tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69966371553403835582024-03-08T05:08:05.148-05:00CrobyworksUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-65895856989574359962015-03-05T17:28:00.000-05:002015-03-05T17:28:52.152-05:00Now is the winter of our....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Temps in the teens and below; winds like the Roaring Forties; clear roads and sidewalks that are ice rinks made so by wintry mixes, snow, rain, sleet or small chunks of ice (last Sunday afternoon). This winter has hit the gauge by which I measure bad winters: Your fingers don't feel cold without gloves when it's 32F.<br />
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I have a quilted coat that I save for the coldest days. Most winters I wear it maybe 20 days between December and March 1, because it is keeps me so warm that above 35F, it is uncomfortably warm. I have worn the coat almost every day from the end of January and I'm still wearing it. I've worn shoes to work once in the last 15-20 days. The rest of the time it's been my purple boots because they grip best on ice. Warmish days (those where the temps climb to the mid-30'sF), deepens the nightmare because what melts during the day, freezes again at night.<br />
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Today is another snow day. It's been snowing steadily since about 07:00 and it is 16:15 now. I sent emails and chatted at bit on FB (a rarity for me). Then I spent a few hours working on the financials for work making some good progress.<br />
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So until the sun of York decides to show his face and make glorious summer or 40F with no wind, here are some photos:<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-20483984568437542672015-02-19T18:30:00.002-05:002015-02-19T18:30:23.618-05:00February Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Lunar New Year and Welcome to the Year of the Wood Sheep<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Our weather of late has made and I suspect in the coming
days, will continue to make the news. It is cold; or COLD as the word appeared
on the weather page of one of the region’s most reliable sources of news for
weather and traffic. We’re all little bundles of our own warmth walking about,
standing on subway platforms, or waiting to cross the street. We doff our hoods
from swaddled heads once in the safe warmth of an indoor space. The brave
remove their gloves to raccoon away on a smart device or more often to
reinvigorate circulation to cold hands. Yes, this week it has become
increasingly unusual to see someone stop in mid stride arrested by something on
a small screen. Our movements in the outdoors are purposeful and directed. Even
that dreaded and much derided phrase of last winter Arctic Vortex has
reemerged. No one now needs a definition and the temperatures have muted
protests of exaggeration.<o:p> </o:p><br />
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My personal hero has been the Nomad Hat. The hat portion
covers the entire head and wrapping the scarf around my neck—even though I
didn’t knit it as long as the pattern dictated—protects my throat and neck from
the cold. Next are my various pairs of fingerless gloves worn over gloves or
convertible mitts providing an additional layer of warmth without inhibiting
dexterity. Lastly, the Gansey Legwarmers worn with a ski liner and socks
stuffed into boots.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Besides the weather, I have finally picked a stitch pattern
from Nihon Vogue Sha’s Knitting Patterns 300. I’ve worked out how to use the
knitting symbol fonts downloaded from the Knitting Universe website to type the
patter into an Excel workbook. I’ve learned the value of the traditional SSK—having
previously always used Barbara Walker’s version—in knitting the vertical double
decrease. I’ve managed to rearrange the stitches to avoid YO’s being the first
or last stitch on the needle and the knitting is starting to percolate along
nicely.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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Toupie is coping well. He has the ottoman, the dresser, the
armchair in the dining room and the futon as refuges from the cold floor. I
give him warm water daily and keep the heating at 72F. He has avoided his usual
perch of the bathroom rug this week. I think the tiled floor is just too cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-44186822424387026012015-01-30T19:13:00.000-05:002015-01-30T19:13:57.917-05:00Gussets Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My bedtime reading of late has been The Principles of
Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. I’ve incorporated the left and right leaning
raised increases in the thumb gusset. Very pleasing and very easy to do.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s been very cold here lately. My apartment is always cold
because it sits atop the concrete roof of the garage. Yesterday, I picked up
Toupie’s water bowl to fill it, only to find that it was frozen to the floor.
But never fear, puss has lots of places to curl up and roll around, like the
computer chair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A wind gust catches his attention</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-20498065393654405092015-01-29T23:07:00.004-05:002015-01-30T18:19:11.603-05:00Disorganized Organization and Gusset Adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While awaiting the start of my next temporary assignment, I
mentally went through my list of to dos, which consists mainly of things whose
disorganization I find annoying. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Long wishing to organize my downloaded knitting patterns, I
started there. I kept the categories broad: tops, mittens (including gloves,
arm warmers, in short, anything related to hands), e-books, skirts, socks,
shawls, cowls, home (anything not wearable), etc. I also weeded. Anything I
knew stood no possibility of being knitted went to the Recycle Bin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The rewards were immediate. New downloads are immediately saved
in a folder. During one of my stash dives, I came across one of a pair of
gloves I was knitting in Cascade 220. But what was the pattern? Scrolling
through my mitten folder, I discovered the pattern complete with the last row
knit highlighted in pink.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Gusset Adventures</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the reasons I so desired to knit the 1861 Cottage
Mitts was the different gusset for the thumb. While the lifted increase
produces two nice rows of left and right slanting stiches outlining the V of
the thumb gusset, I found overtime these stitches are under strain. I wanted to
keep the nice gusset outline but eliminate the strain. I found solutions in
Beth Brown-Reinsel’s book Knitting Ganseys. </div>
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Using Lion Bran Fisherman’s Wool in
the Birch Tweed colorway is 78% wool and 13% Acrylic and 9% Rayon I cast on 40
stitches on size 3.5mm dpns and knit 27 rows in k1p1 rib. On row 28 I knit one
stitch, placed a marker, purled the next stitch and lifted one stitch from the
row below for the increase. Knitting one row between increases, I plan to
continue this until I have 12 stitches for the gusset before casting on
stitches for the fourchette and joining in the round.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I learned from knitting a pair of convertible mittens
with this yarn on size 4.5mm needles is that it pays to knit mittens and gloves
a tighter gauge than recommended. The firmer fabric is warmer and keeps pilling
to a minimum. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-17057665421008087262015-01-13T10:27:00.000-05:002015-01-13T10:27:32.108-05:00Start As You Mean to Go On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It’s January 9 and I’ve finished my Gansey Leg Warmers and
one of my 1861 Cottage Wristers.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Besides the snow on Tuesday, it has been very cold this
week. Temps managed to get into the 30’s today but won’t get past the mid 20’s
tomorrow. The wristers gave me an idea. I wore a pair of fingerless mitts under
my Rowan Creative Focus wool gloves this week. Toasty!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our new controllable heating system works well. I can lower
the temp during the day and at bedtime and only keep the thermostat at 80 in
the evenings and on weekends. I am thinking about putting the cotton rug to
use. Because I’m on the first floor and sitting on top of the concrete roof of
the garage, my floors are really cold. The water is positively icy from the cold-water
tap; and I’ve been downing 20 ounce glasses of fresh lemonade in the evenings.
I attribute the pneumonia shot and the fresh vitamin C combined with plenty of
hand washing as the reason I’ve so far avoided catching the flu. Several people
at work have had it and a few have developed pneumonia.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-7162004867295518382015-01-09T22:00:00.001-05:002015-01-09T22:00:14.888-05:00Koala's and the Australian Bushfires<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Koala's can use our help to recover from burn injuries to their paws received during the recent bushfires.<o:p> </o:p><br />
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Please read: <a href="http://www.ifaw.org/australia/news/koalas-sew-need-you-summer"><span style="color: orange;">Click</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/default/KOALA-MITTENS-PATTERN-A4.pdf"><span style="color: orange;">Link</span></a>
to sewing pattern for cotton mitts. These are easy enough to stitch by hand if you don't have a machine.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-34596554232797802832015-01-04T16:50:00.002-05:002015-01-04T16:50:38.947-05:00First Pawing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The New Year’s Day tradition here is that as the man of the
house, aka Toupie, First Paws the apartment. He had a bit of a wander before
returning this year. I gave him treats as a reward.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p>I have finished the first 1861 Cottage Wrister. Once I figured
out the issue with the stitch count during the increases, it was smooth
sailing. The thumb is very natural looking, no gaps or pulled gusset stitches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have four skeins of
the Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool. Words cannot express my disappointment in the
quality. It is splitty because it is so poorly spun. I had no knots but did
have two clumps. It is full of guard hairs, which didn’t bother me but have
bothered others. My gauge was 8 stitches to the inch. I don’t think I would
want to create a fabric less dense for an item that will get a lot of wear,
because it might not hold up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unlike my mittens knit with the Sirritogv, there is no
bounce or energy in the final fabric. But they will serve their intended
purpose as an under glove for the Sirritogv mittens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<strong>EU VAT Mess<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
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What were they thinking? It’s a little obvious that not much
thinking went into it. As more people access EU digital services and content
discovering price rises or content and services no longer available,
politicians will start to hear the complaints and feel the heat. If the
intention of this law was to hit the big multinationals, then why wasn’t a
revenue threshold set? Instead of growing micro and small businesses, this
legislation not only puts their existence in danger, but makes starting up more
onerous. <o:p> </o:p></div>
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Here are more links and some possible solutions for traders.<br />
<a href="http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2014/a-practical-guide-to-the-eus-new-vat-rules-video-games-and-digital-content-sales/"><span style="color: #e69138;">http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2014/a-practical-guide-to-the-eus-new-vat-rules-video-games-and-digital-content-sales/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/vat-on-digital-goods-to-be-levied-locally-under-new-eu-rules-1.2049880"><span style="color: #e69138;">http://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/vat-on-digital-goods-to-be-levied-locally-under-new-eu-rules-1.2049880</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.taxamo.com/"><span style="color: #e69138;">http://www.taxamo.com/</span></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-48969323812308840142015-01-01T15:02:00.004-05:002015-01-01T15:02:51.928-05:00Year of the Wood Sheep<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It doesn’t officially begin until February 17 or so, but
since celebrations for everything nowadays begin months before time, why not.
As long as we don’t forget that officially we are still under the influence of
the Iron Horse. Unlike the Iron Horse, the Wood Sheep is a more expansive. 2015
should be a good year for growth—no this is not a financial prediction.<o:p></o:p><br />
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To start the year’s knitting off right, I cast on for a
project I’ve wanted to knit since I read the article in Piecework’s January/February
2013 issue, 1861 Cottage Industry Wristers and Mitts. It took cleaning the coat
and luggage closet leading to the discovery of a bag of hidden stash with a
skein of Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool in Nature’s Brown colorway that decided
the issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the project notes on Ravelry and on the Piecework
website, I discovered an issue with the pattern. I sat down and spent some time
rereading the directions and figured out where the initial confusion occurs in
the first round after the ribbing the number of stitches increased is given as
3. Three stitches are actually increased each time you complete the three round
sequence for the thumb gusset. But if you knit that sequence 6 times as
directed, the total round of increased stitches is 18 instead of the printed 17.
It is possible to knit the three round sequence six times and set of 18
stitches for the thumb gusset. However, since I have small hands, I decided to
stick with the 17 stitches. To achieve that, after the thumb gusset contained
15 stitches, I knit rounds 2 and 3 once more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think there is a further problem with the number of
fourchette stitches but I will deal with that once I knit the 8 plain rounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All this is a shame because this is actually a pattern a
beginner could knit and since it is knit using a worsted weight yarn on size 1
needles, the fabric created is dense and will keep the hands warm. Especially
since the wristers and the mittens can be worn together or separately. But I
confess to being one of those who more often than not when there are issues
with a pattern, just move on to the next item in my queue or bright and shiny
object that catches my attention. What drove me in this instance—which is the
initial thing about the pattern that grabbed my attention—was the construction
of the thumb gusset. A construction I will apply to my next set of mittens or
gloves because it eliminates the possibility of holes or stretched stitches
that can occur with the M1L/M1R construction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have posted my modifications on my project page on Ravelry
and on the Knitting Daily forum for the pattern. I hope that some knitter will find
my notes helpful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-9357946918859523442014-12-14T09:45:00.000-05:002014-12-14T09:45:00.163-05:00Latvian Braid and other adventures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes I find Audiobooks a struggle. I love the Great
Courses but there are so few on non-Western history. I like the courses because
they are generally long and I can listen to them through a weekend as I knit,
tidy, and generally space out. Subconsciously ruminating on what to listen to
next, The Forsyte Saga suddenly popped into my mind on the way home Friday. I’d
read the books when I was 17 or 18 and had a vague recollection of them being
hard going. The reviews on Audible were glowing. It took me about an hour to
get used to the narrator but he really does capture not just the characters but
also the tone of the underlying themes of the books.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Last week I perused Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2013
featuring a hat with Latvian Braid. In my continual stash busting, I’d bought
some KP Telemark yarn when it was being discontinued to make gloves. Needing
another pair of fingerless convertibles, (they really are SO useful in the
winter). I decided to conquer Latvian Braid. A five-minute <a href="https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0LEVyZ5gI1UHQQAqZxXNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTkwMQRncHJpZAM2ZDVxcWplUVJ2NmtBNmlsTlZhUFhBBG5fcnNsdAMwBG5fc3VnZwMxMARvcmlnaW4Dc2VhcmNoLnlhaG9vLmNvbQRwb3MDMARwcXN0cgMEcHFzdHJsAwRxc3RybAMyMgRxdWVyeQNsYXR2aWFuIGJyYWlkIHlvdSB0dWJlBHRfc3RtcAMxNDE4NTY0NTY3?p=latvian+braid+you+tube&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=yfp-t-901&fp=1"><span style="color: #0563c1;">You
Tube video</span></a> and I was off and knitting. It really is so easy and creates such
a stunning effect. I used Ann Budd’s The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns for
the gauge cast on numbers and the thumb gusset.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDhN6A52r5E/VI2iEFfWeII/AAAAAAAABMY/6RHyXMhOyoE/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDhN6A52r5E/VI2iEFfWeII/AAAAAAAABMY/6RHyXMhOyoE/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloves with Latvian Braid knit to match jacket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
Toupie had a fit of litter rejection this week. How do I
explain that his normal litter was not in stock and the litter I bought was the
only one available in a size I could carry from the store. After scooping it
out of the box a few times only to see it swept up and returned, he got the
message.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-61284206392379340672014-12-13T22:20:00.000-05:002014-12-14T09:52:18.949-05:00Deaths and Taxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A great many words will be written and spoken about the “march”
today in Washington, Not much about last night’s powerful and poignant silent
protest. A little background. Since the grand jury verdicts on police involved
deaths, there have been daily peaceful protests in Washington. Some organized
with large numbers of participants. Some with just a handful people. I happen
to see these because they are occurring near where I work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Friday night during
rush hour, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/protesters-aim-to-illuminate-16th-st-nw-from-the-white-house-to-silver-spring/2014/12/12/889b18fc-8222-11e4-8882-03cf08410beb_story.html?hpid=z3"><span style="color: #0563c1;">a
silent vigil</span></a> with candles and signs the length of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_Street_NW_(Washington,_D.C.)"><span style="color: #0563c1;">16</span><sup><span style="color: #0563c1;">th</span></sup><span style="color: #0563c1;">
street</span></a> (which runs some 8 miles from Lafayette Square at the back of the
White House to the Maryland DC line and beyond.) There were no speeches or
chanting. Just people standing singly or in groups, some with signs, most with
candles, torches, or oil lamps. Luminarias lined the pavements north of where I
live. It belied the cheer of the holiday season lights twinkling from windows,
balconies and house fronts and accompanied by drivers honking their support and
the ringing of bells from supporting houses of worship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On January 1<sup>st</sup>, a new EU VAT regulation will go
into effect from small digital service and content providers. This law will
require them to collect, pay, and retain transaction records for all sales to
EU countries regardless of local sales or VAT regulation. For example, if I
sell to an EU country, I would be required to collect and pay the tax required
in that country. This will affect all small traders selling digital products
like patterns, e-books and e-courses as well as small web hosting businesses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here are some links for more information:<br />
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/11/25/eus-new-vatmoss-rules-could-create-a-vatmess-for-startups/">http://techcrunch.com/2014/11/25/eus-new-vatmoss-rules-could-create-a-vatmess-for-startups/</a><br />
<a href="http://euvataction.org/2014/12/12/vat-a-mess-new-eu-tax-rules-set-to-close-small-businesses/">http://euvataction.org/2014/12/12/vat-a-mess-new-eu-tax-rules-set-to-close-small-businesses/</a><br />
<br />
Please sign the petition: <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.change.org/p/pierre-moscovici-a-unilateral-suspension-of-the-introduction-of-the-new-eu-vat-laws-for-micro-businesses-and-sole-traders">https://www.change.org/p/pierre-moscovici-a-unilateral-suspension-of-the-introduction-of-the-new-eu-vat-laws-for-micro-businesses-and-sole-traders</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-64045173664190253452014-12-07T18:04:00.002-05:002014-12-07T18:04:49.720-05:00Quiet Week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s been a quiet week as I worked on the second Gansey Leg
Warmer. This and the She’s Electric skirt are the first projects where I really
understand the rhythm or music of the knitting.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My goal is to finish the legwarmers this week and to start
knitting the second glove. Speaking of goals, I’m way behind on my yardage knit
goal for the year. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOwfVD7zlz4/VITc405DzCI/AAAAAAAABMI/cneGyZXK5SU/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOwfVD7zlz4/VITc405DzCI/AAAAAAAABMI/cneGyZXK5SU/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Toupie has recovered from the excitement of the new
neighbors moving in. But the barking jags of various dogs in the building keep
him intrigued when he’s not escaping into the hallway to see people.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-31313962901829306912014-11-28T18:19:00.000-05:002014-11-28T18:19:59.844-05:00Grazing and Knitting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Thanksgiving has thankfully come and didn’t get a chance to
properly go before the start of the Black Friday and the holiday shopping
madness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is really one of my favorite times of year. Yes, it
gets dark earlier, and the weather can be from brisk to freezing. That makes it
all the easier to cuddle up with a mug of something hot to read a good book,
get lost in the complexity of symphony, or knit something. Gone is the allure
of sunset at 9pm or a sunlight-bathed world to seduce us to forget ourselves
and go outside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I had to recognize that although I don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">celebrate</i> Thanksgiving—as in getting
together with family or friends to have meal—I do have a Thanksgiving
tradition. About 25 years ago, I discovered a prepared food shop had several
different kinds of stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and traditional vegetables
available. Since then I treat myself to a cornucopia of whatever stuffings are
on offer cranberry sauce and gravy. Over the years, I started preparing the veg
myself. This means I can graze all day without a mountain of leftovers and
hours of preparation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I used to drive my mother mad in the weeks leading up to
Thanksgiving. I never liked turkey, but could/can eat stuffing forever. My
mother would do a mix of commercially bought stuffing and bread ends that she
froze, thawed, baked until they were toast and mixed with the commercial
stuffing and spices. The problem was I would eat those cubes of commercial stuffing
(she usually bought what she was going to cook before Halloween). Often the
Saturday before she when she was checking ingredients before the final holiday shop,
I would have gone through most if not all of the stuffing. Total exasperation
and a lecture was the result.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Therefore, this Thanksgiving, I spent the day grazing and
knitting the Gansey Leg Warmers in between a few naps and a few chores. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtP0jNtoxr0/VHkCmBTHOSI/AAAAAAAABL0/ecawGlQ2vLg/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtP0jNtoxr0/VHkCmBTHOSI/AAAAAAAABL0/ecawGlQ2vLg/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-62705636239383259032014-11-23T18:26:00.000-05:002014-11-23T18:26:00.392-05:00Return of the Fox<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Three of my favorite knitting newsletters hit my inbox
today. Knitter’s Review by Clara Parkes, Patternfish Newsletter and the
Schoolhouse Press newsletter. These are must-reads as the content is always
interesting and useful. I have somehow been unable to receive the Wendy’s Knits
newsletters since October 19. They aren’t in my spam folder and the newsletter
email address is not in my junk list. Sigh. I miss piccy’s of Loki.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The fox is back; truly a sign the Fall has arrived. He
screamed for longer on Wednesday night than Thursday; but each Fall after the
clocks change, I wait to hear that he/she is back. There was unusual howling
Friday night. Couldn’t identify the critter from the sound. It’s so nice in a
brick and concrete city, to know that just beyond the fence that separates my building from the park, there are foxes,
coyotes, deer and very rarely a cougar or bear.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On the needles, the September Fingerless, the She’s Electric
skirt, and the Gansey Legwarmers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxweMQy1szc/VHIG7KmikBI/AAAAAAAABLU/FaqGYkWHbQY/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxweMQy1szc/VHIG7KmikBI/AAAAAAAABLU/FaqGYkWHbQY/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gansey Legwarmers; Knit Picks Palette; Cornmeal colorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlDUcSovP0o/VHJs2W-Bn6I/AAAAAAAABLk/VkLo63_NmU0/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlDUcSovP0o/VHJs2W-Bn6I/AAAAAAAABLk/VkLo63_NmU0/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I WAS napping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span id="goog_467497491"></span><span id="goog_467497492"></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-82157295482793846622014-11-19T20:56:00.001-05:002014-11-19T20:56:44.977-05:00Glove Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Knitting has made me a mitten maven. Mittens, even flip-top
mittens, keep fingers and hands warmer. Flip-top mittens allow you to free your
fingers when needed. Moreover, fingerless gloves can keep off the chill and be
a fashion statement at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A couple of weeks ago, I reread Deborah Newton’s article the
December 1987/January 1988 issue of Threads on knitting gloves. That inspired
me to knit another pair of gloves. Applying the KISS principle, I went to Ann
Budd’s The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns and her basic glove pattern. No, I
didn’t swatch (shame, shame). Using a skein of Knit Picks overspun Wool of the
Andes and size 2.5mm needles I cast on 56 stitches. I paid very close attention
to the thumb increases, marking each one with a coiless pin. In knitting the
fingers, I switched to 4” dpns leaving the waiting stitches on the six-inch
dpns and only moved the stitches in waiting to thread now that I’m knitting the
last two fingers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_d79_Dq9HDg/VG1KMnRz_LI/AAAAAAAABLE/4ynKmqr7La0/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_d79_Dq9HDg/VG1KMnRz_LI/AAAAAAAABLE/4ynKmqr7La0/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-12517006848419961942014-11-15T13:43:00.001-05:002014-11-15T13:43:24.544-05:00Baby, It's Cold Outside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://liveblog.wtop.com/Event/WTOPspin_2/133200603"><span style="color: #0563c1;">This</span></a>
is just funny, especially in a week where the local football franchise’s
tickets are reselling for as low as $11.00. I had a convo with a co-worker who
is going to tomorrow’s game (she’s not happy about the cold weather). The
antipathy towards the local NFL franchise has two loci: the owner and the
consistently poor performance of the team in recent decades. I can remember the
days—before the Super Bowl rich 1980’s—when we may not have been winners, but
we were contenders. In the last 20 years, we only seem slowly to descend the
ladder of also-rans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPldBgQfbvM/VGed1MoD6OI/AAAAAAAABKs/v08PrEFcgj8/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPldBgQfbvM/VGed1MoD6OI/AAAAAAAABKs/v08PrEFcgj8/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Knitting has been fun this week. I’ve finished the first
glove of the September Fingerless Gloves using Knit Picks Telemark in the Cork
colorway. What a fun, well-written pattern. My only despair is that it is too
cold outside to go fingerless. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yes, we have freezing temps. The outlook for the coming week
doesn’t bode well for those who don’t like the cold. I wore the Little Things
hat yesterday and it was toasty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On the needles are the second September Fingerless, the She’s
Electric Skirt and a pair of gloves from Ann Budd’s The Knitter’s Book of
Patterns in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes overspun yarn sport-weight yarn in the
Forest Heather colorway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another mad Friday night with Toupie. I really should try to
capture on video the look of wild determination on his face when he sprints
from one end of the apartment to the other. There was lots of that last night
and some wild playing with a ball by the front door. When I made up the bed and
turned on the electric blanket, he curled up, head on pillow and didn’t budge
till this morning. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiL1l76w1Eo/VGeeWLqRXEI/AAAAAAAABK0/mPrhxWw39FE/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiL1l76w1Eo/VGeeWLqRXEI/AAAAAAAABK0/mPrhxWw39FE/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too cold for the tweet tweets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-24105450657495936632014-11-09T09:08:00.000-05:002014-11-09T09:08:10.831-05:00When the Ordinary Becomes the Extraordinary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28944062"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Romo</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Now that I no longer work in Adams Morgan, I only see Romo
once or twice a week. I was surprised to see this BBC article a couple of months ago. Unaware of his fame, Romo
was just the doggie in the window by the bus stop. What I’ve always liked about
him is attitude. Traffic, passersby, people waiting at the bus stop, Romo
ignores them all most times and focuses on whatever he chooses. He’s in the
window because that’s where he wants to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Speaking of pets with attitude, Toupie had a spate of
mischief of Friday night that has left enervated most of yesterday and this
morning. Near midnight Friday, after playing with toys, repeatedly running the length of
the apartment, furious play with a stack of post-it arrows, we got into over
the trash bin near the computer table. Several times, he knocked it over and
dived in with head and paws looking for something he could turn into a toy. I
finally solved the problem by removing the trash bag. In between his hijinks, I
made progress on the She’s Electric Skirt. The rounds are long, but it is an enjoyable
knit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-MrkIV5yDM/VF9z-Fl6pHI/AAAAAAAABKA/OT1NsVgv6OY/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-MrkIV5yDM/VF9z-Fl6pHI/AAAAAAAABKA/OT1NsVgv6OY/s1600/IMG_2770.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finished: OdessII in Blackstone Tweed's Ancient Mariner colorway<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDOrdmOm1tM/VF90Q0S4TMI/AAAAAAAABKI/yPFI9z6u7LE/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDOrdmOm1tM/VF90Q0S4TMI/AAAAAAAABKI/yPFI9z6u7LE/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p>Mischief</o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbyOrxHiG8Y/VF90fRKWqDI/AAAAAAAABKQ/gB8Mn9ZtvRc/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbyOrxHiG8Y/VF90fRKWqDI/AAAAAAAABKQ/gB8Mn9ZtvRc/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to Workout<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDhz6C_oVls/VF90sXRCaqI/AAAAAAAABKY/VfeTwAuSnwU/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDhz6C_oVls/VF90sXRCaqI/AAAAAAAABKY/VfeTwAuSnwU/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Action Shot: Clawing Mummy's housecoat when she's in it </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-51214970509227921642014-11-04T20:14:00.001-05:002014-11-04T20:15:20.622-05:00Errata<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know those corrections in printed knitting pattern instructions. I’ve
learned. I’ve been checking for errata before knitting.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Was told in the automatic checkout line—with the concurrence
(both verbal and non-verbal) of others behind me—that I was the fastest person
they’d ever seen use the checkout. I thanked the speaker and told him that I
hate the automatic check out. For starters, they are too loud and too
impersonal. They seem to break or get cranky leaving you waiting for store
personnel to help or move you to another machine. People are dreadfully slow
using them—even the ones that aren’t on their mobiles. I won’t post how I feel
about people on mobiles in grocery stores. They are actually worse than people
walking, pacing or coming to a dead stop in the middle of the pavement to make
a point to the person on the other end of the line. GRRR<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Actually going grocery shopping at most stores is a cross
between and three-ring circus and being a lab rat in a maze with a trolley or basket.
You barely get in the door before you are confronted with a wall of whatever is
on special. The Giant in Silver Spring is notorious for its 10 foot high
displays near the Starbucks outlet. These hog the main aisle from the veg to
the checkout lanes creating bottlenecks even when the store isn’t crowded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’m making good progress on my second Odessa. I a knitting
it with Blackstone Tweed which is a denser yarn than the Rowan Felted Tweed.
The yarn doesn’t have much give and feels slightly artificial. It will be interesting
to see how it responds after a good soaking.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-30918959825907471922014-11-02T07:52:00.000-05:002014-11-02T14:01:06.443-05:00November Starting More Like March<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
November has come in like a lion. Yesterday was wet, windy and closer to cold than cool. This morning there is a wind advisory. At least there is sunshine, so later today I can take and add piccy's of my completed Little Things hat knit in Knit Picks Palette in the Fairy Tale colorway.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH1Yn41qpco/VFZ-HamC-NI/AAAAAAAABJw/g7BSle80mXY/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH1Yn41qpco/VFZ-HamC-NI/AAAAAAAABJw/g7BSle80mXY/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Things Hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Also on the needles is a pair of convertible fingerless knit in Knit Picks Gloss and another Knit Picks yarn whose ball band I've misplaced. Another Odessa hat in Blackstone Tweed in the Ancient Mariner colorway and work continues on the She's Electric skirt.<br />
<br />
The best Halloween costume at work this week was a sword wielding bear. No luck in persuading Toupie to go roam the corridors and do the black cat thing Halloween night.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-3629125385318706352014-10-28T19:52:00.000-04:002014-10-28T19:52:37.223-04:00Cheesed Off and some knitting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I’ve neglected blogging. In the past couple of weeks I’ve
been a’ swatching. Mostly in the round to get gauge for garments, I want to knit.<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It is frustrating and relaxing at the same time. Frustrating
because I’d rather be knitting the garment. Relaxing…well it is knitting after all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
I’ve been a bit cheesed off, lately. I’ve been keeping a
tally of the number of emails I receive from Interweaves Knitting Daily,
Knitting Traditions. It averages between three to five emails a day. More when
there is a sale or special on. Almost all our shilling magazines, patterns,
kits, classes or offerings from their “sister” whatever. When Sandi was
producing the Knitting Daily emails I actually looked forward to them because
at least once a week there was tip or trick that I found helpful and
educational. What I really enjoyed was emails where members of the staff all
modeled the same sweater sometimes with notes about modifications made. In the
past year and half most of these emails just get their boxes ticked and
deleted. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
What put me over the edge was an email announcing the
release of a book of 30 patterns by an author I’d never heard of and can’t find
on the web. Worse, the book’s web page only shows four patterns. Four!! I’m
used to going to Ravelry to look up all the patterns in an Interweave magazine
or book because their previews are so stingy. Unlike Vogue, that not only shows
you pictures but for the magazine, you get video of each garment on a live
model. So on the strength of four measly photos, Interweave expects that I and
thousands of others will plunk down $16.99…not!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ve also gotten in touch with the fact that I haven’t
nearly knitted down as much stash as I set out to this year. Hence the
swatching. I have started knitting the She’s Electric skirt. I used Ysolda’s
provisional cast on. I frogged and restarted twice and then went to Mon Tricot
knitting patterns book and discovered what I was doing wrong. Third time the
charm on size 10 needles. I did a k1p1 instead of the k2p2 ribbing, but I now
know how to do a k2p2 with this cast on. It makes a lovely edge for the skirt.
Not fears of rolling or curling. I repeated the garter squares chart twice to
lengthen the skirt from 16” to 20”. I am using Knit Picks Telemark in the
Carnation colorway. I bought 10 skeins when KP discontinued this lovely to knit
with yarn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEtRUOjnNNU/VFArtEU6CnI/AAAAAAAABJg/EshiBvixWQE/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEtRUOjnNNU/VFArtEU6CnI/AAAAAAAABJg/EshiBvixWQE/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-31043582884408481862014-10-11T11:26:00.000-04:002014-10-11T11:26:20.310-04:00Dignity and Serenity....not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DQmFx9Rctw/VDlG1SX-NBI/AAAAAAAABJI/pKjkcCT_56c/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DQmFx9Rctw/VDlG1SX-NBI/AAAAAAAABJI/pKjkcCT_56c/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If there is one area in which I am a bad pet parent, it is in remembering Toupie's age. I remember is birthday, October 27. Just can't ever remember if the year is 2005 or 2006.<br />
<br />
In honor of his upcoming date of birth, I purchased some organic catnip (or nip as it is known around here) last night.<br />
<br />
What constantly amazes me is that Toupie recognizes shopping bags (totes, plastic or paper) as containing items which he can either try to retrieve or rearrange for a bed. Most amazing is that he immediately recognizes the pet store plastic bag. So last night when I put down the tote containing the bag from the pet store, the usual welcoming trills, purring and leg rubbing came to an immediate halt and his entire attention was given to getting the bag out of the tote. I intervened securing the bag and it's contents. The sample box of pet food (which I use for treats) I put on the floor near his food bowls. A period of total ecstasy followed. He trilled and pawed the box. Then rolled back an forth on the floor his eyes glazed with pleasure. I opened a can of wet food, but there was not response from him to the sound. Nip secured briefly in the fruit stand, I stepped over his prone form to put the bowl down. A few minutes later he went over to check the bowl and its contents. Then he marched into the dining room and began to meow. I was going that way to start my dinner. When I emerged from the kitchen he was sitting by the small three draw plastic cabinet. Then he was on his hind legs. Paws on the cabinet. Next he tried to jump up. That didn't work. Then he tried climbing, but fell before reaching the top. I quickly removed the nip from the fruit stand (which is on a table next to the cabinet). I quickly walked through the living and into the closet leading to the bathroom (closing the closet door behind me) and put the nip in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom.<br />
<br />
After dinner I took the plastic jar (used for marinating toys in nip) to the bathroom and put a little nip in, shook the toys and emerged. At my feet, Toupie cavorted, jumped, circumnavigated, rubbed against my ankles alternating vocalizations. Finally I put a nip encrusted white fluffy toy on the crocheted rug. Twenty minutes of heaven ensued. A nap, some dinner and he was back pawing my ankles as I sat at the computer. Two nip marinated toys later, he was finally ready for bed.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-11910494371177842942014-08-31T07:32:00.004-04:002014-08-31T07:32:38.909-04:00Return of the Kitten<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Toupie had an attack of the crazies yesterday that included a frantic tail chasing session. I haven’t seen him chase his tail in years.
There was also a minor attack on the small packet of M&M’s in my tote bag.
Managed to nip that in the bud. It all ended in a long nap curled up on one of
the crocheted rugs.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Despite completing two projects in July, I feel terribly
behind in my knitting progress. Finally started a Hitchhiker after admiring so
many, especially those knit by Lindylou on Ravelry. The pattern is simple, I
just couldn’t get it. After getting guidance and using post-it highlight tape,
things have started to move. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBBI4zYyc6s/VAMHYEBGtFI/AAAAAAAABIs/pZqe9UEM7BU/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBBI4zYyc6s/VAMHYEBGtFI/AAAAAAAABIs/pZqe9UEM7BU/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Finished my first Citron; it just needs blocking. I think I’ll
do this again in a lace weight yarn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpjHeR_ZhM/VAMHpTrW_rI/AAAAAAAABI0/DmOMeq94sqg/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvpjHeR_ZhM/VAMHpTrW_rI/AAAAAAAABI0/DmOMeq94sqg/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-57656654824479650582014-08-10T06:29:00.000-04:002014-08-10T06:29:12.033-04:00Weeding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Quiet start to the month as I wait for a temp assignment. It’s
August in Washington. Congress is recessed; people are on holiday. Between
interviews, testing, and emails, I’ve been doing some serious weeding. The eye
that had the surgery has less inflammation and longer periods when I hardly
notice it all. At my last visit, the IOP was 6, which is totally normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weeding<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I am seriously weeding my books and contributing them to the
sharing space in the laundry room. Last week’s lot went in under 30 minutes.
It’s been a revealing look at myself. I’d forgotten about my Somerset Maugham
phase; but well remember the Thomas Hardy phase. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It’s also a revealing look at the past. I estimate about 80
percent of my books were purchased in bookstores. Looking at the inventory
labels and sales receipts (interesting how many sales receipts I used as
bookmarks), only Barnes and Noble and two local shops: Kramer’s and Politics
and Prose remain. This is the loss of an experience, of a way of making a
consumer choice. With many of these books, I can remember, even without a sales
receipt or inventory label, where and when I purchased them. How the impetus to
explore and read came not from Amazon reviews and the frustratingly limited <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look inside</i> but more often than not from
the physical act of browsing sparking curiosity leading to reading either the
back cover or a chapter and the spontaneous decision to invest not only my
money but also my time. There was no waiting for the two-day delivery, but the
immediate visceral satisfaction of allowing the pages of my purchase to
transport me as soon as I boarded the bus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Make no mistake; it is not my intention to knock the Amazon
experience. I find it gives me a greater option for purchasing used books and
it is great purchasing option when you know what you want. There on the screen
is not only the price but also the in stock status. In addition, I do remember
the bad old days when a non-mass market book required phoning around or even
placing an order through a brick and mortar store with the publisher and the
subsequent 5 to 10 day or more wait. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
None of this disruption has made Toupie happy. The stacks of
books in the foyer cut into his play space and he has tired of sniffing them.
If there is a successful way to undertake clearing out without making a major
temporary mess, I haven’t found it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL9us-ssXcM/U-dI4F1yKzI/AAAAAAAABIY/fatDcLOsD70/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL9us-ssXcM/U-dI4F1yKzI/AAAAAAAABIY/fatDcLOsD70/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like being on top of the drying rack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Knitting<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Meanwhile my knitting continues. I have an Ishbel, a Citron
and the Skyp Socks (still) on the needles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’ve completed the Bodhisattva class. I take my vows next
month. The class was a good in deepening my understanding of the material I’ve studied
and confirmed that I am ready to commit to the aspiration.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-55558342162068596382014-07-14T10:28:00.002-04:002014-07-14T10:28:26.497-04:00June-July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sock Blockers<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Yes! I finally took the plunge. I ordered a small size and
thought them too large, but they are perfect. My socks dry faster and it is
easier slipping them on the blocker than trying to lay them out perfectly to
dry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Eye Surgery<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
For years now, I have inter-ocular pressure that isn’t
caused by glaucoma, cataracts or my diabetes and I’ve been on a daily regime of
drops, which has managed but not significantly lessen the pressure. The
pressure continue to damage the eye nerve and my vision continues to
deteriorate. About two years ago, I had laser surgery on my right eye to create
new drainage channels for the fluid. Again, the pressure dropped but remained
steady after dropping. Last week I had a trab, a surgery that creates a
permanent drainage channel where the eyeball and lid meet. (Shiver inducing isn’t
it). I was beyond nervous about the surgery, but for several factors:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->I have total faith in my ophthalmologist’s skill
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There’s nothing wrong with being afraid<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If the surgery works—it will be several weeks
before we know—it will stop or severely retard vision loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I haven’t had pain as such. Just discomfort, like having a
grain of something in your eye that doesn’t move. That is mostly from the
stitches. The eye is a bit gloopy in the morning but once I do the series of drops
and gently clean my lashes, I can see well out of the eye with occasional tearing
episodes. The swelling has gone down considerably and I can almost open my eye
normally. I feeling less fragile and was actually awake all day yesterday—I think
the tiredness from the stress, the surgery, and the 10-12 hour days I’ve been
working the last month finally wore off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Toupie, of course, is very happy that I am “around”. He
immediately was aware that something was different when I came home with the
eye patch. Lots of considered staring. He alternated between sitting on
top of the futon to watch me carefully when I curled up to nap and curling up
next to me. He has gotten used to my neighbor, who has been keeping an eye on
me, coming over and even jumped up on the dresser as an invitation to pet me
during one of her visits. He was even friendly to another neighbor last evening
during our kitchen sink clog drama.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhqcirV3yNA/U8PnXXrZdPI/AAAAAAAABH4/BSKi1yQNiRM/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xhqcirV3yNA/U8PnXXrZdPI/AAAAAAAABH4/BSKi1yQNiRM/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a bit of give and go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Knitting<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I finished the Ann Budd socks using KP’s bare Donegal Tweed
yarn. I started a knitting the Weaver’s Socks using KP Essential in soot and
the remaining KP Tiger yarn but I have to put these on hold as knitting with
black yarn and 1.5 eyes just wasn’t working. I think I shall move on to the
Mobius Cowl pattern featured on the cover of Vogue Knitting Winter 2013/14 as a
stash-busting project. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGZrQ-k62h8/U8PoewI26HI/AAAAAAAABII/mATIPy2brQk/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGZrQ-k62h8/U8PoewI26HI/AAAAAAAABII/mATIPy2brQk/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock picky time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hULASGwCMZo/U8Pn3mMd8GI/AAAAAAAABIA/QpCFWAuWDW0/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hULASGwCMZo/U8Pn3mMd8GI/AAAAAAAABIA/QpCFWAuWDW0/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Bodhisattva Vow<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I have been accepted to take the Bodhisattva Vow in
September. It is a vow of aspiration that by cultivating Bodhichitta—the mind
of compassion--following the Noble Eightfold Path, and the six <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81ramit%C4%81"><span style="color: #0563c1;">paramitas</span></a>, I
dedicate my life to alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings. No this
doesn’t mean I rush out to do good works. It simply means that through
following the disciplines I develop the ability to be genuine, awake and compassionate
as skills to help others become the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-78984124791824633182014-06-15T16:19:00.001-04:002014-06-15T16:19:53.604-04:00Deer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I saw deer from my window for the first time this spring. I
always see them in pairs. These two casually grazed the grass mown earlier in
the week.<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I washed and wore the Diagonal Rib Socks this week. The
Jackalope yarn has that perfect balance of softness (without being limp),
roundness in the fibres, and twist. The socks were soft as butter on my feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I’m on the foot, which I’m knitting in stockinette, of the first
Simple Skyp Socks. Whilst trying on the sock, I dropped one of the dpns. Despite
my best efforts in and under furniture, the dpn has disappeared. Therefore, I
took the plunge and order a set of the Knit Pro Karbonz dpns. One of the
reviews on Amazon best summed up my experience: the needles have enough grip to
hold the stitches but are smooth enough to allow the easy movement of stitches
on the needle. Skimming through Vogue Knitting Early Fall, there is a short
article on the Knitter’s Pride company.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Finally accustomed to the Zitron XXL yarn. It’s a bit hard
without being hard on the hands. It really shows the ribbing in the pattern.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I thought I’d lost my utilitarian pair of glasses. But lo
and behold during my weekly tidy up I found the meaning I can postpone my visit
to the opticians until the beginning of July. But this experience has taught me
that I do need a backup pair.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I’ve finally perfect my black bean recipe. I’ve been looking
for another alternative to tofu and lentils as a non-meat protein. What I’ve
been aiming for is sort of a Cuban citrus and vinegar-like flavor. I achieved
that today with half an onion, a bit of rice vinegar, the juice of two limes
and a variety of spices (Garam Masala, cilantro, turmeric, cumin, chili lime
salt, red pepper flakes and ground black pepper) to a cup of dried black beans.
Delish!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996637155340383558.post-72633947394880680362014-06-08T08:44:00.000-04:002014-06-08T08:44:27.831-04:00Another Post about Socks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
kept my vow of knitting from stash for six months this year. Yes, it would have
lasted longer had I not gone to Looped Yarn Works to get needles and stitch
markers. However, I need blue socks to go with my blue shoes. I found a skein
of Zitron XXL sans label and it’s hard to match colorways on the monitor so I’m
out of luck. I didn’t want to match either the shoes or trousers I’d be wearing
so I purchased a skein that is navy with blue-grey and turquoise in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
other purchase was a set of Knitter’s Pride Karbonz needles. They aren’t cheap,
but they are light in hand and a dream to knit with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
finally finished the Diagonal Rib socks. YaY!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zRJbDS01v0/U5RYh6vj4FI/AAAAAAAABG8/p6n2UY6Q8M4/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zRJbDS01v0/U5RYh6vj4FI/AAAAAAAABG8/p6n2UY6Q8M4/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagonal Rib Socks in Light Brown Hare Jackalope Kitten #2 colorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
an effort to move out from plain vanilla socks, I settled on the Simple Skyp
Socks pattern by Adrienne Ku. I am taking Shirley Paden’s advice: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">always</b> use stitch markers to separate your
pattern. Really loving the Clover XS Triangle Stitch markers for sock knitting.
They are just the right size not to wobble around and the triangle shape means
they don’t appear to create move space between stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
shawl-knitting urge has passed, but with the sock knitting remnants, I’m
thinking about a colorwork cowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Toupie
spent the entire day—with his usual resettling moves and a few ventures to the
food bowl and box—in bed yesterday. Got up this morning and ate an entire can
of cat food. I gave him a hard look this morning. Does sleeping burn that many
calories?</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K67bFgWkenQ/U5RZdgpwUrI/AAAAAAAABHM/m7w_M1xeeM8/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K67bFgWkenQ/U5RZdgpwUrI/AAAAAAAABHM/m7w_M1xeeM8/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun-dappled paws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqlrDVSl8q8/U5RZHfXjY2I/AAAAAAAABHE/SCx_bWTfcfw/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqlrDVSl8q8/U5RZHfXjY2I/AAAAAAAABHE/SCx_bWTfcfw/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Puss<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0