tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48162203419468305142024-02-07T08:05:13.851-05:00The Creative CastleThe creative experimentations of a multi-media artist.bettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-22908767048107673192007-10-08T07:43:00.001-05:002008-12-11T21:42:40.325-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPHqc6iwF8j8zTE85Z5JveOBUTyBFaXFY7uXWhmszPeZ0LxA3FXRRf1SifnSdLz5KA1T1dt9UZOS0MjqTIbHP3qYyuD2FrNoWbLHJ7PVkFqgzgjhyphenhyphenXJ2ET5SrbXP5UtMBrXofB0-dTrg/s1600-h/turkeytitleC.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPHqc6iwF8j8zTE85Z5JveOBUTyBFaXFY7uXWhmszPeZ0LxA3FXRRf1SifnSdLz5KA1T1dt9UZOS0MjqTIbHP3qYyuD2FrNoWbLHJ7PVkFqgzgjhyphenhyphenXJ2ET5SrbXP5UtMBrXofB0-dTrg/s320/turkeytitleC.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118950538820340434" border="0" /></a>Just wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Day, for today is our Canadian celebration. I thought it would be interesting to share some of the history of the date & will do so now. This was taken from a charity site that can be found <a href="http://www.soschildrensvillages.ca/cgi-bin/sos/jsp/retrieve.do?lang=en&site=CA&hNav=show&nav=3.1&fn=314_donation_thanksgiving&jwppid=googleadwords&jwpbid=thanksgiving&et_cid=2&et_lid=1&et_sub=thanksgiving%20day">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"The first and original Thanksgiving comes from Canada. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.<br /><br />Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest.<br /><br />The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. He did not succeed but he did establish a settlement in Canada.<br /><br />In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. This is considered the first Canadian Thanksgiving, and the first Thanksgiving to have taken place in North America.<br /><br />Other settlers arrived and continued these ceremonies. He was later knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him - Frobisher Bay.<br /><br /><a name="subparagraph3"></a></span> <div style="font-style: italic;" class="content_link"><span style="font-size:85%;"> At the same time, French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, also held huge feasts of thanks. They even formed 'The Order of Good Cheer' and gladly shared their food with their Native-Canadian neighbours.<br /><br />After the Seven Year's War ended in 1763 handing over Canada to the British, the citizens of Halifax held a special day of Thanksgiving. During the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal (United Empire Loyalists) to Great Britain were exiled from the United States and came to Canada.<br /><br />They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada. There are a few similarities between the two Thanksgivings such as the cornucopia and the pumpkin pie.<br /><br />But, unlike the US holiday, Thanksgiving in Canada is a much more muted event. In the USA the holiday is almost as important as Christmas for families getting together for the holiday. In Canada, this is not the case.<br /><br /></span> </div> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > <a name="subparagraph4"></a> Eventually in 1879, the Canadian Parliament declared November 6th a day of Thanksgiving and a national holiday in Canada.<br /><br />Over the years many dates were used for Thanksgiving, the most popular was the 3rd Monday in October. After World War I, both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving were celebrated on the Monday of the week in which November 11th occurred.<br /><br />Ten years later, in 1931, the two days became separate holidays and Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day. Finally, on January 31st, 1957, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed... "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed ... to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."<br /><br />The first Thanksgiving Day in Canada after Confederation was observed on April 5, 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness.<br /><br />Before then, thanksgiving days were observed beginning in 1799 but did not occur every year. Starting in 1879 Thanksgiving Day was observed every year but the date was proclaimed annually and changed year to year. The theme of the Thanksgiving holiday also changed year to year to reflect an important event to be thankful for.<br /><br />In the early years it was for an abundant harvest and occasionally for a special anniversary. After the First World War it was for Armistice Day and more recently and including today it has been a day of general thanksgiving."<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vqA1MK5f7amLU_1iGY2VuhNJtjvdWgLKjorUd8itAT6LlQodVdGplwWyoijjyiO-zTau9wkpOrBSpPJTd6MHE-FYRDqvK9mspIFF9TU0Tt-Ur_wtjBmynIeH60x6fmNBD7l7QWCradA/s1600-h/gynodinnerC.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vqA1MK5f7amLU_1iGY2VuhNJtjvdWgLKjorUd8itAT6LlQodVdGplwWyoijjyiO-zTau9wkpOrBSpPJTd6MHE-FYRDqvK9mspIFF9TU0Tt-Ur_wtjBmynIeH60x6fmNBD7l7QWCradA/s320/gynodinnerC.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118950195222956738" border="0" /></a>Enjoy & be grateful. Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-23462874666324062832007-10-03T19:51:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:40.697-05:00DistractionWhile airing out, cleaning, & disinfecting the house is probably note worthy, it certainly isn't something that I care to take pictures of or focus my writing on. Thus I have decided to just let you look at some pictures of a recent gift that I made for a friend. I used white perle cotton for the knitting of the beaded necklace & then hand painted it with lumiere paints once it was finished.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4w9lHQKGpslxTj7kVFcdSrqsHYrrHkD4EU28l1AYrKuwXuP0FQJifK_Iy4rBb_Fq9DrFlEmBuMx8zXORmc0VRnIEC9XsIRNdJ1LE0hVFy_2vSdgiQ-mDWQ_kl6-QSbNMW0ai91m5SpRk/s1600-h/amulet1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4w9lHQKGpslxTj7kVFcdSrqsHYrrHkD4EU28l1AYrKuwXuP0FQJifK_Iy4rBb_Fq9DrFlEmBuMx8zXORmc0VRnIEC9XsIRNdJ1LE0hVFy_2vSdgiQ-mDWQ_kl6-QSbNMW0ai91m5SpRk/s320/amulet1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117278997678279330" border="0" /></a><br />Now that everyone in the house seems to be on the mend from that nasty flu that we all had, I should feel more like blogging.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircz6fZlS57iPMoBLFOlvNSb3wtjpxmHXSA0MxlCVV4DHoTRxPMC9DwV21-uSBtMLeaw269HLlQDHt-S0FCUXVqS4m05Td6ZC1uPFPBqMWMR2PwLdq6-egIU0owLrc7tnNdfX4bFC6TZM/s1600-h/amulet2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircz6fZlS57iPMoBLFOlvNSb3wtjpxmHXSA0MxlCVV4DHoTRxPMC9DwV21-uSBtMLeaw269HLlQDHt-S0FCUXVqS4m05Td6ZC1uPFPBqMWMR2PwLdq6-egIU0owLrc7tnNdfX4bFC6TZM/s320/amulet2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117279117937363634" border="0" /></a>Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-38098695255721895762007-09-05T23:46:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:41.041-05:00Continental KnittingI know I've touched on this before (likely a year ago), but I'm making this entry for those who were at my "Switching to Continental Knitting" class tonight.<br /><br />The Utube video is in the entry below. It is excellent! You will refer to it again & again. You can even pause it to get your fingers in position if need be.<br /><br />The book that we discussed is this one & I've put the link below. Amazon.ca is (by far) the cheapest way to get knit books (or any other kind for that matter) online. If you spend $39- or more (which isn't hard especially if you set up a wishlist), you get free shipping.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca/e/cm?t=thecrecas-20&o=15&p=8&l=as1&asins=0764596403&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />I had so much fun at the class tonight. Everyone was extremely nice to deal with. I hope they weren't just putting on a show because I got the impression that they were enjoying themselves. Okay, so not the knitting part, but the jokes, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wJB_uymDPmUK5xB9XLIl18I3LQXCwyIhRCuJK3Es7W-k34LeIfHwJJptLqtBAjdOhZgk7TkCySQjhGEZ9fp43egRvg7fN21T9Yufx59EzuvAZpsuLvTV1mElGleBS_jho7u8n3lvoA0/s1600-h/canknitgroup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wJB_uymDPmUK5xB9XLIl18I3LQXCwyIhRCuJK3Es7W-k34LeIfHwJJptLqtBAjdOhZgk7TkCySQjhGEZ9fp43egRvg7fN21T9Yufx59EzuvAZpsuLvTV1mElGleBS_jho7u8n3lvoA0/s320/canknitgroup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107569406389209634" border="0" /></a>This group is also very tricky. They tried to convince me that I couldn't post their pic because they were in the witness protection program, but I took my chances, they look like fast runners, lol.<br /><br />The most important thing is to relax & practice. It will definitely feel awkward at first because you're retraining your fingers & brain. This will pass & you will love the results. It's so much faster & easier on your joints & hands. You might be cursing me now, but you'll be thanking me later, lol.<br />Best of luck & don't forget that you can email if you have any questions or concerns.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-9278428895226673992007-09-05T11:05:00.001-05:002007-09-05T11:05:56.099-05:00Continental knitting demo<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/XuRLFl36tDY' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/XuRLFl36tDY'/></object></p></div>bettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-39661406268847744102007-09-04T12:02:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:41.334-05:00Flamingo? Aaack.It's only because of my son that I would ever knit a pink flamingo. (The fact that his grandmother bought the pattern & yarn might have swayed me too). Anyway, last week was Joseph's B-Day. Among other things, he loves flamingos. I have no idea where this originated from, but perhaps from one of 2 visits to the African Lion Safari. Regardless, the kid goes gaga for them.<br /><br />So, the knit flamingo was born. The pattern is from a Bernat Pattern Booklet 530130. It's called "Gertrude the Flamingo" & is rated Intermediate. It uses 2 balls of Bernat Baby Boucle, & 1 ball each of Bernat Satin ebony & Sea Shell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz_cT5K-LgYNfmA2p-Rm69oMj3wgKTYSRi-2fvEyHx_jQOczCladvpJzG5C5cVM2_c2GaCS9Cb3fCmkbZqA7BiOR5J971GQb73Lou3dhvddWiN7cn5vFCOV0HmqURaL6a1kf5XSOD7IQ/s1600-h/DSC01759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz_cT5K-LgYNfmA2p-Rm69oMj3wgKTYSRi-2fvEyHx_jQOczCladvpJzG5C5cVM2_c2GaCS9Cb3fCmkbZqA7BiOR5J971GQb73Lou3dhvddWiN7cn5vFCOV0HmqURaL6a1kf5XSOD7IQ/s320/DSC01759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106463770138069490" border="0" /></a><br />Fairly easy pattern, but I loath Boucle & in this case it had to be doubled (great, I now hate it twice as much). I'm sure that had I been knitting it in a silk boucle instead, I would have fell madly in love, but something about the acrylic one drives me to the next level of insanity. This was no small feet either (no pun intended). The thing is 20" tall & 21" wide not including the legs & those feet :)<br /><br />Joseph however, was delighted. So in fact, that he claimed that this was now his 2nd favourite stuffy in the whole world. He explained that it could never take the place of his 1st one since he's had "Chocolate" (a large beanie pal chocolate lab) most of his life & he thought I would understand this (which of course I did).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15rJjIP1AHE51z-sWmNb0rkvD1ADhmQJPiGYPtHzNB-30zueNopWzCllmCfKdue9FK5zZsUjcU0IVdEDsYrlLp_DKgjjpK7xZycoO-XqMTCptTSd7vc7yqjw6zJRU_EmiAZNWQGClCVU/s1600-h/DSC01701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15rJjIP1AHE51z-sWmNb0rkvD1ADhmQJPiGYPtHzNB-30zueNopWzCllmCfKdue9FK5zZsUjcU0IVdEDsYrlLp_DKgjjpK7xZycoO-XqMTCptTSd7vc7yqjw6zJRU_EmiAZNWQGClCVU/s320/DSC01701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106464362843556354" border="0" /></a><br />This child is very special. Nicest male I've ever met (yes, even including his father) because he says things like "you make the bestest pizza in the world", "You deserve it mommy 'cause you work so hard", "could you knit ......... for me" & last week's "Come see the beautiful cloud formation". The kid obviously has taste, is sensitive & pays attention to detail. Who wouldn't love a guy like this? This was his 9th B-Day, but I hope he never changes. Gives me hope for the male race, lol.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-71377988914325529862007-08-26T17:02:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:41.933-05:00Einstein<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein">Einstein:</a><br />The facts: home-schooled, lived from March 14, 1879 - April 18, 1955, German, Jewish, had cool crazy hair, won many awards, etc.<br /><br />Unfortunately, (although even more brilliant) I'm not talking about that Einstein. In fact, I'm talking about a great (see the similarities) knit sweater pattern. Perfect in that it's very neatly constructed, easy to follow instructions, totally do-able 1st sweater pattern for beginners & you will feel super smart once you've completed it.<br /><br />It's from <b class="sans">The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville<br /><iframe src="http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca/e/cm?t=thecrecas-20&o=15&p=8&l=as1&asins=1893762130&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></b><br />Sweater Specs:<br /><ul><li>less than 5 x 150g balls (or 11 x 50g balls of Lopi or another bulky weight)<br /></li><li>hand-spun 100% wool dyed in a khaki green.</li><li>took a reasonable amount of time</li><li>was a nice relaxing knit (perfect for obligatory T.V. watching with hubby in evenings or at appts.)<br /></li><li>straight forward, no nonsense pattern in garter stitch with the only decreases being in the sleeves</li><li>only 2 seams (one at the top of each arm) to sew up to finish. (You pick up stitches to knit the various parts throughout)</li><li>5 buttons (I was given some wood toggle ones from Faye's stash)<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzcCIfYekIzV428op1eL5htO43plUjCN5BkSPncvfwAsddSGSZvG6cgu-Amit1yMH_1o_3qUkE5eCNb-Jr1J4CrbyYPe3TOxeTPqo4oqJbYEaqBAEl1O38lsBMWwLydFDaymmkK5CrVk/s1600-h/einsteinclosed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzcCIfYekIzV428op1eL5htO43plUjCN5BkSPncvfwAsddSGSZvG6cgu-Amit1yMH_1o_3qUkE5eCNb-Jr1J4CrbyYPe3TOxeTPqo4oqJbYEaqBAEl1O38lsBMWwLydFDaymmkK5CrVk/s320/einsteinclosed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103152509266643394" border="0" /></a>I loved making this sweater. The only modifications that I made were that I didn't switch to the smaller needles when I had 11 rows to finish in each sleeve. I cont'd with the same size needles & only decreased down to 18 rather than 15 stitches & made it to the length I wanted. I actually had done it according to the pattern first, but didn't like the look, frogged it back & finished the way I discussed above. I like to roll the sleeves a bit & if you followed the pattern it would have turned out too tight & bunched for this look.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLnMP76jRCL7LKE0OdZQ4TeqUQTIQMub6KHDU6-esExoRZdo4pvqZsbucAO_sZZ4t8L-mhE599havRE0625tcpMzCn__Wy5JW3CCiGov38Zk52P_saEK0vz5NUZs0oaQnEtsAKBzkJoA/s1600-h/einsteinopen.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLnMP76jRCL7LKE0OdZQ4TeqUQTIQMub6KHDU6-esExoRZdo4pvqZsbucAO_sZZ4t8L-mhE599havRE0625tcpMzCn__Wy5JW3CCiGov38Zk52P_saEK0vz5NUZs0oaQnEtsAKBzkJoA/s320/einsteinopen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103155262340680146" border="0" /></a>The total cost of this project was $15- including tax. I had gotten the yarn from a vendor at the last spin-in I attended in <a href="http://www.porthope.ca/home.asp">Port Hope</a> at an incredible $15- for 5lbs of hand-spun (she was clearing out last years stock). The wooden toggles were a gift from my friend Faye's stash (yes, the same Faye who got me started with <a href="http://thefunkylamb.blogspot.com/2007/08/quails.html">quails</a>, lol.)<br /><br />Anyway, got to go finish a flamingo, peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-84675054124968607722007-08-22T16:22:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:42.741-05:00The Yarn HarlotYup, back we trekked to Aurora again this year. I convinced MA & Irene to go with me. Jack (not trusting my night driving skills since the motion of the car tends to make me fall asleep & who is MA's hubby) drove us all to Aurora last night to see <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Stephanie Pearl-McPhee</a> (aka The Yarn Harlot) do another one of her awesome talks.<br /><br />If you haven't gotten the opportunity then you're definitely missing out on something special. She is witty, intelligent, approachable & the farthest thing from pretentious ever there was. Motivational & inspirational, she makes you feel welcome & worthy regardless if colour, race or social economic level. A refreshing change to the norm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPEYPKL9LrqydRBzX0H_gwqA6IbYTUT9OUUFpk36JkE8Prx0I8nRVrJSUMO2cgHLOfzH40W9yvYZZXJUlGFCn9DM027fIJeo3wi44g1pMcyg6ZHd4dyGGKX0iyga-Ad81KH0WMzQp-DQ/s1600-h/DSC01670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPEYPKL9LrqydRBzX0H_gwqA6IbYTUT9OUUFpk36JkE8Prx0I8nRVrJSUMO2cgHLOfzH40W9yvYZZXJUlGFCn9DM027fIJeo3wi44g1pMcyg6ZHd4dyGGKX0iyga-Ad81KH0WMzQp-DQ/s320/DSC01670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101641922023999874" border="0" /></a>(Pic of Steph asking us knitters to unite for the cause, lol.)<br /><br />I suppose I could be viewed as a Harlot groupie, but for the most part, I think Steph realizes that I'm harmless, I just don't get out a whole heck of a lot & I'm a little obsessed with the whole knitting thing in general.<br /><br />I also decided to take my (new-to-me) Blythe doll "Lydia". And, as luck would have it, was able to show Steph what a Blythe was (I'm hoping she's a better person for being enlightened, but she may just think I've crossed that fine weirdo line, lol). Erin (my friend in T.O. who I bought Lydia off of), was more than thrilled that Lydia got to meet such "Knitting Royalty"; her words.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmacjY8WlhKkvWWT48LGE2yUDzfNfAfkn6Q1ChC8NItp5CfyDWNtskXee1ruKNBu6zsUt8mDnyFcw7PAgFUEefRGcxaP3L6uKFYgDO7hm__E8jAPzrrNas6CVU3H1heFYtxFOaGERujQ/s1600-h/DSC01671.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmacjY8WlhKkvWWT48LGE2yUDzfNfAfkn6Q1ChC8NItp5CfyDWNtskXee1ruKNBu6zsUt8mDnyFcw7PAgFUEefRGcxaP3L6uKFYgDO7hm__E8jAPzrrNas6CVU3H1heFYtxFOaGERujQ/s320/DSC01671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101643287823600018" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, I have a ton of things to show/talk/blog about & really need to set aside some time to do so. Until then, peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-55059352519094535272007-07-06T11:04:00.001-05:002008-12-11T21:42:42.966-05:00Come join the Misery;midnight deadlineJust in case some of you don't (& I'd find that hard to believe) read <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2007/07/05/warning.html">"The Yarn Harlot"</a>, she's at it again. Total enabler. In her defense she says that it wasn't her fault.<br /><br />Upon checking out the links to said "can't do without knit-a-long", I find myself weak at the knees. I have no right to be contemplating this adventure since I am washing & spinning fleece, knitting Christmas prezzies, convinced myself & Lynne that we needed to start the "Einstein Jacket" now instead of later & have thus casted on yesterday, etc. Before I know it though, I am joining; sigh.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GvST_eOQ8abLVmJ1k40hI7DDholdfbK9RtWQGDgCOtp8-0lNuO_ITGd5003SJQPqyURt6dX9x3OKMDxbNZKdSwyCxyThtEAHQOPW5eLa41L2JguyDRXGof114LoWtopVqJy3iVoAgBA/s1600-h/msterystole3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GvST_eOQ8abLVmJ1k40hI7DDholdfbK9RtWQGDgCOtp8-0lNuO_ITGd5003SJQPqyURt6dX9x3OKMDxbNZKdSwyCxyThtEAHQOPW5eLa41L2JguyDRXGof114LoWtopVqJy3iVoAgBA/s320/msterystole3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084116696375349682" border="0" /></a><br />It's the <a href="http://pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/2007/06/mystery-stole-3-let-madness-begin.html">Mystery Stole 3 on Pink Lemon Twist's Blog</a>. You have until midnight tonight in case you want to join me & the now 6080 others (yup you read correctly) as of 12:08pm today.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-55079317265858366862007-06-28T17:49:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:45.131-05:00Knit on my dear friends.So, just to catch everyone up, I've been incredibly busy with the hobby farm. I've gotten another alpaca (a Suri type which can be read about <a href="http://thefunkylamb.blogspot.com/2007/06/splish-splash.html">here</a>), hatched my 1st batch of Japanese quails (which I'll blog about shortly), have done some spinning, had our monthly CQ'teer meeting & lots of knitting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih7AA9JI5BRGzbuXxMWFbflA_eNmOFrQqNqQX57rf7ruRWuIxuKY_OGlO_nGzPqaIbRQyVwau-IpxVqhWNJnZ9ezJG1J7EaA7UBiWF1IoJ7vOpzIxRNlWNsemhFeWk2Y1BnVQraeSd9E/s1600-h/DSC01237.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih7AA9JI5BRGzbuXxMWFbflA_eNmOFrQqNqQX57rf7ruRWuIxuKY_OGlO_nGzPqaIbRQyVwau-IpxVqhWNJnZ9ezJG1J7EaA7UBiWF1IoJ7vOpzIxRNlWNsemhFeWk2Y1BnVQraeSd9E/s320/DSC01237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083499161682563458" border="0" /></a>I've been practicing my spinning on some <a href="http://www.blackpinessheep.com/images/other.htm">Lincoln lamb</a> fibre that I got off of Lynne on shearing day. It's from "Ava" who I just love. She is one sweet sheep. This is a long wool variety that is strong, mixes with mohair wonderfully & is sought after by dollmakers for use in wigs & Santa's beards.<br />It is different from regular fleece & slightly more difficult to spin because it's tough & more hair like (imho). Once you get the knack of it though it's great. I was quite pleased with how it turned out & can't wait until it's plied. The 1st pic is (from left to right): washed fleece, carded fleece & spun Lincoln. 2nd pic is a close-up of the spun fibre.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhyOs11X-wAdiIE6b_wr_1ccujBhyphenhyphenZOQ7iTjMR4GxOvLIV_6bRx7SN6jf9eqCPSgBdnW-2b9ieUAQ8xCVX2L2LZ_WCOm58OrebXuLZHe1Pt2DxrsIflKQfuttHyprRC7dMESpXrybkoA/s1600-h/DSC01410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhyOs11X-wAdiIE6b_wr_1ccujBhyphenhyphenZOQ7iTjMR4GxOvLIV_6bRx7SN6jf9eqCPSgBdnW-2b9ieUAQ8xCVX2L2LZ_WCOm58OrebXuLZHe1Pt2DxrsIflKQfuttHyprRC7dMESpXrybkoA/s320/DSC01410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083493556750242114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsm3vdLl_SnR9ouZzTqmb3n6VukrMfLPqBEY5FZQ5R2QkbZmlWUxZWeghgbYu1-U7qDM_oEVoUMdYfZWdCk5gNjS6b4OsR6hGOfGv2oy7TilCKr3fm72-A-57PlBqhEGFRn-coG8K5yA/s1600-h/DSC01411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsm3vdLl_SnR9ouZzTqmb3n6VukrMfLPqBEY5FZQ5R2QkbZmlWUxZWeghgbYu1-U7qDM_oEVoUMdYfZWdCk5gNjS6b4OsR6hGOfGv2oy7TilCKr3fm72-A-57PlBqhEGFRn-coG8K5yA/s320/DSC01411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083496580407218546" border="0" /></a>I have finished the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/PATTmonkey.html">"Monkey Socks"</a>! Just for the record, I had mine finished before the Harlot, so it is I who is the trendsetter for her, lol. Both of us however, realized afterwards that they would have turned out a lot nicer if we hadn't used self-patterning yarn; great minds really do think a like (or perhaps just make the same mistakes, lol).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmPNIYmc1ul6Yuu-QPtFdUhHpWDepOyMWHhwPPBIPTV-GP8qEJPO3G1ofVsKM347cZlInZk0tRR9NbcYXukNnhpaZXh0mF0-G1xeyRW-rNkR7W3AzReHzaZ_ZDRYRX7QeXJ16fsNGkuE/s1600-h/DSC01401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmPNIYmc1ul6Yuu-QPtFdUhHpWDepOyMWHhwPPBIPTV-GP8qEJPO3G1ofVsKM347cZlInZk0tRR9NbcYXukNnhpaZXh0mF0-G1xeyRW-rNkR7W3AzReHzaZ_ZDRYRX7QeXJ16fsNGkuE/s320/DSC01401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083475719751061762" border="0" /></a>Amongst the finished knits are also some Christmas ones. I will only show part photos so the surprise isn't ruined; the pics are of 2 things modular & something with cables; nuff said.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLM4LvwmzV7Q2R_nLS7zEePGKkD13Oqz5F0WQTZxv36j39HxGH5g8e9vGHuK1LJ6KtzoT9kSNnUALOx6Mn7K3P2rZHpAvCkhSehcbbgNItJt1w9nu_HRCWR7LwHzUkp4gqcgws3_psj0/s1600-h/DSC01409.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLM4LvwmzV7Q2R_nLS7zEePGKkD13Oqz5F0WQTZxv36j39HxGH5g8e9vGHuK1LJ6KtzoT9kSNnUALOx6Mn7K3P2rZHpAvCkhSehcbbgNItJt1w9nu_HRCWR7LwHzUkp4gqcgws3_psj0/s320/DSC01409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083500523187196306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCUYYHsIZXKxt5lIVm650Q6xot-DwfgDzow5WLgL0RshRmdIV7Dhs6HuQenq7bn7nTx0Oy2m_MEph-yBamZN9e0-7chXGDWpvFbJ-h0bpIqTi_ylCl2exJ0WIy0liTxpm-eV4TGH9Lqg/s1600-h/DSC01407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCUYYHsIZXKxt5lIVm650Q6xot-DwfgDzow5WLgL0RshRmdIV7Dhs6HuQenq7bn7nTx0Oy2m_MEph-yBamZN9e0-7chXGDWpvFbJ-h0bpIqTi_ylCl2exJ0WIy0liTxpm-eV4TGH9Lqg/s320/DSC01407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083476952406675746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6A3RhmdScriUACYXW9ly_vxSBM8RxGsWA2Fr1R3luX_a4seDsi9vCN73U7WoNcJr7lss3Zp7qE3BniwjpxZhcHBou_IUE1389mLMtQ6lSCTnaJ_NnBuYjrVfKT81lo3HYgdSJ846ODI/s1600-h/DSC01404.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6A3RhmdScriUACYXW9ly_vxSBM8RxGsWA2Fr1R3luX_a4seDsi9vCN73U7WoNcJr7lss3Zp7qE3BniwjpxZhcHBou_IUE1389mLMtQ6lSCTnaJ_NnBuYjrVfKT81lo3HYgdSJ846ODI/s320/DSC01404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083476385470992658" border="0" /></a>CQ'teer meeting went well. 3 new members, 2 members that just came back from vacations: 1 to Japan & the other to the East Coast. Very nice & interesting stories from both, lots of show & share, chocolate, coffee, ATC's & a cool accordion paper booklet that Faye taught us for program this month.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMDNctWGOAA85NNxD8RaPgpn9CgdyF8ApVBUIxeVykrtdnkF4JCYgVyN5iub5pOgRw6cjC_EK5CtcW-CFP-yJnQrqDxVP21Wf2dwLMsYsGgw7uP7CzbsBR_5vVB1V07RawfFvtAKmZM4/s1600-h/DSC01414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMDNctWGOAA85NNxD8RaPgpn9CgdyF8ApVBUIxeVykrtdnkF4JCYgVyN5iub5pOgRw6cjC_EK5CtcW-CFP-yJnQrqDxVP21Wf2dwLMsYsGgw7uP7CzbsBR_5vVB1V07RawfFvtAKmZM4/s320/DSC01414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083495760068464994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60-_ndcM8A2aJlwvPzCWxwWxHrV0eSuH4YstedQCv585Ly-qX-2LZQ8GIV7Tzdaz0clKF3jVeJOBpORC6KeI8V0iqRepyT96Fv-oZxbDcmA0f7VKis1mI2zznM-Xe2mEA0E-PtqOVw7A/s1600-h/DSC01412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60-_ndcM8A2aJlwvPzCWxwWxHrV0eSuH4YstedQCv585Ly-qX-2LZQ8GIV7Tzdaz0clKF3jVeJOBpORC6KeI8V0iqRepyT96Fv-oZxbDcmA0f7VKis1mI2zznM-Xe2mEA0E-PtqOVw7A/s320/DSC01412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083495085758599506" border="0" /></a>I'll give you some time to absorb all the eye-candy & then I'll post again soon.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-78752601552925830892007-06-04T11:34:00.001-05:002008-12-11T21:42:45.623-05:00Is that a pig on your lap?Why yes it is & I'm happy to see you, lol. This is what I go through when trying to knit at night. The pic isn't perfect, but hubby took it; nuf said. Daffodil (my pot belly puzzle pig) is on my lap. The other black & white blob behind my neck is my Jack Russell "Pudgy".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzdXmp8052yWlHjYKp1XKYvIW89f3O4zTPl3pmtGQxOEt6Cu9JAZJJWpNdv5l0Nghje33JzvAKsf0pqpWOfINUpxUDNMGC_49cm9tLo_drRSGQUa_7RZRo2PcBXsClkerw1s_hrqQ0nI/s1600-h/DSC00963.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzdXmp8052yWlHjYKp1XKYvIW89f3O4zTPl3pmtGQxOEt6Cu9JAZJJWpNdv5l0Nghje33JzvAKsf0pqpWOfINUpxUDNMGC_49cm9tLo_drRSGQUa_7RZRo2PcBXsClkerw1s_hrqQ0nI/s320/DSC00963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072249319728001042" border="0" /></a>I am working on a pair of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey socks</a> which are almost done & I will post about later. I have also finished a Moebius wrap. This was a dead easy free pattern from a Bernat yarn label.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzq8vRXEzh1Ca3x7i6DtIhAocDNI1varvwHZI2jN4YZsf4bnuxWtKmyul6wEB1aXosK_jEHq-fyJMc5MLhIFmei4-ZtMT7q10fzpGIBeRPCYGbpVFfRamrLNk8X-DlI7AZ5ZDV9dSR5E/s1600-h/DSC01292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzq8vRXEzh1Ca3x7i6DtIhAocDNI1varvwHZI2jN4YZsf4bnuxWtKmyul6wEB1aXosK_jEHq-fyJMc5MLhIFmei4-ZtMT7q10fzpGIBeRPCYGbpVFfRamrLNk8X-DlI7AZ5ZDV9dSR5E/s320/DSC01292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072258601152327714" border="0" /></a>Isabelle (my mannequin of 20 years) is modeling the wrap. It took 3 x 50g balls of Bernats "Lux effects"; very fast & uncomplicated. I did however, cast on 40 stitches rather than the suggested 30 because I wanted it to come down my arm further. I didn't think the 30 would cut it and I'm really glad that I added the extra 10. I used the "tan effects" colourway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUy-HNy-_ifSp7dYoLwGPrhVzZaXBUPJ-s-XVAkw_LsNzO6PP32kq79PvbqmalAU010FafP_yBfNEjDWnGECXpppqYghbNlBFpMFSEMUILffwRkg4gqaQwOtvb3yx5EXlNjT-yVJ-reE/s1600-h/DSC01294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUy-HNy-_ifSp7dYoLwGPrhVzZaXBUPJ-s-XVAkw_LsNzO6PP32kq79PvbqmalAU010FafP_yBfNEjDWnGECXpppqYghbNlBFpMFSEMUILffwRkg4gqaQwOtvb3yx5EXlNjT-yVJ-reE/s320/DSC01294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072259176677945394" border="0" /></a>I did try to find the link to the free pattern on the Bernat site, but the yarn has been discont'd of course. Here's the pattern anyway:<br /><br />Moebius Wrap<br />-one size<br />-40" x 14"<br />-10mm (US 15) needles<br />-bernat lux effects 3 x 50g balls<br />guage: 8 sts. & 9 rows= 4" stocking st.<br /><br />Cast on: 30 sts.<br />Row 1: (RS) K2. *P2.K2. Rep. from * to end of row.<br />Row2: (WS) P2. *K2.P2. Rep. from * to end of row.<br /><br />Rep. last 2 rows until work from beg. measures 40" ending with RS facing for next row. Cast off in pattern.<br /><br />Finishing: twist work once lengthwise. Sew cast on & cast off edges tog. keeping the twist to achieve the moebius shape.<br /><br />Enjoy. Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-79361125588279832422007-06-03T19:38:00.000-05:002007-06-03T19:52:00.297-05:00Who KnewSince we've been busy the past few weeks putting up fencing for the lambs & alpaca, I decided to ask Mark how to use the lawn tractor. We were building the fence together (all 400ft of it) but he was digging the 25 post holes (by hand) himself. I was feeling badly for not being able to help with the digging so I thought perhaps he could show me how to use the tractor. He had his doubts, but showed me anyway.<br /><br />I must say that I've never had so much fun. It was like horseback riding, but with control. The tractor has 7 speeds. Mark suggested I start at 2 & perhaps move it to 3 or 4 when I was feeling more confident. Our property is also hilly (quite hilly actually). Anyway, I decided to see what the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> gear was like. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OMG</span>, the tractor took off like a bat out of h#ll. I was laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee myself & all I could say as Mark watched me fly across the yard was "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eeeehaww</span>", <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lol</span>.<br /><br />Mark usually does the lawns over 2 days, but I stayed on that sucker until it was done! Needless to say, Mark had trouble getting me off the thing & dinner was late that night.<br /><br />Not sure why he complained so about cutting the lawn as I found it quite therapeutic. Women just don't get a lot of "me" time where as with this you can sit there driving aimlessly around thinking & completely alone. Gosh, I can't even use the bathroom without one of the kids or animals barging in to see what I'm doing, but this lawn cutting thing was bliss. I didn't even care about the freshly cut grass allergy that I have because with the hat & sunglasses nobody could my watery eyes; next time I'll take the allergy pill before I start the cutting.<br /><br />Peace out, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Boop</span>bettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-65578957833347855902007-05-10T19:25:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:46.020-05:00SplashNot exactly the kind you do whilst swimming, but thought I'd show you my little alpaca named "Splash". I bought him from a friend of a friend a couple of weeks ago, shortly after the lambs (which he is absolutely smitten with).<br /><br />Splash is a last year baby & about 10 months old. His colouring (although he looks brown in the picture) is mahogany. The sun bleaches their fleece (as it does with sheep) so the colour on top is not the true colour of their fleece. His actually has a purple tinge to it & is quite lovely. Splash will be sheared this year, but the lambs will likely wait until next Spring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh5sCWvZU9K01GYhtqT3-gFwMwHxAJPLRVUnR64Q6CD9bte-MQV5AoRMm53kgbUzHwHN8SoLwZD8Av4nfmkLf3ao1iVEM0QtzdZhUSdezTccQcOtIB-NaPURH5ERNyf6kFT7tyEEW3AQ/s1600-h/splash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh5sCWvZU9K01GYhtqT3-gFwMwHxAJPLRVUnR64Q6CD9bte-MQV5AoRMm53kgbUzHwHN8SoLwZD8Av4nfmkLf3ao1iVEM0QtzdZhUSdezTccQcOtIB-NaPURH5ERNyf6kFT7tyEEW3AQ/s320/splash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063094912835177474" border="0" /></a>*picture by my friend <a href="http://www.pbase.com/lyn2spin/april_2007">Lynne Holtrust</a>; photographer*<br /><br />He is a wonderful addition to what is growing into a small fibre hobby farm. Although not broke to the halter yet, he has a nice personality & will accept hugs from Joseph & I (as if he had a choice with me around, lol). Anyway, full story at <a href="http://thefunkylamb.blogspot.com/">"The Funky Lamb" </a>once again.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-46942328340975814932007-05-07T21:03:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:46.526-05:00Castle Critter AdditionsA couple of weeks ago I bought my 1st 2 lambs off of a spinning friend. Luna is a Romney X & Blizzy is a Dorset/Charlet. Both have wonderful dispositions & are well-liked by all of the other Castle Critters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDeUjgbmIXsuQ3d3260HxezYGlnqheyLyFSzpWwsjfJAami4AsVXnTgLl-O_Nh2wZ7roXJJroacB9uOYVIzz4INqaAnP8ePobLfk5GcstV5BXhevnoNW_1K7BTjWjuolCw4REziJ40G0/s1600-h/DSC01148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDeUjgbmIXsuQ3d3260HxezYGlnqheyLyFSzpWwsjfJAami4AsVXnTgLl-O_Nh2wZ7roXJJroacB9uOYVIzz4INqaAnP8ePobLfk5GcstV5BXhevnoNW_1K7BTjWjuolCw4REziJ40G0/s320/DSC01148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062006361963940754" border="0" /></a>Luna is above sporting the red collar & Blizzy is below wearing the green one. For the full story as the how, when, where & why, please go to <a href="http://thefunkylamb.blogspot.com/">"The Funky Lamb"</a> where I discuss everything that has to do with my fibre biz in full detail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fSH9PnhE1sqXBE2LxFwoLeoqKcy7blYL7eaVlQ1wM7bbb-AuQWNJ2JVOcwVCIRh2rZlj72IzsWAieOSGA42kvicZOwkj52nqoDb0ACEZNNqcw4iudAhn5I5yNmmikcmHQ2zMZ3F3yzE/s1600-h/DSC01146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fSH9PnhE1sqXBE2LxFwoLeoqKcy7blYL7eaVlQ1wM7bbb-AuQWNJ2JVOcwVCIRh2rZlj72IzsWAieOSGA42kvicZOwkj52nqoDb0ACEZNNqcw4iudAhn5I5yNmmikcmHQ2zMZ3F3yzE/s320/DSC01146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062020707154709442" border="0" /></a>Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-26872535248156245962007-04-13T07:58:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:47.915-05:00You spin me right round baby..........This is the result of 2yrs. worth of research. As a small girl we would go visit a friend of my parent's whose whole family collected antiques. My favourite thing to do was to sit at her spinning wheel & get it to spin. Aunt Peggy would then hand me the carders & let me brush out the lamb's fleece. She didn't spin herself, but did have a small amount of fibre on hand for displaying along with the wheel.<br /><br />I then would dream of what it would be like to learn to spin. A few years ago, I found out that one of our Quilt Guild members was a spinner; this motivated me to start pondering the topic once again.<br /><br />At first I was shocked to find out the cost of the wheels & therefore knew that I had better be sure of what I wanted before I made a purchase. Every once in a while I would search the internet for wheels, spinning info. etc. The urge to get one got so strong last Christmas that I finally broke down, throwing caution to the wind & making my purchase on a newly acquired credit card (no lectures please).<br /><br />I had decided on the <a href="http://www.newvoyager.com/sonata.html">Kromski Sonata</a> for a number of reasons, the final being a review that I read on <a href="http://craftygrrrl.ca/?m=200612&paged=2">CraftyGrrrl.ca</a>. She had just boughten one herself & talked about a deal that <a href="http://coppermoose.com/">Coppermoose</a> had going where you got the $120- bag for free when you ordered the wheel. It was still on when I checked the site so I ordered it.<br /><br />It only took 2 wks. to arrive & when it did, I dragged my Flu-like body down to the Post Office to pick it up. In Pj's, winter coat, no make-up & armed with a box of kleenex & Ny-Quil, Mary (the post master) was there to greet me & she totally understood. She's a sewer & mail-order junkie & said she would have done the exact same thing. Pictured below is the pkg. just taken out of the box.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRwMkqoWi8sH15r5GhHbL5Rs6NxE8eZZ4wuZD6PoIXPHgUlvtjtC1LdJmDFMOnHorQHq7VoB0OAul1b8mC7jcFc-oz5ZVeC_496t3gnLjb4xZ7rs7owo2bss7KxWi1-_mBo_RZDkH_Y8/s1600-h/spinwheelopenbox.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRwMkqoWi8sH15r5GhHbL5Rs6NxE8eZZ4wuZD6PoIXPHgUlvtjtC1LdJmDFMOnHorQHq7VoB0OAul1b8mC7jcFc-oz5ZVeC_496t3gnLjb4xZ7rs7owo2bss7KxWi1-_mBo_RZDkH_Y8/s320/spinwheelopenbox.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052897093154597858" border="0" /></a>The wheel is attractive, smooth & I love it. There's probably some better ones out there, but for the price & compactness (not to mention the bag), I am very happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRX9wvWoCgTGr7OUo8J5hLXSeyadc0QJdHuuY7R7GujQvi81UIaM8b9oJpDJC66vDq4lA8Gz6anHz5-CzOYqG4bVrpRRp7Q7PnqrnTtq_hBoOkTkUm-ttH3NhgwQ1qy9cLaiF_RpSiE/s1600-h/kromskisonata.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRX9wvWoCgTGr7OUo8J5hLXSeyadc0QJdHuuY7R7GujQvi81UIaM8b9oJpDJC66vDq4lA8Gz6anHz5-CzOYqG4bVrpRRp7Q7PnqrnTtq_hBoOkTkUm-ttH3NhgwQ1qy9cLaiF_RpSiE/s320/kromskisonata.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052911584374254610" border="0" /></a><br />The picture below is of my first handspun. I got the roving from Lane's End. Lynn (<span style="font-size:-1;">lanesend "AT" cycor "DOT" ca) </span>didn't have a lot of dyed ones to choose from because she hadn't done her dying for the new season yet, but I did manage to get this green one & the pink/purple/blue one below. They're both 30 Mohair/70 Cotswold blends; very nice to work with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoBvzwcH7vafLqpNFoTKSnAbPJfqp88dxqFwcZxt47erFbpAxT8bd6D4cOuhnaZky8u-pYKVvK_3LziwKifmsyIUd9Ui1pTlWdNQsfbCXoOWavB4v0saPyA5SxP1W_2cIxRU-5a-myCY/s1600-h/greenpliedyarn1st.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoBvzwcH7vafLqpNFoTKSnAbPJfqp88dxqFwcZxt47erFbpAxT8bd6D4cOuhnaZky8u-pYKVvK_3LziwKifmsyIUd9Ui1pTlWdNQsfbCXoOWavB4v0saPyA5SxP1W_2cIxRU-5a-myCY/s320/greenpliedyarn1st.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052897634320477170" border="0" /></a><br />The next picture is a handspun containing Angelina Fibres. I am a distributor for them here & just had to try blending some into a roving. Not wanting to mess with the dying pattern, I broke off the bits in colour sequence, carded in the Angelina & then put back in the sequence to be spun. A lot of work, but the results were lovely. I think the sparkle is probably difficult to see from the picture, but trust me it's wonderful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohaDUYvuIQ-xunP991rEOkFCiQEmD3eyHn45LDr0XiArH1Uw7oNw3p37fwvG_BblLJi3vJ8R06F03pLh9JqsYoyploK7KEaD4G4FXc1PGifw6KzTgpEfONIeHBsW6PQLLPiCxK_95oUU/s1600-h/1stangelinapliedyarn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohaDUYvuIQ-xunP991rEOkFCiQEmD3eyHn45LDr0XiArH1Uw7oNw3p37fwvG_BblLJi3vJ8R06F03pLh9JqsYoyploK7KEaD4G4FXc1PGifw6KzTgpEfONIeHBsW6PQLLPiCxK_95oUU/s320/1stangelinapliedyarn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052898248500800514" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, part 2 coming soon. Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-43097265558938093032007-04-11T11:16:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:48.412-05:00"The Cure" & other stuffThis is a pillow that I designed & made last month for a dear friend who is going through breast cancer. I am happy to say, she <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> going to <span style="font-weight: bold;">beat this thing</span>. We are all still sending her our thoughts & prayers (because the rest of the treatment is upcoming), but we're all very optimistic & like <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">"The Harlot"</a> would confirm: "never underestimate the power of knitters"(especially when they're on your side).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2ilZustzB_sWQnvuV9wBF0H8_AFKATwExnjWxp_Rb4ehqJnkttYuqaS5aTJ88hFPHzMuP16wsHRfoOTm851638rnEeatcNpJbE8cHmu21nM3XIzmbKTL-DVVcRZaH4S7hm-DyRrHAds/s1600-h/thecureheartpillow.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2ilZustzB_sWQnvuV9wBF0H8_AFKATwExnjWxp_Rb4ehqJnkttYuqaS5aTJ88hFPHzMuP16wsHRfoOTm851638rnEeatcNpJbE8cHmu21nM3XIzmbKTL-DVVcRZaH4S7hm-DyRrHAds/s320/thecureheartpillow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052205779513600946" border="0" /> </a>The basic idea came from a book called Creative Kindness by Nancy Zieman with Gail Brown. The shape had been thought of by a nurse who realized how perfectly this would fit under the arm & add support to the areas where it was needed most.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca/e/cm?t=thecrecas-20&o=15&p=8&l=as1&asins=0873496965&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />I got our machine knitting group to sign pieces of cotton (with a pigma pen) so I could heat set them & sew them on the back as a reminder to the recipient of how much we all cared.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbUiDY-cbjgInlJ1dzHB7eEsnuQtJnUaAWZMRi1cHewPJ3CamtuUUuoIdGqTyarPqAXgZ_oPUsUrQceOnvgFfGh6bRNfFJkIPRJtLrO0mQSOlogRFL1efK-WBYdeM714iujr38ZRCesA/s1600-h/heartpillowback.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbUiDY-cbjgInlJ1dzHB7eEsnuQtJnUaAWZMRi1cHewPJ3CamtuUUuoIdGqTyarPqAXgZ_oPUsUrQceOnvgFfGh6bRNfFJkIPRJtLrO0mQSOlogRFL1efK-WBYdeM714iujr38ZRCesA/s320/heartpillowback.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052206346449284034" border="0" /> </a>This scarf project came from the same machine knitting group (I believe that it was Shirley that did program that month). It is done on the LK150 with sports weight yarn; tuck stitch butterfly pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tgB0h_tr8pSpmYottn_AuzjXe348mKtvDY3xr5_kgiwiooIj0s6qTFy79xs4K4S5fin2kKxaefTnBj3WYrxGRrXzwiOm6UQHnnrQxwGP3DFQsGphuG6QXhx4nVVZ1Fd3VMz0-IJWeKA/s1600-h/tuckstitchbutterfly+scarf.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tgB0h_tr8pSpmYottn_AuzjXe348mKtvDY3xr5_kgiwiooIj0s6qTFy79xs4K4S5fin2kKxaefTnBj3WYrxGRrXzwiOm6UQHnnrQxwGP3DFQsGphuG6QXhx4nVVZ1Fd3VMz0-IJWeKA/s320/tuckstitchbutterfly+scarf.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052206994989345746" border="0" /></a>Well, hope this is good enough for now. I have a couple of big blog entries coming up on spinning. Until then:<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-55883002616717784422007-04-04T08:39:00.000-05:002007-04-04T08:55:18.449-05:00Been HackedNo pics this post 'cause well, it just wouldn't be appropriate. Yesterday I received a message from a confused & worried mother (my own) wondering if I had checked the comments section on my own personal web site (not this blog). Most wouldn't check the link, but it is under the "home base" tab on the blog's right hand side.<br /><br />Needless to say, upon following my own link, & checking out the comments on the knitting poll & site, I was disturbed to find out that I had been hacked (badly). Fortunately we have word moderation on the Blog (& this is the very reason we do), but the web site itself does not.<br /><br />There were a total of 39 comments (20 for the poll & 19 for the site in general) describing (in albeit way too much detail) ways to enhance, embrace, excite, etc. all of your body parts & those of anybody else in your life for that matter.<br /><br />It wouldn't even allow me to sign in & admin the site until I went to my actual web host & cleared the data from there. Once deleted though, it only took a few hours until they were right back at it. The only thing I could find out about the culprits (since their IP addy wasn't real) was that they were Chinese & most likely doing this from overseas. Although I'm sure this would attract a new & different sort of client base, I decided it was best to take the official site off-line for the time being.<br /><br />The blog itself appears to be fine. If you're one of those who would like to comment, but just doesn't want to go through the word verification process, I apologize, but for now this is definitely something that I won't change; obviously it's needed, lol.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-20617594214809390182007-03-22T08:02:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:48.804-05:00Mod KnitsSo, I've been working on something called modular knitting. I've always found the concept interesting, but what got my attention was the technique taught in<br /><iframe src="http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca/e/cm?t=thecrecas-20&o=15&p=8&l=as1&asins=1579906494&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&amp;lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br />the Modular Knits book by Iris Schreier. The idea being that you used short rows to achieve this geometrical look instead of doing all of the pieces separately & then sewing them together in the end. Seems brilliant, no?<br /><br />The book has received high praise (5 star average on the 4 reviews done on Amazon.ca). There's even a Yahoo group here: <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/</a><br /><br />As far as the book goes, the pics are beautiful as are the patterns. At the beginning of the book they go through how to knit the various geometrical shapes & then refer to these pages during the patterns later in the book. Sometimes you're only doing part of a triangle or such & this can get a bit confusing. Or if you're like me & photocopy the pattern so it travels better & cuts down on the weight of your knitting bag (mine has been called pandoras box), this can be a problem when you forget to copy the basic instructions as well. All in all though, it's a good read.<br /><br />I jumped right in (as I usually do) & started the zigzag scarf on pg. 45. It turn out beautiful even though the finishing triangle instructions were a bit dodgy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqH83mVNkxdLp8btX73azZ-HecNm8y5QUtwuIEA6HBxGzT40MmNRIVAglkleOfkY8UeR3od5Wurto6d9yNK1LvXCO8q6Zl79t1w_k2MtqnUm-obhcWgnJ0zElKh9KUsU734Jlv0X29VU/s1600-h/DSC00905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqH83mVNkxdLp8btX73azZ-HecNm8y5QUtwuIEA6HBxGzT40MmNRIVAglkleOfkY8UeR3od5Wurto6d9yNK1LvXCO8q6Zl79t1w_k2MtqnUm-obhcWgnJ0zElKh9KUsU734Jlv0X29VU/s320/DSC00905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044738784151265874" border="0" /></a>I also made a matching hat from The Knitter's Bible: knitted accessories book by Claire Crompton. This book is a great one. A bit of everything from modular to lace & mittens to shawls. Made a few modifications (added a band inside the hat, with looser fit & button on top), but instructions were very clear.<br /><iframe src="http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca/e/cm?t=thecrecas-20&o=15&p=8&l=as1&asins=0715326007&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br />Samantha just loves this set & has had many requests from her classmates to make them one as well (not happening unless they're paying though, I do enough charity work, lol).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjcPRYprpBwFrtbaUmliIfFQaBQ7nNg0XR08ONNe6_F2GFdibn3x1UuHNnERcI7jzMVEi28PY-OsBGghcVBWsTCUovczmb8xm3lBwSkrXO6HeCHBtYdC-cl_Yg7tELLQXw0ysCP6itWk/s1600-h/DSC00914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjcPRYprpBwFrtbaUmliIfFQaBQ7nNg0XR08ONNe6_F2GFdibn3x1UuHNnERcI7jzMVEi28PY-OsBGghcVBWsTCUovczmb8xm3lBwSkrXO6HeCHBtYdC-cl_Yg7tELLQXw0ysCP6itWk/s320/DSC00914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044741202217853538" border="0" /></a>Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-53996707200168988662007-03-02T20:42:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:49.338-05:00Shake your bootiesSo, my high school friend of many years just had her 1st child. My own kids are 11 & 8 so she was a bit of a late starter. In fact, she's 36 (aka Hockey Sioux). Her new son Liam is a sweetie, but I'm honestly happy it's her & not me. I cannot imagine starting a family at this point in my life. I guess you could argue both sides as she chose to do her traveling & such first, but I'm tired just thinking about it.<br /> Mom & I sent a bunch of stuff, but I decided that booties were in order. (I mean, who can resist booties?) I would have made them into skates if not for the danger factor, but these would have to suffice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfMTV-mLVEoHC8Pb2AJq-4Www9Z3c-PYsI5Gw1Dv2Ir1Ptob_m5Pm0ICRPVkfIYPIZ3hIpEZU727dsqG66pfytAhNMDMDmtmBQux4hxM2XLPCyAWGQvf_ZrrtzM8H61WkUZuVTPb_Nuw/s1600-h/DSC00883.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfMTV-mLVEoHC8Pb2AJq-4Www9Z3c-PYsI5Gw1Dv2Ir1Ptob_m5Pm0ICRPVkfIYPIZ3hIpEZU727dsqG66pfytAhNMDMDmtmBQux4hxM2XLPCyAWGQvf_ZrrtzM8H61WkUZuVTPb_Nuw/s400/DSC00883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037519944773926898" border="0" /></a>The pattern itself was different than other bootie patterns I've done. It was easy to follow & such, but different it was. Started at the back of the heel to the toe, then the top of the foot & then the ribbed cuff. Once it's done however, it really does become a bootie, lol.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYwVxPtL69eCJsn8W2m3jhYo7ceCn-Lagf9dLg8qBs_iLOMemX4jyCeTMWGV26oDC-8GJY25OgCidv-Y7zc3eiP2z97sZNFIJCWaGgmvmGnhEpdhKERZw_ZBbd2E0T-hRk7CkKEfhaoM/s1600-h/DSC00889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYwVxPtL69eCJsn8W2m3jhYo7ceCn-Lagf9dLg8qBs_iLOMemX4jyCeTMWGV26oDC-8GJY25OgCidv-Y7zc3eiP2z97sZNFIJCWaGgmvmGnhEpdhKERZw_ZBbd2E0T-hRk7CkKEfhaoM/s400/DSC00889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037518677758574546" border="0" /></a>The pattern is from a book by Zoe Mellor called "adorable knits for tots". There isn't one pattern in this book that I wouldn't consider knitting. Great pictures, well written instructions, modern children knits. Absolutely my fav. kid's knit book for sure & I know I'll get my use out of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXEoetYVwsXm6L79NaF3IGuN77CuF4TuDsZ-PpGtoG4pH0EAnK9mHI1yz6kMIIWyVrshIWSW_x59SSLGGKg-KK2NzumGW4ctYa9qRB81ebv93QO1QgzWmDyPbcF6Nq_TzbIbycifFqz0/s1600-h/DSC00881.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXEoetYVwsXm6L79NaF3IGuN77CuF4TuDsZ-PpGtoG4pH0EAnK9mHI1yz6kMIIWyVrshIWSW_x59SSLGGKg-KK2NzumGW4ctYa9qRB81ebv93QO1QgzWmDyPbcF6Nq_TzbIbycifFqz0/s400/DSC00881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037519382133211106" border="0" /></a>Also, since the weather was so crappy here today, I thought I'd send you all a nice big cyber mug of Betty Boop's pink hot chocolate. Enjoy.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-47045113907642645802007-02-22T15:29:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:49.925-05:00Felt this; no fulling.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPX2jKYvdOyVF9UL72SE24wUq72hbdNpig18TVoz36_SK0aBTFsgNdE4a6L3PnTnwz58UyWD9-aVhQfGTVbR8g6jCjAybcfFHqz1mnKHM42n3dwu32Z1dlaYB8AxTyYqR4bvfB10X5w4/s1600-h/DSC00681.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPX2jKYvdOyVF9UL72SE24wUq72hbdNpig18TVoz36_SK0aBTFsgNdE4a6L3PnTnwz58UyWD9-aVhQfGTVbR8g6jCjAybcfFHqz1mnKHM42n3dwu32Z1dlaYB8AxTyYqR4bvfB10X5w4/s400/DSC00681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034461810359927042" border="0" /></a><br />I've never been overly interested in felting until I decided to make my friend a felted crochet case for Christmas. We had been looking over web sites in the Fall during one of our sew days & came across this great free pattern from Berroco called <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/kluster/kluster.html">Kluster</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DNAICHgwdY2EnY_KlPmomki9UrZdOMEr0UcTSDfs7DP0F-L-cTqB5QKYZRLd5h35TUQEiKwjbtMDggTX3mwUbfW-OKY-gm0zDlmzbrWxDtrVf1EG4JOJNWWYzvwsZaYqTI8rNooeipc/s1600-h/DSC00680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DNAICHgwdY2EnY_KlPmomki9UrZdOMEr0UcTSDfs7DP0F-L-cTqB5QKYZRLd5h35TUQEiKwjbtMDggTX3mwUbfW-OKY-gm0zDlmzbrWxDtrVf1EG4JOJNWWYzvwsZaYqTI8rNooeipc/s400/DSC00680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034462523324498194" border="0" /></a>Of course you have to start by using 100% wool. There are other fibres that will felt, but I'm not going into that now. Also, there's disagreement on what the process is actually called.<br /><br />According to: Llamapaedia's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.llamapaedia.com/wool/glossary.html">Fiber Glossary</a> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Fulling</strong></em> -- A finishing process in which the woven or knitted cloth is subjected to moisture, heat and friction causing it to shrink considerably in both directions and become compact and solid. In heavily fulled fabrics both the weave and the yarn are obscured, thus giving the appearance of felt. </p> <p><em><strong>Felting </strong></em>-- An ancient technique that produces a non woven sheet of matted material which is most frequently made from wool, hair or fur created by the entanglement of a mass of fibers that takes place when heat, moisture and pressure are combined.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVv_i9X92IvB1PZqd8B3NATBW6eL0JWmOALZYSjV4Rq4PvNVQ0-OlkcgSHmaem0rCB0vcHONeBDoZGk9Isun_I9vCEetyea-nxB99A4IrTa8d-yz53A3PRRM6tsmwaAkRnXdehFtO7s4/s1600-h/feltedcaseopen.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVv_i9X92IvB1PZqd8B3NATBW6eL0JWmOALZYSjV4Rq4PvNVQ0-OlkcgSHmaem0rCB0vcHONeBDoZGk9Isun_I9vCEetyea-nxB99A4IrTa8d-yz53A3PRRM6tsmwaAkRnXdehFtO7s4/s400/feltedcaseopen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034475219247825186" border="0" /></a></p></blockquote>I pretty much made the pattern as it was except that I made it an extra inch in length & 1/2" in width. Sure wish I had taken pics of it after it was done, but thankfully MA took some of it in use (open & closed) so I could copy them. I have got to remember to take the finished project pics before I send them off; sigh.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqMeUpPbkUW59VCchSyMBVns1HhZKKVj6nzU8gKmP3plgQDjzbWWx0UK8zU_Uv3ThnBopyJheAG5dFG9I54We9FDXpd8QjyJWNpeAv9-Xwz8g3hbOFC4tvb_6orKH3blc4kM5aSYzQbA/s1600-h/feltedcaseclosed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqMeUpPbkUW59VCchSyMBVns1HhZKKVj6nzU8gKmP3plgQDjzbWWx0UK8zU_Uv3ThnBopyJheAG5dFG9I54We9FDXpd8QjyJWNpeAv9-Xwz8g3hbOFC4tvb_6orKH3blc4kM5aSYzQbA/s400/feltedcaseclosed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034476232860107058" border="0" /></a>Anyway, the Berroco site also has a free pattern for a felted knitting needle case (or should I say fulled, lol) called <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/kable/kable.html">Kable</a>.<br /><br />Now on to finish the famous fulled clogs; more about that later.<br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-44134499112154958512007-02-18T09:59:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:50.105-05:00Fingerless in Fenelon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS5dgLsmu_YmUb0xkBjDfvGIyiSQyWjKElhq80DEeZ-kkCo4yPWCWWxDWXnweZd1vaq4XsGWjFAiYGUPI9fcFjS6gtiyQIbbcZ7p6zX9dvPSnRfbpO-x5CtyiTitGc9HCFfAcfnk0_3U/s1600-h/DSC00862.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS5dgLsmu_YmUb0xkBjDfvGIyiSQyWjKElhq80DEeZ-kkCo4yPWCWWxDWXnweZd1vaq4XsGWjFAiYGUPI9fcFjS6gtiyQIbbcZ7p6zX9dvPSnRfbpO-x5CtyiTitGc9HCFfAcfnk0_3U/s400/DSC00862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032889585098273650" border="0" /></a><br />It's been so dang cold here the past month that I just can't seem to keep warm for any length of time. I sometimes try going back to bed after the kids get on their bus. Not for the sake of sleeping, but just to sit under the electric blanket for a while to get warm. It's also a good way to get my thoughts organized, make my chore list for the day & catch up on my emails.<br /><br />The basement, where I theoretically have my studio, is so cold that the laundry that I had soaking in a bucket froze solid the other day. Imagine my surprise when I went to change over a load & put the bucket garments in the wash, lol.<br /><br />So, I got looking through free patterns online whilst doing the obligatory T.V. watching/ hubby bonding time. I figured that some form of fingerless gloves would be advisable if I was going to be productive during this cold snap.<br /><br />The result was a freebie that I got here:<br /> <a href="http://fpea.blogspot.com/2006/08/free-pattern-friday-raging-fingerless.html">http://fpea.blogspot.com/2006/08/free-pattern-friday-raging-fingerless.html</a><br />You just gotta love the Net.<br /><br />Peace out & stay warm, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-44838472040094901672007-02-14T22:18:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:50.757-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie52AiSEXkUzinUraOoMXXvJBP7WHNQ6AzqLEAhSNIVoJkH5lFNvyCs_41THDvsEDP0sTluefe8z0VqPiIcnnx6iwV95dg7NYCl5Opi7P7ygzvzn8hUScrcuZrmtmX7WiCVP0Vs1_9lNU/s1600-h/valentinecupid.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie52AiSEXkUzinUraOoMXXvJBP7WHNQ6AzqLEAhSNIVoJkH5lFNvyCs_41THDvsEDP0sTluefe8z0VqPiIcnnx6iwV95dg7NYCl5Opi7P7ygzvzn8hUScrcuZrmtmX7WiCVP0Vs1_9lNU/s400/valentinecupid.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031596954561000290" border="0" /></a><br />Hope you all have a nice day. If you want to know more about the history of <a href="http://www.annieshomepage.com/valhistory.html">St. Valentine's Day</a>, just click on the link.<br /><br />Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-26486760087085559092007-02-13T09:25:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:51.103-05:00Little Red (actually Turquoise) Beret.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOR7vECgxcvNjtvsfXRgHQ7byIfRRxL1aU5by2d7dNgHooDHZQ-D-yAVCbMLYY8uB3DaSxCkiSQTv006vHWfvB9wY5fFhvwMDMdeTGfqH5riz6sHCAEOMCAQd1EfNBeFMjcTOjUVCAV4/s1600-h/DSC00860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOR7vECgxcvNjtvsfXRgHQ7byIfRRxL1aU5by2d7dNgHooDHZQ-D-yAVCbMLYY8uB3DaSxCkiSQTv006vHWfvB9wY5fFhvwMDMdeTGfqH5riz6sHCAEOMCAQd1EfNBeFMjcTOjUVCAV4/s320/DSC00860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031025440442790690" border="0" /></a>Samantha so wanted a Beret to go with the beautiful turquoise cloak that she was gifted last Fall. We immediately fell in love with a pattern in the Winter 2006 Interweave Knits magazine.<br /><br />It worked up easily on my new Knit-Picks options needles (which I am in total lust with & shall never knit on anything else from this day forward, lol). The pattern makes really neat diamond shapes near the bottom of the hat that appear from the increases & decreases.<br /><br />And Sam, well she loves it as you can see here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV44PslwTWopvkZH2VTmELy_YXWUwmJ75t8RQiAsFtI79898IkcWi3p4CQYpUKXlN1RNxUUf624X-ia_pu3qLca1c0Ve3Pdl-8gepXbhA-Ncgahpf9CSBqOo87T5agDUz4ODaf7lqO0OI/s1600-h/DSC00866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV44PslwTWopvkZH2VTmELy_YXWUwmJ75t8RQiAsFtI79898IkcWi3p4CQYpUKXlN1RNxUUf624X-ia_pu3qLca1c0Ve3Pdl-8gepXbhA-Ncgahpf9CSBqOo87T5agDUz4ODaf7lqO0OI/s320/DSC00866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031026385335595826" border="0" /></a>Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-68013789671536836672007-02-08T23:26:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:51.299-05:00Just can't get enough sox.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhckebQ_WAxrYerMSbniVDCdD4W0Vz2-EhPhymRAkg4Zzrf6s91ByXLGEYddPHtz9ScQvCca4LLmmajZVfxH6mpDtI0pjjsNih6s1qVOr4JaO0MpZVQ7be9voASk8SEf7sAXCtAvNPX8/s1600-h/DSC00856.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhckebQ_WAxrYerMSbniVDCdD4W0Vz2-EhPhymRAkg4Zzrf6s91ByXLGEYddPHtz9ScQvCca4LLmmajZVfxH6mpDtI0pjjsNih6s1qVOr4JaO0MpZVQ7be9voASk8SEf7sAXCtAvNPX8/s320/DSC00856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029386850289824466" border="0" /></a>It's true. I don't think I'll ever tire of making socks. I love them so much that I made up a cheesy poem:<br />......................................................................................................<br /><div class="commenttext"><p>Ode to Socks</p> <p>Socks how I love thee,<br />I can never get enough.<br />From the tips of your toes<br />to the top of your cuffs.</p> <p>You are my foundation, my past-time, my love.<br />If I mess you up,<br />you can always be a glove.</p> <p>You’re cheery & warm, comforting & true,<br />Whether solid or stripes, variegated or blue.</p> <p>How subtle & mysterious or outrageous you can be.<br />Oh socks I just can’t get enough for you so captivate me.</p> <p>There are so many ways that we work this land,<br />Whether on sticks: straight or double, circular, machine or hand.</p> <p>You are portable and compact;<br />the perfect travelling buddy.<br />Plain, textured, bulky,<br />or a little bit nubby.</p> <p>How can I express how much you mean to me,<br />For I just can’t get enough or stop making thee.</p> <p>by Kym Ranger (aka Boop) Jan.3, 2007.</p>..............................................................................................<br /><p>Peace out, Boop<br /></p> </div>bettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-89331995809807659212007-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:51.601-05:00Back to Business: Knitting & Harry PotterSo, onto more knits. Firstly, I just love illusion knitting. It is worked by knitting (and purling to a chart) 2 rows of colour "A" followed by 2 rows of colour "B" & cont'd in this fashion until you get the size garment that you want. It's kind of like intarsia without the colour changing; all you're doing is knits & purls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p7YcMVHpE73M041PvLqDSZI1eXk5_j41ZSnAiDgJyc2qby-Qkrz29gcT1PyXcs_W7396E81rC2-047ZLPlqEtOJTaHNxIif1kitr6fxF69xjmw-t9iQmHNeNt9ohDD8cRq4i_i5jTTA/s1600-h/DSC00853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p7YcMVHpE73M041PvLqDSZI1eXk5_j41ZSnAiDgJyc2qby-Qkrz29gcT1PyXcs_W7396E81rC2-047ZLPlqEtOJTaHNxIif1kitr6fxF69xjmw-t9iQmHNeNt9ohDD8cRq4i_i5jTTA/s320/DSC00853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027747857152388338" border="0" /></a>The pattern is achieved by the way the knits & purls are viewed at certain angles. When you look at the garment straight on you only see stripes, but once the angle of view is changed "viola". Isn't this cool?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeAsl3kkokASvXpbQPQNAinsA1cYxKlTYlzk2gvhfm_06NV8L28yh8PblPfIIxpg-QwdqE25Oa4x5T-raRAtkyy-UeAodf1LgYkCXagS9LEaqBJiH1FBzIoqANfItlblloMMwE7AsTr4/s1600-h/DSC00855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeAsl3kkokASvXpbQPQNAinsA1cYxKlTYlzk2gvhfm_06NV8L28yh8PblPfIIxpg-QwdqE25Oa4x5T-raRAtkyy-UeAodf1LgYkCXagS9LEaqBJiH1FBzIoqANfItlblloMMwE7AsTr4/s320/DSC00855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027749042563362050" border="0" /></a>This particular skull & cross-bones pattern is from a friend's own design. However, there is an alien illusion scarf pattern in the <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Stitch-N-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/sr=1-1/qid=1170628457/ref=sr_1_1/701-2055657-5803507?ie=UTF8&s=books">"Stitch 'n' Bitch"</a> book by Debbie Stoller. Also, there's a free <a href="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#static:crafts/knitting/ravenclawillusionscarf">"Ravenclaw illusion scarf pattern"</a> on <a href="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/">The Leaky Cauldron</a> site for all you Harry Potter fans.<br /><br />Speaking of which, they announced the title of the last book Jan.1st. It is going to be called: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1551929767/ref=amb_link_4276052_1/701-2055657-5803507">"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"</a>. A few days ago, J.K. Rowlings announced that the book would be available July 21, 2007. This will come only 8 days after the 5th movie "HP & The Order of the Phoenix" will be out in theatres. I declare July "Harry Potter Month", lol.<br /><br />Anyway, that's it for now. Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4816220341946830514.post-36861633652593447832007-02-02T09:29:00.000-05:002008-12-11T21:42:51.744-05:00Happy Blogiversary to Me!!Yup, Feb.2nd, 1 year of doing this crazy blog. It has been quite rewarding for the most part. An opportunity to share & be heard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSjMbhsrDr40McApoLi23zLC8uOxlyIstI8ufwW1PTGRzSR_jRZT3BBV7cyKb3vtLVDDIQwTRUd_7pxrFvaH57GGJPgEgUbFL87cVixuDUOuKWlWGZj4FW7S9iOTlfcQfjYDdwLUuXro/s1600-h/cupcake.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSjMbhsrDr40McApoLi23zLC8uOxlyIstI8ufwW1PTGRzSR_jRZT3BBV7cyKb3vtLVDDIQwTRUd_7pxrFvaH57GGJPgEgUbFL87cVixuDUOuKWlWGZj4FW7S9iOTlfcQfjYDdwLUuXro/s320/cupcake.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027319481409252578" border="0" /></a>If I could change anything though, it would be to get everyone to leave comments. Not that I need validation because that's not it. It's more a curiosity thing: to see what others found interesting, helpful, entertaining, useful, etc. Does anyone actually use or look at the links I put on the sidebar?? Does anyone go to the sites or how-to's that I've linked in the blog entry itself?? Has anyone checked out the pictures on Flicker (the funny flashing box on the right side)?? These are all items that take time to put into the blog template itself, but are they of any use?? These are the types of things that bloggers want to know.<br /><br />How to make a comment: it's quite easy actually. After the blog entry, you will see the word "comment". You just click on that. Then a pop-up box will open showing any previous comments (if there are any) & show a box for you to enter your message. Below that it will ask you to sign in (if you have a google or blog acct) or just leave anonymous. If you're using the anonymous option, you can add who it's from in the body of the message itself. It will then ask you to type in some letters (or numbers) as they appear in the box. This is called "word verification". This isn't some scam to track down your identity, it's so that one doesn't get automatic computer generated comments that can sometimes be inappropriate. So, this is for safety issues, nothing more.<br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed the past year. I will continue to blog about knitting, crochet, spinning, geocaching (in the good weather), animals, art dolls, polymer clay, altered art, CQ & anything else that strikes my fancy.<br /><br />Have a great day & we'll talk to you all soon. Peace out, Boopbettyboopta2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06349583953100628954noreply@blogger.com1