420/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0811844420">Denyse
Schmidt Quilts</a> for inspiration. </font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">;*)</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-44871204290854577362007-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:002007-09-18T10:33:51.684-07:00Embellish Knit Video Tutorial: Part One and TwoTutorial: Part
One
<object height="353" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JtMkeOgTa-I"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JtMkeOgTa-I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="353" width="425"></embed></object>
Tutorial: Part
Two
<object height="353" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Ya0UdAm7Io"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6Ya0UdAm7Io" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="353" width="425"></embed></object>
<p><font face="Arial">This video tutorial is for the Bond <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KPVNO/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002KPVNO">Embellish-Knit!.</a> and
Magicord knitting machine.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Here is the approximate text of the videos:<br>
This is a tutorial on how to use either the Bond Magicord or the Bond <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KPVNO/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002KPVNO">Embellish-Knit!.</a> spool knitting machine. Both machines will produce a very nice, even 4
stitch i-cord of any length that can be used in a variety of ways. The i-cord
straps for my <a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash.html">FREE
Bib Pattern</a>, were made using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KPVNO/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002KPVNO">Embellish-Knit!</a></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KPVNO/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002KPVNO">Embellish-Knit!.</a>
so that is the machine I will
use.<br>
There are 3 items in the package:<br>
1. the machine<br>
2. the clamp or the weight<br>
3. the needle or threader</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">You are given some practice yarn in the package and I
encourage you to use that yarn for practicing since it is in a gauge of yarn that will work in the
machine. For the demonstration, I am going to use a sport weight cotton yarn.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">One note about this machine is that bulky yarns will not
work in it and they say worsted yarn will not work in it, but I am able to make
Cascade 220 work in it and I understand that Harrisville Shetland Wool works in
it. More about that later.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Before we start, I suggest you sit at a table and have a
pillow or a folded blanket positioned near your feet. Toward the end of the
demonstration, all will be revealed!</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Now on to the demonstration<br>
Before we begin, notice that you have 4 hooks in the center of the machine.<br>
Now, turn the crank. Be certain to turn the crank only in the direction
indicated by the arrow on the machine. Notice that the hooks rotate up and down
as you turn the crank. Notice that there are little latches on each hook. More
on this later.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The first thing you do is thread the machine. You do this
by putting the thread through the hole at the bottom and then through the notch
at the top and then drop it down the center. You can use the needle provided in
the package if you like to make it easier.<br>
Or, you can use any tapestry needle that you have to do the same. Or you can
just do it with your fingers.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Once you have the yarn coming out of the bottom of the
machine, clamp the weight to the end of the thread. Hold on to the clamp or the
weight of it will pull your yarn right through the machine. Like This!!</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Make certain that your yarn is to the left of the machine
and is "free flowing", or has NO tension on the yarn. If there is
tension on the yarn, or if it is not feeding from the left, the machine will
jam. Trust me on this…</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">SLOWLY begin turning the crank on the machine in the
direction indicated. At this point, you will have to hold the yarn
(providing some tension on the yarn, just when I told you not to have tension on
the yarn) with your left hand to keep it from falling through the machine but
later, you will not.<br>
(You will get to turn the crank more speedily later, but for now SLOWLY)</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">As the yarn passes the 1st hook, make certain it CATCHES
in the hook, with the latch down.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">As the yarn passes, the 2nd hook, make certain it SKIPS
the hook. You may have to assist the yarn, either with your finger, the needle,
or a crochet hook. Whatever works for you.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">As the yarn passes the 3rd hook, make certain it CATCHES
in the hook, with the latch down.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">As the yarn passes, the 4th hook, make certain it SKIPS
the hook. You may have to assist the yarn, either with your finger, the needle,
or a crochet hook. Whatever works for you.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">To recap, on the first round, the 1st and 3rd hooks, CATCH
the yarn, the 2nd and 4th hooks SKIP or pass over the yarn.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">SECOND ROUND.<br>
OK, so now you are ready for the second round.<br>
Again, slowly, turn the crank, making certain that the yarn from the <font color="#FF0000">second</font>
round catches in
the 1st hook AND the yarn from the <font color="#FF0000">first</font> round goes BELOW the latch on the 1st hook.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">2nd hook, yarn will catch on the hook in between the hook
and the latch. There won't be any yarn from the first round to go below
the latch like on the first hook because we skipped this hook on the first
round, (remember?!).<br>
3rd hook, same as the 1st,<br>
4th hook, same as the 2nd</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Before we continue to the THIRD ROUND and all other
rounds, this is a good time to check 2 things:<br>
1. is your yarn tension free and feeding from the left?<br>
2. is the clamp or weight hanging free?<br>
Both must be hanging and flowing FREE for this little machine to work!!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">ROUND THREE and all subsequent ROUNDS</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Now, Stop here for a minute and make
certain that your yarn is flowing freely from the left. At this point, the
machine will hold the yarn and it won't fall through. Also, make certain
that the clamp is hanging freely so that it can pull the product through the
machine.<br>
OK, now you can crank away. Well, go slowly at first. Keep you eye on the center
of the hook area to make certain that things are not jamming.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">I like to set the machine on the edge of a table or
my arm on the edge of the table just to
make things easier. That way I'm not holding it up in the air! Just make certain
that you don't compromise the center hole where the finished product comes out.
If that is not allowed to hang weighted, the machine will jam.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">So, you see, I am cranking away here. Pretty soon, the
product will emerge from the bottom of the machine.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Here it is now. When the clamp starts to get too far from
the machine, move the clamp closer to the machine.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">When you think the i-cord is long enough for your project,
remove the clamp, just temporarily, so that you can measure it. The machine is
about 4 ½ tall so you have about 4 ½ of i-cord in the machine and then
whatever amount is outside the machine.<br>
After removing the clamp, the i-cord will spring back from being stretched, so
you can measure what you have and you will have a pretty good estimate of
length. After measuring, PUT THE CLAMP BACK ON.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">If in doubt, make it longer, because, once you cut it,
there is no going back.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Once you have the length you want, cut the yarn and
continue cranking. The i-cord will get a little longer until the machine runs
out of yarn and then the weight of the clamp will pull the i-cord through the
machine and it will fall out of the machine, usually on to the floor. This is
why you want a pillow or a blanket or something soft for it to land on. You
don't want the clamp to break since the outside of it is plastic.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Now you have your finished i-cord. If it is too long,
unravel it to the correct length. Then, bind it off by threading the loose end
through the loops using your needle. Weave in the ends and you are
finished!</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The yarn used for this demonstration of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KPVNO/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0002KPVNO">Embellish-Knit!.</a>
is Tahki Cotton
Classic which is considered a sport weight or lighter. Although worsted weight
is not recommended by the manufacturer, I was able to use Cascade 220 and my
method of using this machine and achieve very good results.<br>
</font></p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-58303940849574559482007-09-05T12:28:00.000-07:002007-09-07T12:35:11.324-07:00Acrobats and Puppy Dogs Need Help<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Barbara Walker at some of her most
whimsical.</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"> "Acrobats"
(Band 55, figure 91) on the bottom row and Puppy Dogs (Mosaic 105, figure 69) on
the top, from<font color="#008000"> </font></font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/094201815X?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=094201815X"><i><font color="#800080">Mosaic
Knitting</font></i></a><font color="#008000"> </font>by Barbara Walker.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"> </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYxwNstVWCzXscg_Al83XopSTCGXs3aqUgBrGqGBEnBlGxv-gMHYPoF8l_U1yF9x5ypTCzPh6p168FE0DCUeoAHFXi6ylsYRbNz2cl5xIYII04yoi1k-FqsyYI804tmjCav2D/s1600-h/IMG_2753.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYxwNstVWCzXscg_Al83XopSTCGXs3aqUgBrGqGBEnBlGxv-gMHYPoF8l_U1yF9x5ypTCzPh6p168FE0DCUeoAHFXi6ylsYRbNz2cl5xIYII04yoi1k-FqsyYI804tmjCav2D/s400/IMG_2753.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="395"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Working on what to do
with the wavy sides of this <em><a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash.html" title="permanent link">Button
Knot Bib</a></em>. As you can see, I have started a single crochet to
see if that will tame the wave, but I think I will have to be "less
tentative" as a friend suggested with my crochet so that it asserts itself
over the wavy edge. I may try a "pick up and knit a garter edge"
on the other side to see if that helps, but I am not very good at picking up
stitches evenly, so I do it with trepidation...</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"> </font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-6310929372869266282007-09-04T10:50:00.000-07:002007-09-05T12:36:16.444-07:00Old Vogue Swatch<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">My fascination with 2 color slip stitch
continues. This garter slip stitch pattern is from an old Vogue Knitting
magazine I un-earthed (I mean re-discovered in a closet) and looks as fresh as
it did when it was presented in 1994.</font> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">It starts to have a mosaic feel, but the
pattern is not charted, and has a repeat that becomes fairly easy to
remember. Combined with the stockinette slip stitch band above and below,
makes for a pleasing overall pattern.</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1McuvAReXtmxbzfp8W_euMO02J0nn9gfwbUjVros1Ez7SyFdHZSXMdaj7s4VuzSLOLhfeVuk684t84RFNrVS_1LByHfe_fqGfmijc4jIgtaxdmq4wpC62F6M4sOUK92aG9cr/s1600-h/IMG_2744.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1McuvAReXtmxbzfp8W_euMO02J0nn9gfwbUjVros1Ez7SyFdHZSXMdaj7s4VuzSLOLhfeVuk684t84RFNrVS_1LByHfe_fqGfmijc4jIgtaxdmq4wpC62F6M4sOUK92aG9cr/s400/IMG_2744.JPG" border="0" width="413" height="501"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Then I just kept going...</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">;*)</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJHGc0fXmY7vqFlJKy3bst3aYDsy17cRrf5oy54kvU16gUQ7q7SBLUUPjmRZwZWDYWjde4IpMpw9rr9pHQQnR9nV0Q5i_mlVw1r4irSOle_jEWOPUo15gZOay7qxcIiQWyci5/s1600-h/IMG_2743.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_0" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJHGc0fXmY7vqFlJKy3bst3aYDsy17cRrf5oy54kvU16gUQ7q7SBLUUPjmRZwZWDYWjde4IpMpw9rr9pHQQnR9nV0Q5i_mlVw1r4irSOle_jEWOPUo15gZOay7qxcIiQWyci5/s400/IMG_2743.JPG" border="0" width="217" height="400"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-54016909902760258532007-09-03T16:20:00.000-07:002007-09-21T12:48:25.329-07:00Fuchsia Sophie: From Shapeless to Shapely<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ-1-ppaQlhLn1kUmiaSmFrFtOZNGu4Amb3sY_VLrYpGDdOiVbLcVtzAsxpY-v9O6T4aFnNuNUkZvcwi8bUpq693rvwBg3qgKo_LS7B0nfwua4IhcTDFa1dLAhYfOc0vM310M/s1600-h/IMG_2748.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ-1-ppaQlhLn1kUmiaSmFrFtOZNGu4Amb3sY_VLrYpGDdOiVbLcVtzAsxpY-v9O6T4aFnNuNUkZvcwi8bUpq693rvwBg3qgKo_LS7B0nfwua4IhcTDFa1dLAhYfOc0vM310M/s400/IMG_2748.JPG" border="0" width="267" height="400"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="arial">Serving up a <a href="http://www.magknits.com/warm04/patterns/sophie.htm">Sophie
Bag</a> in fuchsia for summer. I've been using this all summer and loving it. I
know summer is "officially" over, but these summer colors will be a
bright spot as we head into the the dark days of winter. Oh, wait, we still have
autumn!!!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="arial">The bag goes from
shapeless to shapely</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsS5dYuhyphenhyphenNxvzZPfr9vyspbjtdXiq7OYKvPxgltvgwdOEfrLmB8TqBho8v6O3U4Zgn1SBPaf2qkAi7kmlBj_rtYJ0EqZolA9AS9IA4bwOX1xmNbWJcK73X4wimu3GQl3183Zs/s1600-h/IMG_2756.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsS5dYuhyphenhyphenNxvzZPfr9vyspbjtdXiq7OYKvPxgltvgwdOEfrLmB8TqBho8v6O3U4Zgn1SBPaf2qkAi7kmlBj_rtYJ0EqZolA9AS9IA4bwOX1xmNbWJcK73X4wimu3GQl3183Zs/s400/IMG_2756.jpg" border="0" width="220" height="320"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalNgCp1yICtmKTDXyRC__foaq5ozzf5Ipu930U5_eVYfjFOKZCLChyphenhyphenBykM9aaDpd-ICGSCC6qvdi4qIv8YoAhqcC0gTvq5LK8QI2uoGbrNlzlMu9Cr3Yh1Fz1pMDUAwgxH3Ss/s1600-h/IMG_2758.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalNgCp1yICtmKTDXyRC__foaq5ozzf5Ipu930U5_eVYfjFOKZCLChyphenhyphenBykM9aaDpd-ICGSCC6qvdi4qIv8YoAhqcC0gTvq5LK8QI2uoGbrNlzlMu9Cr3Yh1Fz1pMDUAwgxH3Ss/s400/IMG_2758.JPG" border="0" width="332" height="274"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="arial"> by using a firm
plastic bottom (!) which I had custom cut at a local plastic shop for only a
couple of dollars which included rounding the corners. They called the
material <a href="http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=335&">ABS</a></font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> and you can read all about what it
is at their site: <a href="http://www.tapplastics.com/">T</a><a href="http://www.tapplastics.com/">ap
Plastics</a>. Hint, lighter colors, like white, make it easier to see into
the depths of your purse, so if you are making anything larger than this little
bag, I recommend you use white or a light color.</p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA9Xz9b_ickJFE7USlmNcVKWy5bSn_h4y2mytCYJT0TLJ1_-5_JWbpItlcJVxrJ1GBdy50REv2NHnA5Gwd9aYtoL9jhQUKD8jJzS97Qy7ytueltwEc01EJaaswJR4H0ag6i4u/s1600-h/IMG_2751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA9Xz9b_ickJFE7USlmNcVKWy5bSn_h4y2mytCYJT0TLJ1_-5_JWbpItlcJVxrJ1GBdy50REv2NHnA5Gwd9aYtoL9jhQUKD8jJzS97Qy7ytueltwEc01EJaaswJR4H0ag6i4u/s400/IMG_2751.JPG" border="0" width="278" height="311"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="arial">It's stiffer than a
milk carton and you don't have to sew it in. You just place it in the
bottom of the bag. </font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="arial">When you go to launder
the bag, you just lift it out. I had the corners rounded at the shop so
that there would be no sharp edges to rub and wear against the felting and
eventually poke a hole in all my hard work!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIeq4x9NkjUyVJDWZ7wZlQm9jYeO-5JVA-pyxGFA_lsqjY95kj0lapkIQOb85fF58douK7QNb5iI6pfyVuspV4V3NyOTh2UhhmOuUBA16jN-5oUrYYX1vahKblhydeTUlj37g/s1600-h/IMG_2749.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIeq4x9NkjUyVJDWZ7wZlQm9jYeO-5JVA-pyxGFA_lsqjY95kj0lapkIQOb85fF58douK7QNb5iI6pfyVuspV4V3NyOTh2UhhmOuUBA16jN-5oUrYYX1vahKblhydeTUlj37g/s400/IMG_2749.JPG" border="0" width="400" height="379"></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EUR8T2/102-9729841-7465762?ie=UTF8&tag=cathyknit-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000EUR8T2">Cascade
220</a> is the yarn of choice. Details on
felting, finishing, and the <em><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.nonipatterns.com/collections.php" title="permanent link">Noni
Camellias</a>, </span><a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2006/08/when-sophie-met-noni.html" title="permanent link">here</a>.</em></font></p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-54949727731209595782007-09-03T13:23:00.000-07:002007-09-03T13:34:49.095-07:00Chelan Dishcloths<span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Overdue photo of dishcloths for a friend's condo in Chelan. We have spent many weekends there when we needed some sun and relaxation. </span>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwF40HxZh0qTC4fVQ687_2oUID4uCUQnAx4TVP9cu22H0lKqFRKEeb6vA-2WHqu_RDeNCUMfnY-ooQbJ0DOmirE9UNCprVNQzM49O441MEYF6AlBmXa4t47JkmibDUBLsummR5/s1600-h/IMG_2305.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwF40HxZh0qTC4fVQ687_2oUID4uCUQnAx4TVP9cu22H0lKqFRKEeb6vA-2WHqu_RDeNCUMfnY-ooQbJ0DOmirE9UNCprVNQzM49O441MEYF6AlBmXa4t47JkmibDUBLsummR5/s400/IMG_2305.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is the reverse side of the garter stitch mosiac. Makes an interesting pattern. More than once have I seen it used on the reverse side by the recipients of the bibs. (I think they like the reverse side better!!)</span>
<span style="font-family: arial;">;*)</span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEMGcBvAHQ3UjSXvcS6K6kmV9L5FCtE2EtZ5kSe-kyTQ5G4FkO8LRCRKSoOWvUcqmFp_aX9KMHolQNqkMpayRvw9Z-Zyhy1EgkTUN9YZSulCfsmc-rQZSPHvKznXP18FxKCL5/s1600-h/IMG_2309.JPG"><img style="width: 354px; height: 317px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEMGcBvAHQ3UjSXvcS6K6kmV9L5FCtE2EtZ5kSe-kyTQ5G4FkO8LRCRKSoOWvUcqmFp_aX9KMHolQNqkMpayRvw9Z-Zyhy1EgkTUN9YZSulCfsmc-rQZSPHvKznXP18FxKCL5/s400/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-61049104559948871922007-09-03T13:03:00.000-07:002007-09-04T09:27:19.602-07:00Three Bibs for Aili<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Three Bibs for Aili<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Just found out that our friends Anne and Adam had another baby.
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">I had fun with the colors, which are becoming my signature (to hide food stains: this is my theory since we never had kids, but we certainly spill a lot of food!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowpmjQE9CHExRDuCOSLRKqfZLIvpkEkC96d-clZVTMqIpaXe-kRJEKuRe7rx8cTK1SpqtJ3HnwwNFIP4gH8bKXXKBPSDVL80u1aEFhMm76eyR6xILlM8dPj36IhABgCESbi-S/s1600-h/IMG_2723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowpmjQE9CHExRDuCOSLRKqfZLIvpkEkC96d-clZVTMqIpaXe-kRJEKuRe7rx8cTK1SpqtJ3HnwwNFIP4gH8bKXXKBPSDVL80u1aEFhMm76eyR6xILlM8dPj36IhABgCESbi-S/s400/IMG_2723.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELOnkIuGINOv3CjGDzZMm_hqrwxYKhfxvJngyBySFZICxg5KWgKxhhLrHSyRZ1Br4jbA0IukDTfFa4PvSAGupvyIVoLsCt_w80mzrZyjsEyRETzKdbs752M3iaRNFNzFirPtO/s1600-h/IMG_2725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELOnkIuGINOv3CjGDzZMm_hqrwxYKhfxvJngyBySFZICxg5KWgKxhhLrHSyRZ1Br4jbA0IukDTfFa4PvSAGupvyIVoLsCt_w80mzrZyjsEyRETzKdbs752M3iaRNFNzFirPtO/s400/IMG_2725.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNqrCYOUibCjsQTCeAzpbhN1kAkZDFaX8tj4F9V2Xs7TfTs_qvNiAjG-wUlhQT5K_ZemMdvVh4eWZhR6spyoVxsjtnb7Al3q-5_TtaOGtP5jlO02NRJonadz19BFYSZTaLQXZ/s1600-h/IMG_2722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNqrCYOUibCjsQTCeAzpbhN1kAkZDFaX8tj4F9V2Xs7TfTs_qvNiAjG-wUlhQT5K_ZemMdvVh4eWZhR6spyoVxsjtnb7Al3q-5_TtaOGtP5jlO02NRJonadz19BFYSZTaLQXZ/s400/IMG_2722.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gS3rkkczkps/RttOTrF7gOI/AAAAAAAAAG8/FWQf1OM2bk8/s1600-h/IMG_2722.JPG"><img src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_gS3rkkczkps/RttOTrF7gOI/AAAAAAAAAG8/FWQf1OM2bk8/s400/IMG_2722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Details on how to make these </span><em><a href="http://catknitz.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-button-knot-bib-or-wash.html" title="permanent link">here</a>.</em><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33018085.post-64313797552609198602007-09-02T18:33:00.000-07:002007-09-02T18:36:53.287-07:00Elfin<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">When is a bib not a
bib? Apparently when it's a hat!! </font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Proof positive that
bibs are very versatile and when you are through using your bib to dust away
your crumbs, up it goes on your head as fashion accessory!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><font face="Arial">Modeled for you by the
beautiful Gwynnie!</font></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgocXeuqqWSieubBUjmo_X0WsfDFZB0Go01-0UKJBAq5tGry6gn90LUwYbzHxCkBVxBBJHPi9hytB2gGTgE5oXrGNo0DZvMIiug9XD9BesIS-v1JVmuG7UFVw3vWSmudmrBwYs/s1600-h/bluehat.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgocXeuqqWSieubBUjmo_X0WsfDFZB0Go01-0UKJBAq5tGry6gn90LUwYbzHxCkBVxBBJHPi9hytB2gGTgE5oXrGNo0DZvMIiug9XD9BesIS-v1JVmuG7UFVw3vWSmudmrBwYs/s400/bluehat.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" border="0" width="400" height="300"></font></a></p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"> </p>
<p style="word-spacing: 0; margin: 0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UBFyLU6-QSxoSiBbXnECtgYbiYVwasK-Wb1DsxgL9_lbIKlQ-5hMqNTpgo85zYa9cAjBKaPL7ak7BSx3KQeMB0xVPQ5_rxYCKHKFaj1Oj0tTQzzi9CXlgy1ogp0nTyJHESHF/s1600-h/redhat.JPG"><font face="Arial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UBFyLU6-QSxoSiBbXnECtgYbiYVwasK-Wb1DsxgL9_lbIKlQ-5hMqNTpgo85zYa9cAjBKaPL7ak7BSx3KQeMB0xVPQ5_rxYCKHKFaj1Oj0tTQzzi9CXlgy1ogp0nTyJHESHF/s400/redhat.JPG" alt id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_0" border="0" width="400" height="246"></font></a></p>catknitzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14520068125987837958noreply@blogger.com1