tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13272448191895064442024-03-06T01:40:24.907-06:00Llama KnitsKnitting, Food, Community and finding my way home, one meditative breath after another.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-23633983405394360702010-11-10T06:40:00.006-06:002010-11-10T07:02:22.825-06:00Autumn SocksI finished up my Socktoberfest socks. Even if it was a bit later than I planned. I really like how they turned out. Llama enjoys getting his new socks too so I am very glad that he is knitworthy. The yarn is Patons Stripes in a red and black mix. It was nice to work with, not splitty or twisty. I used a ringwood pattern which I love how it looks, but there were times when I got tired of knitting the pattern.Here is the full sock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/SocksIII.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/SocksIII.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And a detail of the ringwood pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/AutumnDetail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 732px; height: 975px;" src="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/AutumnDetail.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Just in time too as we have had a drop in temperature and handmade wool socks are always welcome.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-23272336404074251712010-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:002010-11-02T09:00:06.014-05:00Dude CraftHave you heard about Paul Overton? He is a blogger, crafter and artist that blogs at <a href="http://www.dudecraft.com/">Dude Craft</a>, he pulls together some wonderful art and artists as well as some really great tutorials and crafting info that applies to both genders.<br />He has also started the <a href="http://everydayisawesome.com/">Every Day is Awesome</a> blog which gives more in depth articles about art, crafting and creating.<br /><br />He is an intersting renaissance man that I have found very valuable as a creative instigator and he gives lots of inspiration to add to my creative ideas file.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-87642507498947406102010-10-26T10:46:00.002-05:002010-10-26T10:50:30.800-05:00Here Knitty, KnittyI am very excited as Amy Singer, Editor of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf10/index.php">Knitty.com </a>and author of No Sheep for You will be attending my local knitters guild next month. I am very excited to meet her and see what she has to talk with us about. She has created a great community and wonderful magazine with lovely patterns. It has helped me find many new blogs, patterns, and friends on the forums.<br /><br />I also finished up the first sock of my latest pair of socks, pictures soon. I doubt I will be able to finish for Socktoberfest, but I am glad I was able to work on a pair thoughout the month.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-4175178667373889392010-10-19T09:00:00.002-05:002010-10-19T09:00:04.450-05:00Socks<a href="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/socks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/socks.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h414/Llamaknits/socks.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>These are my latest socks that I knit. They are my basic sock pattern with a waffle stitch patttern on the cuff and top fo the foot. They are knit in the <a href="http://www.mountaincolors.com/index.html">Mountain Colors </a>sock yarn, which is lovely and soft. The colors are completely intoxicating, bold and saturated. I can't wait to pick up more of this yarn soon. Absolutely lovely. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-19773128509875095522010-10-12T10:24:00.002-05:002010-10-12T10:33:40.080-05:00A beautiful voice<a href="http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx131/searchingforheart/joan-sutherland-getty-51827.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 291px;" src="http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx131/searchingforheart/joan-sutherland-getty-51827.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Opera lost a beautiful voice this week, and I was even more sad when I learned she was a charming woman and she knit, backstage while she waited to sing. Lovely. <br />Read morea about Joan Sutherland <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/michaelwhite/100047946/dame-joan-sutherland-the-knitting-diva/">here.</a>Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-42113166712022066882010-10-08T14:09:00.003-05:002010-10-08T14:14:49.701-05:00Please read this. Fight hate with knowledge.I know that I haven't blogged here in, well, too long. I have plans to change this, but please for today. <a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/2010/10/it-gets-better.html">READ THIS </a>and remember, the words you use on others could someday be used on you. Please treat all humans with respect and tolerance. There will always be people that will work to deliberately lose your respect, but start with respect and tolerance, we are all people and we deserve at least that upon first inspection.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-47484411988845936872009-06-04T11:20:00.001-05:002009-06-04T11:22:51.707-05:00New Car!We bought a new car last month, after much decision making and concern, Llama and I decided that it would be best for us to buy a new car instead of trying to band-aid our old one. So since it was to be Llama’s main vehicle, I wanted to make sure he got what he liked. So it is sporty, fast and a manual. Which means I am slowly learning how to drive a standard vehicle. Which has been nice. Our dealer said that only 7% of Americans know how to drive a stick shift, which seems extremely low, but also kind of sad, my Dad drove a stick and I always found it fascinating to watch him drive. <br /><br />I am glad that I am now getting the chance to learn myself. I think it is still important to understand out things work, take them apart, see the gears, work the levers, I am not an engineer or mechanical by most standards, but I can follow directions, I can understand concepts of motion, friction, and how parts work together to make other parts work..<br /><br />I remember as a kid, watching my Dad take apart our car, sometimes just for an oil change, fix a belt, change filters, clean valves, it was interesting and educational. Now, vehicles are so small, you can’t even work on the engines or have so many computer part that it isn’t a mechanic that works on your car, but a computer technician. <br /><br />I am however, all for technology too, our new car is a Honda Civic SI Coupe, which fits into the latter definition of cars, you can’t reach anything in the engine, more computer than metal, and I am okay with that. <br /><br />I do think however, that while we move forward, we as a culture can’t forget how we got here. We need to know what makes our cars go, some things are so autopilot for us that we might just forgot how it all started. So while we go Vroom, Vroom, I tip my hat to the creators of the automobile, who figured out how to make a bunch of small metal go forward. Onward. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesID5Hzhdc8VkEQ4KCYxe_7vkKMiD1HPjJA_6rhORtK1yDMQvyzxKO3kbibfWNNsjZbybmeYVQXO0rZw57RJi47IvCBfe8-DdVDsqDet6D1aIAPnat4ua4RWNmRSa_7PHb5A-XtQEEhU/s1600-h/Honda+Civic+Si+Coup+Dark+Grey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesID5Hzhdc8VkEQ4KCYxe_7vkKMiD1HPjJA_6rhORtK1yDMQvyzxKO3kbibfWNNsjZbybmeYVQXO0rZw57RJi47IvCBfe8-DdVDsqDet6D1aIAPnat4ua4RWNmRSa_7PHb5A-XtQEEhU/s400/Honda+Civic+Si+Coup+Dark+Grey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343508459670442338" /></a>Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-54103779038173090192009-04-13T10:59:00.007-05:002009-04-13T11:26:58.453-05:00Jordandal Farms and Argyle Fiber MillLlama and I made a trip to Argyle, WI yesterday to visit <a href="http://www.jordandalfarm.com/">Jordandal Farms</a>. We spent some time talking with Carrie and she showed us around the farm. We saw the Jersey milk cows and they are very cordial and weren't skittish at all. They like having their noses petted and were comfortable with us only a foot or two away from them. We spent some time checking on the chickens that are very cute (and yes, tasty, the Jordandal Farms chicken we have had in the past was delicious simply roasted) but I found it interesting that chickens are not smart animals at all. They have to have rounded corners in their brooding enclosure to make sure they don’t pile up on each other and kill one another. Although Carrie did say that soon they will be large enough to move out to the pasture and run around on their own. There was a lamb birthed on Saturday that was abandoned by its mother (one of a set of twins), so Carrie has taken to bottle-feeding the little guy twice a day, which will continue for the next two months. I still find (and Llama too) that it is too cute to see the newborn lambs in knit sweaters, knowing full well that one day these babies fleeces will be used to make sweaters, but for now, they have to keep warm somehow. <br /><br />We also were nuzzled by Nellie, who I am sure has a crush on Llama. Nellie is one of Carrie’s calves (I think a hybrid Normandy and Jersey, can’t remember for sure). Nellie likes to push her nose up against you for a pet, she reminds me of a dog with her love of being petted and hopefully you won’t ignore her or turn your attention away or she will bump you with her head so you will pay attention again. <br /><br />Carrier also has 25 acres of land with produce on it for the <a href="http://www.dcfm.org/">Dane County Farmer’s Market </a>and other surrounding restaurants that use her meats and products. Jordandal Farms has pork, beef, chicken, lamb, and even turkeys in the fall. We have purchased most of the Jordandal farms products from the DCFM over the last year and everything has had wonderful flavor, we had some pork chops from Jordandal a few months back and other than some kosher salt, we didn’t add anything and they were the best pork chops I have ever had. I highly recommend Jordandal Farms products. It was a treasure to go see the farm and meet the animals. Carrie knows all of their names and has every inch of the farm tightly under her care. <br /><br />At the end of our trip I told Llama that we would need to make another trip out to Argyle to see the <a href="http://www.argylefibermill.com/">Argyle Fiber Mill </a>and Yarn Shop when it was open. The fleeces and yarns from Carrie’s sheep/lambs are processed and sold there. However, I did not realize that it was Carrier and her fiber partner that ran the Argyle Fiber Mill. Carrier offered to take us there and give us a tour. We saw the carding machines, where they created the roving and batts for spinning, all of the rows and rows of fleece waiting to be processed. She showed us the washing room and the drying racks, it was a cool room filled with drying fleeces of wool, alpaca, llama and even some angora. Then she took us up to the storefront and showed us around. I even was able to see the scarf and hat that Carrie has been working on in her spare time (yeah, that’s right, in between running a farm and a fiber mill she actually has a few minutes to knit and craft). It was a great time and am looking forward to our next trip to Argyle to go to the fiber mill when they are open and to also see the rest of the Jordandal farms and visit the pigs (yes, for Llama). It was a great time and very inspiring for my amateur chef as well as very nurturing to our souls to get back to nature and see all the great things Carrier (and Eric, her husband) is doing to promote sustainable agriculture.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-89636389556692515042008-11-23T16:29:00.003-06:002008-11-23T17:19:35.934-06:00Early presents and just in time presentsLast weekend Llama gave me my birthday present early! I am truly a lucky knitter.<br />Lots and lots of baby alpaca, I got a whole sweaters worth of KP Andean Treasure in Embers, dark reds, which I am planning on making the Dollar and a Half Cardigan from the spring 2007 Interweave Knits. <br />I received 6 skeins of their new line Imagination in three different colour ways; Evil Stepmother, Wicked Witch and Frog Prince(2 skeins of each. There was also some more Andean Treasure in Mystery Heather, Lilac Heather and Midnight. There were also 8 skeins of Gloss sock yarn in autumnal colours; Pumpkin, Cocoa, Dusk, and Woodland Sage. Also to top it off (like there needed to be more!) 8 skeins (2 of each colour) of the lace weight Alpaca Cloud in Tide Pool, Raspberry, Midnight and Stream. Yes, I am spoiled, why do you ask? Is it that obvious? <br /><br />My husband is the most knit worthy man ever, he enables me all the time. Here is my pile of yarn that I would love to dive into Scrooge McDuck style. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEd5jGxXKalQBY9xdrU33wMCef_EpyyeFUn8DRW86PavNABj4dVTD7s6bV6p_Sl8bE5K32yUC1ktaEHuu5T3KMUBATHsgZLrKQ8T_DcusCn-Z_y0svkbzQQT1M0de34wotzkJJI4xb6o/s1600-h/birthday+yarn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEd5jGxXKalQBY9xdrU33wMCef_EpyyeFUn8DRW86PavNABj4dVTD7s6bV6p_Sl8bE5K32yUC1ktaEHuu5T3KMUBATHsgZLrKQ8T_DcusCn-Z_y0svkbzQQT1M0de34wotzkJJI4xb6o/s320/birthday+yarn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271989726279235202" /></a><br /><br /><br />I also finished up the Shifting Sands scarf for Llama's co-worker, this finished up just as it is starting to get really cold here so I am glad, I did mix up the pattern a bit with stripes of a diagonal pattern a couple times and it really turned out lovely, and since it was an alpaca, angora, silk blend it was heavenly to touch. I do hope it will keep him warm through out our wonderful winters!<br />Here is a close up of the stitch patterns as my other photos were unacceptable to post!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TRn7by_fSyDTZuBuqdWWYj0dPmfNmMegoEhE5lWBeYTuEm0gwF1IeQPnhcqC8jAdvLzGZ_GvMfnvIAKbOnJCFwtKwa7y1KxEYdVdxvmagkLEScJqF910D6Vf3V7Kl6o9-LiYrqd0xlo/s1600-h/Jim+scarf+upclose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TRn7by_fSyDTZuBuqdWWYj0dPmfNmMegoEhE5lWBeYTuEm0gwF1IeQPnhcqC8jAdvLzGZ_GvMfnvIAKbOnJCFwtKwa7y1KxEYdVdxvmagkLEScJqF910D6Vf3V7Kl6o9-LiYrqd0xlo/s320/Jim+scarf+upclose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271989696432200978" /></a><br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving everyone, have a great week!Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-2872564801979900892008-11-04T22:12:00.004-06:002008-11-04T22:54:28.181-06:00Today, is a good day, to be an American.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwjdrUVo3MXxQ_EiGwODC7tyJ6LHIf9D3rafdH9Y4q9aR18585l6fVP8uav85j8ZdKmT2ClYF8r9zMfWvkFsxW3LysgzPMaylKp4ThHhtsxpFXC_imYemHGJZIujOIyA48ggC7ZFFK5I/s1600-h/shepard-fairey-barack-obama-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwjdrUVo3MXxQ_EiGwODC7tyJ6LHIf9D3rafdH9Y4q9aR18585l6fVP8uav85j8ZdKmT2ClYF8r9zMfWvkFsxW3LysgzPMaylKp4ThHhtsxpFXC_imYemHGJZIujOIyA48ggC7ZFFK5I/s400/shepard-fairey-barack-obama-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265031413657493810" /></a><br /><br />President Elect Barack Obama!Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-4788554485426196162008-10-14T19:53:00.002-05:002008-10-14T20:05:14.491-05:00some days we need more than mac and cheeseToday I woke up wiped out. I don't remember my dreams (which is odd for me). I had a hard time getting motivated to do anything, usually I get get through the morning dishes with out a second thought, and even tonight there are still half a sink full of dishes to get done. When I got ready for work today, I had to resign myself to the fact that I needed a little extra comfort today. I am not sick, that I know of anyway but tired and a bit run down. It was just one of those days that I wanted to curl up on the couch in my PJs with a big cup of tea and a good blanket and read, sleep, knit and snuggle with Llama for the whole day, but it is Tuesday and they won't pay me to do those things. So I settled with wearing one of Llama's sweatshirts and also added my grandmother's ring to my hand. Might sound silly but those two things made me feel better. I was able to get out the door with my tea (can't skip all the comforts!) I know there are many things, usually very individualized, that can comfort us. I just don't usually come across the need to have them physically close to me. Today was different. We had a busy, eventful weekend and I think it just wore me out a bit. It will all get back in sync and even this evening I am just taking it easy and not pushing things too hard. I am allowing myself to just rest. I have a knitting swap that I am researching patterns for, reading through some magazines and newspapers I have been meaning to get to and am starting to feel like myself again. I think there are days when I have to remember to give myself permission to take it easy and slow down. Definitely need to do that more often.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-63601100012612752652008-09-21T12:50:00.007-05:002008-09-21T18:23:53.292-05:00September is flying by...It has been a crazy week, S and B were up visiting and it was good to see them, even though it isn't very conducive to knitting. I am completely exhausted this weekend, and it is a good day to stay home and do some cleaning and some knitting. We went to the farmer's market yesterday and it was a gorgeous morning for it. We picked up apples, hopefully I will get around to making some applesauce soon too. Lots of veggies and some beef chuck for Llama's new meat grinder, he made some delicious chili which I might have to go dig up for lunch. <br /><br />We were able to go to the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival a couple weeks ago, it was really nice to see all the wonderful hand spun wool, I did have to pull Llama away from the angora bunnies, he is pretty sure that they taste better than they they make yarn but thankfully I was able to keep him away. We also got to see the lambs from the UW farms that were only a day or two old. They are so cute and tiny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmbZ5MWFyeCnYLA7mRAT1NsA3O5i40xo2LuPv0Z24ssAOFCFgu_9dKlvl6gCGj8D00lEGC8bU71TZuKW-dVF3yCBk2U_r_xjo6sSGdtcIhZvH28yyGwzPl8RD2Ie1hZ_UETKY4Nj4v1E/s1600-h/baby+sheep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmbZ5MWFyeCnYLA7mRAT1NsA3O5i40xo2LuPv0Z24ssAOFCFgu_9dKlvl6gCGj8D00lEGC8bU71TZuKW-dVF3yCBk2U_r_xjo6sSGdtcIhZvH28yyGwzPl8RD2Ie1hZ_UETKY4Nj4v1E/s320/baby+sheep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248617125047147026" /></a><br /><br />I also joined the Madison Knitter's Guild this year, the first charity they are sponsoring this year is "Knittin' a Mitten for Midvale Elementary". The goal is to cover all the students with a pair of mittens. These are the two pairs I knit up before the first meeting. I have found that lately I have needed my knitting to be complicated/challenging or I am getting bored, so I added the stranded colour work for fun, I love watching the patterns emerge. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWE4W5mNl0x9wk-rZrPDbst70gal0Z7od9GDrtgPbvMEpi1E6yJ12C_k2STq9AMuKimkCyKhucvOAl1hRrvgoGQxAubgxbVf_oarW4UQ3Kb9SX5HGKWo2kn_IkAQ7Ay7tokOKeZYon1g/s1600-h/mittens+for+midvale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWE4W5mNl0x9wk-rZrPDbst70gal0Z7od9GDrtgPbvMEpi1E6yJ12C_k2STq9AMuKimkCyKhucvOAl1hRrvgoGQxAubgxbVf_oarW4UQ3Kb9SX5HGKWo2kn_IkAQ7Ay7tokOKeZYon1g/s320/mittens+for+midvale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248617132143617842" /></a><br />The MKG has a bunch of great speakers set up for this year including the Yarn Harlot at the Madison Knit Out in the spring as well as a library for checking out books, I borrowed Latvian Mittens which is very intesting, I had never had the chance to look through this in person before and it has been fun to read and learn about Latvian culture. My english teacher in high school was Latvian and would sometimes tell us about her family, wish I had knit back then, I could have asked her more about it.<br /><br />Also, one of my co-workers is having a baby, so we had a shower for her on Friday, I made up some baby feet washcloths as well as a couple plain clothes in a variegated yarn for her. She thought they were wonderful, but she appreciates hand made items. Sorry the pictures are so yellowish, last minute pictures before I had to wrap them up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW4YNxHvtdeoNIGtc4BQu_tXg_PfxduiSFo6MFNMHaspZ_xZO_lWnMX6gWy6qRL-wHosx11dthSxUBd0dCvvIYdSR2Elri5A3OejvHcB9xtGhQxg6IVWvD59smh437wyRrvsrm61m1mA/s1600-h/foot+print+dish+cloth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW4YNxHvtdeoNIGtc4BQu_tXg_PfxduiSFo6MFNMHaspZ_xZO_lWnMX6gWy6qRL-wHosx11dthSxUBd0dCvvIYdSR2Elri5A3OejvHcB9xtGhQxg6IVWvD59smh437wyRrvsrm61m1mA/s320/foot+print+dish+cloth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248617128764682818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArUxpPx1G7cg87WBIpzx1OTZ4hmhFNQRBnNOjBPZw1yYEv-uJJ1Ti02lACFOhZkxc4WhSg1xsZUmf2jydiVbiq5jfZSnP0Zor_Y_5ji6Lbuq2kogRhm0HH93109van4eQlrf7mJeFSBg/s1600-h/washclothes+for+heather.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArUxpPx1G7cg87WBIpzx1OTZ4hmhFNQRBnNOjBPZw1yYEv-uJJ1Ti02lACFOhZkxc4WhSg1xsZUmf2jydiVbiq5jfZSnP0Zor_Y_5ji6Lbuq2kogRhm0HH93109van4eQlrf7mJeFSBg/s320/washclothes+for+heather.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248618894711682610" /></a><br />I have also been puttering along with the shifting sands scarf, I have decided to also add a band of another pattern for a couple inches on each end of the scarf, balanced although, not necessarily symmetrical to break up the knitting a little bit. I am just not sure what to use yet. Here is an update picture, it is approximately 10 inches long, and I will probably do the band of the second pattern for about 2 inches, guess it depends on how it looks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9orvcHDPE1MR7p-ClipDwISDPqSiuKOkGwCorekUv2uqMtKKYn1GbsJa0JLp3W-9VLbNqSOKsmTCu_QDVOO0c4Qu6JgQ64NWQqjQL6_VVFDZpYEzvUZAcc_Ex6X8Dyc5iMBQ81mj_VQ/s1600-h/jims+scarf+update.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9orvcHDPE1MR7p-ClipDwISDPqSiuKOkGwCorekUv2uqMtKKYn1GbsJa0JLp3W-9VLbNqSOKsmTCu_QDVOO0c4Qu6JgQ64NWQqjQL6_VVFDZpYEzvUZAcc_Ex6X8Dyc5iMBQ81mj_VQ/s320/jims+scarf+update.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248617132023150530" /></a><br /><br />Well, that is all I have for updates at the moment, the last couple of weeks have been so busy, so it was good to relax and look at my knitting this weekend. I have been reading about all the gift/holiday knitting knitters are planning on Ravelry and Knitty and I have to say, that whether you celebrate the winter holidays or not, it is so important to not be too busy with making gifts that you miss out on the gift of time with your family and friends.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-51220044747951771692008-09-02T06:40:00.004-05:002008-09-02T06:56:49.234-05:00Work in Progress UpdateIt was a quiet Labour Day Weekend, which was good as I was able to get to work on multiple knitting projects that I would like to get moving on.<br />Here are some pictures, I am so excited as to how the arm warmers are coming along.<br /><br />I am 1/3 of the way on the first arm warmer from Knit So Fine. It is coming along beautifully and other than some frustration on the first inch or so, things have been going along swimmingly, although I have taken over the dining room table since that gives me the most light and I can lay out all my charts more easily. Llama is an enabler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguy8INSzYuD2E4ZIFHo57Qc02krtksC3wZAuI5l0vab6pYjPVk0b7W0I19HLgGbFACHrEn7NVPukLktu-N9_LtwFQoVQ8-gQXSJ4XLstY6RBEN0Zfw71A35jPlmmKkr6ITnGNOtv6nNc/s1600-h/armwarmer+update+9-1-08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguy8INSzYuD2E4ZIFHo57Qc02krtksC3wZAuI5l0vab6pYjPVk0b7W0I19HLgGbFACHrEn7NVPukLktu-N9_LtwFQoVQ8-gQXSJ4XLstY6RBEN0Zfw71A35jPlmmKkr6ITnGNOtv6nNc/s320/armwarmer+update+9-1-08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241390966261116002" /></a><br /><br />This is the shifting sands scarf by <a href="http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/">Grumperina</a> and it is lovely with it's undulating cables. It is meant as a thank you for one of Llama's co-workers. I love the soft denim colour of the yarn, a lovely alpaca, angora blend. Should be nice and soft around the neck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6sUTD61kzUo_dmLvgAdY7789EeZ1cZypL1MiNJAgc1prlJ_D1eiGpeletlJcV8fjMj0_sNy_PXPJmSKGvtgEm0NvTtoe5lXI4RGnz9K5RYhDeyhWiybiZawZ0fz3EJr1IuD7cyzp0g/s1600-h/Shifting+sands+scarf+9-1-08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6sUTD61kzUo_dmLvgAdY7789EeZ1cZypL1MiNJAgc1prlJ_D1eiGpeletlJcV8fjMj0_sNy_PXPJmSKGvtgEm0NvTtoe5lXI4RGnz9K5RYhDeyhWiybiZawZ0fz3EJr1IuD7cyzp0g/s320/Shifting+sands+scarf+9-1-08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241391492481154354" /></a><br /><br />Finally, <br />There is the Sunray shawl, that feels like forever, but really only about 8 months. I am trying to keep going on it. It is lovely yarn and beautiful pattern but it is definitely challenging for me. I love the colours and am trying to have it done by the end of the year, so I will keep chugging along.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcmuadryyXzi04vm-7H7jCREoz53bw2BjbphZohyphenhyphenlBS5Z9rxChkfI3TzYy-GOjibqZMJbqv52EX17QWCMDZ7UJ3Es19XJ-iqvRf8vZZ5hrzEg9Z8vN_K9PHto93bdzRUo2TTsl4Sam9M/s1600-h/sunray+shawl+update+9-1-08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcmuadryyXzi04vm-7H7jCREoz53bw2BjbphZohyphenhyphenlBS5Z9rxChkfI3TzYy-GOjibqZMJbqv52EX17QWCMDZ7UJ3Es19XJ-iqvRf8vZZ5hrzEg9Z8vN_K9PHto93bdzRUo2TTsl4Sam9M/s320/sunray+shawl+update+9-1-08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241388241311835730" /></a><br /><br />That is all for this morning, but I can't wait to share more.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-35320751493356211732008-08-24T21:54:00.001-05:002008-08-24T21:54:13.997-05:00KSF fingerless glove update<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aemh/2750784223/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2750784223_dd7651f1f5_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aemh/2750784223/">KSF fingerless glove update</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/aemh/">madda79</a></span></div>Well, This is how far I got on the fingerless gloves in Canada and I have slowly been making progress since I have returned home. I will be taking more pictures soon. I did learn that following the advise of the book, definitely use a cable needle. I also found that placing the cable needle stitch back on the needle before knitting the stitch worked better for me than knitting from the cable needle.<br /><br /> I love watching the pattern emerge and I have to thank Llama for encouraging me to stick with it, after the first couple of rounds of the patterns, I was getting a bit discouraged. Canada came to the rescue and I worked at a table, which allowed me to lay out all of the charts and have plenty of room. I am going slowly and trying to get two rounds done each night, It really is turning out beautifully and I am on row 33 of the repeats so I have been slowly falling in love with the pattern. It is also going faster the more I do, the first 5-10 rounds or so took 15 minutes each round, but now I am getting a round done in about 4-5 minutes, depending on which cables are being used. I have also found that I am starting to memorize the cable patterns, so I can tell when reading the charts which cable to use without always having to reference the key.<br /><br />I am still working on my shawl and hope to post update pictures soon. I also and still working on a pair of socks for Llama out of Patons Kroy in a waffle pattern. I am also going to start some child mittens for charity soon too. As they are small, they are good for instant gratification knitting.<br />Be back soon!<br clear="all" />Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-75654774178366399842008-08-10T19:30:00.005-05:002008-08-18T19:37:21.760-05:00Dirtiest Husband Ever?Okay, the title just sounds dirty, it is actually a clean post.<br /><br />For our anniversary this year, Llama decided to get me something different, we usually order matching rings, which we will do later this year when we can but he found something else and I couldn't live without it.<br /><br />I got this in the mail when we returned from Canada...<br />an autographed photograph of Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWurYfvzm-xy4EjPNNjj0y2c_ETeOaYn-rQvtF6k1VcDL-iBmnMDB-pnIUIIl453Lsga6luDzopQxpJVSvvVMFBvSLQKg07RMvk43qbF6pRCaEFbMgV26PwxitZgE3zMvRWP6e0Gkcjc/s1600-h/mike+rowe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWurYfvzm-xy4EjPNNjj0y2c_ETeOaYn-rQvtF6k1VcDL-iBmnMDB-pnIUIIl453Lsga6luDzopQxpJVSvvVMFBvSLQKg07RMvk43qbF6pRCaEFbMgV26PwxitZgE3zMvRWP6e0Gkcjc/s400/mike+rowe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233051770766741650" /></a>Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-91710490256449778712008-08-07T20:26:00.004-05:002008-08-07T20:52:41.564-05:00There is no place like home...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjrYzbuTxy1_algI_8NnINyCVlRJr5Fi-UyxQbTNSeZhBkLntOICD-2RTOcc3pP9CT6M7b-Y-3qgIFAJpRpCkAk-6EgLS3duc0e3k3pq5G-zXeO7wit9PNr8HSWNHfMk9H0_x6aMyr3w/s1600-h/Wicked+Witch+baby+socks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjrYzbuTxy1_algI_8NnINyCVlRJr5Fi-UyxQbTNSeZhBkLntOICD-2RTOcc3pP9CT6M7b-Y-3qgIFAJpRpCkAk-6EgLS3duc0e3k3pq5G-zXeO7wit9PNr8HSWNHfMk9H0_x6aMyr3w/s320/Wicked+Witch+baby+socks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231957076572295186" /></a><br />We are back from Canada and we had a great time! There were some bumps and surprises but I can understand the concept Gone Bamboo after visiting St. Joe's Island.<br />I have lots of pictures and stories to share, but it will take some time and this will be shared in a series of posts (I am trying to be consistent, it takes some work). <br />But I wanted to share the darling Ruby pattern that the lovely <a href="http://froginknots.blogspot.com/2006/06/ruby.html">Rain</a> inspired me to try. I used my plain sock recipe for the structure of the sock, but the idea was planted by her pattern.<br /><br />These are for a friend of the family who apparently is the only one having a girl at this time (out of the 2 who know they are having boys and the other 4 that aren't sure yet) I was excited to have little K come along and I hope to soon see her in these little sockies.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-27848638275584331842008-07-22T18:30:00.002-05:002008-12-09T15:52:21.862-06:00Here we go!We are on our way to Canada tomorrow morning at 4am!<br />I can't wait and hope to have lots of good pictures!<br />See you soon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyN3M7uk0660iWNMDzCowDq7RSCaKSq5zVbZZJb8ronPO6MGYaZDu9XZMoBlhwRnTUp68rCZ57Zy-3DHok28AK42vhItof8RDA_hRw8t0gCrH_DTyqUsIHcZfFJ6hyUm0UZE0iYMMtQ/s1600-h/canada+blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvyN3M7uk0660iWNMDzCowDq7RSCaKSq5zVbZZJb8ronPO6MGYaZDu9XZMoBlhwRnTUp68rCZ57Zy-3DHok28AK42vhItof8RDA_hRw8t0gCrH_DTyqUsIHcZfFJ6hyUm0UZE0iYMMtQ/s400/canada+blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225985157200687090" /></a><br /><br />Shady Nook Dock, Richard's Landing, St. Joseph's Island, Ontario, Canada 2007Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-90996894092016618772008-07-13T16:03:00.003-05:002008-12-09T15:52:22.057-06:00me want cookie!One of our friends (one of many) is pregnant and due in August, so I set out to create a little something for her new baby. Since I have been a long time cookie lover, I thought it would be fun to create a baby hat of another cookie fan :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguuulNdyaoBD7QqgtUCFUBu9mMv89cS-HZCKvJ1awxDJg_VhdzN1Bodqj_1ns9KWDZx4qe-xhij5OAGMht-k3A7HtPXPLw6RsQbfBpX63Qa3goeYbKwt0Fvh1-m7GDzaB3eGMqXa8RAY/s1600-h/IMG_3260.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguuulNdyaoBD7QqgtUCFUBu9mMv89cS-HZCKvJ1awxDJg_VhdzN1Bodqj_1ns9KWDZx4qe-xhij5OAGMht-k3A7HtPXPLw6RsQbfBpX63Qa3goeYbKwt0Fvh1-m7GDzaB3eGMqXa8RAY/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222608266919207970" /></a><br /><br />This hat was knit on size 3 needles, working on a 16in addi Turbo circular and finishing decreases with size 3 DPNs.<br />The yarn is FrogTree 100% Alpaca sport weight with KnitPicks Essential sock yarn in black for the mouth. Color 309 which I think it a very close match to Mr. Monster.<br />Sew on googly eyes.<br /><br />I had a lot of fun figuring out how to make the mouth work on this hat, I also included some small loops on the inside so that if you place your fingers in the loops the hat becomes a puppet.<br />This was a pretty quick knit and I hope to do a few more in the future, with the amount of babies around here, that won't be a problem :)Hopefully, I will also get a picture of the recipient in his/her hat when they arrive this August.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-30140013945956070912008-07-07T19:02:00.003-05:002008-12-09T15:52:22.322-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTZYXUgsZIKxyQGmj8HL3RhQ_irFW3mXcGz7pWp2hcEaZNaKqVhZTAF6zEw24XjlGtB8NTGt_y-9rc5oeZrGUmqbs-M4JTV-WHwGEqBj58_U8WBgBVlbgf1nJhEyWUKJ6wL4H8rP_TPg/s1600-h/glove+swatch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTZYXUgsZIKxyQGmj8HL3RhQ_irFW3mXcGz7pWp2hcEaZNaKqVhZTAF6zEw24XjlGtB8NTGt_y-9rc5oeZrGUmqbs-M4JTV-WHwGEqBj58_U8WBgBVlbgf1nJhEyWUKJ6wL4H8rP_TPg/s320/glove+swatch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220427105629681714" /></a><br />I figured I better post my swatch while I am still thinking about it :)<br />This picture does not do the Handmaiden yarn justice, but I love the colours and it has a beautiful sheen to it.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-58437766961559786022008-07-06T18:10:00.004-05:002008-12-09T15:52:22.502-06:00And now for something completely different…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TzhpeD7-pVfIZRF5ubHlLAXwnEV9oWZe7Y4x0DiOU-dDXzp1JkLWD9fi0ehqA7GG-F2BYBkfoV8NzR_TDwIqOtyyUN-iwxVGKMG8NkmPQWjWOf6F88zULGKvcpQN_0tGGTi9xgbcP_0/s1600-h/Knit+so+Fine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TzhpeD7-pVfIZRF5ubHlLAXwnEV9oWZe7Y4x0DiOU-dDXzp1JkLWD9fi0ehqA7GG-F2BYBkfoV8NzR_TDwIqOtyyUN-iwxVGKMG8NkmPQWjWOf6F88zULGKvcpQN_0tGGTi9xgbcP_0/s320/Knit+so+Fine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220042425921257986" /></a> Interweave Press 2008<br /><br />I recently picked up the book Knit so Fine from Interweave Knits and I am in love!<br />The patterns are lovely and the fine gauge fits me to a T. My plan of attack is to knit every pattern in this book, one at a time of course and blog about it here! Hopefully this will “kill two birds with one stone” and get me back into blogging while increasing my knitting knowledge and experience.<br /><br />I have decided to start knitting the Fingerless Elbow Gloves. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwoIUpghoQ8ZOFuNc8Fc6bMWtFWXs_nGQqZIobD4RoZqr2dPI6P6MnIYDPJiahCnrJn_e0bQZafYoy2p2CP0XGkXLz2F3yIUb6x2cHCOPQBXUq8O6JgaAkW5vS_k_kq-kEyKJfHoZ93Y/s1600-h/armwarmers_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwoIUpghoQ8ZOFuNc8Fc6bMWtFWXs_nGQqZIobD4RoZqr2dPI6P6MnIYDPJiahCnrJn_e0bQZafYoy2p2CP0XGkXLz2F3yIUb6x2cHCOPQBXUq8O6JgaAkW5vS_k_kq-kEyKJfHoZ93Y/s320/armwarmers_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220042691205681298" /></a> Interweave Press 2008<br /><br />I have started swatching (my first swatch ever) with some beautiful Handmaiden Sea Silk in Seafoam. This swatch created a beautiful drape and lovely shimmer that I couldn’t even begin to capture with my camera. I began on size 3 bamboo needles and created a swatch in the round, once I had enough done to get a good measurement, I realized I already knew the gauge for this project would match what I get on my size 2 needles. However, I am glad I swatched, and will continue to do so for my future projects. This did give me more information about how the piece would hang and fit my arms. <br />I do have to say a bit about this yarn, even just while working with it the little while; I have fallen in love with how the colours play against each other. I would have never guessed how lovely they would be knitted up in a smooth fabric. The sheen and feeling of the yarn are irresistible. I do need to take more breaks then I would if I was knitting in wool and I can feel the strain on my wrists but I will give myself regular breaks and also have a couple other projects going on in the back ground with other needles sizes and yarns to help keep my hands stretched and safe.<br /> I have finished the ribbing for the left glove and it is going pretty nicely. I have used charts before but never this many at once. I am a bit apprehensive but also excited. Now I just have to keep everything separate.<br />I also started a shawl a few months ago and it is slow going but I was able to do another lifeline this week and added a couple more rows to go, hopefully pictures next time.<br />I finished a baby hat too for a co-worker of Llama, who is due in August. I will post soon with pictures, as I am very happy as to how it has turned out.<br />I am also trying to get back into blogging as I like to read other’s blogs and I think it is a nice form of community.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-45765107155627846442008-01-05T12:35:00.000-06:002008-12-09T15:52:22.764-06:00Arrrr you ready for some socks?Yeah! My pirate socks are done! I have more pictures that Llama is modeling the socks but I wanted to post this week before it becomes next week. These are the Jack Sparrow's Favorite socks pattern from the lovely <a href="http://blog.katydidknits.com/">Trillian42</a><br /><br />Llama loves them and I am completely in love with the fact that I tried stranded color work and they turned out pretty well. They are a little tight to get on and off but no problems while wearing them!<br />I finished these up right before New Years so Llama showed them off when we visited family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs8tcey0tUoDDgSbNAgKcd1nR0FlqZwhCeLr9RNOfiSO_uRhJ2Ye5Bju-0kSOBd3V0061DB_1TqxVAlw2_bDnpmtK3AwqCN8UsoSbPZ7Ydak1eUZ5WXYKXZ6vecOQ-0U1-Ua_F660fKI/s1600-h/skull+sock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs8tcey0tUoDDgSbNAgKcd1nR0FlqZwhCeLr9RNOfiSO_uRhJ2Ye5Bju-0kSOBd3V0061DB_1TqxVAlw2_bDnpmtK3AwqCN8UsoSbPZ7Ydak1eUZ5WXYKXZ6vecOQ-0U1-Ua_F660fKI/s320/skull+sock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152064775088655378" /></a>Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-66062894638960344232007-12-31T13:18:00.000-06:002007-12-31T13:28:26.957-06:00As we wrap up 2007 today, I wanted to look back on the last year, I have accomplished so much that I didn't know I would or could.<br />1. attempted and succeeded at stranded colorwork,will try to have pictures soon.<br />2. changed jobs<br />3. passable attempt at blogging (more for the new year)<br />4. passing my first semester back to school<br />5. made my first batch of good shortbread<br /><br />They may not be amazing, life changing events (we most weren't) but they have added confidence and strength to my life and a few pounds, that batch of shortbread and a weekend stranded in my house were not quite the healthiest choices, but I am not too worried about it.<br /><br />I have some new goals for 2008 and may talk about them at another post, I am still trying to figure out the logistics of incorporating them into my life. I hope at the very least my resolve will hold out for my yarn diet, lots of yarn as I found out while photographing my stash with Llama last weekend. <br /><br />From the thoughtful <a href="http://www.job2310.blogspot.com/">LibiLou</a>, I wanted to tell our Knittypal Yorkie that we love her and know how strong and wonderful a person she is.<br />Here's thinking of you kiddo.<br />You are in my thoughts.<br /><br /><br />Here's hoping for Peace, Hope, Love, and Heart for all in the new year.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-82172432439618815742007-12-14T13:17:00.000-06:002007-12-14T13:18:44.415-06:00This was on Katydid’s blog and since I always get inspiration from her for knitting, I thought I would try to get some inspritation from her blogging too <br /><br />1. Elaborate on your default icon:<br />Llamabean, just a nickname for my husband actually, one that I am quite sure he keeps to himself.<br />2. What’s your current relationship status?<br />Married to my best friend and soul mate Llama<br />3. Ever have a near-death experience?<br />I have been near death experiences but not in one my self.<br />4. Name an obvious quality you have:<br />my father’s eyes<br />5. What’s the name of the song that’s stuck in your head right now?<br />I’m a little teapot…I know, I know…<br />6. Any celeb you would marry?<br />I don’t know about marry but I wouldn’t seeing Stephen Cobert smile at me.<br />7. Who will cut and paste this first?<br />No idea.<br />8. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?<br />Not really, but I don’t think that is a bad thing.<br />9. Do you wear a watch?<br />Always, I have one with an alarm and everything.<br />10. Are you pierced?<br />Sure thing, two holes in my left ear and one in my right. I wear everyday earring in the main holes and then my Dad’s earring in my upper left.<br />11. Do you have any tattoos?<br />I have a large Harley Davidson logo on my lower back and I don’t own any Harleys!<br />12. Do you like pain?<br />Doesn’t really bother me and I certainly wouldn’t let it stop me.<br />13. Do you like to shop?<br />Yeah, but for almost anything other than yarn, I prefer to shop online if I am able.<br />14. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?<br />Dinner out with friends.<br />15. What was the last thing you paid for with your credit card?<br />Gas for the car<br />16. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?<br />My mom J although, since I have started in Customer Service, I don’t want to talk on the phone anymore than I have to, but my family doesn’t count into that area.<br />17. What is on your desktop background?<br />A snowy day on my work comp and a picture of Llama on my home one.<br />18. What is the background on your cell phone?<br />Currently, it is my sock that I am working on for Llama, my first try at colourwork, I am so excited at how it is turning out.<br />19. Do you like redheads?<br />Of course, silly question.<br />20. Do you know any twins?<br />Yeah, through school I actually know a few sets.<br />21. Do you have any weird relatives?<br />Yes. Lets just leave it at that.<br />22. What was the last movie you watched?<br />The Producers or The Ringer, same weekend I think.<br />23. What was the last book you read?<br />The last book I finished was the series of David J. Pelzer books, they just make me ache for him. I am still working on the Art of Forgiveness by the Dalai Lama and another book by David Sedaris<br />24. Is there such a thing as love at first sight, or it is more likely to be lust at first sight?<br />I knew Llama was part of me.<br />25. What’s your favorite book?<br />The Pink Jacaranda, old seventies romance novel, but it still thrills me J<br />26. When was the last time you visited the street where you first lived?<br />At least a couple years, I think I took Llama to see it when we first started dating.<br />27. When was the last time you googled your own name?<br />A couple of months, we were bored at work one afternoon. <br />28. What was / is your favorite subject at school?<br />English/Art/History, or some combination just turns my pages<br />29. What was / is your least favorite subject at school?<br />Oral Presentation/Speech class. I am getting better at talking in front of groups though <br />30. Do you like having your photograph taken?<br />Depends on why it is being taken but usually it is not an issue.<br />31. What time were you born?<br />10:16pm , it is engraved on my baby picture otherwise I don’t think I would know that.<br />32. Ever seriously questioned your sanity?<br />I think at the point that you question it, it is already gone.<br />33. How many phone numbers do you have remembered and can say off the top of your head?<br />Most of my family so about 20 some numbers.<br />34. Can you Limbo?<br />Sure, when the bar is at the very top J<br />35.Have you ever killed your own dinner?<br />Define kill. I helped Llama steam some lobsters.<br />36. How long have you been living at your current residence?<br />Just over 3 years<br />37. What phobias do you have?<br />Small spaces definitely, I don’t even like to be caught in the blankets when I am sleeping, spiders (although I am getting better at this since my trip to Canada), <br />38. What’s your ideal breakfast?<br />Homemade biscuits and gravy, heaven.<br />39. Where are you right now?<br />Hard at work, it is quiet today.<br />40. Why do you blog?<br /> I am trying to record for posterities sake.<br />41. What would you call your autobiography?<br />A good egg.<br />42. What’s the longest time you’ve stayed out of the country / where?<br />8 days in Ontario, Canada<br />43. Do you use ICQ, AIM, etc..?<br />Google talk mostly.<br />44. Do you have nightmares frequently?<br />Yes, sometimes very disturbing ones that I remember in extreme clarity<br />45. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?<br />I would hope so, but you just never know…<br />46. Which TV character could you be friends with?<br />Dexter<br />47. What’s on your mouse pad?<br />A mouse, it is the logo for my company.<br />48. What is your ring tone?<br />Motorcycle sounds and glasses being toasted.<br />49. What did you watch on TV last night?<br />Classic boxing <br />50. Scary movies or happy endings?<br />Happy endings, I can’t even watch the previews for scary movies so I stick with the happy movies.<br /><br />Happy Friday!Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-22872098285663718342007-10-24T19:57:00.000-05:002007-10-24T20:12:56.954-05:00checking inWell, the last few weeks have been more than hectic and part of me wishes I could turn back the clock but then all the good things that have happened wouldn't be. So I guess I will just keep on truckin...<br />My friend MellyMel had her beautiful baby boy a couple weeks ago, I will have photos soon. But my lovely MIL quilted her a darling baby blanket that will keep little Dez warm for many years to come. I have been studying for tests and projects for my Human Resources classes as I work toward being certified. I have also quit working for my previous employer and have started working in a much smaller customer service department. There are only us 8 women but it kind of feels like an old fashioned secretary pool, but in a good way, we all work together to get our product out the door. It is a wonderful change from the "it's not my job" feel that I was working for. <br /><br />Llama and I are slowly trying to lose weight but more importantly trying to make healthier choices with our lives. Things are going okay so far, Llama makes such wonderful food that everything tastes good :) Even healthy stuff like salad, he makes the best whitefish salad on baby spinach that I eat all of it. and I don't particularly like lettuces.<br /><br />Alrighty, my break is over but I thought I was well overdue to check in to the world outside. hmmm. more studying. ohh and laundry, that is exciting.Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1327244819189506444.post-64723823521024606172007-09-03T17:38:00.000-05:002008-12-09T15:52:23.729-06:00quite a breakWell, it is almost the end of summer and I have neglected my blog, but things are starting to get back into a rhythm. I have been busy and stressful and finally took a well deserved vacation. Llama and I went to his family cottage in Canada for a week and a half at the end of July. It was beyond beautiful and so refreshing, and I can't wait to do it again next year. We saw huge cows, and I mean HUGE, but there were also calves and they were darling. We spent time bathing/swimming in a part of Lake Superior. We devoured pie, raspberry, blueberry, lingonberry and blueberry cream. We spent time at St. Joseph's Fort and watched The Voyageurs video (which I highly recommend). We ate poutine and butter tarts (which Llama made from scratch last week to see if they would turn out)and they were delicious! <br /><br />I finished the braided cable socks for Mellymel and I am glad they fit her. Made out Tofutsies yarn, they are very soft and very pink.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1gGS1Fl5ALZllGqR0lwbPe7ckB3qDiHh1YkFUOpEXa2QVygSYGyyIewZCLvFy2mrxEABqCA0sAYYBtPM-3dKpciTWPZM25XPj-DSxNowZ5la5JKyOgouhbykmfZaQZKCKGZTRhSdOKk/s1600-h/melissas+socks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1gGS1Fl5ALZllGqR0lwbPe7ckB3qDiHh1YkFUOpEXa2QVygSYGyyIewZCLvFy2mrxEABqCA0sAYYBtPM-3dKpciTWPZM25XPj-DSxNowZ5la5JKyOgouhbykmfZaQZKCKGZTRhSdOKk/s320/melissas+socks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106117264745395218" /></a><br /><br />We also had Mellymel's baby shower last week too and she loved her day of relaxing conversation and I am glad she likes the baby Harry Potter sweater for her soon to be here baby boy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ8NRvWU_L92IffZgc3zDBn6GORinvMRtMaqx7fNPsn0rVyxhyb4bJSVzpaXilB2_D_IZf9TKFVMIfv3h55ES4WT3611Qmr8pRLJHuv67jjz_rKli2YR0qLs676-KKq-9A2r-mXKKsAY/s1600-h/melissa+and+hp+sweater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ8NRvWU_L92IffZgc3zDBn6GORinvMRtMaqx7fNPsn0rVyxhyb4bJSVzpaXilB2_D_IZf9TKFVMIfv3h55ES4WT3611Qmr8pRLJHuv67jjz_rKli2YR0qLs676-KKq-9A2r-mXKKsAY/s320/melissa+and+hp+sweater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106117269040362530" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tK3S4-aJ2orGrgM2oVFBmYwyoC95r8RycSZRqTOid3JQ4PqCPlQDgjDjdmCM5ZEaXd0w353JjA6HpWbImT8I8ZIWFbAcykpmIzR86-Rh4GKrqHgHLPmHxL4_mmrMDoj5XccPv0JQgsE/s1600-h/cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tK3S4-aJ2orGrgM2oVFBmYwyoC95r8RycSZRqTOid3JQ4PqCPlQDgjDjdmCM5ZEaXd0w353JjA6HpWbImT8I8ZIWFbAcykpmIzR86-Rh4GKrqHgHLPmHxL4_mmrMDoj5XccPv0JQgsE/s320/cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106117273335329874" /></a><br /><br />I have also added a picture of her baby shower gift bags for the guests, the book marks had info on them like the definition of Mother and Father etc. and the letters spelled out the family's last name. Wrapped candy bars and the small blue bag had animal crackers in them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzveVPOFh5CYw2auHt5C_cZHut2RdEH_ciE0H_9BKWHPfN-u-fjSdNBizJXVgxX57bdxdch9uDtfMF-cox3eOdGA0L5cQmVaWVeNeUx0yoRBbvEUrVbIlpBjtdB3uxhWWumt37Azc9QY/s1600-h/baby+shower+gift+bags.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzveVPOFh5CYw2auHt5C_cZHut2RdEH_ciE0H_9BKWHPfN-u-fjSdNBizJXVgxX57bdxdch9uDtfMF-cox3eOdGA0L5cQmVaWVeNeUx0yoRBbvEUrVbIlpBjtdB3uxhWWumt37Azc9QY/s320/baby+shower+gift+bags.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106117269040362546" /></a><br /><br />She also gave me a lovely thank you give of the Interweave Knits Favorite sock book, some beautiful sock yarn and a darling personalized notebook. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN84K6VqEf9JYIhq88jzf44K_AGDmAXypz7JvJS7E1mFYY78s3qaonrSMlqzDZrNgkijTFZ8IEljrQIR60RUiGShwIz5ZbW7h7Xp3r4IlF43qowIZqjy5pyuPGA_H6yQ1UvIcdwnczec/s1600-h/baby+shower+thank+you+gift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN84K6VqEf9JYIhq88jzf44K_AGDmAXypz7JvJS7E1mFYY78s3qaonrSMlqzDZrNgkijTFZ8IEljrQIR60RUiGShwIz5ZbW7h7Xp3r4IlF43qowIZqjy5pyuPGA_H6yQ1UvIcdwnczec/s320/baby+shower+thank+you+gift.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106117273335329858" /></a><br /><br /><br />It has been a nice labour day weekend and I am glad to have the extra day to relax. Llama is feeling under the weather so I hope I can take good care of him.<br /><br />Currently I am working on some socks for my mother in law and I was able to make sure they fit this weekend and she has a ton of knitting needles from her mother that she gifted me with. They are now neatly tucked away in my knitting gear with the exception of the straights which have found a home in a large glass vase on my end table.<br /><br />I will do my best to not take such a long break from my blogging. hopefully I will also have new photos soon!Llamabeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13557067749421873819noreply@blogger.com0