tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228565832024-03-07T12:03:00.883-06:00TeaTime RamblingsTea time chat that consists of my day to day thoughts and knitting projects. Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for awhile. I hope you find something here that interests you.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.comBlogger725125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-43011180438763615902024-02-13T06:48:00.006-06:002024-02-13T07:13:35.952-06:00Sourdough Baking<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5arJbUY3O5b29RqPFHfEcOOv4zdezIPT2MhN92OxHliO7vVuIDngEFnZEKdeP-gm48l0z0uEPNOcGzgjR-OpAP9UdTvw-v282103iCiX5FvLI2bqArXu5UFaAlM81dM40nmD5xFzaC1SyF7JGaPlQJoIN4bfe0DLLv-dy9TRpXRKwozgIFgv2DQ/s3646/IMG_20231102_175940_998.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3646" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5arJbUY3O5b29RqPFHfEcOOv4zdezIPT2MhN92OxHliO7vVuIDngEFnZEKdeP-gm48l0z0uEPNOcGzgjR-OpAP9UdTvw-v282103iCiX5FvLI2bqArXu5UFaAlM81dM40nmD5xFzaC1SyF7JGaPlQJoIN4bfe0DLLv-dy9TRpXRKwozgIFgv2DQ/s320/IMG_20231102_175940_998.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Loaf recipe from Littlespoon Farm as well, link below</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It's been ages since I spent time on this blog, and honestly, I thought I was done with it all together. Lately, the call to journal a bit more about life is calling to me. I spend a great deal of time on Instagram, you can find me @MissyKnits, but it's not quite the same as I feel more limited with typing on a small device and I don't go into much detail on what I'm sharing about.</p><p>On a recent trip this summer to Victoria, BC to visit my sister and her husband, I was sent home with some of her sourdough starter. My DH has tried to get a starter going, but it was never successful and I've yearned to try to bake this way.</p><p>In our home, I'm the baker and he's the cook! I love to bake and I was really curious about this especially during covid, when everyone and their dog was taking up baking and because yeast was scarce, sourdough was being talked about all over social media.</p><p>I carefully brought home my starter and got it fed and tucked away in the fridge and so began my baking regime. I don't bake every week, so I do have to keep it in the fridge. I've had fun creating designs and ordered a lame from <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B085ZX1794/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Amazon</a> to make designs in the top. The kit came with the lame and a banneton, for a great price.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxmdEhPgP4s8tdf6lcWA6QX6q13aJ7fVW3hnyglJcd3ATLFSKPIAqnjfV037JvmCX-RXilRAwHKviqxIJHAdhlGGkYhlQinBS5chDcwYbT4DWgFyljwrGQ3ceJgmuAcLvapeoXwIFmL2Bo3Z_EMzmq1PNT0gX80Mc3bFwcB17GpuxHyFssuXA5Q/s679/71UKab7I3BL._AC_SX679_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="679" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxmdEhPgP4s8tdf6lcWA6QX6q13aJ7fVW3hnyglJcd3ATLFSKPIAqnjfV037JvmCX-RXilRAwHKviqxIJHAdhlGGkYhlQinBS5chDcwYbT4DWgFyljwrGQ3ceJgmuAcLvapeoXwIFmL2Bo3Z_EMzmq1PNT0gX80Mc3bFwcB17GpuxHyFssuXA5Q/s320/71UKab7I3BL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The loaf below, I made for my boss for Christmas and he truly enjoyed it. They do make great gifts, sometimes just to keep the starter going, I am trying new things. With the lame, I made circular cuts in the top. Here's a great tip, use a bit of oil on the lame and it will glide easier through the dough, the dough should also be chilled. While the Dutch oven is heating up, I put the dough into the fridge to chill it a bit prior to baking. The top is dusted with rice flower, as it won't burn like regular flour.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg23ZNpVbARkOBZFsAtrbONjFxyCrxAblXfM9frbWole_23LNld5Onn2nyFJZKXPdqC5j5i9C-oDqcLz8Qc8odWq1gCMPBWuRfloy6xwUczJ2gxVA8YabiBv5eEtSP8CT2RpUQQU54eCvqus-Si2F1kaAAQ7ZJs-q_-crlpvQFei-yWpCgxwHiA/s4000/20231217_084610.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg23ZNpVbARkOBZFsAtrbONjFxyCrxAblXfM9frbWole_23LNld5Onn2nyFJZKXPdqC5j5i9C-oDqcLz8Qc8odWq1gCMPBWuRfloy6xwUczJ2gxVA8YabiBv5eEtSP8CT2RpUQQU54eCvqus-Si2F1kaAAQ7ZJs-q_-crlpvQFei-yWpCgxwHiA/s320/20231217_084610.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time trying a circular pattern on a Basic Loaf</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This past week, I made a loaf, pictured below.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp733495UK5Pmslqi_ShY3L-3JEyqqkR2UQQaD5TU_sFrCJgf3PF9D6_pjR14SYWIrrEwB7PXUeucepBnJfskeJ1PxVqC6Vv_x92TCTmw0Dhk0w5QqHNRHiQ6w2rxRRaFNIMjPgyyfHNcP-h2zvnzHRreaPvL3IRYy9SqF5r1ctQAIu7TlvodRcQ/s4000/20240211_211224.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp733495UK5Pmslqi_ShY3L-3JEyqqkR2UQQaD5TU_sFrCJgf3PF9D6_pjR14SYWIrrEwB7PXUeucepBnJfskeJ1PxVqC6Vv_x92TCTmw0Dhk0w5QqHNRHiQ6w2rxRRaFNIMjPgyyfHNcP-h2zvnzHRreaPvL3IRYy9SqF5r1ctQAIu7TlvodRcQ/s320/20240211_211224.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourdough Basic Loaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I also decided to try making Cinnamon Rolls. I used the dough recipe from <a href="https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-berry-sweet-rolls-recipe/">littlespoonfarm</a>, but I used traditional cinnamon bun filling for the inside, they were amazing. The buns have such nice spongy texture, with a slight tang. Give it a shot if you've already stepped into the sourdough arena, you won't be disappointed. They are also quite easy to make, you only knead them one time! They do take extra time to make as sourdough is a process. I woke the dough up made the levain at 8PM. The next morning at 8AM, it was time to make the dough, following the process outlined in the recipe. I was baking the buns after supper. Once they were rolled into buns and getting ready for the next rise, I believe I let them rise from this stage for three hours. That wasn't entirely clear from the recipe as she is making berry rolls and I was doing a different filling. The amount of time was perfect. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6DBp9mKkSqpO4-Gi13s4Y5mTu4Kofvq0Z1skpcA7k-WjHAjzhiVV5NJE-1uFqncoFCkUQctEof0oWe0XWS5__w16SMGMhw5tnyKIGQNg5WYI_9JZbwZLOwjmrAytb2GZxCpseH8iBcsFl_7WvD9UpoU5aggGQZO7pB3hsPOaoDOjYJ-f_Dmpww/s4000/20240211_214448.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6DBp9mKkSqpO4-Gi13s4Y5mTu4Kofvq0Z1skpcA7k-WjHAjzhiVV5NJE-1uFqncoFCkUQctEof0oWe0XWS5__w16SMGMhw5tnyKIGQNg5WYI_9JZbwZLOwjmrAytb2GZxCpseH8iBcsFl_7WvD9UpoU5aggGQZO7pB3hsPOaoDOjYJ-f_Dmpww/s320/20240211_214448.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>So far, I've loved all her recipes and I want to make the <a href="https://littlespoonfarm.com/jalapeno-cheddar-sourdough-bread-recipe/">Cheddar Jalapeno </a>loaf next time.</p><p><i><b>For my refrigerated starter, I probably feed it every 2 - 3 weeks, depending on my baking needs. From her site, I do this to feed my starter to either have it ready to bake, or just to feed and pop it back into the fridge:</b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1e1b; font-family: "News Cycle";"><li style="line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">Discard all but 25 grams and add 100 grams of filtered water and 100 grams of flour.</li></ul><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1e1b; font-family: "News Cycle";"><li style="line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">Mix vigorously with a spatula, cover lightly, and set on the counter for a few hours to allow the yeast to multiply.</li></ul><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1e1b; font-family: "News Cycle";"><li style="line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">Place the jar back into the fridge until the next time it needs to be refreshed or you wish to bake sourdough.</li></ul><div><span style="color: #1e1e1b; font-family: News Cycle;">Note: I am using all-purpose flour and filtered water and the results have been great each and every time. My DH is also lactose intolerant, so I do have success in baking with Becel's new hard margarine, butter replacement.</span></div><p></p>TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-23982616458993852262020-07-28T16:39:00.000-06:002020-07-28T16:44:45.986-06:00Christmas Socks in JulyI'm getting more comfortable with knitting socks. When I knit socks, I sort of feel like a magician! How about you? I use dpn's it's been my go-to method and it feels so neat to see them coming together and taking shape as you go. It's become very soothing for me so I'm literally finishing a pair and casting on a pair at the moment.<br />
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My biggest struggle is I knit a bit looser with dpns than I realized so a lot of my first pairs of socks are too big, I've gone down in how many stitches I co and am doing a small size when it's for me. When I did my hubby's pair I co 64 and they fit him perfectly - I guess you just have to learn how you knit socks, everyone is different.<br />
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I started a new pair of socks after I finally finished a pair for my lovely husband. I had been wanting to make him a pair forever and finally I did! I'll share that later. Right after that I wanted to cast on for a pair of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rose-city-rollers">Rose City Rollers</a>, once my daughter saw she really liked them and I decided that rather than be for me they would be one of her Christmas presents.<br />
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I knit them up on 2.25 mm needles using Bluemoon Fiber Arts sparkle in Lord Licorice Bitter Bats. I initially thought I had enough yarn for a pair, but I was soon scrambling as I was not looking forward to playing yarn chicken. I found a pair of socks I had knit that were not anywhere near gauge from a few years back so I frogged them and thankfully the toe was willing to budge as the ribbing was a beast to frog.<br />
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And here they are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhgdLsmAHdtkZ8JEeF73RmRVW7XOUM71u2BnBqR1nIURJb-5OsjsBbtNuWXv6VJOw1eH8vOJQcNSNvvP9IcCMnFljnnqjY0cZPd7zyvX2-kRVl0IHjyTiQWKnkYSk2xh7JchmhA/s1600/IMG-0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhgdLsmAHdtkZ8JEeF73RmRVW7XOUM71u2BnBqR1nIURJb-5OsjsBbtNuWXv6VJOw1eH8vOJQcNSNvvP9IcCMnFljnnqjY0cZPd7zyvX2-kRVl0IHjyTiQWKnkYSk2xh7JchmhA/s320/IMG-0312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I love how it has that sparkle and they really do look like Christmas socks, and that's my second gift done for Christmas 2020!<br />
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My sister sent me some lovely sock yarn(a gorgeous blue)<br />
it was a blank - I'd never heard of it. Last night I wound it but I'm letting it sit in the ball for a bit as it's very curly still from being frogged so I found a ball I had in my stash that I've forgotten when I even got it. I suspect it's Knit Picks Handpainted sock but I don't have the label. I'm going to knit up a new pattern I just bought called <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brambleberries">Brambelberries.</a> I love shorty socks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2roBJ0P_WNcUBDJy7qZEI_oPcyWDgnGHXRob5WwlyrYv7h-DNwePO84rWUlPdTI8QWDl2RZThCq0W3H7jsUdghbZYdiDJ4BjdW3H-fO40aYfUoBIENJvla4ck-YnZJPCtMSX_5Q/s1600/IMG-0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2roBJ0P_WNcUBDJy7qZEI_oPcyWDgnGHXRob5WwlyrYv7h-DNwePO84rWUlPdTI8QWDl2RZThCq0W3H7jsUdghbZYdiDJ4BjdW3H-fO40aYfUoBIENJvla4ck-YnZJPCtMSX_5Q/s320/IMG-0313.jpg" width="240" /></a>I can't wait to knit this colour is so beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M9zzdLI13tXi6JbBb7QZfy2pGIXU0DBsER0P8FvGwVa_dcoTReqTK-JIOyX7Z3eHx8QwX7fKI8xCMJWW_lQWNk2K6-oVB-mB2tBJ2U7ic002n8r1nsDiY53BA_zsJM3t_I4oyw/s1600/IMG-0314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M9zzdLI13tXi6JbBb7QZfy2pGIXU0DBsER0P8FvGwVa_dcoTReqTK-JIOyX7Z3eHx8QwX7fKI8xCMJWW_lQWNk2K6-oVB-mB2tBJ2U7ic002n8r1nsDiY53BA_zsJM3t_I4oyw/s320/IMG-0314.jpg" width="240" /></a> For the Brambelberries</div>
<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-86824669743293492122018-01-25T08:58:00.002-06:002018-01-25T08:58:54.938-06:00January can be a time for endings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
January can also be a time for endings or in this case finishing things. I had started this blanket in the summer of 2014. This was an ambitious year for me as I was already knitting two blankets one for my niece and one for my nephew so this one didn't get finished for Christmas. It was to be for my son. One of the reasons is I had too much on my plate and the other is I was knitting it with two strands together and for me this was hard on the hands it was a heavy project and with the time constraints of life it sat as a UFO. </div>
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Finally yesterday I picked it up as I was thinking of starting another blanket and that little part of my head said to me 'not until you finish this one' so determinedly I hauled it upstairs and began to work on finishing it. I knew it wouldn't take much time to finish it as I was very nearly near the end.</div>
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I'm glad I did, actually it's quite a nice blanket. I worked in these different coordinating colors using a variety of stitch patterns so it has a nice textured feel to it. I did Stockinette, Garter, Seed and Basketweave. </div>
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You can see it's 'cat approved' as my DD's cat Jim decided to give it a try. Why is it, it seems all cats and even dogs if they have a choice will prefer to curl up on a handknit or crocheted item? I think Jim needs his own blanket!</div>
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So as we approach a new year with all of it's newness I'm glad to also complete some things that have been holding me back from the freedom to start new things. </div>
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What about you? Do you find you feel it's easier to take on a new project if you get some of the others out of the way first?</div>
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-8596376595674380072017-11-08T08:50:00.000-06:002017-11-08T08:50:17.853-06:00Simple Mittens, yes please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to give mittens a try, I found <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-worlds-simplest-mittens">this pattern</a> as I wanted go give my Dad a knit hat for Christmas, but my sister suggested that mittens is something that he would be more likely to wear. I haven't knit a lot of mittens, with the exception to these <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/TeaMouse/smitten-a-holiday-garland">Christmas ones</a>. These also make cute gift card holders.</div>
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The pattern is very well written and is indeed very simple, but yet they look very nice. The end of the mitten decreases work very nice to give that angled look and it really suits the mitten. I have another pair on the go and I will look into different mitten patterns now that I understand the basics.</div>
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This is knit in Patons Classic Worsted - color Charcoal using the needles suggested and no modifications.</div>
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All in all a great knit and if you need a quick gift, you can knit a pair in just a couple of days so it's a good last minute gift idea.</div>
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-84546814648599158202017-10-27T13:09:00.001-06:002017-10-27T13:09:42.429-06:00Hat KnittingIt must be that time of year again, as I wake up each day Facebook likes to remind me of the past and so many of those posts were of different hats I was knitting around this time in previous years.<br />
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Indeed I have come to learn to love the knitting of a hat. I do recall though my first foray's into hat knitting were particularly challenging. I had a hard time ensuring that the stitches didn't twist for example, and once I had that going I still stumbled with the join. What helped me with that is I was working on a particular pattern in the round and the designer suggested adding an extra stitch. That has literally saved my life! I cast on one more than normal then I slide that last cast on stitch to the left needle and k2tog and then I put my stitch marker and begin, so darn simple but gives such a professional join. That has literally changed my mood as far as beginning a hat project, I used to dread beginning one but now I just jump in one after the other.<br />
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Hat knitting is great for other reasons as well, similar to a dishcloth you can try a variety of different techniques and stitch patterns and they are quick projects to do. I would rather knit a hat for example than a full size scarf any day. I need something that keeps it from getting boring so I've been doing more interesting hat patterns now. I particularly love cable knitting and Intarsia.<br />
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I had some leftover yarn from a sweater I made myself and I thought I'd make a hat so I found the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/traveling-cable-hat">Travelling Cable Hat</a> pattern and I fell in love. I wanted to knit another one as soon as it was off the needles so I went yarn digging and found this gorgeous Ivory, the ball band was off so I'm not sure what brand it is but it is definitely wool and so wonderfully soft! I didn't stop there, I found some pink Patons Classic wool in my stash and cast on another. I love how they knit up! It's a great pattern, well written but I must knit a bit bigger, I manage to do the brim and 2 pattern sections and then the decrease.<br />
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The ivory one is going to be gifted to a Sister at my place of work, she's commented on how she thinks this hat is cute. The pink one is going to my DD who has already out right asked for it or asked to buy it even!<br />
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I have cast on another one that is on the needles for my Mom for Christmas who when I drew her name asked me for a hat and scarf set - perfect! I am happy to give a gift like this. I will post about that another day, but to keep with the cable I decided to knit an <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/irish-hiking-scarf">Irish Hiking Scarf</a>, another great pattern that I've knit that a few times a gorgeous cabled scarf that everyone seems to love.<br />
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As I prepare for Christmas there are sure to be more knits on the needles and other handmade goodies - what is on your needles? Do you give handmade gifts, what kinds of things are you making this year?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ivory Travelling Cable Hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Evening!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Travelling Cable Hat</td></tr>
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-28609261645131975812017-01-18T15:02:00.003-06:002017-01-18T15:02:52.931-06:00The ReturnI feel just awful, this blog has been abandoned for almost a year!<br />
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I'm still here and everything is ok - life has just got in the way of blogging. That being said I plan on doing video blog and I will be uploading my first video this evening. I will link to that here when it goes live.<br />
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So what's new?<br />
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Well I did this. I made socks! I used <a href="http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Start.htm">this</a> site. I will talk more on the video about what got me finally doing socks, but needless to say I am in love with it. This first pair was made with some inexpensive Loops and Thread - Luxury Sock yarn that I had on hand in color 'Ocean'. It was nice but then yesterday I cast on with Malabrigo sock, wow it's a night and day difference.<br />
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There is such a different in good quality yarn. I had this Malabrigo currently being knit up in a UFO that had been abandoned too long so I frogged it and got it ready for the second pair of socks. Now that I'm not at all that intimidated I started this pair last night it's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-latte-socks">Vanilla Latte Socks</a> on Ravelry. So this is actually a sneak peek because I hadn't started them before I did my first video, but I will talk about them on my second episode.<br />
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I ordered a set of Sunstruck dpns from Knit Picks and I started the sock when I realized the yarn was getting caught, when I tried to slip it off the needle the rough part that was sticking out jabbed my thumb like a splinter. I'm waiting to hear back from them so far I only received their 'we got your email' reply. I hope they get back to me soon.<br />
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I look forward to this new way to keep in touch and I will post show notes here on the blog from each episode :D!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicRgyy4alNckqRJTQ2XZuasoIzkugxAKmeQfGxe5-x4QdAOJW2JaRtiVrFtx4mZXLlIrgvekuciUZspdzwQePbRwBq0jveuGFPC6BpAxCYlNn-IA2K7StHdfl1cEUZ49SJuVyyA/s1600/15941347_10154334154327058_7598820203955916667_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicRgyy4alNckqRJTQ2XZuasoIzkugxAKmeQfGxe5-x4QdAOJW2JaRtiVrFtx4mZXLlIrgvekuciUZspdzwQePbRwBq0jveuGFPC6BpAxCYlNn-IA2K7StHdfl1cEUZ49SJuVyyA/s200/15941347_10154334154327058_7598820203955916667_n.jpg" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First SOCKS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Latte Socks</td></tr>
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TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-18025756312964131022015-07-18T09:00:00.000-06:002015-07-18T09:00:01.057-06:00Chicago Style Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past September my brother got married on a cruise and a reception was held in October. Me and my DH flew out for the occasion and had a great visit. It's very hard to live so far away from family that you wish you could see so much more often.<br />
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We had a few different outings and made the brief trip even more enjoyable. We spent a nice evening with my Dad and his wife. My sis put on a pot of delicious chilli and we all just relaxed. My DH and Dad strumming on the guitar is something I will always cherish from this trip.<br />
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My Dad had a secret stash of Chicago style popcorn. I didn't realize how protective he was of it but I sure learned. This stuff is delicious, the combination of sweet/salty is just perfect and normally I don't go for that at all. His was bought from Costco and since I refuse to pay to belong to a shopping store we've not had it since. On Tuesday I had to go out for a doctor visit and afterwards fill a prescription and our local pharmacy has purchased a grocery store chain and they now sell their products in the store. Look what I found, Chicago Mix popcorn, you bet your boots I bought a bag and I think that was showing some good restraint. This is dangerously good and I know why mad Dad kept telling us to leave his alone...lol!<br />
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-68199466350653889102015-07-17T10:36:00.001-06:002015-07-17T10:36:42.824-06:00Many flavors of BoneyardI've decided to finish what's on my needles before I start. Sometimes it's just life that prevents you from finishing. I got this yarn with gift certificate money I had at Eat Sleep Knit - I'm super stoked that I still have money left to spend, these gift certificates are so awesome to receive! So I got this yarn because I knew I wanted to knit yet another Boneyard Shawl. I absolutely love this pattern. You can switch it up so much just by different color variations. I have a solid grey, I've got solid stripes and this time I decided I wanted to knit it all one colour except the ridge row I wanted in an accent color and I will finish the shawl off with the accent color for the border.<br />
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These colors are so me! I chose Cascade Yarns Superwash in Silver Grey(MC) and Pacific(CC). I've just picked this one up again and I'm really enjoying it. I have no idea what sidetracked me but I'm glad to be working on it again and I can't wait to wear it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current WIP - Boneyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Prayer shawl I knit, I just had fun with the colour variations on this one - Patons Canadaina </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Painted in Reds for my Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My anytime shawl made in Berocco Ultra Alpaca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eCaeja-2_cHRIuHtdPx0tXdPspTEMFpihQ9zVlwP-p_6GiWJYzNhp5Hnsk8wVGMXGTl9Wsc7-AZy2jyz2CDwc3T_8LFCHg574-NNsen6Kh_9zZlcmog0kliAtWYzUlrfNO6GuA/s1600/10687074_10152417267237058_6817547373246334461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eCaeja-2_cHRIuHtdPx0tXdPspTEMFpihQ9zVlwP-p_6GiWJYzNhp5Hnsk8wVGMXGTl9Wsc7-AZy2jyz2CDwc3T_8LFCHg574-NNsen6Kh_9zZlcmog0kliAtWYzUlrfNO6GuA/s320/10687074_10152417267237058_6817547373246334461_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of Sock Monkey shawl using Patons Canadiana and the pink is Red Heart Soft </td></tr>
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TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-22108431082694167192015-07-14T08:00:00.000-06:002015-07-14T08:00:25.421-06:00A UFO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-rw92gbEuN52CDNbMcN5E9E61mxzwOnV85iYxzybXXQPLdoS4m9xsalOpA8r41p0LwfrdzzlQoGPqwgWYp-HID-TwXGExE8XJ__9zdn2XIEsM53QISw4W9iGcJY7IcDiSNpCtw/s1600/20150713_194225_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-rw92gbEuN52CDNbMcN5E9E61mxzwOnV85iYxzybXXQPLdoS4m9xsalOpA8r41p0LwfrdzzlQoGPqwgWYp-HID-TwXGExE8XJ__9zdn2XIEsM53QISw4W9iGcJY7IcDiSNpCtw/s320/20150713_194225_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/TeaMouse/downton-cowl">this on January 2/15</a> with yarn I was gifted by my DH for my birthday in December. I have no idea why it has sat so long as an UFO. It's such a quick project. I'd pick it up from time to time, thinking I would have dropped a stitch, but thankfully I hadn't. I started picking it up seriously again this past weekend as I think part of my lost mojo for knitting is these UFO's hanging over my head. This is more blue than the photo shows, I took it last night. The yarn is gorgeous Madeline Tosh DK in Betty Drapers Blue and the pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/downton-cowl">Downton Cowl</a></div>
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It's such gorgeous yarn and a great pattern, I have another skein to use to make a hat with so that's the plan once this is off the needles.</div>
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Why are there always projects that sit as UFO's for so long?</div>
TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-38108442759958822242015-07-13T11:06:00.002-06:002015-07-13T11:06:37.692-06:00Homemade Iced CapIt's that time of year as we Canadians refer to as 'Iced Cap Season'. There is nothing better on a hot summer day than a cold iced cap from Timmies. However, there are times when you are at home and you just want one but you don't even want to brave the heat...lol! Or, let's face it your coffee budget is used up...:D<br />
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The other day I wanted an Iced Cap but due to construction the closest one wasn't easily accessible so I went home and got creative and it turned out pretty darn good. There is less ice in mine but still quite impressive for a home recipe.<br />
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Homemade Iced Cap:<br />
Pot of double strength brewed coffee(warm is ok)<br />
Ice<br />
Honey - 3 Tbsp<br />
Cream<br />
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Fill blender almost to the top with ice cubes, add the honey and then fill the blender about half way with coffee. Add cream - this is a personal preference I based mine on how the colour was to my liking. I kind of know that by looking and you probably do to. I'd say maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Blend away and pour into a nice glass and add a straw...enjoy! This made quite a bit about 7 servings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yGrxTJs0DWRtQJRQROkyP32s9uLtXB97isgljqn2fIy8KvKjT7uiBVYb4NbT36WyaAkj96lPSuj9958vmGxillJDo13e2gLz-JkUYUO0wwlmbesRzA7MeuKXCYkscU_WobhyIg/s1600/11703089_10153029604677058_7356445327854956617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yGrxTJs0DWRtQJRQROkyP32s9uLtXB97isgljqn2fIy8KvKjT7uiBVYb4NbT36WyaAkj96lPSuj9958vmGxillJDo13e2gLz-JkUYUO0wwlmbesRzA7MeuKXCYkscU_WobhyIg/s320/11703089_10153029604677058_7356445327854956617_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-49268124964878766102015-06-01T07:06:00.001-06:002015-06-01T07:55:55.133-06:00Leftover Stash ThrowI had all of these extra bits of yarn and unused balls that I never found a project for so I decided to make a throw for the living room since a lot of the colours went with my living room furniture. It's just a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/neat-ripple-pattern">simple ripple throw</a>. I did some rows of sc around the throw and then a shell border.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3kzZsBaBCzJ-sSLiroZDEpv8ad37j2nyYUZlFGUfmCvDl2BksTHosA7ufRZuZawcL10oCd0C5ePUz32lWHTbzY90wey09mHCpCTn16XL-8idiYwdCjw7u2hohNoccWkfFCmj2Q/s1600/11081169_10152799903897058_8910781689337868859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3kzZsBaBCzJ-sSLiroZDEpv8ad37j2nyYUZlFGUfmCvDl2BksTHosA7ufRZuZawcL10oCd0C5ePUz32lWHTbzY90wey09mHCpCTn16XL-8idiYwdCjw7u2hohNoccWkfFCmj2Q/s320/11081169_10152799903897058_8910781689337868859_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Border</td></tr>
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-13676270331745262852015-05-31T15:30:00.000-06:002015-05-31T15:30:13.624-06:0010,000Since Easter me and my DH have been trying to get walking in each and every day. For our anniversary I bought him a FitBit Zip. It's amazing how that inspires you to move more, when you see it increase or not throughout the day.<br />
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I find my mood is better, especially getting outdoors. You see nature every day and other cool stuff too. Some pictures from our many walks.<br />
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-74365988999543523542015-05-19T11:48:00.000-06:002015-05-19T11:48:33.984-06:0024th Annual RHS Dog Jog - Raising money for animalsOur family is doing the dog jog as we strongly believe in the work the RHS does with abandoned animals.<br />
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Nine years ago we bought our dog Oliver(beagle) from a pet store. This was before we knew about 'puppy mills' and how dogs are treated by some breeders. Oliver has huge anxiety issues and I know if the wrong family would have bought him from that pet store he'd have been a shelter dog waiting for someone to put the time and energy into him. Thankfully he ended up with us and we know he's special and we love him just the same.<br />
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Four years ago we wanted another dog and we decided it had to be a rescue dog. Our first visit to RHS we met our Piper a border collie lab mix. She was three months old and was there with a brother and a sister. As soon as we met her we knew she had to join our family. We've never looked back, she is the most gentle dog you'll ever meet. She grew quite big, bigger than we thought she's a tall girl and weighs anywhere from 60-70 lbs. She's full of love!<br />
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Without a place like RHS I dread to think of what would have happened to her and her siblings!<br />
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Click below to help save pets lives! Anything you can give would be of great help!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://rhs.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1001764&pg=personal&fr_id=1061">http://rhs.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1001764&pg=personal&fr_id=1061</a>TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-40800945280576909442014-08-24T11:00:00.003-06:002014-08-24T11:00:44.024-06:00Year of the Blankets<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX63bf93ulSxnLfdWXpD-hCdE6ohV1LzDfRdCM3lpmQZ-f_4zyGqBe-6Tb77NJAMSyHaYS3VPEdiA_TIHduRwLG_JBJ2nUiBDDnBJFl-eU7ySabAYNVlPSxnfORP-iQW_9a7w9iQ/s1600/GoneFishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX63bf93ulSxnLfdWXpD-hCdE6ohV1LzDfRdCM3lpmQZ-f_4zyGqBe-6Tb77NJAMSyHaYS3VPEdiA_TIHduRwLG_JBJ2nUiBDDnBJFl-eU7ySabAYNVlPSxnfORP-iQW_9a7w9iQ/s1600/GoneFishing.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gone Fishing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well it seems this is becoming the 'year of the blanket' for me. I've never knit so many blankets ever!<br />
<br />
My 25 year old son had casually mentioned he'd like a blanket made for him after he saw the one I made for our bedroom, how can I resist that.<br />
<br />
So after I finished my last one for my nephew I tried to come up with one that would suit him. I couldn't find the right yarn. I really wanted a blues theme that would be masculine enough and I also wanted a quick knit as I also have another blanket planned with a Christmas deadline. After searching all the bulky yarn and the colour selections I decided to knit worsted weight held double stranded to get the same effect. So based on colour selection only I went with Red Heart Super Saver. My DH suggested that it looks good when some of the yarn is variegated and I quite agree. I couldn't really find a pattern I liked so I started creating in my mind how it what I wanted it to look like, I not only wanted different colours but also textures. I CO 222 stitches to give me a 4 stitch edge border on each side and I started with 12 rows of the blue variegated and I am alternating the colours of white/medium blue/variegated/grey up the blanket and I love how it looks. I am constantly measuring to see how big each colour section needs to be to get the desired size.<br />
<br />
It's a really rainy weekend here perfect for knitting on a blanket :) <br />
<br />
<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-27645932003934188732014-08-19T08:30:00.000-06:002014-08-19T08:30:00.372-06:00Intarsia?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPRiQ4-YNc94CETVNBadz-1Jw_dzFA8VACPflNpq4JyvC7pCCVB48lQGCSQDIaJfohOMTW6bIL6oHM4QZYiMLCnsRkqkhBaAMg3BLFmARkY6Qi-HLKQa_mrLDlLWpx3FuAUkm5A/s1600/lily-owldishcloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPRiQ4-YNc94CETVNBadz-1Jw_dzFA8VACPflNpq4JyvC7pCCVB48lQGCSQDIaJfohOMTW6bIL6oHM4QZYiMLCnsRkqkhBaAMg3BLFmARkY6Qi-HLKQa_mrLDlLWpx3FuAUkm5A/s1600/lily-owldishcloth.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from the Bernat website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've always loved the look of Intarsia knitting but I've always been too scared to give it a go. I found this cute little <a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/knitting/owl-dishcloth">Owl dishcloth patter</a>n and I'm thinking it may be a good place to give it a try. It's a smaller project and only has three colours for the picture.<br />
<br />
Have you done Intarsia, if so how did you find it?<br />
<br />
<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-53395332840932707782014-08-18T09:11:00.001-06:002014-08-18T09:14:20.263-06:00Another Christmas gift off the needles :D<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq9yLwIvuLSaPYLKshhJ3_kxfHawdk_zrf8OECF0QHGEzTwpt2NUVBt0mQJU6tH3ADgfeLqw4exQPU2juCLFqNyZ9ODoTznJsojpbLv5sfstFh1maIK76uoDahKy_0g7sivGv8Q/s1600/14958813732_78086ac789_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq9yLwIvuLSaPYLKshhJ3_kxfHawdk_zrf8OECF0QHGEzTwpt2NUVBt0mQJU6tH3ADgfeLqw4exQPU2juCLFqNyZ9ODoTznJsojpbLv5sfstFh1maIK76uoDahKy_0g7sivGv8Q/s1600/14958813732_78086ac789_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racing Stripes Afghan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finished another of my Christmas gifts last night, this one took longer than I thought I started it in April but when the weather warmed up and it grew, it became more of a knitting in bed project or a cool day project. This was the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-stripes-blanket">Basic Stripes Afghan</a> by Bernat.<br />
<br />
I'm definitely happy with it, the yarn is a little difficult when joins are made in that it's very slippery and doesn't want to weave in or knit in well, but I managed and there was a LOT of weaving in, my least favorite part but the end result was worth it. If I knit this pattern again I will use the Bernat as I have used it before and it's a good yarn.<br />
<br />
This is for my 10 year old nephew who loves bright bold colours and specifically loves these. <a href="http://www.teatimeramblings.blogspot.ca/2014/04/off-and-on-needles.html">His sister Jenah is also getting a hand knit blanket this year</a>. I hope they stay nice and cozy this winter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-iFClADs7cfQnzfWItymqqsPJYxkCb24_CoJSta4mHeg7M2fcS12vZbD7WyBxvN7w-YXAtqIuetceYsmo0yhCb0yb9BomYgOtCBHy3Mh2YndBfJaGVtMXYrTdJm43bH-p-oIzw/s1600/14772480859_b757d2709b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-iFClADs7cfQnzfWItymqqsPJYxkCb24_CoJSta4mHeg7M2fcS12vZbD7WyBxvN7w-YXAtqIuetceYsmo0yhCb0yb9BomYgOtCBHy3Mh2YndBfJaGVtMXYrTdJm43bH-p-oIzw/s1600/14772480859_b757d2709b_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-74803177339895949422014-08-10T08:00:00.000-06:002014-08-10T08:00:00.446-06:00Seeding The Fields Dishcloth Pattern<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8O5irodiL99ZEW6r5XmJid9t3GfJ3aQzOj96i_LCiYqaC4bPz63_GZWH43hxQ-6v4aZJ_-j3cROckUe0lywfeTLEdmAtlVxy9EyIaseGXIwo2LmGwggzIKuvSxkalqavfmLIyA/s1600/Seeding+the+Fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8O5irodiL99ZEW6r5XmJid9t3GfJ3aQzOj96i_LCiYqaC4bPz63_GZWH43hxQ-6v4aZJ_-j3cROckUe0lywfeTLEdmAtlVxy9EyIaseGXIwo2LmGwggzIKuvSxkalqavfmLIyA/s1600/Seeding+the+Fields.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeding the Fields Dishcloth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This pattern reminds me of seeding, I designed it in the Spring when the crops were being planted.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ivyn6jwek72u8qg/Seeding%20the%20Fields.pdf">Seeding the Fields</a><br />
<br />
<div class="notes markdown">
-For the pattern, it list repeat the rows 1 - 6 eight times. This is
the total amount of times to work the pattern rows. Work rows 1 - 6 for
eight times. Or work it until the cloth is almost square. Then work a
final repeat of rows 1 - 4 and the k3 rows for the border.<br />
-This cloth can be completed with any regular size ball of dishcloth
cotton. If you make the larger size cloth you may need two balls if they
are ombre or variegated(If you use Bernat Handicrafter ombre or
variegated) - disregard this if you are using Peaches and Cream, they’re
balls have more yardage in both solid and ombres and should be just
fine). A full size small ball of a solid cotton is enough no matter what
brand you choose.<br />
</div>
TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-23104583301750887932014-08-09T10:27:00.000-06:002014-08-09T10:27:01.195-06:00J-Cloth Striped Knit Dishcloth Pattern<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79fRU1i-B-xD_ITylxb_J4bNv5hQVjOnw_81sbWbDy4Zvw4LxWLRnekBG5W8WzC4Suh1neteVTBPb6Rru9lXmAW4Hrp6EEohsZnWS5cgy4RlTjqLWOPjKuU0COiHYav5gFNyslw/s1600/Striped+J-Cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79fRU1i-B-xD_ITylxb_J4bNv5hQVjOnw_81sbWbDy4Zvw4LxWLRnekBG5W8WzC4Suh1neteVTBPb6Rru9lXmAW4Hrp6EEohsZnWS5cgy4RlTjqLWOPjKuU0COiHYav5gFNyslw/s1600/Striped+J-Cloth.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Cloth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I wanted a cloth that reminded me of the blue/white J-Cloths my mom used to purchase. This is what I came up with. You start with white and carry it up the color not in use along the side. To end the pattern make sure to do another 4 rows of CC and finish with 4 rows of MC.<br />
<br />
I had fun knitting these cloths they look great in lot's of colour combos but I prefer them in white and blue or white and any pastel color.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/h2wzjm7wtu2m57p/Striped%20Cloth.pdf">Striped J-Cloth Pattern</a><br />
<br />
This is my first time adding a pdf in this manner. I'm using DropBox with a shared folder, please let me know if it lets you download. :)TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-86773559323144826732014-08-08T07:00:00.000-06:002014-08-08T07:00:01.320-06:00Partying My way to better health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnw2T5B59h4lpuEN0UKiUWzZhhDK3HfmRnTqR5Pwmv-V9aX3fU2NWlateAqiX94MdIMRnQnXn4DaFmghf8LRpr_7iHsy_j1p0pzSe9h0_laFbioHm1rUHftmQxenR88mIdCrTmw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnw2T5B59h4lpuEN0UKiUWzZhhDK3HfmRnTqR5Pwmv-V9aX3fU2NWlateAqiX94MdIMRnQnXn4DaFmghf8LRpr_7iHsy_j1p0pzSe9h0_laFbioHm1rUHftmQxenR88mIdCrTmw/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
For anyone who's done Zumba you know how much fun it really is. Before you know it your workout is done and you just had a ton of fun but you know you worked hard, you have buckets of sweat pouring off of you and you need a ton of water, but damn it feels good.<br />
<br />
The other day I had my first wake up call to get fit. It's been and off and on battle but now it's real. My DH is near to a type 2 diabetic, my DD is type 2 diabetic and I got some not so great news about cholesterol, and blood sugars. I also have low iron so I have to take an iron supplement which may help with my low energy and I have some other tests to make sure it's not because of anything else besides low iron in my diet.<br />
<br />
Since she was diagnosed a month ago we've already begun making more changes. We've always been a family of whole grain breads and pastas but now we have to get even more serious. I personally had to make changes, mo more sugary pops if I want a pop it has to be diet and no more chips and chocolate.<br />
<br />
I had done this workout before but had stopped because no matter how good I thought I was doing the game didn't seem to acknowledge I was doing it right so I felt like I was failing at it. One day I was doing it again, yes it's so much fun that I still wanted to do it. Well my remote fell out and I had to put it back in and this time I was getting 'zumba's and 'hot's' all the time. It turned out I had mistakenly put the remote in the belt incorrectly, the sensor has to be facing up at the top.<br />
<br />
Well I didn't keep going I let myself get lazy and then our empty nest was full again and then more than full and I had almost no privacy. It's still a full nest but I can make time for me and do it. I did it this morning for about 45 minutes, sweat tons had a blast and got 67% on accuracy and I felt awesome!<br />
<br />
My goal this month is to do this each day I'm at home during my holidays and when we are away I'll do some other form of fitness. This will be in addition to our daily walk with our dogs. I hope and pray that if I do this along with our healthy eating that I will actually shed some weight, change my levels and be more healthy and fit.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-17717085344942824412014-08-07T10:37:00.003-06:002014-08-07T18:28:27.438-06:00Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Cake<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b7GTOApNEPXhgphHGmz2SaUbMJHtP9I5JVsH4oncWGUN8waPP5rbr-D8AWF8eIwxawjHr61gLAhkRcIwHdc8qEWiLTLOlY93_sedNUxDazanJgqmxOqI_RjdQ8MP4cLgnfllmQ/s1600/IceCreamCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b7GTOApNEPXhgphHGmz2SaUbMJHtP9I5JVsH4oncWGUN8waPP5rbr-D8AWF8eIwxawjHr61gLAhkRcIwHdc8qEWiLTLOlY93_sedNUxDazanJgqmxOqI_RjdQ8MP4cLgnfllmQ/s1600/IceCreamCake.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reese's Ice Cream Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For my son's 25th birthday he requested a ice cream cake with reese's peanut butter cups.<br />
<br />
Reese's Ice Cream Cake<br />
<br />
1 1/4 cup Oreo Crumbs<br />
1/4 cup melted butter<br />
<br />
2l vanilla ice cream<br />
hot fudge sauce<br />
Mini Reeses cups<br />
2 l chocolate ice cream<br />
Reeses pieces<br />
<br />
<br />
Melt butter and mix with crumbs, press into spring form pan.<br />
<br />
Let vanilla ice cream sit out for about 1/2 hour to soften. Pour into bowl and stir until smooth. Pour ice cream over base. Freeze for at least an hour or until very firm.<br />
<br />
Spread hot fudge on top of vanilla ice cream, freeze for 30 minutes. Take out and cover the fudge layer with mini reese cups and freeze for another 30 minutes or until very firm.<br />
<br />
Set out chocolate ice cream 30 minutes to soften. Pour into bowl and stir until smooth. Pour over reese layer and spread with an offset spatula until smooth. Top with reeses pieces and more mini reese cups if you like and cover in plastic wrap and freeze until very firm at least 3 hours.<br />
<br />
Take out 15 minutes before to slowly warm up, place on a serving plate and remove spring form ring, cut and server.<br />
<br />
Note: Freezing in a deep freeze may shorten time. Times for freezing will vary depending on your freezer. Do not do subsequent layers until the first one is frozen solid.<br />
<br />
<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-22882300026338171592014-08-06T15:30:00.001-06:002014-08-06T15:30:48.987-06:00Summer is for...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G0i8TxwzHGdLFHhbJFWf-h7VpMzlEQEoVN0On2Q9ipk-XrbyQT_Bjb83wN9aggCAzzQAW4B4UFYGsDjTOk_hFQHsF2OSBxfO2tfixQBYk_oFxfcNAB0rufxQJyIRZlre-0JQAg/s1600/7342_10152292552867058_7299292771071561893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G0i8TxwzHGdLFHhbJFWf-h7VpMzlEQEoVN0On2Q9ipk-XrbyQT_Bjb83wN9aggCAzzQAW4B4UFYGsDjTOk_hFQHsF2OSBxfO2tfixQBYk_oFxfcNAB0rufxQJyIRZlre-0JQAg/s1600/7342_10152292552867058_7299292771071561893_n.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer is for dishcloth knitting, the perfect summer knit. I love this Spa Day Facecloth it makes a wonderful washcloth and I specifically use these in the bath, the textured pattern is so squishy and soft for the bath. This one is in lime green.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_F_gqqUVffmAGw1dPjWcJ_iVIf8uuNdXHJkdXYBou8P7azwGwM8Jr8-P3tmproC04Ljx1wwIRumNJIBNfFy5Ulb580Mm9zjvSbmJjoaIfCx30ROyefcdklMWhURumBgZmlsXlg/s1600/10527552_10152292616877058_6399407892068787001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_F_gqqUVffmAGw1dPjWcJ_iVIf8uuNdXHJkdXYBou8P7azwGwM8Jr8-P3tmproC04Ljx1wwIRumNJIBNfFy5Ulb580Mm9zjvSbmJjoaIfCx30ROyefcdklMWhURumBgZmlsXlg/s1600/10527552_10152292616877058_6399407892068787001_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer is also for visiting. This is how tired Oliver is after my sister and her hubby visited with us for a few days with their two kids. I know people think he can be grumpy but he's a sweet boy who generally loves attention and snuggles. After he warmed up to everyone he gave each of them their own snuggle time. He gives the best snuggles.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-39230580607373958142014-08-03T11:44:00.000-06:002014-08-03T11:44:17.472-06:00More of that Christmas Knitting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pmk33ici5beBBwXgKTUgLPSx3oqJRpC2jpKPo2qwTbnJC4d7yUGKQgrDSVVVD2LQIOdfA_aWRMPDSRk3_o5cxzWxNkB3DVbp41YLqLNMJnbMlhVkWkVHaPzWyridGx1nfTor9g/s1600/basic+stripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Pmk33ici5beBBwXgKTUgLPSx3oqJRpC2jpKPo2qwTbnJC4d7yUGKQgrDSVVVD2LQIOdfA_aWRMPDSRk3_o5cxzWxNkB3DVbp41YLqLNMJnbMlhVkWkVHaPzWyridGx1nfTor9g/s1600/basic+stripes.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic Stipes Afghan - Titled Racing Stripes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting more of my gift knitting done so the I don't feel pressure to knit like a maniac come November. I'm about 70% done this afghan for my nephew. It's a nice pattern and the yarn is very soft I think he'll enjoy snuggling under it while he watches a movie or reads when the temps dip low. Where they live the winters are quite harsh.<br />
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Using Knit picks Brava in basic primary colours.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-61854742419372710982014-07-30T13:38:00.000-06:002014-07-30T13:38:03.282-06:00Reading always helps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAxB9nxcLLe-4sUxzf3vi7NoL_j8xAoDbs0CjAKeEoFU0t1YkI7sMEYE5zihZFvl-8AlaFCBl6Tc7hev79l3_jjExrXIVM0bLn9-RmVeFgVWZ3MEGqKZoC2O-dFb6D_Hr8Vomww/s1600/cabled+mitt+thumb+gusset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAxB9nxcLLe-4sUxzf3vi7NoL_j8xAoDbs0CjAKeEoFU0t1YkI7sMEYE5zihZFvl-8AlaFCBl6Tc7hev79l3_jjExrXIVM0bLn9-RmVeFgVWZ3MEGqKZoC2O-dFb6D_Hr8Vomww/s1600/cabled+mitt+thumb+gusset.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Well I had good progress on my first mitten but as I got to the first increase row I realized something was off. I had too many stitches. It turns out I didn't read the pattern right from the start and there should have been three cable sections.<br />
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I frogged it and started over and so far it's going great. This afternoon I got to the part I thought would be the hardest, which was the Thumb Gusset. It was really no big deal at all.<br />
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I did have the held stitches on a metal holder but it looked like that might get in <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtRbrzRGrH50d2BLMkl0uhrPtoQZlg9dS4nPPPfq-H_9bCbyhLRakpahpdBpqCjiigUpyie4FG_l6K6Buiuhnz65ZYqsZ7s6UE2LkobC23AMB7Z_NDg6aL-vKt3VPcR_k_lEVlQ/s1600/cabled+mitt+thumb+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtRbrzRGrH50d2BLMkl0uhrPtoQZlg9dS4nPPPfq-H_9bCbyhLRakpahpdBpqCjiigUpyie4FG_l6K6Buiuhnz65ZYqsZ7s6UE2LkobC23AMB7Z_NDg6aL-vKt3VPcR_k_lEVlQ/s1600/cabled+mitt+thumb+progress.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
the way so I slipped them on to a piece of scrap yarn.<br />
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The colour is looking off here to me in this picture, it's Cascade220 Mallard and it really is a nice almost navy blue.<br />
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I'm hoping to have this mitten finished tonight and cast on for the right one. I'm so glad I gave dpn's a try!<br />
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And not too surprising I love knitting mittens a quick one skein project, what's not to love and since I live in a climate where I need them 75% of the year I'm stoked to be able to have as many as I want in different colours and styles.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-39409860584786013592014-07-28T11:28:00.000-06:002014-07-28T11:28:14.434-06:00Mittens in July?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfRxNFrf27xk4Toni2qeBFH9W88ocDhNQy37fYsXz9JKvZhgIkb_OhWluhypY7cbb9V7qk14SKH02jSl1qRlHDF-HhBfOZzCmTQhbtU57-VwXdTLgZv4lwgCu_7mmtzanSG0ngA/s1600/10303951_10152272970657058_6984336686636836761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfRxNFrf27xk4Toni2qeBFH9W88ocDhNQy37fYsXz9JKvZhgIkb_OhWluhypY7cbb9V7qk14SKH02jSl1qRlHDF-HhBfOZzCmTQhbtU57-VwXdTLgZv4lwgCu_7mmtzanSG0ngA/s1600/10303951_10152272970657058_6984336686636836761_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the start of a pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/irish-hiking-mittens">Irish Hiking Mittens</a>. After two successful cabled wine cozies I decided to try mittens next. I'm getting closer to socks :)! So even though it's July it's mittens I'm knitting. I really do love these one skein projects.<br />
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I had picked up this yarn on my last trip to visit my sister in B.C., it was supposed to be for a hat but it has sat in my stash waiting to be used. I really wanted to knit these in wool as I really prefer this especially on dpn's the wool seems to really have a lot more give in it and I really don't have any concerns with laddering.<br />
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I love the front of this mitten, the cables are perfect for it. I'll be doing this pattern repeat for a bit before I do any increases and the thumb gusset but so far so good. I'm really enjoying this. My only issue is now I seem to need to be buying a different set of dpn's all the time...lol! I now have 4mm for these mittens and 4.5 and 5.5 but I know I'll be needing more in the future. I don't know what it is but to me the bamboo needles really help me a lot, the stitches don't slip easily off of them so for now bamboo is it for me.TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22856583.post-55225282182640101782014-07-12T16:53:00.001-06:002014-07-12T16:53:42.218-06:00DeterminationWell I've tried knitting socks with different methods other than dpn's. I recently tried the two circular method, I spent a lot of money on great needles and yarn and although I grasped the idea of it I kept getting laddering. I've read some reviews on the yarn and some say it doesn't have enough give and can cause laddering. I'm not sure if it's the yarn or the technique. For now it's sitting there unfinished mocking me ;)<br />
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The other day I was browsing some patterns and I found this pattern I had saved awhile back but I put if off because it required dpn's. I am thinking enough is enough! I cast on that nightafter supper. I didn't just jump into plain knitting, but this had cables, after all I don't want to be stuck knitting stockinette socks all my life. My reasoning also that if I could knit cables with dpn's I shouldn't be intimidated any longer when patterns call for them. Time to grow up and wear my big girl panties.<br />
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Well it was so much fun and not hard at all, in just a short time I had an awesome wine sleeve, which I just adore. These will be very handy as my DH makes wine as a hobby and often we gift it and what a better way to wrap it up. I've already cast on for my second one. These are great stash busters to use up the leftovers from other projects. This first one was some Briggs and Little I had on hand from a project that never finished and the new one is being worked on with Knit Picks in Holly Berry. It seems like it takes just over 100 yds to make one.<br />
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I've also got another project to try after this that also uses dpn's and I'm actually looking forward to learning this new project. If all goes well I'll soon be using tiny needles and sock yarn and doing things the way my Granny would have years ago when she knit socks for my Grandpa. <br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzmbdrGBOVWvVIHo2dT8JzP4MNEvh1qZM0NsPpGP3JKHBigvQRhLPF3k-4jfLw7lKdC0WaGeyGlxiAAfOFiwhwwGIXR3adPHEZ9dGb8vzCjbExUwn1U6BdwVKs2ttXZZGkGgDIg/s1600/10532860_10152240789232058_1976825700548820569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzmbdrGBOVWvVIHo2dT8JzP4MNEvh1qZM0NsPpGP3JKHBigvQRhLPF3k-4jfLw7lKdC0WaGeyGlxiAAfOFiwhwwGIXR3adPHEZ9dGb8vzCjbExUwn1U6BdwVKs2ttXZZGkGgDIg/s1600/10532860_10152240789232058_1976825700548820569_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-wine-sleeve">Cabled Wine Sleeve</a> - Wine anyone?</td></tr>
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<br />TeaMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11601247285056038354noreply@blogger.com1