tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36656302652917134922024-02-08T11:16:22.124-06:00RedheadskydiverA knitting and crocheting, motorcycle riding, jumping out of airplanes kinda gal.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-23245482342259180472009-05-01T14:20:00.007-06:002009-05-01T15:07:26.037-06:00Switchboard and Alter Ego<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3445400898_8df9f707c4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 188px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3445400898_8df9f707c4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have two new patterns to share with you! First up are these highly textured socks that are a perfect pair with that great skein of hand painted sport weight sock yarn. Knit <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3445400906_7a4b52896f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 167px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3445400906_7a4b52896f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>from the toe-up or top-down this sock offers versatility for all knitters. Instructions are given for seven sizes so you can make a pair for everyone because everyone is going to want a pair. The <a href="http://http//www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/switchboard">Switchboard</a> pattern is available for sale on Ravelry. You can also<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/christina-bain-designs/15948"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> buy now.</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3445397502_2cdcd415a1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 173px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3445397502_2cdcd415a1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The second pattern is a cute pair of fingerless gloves. These gloves can work for every personality and offer a lot of flexibility. They don’t use much yarn, are super fast to knit, and since they are worked in a fingering weight they are a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3445397490_b736cd8020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 166px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3445397490_b736cd8020.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>great way to use up some of that sock yarn stash. The one color version can be simple and elegant and the two color version can be a great introduction into a simple color work pattern. Make a pair for every personality on your gift giving list and get a head start on your holiday <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3445397478_f19eff43b2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 215px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3445397478_f19eff43b2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>knitting. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alter-ego-2">Alter Ego</a> pattern is also available for sale on Ravelry. You can also <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/christina-bain-designs/15947">buy now.</a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-88939461223456045932009-03-16T18:11:00.003-06:002009-03-16T18:13:09.379-06:00Sneakpeek<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3360620979_94f12d6fb8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 271px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3360620979_94f12d6fb8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-10522807767607937732009-01-11T16:18:00.003-06:002009-01-11T16:37:56.119-06:00Rockin' Ribby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3189424266_baf10dee7f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 316px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3189424266_baf10dee7f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hope everybody had a wonderful holiday season. We were very busy around here but I found time to finish a sweater! I love the way this <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3189424256_107f10fdf5_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 195px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3189424256_107f10fdf5_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/ribby-cardi">Ribby Cardi</a> (Rav link) turned out! The pattern is by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bonne-marie-burns">Bonne Marie Burns</a> of <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/">Chick Knits</a> fame. I knit the 42" size and it's perfect for winter layering, which I don't get to do much down here in New Orleans but the temp is dropping this week so I'll be taking advantage. The sleeves are knit in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/blue-moon-fiber-arts-twisted">Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted</a> in the Rook-y color and the body of the cardigan is <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3189424238_23e3225b87_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 192px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3189424238_23e3225b87_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>knit in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-220-wool">Cascade 220</a> in Charcoal. I also installed the two way zipper like is pictured in the pattern. I did knit the body in one piece and the sleeves in the round even though the pattern is written for being knit flat. You may have noticed that I've also gotten a new cut and color. This isn't the way I plan to wear it daily but it's fun and funky for the weekends. The color <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3189424250_5fcc3386c8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 235px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3189424250_5fcc3386c8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>was actually supposed to be a brighter red but didn't quite come out as bright as I hoped. Oh well, there's always next time.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-6261221717463115202008-12-12T08:24:00.002-06:002008-12-12T08:48:57.890-06:00Peppermint Patty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3101861803_02d56c28c0_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 204px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3101861803_02d56c28c0_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In my last post I mentioned all the designing I've been doing. Well, here is a little look at one project I had the amazing opportunity to work on. Jenn at the <a href="http://www.woolgirl.com/">Woolgirl</a> puts together the most incredible sock kits. This past year she put out a series of kits based on <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3101861807_04fa2246b6_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 233px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3101861807_04fa2246b6_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Peanuts, the cartoon with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang. One of the kits was Peppermint Patty and the yarn that Miss Babs dyed was this amazing red, brown and white handpainted mix. It was a wonderful experience working with Jenn in designing the pattern to go with the Peppermint Patty kit. The kit was available in both a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peppermint-twist-fingering-weight">fingering weight</a> (Ravelry) and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peppermint-twist-sport-weight">sport weight</a> (Ravelry). Here is a picture of what the kit looked like, (minus a couple of the goodies I already ate). And here is a very good description of the kit from <a href="http://icountsheepdanielle.blogspot.com/2008/12/from-sir-with-love.html">I Count Sheep</a>. I've got a few more projects in the works that I hope to share with you soon. Oh can you believe it snowed in New Orleans yesterday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3101929633_6449deec00_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/3101929633_6449deec00_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-35074003530303665392008-11-16T10:16:00.002-06:002008-11-16T10:23:35.410-06:00Subliminal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/3035157628_74f2043885_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 292px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/3035157628_74f2043885_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I've been doing a lot of design work lately which is why the blog has been so slow. But I finally have something I can share! This scarf pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/subliminal">Subliminal</a>, is now available as a free Ravelry download. This elegant scarf veils the simplicity of the pattern used to make it by showcasing the beautiful colors of the variegated yarn. It can be worked up <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3035157648_d00f81a558_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 197px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3035157648_d00f81a558_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>very quickly and the results are stunning. Make it in a bamboo yarn, like the one shown here, or even silk for someone in a temperate climate. Or if you’re feeling the chill this winter, try a fingering weight merino or cashmere as a stylish alternative for your sock yarn. Give this scarf as a gift to someone extra special and they’ll get the subliminal message you’re sending.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-37430108517521833892008-10-15T06:48:00.002-06:002008-10-15T07:07:47.096-06:00Where to StartSo much has been going on since my last post I don't even know where to start. I guess with hurricane Gustav. We evacuated and everyone was fine but we did have some minor damage to the house. That's the main reason I haven't been posting. We've been very busy trying to get repairs made and the insurance adjuster still hasn't even been out to look at it. It's been incredibly stressful. On top of that work has been very hectic. Then family came to visit this week, which is wonderful and I've had a great time with them being here. But you know how family coming <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2912187996_4a784c495a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2912187996_4a784c495a_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>from out of town can be really crazy at times?<br /><br />Well, I did at least get some knitting done while I was evacuated. I started and finished this <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTicequeen.html">Ice </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2912187966_d8594b46d7_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2912187966_d8594b46d7_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTicequeen.html">Queen</a> all while evacuated for Gustav. It's knit with Colinette Parisienne in the Marble color. Here is my Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/ice-queen">project page</a> for it. I loved making it and the beads are wonderful. I can't wait for it to get cold enough to wear it, which might be one day all winter here in New Orleans but I still love it.<br /><br />Since coming back from the evacuation I've been working on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/jeanie">Jeannie</a> but haven't taken in more<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2912188024_aff42b5c04_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2912188024_aff42b5c04_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> progress pics. It just seems to come along very slowly. I've also been working on some design projects that I can't talk about right now but they are coming along nicely. Hopefully it won't be quite so long between posts this time.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-6413450665479755142008-08-17T14:18:00.003-06:002008-08-17T14:42:34.688-06:00Amaterasu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2599965231_f23bfaacbf_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2599965231_f23bfaacbf_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I know a lot of you have been waiting to find out what the secret project was that I have been working on. Well, the wait is finally <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2599966417_98468a10fa_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2599966417_98468a10fa_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>over. I was designing my very first knitting pattern! It's a sock pattern called Amaterasu after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaterasu">Japanese Sun Goddess</a>. I couldn't mention it before because I was hoping to get it published but that didn't happen. Thanks to wonderfulness that Ravelry though I'm able to offer it there as a free download to anyone who is interested in trying it out. Let me know what you think! Here is the link to the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2599966129_7ab8606645_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2599966129_7ab8606645_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amaterasu-2">Ravelry Page</a> or here is a link to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dl/christina-bain-designs/8598?filename=Amaterasu.pdf">direct download</a> of the pdf in case you're not on Ravelry yet. The yarn used is Crystal Palace Panda Silk Print and the coordinating Panda Silk Solid for the toes and heels. I loved working <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2600794752_3578178820_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2600794752_3578178820_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>with the Panda silk, it's so soft and silky. It's a little on the thin side for sock yarn but not nearly as splitty as the Panda Cotton was. I think it would also make a beautiful silky lace scarf. Because of the thinness I worked these socks up on size 0 needles. Hope you enjoy the pattern as much as I did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2770723117_c378f2d4b0_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2770723117_c378f2d4b0_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I haven't done as much knitting this summer as I would've liked. I think some of it has been the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2771593962_5488ca1508_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2771593962_5488ca1508_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>heat and some of it has been other parts of my life taking over my knitting time. Like getting a Wii has definately impacted my knitting time! But the time I have spent knitting has been good quality time and I've enjoyed it. I'm doing some more designing as well and I really like it so keep an eye out for more that coming in the future, maybe even something will eventually get published, we'll see.<br /><br />For those tracking the progress on my sleeve tattoo I also got some of the background filled in on that yesterday. I think 1 more sitting and we should be done! It's been an adeventure and a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2771589526_f26ff2c5d8_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2771589526_f26ff2c5d8_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>journey and a transforming experience. What about you, how have tattoo's impacted your life? Have they always had the effect you anticipated?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2771581824_b9736d8cff_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2771581824_b9736d8cff_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-33614124661149365432008-06-22T08:48:00.002-06:002008-06-22T09:01:20.349-06:00A Sleeve in Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2575753940_8830abc973_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2575753940_8830abc973_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well, it's not <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2575708330_c780ac8402_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2575708330_c780ac8402_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>a knitted sleeve but I've made some progress on my tattoo sleeve! I have 2 more butterflies to go and then background. So far I have 18 hours worth of work into it. Walt at <a href="http://www.nolatattoo.com/">NOLA tattoo</a> is my artist and if you're looking for a tattoo in New Orleans I highly recommend him.<br /><br />I have finally finished the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTbaudelaire.html">Baudelaire</a> socks for the Cookie A knit-a-long with <a href="http://cjsachiko.blogspot.com/">CJ</a>. I really slowed down on my knitting there for a while. I think it was the first wave of the heat of summer and just feeling generally really blah about it. But things have been picking up again lately so hopefully I'll have <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2600793066_099e378da5_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2600793066_099e378da5_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>more knitting to show you again soon.<br /><br />Life in general has been very crazy and hectic. Nothing I can really go into details about either right now so I haven't been posting much. We are going on a little skydiving vacation next week and really<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2600824664_33aeac035c_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2600824664_33aeac035c_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> looking forward to that, need some time away to ourselves and skydiving always feels good for the soul. Hope everyone else if enjoying their summer.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-44454862338530245152008-05-13T17:15:00.002-06:002008-05-13T17:23:11.632-06:00Secret Project in the WorksSo, I have no new knitting to show you because I have been working away on a secret project. I can't tell you about it but I just finished it last night and it turned out great! Hopefully everything will go as planned and you'll be able to see it soon. Don't have any other progress to report on but will hopefully be getting back to the Cookie A sock knit-a-long asap. I've been working, skydiving and riding! Hope everyone is having a great May and enjoying the nice weather.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-58658799259565597502008-04-16T20:14:00.004-06:002008-04-16T20:26:35.630-06:00Monkey See, Monkey Do?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2420228744_3af0a99b9c_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2420228744_3af0a99b9c_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cjsachiko.blogspot.com/">CJ</a> and I are doing a little <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/index.php?referrer=blog">Cookie A</a> sock knit-a-long. First up is a pair of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey's</a>. I did mine in Socks that Rock, lightweight in the Covelite color. These were knit for a friend using size 1 knit picks option needles. They were really fun and quick to make and I see what the attraction to this pattern has been about. I like them and I could<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2419414445_effd785685_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2419414445_effd785685_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> see myself making another pair for myself. Up next, <a href="http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer06/PATTbaudelaire.html">Baudelaire's</a>.<br /><br />In other news, I got a new <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2420229070_f3313fc6ba_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2420229070_f3313fc6ba_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>haircut.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2420229368_3d984df579_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2420229368_3d984df579_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-13020370416800292532008-03-30T21:03:00.005-06:002008-03-30T21:26:50.748-06:002007 Rockin' Sock Club - Year in Review<div style="text-align: left;">December - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/salish-sea-socks">Salish Sea Socks </a>(Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2373482953_f25be73210_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2373482953_f25be73210_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2373482089_435519e851_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2373482089_435519e851_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">October - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/lenore">Lenore</a> (Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/2064327620_8d600a7031_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/2064327620_8d600a7031_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2064325562_a61af4bb8d_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2064325562_a61af4bb8d_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">August - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/summer-of-love-lace">Summer of Love Lace </a>(Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/1428469190_cda161484d_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/1428469190_cda161484d_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/1428470942_fec36e329f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/1428470942_fec36e329f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">June - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/the-solstice-slip">Solstice Slip</a> (Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/828018182_5f0c1cc008_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/828018182_5f0c1cc008_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/828018040_2676a68b46_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/828018040_2676a68b46_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">April - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/knee-high-to-a-grasshopper">Knee High to a Grasshopper</a> (Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/strmay2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/strmay2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/strmay1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/strmay1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">February - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/inside-out">Inside Out</a> (Ravelry link)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/inout1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/inout1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/inout4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/inout4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-89848352896577549452008-03-24T07:58:00.000-06:002008-03-24T07:59:00.656-06:00Hmmmm, makes you think<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><br /><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><br /><strong>What Christina Means</strong><br /></font></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/name.gif" height="100" width="100"></center><br /><font color="#000000"><br />You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.<br /><br />You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.<br /><br />A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.<br /><br />Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.<br /><br />Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.<br /><br />You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.<br /><br />You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.<br /><br /><br /><br />You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.<br /><br />You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.<br /><br />You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.<br /><br />You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.<br /><br />You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.<br /><br />You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.<br /><br />You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.<br /><br />You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.<br /><br />You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. <br /><br />You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. <br /><br />You have the classic "Type A" personality.<br /></font></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/">What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?</a></div>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-65153242518557562772008-03-10T13:16:00.003-06:002008-03-10T13:44:47.340-06:00New cars, tattoos and laptops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2310238570_9d16a1f8e9_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2310238570_9d16a1f8e9_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I've been working a ton of overtime at work lately (one reason for the infrequent posting) and having to work between 3-4 building as well. So, they finally decided to give me a laptop. The laptop came with a big huge ugly case to tote it around in and there was no way I was going to use it. So I started searching <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> for a felted laptop sleeve that I could knit and use with a backpack so if I wanted to ride my<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2309432561_10c3c2692d_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2309432561_10c3c2692d_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> motorcycle to work I still had a way to transport it and keep some paperwork with it. I found <a href="http://www.adamknits.com/patterns/laptop-tote">Adam's Super Duper Felted Laptop Tote</a> to be just the ticket. He has great instructions on how to customize a tote to the exact dimensions of your laptop using any yarn and pre/post felting gauge. It worked out pretty good. I even was able to use my swatch as a pocket. The flap turned out a little smaller than I wanted but that's because I ran out of yarn not really because of miscalculations. Then I did my first needle felting to add some decorations and personalizations to my laptop sleeve. Here is my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/redheadskydiver/adams-super-duper-felted-laptop-tote">Ravelry project page</a>. I used size 10.5 needles and 2 skeins of cascade 220 and 2 skeins of Crystal Palace kids merino. The yarn was from my very first knitting project, a pair of leg warmers that never got finished. Once I learned to knit and pearl with all that 1x1 ribbing in the round I jumped right into socks and those legwarmers fell by the wayside. When I started looking for yarn for the laptop sleeve I remembered the legwarmers and thought that the cascade 220 would be perfect. I love the purple goodness of it.<br /><br />I've started on the socks from the December kit from the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> Rockin Sock Club. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2324044974_8e52b8a019_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2324044974_8e52b8a019_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salish-sea-socks">Salish Sea Sock</a> pattern from Cat Bordhi that starts with a star toe. According to the measurements I should take a size large so that is what I cast on for but it is turning out way to big. I only have about 2.5 inches done but it was a very fiddly cast on so I'm trying to decide if I can rip back to the increases or if I need to just start over with a smaller size. And if I need to go down one size or two. If you've done this pattern let me know. I think some Ravelry research on this one is in order. So, the knitting has been mostly in time out this weekend although I did work on it a little even though I knew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2323227881_371122ddee_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2323227881_371122ddee_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> it was turning out too big. I thought about just continuing on and giving them to someone else with bigger feet but this pattern is just so complicated that I think I need the foot to be available for frequent fittings if I expect anyone to be able to wear them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2324047426_6d6eeaf056_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2324047426_6d6eeaf056_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This past weekend was the first weekend I had off in about a month so I was able to get a little more work done on my butterflies tattoo. I got two new butterflies added. This will eventually go into a full sleeve of butterflies and there will background added as well. You can see how it connects to the previous work I had done on my back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2324047094_1da159df57_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2324047094_1da159df57_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2324046786_970cb22cfb_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2324046786_970cb22cfb_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And on Saturday we went car shopping! Here's my new little baby, a Scion xD! Ain't she purty? And she gets 33 mpg which is good news with the way gas prices are headed! I think I'm in love!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-49741809622422212822008-02-23T11:30:00.004-06:002008-02-25T12:04:48.055-06:00Tag - Your It!Sarah, at <a href="http://momsknitting.blogspot.com/">Mom's Knitting... Again</a>, tagged me to play the Power of Seven so here it goes.<br /><br />1. Link to your tagger and post the rules on your blog. Done.<br />2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. (Mine are below).<br />3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. (Hope they want to play too!)<br />4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Going to go do that right now.<br /><br />Seven things about me that you might not already know:<br /><br />1. I don't often talk about my work on this blog so you might not know that I work for Lockheed Martin as a Materials Science Engineer. I work on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_external_tank">External Tank</a> for the Space Shuttle program and was hired on after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Columbia_disaster">Columbia accident</a>.<br /><br />2. I have a black belt in Taekwondo. Well, I don't know if it still counts since I earned it about 7 years ago. I also had a purple belt in JuJitsu. I trained for about 3.5 years in martial arts and even competed. I've often thought about getting back into it but it is a big commitment.<br /><br />3. My Dad was in the Army for 20 years. I went to many, many different schools. I lived in Germany for 6 years before I was 10 and even saw the Berlin wall before it came down. I've visited France, Turkey, Korea, Canada and Mexico as well.<br /><br />4. I've hiked to the bottom of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon">Grand Canyon</a> and back. It was one of the best feelings in the world. I only got to spend one night at the bottom and I've often wanted to go back for a longer stay. But I had to continue onto the rest of my trip that was a 5 day whitewater rafting trip down<a href="http://www.utah.com/raft/rivers/cataract.htm"> Cataract Canyon</a>.<br /><br />5. I skipped my senior year of high school. I attended an early admittance program called <a href="http://www.clarkson.edu/tcs/">Clarkson School</a> which is part of Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY before transferring back to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where I graduated with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering.<br /><br />6. When I was 18 I worked for a summer on a riverboat called <a href="http://www.riverboattwilight.com/">The Twilight</a> on the Mississippi River. It wasn't a gambling boat but did 2 day trips up and down the river. I had to dance the can-can as part of the job.<br /><br />7. I have 430 skydives. I've done 2 night jumps and I've used my reserve once.<br /><br />Tag - Your It<br />1. <a href="http://cjsachiko.blogspot.com/">CJ</a><br />2. <a href="http://sfsaga.blogspot.com/">Leslie</a><br />3. <a href="http://knitting4zen.blogspot.com/">LeslieD</a><br />4. <a href="http://eyow.livejournal.com/">Emy</a><br />5. <a href="http://nathaniaapple.typepad.com/knit_quilt_stitch/">Nathania</a><br />6. <a href="http://kniticity.blogspot.com/">Anna</a><br />7. <a href="http://blog.fiberdreams.com/">Laura</a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-85574146655285885002008-02-17T12:49:00.004-06:002008-02-17T13:19:56.547-06:00Phileme? - Yes Please!Work has been keeping me busy lately and when I'm not busy at work I'm busy trying to keep things running at home. Nothing terribly amazing or important going on, just busy. I have managed to fit in a little knitting here and there and have 2 new FO's to show you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2271289203_fdfe52e4f3_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2271289203_fdfe52e4f3_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I finished a new hat dear hubby. The pattern is the <a href="http://knittwotogether.typepad.com/SkullHat.pdf">skull hat</a> I found while browsing around on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry.com</a> available for free on the <a href="http://knittwotogether.typepad.com/">Knit Two Together</a> blog. I used Rowan Calmer yarn in black and purple and size 8 needles. The only changes I made to the pattern was to eliminate the ear flap that is designed to cover the stranded colorwork on the inside of the hat. I figured down here in New Orleans that it didn't really make sense to make it double thickness even if I was making it in cotton and I also changed the decreases at the top to make<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2272085078_c0a8af086a_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2272085078_c0a8af086a_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> it a little more like skull cap as I thought the method of decrease in the pattern made the top of the hat a little squarish looking. I had plenty of yarn left over and I'm thinking of making a pair of fingerless gloves for a friend who saw the hat and loved it with the leftovers, probably not real soon though.<br /><br />Then I also cast on and finished this wonderful scarf. The yarn is the alpaca yarn that I talked about in <a href="http://redheadskydiver.blogspot.com/2007/11/time-flies.html">this post</a> back in November when I got to visit <a href="http://www.tvalpacas.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tuscancy Valley Alpacas</span></a> and feed and pet the alpacas. This is the yarn I got while there. It is so very soft and lofty. The pattern is called <a href="http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dp664pw_10hqvf67g7">phileme</a> (free translated download) and is another pattern I found while browsing <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2272086250_8809fba704_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2272086250_8809fba704_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry.com</a>. There is a <a href="http://kaldentelle.canalblog.com/">knit along</a> (in French) and<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/phileme-scarf-knit-along"> ravelry knit along</a> as well. I knit this on size 4 knit picks options needles. I love the combination of this yarn and this pattern. It was very quick to knit and I loved every minute of it. And the finished object is perfect. True I probably won't get a lot of use of it down here in New Orleans, but it is already my favorite scarf and I just finished it last night. I haven't taken it off all day today because it is just so cozy and soft around<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2271291439_c21b535363_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2271291439_c21b535363_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> my neck.<br /><br />I have also made a little more progress on Jeanie but it's been resting while I worked on on the scarf for the most part. All those cables don't make Jeanie a very portable project so I think I will be casting on for some socks soon as a second project. And it's been so long since I've done a pair of socks I think it's about time!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-88288642119854862812008-02-02T09:30:00.000-06:002008-02-02T09:59:32.897-06:00A Parade of FO'sIt's Mardi Gras time here in New Orleans and there are tons of parades this weekend, some which I may even venture out to attend. But here we're going to have a little parade of FO's. See I've been sick, I think it was the flu, and spent a lot of time on the couch knitting this past week and half so I've finished up a few things and started some new things too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2228126835_c7160a143b_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2228126835_c7160a143b_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>First up is the never ending Chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts that was started way back in June last year. It is made using Mountain Colors Barefoot in the Huckleberry and Crazy Woman colors and was knit on size 5 knit picks option needles. This scarf seemed to drag on and on and on, but now that it is finally done I've been wearing it practically every day! I also have about half of each skein left over and I think I will use that to make a pair of matching fingerless gloves using the same basic stitch and repeat pattern. Not sure when but sometime.<br /><br />Next up I found a button for <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr.</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2228046801_83a1a738b4_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2228046801_83a1a738b4_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html"> Greenjean's</a>! I love the way the strips in this button mimic the strips in the rib and cable pattern.<br /><br />Next is two FO's, the Child's Placket Neck Pullover and the Childern's Cotton Hat, both pattern's from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. These are gifts for a friend that is expecting a little <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2228048325_f0d591d2c6_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/2228048325_f0d591d2c6_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>boy very soon. Both are knit in Rowan Handknit Cotton on size 6 knit picks option needles. The sweater is the 0-6 month size and the hat was a tighter guage than given the book so it is actually the toodler number of stitches cast on but the measurement is closer to that of the infant size. Both were very quick and easy little knits and make cute little gifts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2228049193_5dd0177d25_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2228049193_5dd0177d25_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I also started working on <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTjeanie.html">Jeanie</a> in Dream in Color Smooshy in the Cocoa Kiss color. This yarn was a birthday present from my good friend <a href="http://cjsachiko.blogspot.com/">CJ</a> who knew I was wanting to work on Jeanie and waiting to find just the right yarn. She hit the nail on the head with this selection! I'm loving this pattern and the yarn. I've actually completed another repeat since this picture was taken already!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2236128813_89d7a53c5f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2236128813_89d7a53c5f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I also finished a pair of black <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTdashing.html">dashing</a> fingerless gloves as a gift for my tattoo artist that I gave to him last night when I went in for my new tattoo. Unfortunately I forgot to get a picture of the gloves but they were pretty basic and knit in black cascade 220. I did take a picture of the tattoo I got though! The plan is to continue the butterflies onto my shoulder and down the arm and into a full sleeve of butterflies and I'll be going back next month to continue the work on the piece. The tattoo artist is again Walt Clark at <a href="http://www.nolatattoo.com/">www.NOLAtattoo.com</a> who also did my last two tattoos.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-34882979543509912312008-01-17T09:01:00.000-06:002008-01-17T09:28:26.718-06:00Tears of a ClownMore bad news arrived on Monday morning. My grandmother on my father's side passed away. I drove to my Dad's house in Alabama to help him and my step-mom drive the rest of the way to Wabash, IN. My Dad can't drive because of <a href="http://redheadskydiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-friday-13th.html">his accident</a> in July. I'm now in Indiana with family. The viewing is today and the funeral tomorrow and then comes the long drive back. I wish there was more that I could do to help my Dad and his brother's and my step-grandfather. It's also very weird to be attending a funeral on my 30th birthday but these things aren't planned and we deal with what we are given. Knitting as usual helps keeps my hands occupied and maintains my sanity. Please keep my family in your thoughts today and tomorrow.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-80397646874346316712008-01-10T09:29:00.000-06:002008-01-10T10:15:06.817-06:00The Raven Paradox<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>While trying to come up with a title for this post I googled "green ravens" and discovered this very interesting wiki page about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_paradox">Raven Paradox</a>. Well, maybe it's only interesting if you're really bored but all I could think about while reading it was how <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon</a> has proved that not all Ravens are black. Like the case of <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=353&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=20">Ravenscroft</a>,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> the shades of green are very lovely and worked out quite well for my <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr. Greenjeans</a>.<br /><br />I love this pattern and I love this yarn! This was one of the best knits ever and I can't believe how fast I finished it! I made the size Large using size 8 and 7 knit picks option needles. I made the stockinette portion of the sleeves about 2 inches longer than called for so that the sleeves are full length rather than 3/4 length. I also knit the sleev<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>es at the same time using the magic loop method. I lightly steam blocked it after finishing to open up the rib and cabled area and get everything even and laying nice and flat. I did manage to complete it with 3 skeins of the heavyweight yarn but barely, you can see how little I had left.<br /><br />I haven't found a button that I like yet. For the pictures it's being held shut with a shawl pin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeans4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> that I have. When I find the right button I'll know it and I'll take another picture. It's pouring down the rain today so no outside pics. But that's our brand new door behind me to replace the one that the burglar messed up! We plan to finish the trim and painting this weekend.<br /><br />You may also be able to tell in these pics that I've lost a little more weight. My total weight loss for '07 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansleftovers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansleftovers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>was 45 pounds! I feel so much better and my goal is to lose 45 more this year.<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a good day. I keep giving my sweater (and me since I'm wearing it) little hugs all day because I love it!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-37398136186902468002008-01-09T11:12:00.000-06:002008-01-09T11:27:34.349-06:00Thanks for playingThank you everyone for voting for me! I did not win unfortunately. Congratulations to Rebecca, the <a href="http://www.badknitgirls.com/">January Knit Girl</a>. I've never been very good at winning the popularity contests. I was never on student council in high school even though I ran many times. I always seem to come in second. Oh well. I have the oppurtunity to try again next month but I don't know, once you lose, you feel pretty defeated and who wants to go through that twice?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1124/1242033606_f8c0b068e8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1124/1242033606_f8c0b068e8_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There is still a winner here though! And by random drawing that winner is blogless ikkinlala (a.k.a.<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/NicoleS"> NicoleS</a> on Ravelry). What did she win? This beautiful skein of Socks that Rock lightweight in the Spinel color! Congrats!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-79845944193985397462008-01-02T08:53:00.000-06:002008-01-02T08:58:59.652-06:00Vote for Me!Ok, 2 posts in one day, I know it's unprecedented! I just found out that I'm in the running for <a href="http://www.badknitgirls.com/">January Knit Girl.</a> So, if you have time, please, <a href="http://www.badknitgirls.com/">vote for me!</a> Voting runs until January 6th so send over all your friends too. If you vote and leave me a comment here that you did so I'll select a winner at random for some fibery goodness! And if you ask people to vote for me on your blog or link back to here on your blog I'll put your name in twice!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-18726616652420750672008-01-02T08:11:00.000-06:002008-01-02T08:49:31.630-06:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Christmashats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Christmashats.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So much has happened since my last post that I'm not even sure where to start! Ok, knitting first. I finished all my Christmas knitting on time. Twelve hats and/or headbands and a pair of fingerless gloves. Here are all the hats together and the gloves.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/stevehat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/stevehat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> Then a few of the hats on their intended recipients. I wasn't able to get pictures of everyone wearing their hats but they were all well received and no major fit problems. All the hats were made with Rowan Cashsoft DK. The hats were all my own patterns and the headbands were either the <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=86&d_id=10&lang=us">Panta</a> or the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html">Calorimetry</a> pattern. I had read about issues with the cast on numbers with the Calorimetry and cast on only 80 or 90 (made one with each cast on number) stitches instead of the 120 called for and it worked out great. If anybody is interested in seeing the patterns for any of the patterns for hats worked up just let me know. The fingerless gloves were the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTdashing.html">dashing</a> pattern that I took a few rows out of the cuff portion so they weren't as long. This was a very cute fun little pattern and I plan to make these again soon!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/zachhaton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/zachhaton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We went on vacation right before Christmas to Hot Springs, North Carolina. We got a little cabin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/noellahat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/noellahat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> with a hot tub called <a href="http://www.hotspringstreehousecabins.com/">Treehouse Cabins</a>. It was very beautiful! We stayed there through Christmas. Then on Christmas morning we got a call from our next door neighbor saying that there was a ladder up to the back of our house and that they thought we were on vacation. Ummm, we are. So we called our house/pet sitter and asked them to check it out. When they got there they actually walked up on the guy leaving the house with our shotgun in his hand! And he just strolled on down the road. The house sitter asked the neighbors to call t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/anjisdashings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/anjisdashings.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>he cops but they didn't, and they didn't realize it for like 10 minutes otherwise they may have caught the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/davidhat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/davidhat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> guy. The shotgun is pretty much the only thing he took. He even left the shells to the gun. He also took a backpack and maybe some clothes and DVD's. The cops got a print they think. He busted open our shed and took some tools out of there that he used to break into the back door. Think we <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/cabinview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/cabinview.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>have to replace the door. We're pretty sure he ate some food. And he did weird things like move food from the freezer to the refrigerator. But the computer, TV, jewelry, etc was all untouched from what we can tell. We are dealing with claims adjusters and installing a home security system and a fence now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/meskiing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/meskiing.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After we decided we didn't have to cut our vacation short and head home right then and there<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/alskiingcu2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/alskiingcu2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> ventured out to a place called <a href="http://www.skiwolfridgenc.com/">Wolf Laurel</a> and went skiing for a day to try and take our minds of things! Now this isn't really big skiing or anything. They blow snow and only had one run open but it was a blast! We did still cut the vacation short by a couple of days and I didn't get in as much knitting time as I thought I would but we are back home safe and sound.<br /><br />Hope you all have a very happy new year!Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-69124536756199423412007-12-06T15:59:00.000-06:002007-12-06T16:08:24.700-06:00Mr. Greenjeans Progress Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansprogress2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansprogress2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After my <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=353&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=20">Ravencroft</a> yarn arrived I cast on for <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr. Greenjeans</a> right away. I'm using size 8 knitpicks option needles for the stockinette section and just swtiched to size 7's as called for in the pattern for the change to the ribbing/cabling section. I finished one repeat of the ribbing/cabling when it hit me just how close Christmas is and just how little time I have to finish all those presents! Mr. Greenjeans is officially on hold until I finish all my<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansprogress1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/greenjeansprogress1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> Christmas knitting and get the Christmas cards in the mail. I'm loving this sweater so much that it has spurred me to knit up those presents very fast and I'm halfway done with them already! You'll just have to wait unil after the holidays to see how well they're turning out.Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-61905825881911619482007-11-26T11:42:00.000-06:002007-11-26T18:31:23.530-06:00Time FliesI missed posting for a while and then it was Thanksgiving and whoosh, it was gone, I swear, it happened just like that. I have so much to catch up on! First I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend for those of us in the US. I have many things to be thankful for this year. Wonderful friends and family, a good well paying job, a home in a city where so many are still without, and a stash that seems to keep multiplying like tribbles! I can't really complain.<br /><br />We went to visit my Dad and Step-mom in northern Alabama over Thanksgiving and it was nice and low key. My Grandmother and Uncle were also supposed to visit but my Grandmother had a small stroke the weekend before. She is doing much better now and should be released from the hospital soon. Unfortunately we weren't able to go and see her due to the distance and I know she was disappointed. I miss you too Grandma.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/brownalpalca.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/brownalpalca.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>During our visit I did get to go to an alpaca farm! My Step-mom knows a woman who started raising alpacas a couple years ago and started <a href="http://www.tvalpacas.com/">Tuscany Valley Alpacas</a>. I got to feed them and pet them! She had some amazing fleeces for sale but alas until I get a spinning wheel I thought it best I stick to the yarn she was offering. My Step-mom asked me to knit her a scarf with the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/darkalpalca.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/darkalpalca.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> brown/tan color with the added boucle and she also purchased the dark, dark gray color for me as a Christmas present! This yarn is so soft and luscious, I can't stop petting it! The yarn and fleeces aren't listed on their website yet but if you call or email Carol I'm sure she'd be happy to tell you more about it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/fuzzyfeet2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/fuzzyfeet2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Before we left for the trip I finished this pair of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTfuzzyfeet.html">Fuzzy Feet</a> slippers for hubby. The pattern is from <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty.com</a> and the yarn is Crystal Palace Carnival, Bulky weight and used every bit of 2 balls. They were a super fast knit, finished in one very dedicated to knitting weekend.I forgot t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/slipperfeet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/slipperfeet.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>o get a pre-felted pic as I was so excited to get them felted. While I was felting I also stuck my bunny slippers, from last year, in the machine with them, as they've always been too big and I was hoping some additional felting might shrink them down a little. It worked, partially, one slipper seems to have felted better than the other, oh well, they keep the toes warm. I think I may make myself a pair of the Fuzzy Feet out of all my left over bits of feltable wool and just make them crazy stripes or something.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/lenore1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/lenore1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I also got in some good knitting time over the Thanksgiving weekend and finished up my Lenore socks. These are from the October shipment of the <a href="http://rockinsockclub.com/">Rockin' Sock Club</a> from <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a>. Loved this color, which is from the new Raven Clan series of colors from Blue Moon and loved the pattern, which was designed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Ravenscroft.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Ravenscroft.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> by the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>. I can defintely see knitting the pattern again and I've already gone to the Blue Moon website and ordered more Ravens, which came today! I have some heavyweight in the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=353&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=20">Ravenscroft</a> color for a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/haida2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/haida2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr. Greenjeans</a>. I can't wait to cast on as soon as I finish this post! I also got a skein of Laci in the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=349&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=20">Haida</a> color for <a href="http://knitspot.com/">Anne's</a> <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/irtfaa-faroese-lace-shawl-p-74.html">Irtfa shawl</a>. If you haven't seen this shawl, go check it out, it's amazing! And finally, a skein of Twisted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/rooky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/rooky.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> in the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=354&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=20">Rook-y</a> color. Not sure yet if this skein might become a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html">Clapotis</a> or if it might become the contrast color on a <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/ribbypulli.html">ribby pulli</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/parrot3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/parrot3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I also went to the <a href="http://www.auduboninstitute.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Facility_Aquarium">New Orleans</a><a href="http://www.auduboninstitute.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Facility_Aquarium"> Aquarium</a> before Thanksgiving with a friend and her child. I get a lot of questions about the condition of New Orleans and visiting New Orleans. So, I just wanted to say that the tourist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/bigfish1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/bigfish1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> areas of New Orleans are for the most part rebuilt and most visitors aren't going to notice if they come to visit our beautiful city. There are large sections of any problems from Katrina the city still struggling and even entirely empty but the tourist areas are back. The aquarium did lose a lot of their fish following the storm due to no electricity but they have been brought back and it was a lot of fun getting to visit an old favorite. If you have any questions about New Orleans or are planning a visit be sure to let me know!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/aqfeeding2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/aqfeeding2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-30492393365759413662007-11-08T16:01:00.000-06:002007-11-08T16:28:21.357-06:00A Day to Dye For<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Sarahdye.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Sarahdye.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last Friday I had a little yarn dying party at my house! <a href="http://momsknitting.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> and blogless Pierce came over for lesson in using acid dyes. I prefer lanaset dyes and order the Lanaset Dye Kit from <a href="http://www.sheephollow.iwarp.com/lanaset.html">Sheep </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Piercedye.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Piercedye.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.sheephollow.iwarp.com/lanaset.html">Hollow.</a> But there are many other places to order from as well. I mix up the dyes into a 1% stock solution.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/cookingyarn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/cookingyarn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We had a ton of yarn from <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/dye+your+own+knitting+yarn_YL300110.html">Knitpicks</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/pinkandbrown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/pinkandbrown.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dye Your Own line. First the yarn soaks over night in vinegar water so I don't forget to add the vinegar later. I have 3 crock pots for dying, all from thrift stores for <$10. For handpainting, layout same saran wrap and place the yarn in the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/purpleandteal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/purpleandteal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> middle, then go to town. I like <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/sunset.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>experimenting. You control how dark the color is by how much water you add to the 1% stock solution, and a little for a really deep color and a lot for a very light color. If you want pink only use a little bit of red and a lot of water. Then wrap it up in the saran wrap. Then put that<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/blueandbrown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/blueandbrown.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> into a ziploc bag. Have the crockpots cooking with some water in them and then you can just float the ziploc bag in the water or you can use an upside down colander or some other set-up in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Saintssock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/Saintssock.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> the crock pot to keep it out of the water.<br /><br />I also did the last two pictures showed using vat dying techniques where I put the yarn in the crock pot <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/redandblacklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/redandblacklace.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>directly, covered in water and then poured the dye onto different sections of the yarn and let the colors mingle at will. The ones pictured here are just the ones that I dyed. I didn't <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/yellowlace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/yellowlace.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>pictures of Sarah's or Pierce's unfortunately but I think Sarah has some pictures of her on <a href="http://momsknitting.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> that you can check out too!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/blueredpurplelace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/blueredpurplelace.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3665630265291713492.post-70837236301869079352007-11-02T07:50:00.000-06:002007-11-02T08:33:13.321-06:00Giving Thanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/LLpink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/LLpink.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I've gotten some great packages in the mail lately and I have to say thank you to the wonderful people who sent them. First up, I was in a Tea Swap on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> a while back with <a href="http://blog.fiberdreams.com/">Fiber Dreams</a>. She sent me 2 packages, the first one had two wonderful boxes of tea, which I forgot to take pictures of before I took them to work, but trust me they are very lovely. The second box came this week with these beautiful skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn in the Tickled Pink color with some really cool stitch stretchy stitch markers too. I couldn't be more tickled pink! You have to check out the <a href="http://blog.fiberdreams.com/2007/11/01/i-hate-it-when-that-happens-2/">blue socks</a> she is working on, that is the yarn I sent for the swap and she is making up the pattern. Isn't it great? Thanks Laura for the great swap!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/contestpackage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/contestpackage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Next up, I won a contest over at <a href="http://sfsaga.blogspot.com/">The Silver Fork Saga</a>. Lesley's been very busy lately but she found time to put together this wonderful package which included a skein of Mountain Colors Bearfoot sock yarn in the Wildflower color, absolutely stunning! Then there's a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/wildflower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/wildflower.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> huge summery tote that will be great for a big project bag. The journal and the pens are very nice as well! And the thing that looks almost like a giant candy corn is actually a deck of cards, how cool is that? Thanks again Lesley!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/H1000Csigned.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/H1000Csigned.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And last but certainly not least, I was in a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/">crafster </a>swap with Leah (xladyluckx) and she totally out did<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/leahapron.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/leahapron.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> herself and deserves a huge round of applause! If you don't know what craftster is you really need to check it out! It's great site totally devoted to crafting of all sorts, knitting, crocheting, sewing, paper crafts, polymer clay, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/slipknottank.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/slipknottank.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>stenciling, glass crafts, art, you name it, if it's crafty, it's on craftster! And they have some of the best organized and most fun swaps I've ever done.<br /><br />Anyways, back to the package. So, Leah knows of my love for Rob Zombie and particularly for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_1000_Corpses">House </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/fleurdlishoodie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/fleurdlishoodie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_1000_Corpses">of 1000 Corpses</a> and <a href="http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil%27s_Rejects">Devil's Rejects.</a> So she was able to get me personalized autographed pictures of Sid and and Bill! As well as a copy of the script to House of 1000 Corpses. But that wasn't all. Nope she kept on rocking it with this awesome apron and towel set to match my kitchen and this awesome altered Slipknot tank. And I totally love this fleru d'lis hoodie she made. The pink fabric she used is awesome! Not pictured is the scrabble bulletin board, the System of Down tote bag, an awesome pendant, the two skeins of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">Knitpicks</a> dye your own lace weight, and a skein she dyed her self that I used to make the fat bottom bag pictured in <a href="http://redheadskydiver.blogspot.com/2007/09/harlot-and-more.html">this</a> post. Thanks again Leah for all the wonderful goodies, you rock!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/ando.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/redheadskydiver/ando.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Halloween was quiet here. Not one single trick or treater. At first I was blaming it on everything else in New Orleans. Who would want to trick or treat in the neighborhoods around here? But then I hear that it was a slow year in most places though. Maybe it was the daylight savings thing. Oh well, I dressed up as an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorian">Andorian</a> from Star Trek and had a little fun anyways! Hope everyone has a great weekend!<a href="http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil%27s_Rejects"><br /></a>Redheadskydiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629481569702578906noreply@blogger.com2