tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-239546952024-03-07T13:57:45.995-05:00Harlem PurlsHarlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-41494869683579951632020-07-21T18:23:00.000-05:002020-07-21T18:23:38.172-05:00Quarentino InspoIt's been almost five years since I've posted, so yeah, sounds about right. I'm not sure if anyone still comes round these parts but that's okay, I'll still keep talking to the void anyway. Since the Quarentino (not my word, I heard it on a podcast) started, I've been super crafty, making lots of stuff. The making has been a necessary distraction from all the chaos surrounding us at this moment. Being creative is a needed outlet to take my mind off of feeling all the feelings and diverting my attention on the things that make me happy. It's been rough in Quarentino, so I try to hold on to any little piece of joy I can find.<div><br></div><div>The weird part is that I haven't had the energy to share. I love sharing my makes, it makes me happy to think that someone might find inspiration in something I've made. That something I posted put a smile on someones face like so many other posts have done for me. My motivation has changed and I no longer anticipate sharing my latest finished object on insta. The really real is that my head is full of excuses, to post a picture of a garment I've made means I have to model it (but I don't get dressed most days) or find a spot in the house (which is a complete mess most days) lately seems like a real daunting task. I'm writing this in hopes that my mojo will see how silly these excuses look written out and be like "nah, we not going out like that, post that hand knit sweater like the crafty queen you are!" Secretly hoping the minor inspiration I had to write this post will be the stepping stone to sharing more. I bet that's exactly what will happen, I'll share one make and then the flood gates will open and I'll find more and more moments of joy to share. After all, sharing is caring (I couldn't resist),</div><div><br></div><div>I always like to include at least one pic so here's one of the projects I'm currently working on. It's the pieces from the Pagosa Pants pattern by Sew News magazine, also available as a Craftsy class. It's a pretty simple pattern so I'm taking the opportunity to work on some butt and thigh alterations. I've never done them before so we'll see if I end up with the fit I'm hoping for. I made a muslin and everything so I'm pretty hopeful. More details to follow (hopefully).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Peace and Love, Chante</div>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-52460940348129626042015-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:002015-12-29T10:00:17.604-05:00That Year End PostThe end of the year is always a good time for reflection. I think I knit more in 2015 than I did in the prior year but that's mainly due to the birth of my twins. My favorite knits for 2015 would have to be:<br />
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My Rhinebeck sweater tops the list. I in no way fashion myself a "sweater knitter", but I decided on a Tuesday that I was going to knit a sweater in a week, casted on the very next day and was done by the following Friday. My favorite attribute is the bright neon green contrast color. It's so unexpected and unique (just like me!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKuSa_qh-5PXSeYyEwPJoZjAUOxlyKskJrHvR07bv8MnSBx7riqKdUuPmoJ5xJc4QYfdwTaw8lRfjEzbNoDtpOlv_LNqkAISIo_s5GfFNp_jB2Yokx_vsA-SjQ1e1g1KdTwuPog/s1600/Rhinebeck+Sweater+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKuSa_qh-5PXSeYyEwPJoZjAUOxlyKskJrHvR07bv8MnSBx7riqKdUuPmoJ5xJc4QYfdwTaw8lRfjEzbNoDtpOlv_LNqkAISIo_s5GfFNp_jB2Yokx_vsA-SjQ1e1g1KdTwuPog/s320/Rhinebeck+Sweater+2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/university" target="_blank">University Sweater by Rosi G.</a></div>
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Yarn: <a href="https://www.plymouthyarn.com/yarn/encore-worsted-item-611" target="_blank">Plymouth Encoure Worsted in Medium Grey & Neon Green</a></div>
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My next favorite knit has to be a cute little number I knit for my friends toddler. I love knitting baby things because they go so darn fast, although the cables seem to slow me down a bit. I actually paid for this pattern which doesn't happen too often. I am so pleased with how it turned out and I think the pattern was absolutely worth every penny.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXSR7uzsqeIWzOLhsGyO-3QNV1u4D3XMnHbZeKwQoL_D_Hwi1p3Hwb8RlohDbazPs3wHqRfDMMllm2YNsZyqLpUssDYqc4iFvMbZYvCozHLcqqjMsEqiI4dFEOB9BP7m6FSukKg/s1600/Silverfox+Cardigan+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXSR7uzsqeIWzOLhsGyO-3QNV1u4D3XMnHbZeKwQoL_D_Hwi1p3Hwb8RlohDbazPs3wHqRfDMMllm2YNsZyqLpUssDYqc4iFvMbZYvCozHLcqqjMsEqiI4dFEOB9BP7m6FSukKg/s320/Silverfox+Cardigan+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silverfox" target="_blank">Silverfox Cardigan by Frogginette Makes Things</a></div>
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Yarn:<a href="http://www.michaels.com/loops-and-threads-woolike-yarn/M10338444.html" target="_blank"> Loops & Threads Woolike in Mauve</a></div>
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Rounding out the list is a kit I bought on Craftsy as part of a mystery knit-along a couple of years ago. I know the designer and I like to support my knitters when I can. I didn't think a lace beret would be my style but I'm glad I tried something out of comfort zone. I thought I was the beanie type, but I'm really diggin the slouch. The silk content in the yarn is good for my coily hair and the wool helps to regulate my head temperature. I don't think I've sweat once while wearing it, which says a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTFRjHnkyGtXtEdkbyUG2EE8Qf0kRTq0daufb7X8mA9sdGPJw-VS35VaeJjqMHBhXERBjqSsEc6KdqHN6wnRDTwPONyGmZ6NcplR2jVvhPgIMPGLjG0V631EwrpPm8pB27z9KmQ/s1600/Iced+Eucalyptus+Beret+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTFRjHnkyGtXtEdkbyUG2EE8Qf0kRTq0daufb7X8mA9sdGPJw-VS35VaeJjqMHBhXERBjqSsEc6KdqHN6wnRDTwPONyGmZ6NcplR2jVvhPgIMPGLjG0V631EwrpPm8pB27z9KmQ/s320/Iced+Eucalyptus+Beret+2015.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/iced-eucalyptus-beret" target="_blank">Iced Eucalyptus Beret by Angela Tong</a></div>
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also available as a kit <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/supplies/iced-eucalyptus-beret-kit/3235" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Yarn: <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-VeneziaSport.asp" target="_blank">Cascade Venezia Sport in Deep Sea</a></div>
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I had to add these socks as an honorable mention. They took no less than half the year to knit. The fact that I think they're stunning was the sole reason I didn't rip it out halfway through knitting and throw the yarn out the window. I don't know why it was such a difficult knit but I'm so glad it's over. I use to love knitting socks but I may need to take break before I start my next pair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzkODKhKcvy0QxeHaz11-uTTSGN3CyorGqLKLBti_UclIx0pXScSojxO4X4WwxwbYAD7_5kM9KLKxpg9SqPh1UeZ2p6flaRmoygTJ9RUwoeU1cg9H87uM9aJVqRFwlNUuyHMl9Q/s1600/Pucker+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzkODKhKcvy0QxeHaz11-uTTSGN3CyorGqLKLBti_UclIx0pXScSojxO4X4WwxwbYAD7_5kM9KLKxpg9SqPh1UeZ2p6flaRmoygTJ9RUwoeU1cg9H87uM9aJVqRFwlNUuyHMl9Q/s320/Pucker+2015.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pucker-2" target="_blank">Pucker by The House of Hogbuffer</a></div>
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Yarn: <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfYarns/Yarn_Display.cfm?ID=5420251&media=RAV&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=RAV" target="_blank">Knitpicks Hawthorn Fingering in Serpent and Slate</a></div>
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My current WIP's are a cowl, ardigan and shawl which I will hopefully get to finish next month. Wishing you all a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Joyous Kwanzaa.</div>
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And may the new year bless you with the opportunity to attain your wildest dreams!</div>
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Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-59676574369075105192015-04-04T12:00:00.000-05:002015-04-04T21:56:21.409-05:00Knitting Dilemma<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m stuck in a knitting conundrum of sorts. First, a little
history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like most knitters, I awkwardly started my knitting journey
with clunky straights and squeaky acrylic. I slowly gained momentum knitting
with yarn held in my right hand* by going in through the front door {pause}, run
around the back {pause}, peek through the window {pause}, and off jumped jack!
This was fine for a while, but being a crocheter prior to learning to knit, I
soon was able to knit more efficiently with the yarn held in my left hand. I
got faster and faster and the knitting possibilities were endless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Everything was good for a while, a long while I would say. I
could knit without looking, some knitters marveled at how fast I was, but I
think I even knew then that something was off. I’m what you call a tight
knitter. My tension was ALWAYS tight. It was to the point that I would automatically
swatch in a needle two sizes higher than the size recommended to get gauge. I
could only knit for a couple hours at a time before my left hand would start
cramping and my shoulders would get all tense. Also, I always rowed out and my
fabric was never even. I usually blocked the mess out of my knits to combat
this but it still never turned out as even as I’d seen others knit. I have to
admit that although I loved making things, I just didn’t love the process. I
fancied myself a product knitter and knitted until the pain in my hands told me
something had to give. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I went back to my roots, so to say, and trained myself to knit
with the yarn held in my right hand. I figured the best way to train my hands was
to knit a project so I dove right into the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tofino">Tofino top from Knitting in the Sun.</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJMCS_xmcNXWukEM01v6hgtrD1wjhaXsKlWT8_Jc-pvJ_3ctPSk7osHIyBGlNyGeiEcIv1Qw5xh9FDcW87Lm9pcWcG8MklB6x7N3om_tRejer0iyvJmlV4Gqn6D7ZsmcyKpdMYA/s1600/tofino+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJMCS_xmcNXWukEM01v6hgtrD1wjhaXsKlWT8_Jc-pvJ_3ctPSk7osHIyBGlNyGeiEcIv1Qw5xh9FDcW87Lm9pcWcG8MklB6x7N3om_tRejer0iyvJmlV4Gqn6D7ZsmcyKpdMYA/s1600/tofino+top.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
It took longer than usual to finish but alas my fabric was even and my tension
was looser. My upper body didn’t feel as tense but it still felt awkward to knit
this way. So, I soon slipped back to my default left handed knitting until it
became unbearable.<br />
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I don’t exactly remember how, actually I think I was reading <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/principles-of-knitting-june-hemmons-hiatt/1102845190?ean=9781416535171">The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt</a> and came across the term “lever
knitting”. I researched lever knitting, watched the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51GByV0H2w">youtube video of the YarnHarlot</a> countless times, joined the rav group and practiced, practiced,
practiced. Like I said before, the best practice is to knit a whole project so
I knit a couple of project on long straight needles with the right one tucked
snuggly in my armpit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not going to lie, it took a couple of months for it to
feel less unfamiliar, but you know what? My hands didn’t hurt, and my shoulders
were not one bit tense. I couldn't believe how even my tension was and I was falling
in love with the process. I like the way my hands flowed, right hand swooping
around the needle as it formed each stitch. I was becoming a process knitter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd8flvPHuu7MRD0HeXrINBeJ9Z0Xw2xZl9XjyHZtu2Qy6texPBWvU5s4tCRBrEwvuZgsjPbZjHpIuz8kz19qEhXVqZj6SJcyON4nB1TY1yne8St2I79djtsH2PnteN9RpvqN04Q/s1600/Gianna+baby+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd8flvPHuu7MRD0HeXrINBeJ9Z0Xw2xZl9XjyHZtu2Qy6texPBWvU5s4tCRBrEwvuZgsjPbZjHpIuz8kz19qEhXVqZj6SJcyON4nB1TY1yne8St2I79djtsH2PnteN9RpvqN04Q/s1600/Gianna+baby+sweater.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silverfox">Silverfox Cardigan</a></div>
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Then I noticed that although I fell back in love with
knitting, I couldn't figure out how to knit quicker. I recently realized this
when I lever knit a sock and it took me about a month, where it would usually
take me about a week or two in my left handed knitting days. I really wanted to
finish the socks so I went back to my default to knit the other one, which took
me about two weeks. You can really see the difference between my knitting
styles in this photo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7FxGgoLCSRSq67hS8vqieOnsl9g9NPsTIJ6TglMaGVsXm5Yu7JP7-9HsWcNY3JBHBN5wQqE9Gv0gSZxLer9J4vJZRZHIDIV0PIhMI28htomVRHbJ5Mlmb9c7bmGbd_ilX84rWg/s1600/gauge+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7FxGgoLCSRSq67hS8vqieOnsl9g9NPsTIJ6TglMaGVsXm5Yu7JP7-9HsWcNY3JBHBN5wQqE9Gv0gSZxLer9J4vJZRZHIDIV0PIhMI28htomVRHbJ5Mlmb9c7bmGbd_ilX84rWg/s1600/gauge+socks.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-skyp-socks">Simple Skype Socks</a></div>
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So here’s the question I keep asking myself; am I a process
knitter or a product knitter? I like lever knitting, it makes me happy. In the
words of KonMari, it sparks joy. On the other hand, I don’t want it to take
forever to knit something. I just started a sweater but I’m taking a crack at
my default knitting form, being mindful to keep my fingers loose and not tense
up. It seems to be working but I’m not enjoying the process as much. I keep on
second guessing if I should have done this project knitting the way that makes
me happy. Of course I can’t change in the middle of a project, so I’m stuck
knitting in my default for a while.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess the question will remained unanswered for a while. I’ll
knit on hoping that I can soon learn to increase my speed lever knitting and
all will be right with the world again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peace and Blessing<o:p></o:p></div>
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*I prefer to avoid using the terms "English" and "Continental" to describe knitting styles. I would much rather use the terms left handed and right handed knitting. Yeah, I'm weird like that.</div>
Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-36185593281907814542014-11-23T09:57:00.003-05:002014-11-23T09:57:37.925-05:00Listen<div dir="ltr">
Do you ever feel like the universe is talking to you? Leaving little clues, that if you're perceptive enough to pick up on, can be decoded into one blaring message thats been right before your eyes for the longest time. I don't mean to get all hippy dippy, but I feel like I'm always searching for answers- answers to everything and maybe all I need to do is listen to the universe. I don't have the slightest idea why this thought just popped into my head and why I feel the need to document it in this blog, but I do so I am.</div>
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Since I'm here, might as well talk about crafty stuff. My needles have been click clackin' like crazy. I've been repeating the mantra "knit faster, winter is coming" as I knit warm woolies for the family. I started with hats for the twins,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8hXyIoEz4Ym14Xczs7-MCw9K-QS9Uu7FYHNYDlxVDyHXheNWMH4MIzTyrP0VIsGf7e39J4Lkf1msVGusy70n2K5nqpylvx60oGHPNQBfqKdT6JOA4leeRuTv3xBikdPGhb8TJw/s640/1416752892166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8hXyIoEz4Ym14Xczs7-MCw9K-QS9Uu7FYHNYDlxVDyHXheNWMH4MIzTyrP0VIsGf7e39J4Lkf1msVGusy70n2K5nqpylvx60oGHPNQBfqKdT6JOA4leeRuTv3xBikdPGhb8TJw/s640/1416752892166.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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then moved on to a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/r-watch-cap">hat for hubby</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/harlempurls/structured-alpaca-cowl"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQa3JsSUpRQGeaU3ppUPCFxpE52qSk2vpUCK9MgAsxeRfwvJUEkoqOOfV7Lmc1yVtzX1iepbh1TQ0XHgdYq-JkSigRxy-TuIU0SAH7sOlb9lHnnVVhrqwgwUo9A_iWdif19gh5w/s640/1416753137714.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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and recently finished a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/utopia-cable-hat">hat for my older son</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/harlempurls/utopia-cable-hat"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4adNyEihJ4oz0-QAEDv4gXEqFDDTMoUK2ObhrTLYE0feCETugm5_6-38vdxHPHHZFBAxK9U6vu3VQKO8VWiYD-JThyphenhyphenX_rqVHxeTWgXxIzRz8ZzEO2J_lFBLrTW3zEspecpCFJEQ/s640/2014-11-21%25252015.48.50.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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I had to compromise on his hat because he wanted a yellow hat with black zig zags on it to simulate the hair of his favorite Dragon Ball Z character. I let him have the yellow, but I picked the pattern I liked and omitted the black. I also finished cowls for them too. I made the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/structured-alpaca-cowl">structured cowl</a> for hubby</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiUdcQJoX_bPXrzuVOvJpkcfxxUurcmMA6VDIdMjZ0AqVauqI-Ff740cT_VM05JjjLWmxSicVjRWZV8C9XFJAfPFGmisa5NVjvnhrL0BuXwhyphenhyphenugv_PWsj0cCe-9Fah7Z_HMFBpg/s640/2014-11-21%25252015.46.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiUdcQJoX_bPXrzuVOvJpkcfxxUurcmMA6VDIdMjZ0AqVauqI-Ff740cT_VM05JjjLWmxSicVjRWZV8C9XFJAfPFGmisa5NVjvnhrL0BuXwhyphenhyphenugv_PWsj0cCe-9Fah7Z_HMFBpg/s640/2014-11-21%25252015.46.15.jpg" height="177" width="200" /></a></div>
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and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribby-neckwarmer">ribby cow</a>l for boy wonder.</div>
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Next on the needles are mittens and gloves and then I'll have time for some selfish knitting.</div>
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<p dir="ltr">When I started this blog eight years ago ( Wow, can't believe it's been that long), my motives were kinda selfish. Well, not kinda, they were. My goals were to improve my writing which doesn't come easy to me and to show off my creative side which I didn't get a chance to do that often (back then).</p>
<p dir="ltr">By my account, my writing did improve. But then I started slacking. Postings were scarce and my writing suffered. Reading those old posts put a battery in my back so hopefully I can keep this new found motivation going just like the Energizer Bunny.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As I started to get the hang of things, another one of my goals was to improve my photography skills. That's one of the main reasons I read a lot of blogs are for the beautiful pictures. I even took a class at one point! Of course that fell by the wayside too. The lighting is so poor in my tiny Harlem apartment so it takes a lot of effort to shoot something that fits my standards. Most of the time I'm fiddling with the pictures for hours in Photoscape trying to get it just right. I've been taking it easy on myself regarding the picture quality for my last couple of posts. My new mantra is, they don't have to be perfect, as long as I'm posting then I'm happy.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't know where this post came from. Babies just woke up for their 3am feeding so I guess that's my cue to go. I dint know when my next post will be, but I can guarantee knitting content. Toodaloo!</p>
Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-88576757461082436052014-07-31T14:51:00.000-05:002014-07-31T14:51:57.971-05:00Not quite rightRemember the teal and gray baby sweater from my last post? In case you don't, here's a pic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw-PbuyrPt3bXAKEkJlTTUy5Jh2h1C0d59NyHbgkExtyAbb63E0ugiZmTv36QQGz3titgazJNosurhU-AL8yZM8BlCyKPSYjlZUHryyavetu_UbAS1PP2RCIuZOpJfoBtVdRDYg/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhw-PbuyrPt3bXAKEkJlTTUy5Jh2h1C0d59NyHbgkExtyAbb63E0ugiZmTv36QQGz3titgazJNosurhU-AL8yZM8BlCyKPSYjlZUHryyavetu_UbAS1PP2RCIuZOpJfoBtVdRDYg/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Nice, right? Let's take a closer look shall we....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50YKTvp_haWc7M19RWBdgOn0ur8d_b-JPAQpL7Xuok8_GGAUOn7fIf4TporxYy55TbMOf_hDx-edCRk7viKjzJd5flb2LQxRoFLlEaIRJ21nA2Od6Ch0gW8s2jdF8gDj-V3nOKQ/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50YKTvp_haWc7M19RWBdgOn0ur8d_b-JPAQpL7Xuok8_GGAUOn7fIf4TporxYy55TbMOf_hDx-edCRk7viKjzJd5flb2LQxRoFLlEaIRJ21nA2Od6Ch0gW8s2jdF8gDj-V3nOKQ/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Notice anything? I'm not talking about the difference in color between the blue's. I'm talking about the shoulder.<br />
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Guess who forgot to sew the shoulder seam before picking up stitches for the hood? Yup, this chick right here.<br />
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I just haven't had the energy to rip it out and fix it. Luckily I have a few more months before the boys will be able to fit them. I started the second one, but as usual, I ran out of yarn. I ended up starting a new project in the meantime, in between time.<br />
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I have a bunch of pre fold diapers, I mean a BUNCH! I failed to realize before putting a gaggle of them on my registry, that you need a wool cover to go over them. You also have to lanolize the cover which is a whole 'nother story which I won't go into just yet.<br />
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The great part about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/curly-purly-soaker-pattern">knitting soakers</a> is that you don't need much yardage so I can use up some of the handspun stash. Only downside is most of my handspun is in feminine colors so it was really hard finding appropriate yarn.<br />
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I finally settled on yarn I spun from my previous <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/Spunky_Club_US_p/club-f-us.htm">Spunky Club</a> subscription ( which I miss dearly). I'm almost done, just have to add the ribbing to the legholes.<br />
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Even though I'm getting some knitting done, I'm still pining for my other crafts. I can't wait to break out the wheel and sewing machine. Hopefully they'll make an appearance soon.<br />
<br />Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-43467092228964081302014-06-22T12:00:00.000-05:002014-06-22T12:00:03.296-05:00HiatusI seem to be a pro at disappearing for long stretches of time, and yet for some reason I always seem to return. A lot has happened since my last post. The most notable is that I had a couple of kids and at the same time even! I just had twin boys two months ago and I guess the monotony of daily life has me wanting to mix it up a bit, hence this post. I probably won't be posting any pics of my little one's faces just because I'm one of those paranoid moms. Since this is a craft blog, I'll oblige with a little craft update.<br />
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Since having the boys, I've wanted to knit a whole lot more than my free time allows. I'm one of those knitters that likes to work on one project at a time. I'm currently working on hoodies for the boys. I finished one and working on the second. I'm making both in contrasting colors using a pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hooded-baby-sweater-2">Hooded Baby Sweater</a> by Halliday Nelson which can be found for free on Ravelry.<br />
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I like the simplicity of the pattern which makes it easier to customize. I'm actually following the pattern to a tee but I made it my own by changing the sleeve and band colors.<br />
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I'm also using this project to practice my lever knitting. Lever knitting is a way to knit with the right needle tucked under your arm. The <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/">Yarn Harlot</a> knits this way and it is known to be a more efficient way to knit. It also produces a more even fabric. In my case, I knit tightly and it has relieved some of the tension I use to feel in my wrist and I noticed that I don't "row out" as much too. Here's a video of Stephanie lever knitting.<br />
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The boys are starting to stir so I'll catch this blog on the flip side. Craft on.<br />
<br />Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-87310724719513532012012-12-30T23:32:00.001-05:002012-12-30T23:33:51.666-05:00The May to December PostHappy (almost) New Year. I've been trying to write this post for a couple of months now. Had to get it out before the year ended so that I could cross it off my 2012 list.<br />
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I've been all over the place this year craftwise. My obsessions have ranged from <a href="http://youtu.be/tfJ8joMzYqU">lever knitting</a> to navajo plying. My creative pursuits have been greatly influenced by what I see on The Rav and what my lovely <strike>enablers</strike> friends are doing. I somehow signed up for<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-mystery-with-joji"> Joji's Mystery Shawl</a> and I don't even like shawls, go figure. I'm using stash yarn so if the color combo looks crazy, blame it on the stash.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/8319275346/" title="Mystery shawl - Clue 1 by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img alt="Mystery shawl - Clue 1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8319275346_515f78dfb5.jpg" height="500" width="299" /></a>
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I've been pretty good about not adding too much to my already enormous yarn stash. My principle for acquisitions has been quality over quantity since my stash is acrylic heavy. I only bought one skein of yarn at Rhinebeck this year and I got two skeins of yarn from my visit to<a href="http://www.loopyyarns.com/"> Chicago</a> on Thanksgiving that I couldn't resist (it was on sale).<br />
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I do slip every now and again but it has to be a good reason. Its hard to make sweaters when I'm buying a skein here and a skein there so I bought yarn at this years Smileys Manhattan sale with a sweater in mind. It has been a while since I've bought yarn like that.<br />
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When talking about my wool stash for spinning, that's a whole 'nother story. I'm not even going to confess the damage done at Rhinebeck....at least not yet.<br />
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Happy crafting and I hope you all have a spectacular New Year!Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-61037065473601306092012-05-02T11:28:00.001-05:002012-05-02T12:31:28.565-05:00Happy accident<div><p>I went to look for an app on my phone and I must have mistakenly tapped the blogger app icon. I didn't even know my phone could do that!</p>
<p>Maybe I'll post more if its as easy as snapping a pic and pressing a button.</p>
<p>Might as well talk about knitting while I'm here. I just finished a bunch of stuff like a beautiful baby dress, a hobo bag and a summer top. Each item has a story behind it so I'll have to blog about those separately.</p>
<p>I don't like to blog without pictures so here's what I'm currently working on. It's a half granny square shawl made out of zauberball(sock yarn). Its a super fast knit a making it very addictive.</p>
<p>Well this post was quick and painless. Maybe I'll do it again someone soon =)</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF1nAo5filoaG4rHuXqdS3fvpD3ewIyXKPtV9IA7uZ5np5OzYRXHSPFvQKZ-1o4T2Mv0rnRLwwOB-eS8guTT_lCxPmgXxsb_Lp-ox0L0H0jdeBQHqOfW-XKTedxeV-EFIcGgnNQ//' /></div>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-73988762404148629352011-12-29T10:01:00.009-05:002011-12-31T09:51:38.880-05:00Pop That Bottle Top for 2012I know I'm stating the obvious but 2012 is right around the corner! 2011 wasn't such a horrible year, all things considered, but I am so looking forward to 2012. I feel optimistic and bright at the thought of "starting over" for lack of better wording.<br /><div><div>Naturally, I have a laundry list of resolutions for the upcoming year. One of these that falls into the crafts category is to:<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Choose one pattern from one of the many craft books in my personal library to make each month.</strong></div><br />I purposely made it vague. I don't want to feel too confined because I'll be less likely to follow through. I made this resolution because I own an obscene amount of knitting, crocheting, spinning and sewing books that I rarely use. By use I mean actually make items from the patterns offered as opposed to flipping through the pages and saying "Oooooo, pretty!" Plus I may get some inspiration for the blog if I'm actually finishing stuff. If all goes well, I should have 12 new items by year end.<br /><br /><div>My other craft resolution is to:</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Finish or frog (rip out) at least one WIP (work in progress) per month.</strong></div><br /><div>That one is pretty self explanatory. I don't know how many WIPs I have but I think at least more than five and less than ten.</div><br /><div>I have a few other craft related resolutions that I may get into at a later date. For now, here are some pics of recently finished object for this year in ni particular order. 2011 seems to have been the year of baby sweaters and hand warmers. Have a great one yall and Happy New Year!<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJU1l6j0dzsl_TY1zcdd-wH1Ms8JUJLLYZymeOaztWEdQ5x_F7rjfVWQp3JliLNUqTm6Pwilma6NFfMGxoOlK6rso0LN2pwJf7JWAGFc_fUcWZOVvEHvcBQS-4LFDrI8jfg1Qkg/s1600/IMAG0049.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJU1l6j0dzsl_TY1zcdd-wH1Ms8JUJLLYZymeOaztWEdQ5x_F7rjfVWQp3JliLNUqTm6Pwilma6NFfMGxoOlK6rso0LN2pwJf7JWAGFc_fUcWZOVvEHvcBQS-4LFDrI8jfg1Qkg/s320/IMAG0049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692301156515992754" border="0" /></a>I made these for a nice MTA worker that gave me a break when she really didn't have to.<br /><br /><div><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 257px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691624334771795906" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dQ2lJSISGc0oGIurr-ipy5C2NloTxaJVVaB4X2f02x1w3P4Butl8f5IFPwyWunyxs3X_CLEes98hNL_1qPqaDARYEGsNHTNndHNBjJqwDEUCxGIh_uNNk4vT-6xjpIYDFY4OsQ/s320/Jess+Baby+Shower+041a.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Believe it or not, that there's handspun! I ran out of hanspun yarn as you can probably tell, hence the short sleeves and yellow borders. Thankfully, the shower was in August.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_LXDyJcdQA7HGg7HlRXXekubZhsAOZNjnIfGyL2vCoXoBuMJjSqVGiVA6_lFj9UsYtTGpHtuchWN2OW2ei-IP194Rgs4DAghSa6QFpdQMjo6uqBRPCuZ4sWIh0hliYShWu-etw/s1600/Picture+202.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_LXDyJcdQA7HGg7HlRXXekubZhsAOZNjnIfGyL2vCoXoBuMJjSqVGiVA6_lFj9UsYtTGpHtuchWN2OW2ei-IP194Rgs4DAghSa6QFpdQMjo6uqBRPCuZ4sWIh0hliYShWu-etw/s320/Picture+202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692301166867340354" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-5hejg_XKuAmpjmg3X1gbD0Zh9F_39xvtgxA8KlLwCsnu7OY_mR0Mdd2CaRhHLdcZ27lPbKrMqOt01UBTL7xkM5LfwdMTUY9miVf6w0MBP8mPmwXjWMpWqVIVByM9UiY4ueD7g/s1600/Picture+205.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-5hejg_XKuAmpjmg3X1gbD0Zh9F_39xvtgxA8KlLwCsnu7OY_mR0Mdd2CaRhHLdcZ27lPbKrMqOt01UBTL7xkM5LfwdMTUY9miVf6w0MBP8mPmwXjWMpWqVIVByM9UiY4ueD7g/s320/Picture+205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692301168883525778" border="0" /></a>Finally finished this sweater. Wasn't too pleased with how it came out but the mom to be loved it and that's all that matters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xVQloPjFrtVewN0Q0wfKxWYM-cxcr4cVktBCdwLqAYJccQH1VrD9eeOuDn0q49x2Pbs9FghALZTFi7Z_x61jmSdATd_xk3awF_Bor0XmKX9fQn0t9wMmUVpCu-dhxsGbBmhAkA/s1600/Picture+209.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xVQloPjFrtVewN0Q0wfKxWYM-cxcr4cVktBCdwLqAYJccQH1VrD9eeOuDn0q49x2Pbs9FghALZTFi7Z_x61jmSdATd_xk3awF_Bor0XmKX9fQn0t9wMmUVpCu-dhxsGbBmhAkA/s320/Picture+209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692301185911556434" border="0" /></a>Made this potholder for charity. Its kitchy and I love it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthXAUKeAMJDgwbQLyazCOK87oBJA2IVe4S_jp5N8AVhRpVoVMjpca5fyt-hwoeA-Zh32fJKNr7H1Wa1oKC1nF8IovjILqrh2KEwZdyFC5HtUrsfdKQJanaan6DCf36XgdtBn40w/s1600/Picture+206.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthXAUKeAMJDgwbQLyazCOK87oBJA2IVe4S_jp5N8AVhRpVoVMjpca5fyt-hwoeA-Zh32fJKNr7H1Wa1oKC1nF8IovjILqrh2KEwZdyFC5HtUrsfdKQJanaan6DCf36XgdtBn40w/s320/Picture+206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692301175843474626" border="0" /></a>Made this baby set in record time. I think I found out about the shower on Wednesday and had it done by Saturday in time for the shower.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5bmkU7ui3_u_e2yBbflsWTFHU-lmdhglvesi1h3FUd8J0FRigDxDmr2nQPpDOrrbFSqCHdTgS2B5ZG5kFEscSlQkHGLbAxwDkHBIToc7Wbe2jutQQRlZdlEfeMwDr_kDUpT-4Q/s1600/Picture+216.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5bmkU7ui3_u_e2yBbflsWTFHU-lmdhglvesi1h3FUd8J0FRigDxDmr2nQPpDOrrbFSqCHdTgS2B5ZG5kFEscSlQkHGLbAxwDkHBIToc7Wbe2jutQQRlZdlEfeMwDr_kDUpT-4Q/s320/Picture+216.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692303340876622770" border="0" /></a>This hat was en experiment in gradients. I used three strands of sock yarn in two colors to gradually change from one to the other.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj_JhkcpH44l_50nZ1jVnv9MbMfI1n1Muy4Gah5Dq87kKT0zlEKNPHrEOdeGacqOr3WSJHPI9ebIna-qX35Q1GjoKq5Q6vTrQoPh0m65Ok-e5T4r6SfxFOkjJ3X93ftuEWfL2wA/s1600/Picture+219.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj_JhkcpH44l_50nZ1jVnv9MbMfI1n1Muy4Gah5Dq87kKT0zlEKNPHrEOdeGacqOr3WSJHPI9ebIna-qX35Q1GjoKq5Q6vTrQoPh0m65Ok-e5T4r6SfxFOkjJ3X93ftuEWfL2wA/s320/Picture+219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692303343216569410" border="0" /></a>Made these for my son's teachers for Christmas.<br /><p></p>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-22508016628716039872011-09-08T21:21:00.004-05:002011-09-08T21:56:31.809-05:00Pondering Fair Isle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa07Az7b7mP6CxG_5G6Xyb4WByC9CfaClNgx4bNEi4zcHw6l1Pr7efKzhWYwMfI4bt19wmfk01cwxOZXz1b3Atr92rFFjko6vuekXsWq0YcEQJF2pg2MYWhPmLNy9dSMFSUOYwA/s1600/IMG_0490.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa07Az7b7mP6CxG_5G6Xyb4WByC9CfaClNgx4bNEi4zcHw6l1Pr7efKzhWYwMfI4bt19wmfk01cwxOZXz1b3Atr92rFFjko6vuekXsWq0YcEQJF2pg2MYWhPmLNy9dSMFSUOYwA/s320/IMG_0490.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650185553423190626" border="0" /></a><br />- I think I like looking at fair isle stitches rather than knitting them.<br /><br />- I realize why most fair isle sweaters are knit in the round and steeked. Purling + Fair Isle = No fun!<br /><br />- EZ recommends in Knitting Without Tears to put a couple of short rows in the back neck so the collar will sit better. I felt really smart for doing the calcs and executing the short rows all by myself. Then I thought after I knit them, does a baby really need the sweater neck to lay properly? All they do is lay down and sit up anyway right? oh well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSjeiNti4pICjBmDi5CnTkcy5Os270blQSA7_WBKQT-q4MaIXMdycwEDOL2Tvqt_HWbJzrqIG8OZE_P4BtH0e3zgSOSJlHQ8JOV_WZLu7H-3k2R0-Te0xeJjH1VfDRUiHdlek-Q/s1600/IMG_0485.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSjeiNti4pICjBmDi5CnTkcy5Os270blQSA7_WBKQT-q4MaIXMdycwEDOL2Tvqt_HWbJzrqIG8OZE_P4BtH0e3zgSOSJlHQ8JOV_WZLu7H-3k2R0-Te0xeJjH1VfDRUiHdlek-Q/s320/IMG_0485.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650185551509653378" border="0" /></a><br />- One must have options when executing a make one to get the effect you want. I tried 3 different ones before I found the one that worked properly.<br /><br />- Buttonholes? I can barely pay attention to what row I'm on, then to throw a [K2tog, YO] into the mix. Thank goodness for plan B, sew on snaps!<br /><br />- I found another reason why fair isle is knit in the round. Three words: Weaving. In. Ends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBKu13X_7LKYPOBMVF6JNhxVsm-Jb_L5kMtNcebF0TwjDdw4dIeScOC8EDVkgevhAGR-CZLuzcYCwgOzbNHE-W_Tx7rBHgW2C91rbeoF8YvgjlbvCATMVgoIPs5tqqr3P5xPe9Q/s1600/IMG_0500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBKu13X_7LKYPOBMVF6JNhxVsm-Jb_L5kMtNcebF0TwjDdw4dIeScOC8EDVkgevhAGR-CZLuzcYCwgOzbNHE-W_Tx7rBHgW2C91rbeoF8YvgjlbvCATMVgoIPs5tqqr3P5xPe9Q/s320/IMG_0500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650185557009044834" border="0" /></a><br />- I should have done a gauge swatch, but I like living on the edge :-) I still hold the option to eat those words later.<br /><br />- This is the first time I'm actually looking forward to knitting many rows in stockinette.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-74211336486816909332011-09-05T15:29:00.005-05:002011-09-05T17:51:03.481-05:00Try'in Design'inI'm not ready to give up on this blog. Even though I neglect the poor thing, I still like to express myself this way every once in a while. I've been up to a lot but I'd rather not be guilty of information overload so I'll just talk about what I'm working on right now.<br /><br />I have a baby shower to attend pretty soon so I had to think of what I would make for this event. My buddy Maribel from my Barnes & Nobles knitting group has been working on this baby set for her cousin who's due. The set consists of a log cabin baby blanket and the five hour baby sweater all done in shades of purples. I fell in love with her sweater because the increases didn't look like the ones done in the original 5 hour baby sweater. Of course when I looked on Ravelry there were about 80 different versions of this sweater but I narrowed it down to the one Maribel used which is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/five-hour-baby-sweater">this one (rav link).</a><br /><br />I thought this sweater would look great with a fair isle yoke so I decided to try and design one. I'm using all the stitch and row counts from the original pattern but I'm only doing 3 increase rows based on the Elizabeth Zimmerman Percentage System (EPS, they have a group on Rav, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ez-eps">go check it out</a>) I'm using 5, 11 and 4 row patterns from Sheila McGregors book Traditional Fair Isle Knitting and Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting book. I have every thing mapped out so all that's left to do is cast on. Hopefully, I'll be able to document the whole process or at least show pics of the FO. Until next time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrJw9HFgr6ir3jTl77iTX7iWN8VqFjkfXq_AKvb-KMHp1gjePTVyh3Gb3F61KNtIIldBZu7OjeNCUt7_wUjtsD-0FNJ6rqGiXQbgXJ33FNr3J-q6jMftP6PvV6Te1IUIKMKq6qQ/s1600/IMG_0482.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrJw9HFgr6ir3jTl77iTX7iWN8VqFjkfXq_AKvb-KMHp1gjePTVyh3Gb3F61KNtIIldBZu7OjeNCUt7_wUjtsD-0FNJ6rqGiXQbgXJ33FNr3J-q6jMftP6PvV6Te1IUIKMKq6qQ/s320/IMG_0482.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649009319154840306" border="0" /></a>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-79438361183547414062011-07-01T00:31:00.003-05:002011-07-01T01:19:56.785-05:00InsomniaHappy July! For some reason, I can't sleep right now even though it's way past my bedtime. I guess I can blame it on a restless mind. I've got like a million insignificant things running through it right now and I can't seem to find the off switch.<br /><br />While I'm up, lets talk crafts. My crafts have pretty much been as erratic as my thoughts right now. On Monday I knitted, on Tuesday I spun (well actually plied), on Wednesday I quilted and on Thursday I sewed(sp?).<br /><br />I'm knitting a newborn christening gown requested by one of my coworkers. The pattern is called Floral Trellis and can be found<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/floral-trellis-christening-gown"> here</a> on ravelry. There's an error in one of the beginning rows but its pretty obvious. All in all, its a good pattern but I just wish I would've read the pattern before I started because the whole thing is knit on a background of purl. Had I known that before hand, I would have knit it from the wrong side on a background of knit. Either way, I'm about 90 percent done.<br /><br />I plied some ashland bay fiber on my wheel this week to make room for Tour de Fleece. For those who don't know, rules are simple, you spin every day the Tour de France spins. There's a ravelry group with prizes and such. I've joined about three groups already so we'll see how it goes.<br /><br />I started my first quilt, I think over a year ago. I'll have to check my blog to see when exactly that was. But anyhoo, I got discouraged when it came time to quilt because I suck at it. I decided to pick it up and try again. I watched a lot of you tube videos and I still suck at it, but I'm getting better.<br /><br />I'm working on sewing project for my cousin right now. She's getting married at the end of this month and wants these cute satin roses to throw birdseed out of when they leave the church, Her mom was supposed to make them but she passed away last year. My aunt loved to sew so I felt so honored when my cousin told me I could have her sewing machine. It took me a while to get the machine calibrated but I finally got it with a little prayer. It also helped that her machine is a Singer which is the same brand as my original machine.<br /><br />I apologize for the pictureless post, I really do. I'll make it up next time. Now its really past my bedtime so I'm going to try and get some rest. g'night or g'morning, whatever suits your fancy.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-4502227496020402142011-03-30T17:36:00.005-05:002011-03-30T18:15:50.972-05:00A Little Blue and GreyI just got the urge to blog. I don't have anything profound to say, really. I just happen to glance over at my latest FO looking all purty folded up in my craft corner and thought about posting pictures.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9VvCvYJm8_jO_qRcaRnHAQ3RWVWgevrYNK_F0Uv4q73OsfTPRCjsDo78Sbg_vSQh0_ULQabU3irhEO0xRl9oNAmqnImFvAs3Vo4j80TIJPDWsZLGBQXM_MeDHu2oLk6wJtDS9g/s1600/Picture+194.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9VvCvYJm8_jO_qRcaRnHAQ3RWVWgevrYNK_F0Uv4q73OsfTPRCjsDo78Sbg_vSQh0_ULQabU3irhEO0xRl9oNAmqnImFvAs3Vo4j80TIJPDWsZLGBQXM_MeDHu2oLk6wJtDS9g/s320/Picture+194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590014393233164514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made this sweater for one of my husbands friends who's girlfriend is expecting. I planned to gift this item at the shower last Saturday but we didn't make it out to Jersey that day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6up0WM2qZbV3R8XhrdUjUkGO15wO3zzLkWU9VPcuuCBYbmmehg7usCRNBAfgt54FG5t5d3Tux_jiXy_hv1AGUgM2bMTdloWLZPHjKKn0HWSeO-wtwzeOdVPWn3oHBRBunLmSfw/s1600/Picture+196.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6up0WM2qZbV3R8XhrdUjUkGO15wO3zzLkWU9VPcuuCBYbmmehg7usCRNBAfgt54FG5t5d3Tux_jiXy_hv1AGUgM2bMTdloWLZPHjKKn0HWSeO-wtwzeOdVPWn3oHBRBunLmSfw/s320/Picture+196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590014397018184354" border="0" /></a>As long as I get it to them before the baby's born, I'm good.<br /><br />The pattern is called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/green-zebra-baby-sweater">Green zebra baby sweater</a> (rav link) and I used TLC Essentials yarn for this version.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-36601075751105164392010-11-03T19:17:00.008-05:002010-11-03T20:03:35.640-05:00Where's the handbook when you need it?Am I a bad mom because I'm contemplating buying my eight year old a winter hat and scarf set instead of making one? I feel so guilty because it would take me no time at all to whip him up a simple hat from my stash yarn......but I don't know if I want to.<br /><br />Are moms even allowed to be selfish?<br /><br />I wish there was a Knitting Moms Handbook I could reference for situations like these.<br /><br />I guess I could buy him a cheap hat for now to tide him over until I can make him something. Then I can take my time to make him something fit for a knitters kid, yeah that sounds about right.<br /><br />What the heck happened to the hat I made him last year? I think knitting goblins took it.<br /><br />He wants an Amtrak hat. When I asked him what that is he drew me a picture. Its a red hat with the Amtrak logo in blue & green. I'm really not feeling it because the design is too simple for my taste but I can't deny my child. I'll probably duplicate stitch the logo since I have yet to try that technique, yeah that sounds about right.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FkcAIymk8VKRtFxZHLMFO4FHqSs9-5AN1_RhWz5aNoOX6xAqgRTtG0wlsCGOtnxv1UN_xXnm45rL8XnvI4ZPaerBlAAyyoP335YukN_l3-O8HyLNfoqWvX2lVueAClF454f9_g/s1600/IMG_0354.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FkcAIymk8VKRtFxZHLMFO4FHqSs9-5AN1_RhWz5aNoOX6xAqgRTtG0wlsCGOtnxv1UN_xXnm45rL8XnvI4ZPaerBlAAyyoP335YukN_l3-O8HyLNfoqWvX2lVueAClF454f9_g/s320/IMG_0354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535493078678344610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Being the selfish knitter that I am I worked on a swatch today during my commute which is for a vest I'm designing. I love the simplicity of a simple vest over a crisp collard shirt. The yarn I'm using is super elastic so the vest will be pretty fitted. I'll keep you posted.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32EKuA0gm8sSFA9WsVMXlq5AVy9TvPwa9RjqkNbWjYqsNCeJR66rcqtZTLfiGKADWqw85_cMP86lpaMckPhAvj9UKEadaoiCWMclaNVvshRGEv0o7_fghF_k-d2_eWweDt0TO6w/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32EKuA0gm8sSFA9WsVMXlq5AVy9TvPwa9RjqkNbWjYqsNCeJR66rcqtZTLfiGKADWqw85_cMP86lpaMckPhAvj9UKEadaoiCWMclaNVvshRGEv0o7_fghF_k-d2_eWweDt0TO6w/s320/IMG_0352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535493465674497266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wow, three days in a row. I think that's a new record.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-44774627558516726772010-11-02T19:41:00.005-05:002010-11-02T20:54:00.671-05:00Its magicI had no idea that all I have to do is mention something on the blog and *poof* I'll get it done. I don't know if it works all the time but I'm glad it did.<br /><br />After I turned off my computer I sat on my comfy couch and glanced over at my craft corner. I thought to myself "just grab the friggin darning needle and get the darn thing done" and I did.<br /><br />I closed up the top of my hat and wove in the ends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jn0o722bBuqASN89yN5VY1akwiZER5Vgqs2pauoMhy2ZgNOF4aQIfC76VYGWFrl6wPt7F8j3KuAEWod5H8H3MsprrdOlZzAXAjALrTpFM_zJm5GWMxKIgBBo-VX-IM-Q7DWz3w/s1600/IMG_0330.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jn0o722bBuqASN89yN5VY1akwiZER5Vgqs2pauoMhy2ZgNOF4aQIfC76VYGWFrl6wPt7F8j3KuAEWod5H8H3MsprrdOlZzAXAjALrTpFM_zJm5GWMxKIgBBo-VX-IM-Q7DWz3w/s320/IMG_0330.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535135126603850578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Basic formula is that I made a swatch, multiplied the stitch count by like 19 inches, casted on magic loop, two by two ribbing for an inch or so then mistake rib stitch until the length looked right, decrease 8 times evenly spaced every other round.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The yarn was spun from Spunky Club by the way.</span><br /><br />I was so motivated after that that I grabbed my socks and finished them off using EZ's sewn bind off while watching my housewives (don't judge me).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99BFXKHZsQa85S9QrpVoOWtjbMAJrPULQGLxV2cy3HglM8ZZAH-vIBI7zneQ6NLBdzVrnCiW_FFS5UfOr6Rm6T7hJ07iShg7FA_xupH5CqDgR_J0Qz_lPRGWLq-eYQMLQt0skVg/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99BFXKHZsQa85S9QrpVoOWtjbMAJrPULQGLxV2cy3HglM8ZZAH-vIBI7zneQ6NLBdzVrnCiW_FFS5UfOr6Rm6T7hJ07iShg7FA_xupH5CqDgR_J0Qz_lPRGWLq-eYQMLQt0skVg/s320/IMG_0339.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535135138108770770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Basic formula is that I magic casted on 8 stitches for the toe (two at a time) and increased until it fit my foot. I was at a barbeque at the time and <a href="http://ladybean.net/">Bean</a> helped me work out the cable pattern. I used the heel from that Two at at a Time socks book but the toe up one. I knit until I started to run out of yarn and ribbed until I got bored. The yarn is Socks that Rock in the Beryl colorway (I think)</span><br /><br />I'm going to go out on a limb and try to challenge myself to blog this whole week (gasp). Lets see if the magic from this blog hasn't faded just yet.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-7508782192411023932010-11-01T19:10:00.003-05:002010-11-01T20:02:30.074-05:00Something NewI'm going to try something new and actually post to my blog...what a novel idea right?<br /><br />Now that I'm officially an old married lady, I have time to get back into the swing of things. I went through such a crafting drought while working on the wedding but I think my mojos back now.<br /><br />The last thing I knit was a pair of socks and I only started them because I needed something to keep my hands busy during my commute. They're practically done and have been done for a while but I've just been taking my time binding them off. I'm hoping that blogging about them will get me to just suck it up and get it done. I don't know why I have such an aversion to finishing but I feel drained just thinking about pulling out my darning needle. Its so bad that I started another project rather than finish those socks.<br /><br />{sigh}<br /><br />And the bad part of it is that I just finished my current project, a mistake rib hat made out of handspun, this evening on the train. I should bind it off and weave in the ends as soon as I finish this post.....but I won't.<br /><br />I guess I'm done complaining about myself. I'm not a fan of pictureless posts so here's a pic from the honeymoon. Cross your fingers for yarny posts this week.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj9h6f2gr7DtGBUNPJcWlECLY20ouez3PGL0CJhb9UAjV1I27PZsFfX-fes47_uMCqPGSNvrHLHFfMbs0CeEpg4xHayMv9Dw2GciXBGlxzKQLoyxdyiR2SGeBJ1amZIpabwhbHg/s1600/IMG_0281.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj9h6f2gr7DtGBUNPJcWlECLY20ouez3PGL0CJhb9UAjV1I27PZsFfX-fes47_uMCqPGSNvrHLHFfMbs0CeEpg4xHayMv9Dw2GciXBGlxzKQLoyxdyiR2SGeBJ1amZIpabwhbHg/s320/IMG_0281.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534750322519631586" border="0" /></a>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-35598723835166548582010-07-04T08:01:00.005-05:002010-07-04T09:34:47.354-05:00glutton for punishment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4760561484_7eb27396f1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4760561484_7eb27396f1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So I decided to unofficially join Le Tour de Fleece. I know, I know I hate joining stuff but what the hay. You can find more information on Le Tour <a href="http://keeponknittinginthefreeworld.blogspot.com/2010/07/tour-de-fleece-2010.html">here</a> but its basically like spinning wool all the days that Le Tour de France cyclist spin. I say unofficially because I haven't joined a group yet. I'm spinning just to use up the stash and get back on track.<br /><br />I got a head start by spinning on my spindle this past week. It felt good to be back in my element. I hadn't spun for a couple of months and it was nice to get back in the groove of things.<br /><br />I wanted too spin something glitzy so I went stash diving to find something to fit the bill. I think i bought this fiber at last years Webs tent sale but it is an 8 ounce super batt from Applegate Country Fibers. The contents are wool, mohair, angora and glitz.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4760564300_c1371db101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4760564300_c1371db101.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My process is to grab a chunk, fan it out a bit, roll it into a rolag, spin it kinda semiwoolen and immediately andean ply the singles. So far I have three mini skeins and i'm working on the fourth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4760562972_e5f5e29ee3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4760562972_e5f5e29ee3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I have no particular plans for what to spin next. I'll be dusting off my wheel (literally) and putting it to work for the next couple of weeks. Hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day. I'm about to stuff my face with some burgers and dogs....and maybe hop in the sprinklers with my son :-)Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-74372642377648229192010-02-20T18:07:00.003-05:002010-02-20T18:58:46.498-05:00This is why I don't join thingsIt must be the pressure of a deadline that causes my mojo to crap out and my mind to shift into full denial mode. I call myself trying to participate in Ravelympics (Go Team Sit N Knit) but I can no longer stand to knit on my hideous project.<br /><br />The plan was to spin and knit a pair of mittens. I just recently procured the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933064161/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0964639130&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VA3ZX193YQQAN8H71XQ">Magnificent Mittens & Socks book</a> which I absolutely love so I couldn't wait to get started. My project was doomed from the start due to my lack of preparation. I picked the wool to spin from my stash on day one which is something that I should have done prior to starting.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-kOUbxcmor5liJxu8xxHMMMPbXKUB4YVHU8g7iagobBjRQtbjSys_3ws2JRwwQGf6XKotF8-SGwIocxYI4EwIEMzkFnrnuZhwldIKv3TVHUCJ0MUn7bUHVCxWg7llrxz3JMXnw/s1600-h/IMG_0109.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-kOUbxcmor5liJxu8xxHMMMPbXKUB4YVHU8g7iagobBjRQtbjSys_3ws2JRwwQGf6XKotF8-SGwIocxYI4EwIEMzkFnrnuZhwldIKv3TVHUCJ0MUn7bUHVCxWg7llrxz3JMXnw/s320/IMG_0109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440475651815723858" border="0" /></a>The wool is roving that I dyed alongside <a href="http://damknit.crazydavegraphics.com/blog/">Erin</a> in <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/">Boogey's</a> dyeing workshop that I took at <a href="http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=d41848c0-084f-4226-b328-061577bffee8">SOAR</a> last year. I didn't write down the type of fiber we dyed but I know its wool. I doubted that I'd have enough for both mittens but I didn't feel like starting over. I spun the yarn worsted and navajo plied it because I wanted the yarn to be pretty smooth. Only problem is that I spun the singles way too tight and plied it even tighter. So I basically made rope. I ended up with 1 and a half ounces each of worsted weight ROPE! I thought it might bloom a bit in the wash but it didn't. I knew the project was doomed but I casted on anyway.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp-oerTooeDXxwCY8KAGilGLdzRCE-2De53Hyhgo3ZWo8QZqN9zdzaE4aJuPN3i4RMeRM6DqViYEU3VoQrWUEUy2mPeNQmtyUoixi_yXeb2e-SaqqiOrF4i84fx0QCFrhnEaE3g/s1600-h/IMG_0113.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp-oerTooeDXxwCY8KAGilGLdzRCE-2De53Hyhgo3ZWo8QZqN9zdzaE4aJuPN3i4RMeRM6DqViYEU3VoQrWUEUy2mPeNQmtyUoixi_yXeb2e-SaqqiOrF4i84fx0QCFrhnEaE3g/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440475653872921346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mittnes are usually knit at a tight gauge so you can imagine the cramps I had in my fingers while trying to cast on and increase with worsted weight, twine-like yarn on a size 4 needle...go ahead and picture it...yup, and I kept on knitting, can you believe it? I knitted all the way until I got to the thumb. I could not find another pair of size 4 needles in my stash and I couldn't wait until I bought some the next day so I knit the thumb in my size 5's. I finished knitting the thumb and joined it to the rest of the mittens. I knit a couple of rows and then I couldn't take it anymore. This mitten is fugly and I life is too short to knit fugly stuff. I'll rip it soon but for now, I am officially throwing in the towel. This is why I don't join stuff!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbUfHPfs9ZNhICYIToQgxa3zqdECsXdwPxtrgar55O2DJvfudvf2Vl11nOXiaS7_iHO_OTrKn4Tv_4a8BYlv_VrobwHG9jlkdq6CnWvjXnGdDDU_AYZovgPc2QN_JdYy0a2W8AQ/s1600-h/Picture+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbUfHPfs9ZNhICYIToQgxa3zqdECsXdwPxtrgar55O2DJvfudvf2Vl11nOXiaS7_iHO_OTrKn4Tv_4a8BYlv_VrobwHG9jlkdq6CnWvjXnGdDDU_AYZovgPc2QN_JdYy0a2W8AQ/s320/Picture+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440475661733524962" border="0" /></a>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-66396866178195806942010-01-09T19:47:00.013-05:002010-01-10T00:25:53.602-05:00Dirty Little SecretsMy mojo seems to be in hibernation mode and I'm in one of the rare moods where I actually feel like blogging. Can you believe it? I haven't finished anything crafty in a while so I don't have anything cool to show. I'm spinning some stuff but I'd rather wait until its finished so I can give the full story about the project. So I'm willing to put my business out there for the sake of this blogs.<br /><br />The start of a new year usually prompts reflection on the past. I'm choosing to start this year off by posting my throwbacks, also known as UFO's. These are the items that I've put in that deep dark corner with the slightest hope of ever finishing them. I'm hoping that by outing myself maybe it might kick start my mojo. In no particular order:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Circle Shrug</span><br />I started this this past summer after<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG-MwzEXTjI7WFr1_XE5HqXG9Yrvf-GTFRtQZNPNHAHYCKCi5qPhs3iDuZh9HN-Kk6CkDKZz_LEgztBjijsw6-ZIXifZPdtu9JjeZyqlCABLMoaxlyrjktDc3z-ri28ZZNm4OOQ/s1600-h/1-9-10+027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG-MwzEXTjI7WFr1_XE5HqXG9Yrvf-GTFRtQZNPNHAHYCKCi5qPhs3iDuZh9HN-Kk6CkDKZz_LEgztBjijsw6-ZIXifZPdtu9JjeZyqlCABLMoaxlyrjktDc3z-ri28ZZNm4OOQ/s200/1-9-10+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424973276603517858" border="0" /></a> seeing a fellow Sit n Knitter working on a black one at a meetup. Like most projects it started out great. The yarn is some old Woolworth type lionbrand yarn that someone gave me from their stash. I thought the color would be great as a shrug so I casted on and worked on it exclusively for a good month. I lost steam when I came to the part where I had to increase twenty billion stitches evenly in two by two ribbing. Its been sitting in the corner ever since and I have no idea if I'll ever finish it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Handspun Socks</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5jkCW4TKkQDlYdm52CqjgkzAw-IvCq-s0M6FmQotcZXNnkypWHiHHx6-jHEErK_7E2RlDu8-IeLbRaBcoeySbMbN4SLNqkvgoZT-9z9frIQc3APLoTFeLtpUDSYvHMNCJxXrNQ/s1600-h/1-9-10+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5jkCW4TKkQDlYdm52CqjgkzAw-IvCq-s0M6FmQotcZXNnkypWHiHHx6-jHEErK_7E2RlDu8-IeLbRaBcoeySbMbN4SLNqkvgoZT-9z9frIQc3APLoTFeLtpUDSYvHMNCJxXrNQ/s200/1-9-10+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424974562917226882" border="0" /></a>I have no idea when I started this sock, 2008 maybe. I know the fiber I spun was from Crown Mountain Farm but other than that, I know nuh-ting. I have no idea how many stitches I casted on, what pattern I'm using or why I decided to change the pattern to a regular rib on the front leg portion while keeping with the instep pattern on the back leg. Then I switched it back. What I was thinking.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0o3z2TGV-POpDgY_k27EPwGopUD7OXhK5KrG6MLNSvNHHrNOZ5zRBFnbHz3aQJgLeB9oaHy47Jd8w-8CajGXGVwvgbMzPVjkZnQLboba51IfSE9HB3yk8HZT_64ETTre3QNRhQ/s1600-h/1-9-10+030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0o3z2TGV-POpDgY_k27EPwGopUD7OXhK5KrG6MLNSvNHHrNOZ5zRBFnbHz3aQJgLeB9oaHy47Jd8w-8CajGXGVwvgbMzPVjkZnQLboba51IfSE9HB3yk8HZT_64ETTre3QNRhQ/s200/1-9-10+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424974573472743378" border="0" /></a><br />I did it not only once, but twice! This yarn was also spun from Crown Mountain Farms fiber but I'm stumped as far as any other info. All I know is that I casted these socks on a while ago, saw that they were coming out way too big and thew them in a corner. I'll probably end up frogging this project and make something completely different.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Handspun Scarf</span><br />I had orginaly started a shawl with this<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG7YhuvPPRT3ZVpvA1BWDHL9PtnyePY1jY7koJsAutWxxX5eD7sjGFn-LaqLj_N7RL8HX22jxkyjGiHVqEJXQdlh76EEwWFZ8dJBxDRFZGXnAZbcX_duhS5SzCtQSpk81BCUhcg/s1600-h/1-9-10+028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG7YhuvPPRT3ZVpvA1BWDHL9PtnyePY1jY7koJsAutWxxX5eD7sjGFn-LaqLj_N7RL8HX22jxkyjGiHVqEJXQdlh76EEwWFZ8dJBxDRFZGXnAZbcX_duhS5SzCtQSpk81BCUhcg/s200/1-9-10+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424972481579587970" border="0" /></a> handspun yarn made from Spunky roving. I designed the shawl pattern for this contest knitty had a couple of seasons ago. I was about halfway through the shawl when I got distracted and dropped a stitch and that's all she wrote. I got so frustrated that I ripped the whole thing that same day. I felt a little bad afterwards because its not the yarns fault I dropped a stitch. I casted on for a scarf thinking it would help me feel better but it didn't really. I'll probably end up frogging again.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS-_UJfqTwlOOTNo7FE1kju4PAS5qr-iODX2DFBIhvgBoRGshDL3L4m0YejYfTSt_J-C3t037g9aEzzqEDyWpyJaPg9EUwMMgcR6WRcCVlbC-Tfoq-XTtYs0XegkukRqkNcQNgA/s1600-h/1-9-10+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS-_UJfqTwlOOTNo7FE1kju4PAS5qr-iODX2DFBIhvgBoRGshDL3L4m0YejYfTSt_J-C3t037g9aEzzqEDyWpyJaPg9EUwMMgcR6WRcCVlbC-Tfoq-XTtYs0XegkukRqkNcQNgA/s200/1-9-10+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424974576268602866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two-Tone S</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">addle Shoulder Sweater for The Boy</span><br />According to Rav I started this in March of 09. It started out great but I got stumped when it came to the edging. I can't decide if I want to do a hemmed border or a rib, and if I do choose rib then what kind, 2X2, 4X2, argh! I probably need to add a couple of inches anyway because this boy grows like a weed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaTc-_qwJaEGs2VdA983pS4ddNj-duAV5cbl5URkv-bSU3w-evGqqqmo8C9PiTg6D2wRsd9JlUCFLwZprxw9L4YWpU6Fiw8q9Hs1UeSqMKjGkxzGp6bjn9D55mDdCucZ7LTvFsQ/s1600-h/1-9-10+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaTc-_qwJaEGs2VdA983pS4ddNj-duAV5cbl5URkv-bSU3w-evGqqqmo8C9PiTg6D2wRsd9JlUCFLwZprxw9L4YWpU6Fiw8q9Hs1UeSqMKjGkxzGp6bjn9D55mDdCucZ7LTvFsQ/s200/1-9-10+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424972477387167666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Chocolate Hat</span><br />I think I started this hat last winter knowing full well that I didn't have enough yarn to finish it. What was I thinking and why haven't I frogged this yet?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcvycT4GxlGC-c2flVPbclBGU4w_0mqDfzTJE3RrMXDHVjI2-N_t7pCBGNZIxpfk02eFqSTOk6qoU8Dc_wNeKt-WkeC0gw7YVlETeWRsffQ-rsIJ9JxocaIdylwBJlNDPJ0P3wQ/s1600-h/1-9-10+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcvycT4GxlGC-c2flVPbclBGU4w_0mqDfzTJE3RrMXDHVjI2-N_t7pCBGNZIxpfk02eFqSTOk6qoU8Dc_wNeKt-WkeC0gw7YVlETeWRsffQ-rsIJ9JxocaIdylwBJlNDPJ0P3wQ/s200/1-9-10+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424974582198086818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kettle Dyed Scarf</span><br />I scored this beautiful wool yarn about 3 (maybe 4) years. Only problem is that I was only able to get one skein of it so I didn't have many options as to what to knit with it. I decided to cast on a sideways scarf and I promptly put it down somewhere and forgot all about it for no reason in particular.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Japanese Jumper</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l31aBYxW439bXWnGWu0a33bmuYwDdQjFb3RPuYC-fblVKunV5VQ6eock2oovS_4OCADKW1HRQq9p5acKG5PrAZz5ZM-h-SjYresdhNGnKxg1hnLYQIvzYZupwJ_BP-lWrpBcYA/s1600-h/1-9-10+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l31aBYxW439bXWnGWu0a33bmuYwDdQjFb3RPuYC-fblVKunV5VQ6eock2oovS_4OCADKW1HRQq9p5acKG5PrAZz5ZM-h-SjYresdhNGnKxg1hnLYQIvzYZupwJ_BP-lWrpBcYA/s200/1-9-10+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424973268563268658" border="0" /></a><br />I started this jumper for my fiance's godson who was born in July of last year. This was quite an undertaking being that I am using a pattern from a Japanese knitting book. I know what the character for stitch, row and gauge are and I can follow along most of the schematics so it wasn't too bad. I missed finishing this in time for the shower so I figured I would have plenty of time to finish it. I'm afraid it may be too small for him once I'm finished.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8IcuwtXmqHANddot6fBieooHJP0oEb1P5pQIyfjxUhC-rdwuv00iY3h8qmSwBG6fRS-5bgLbNIVWuH6LVSOAld1TaEsJ7xpJDp-jbHbUb_dXFGzWCgvtItJNtzVBsCzjc2NUbw/s1600-h/1-9-10+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8IcuwtXmqHANddot6fBieooHJP0oEb1P5pQIyfjxUhC-rdwuv00iY3h8qmSwBG6fRS-5bgLbNIVWuH6LVSOAld1TaEsJ7xpJDp-jbHbUb_dXFGzWCgvtItJNtzVBsCzjc2NUbw/s200/1-9-10+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424974585202171058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Big Green</span><br />Last but not least, I started <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/download.aspx?id=68&fcd=">this sweater</a> in May of 2008. I finished knitting the pieces by July 08. Its been sitting there all this time just waiting for me to seam it. Yeah, I know, I'm lame. I should just go ahead and finish it already.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So those are my dirty little secrets. Maybe I'll finish them, maybe I'll rip them, who knows. I hope you've been thoroughly entertained. Now go forth and knit!Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-79772099365434315822009-12-08T18:37:00.006-05:002009-12-08T20:03:09.864-05:00oooo...purty....YARN!I made a pretty yarn the other day. It's so pretty that it's PURTY. I loves it so much and I have no idea why I'm talking in this manner but I likes it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCPZIws5AyTHyvgOiKwQleyVhPdgn4LAkyZNH-6_51VANpCm1JPW2CnDSgVDzeTw_z97Wk_aLnHAUrXoYEcPs9IdZ-fVoOxkTPq19jsRGA09j57QqgK6NsaWAguKtinlcQde0YA/s1600-h/Picture+014-tile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCPZIws5AyTHyvgOiKwQleyVhPdgn4LAkyZNH-6_51VANpCm1JPW2CnDSgVDzeTw_z97Wk_aLnHAUrXoYEcPs9IdZ-fVoOxkTPq19jsRGA09j57QqgK6NsaWAguKtinlcQde0YA/s320/Picture+014-tile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413035148971419010" border="0" /></a><br />The fiber was from my monthly Spunky fix. I was drawn to spin this simply by the colors alone. You may not be able to get the full effect on your monitor and I'm horrible at classifying colors but trust me, the varying hues of blue, brown and green are a-ma-zing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI5mTRWGVn-HsPopg1oclnwRqv8yhTUVlqLkmO-9sHRtdnbtv3NOp-2NcrF4tS4nAmVN-TdEQkty3xf8noC1-mwzi7FvHeLpDHg9Jozg2OksF1NeJ-5_tUeJutrB8WoekZ1EQ2g/s1600-h/Picture+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI5mTRWGVn-HsPopg1oclnwRqv8yhTUVlqLkmO-9sHRtdnbtv3NOp-2NcrF4tS4nAmVN-TdEQkty3xf8noC1-mwzi7FvHeLpDHg9Jozg2OksF1NeJ-5_tUeJutrB8WoekZ1EQ2g/s320/Picture+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413015875009798386" border="0" /></a><br />I started spinning this during the end of summer. When the weathers nice, my spinning buddy <a href="http://www.sistahcraft.typepad.com/">Sahara</a> and I like to take out wheels out into the wilds of Harlem. We meet at a local park and just chill and spin. I like to tote my hitchhiker to the park on those days so thats where the fiber started its journey. i took long breaks in between singles but I eventually finished this yarn last week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDGkBhddVkMyEpCZw0uHVq6SRaDRxgO7FltTYx9iQh37-0OROOc3MM9mEY_dL7967zSZbuz1p9qFybdCUFHSyGCxMqRkPBgMbyD5N6IsrruSRTpVQrJV6rsnb4fbLMqqz0ZUReQ/s1600-h/Picture+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDGkBhddVkMyEpCZw0uHVq6SRaDRxgO7FltTYx9iQh37-0OROOc3MM9mEY_dL7967zSZbuz1p9qFybdCUFHSyGCxMqRkPBgMbyD5N6IsrruSRTpVQrJV6rsnb4fbLMqqz0ZUReQ/s320/Picture+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413015872390694434" border="0" /></a><br />I broke the roving into three (somewhat) equal lengths and spun it that way. I don't do many three ply yarns so this was great practice. Especially after all that I learned at SOAR. Speaking of SOAR, I'm going to attempt to give the specs on this yarn as its done in Spin Off (have you seen their latest issue? All I can say is WOW.)<br /><br /><span>Fiber: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">4 ounces of Corriedale - April '09 Spunky Club (Soul Windows)</span><br /><span>Preparation: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Combed Top</span><br /><span>Wheel: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Merlin Tree Hitchhiker (singles) / Louet Victoria (plying)</span><br /><span>Drafting method: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Forward Short Draw</span><br /><span>Wheel System: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Scotch Tension (both)</span><br /><span>Singles ratio:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> 7:1</span><br /><span>Singles direction spun:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> S</span><br /><span>Singles wraps per inch: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">30</span><br /><span>Plied ratio: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">6:1</span><br /><span>Plied direction spun: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Z</span><br /><span>Plied twist per inch: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">4</span><br /><span>Plied wraps per inch: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">12</span><br /><span>Total Yardage: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">120</span><br /><span>Yards per pound: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">494.85</span><span></span><br /><span> Yarn classification: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Sport Weight</span><br /><br />That was fun wasn't it? I should try this blogging thing more often dontcha think? I'm actually going to gift this yarn to someone. She reaads my blog so it won't be that much of a surprise. Hopefully she'll be able to make something really cool out of it! Til next time kiddies.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-45789826675500045112009-11-25T17:12:00.003-05:002009-11-25T17:32:09.774-05:00Back in BusinessThis is a small drive by post to wish you all a <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Happy Thanksgiving</span>. I recently acquired a netbook in a pre black Friday sale so you should be hearing a lot more from me. In the meantime, you can hop on over to one of my <a href="http://thewondersofmyhands.blogspot.com/">sista-in-crafts' blog </a>for some fiber content. She's super creative and I'm so glad that she decided to finally take the plunge into blogdom! Gobble, Gobble folks!<br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/turkey%20knitting/genxchick/turkey_knitting.gif?o=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g101/genxchick/turkey_knitting.gif" border="0" /></a>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-35097628978987452682009-11-04T19:22:00.010-05:002009-11-07T17:03:59.405-05:00It took a trip to Oregon to get me out of hibernation<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083323325/" title="SOAR 2009 book & cloth by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/4083323325_e923abf8de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SOAR 2009 book & cloth" /></a><br />If you haven't guessed, I recently went to spinners heaven, also know as <a href="http://spinoffmagazine.com/content/SOAR.aspx">SOAR</a>. For those non fiber heads out there, the acronym stands for Spin Off Autumn Retreat and I was one of the lucky few who received a scholarship (YAY)! It was absolutely surreal but I will try to put into words all that I experienced. <div><br /></div><div>First of all, I screamed and cried when I found out I got the scholarship. Then I freaked out into a bunch of "ohmygodohmygodohmygod"s once I found out who I was rooming with. I had the pleasure of spending the week with cotton spinning diva <a href="http://pweb.jps.net/~gaustad/bios.html">Stephenie Gaustad</a>. Sadly I didn't get any pictures of her but I felt so honored to be in her presence and yes she did the eyebrow thing a lot. She is a wealth of knowledge and shared her spinning treasures freely. She is just a genuine person that I grew very attached to. I miss our morning chats over a nice cuppa tea already. Between her and <a href="http://fibergal.blogspot.com/">Phreadde</a>, I think I've got this cotton spinning thing licked for sure.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083322481/" title="Takli & assorted cotton by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/4083322481_494be49a4b_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Takli & assorted cotton" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I began the week with a three day workshop with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Judith-MacKenzie-McCuin/e/B001JPADV6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Judith MacKenzie Mccuin</a>. Yeah, I know. I'll let that sink in for a minute. The topic was spinning for socks but we got that and so much more. I won't get into everything right now because I just don't have the time but I will share one tidbit. During the week I would run into random SOARers and they would ask "Whats one thing you learned?" My answer was usually this: I learned that functional yarn does not have to be pretty. That means that if I want to spin yarn for a light lofty sweater or a durable sock it does not have to look like mill spun it. For some reason this really changed my way of thinking. Like I feel a load has been lifted. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday, I sat down to lunch and guess who was seated a couple of chairs down from me.....<a href="http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/">Evelyn (Swallowtail Shawl) Clarke</a>! I didn't warn you guys that I would be dropping names like dimes but its so much fun. I couldn't think of anything cool or witty to say when I first recognized her so I just stayed quiet. She did seem quite lovely though. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was an impromptu spinning contest and I was unwillingly entered into the contest by one of my pushy retreatmates that wouldn't take no for an answer. I came in last but thats OK because I keep telling myself that I had the prettiest yarn of them all.</div><div><br /></div><div>I may seem all over the place in this post but its like information overload. You know what I mean? Anyway, I got to hang out with another scholarship recipient <a href="http://damknit.com/blog/">Erin</a>. She's my new BFF. She's so giving and creative and I'm so glad that I met her. We had a swilling good time! I had to travel all the way to Oregon to meet Jimbobspins too who lives all the way in Brooklyn (go figure). Hopefully I'll be able to <strike>stalk</strike> meet up with him at a spinning meetup.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took four retreat classes on Friday and Saturday. I got to drum card luxury fiber with <a href="http://abbysyarns.com/">Abby</a> (I'd like to think that we're BFF"s in my head), mix colors with <a href="http://www.debmenz.com/">Deb</a> (I also like to think that we're all on a first name basis like that), dye squishy fiber with <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/wp/">Amy</a> (I really wish that I could've had one of my braids dyed pink) and spin long draw with <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Spinning/Books/Start-Spinning.html">Maggie</a> (What a delight, she even offered us a popcorn glove).</div><div><br /></div><div>Like a dummy, I didn't whip out my camera as often as I should, but here's the loot that I scored at the market. I got two spindles. The square one is from <a href="http://www.spindlewoodco.com/">Spindlewood</a> and its a square red palm whorl with an ebony shaft. My other spindle is a <a href="http://www.the-wheel-thing.com/products/Spindles/forrester.html">Tom Forrester</a> and it spins like a dream.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083315117/" title="spindliscous by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/4083315117_4fcd753415_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="spindliscous" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Eight ounces of polworth fiber from <a href="http://www.rovings.com/">Rovings</a> in the apple colorway (couldn't.resist.)</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083315887/" title="Rovings fiber by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4083315887_bc698f3928.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rovings fiber" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Two ounces of a polworth/silk blend from <a href="http://averbforkeepingwarm.com/">A Verb for Keeping Warm</a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4084079196/" title="A Verb for Keeping Warm by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4084079196_2023550192.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="A Verb for Keeping Warm" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Two ounces of a baby alpaca/cashmere blend from <a href="http://www.thefoldatmc.net/">The Fold</a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083319525/" title="Alpaca/Cashmere by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4083319525_76d5c5bb05.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Alpaca/Cashmere" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Four ounces of Optim from <a href="http://www.chameleoncolorworks.com/">Chameleon Colorworks</a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4083318705/" title="Chameleon Colorworks by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/4083318705_5b4fc30979.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chameleon Colorworks" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Four ounces of Targhee in the Golden olive colorway from <a href="http://www.tactilefiberarts.com/">Tactile</a> (Hi <a href="http://maiaspins.typepad.com/">Maia</a>!)</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4084082034/" title="Tactile Fiber by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4084082034_4afe317404.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tactile Fiber" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Skein of lightweight <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">STR</a> in the Vine Maple colorway</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4084083000/" title="socks that rock by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/4084083000_97fe83a56b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="socks that rock" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I also purchased some of the SOAR fiber who's proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and SOAR scholarship fund. It is eight ounces of a BBFL and Tussah Silk mix from <a href="http://www.ashlandbay.com/">Ashalnd Bay</a>.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harlempurls/4084078290/" title="SOAR fiber by Harlem Purls, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4084078290_350579f469.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SOAR fiber" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Once I get my projects from class organized I'll share them in pieces on this blog. My computer is on the fritz right now so I've been using my fiance's macbook which is not as easy for me to navigate. When I get my own laptop I'll be able to post a lot more. I'm sure I'm leaving tons of stuff out but I don't want this post to get too long. I'll catch you guys on the flip side.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-21488274719232405962009-08-05T20:48:00.005-05:002009-08-05T21:31:56.374-05:00A Gallery of Yarns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3793194985_4725d79c78.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3793194985_4725d79c78.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's some of the yarn I've spun in the past month.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3793203031_2d32b8bf58.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 347px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3793203031_2d32b8bf58.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Merino<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> N/A<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> online somewhere<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> .92 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 50 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI:</span> 12 - Light worsted<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> My Spinning Bunny spindle<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3793203027_1cb79d8108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 336px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3793203027_1cb79d8108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Wool/Mohair<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Carnival - hand dyed by me using easter egg dyes<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> <a href="http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com/">Sheep Shed Studio</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 1.62 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 65.44 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI: </span>11 - Worsted weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Louet Victoria Wheel<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3793195019_a4a5fe1f96.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 354px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3793195019_a4a5fe1f96.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span>Naturally Dyed BFL<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Dogwood<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased: </span><a href="http://www.tactilefiberarts.com/">Tactile Fiber Arts</a> via Rhinebeck '08<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 2.12 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 68.33 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI: </span>13 - worsted weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Merlin Tree Hitchhiker Wheel<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3793195009_e120b64b42.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 413px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3793195009_e120b64b42.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Corriedale<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Green<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> A long time ago on Ebay<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 1<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 1.30 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 60 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI:</span> 15 - Sport weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Louet Victoria Wheel<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3793195015_6b5e2d0b94.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 422px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3793195015_6b5e2d0b94.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Merino Wool<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Shades of green (base color dyed by me)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> Variety of colors in one ounce pieces purchased on Ebay<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 3 - Navajo plied<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 1.84 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 48.3 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI:</span> 8 - Bulky<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Louet Victoria Wheel<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3793195003_22c24236b6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 336px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3793195003_22c24236b6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Shetland Wool<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Selfish<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> <a href="http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/club/">Spunky Fiber Club</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 3.96<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 123.5 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI:</span> 11 - Heavy worsted weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Merlin Tree Hitchiker Wheel<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3793194993_3c7b623f8b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 336px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3793194993_3c7b623f8b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiber:</span> Merino<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colorway:</span> Say a Little Prayer<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchased:</span> <a href="http://www.crownmountainfarms.com/">Crown Mountain Farms </a>- Sock Hop<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ply:</span> 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weight:</span> 4.30 ounces<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yardage:</span> 131.04 yards<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WPI: </span>11 - worsted weight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spun on:</span> Merlin Tree Hitchhiker WheelHarlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23954695.post-45028635391394456642009-07-05T19:15:00.005-05:002009-07-05T21:06:08.028-05:00I still knit...really I do!It seems like when I post, most of the time it's about spinning and I always promise knitting content in the next one. Even though <a href="http://www.tourdefleece.com/">Tour de Fleece</a> is in full swing, I'm going to try to stick to my word. The only problem is that I'm horrible at taking pictures of my stuff. I want to take pictures of my stuff in natural daylight but its kinda hard to do in my hood (and I do mean hood) and I get terrible lighting in my apartment and a bunch of other excuses that contribute to my procrastination. I'm going to force myself right now to take some pics of my stuff becasue I really want to share. I still knit and crochet, honestly I do. OK, wait right here while I take some crappy indoor pics of my stuff in this dwindling daylight...............<br /><br />Thanks for waiting. I'm all done taking crappy photos, now on to the knits.<br /><br />I finally finished my Primavera Shrug (just in time for Verano). The only reason this took me so long to knit was due to my aprehension about picking up stitches around the border. I was dreading it but I had nothing to be afraid of. Sure it took me a while to pick up all those stitches but once I did, it only took my like a week to knit the ruffle collar. I can be a big baby at times. The yarn is wool and its super warm. This will come in handy this fall. Details can be found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/harlempurls/primavera-shrug">here</a> on ravelry.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTmRGI8D5MVkmeOoXCXmC66dngR8_-XfKjB6sYPvEdwZq__nkjHsBLnejVZ2vMC-c5P8d-HmOGWLNrvuk2g9x_rK6r0GNlkYhxRmLrbj08QJUHRMXpwp-2I6QTIqwTuIvsv37kA/s1600-h/IMG_1485_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTmRGI8D5MVkmeOoXCXmC66dngR8_-XfKjB6sYPvEdwZq__nkjHsBLnejVZ2vMC-c5P8d-HmOGWLNrvuk2g9x_rK6r0GNlkYhxRmLrbj08QJUHRMXpwp-2I6QTIqwTuIvsv37kA/s320/IMG_1485_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355156278966506626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcsd870vekF_nOvcyK3UFfyfbJGXhd_g4ctPQKRPL6AZXcMtuxKtJPi16OtvyAdKsgVPUOrWrv09mVYOzmpmYhpCDO-xNrap6_b2vZGue4Qnb9gppy2LBFwnBDiDQqEF2mpgSCQ/s1600-h/IMG_1484_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcsd870vekF_nOvcyK3UFfyfbJGXhd_g4ctPQKRPL6AZXcMtuxKtJPi16OtvyAdKsgVPUOrWrv09mVYOzmpmYhpCDO-xNrap6_b2vZGue4Qnb9gppy2LBFwnBDiDQqEF2mpgSCQ/s320/IMG_1484_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355156274495149874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also recently finished up a pair of socks that functioned as "busy knitting". I only knit these during commutes and standing in lines. Basically anywhere I had time to kill. This is a Cookie A pattern from her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sock-Innovation-Techniques-One-Kind/dp/1596681098/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246845297&sr=8-1">Sock Innovation</a> ( I forget which pattern so check out the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/harlempurls/angee">ravelry page</a> for details) that I did toe up. I actually ended up doing the gusset heel from Wendy Johnsons Book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Socks-Toe-Up-Essential-Techniques/dp/0307449440/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246845297&sr=8-2">Socks from the Toe Up</a>. I love both books so I took my favorite from both and kinda remixed it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7h1Z9jPADhlzibTeUwEZWnk1i7Wb0hpuYr_9uHSEGc59YyAL8304O1KCCxPvfkQM23gJUfOeJfPvmEAtXBZKBanRxQpCRTd3MTyLhclzIgQBUR6yPABnNLls2EeSnjp7ntMDqUA/s1600-h/IMG_1480_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7h1Z9jPADhlzibTeUwEZWnk1i7Wb0hpuYr_9uHSEGc59YyAL8304O1KCCxPvfkQM23gJUfOeJfPvmEAtXBZKBanRxQpCRTd3MTyLhclzIgQBUR6yPABnNLls2EeSnjp7ntMDqUA/s320/IMG_1480_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355156273376050578" border="0" /></a><br />The last project I just finished was a <a href="http://www.ozebaby.com.au/product/16545">cute vest</a> for a baby shower I went to this past Friday. I found out about the shower on Wednesday. I had plans to be in the <a href="http://www.lionbrandyarnstudio.com/">Lionbrand Studio</a> with my <a href="http://www.meetup.com/sitnknitnyc/">meetup group</a> on Thursday so I figured I'd get yarn then. I casted on that night and finished about 4 Friday morning. I would've been finished earlier but me and my boo went out for dinner and then to see the new Transformers movie. I love the pattern and I plan on using it for last minute shower gifts.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZDmIQtCAF69tG8Y4ufo80ahrB7660Ge0RC7_7YJQSiW2Z0rJZ0vemP23c762yuPWJYXlVSM7RFjk3aHqAP9mrflIXlYTlk4iAUu5OF9QE0v1v1qiKir6yWhGOj5SB0ZZQrTdjQ/s1600-h/IMG_1471_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZDmIQtCAF69tG8Y4ufo80ahrB7660Ge0RC7_7YJQSiW2Z0rJZ0vemP23c762yuPWJYXlVSM7RFjk3aHqAP9mrflIXlYTlk4iAUu5OF9QE0v1v1qiKir6yWhGOj5SB0ZZQrTdjQ/s320/IMG_1471_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355156261720910946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My current project is a shrug that I saw someone knitting at one of my meetups last week and I fell in love with it. I just grabbed some yarn out the stash and casted on on my way to the baby shower. I love the way it's coming along and I can't wait to finish. The pattern is called the <a href="http://www.unicornbooks.com/pattern_Bshawlcollar-SQL3.asp">shawl collard vest</a> and hopefully it won't take me a year to finish.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb2OtRcHnyV0QsHMl1ZryYhgoh4ZpXUpgdHVd24o_HGrLo-ajM1LyucOwSM9SgN4tKlzbnE8Zyr5KZD01LjMG4U81fUc0iatNId5wJcDyvcoSf4FI5TPK227lWG6p-fuU5QpYMw/s1600-h/IMG_1492_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb2OtRcHnyV0QsHMl1ZryYhgoh4ZpXUpgdHVd24o_HGrLo-ajM1LyucOwSM9SgN4tKlzbnE8Zyr5KZD01LjMG4U81fUc0iatNId5wJcDyvcoSf4FI5TPK227lWG6p-fuU5QpYMw/s320/IMG_1492_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355156286915315794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So thats about it for now. See I really do still knit! I did lose my mojo for a while there but its back now, all is well. Oh I almost forgot, we just added a new member to our herd. Meet Danny.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6tmYEOA3cbAne8HQrUr0HNdvRtusiP_Z25vWRZ9P_El11UVYwk7FehOPoqYMvD8RFgPQaFHJ-EXA6rUeKPv9B5kM2M7eli6GL3lR_rCnFaEc0Z557qmYNydRw-jwVibS0u2G1Q/s1600-h/IMG_1501_edited.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6tmYEOA3cbAne8HQrUr0HNdvRtusiP_Z25vWRZ9P_El11UVYwk7FehOPoqYMvD8RFgPQaFHJ-EXA6rUeKPv9B5kM2M7eli6GL3lR_rCnFaEc0Z557qmYNydRw-jwVibS0u2G1Q/s320/IMG_1501_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355157498363489826" border="0" /></a>He is a very active little kitten and adorabel to boot. Took me like fifteen tries to get a fairly decent pic of him too becasue he wouldn't stay still. I'm sure you'll be seeing more pics of him on this blog. Till next time kiddies.Harlem Purlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01982796206078721723noreply@blogger.com9