tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65463101638522797832024-02-02T01:53:34.048-08:00RainMommaMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-49408146079837264522012-07-24T16:54:00.002-07:002012-07-24T16:54:21.435-07:00MOVED<span style="font-size: large;">This site has moved. Please go to </span><a href="http://www.rainmomma.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.RainMomma.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to see current content. You can also to to Facebook and follow RainMomma there.</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-70068265583837000782012-03-20T21:54:00.000-07:002012-03-20T22:03:40.868-07:00Hedwig CowlSo, I have finally finished all the details of my first pattern. Well second pattern, first published. The next one will come in a day or two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICRzuFar2-eCESw815iJfAOhe-RM320FmamR32OdcSYprEKoOlvw5aKhqqdom6xpXpaGMW0vVxtEQlTPU2V0EuKALK6WFYNDqmTfTP1oHe6EhvACIjgtKkG-K0tiKtjJ3fkUoacuKVfU/s1600/Hedwig1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICRzuFar2-eCESw815iJfAOhe-RM320FmamR32OdcSYprEKoOlvw5aKhqqdom6xpXpaGMW0vVxtEQlTPU2V0EuKALK6WFYNDqmTfTP1oHe6EhvACIjgtKkG-K0tiKtjJ3fkUoacuKVfU/s200/Hedwig1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h2cuFwpbfTd6DliafQAPHKaF0C5PGsBLsZdjKu4ATWRs-McfQW13uEEoRts3se7wlOEuOkwDxZ086fnY7OcA2FUkBYj4MhCWHT-d5eFra5X6E_mOczA5DWo9pQvNGWsnmgPB2b5qMHY/s1600/Hedwig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h2cuFwpbfTd6DliafQAPHKaF0C5PGsBLsZdjKu4ATWRs-McfQW13uEEoRts3se7wlOEuOkwDxZ086fnY7OcA2FUkBYj4MhCWHT-d5eFra5X6E_mOczA5DWo9pQvNGWsnmgPB2b5qMHY/s200/Hedwig2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This pattern is called Hedwig Cowl. The design is based in part to the owl-ish cable in the pattern and the Hedwig like yarn that I used. It seemed like ample inspiration. Please enjoy. If you find errata do let me know. <br />
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Find the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hedwig-cowl">Ravelry</a> link here. Download it <a href="http://www.rainmomma.com/RainMomma/Patterns.html">HERE</a><br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-41178591882739326652012-02-23T11:03:00.001-08:002012-02-23T11:03:20.668-08:00DivineDivine, I wonder<br />
who you are.<br />
Are you God, <br />
or a star.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you are <br />
energy, standing by, <br />
waiting until<br />
I look to the sky.<br />
<br />
Hands together,<br />
set for prayer.<br />
I send my words<br />
forth to air.<br />
<br />
Did you hear<br />
them Divine?<br />
Did you get <br />
them in time?<br />
<br />
A little help<br />
is all I need.<br />
Divine attention, <br />
my soul to feed.<br />
<br />
Michelle Kroll 2/12<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-74822831478545760252012-02-03T16:08:00.000-08:002012-02-03T16:08:24.024-08:00{this moment}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7726fl4JaPET-1tkBEd7Ki3MEFxPkQx637_NnBLrIfpi5smxsnsppFO7fooUyRTQ-rO_h7dxAXIeKzMmbOIk1lZR4X4D5Une54GBxraG-JHU9uVOujzrEr1Yw8ooFgIS0t8y2Is3jz9U/s640/blogger-image--12344875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7726fl4JaPET-1tkBEd7Ki3MEFxPkQx637_NnBLrIfpi5smxsnsppFO7fooUyRTQ-rO_h7dxAXIeKzMmbOIk1lZR4X4D5Une54GBxraG-JHU9uVOujzrEr1Yw8ooFgIS0t8y2Is3jz9U/s400/blogger-image--12344875.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{this moment} - </div>
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A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </div>
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A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</div>
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</div>
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Inspired by Amanda Soule of <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">http://www.soulemama.com/</a></div>
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Be well. Create. Inspire.</div>
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-45594759685485856672012-01-27T17:18:00.000-08:002012-01-27T17:18:05.609-08:00Your Inner Mystic- Mindful Knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqyECIQu8B39UNqOD9KpdYiOtn7WuuaHO1Iw_ODmzGUr_dqB3NUHdKULUIkaLdOQwylEDwCDVjVuK198GTwoo9OBo8nzK7LRIshlqfAYgge_vxZjPNhIWDZcv2tnmLJmkwYDNBoxxJnM/s1600/IMG_4108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqyECIQu8B39UNqOD9KpdYiOtn7WuuaHO1Iw_ODmzGUr_dqB3NUHdKULUIkaLdOQwylEDwCDVjVuK198GTwoo9OBo8nzK7LRIshlqfAYgge_vxZjPNhIWDZcv2tnmLJmkwYDNBoxxJnM/s320/IMG_4108.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The following is dialogue from a recent program I did entitled "Your Inner Mystic." My portion was on Mindful Knitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a right time, a divine time, that the spark happens. I started to crochet at approximately 14 and I still crochet to this day. Knitting started for me around 20. There has been a lot of learning since. For a while there I was knitting “wrong,” (although there is no wrong way), so we’ll call it different. And, being more or less self-taught there was a lot of trial and error. Wanting to grow and develop my skills. For 2012 I have made 2 knitting goals: brioche and getting more comfortable with color work. I definitely consider these goals as a bit of spiritual growth as well as it provides me discipline and patience.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Why does this activity feel like a connection with God?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes it is so intricate and beautiful I impress myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Did you know it from the start, or did it dawn on you later?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This happened much later. Really, after discovering that it was ok to have fiber arts as a spiritual practice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>What helps you to do it/keeps you from doing it?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I have a meter that I log information on and I knit 7.5 miles last year. So, when I start thinking “I wish I had time to knit.” I try and remember this statistic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How is doing this like- or not like - prayer for you?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is very much prayer for me. Particularly when I can get into that quiet and contemplative space. It helps when the repeat of the pattern is rhythmic so I am not constantly having to stop and look at a pattern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How does it feel to speak about this to others?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I find it awkward. I have a hard time accepting praise. Don’t get me wrong, I love that my work gets appreciated but it always make me blush. I find that in my age group and environment that it is not always accepted to discuss spirituality. But, that is a whole other topic!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>What would you recommend to someone who’s just beginning?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dive in and ask someone you know to help ;) or your LYS</span><br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-30700956737451862142011-11-29T22:52:00.001-08:002011-11-29T23:01:54.385-08:00Finished ShawlsBefore another month passes let me catch you up on some of my recent finished projects.<br />
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As promised, albeit a bit late. Above it the finished Terra Shawl. Recall that this was made out of Shelter- Jared Flood's first yarn. Since then he has come out with more temptation in his second yarn, Loft. The pattern was a simple knit but a bit time consuming. You don't really get to see how big it is until it is all blocked. This is a perfectly large size for me. Wrap-able.<br />
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Above here, is the completed Rainbow Girasole. This was so fun to knit. It was exciting to always be anticipating the next colors and to anticipate the next chart. I was SO pleased to see that it ended up on purple. The edging is done in Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift in Loganberry. <br />
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I have also finished the Trousseau Shawl. Pictures of that one are still in process. I recently finished a couple hats as well. More pictures and blogging will happen soon. Thanks for hanging in there. <br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-55906662568252853092011-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:52:45.208-07:00WIP Wednesday: Girasole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnJhXdWX7tK3mgT6n-_I-iZC5Jg1z5ZdSczl4sEws8CpALCLuqM52HjVL7AdEbwajxw-HVEeAp5xPA_ARffvN21y1VcGOA6vTSusuYqF80cKgyX5byDeYwaUi2MeJawdUWDZaZKAO3qE/s1600/rainbow_gira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnJhXdWX7tK3mgT6n-_I-iZC5Jg1z5ZdSczl4sEws8CpALCLuqM52HjVL7AdEbwajxw-HVEeAp5xPA_ARffvN21y1VcGOA6vTSusuYqF80cKgyX5byDeYwaUi2MeJawdUWDZaZKAO3qE/s320/rainbow_gira.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Work in Progress: Girasole <br />
<br />
Here is the current status of the Kauni Rainbow Girasole. I am still on the first skein of yarn. I am also at the stage that has 640 stitches around. So, each round is taking a while. But the end is in sight and it is going to look fabulous. The teal one is a bit farther behind. It will get there. I have a retreat coming up, there will be a LOT of knitting getting done.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-17260661338956216232011-10-12T21:49:00.000-07:002011-10-12T21:49:04.881-07:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjb4L2AVHKYfovo9BUpVBFA-gpaLmfym_4GX9BbEQ1bKZx6_yD9F-vIw8pxsH6Lnn-__wCTBN3TZXazLB9_QOLtfuvC4Tm1OcVwKgFWQ8dO4mO7FlkhpOGnAp2QJp5Dmbil0Hj3P_2QY/s1600/windy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjb4L2AVHKYfovo9BUpVBFA-gpaLmfym_4GX9BbEQ1bKZx6_yD9F-vIw8pxsH6Lnn-__wCTBN3TZXazLB9_QOLtfuvC4Tm1OcVwKgFWQ8dO4mO7FlkhpOGnAp2QJp5Dmbil0Hj3P_2QY/s400/windy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(It appears this didn't post last Friday) </div>
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{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://soulemama./">SouleMama.</a>
A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A
simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor
and remember. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Be well. Create. Inspire.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-68641309314788179982011-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:002011-09-29T10:25:30.221-07:00WIP Wednesday- Girasole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4dktWkHsy0UxFP_i-qBgEdiopNIKbSiQ6VyUtuJL0teBxmOstvEfKsvt0dGqn4jhOSABHPOL-T-QLqk2Ck_aui4DNqkbJPltqExLMZyHiaOYMgSswh7z1SCrSDTYWPr_saJakAY5Bcc/s1600/teal_gira" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4dktWkHsy0UxFP_i-qBgEdiopNIKbSiQ6VyUtuJL0teBxmOstvEfKsvt0dGqn4jhOSABHPOL-T-QLqk2Ck_aui4DNqkbJPltqExLMZyHiaOYMgSswh7z1SCrSDTYWPr_saJakAY5Bcc/s200/teal_gira" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTzCehqdJDuAEm3hTo9P2-ydtVhdQSK2waE70T5h5anvLG4a3ImxpBG57XyKuzDVlwll0FKmrcceDCKJ1FHD7ITMAIj7tFmqAZiJWjZ7gNtqNlEeu2eUx1HRGImoEayhK-MPe12Dq0Kk/s1600/rainbow_gira" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTzCehqdJDuAEm3hTo9P2-ydtVhdQSK2waE70T5h5anvLG4a3ImxpBG57XyKuzDVlwll0FKmrcceDCKJ1FHD7ITMAIj7tFmqAZiJWjZ7gNtqNlEeu2eUx1HRGImoEayhK-MPe12Dq0Kk/s200/rainbow_gira" width="150" /></a></div>
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Work in Progress Wednesday- today. <br />
<br />I am teaching a class at MakeOne in Milwaukie on the Girasole Pattern. I made this pattern earlier this year for myself for my birthday. You can find the project page <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/RainMomma/girasole">here</a> and the previous blog post <a href="http://rainmomma.blogspot.com/2011/02/girasole.html">here</a>. It has been nice to work the pattern again. As you can see from the pictures above I am currently working two at a time. One is out of Cascade Heritage and the other out of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 Rainbow. It is a self striping rainbow yarn with long runs of colors to make nice bands in the pattern. My favorite part of the pattern is that the charts are just long enough and then I am ready to start the next chart. Currently both are keeping pace on chart D. It will be a work in progress for a while. So you will likely see it again next week. <br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-30757714427497042942011-09-07T21:30:00.000-07:002011-09-07T21:30:06.660-07:00WIP- Trousseau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwE6iVi_4eddkm2AurkczOOz56Eq3zZVa8lQ03EWVMMn5HsFDCcFRJRebh5NvznCItqKNwjNv_yoJ6rwZOEzHroUk9S2uQwdluRDU7BTzCjr1hSwfKKfjk3HDr6DBQBgCSnwDBsf-QCY/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwE6iVi_4eddkm2AurkczOOz56Eq3zZVa8lQ03EWVMMn5HsFDCcFRJRebh5NvznCItqKNwjNv_yoJ6rwZOEzHroUk9S2uQwdluRDU7BTzCjr1hSwfKKfjk3HDr6DBQBgCSnwDBsf-QCY/s320/blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This pattern has been waiting in the wings for me to knit it. I even knew the yarn I was going to use. You can sort of tell from the picture. But the blue is so very BLUE! This is definitely not a normal color for me. But, it was just one of those...I had to have. So far the pattern is a breeze. Very easy but stunning to look at lace pattern. The yarn I am using is Malabrigo Silky. One of my favorites. I can't wait to see the finished project.<br />
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Speaking of finished projects. I did finish the lovely Terra Shawl. But, I haven't had an opportunity to take an artsy picture yet. It is an enormously busy work week. You all will definitely get to see the finished product.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-74940323593895009662011-09-02T21:54:00.000-07:002011-09-02T21:54:50.718-07:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lQ5FZ9Plt1Kq6j-ZQPapv1xIMyPo49vYGsUT3Awm86EhpCBGd4AQGV7Rre0hObg2XhBYRBnoh7C1XckQjb0XD04OCuMWAm5Om2enmkzhKt9QKOZROX22BSOVji46MA7f6BdrOyXNmEA/s1600/bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lQ5FZ9Plt1Kq6j-ZQPapv1xIMyPo49vYGsUT3Awm86EhpCBGd4AQGV7Rre0hObg2XhBYRBnoh7C1XckQjb0XD04OCuMWAm5Om2enmkzhKt9QKOZROX22BSOVji46MA7f6BdrOyXNmEA/s400/bee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://soulemama./">SouleMama.</a> A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be well. Create. Inspire.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-57065669447321340642011-09-01T07:34:00.000-07:002011-09-01T07:34:34.463-07:00WIP Wednesday- Terra Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP79931V2keF0h-39_cueoc0nBfeCn_PW9oBytIOYRybK-k4-6p3RkMiEP8g9CTICN5MbZs2beNZjnPeOPUtEt9zPOaIYcX1zcFUs08HE3B0e3Dls6WdK99Aj1A9aAmwpvoE-AkuwQBqM/s1600/TerraLast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP79931V2keF0h-39_cueoc0nBfeCn_PW9oBytIOYRybK-k4-6p3RkMiEP8g9CTICN5MbZs2beNZjnPeOPUtEt9zPOaIYcX1zcFUs08HE3B0e3Dls6WdK99Aj1A9aAmwpvoE-AkuwQBqM/s320/TerraLast.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Officially on the final leg of making this shawl. I have started the last lace chart and the last skein of yarn. So, maybe by Monday I can post a picture of the finished project. It is turning out great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be well. Create. Inspire.</div><br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-74290103067069376072011-08-26T09:10:00.000-07:002011-08-26T09:10:19.154-07:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj030t2bea8ygMqz-paRg7DAH6CbMI6tFrBYiXYw19H2Ic7Qtq_enywm5UjvVsAdwSd-9MTMXuuI22WlCPrFXP_Z64Z5LKbvkIM5-rQDiLoma4CS9jFik5KDgOvF3dJOmwU43qT-wVDeyw/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj030t2bea8ygMqz-paRg7DAH6CbMI6tFrBYiXYw19H2Ic7Qtq_enywm5UjvVsAdwSd-9MTMXuuI22WlCPrFXP_Z64Z5LKbvkIM5-rQDiLoma4CS9jFik5KDgOvF3dJOmwU43qT-wVDeyw/s320/beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://soulemama./">SouleMama.</a> A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be well. Create. Inspire.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-9053917128571652032011-08-24T22:04:00.000-07:002011-08-24T22:04:37.437-07:00WIP Wednesday- Terra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE5a64K3UeaS8POOtFGUk4XtdOFRWHt3wvRfHq9QvubpvzXffi4j-LV_viXUqVVYhzf9Ur6jwY0_QSlHKv1JVcq1VHPJ2qgwuPUuzpRIdarDwiSQVz-Jp1Qvv6IxiiaY-Li77ij0a0CY/s1600/terra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE5a64K3UeaS8POOtFGUk4XtdOFRWHt3wvRfHq9QvubpvzXffi4j-LV_viXUqVVYhzf9Ur6jwY0_QSlHKv1JVcq1VHPJ2qgwuPUuzpRIdarDwiSQVz-Jp1Qvv6IxiiaY-Li77ij0a0CY/s320/terra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Currently I am am working to finish a project that I started back in April. It is the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/terra-4"> Terra Shawl </a>by Jared Flood. Made using Jared's yarn <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/yarn.html">Shelter</a>. Picking the color of Shelter was an easy choice. They had one named Homemade Jam. That is the colorway seen above. I am hoping to get it finished soon as I have another shawl that I am excited to get started on. You'll definitely see pics of this one when it is all done.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-44840684625533924282011-08-22T22:07:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:07:50.197-07:00Bitty Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-hIE8pLqpner9L2tUVuwD-Z8fmC2FpcplpGkY6I5qEMChUaUiK1cFVMGn3f9X_t8P6goGL2VIfMFIbFGjC4TYpHkiwBwfXhgkCMzfC0_jW4cd8J5aujATPWKZGolfbTbum5D_d_kxo4/s1600/harvest" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-hIE8pLqpner9L2tUVuwD-Z8fmC2FpcplpGkY6I5qEMChUaUiK1cFVMGn3f9X_t8P6goGL2VIfMFIbFGjC4TYpHkiwBwfXhgkCMzfC0_jW4cd8J5aujATPWKZGolfbTbum5D_d_kxo4/s320/harvest" width="320" /></a></div>We planted quite a garden this year. Certainly bigger than last year. Our crop has really been hit or miss. The radishes really behaved more like a weed. We had gobs of radishes. Then we entered a phase of having a lot of growth and green but little product. Well, heat and day after day of sun seems to be the ticket. The picture above if 2 of our probably 30+ Roma tomatoes. A little bitty corn, I don't think there is enough there to munch. I am giving our other 6 or so ears of corn a little more time. Also above there are 2 ball zucchinis. I had little luck with the regular zucchinis last year with the squirrels. Carrots seem to be holding there own. I am really anxious to get them out. Fresh picked carrots are SO, so good! In a week or so I will have a bucket of Romas. My larger tomatoes are also doing great but are all still green. There have been some learning moments in this whole process.<br />
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- plant more peppers<br />
- plant beets<br />
- maybe a few less radishes<br />
- go back to normal zucchinis<br />
- add another box so there is more room<br />
- pay better attention to the space allotted for each plant<br />
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I will definitely plant again next year. A little earlier perhaps, but certainly more. I has been a very good exercise in patience. Something I need.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire. (and grow)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-80456039286976813012011-08-19T12:42:00.000-07:002011-08-19T12:42:12.752-07:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN__24c9z1qS6G65ziW4HRbpvHas4gA2W9aK5qXFIwRtZV_i7ibCSip8sdEDJWe-7ZzFyU1AmvzFL3FIDnbJg_S4B987f5YVKCz57Ot5hfExBASGYRlayzxS-GZ1qlBZM9fKhLuQF6iDo/s1600/Photo+Aug+14%252C+5+30+45+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN__24c9z1qS6G65ziW4HRbpvHas4gA2W9aK5qXFIwRtZV_i7ibCSip8sdEDJWe-7ZzFyU1AmvzFL3FIDnbJg_S4B987f5YVKCz57Ot5hfExBASGYRlayzxS-GZ1qlBZM9fKhLuQF6iDo/s320/Photo+Aug+14%252C+5+30+45+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helping Mom make mash blackberries for Jam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://soulemama./">SouleMama.</a> A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be well. Create. Inspire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div align="left"></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-29924550141730336122011-08-18T11:16:00.000-07:002011-08-18T11:16:09.647-07:00WIP-Wednesday-TodaySo, by now you have seen the new blog layouts for Fridays {this moment}, Monday- RainMomma days, and Wednesdays are now WIP-Wednesdays. It was a late night last night. So, here it is. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsDsBhOkWT9w9IDEU6H3j8xvWdNKN9QQFcZZzl0gm2QsTIMR2j5j-4u8wMDXXM63bZs0kR1APWpBwzaXkMVP3uG-YZ5KEdaHJH4O90zw1GBZOntZr5vBJFrAZ0Kbrw8MUp9paR1b2yC4/s1600/Photo+Aug+18%252C+11+04+26+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsDsBhOkWT9w9IDEU6H3j8xvWdNKN9QQFcZZzl0gm2QsTIMR2j5j-4u8wMDXXM63bZs0kR1APWpBwzaXkMVP3uG-YZ5KEdaHJH4O90zw1GBZOntZr5vBJFrAZ0Kbrw8MUp9paR1b2yC4/s320/Photo+Aug+18%252C+11+04+26+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This is a crochet project for a Summer Sorbet Bolero. My recent crochet student approached me with this pattern. So, I am creating it in an effort to help walk her through the pattern. I am all caught up with her now so we can have a little crochet along. I am making it in the small/medium size. It has a solid back, some open work along the outer circumference, with a floral detail as well. I'll try and remember to post the finished product. <br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.<br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-37273575036348278492011-08-15T10:29:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:29:24.637-07:00Frost Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0drDyAS_leD0RAjGF9dlvRmwCNXHSaSiFsvNBf_4SFPlXlqTPqBa5cNngqLQfXizBft1hLV7JakYmqOdvewBaxtFPSD-TwMOxR8dUWfABvZrFTKBiwEIQeRSEXWg-0anXLfRUF8hotjI/s1600/AveryCowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0drDyAS_leD0RAjGF9dlvRmwCNXHSaSiFsvNBf_4SFPlXlqTPqBa5cNngqLQfXizBft1hLV7JakYmqOdvewBaxtFPSD-TwMOxR8dUWfABvZrFTKBiwEIQeRSEXWg-0anXLfRUF8hotjI/s400/AveryCowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>*Starting today. Each Monday will be a post about most anything RainMomma related. This could be a pattern (like today), a recipe or just a little bit about life.</i><br />
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So, when my LYS (local yarn store) was bringing in a new yarn I knew that I wanted to help them out with a sample. The yarn is <a href="http://www.thefibreco.com/acadia.html">Acadia from The Fibre Co</a>. and the pattern is <a href="http://www.kelbournewoolens.com/avery.html">Avery Cowl</a> by Kate Gagnon Osborn. What I loved about the yarn was the colors. All very earth-toned. The one I chose to use is called wild onion. The main portion of the yarn is definitely the color of an onion skin. But, every so often there will be a slub of bright purple. The combination is so lovely and the yarn was a pure joy to work with. Now, on to the pattern.<br />
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The pattern is a cowl, so worked in the round. This was my first introduction to a particular lace chart called frost flowers. Little did I know this pattern exist for ALL sorts of items. If you go to the <a href="http://quinceandco.com/blog/">Quince & Co. blog</a> you will see it made into a blanket, a sweater and a scarf. I think what was most difficult for me was the transition of working the pattern in the round. This could have been solved several ways, I think. It could have had some kind of divider like a ribbed row or notated differently on the pattern and perhaps changing where the marker placement was at those transitions. Either way, I mustered my way through the pattern. It took a little longer than I had hoped but it turned out lovely nonetheless. And, yet another moment to grow and learn while knitting.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-84652487878410687402011-08-12T22:19:00.000-07:002011-08-12T22:20:28.114-07:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU3gotdgas2ysNyRAOjev7eIRhnO9BHSPFsNmpD68rENm2M-ASSNq8eNFIVvQqTiACD-2UVCt0UxAtdlCnqHwW2REhWvD-i3kkQDGoJDcEweptKuMgqEE-9Yg07C9Td8ZyJ-yghP2E68/s1600/shoes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU3gotdgas2ysNyRAOjev7eIRhnO9BHSPFsNmpD68rENm2M-ASSNq8eNFIVvQqTiACD-2UVCt0UxAtdlCnqHwW2REhWvD-i3kkQDGoJDcEweptKuMgqEE-9Yg07C9Td8ZyJ-yghP2E68/s400/shoes" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This will be a new feature that will appear each Friday. Keep watching to see the other new blog features that will appear each Monday and Wednesday's too! </span></i></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-52059644513864484362011-06-28T21:56:00.000-07:002011-06-28T21:56:02.752-07:00Rose Olatz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXS19M0W41osbb_1n9zy3YAYkx5pm6NHvqayGccbAVTG0oNbuZLVvlb2KZZalAkUtybyGRWWLyQAg7L7ahyHnvS9Y3t_F0eCiOMtM-LzeElZkjKFUT6Nuvt4UJB7nyyVqirEnPcGmuOw/s1600/IMG_3064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXS19M0W41osbb_1n9zy3YAYkx5pm6NHvqayGccbAVTG0oNbuZLVvlb2KZZalAkUtybyGRWWLyQAg7L7ahyHnvS9Y3t_F0eCiOMtM-LzeElZkjKFUT6Nuvt4UJB7nyyVqirEnPcGmuOw/s320/IMG_3064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDzjm6KKjYEct4_pB8p9FtRiauCxTLjjilWos-atOPdImHmI6K7NzMpWALL-plOWH6GgDylWTPSx41oH0rU50fpo9Br42Cb0_Ovl3gg5KZQSDapvL_c1XTlMo6HQRUi2M4mYlzvLintU/s1600/IMG_3072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDzjm6KKjYEct4_pB8p9FtRiauCxTLjjilWos-atOPdImHmI6K7NzMpWALL-plOWH6GgDylWTPSx41oH0rU50fpo9Br42Cb0_Ovl3gg5KZQSDapvL_c1XTlMo6HQRUi2M4mYlzvLintU/s200/IMG_3072.jpg" width="150" /></a> So, the request was for a shawl that she could wrap around and get warm with. Anything for mom, right? Her previous shawl was the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/RainMomma/summer-flies-4">Summer Flies</a> shawl. It turned out rather lovely in purple, but a little on the small side. So, off to <a href="http://www.happyknits.com/">Happy Knits</a> to find the perfect yarn. She has good taste. She picked Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca. This yarn was an absolute dream to work with. I was one of the nicer plied yarns I have tried. Here is what Aslan Trends says about the royal alpaca: <i>Royal Alpaca is a rare and unique fiber, only 1% of all alpaca fiber production in the world can be classified as royal. At 19.0 to 19.5 microns is with no doubt the king of alpaca fiber. Super soft, lighter and warmer than cashmere. </i>She even picked the color- bright pink. So many people asked what I was making with the super soft, pepto pink yarn. The answer was always easy- something for mom. Needless to say, she loves her new shawl. I gave it to her for her birthday/mother's day. It is just as warm as Aslan describes. I now need to find something to make for myself out of it. I was very moderately priced and has great yardage at 220yds. Keep watching. I am certain whatever it is will land on these pages.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-27955337427800220372011-05-21T07:06:00.000-07:002011-05-21T07:06:02.942-07:00French Press Cowl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGxbvvBcMmEmzUMuv0cvh0iAJaGopGLjk1QThR4n-ddL632o0cS6qn-EWqUQ5VNoCNtXPAqvEJKFuwB_psHZDD5kdvD37tD7KRzy4WfepykBHzXggEULQNxd_QkI4Ff9g49UW5LUIffs/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGxbvvBcMmEmzUMuv0cvh0iAJaGopGLjk1QThR4n-ddL632o0cS6qn-EWqUQ5VNoCNtXPAqvEJKFuwB_psHZDD5kdvD37tD7KRzy4WfepykBHzXggEULQNxd_QkI4Ff9g49UW5LUIffs/s200/IMG_3034.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIP3zqtcupC78Hk6YaQ_mjGDxn0a0-2thFub0vr7fBpJg_rPCKHSZRB7_SvS6x0SazdfTt2w4id_jVVywzjrP9cTusDRYxJX6JD0OnkN5UOE0d_4ym0Ep6xAQwllZKNjQWZVvUaISyxQ/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIP3zqtcupC78Hk6YaQ_mjGDxn0a0-2thFub0vr7fBpJg_rPCKHSZRB7_SvS6x0SazdfTt2w4id_jVVywzjrP9cTusDRYxJX6JD0OnkN5UOE0d_4ym0Ep6xAQwllZKNjQWZVvUaISyxQ/s320/IMG_3016.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I love finding community in the knitting world. It is so nice to be able to bounce pattern ideas around, exchange yarn reviews, and find other people who can be in your presence without words and knit alongside you. With the French Press Cowl it is the story of pattern testing. Larissa Brown of the blog <a href="http://stitchmarker.net/">Stitch Marker </a>. Larissa put out a request for someone to test her new cowl pattern. Okie doke! Cowl's are pretty quick knits. And this one was no different. It is a lovely and simple lace pattern with a different kind of rib pattern. I think the ribbing is what makes it interesting. The simple lace pattern is a series of eyelets that are stacked on top of each other. The idea is that when finished one will weave something through those holes. I thought about getting really wild and crazy, but you know that isn't my style. So, I went with ribbon. I still considered the idea of buttons or beads, but ribbon was the clear winner. One of my coworkers loved the cowl so it has found a new home with her. But, I think I may have to make another.<br />
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Up Next: Rose Olatz<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-83686929440701258812011-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:002011-05-04T11:20:05.353-07:00Quince & Co.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiXMszZM8aUaTBtIWu8WOCPM8mBBf1RmJOIa76FW-BXoNCBSXKP2TgPeDwbL_wjD55D4QOV7unFzk2kgx-bnEbNSIJKSdY3uWZi7pLOod9eIRLa2bSIgy3U38Xa9GrgWCfsFwNu3-Fg8/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiXMszZM8aUaTBtIWu8WOCPM8mBBf1RmJOIa76FW-BXoNCBSXKP2TgPeDwbL_wjD55D4QOV7unFzk2kgx-bnEbNSIJKSdY3uWZi7pLOod9eIRLa2bSIgy3U38Xa9GrgWCfsFwNu3-Fg8/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>First off, I love the entire aesthetic of Quince & Co. yarns. You can find them <a href="http://www.quinceandco.com/">here</a>. I had been interestdin trying out their line for sometime. So, I ordered on skein of Puffin, a lovely bulky weight wool and Osprey in the goldfinch colorway. Goldfinch of course being a lovely yellow for Ms. C. <br />
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**Above is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crow">Crow</a> pattern made with the Puffin in the Lichen colorway. Crow is a wonderful quick knit cowl pattern from Larissa Brown. You can find out more about her <a href="http://larissmix.typepad.com/">here</a>. She is also having a special on her patterns in order to help her sister with adoption fees. To see her patterns and here more about how you can donate visit this <a href="http://stitchmarker.net/2011/05/a-mothers-day-wish.html">blog entry</a>.**<br />
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Not only do I enjoy their yarn but they have some truly lovely patterns as well. Claire and I did some looking around and she really like the <a href="http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_20&products_id=64">Camilla</a> sweater. One of the other treats I ordered was there color card. I may have to get more of these from companies, they are very handy. Claire enjoyed being able to pick out the color she wants. So it will be in yellow of course. The color way is Carrie's yellow and the yarn it suggests is Lark. Her next sweater is a little down on the queue, but when it is done you will see it here. For her current Goldfinch yellow yarn I am going to make her a hat, beret I think.<br />
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Quince & Co. and I are off to a great start. Their yarns, just as great as I expected them to be. I truly recommend sending off for some, the hardest part will be deciding what awesome color to go with.<br />
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Next up: French Press Cowl Test<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-67386675805300871762011-04-25T15:46:00.000-07:002011-04-25T15:46:09.866-07:00Claire's Sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of the most important ideas that we can pass onto our children are tradition, and from my lineage of women- knitting. I simply adore the notion that Claire also wants to be a knitter. She is always very intrigued with what I am working on. She has also started her very own mini-stash. And I am NOT to touch any of her yarn. She is very patiently saving it for the day that she learns how to knit so she can make something with HER yarn. That day will be coming soon. I understand many kids start around 4. So, along with her asking what I am working on she will occasionally ask if what I am making is for her. Usually the answer is no. Unless I involve her in the ENTIRE process she is generally not interested in the cute stuff I try and make for her. So this time she had a special request. "Mommy, can you make me a sweater?" But, of course. So I found one that met her approval and showed her the yarn I had been saving for a project just like this. And here I present- Claire's Sweater. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZvU6RgMvt4hmJhWviMwd1VW_1PUO7A3WpqDYwdgj2-kygqyHqM9ljtzfPeSjolKrXs3_TP1_7S_Ful6Ff68tVg6XMQAUOXMF5XZPND3zTYkNJUJwP-4TH9LxfiM0XBwM0_xH8pflARM/s320/p127536360-6.jpg" width="213" /></div>The yarn is from the <a href="http://www.lavendersheep.com/">Lavender Sheep Co.</a> in Hood River. I thought it would be a nice and playful colorway. She approved, despite it not having her favorite color- yellow. The yarn was wonderful to work with. It was a Merino/Silk mix. Some might say that is a little fancy for a toddler, but not mine. This garment she has worn more than any other that I have made her. It is perfect for the mildly cold days of spring. You might notice in the picture that it self-banded the color towards the top and then towards the waist I forced the color to band which made for a few more ends to weave in. <br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audreys-first-day">Audrey's First Day</a>. We have already scouted the yarn and the pattern for her next sweater. But, she is a little down on the queue at the moment. The pattern, like most toddler sized garments knit up pretty quickly. The only problem that I had was with myself and not the pattern. I didn't examine the pattern enough prior to starting. The pattern requires that you knit the body and then pick up the stitches around the color and down the front for a nice ribbed edge. Picking up that many stitches is a weak spot for me. But, in the end, it made a lovely garment that Claire adores and wears!<br />
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Next up: Quince & Co. yarn review.<br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-77551818146598976342011-04-12T18:37:00.000-07:002011-04-12T18:37:15.709-07:00Love & Beauty“I believe in love. And beauty. I believe that every single person has something they find beautiful and that they truly love. The smell of their child’s hair, the silence of a forest, their lover’s crooked grin. Their country, their religion, their family. And I believe that if you follow this love all the way to its end, if you start with the thing you find most beautiful and trace its perfume back to its essence, you will perceive an intangible presence, a swath of stillness that allows the thing you love to be visible like the openness of the sky reveals the presence of the moon.”<br />
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Excerpt from Women, Food, & God by Geneen Roth<br />
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It was SO beautiful I had to share. <br />
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Be well. Create. Inspire.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546310163852279783.post-34323410185523164652011-04-02T22:31:00.000-07:002011-04-02T22:37:13.476-07:00Something to aspire to<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Join in with Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011" class="aligncenter" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5468779575_497d5cf977_o.jpg" title="Join in with Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011" width="500" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Stricken/lyric-tree" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZ09DNwVaxRs9t_wbpj8kf6GzBFRuLGwrxpkX1oLVke9oZGNIAK9Inn3JVjm2xluwzkz9BpGJWVLZm4i9fBK04E6xTad2jf-O5zSLyVzmfG11-4ECGsgdHWvc1fLZCCc5yutcVkPFdTs/s200/2370251864_b19baccb55_m.jpg" width="150" /></a> I aspire to make the sweater pattern for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Stricken/lyric-tree">Lyric Tree </a>by Stricken on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. I love the tree of life look of this design. I also love the detail on the hood. So, detailed, aran-type cable work is what I aspire to master. I am still fairly new at cables. But, when searching for some projects on Ravelry I came across this pattern and new it was an instant fave. I wish I had more patience to do sweaters and larger projects. But, I like semi-instant gratification. I much prefer projects that I can finish in a few days. I think I may stash this project away for the next retreat I attend in November where I could give it the concentrated time it deserves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be well. Create. Inspire</div><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08959070768311803349noreply@blogger.com0