tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78104813637691374652024-03-12T22:24:57.379-04:00Needle-deeKnitting makes me happy.
Writing makes me happy.
Ergo, writing about knitting=happiness.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-70038296521616510502009-10-26T10:49:00.003-04:002009-10-26T10:52:39.675-04:00It's been a whileSo I turned into one of those bloggers that goes all hot n heavy for a while and then fades away. Ah well. I have actually been knitting, when not being a v busy full time working mom-of-two - check out the lovely stuff on ravelry (where I am DeniseE). Also set up a site for <a href="http://theeblensofmaryland.shutterfly.com/">family pics</a> so you can see what all I've been up to.<br />so anyway<br />did I miss anything?<br />what's new with ye all?Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-73351323562459808062009-04-12T19:00:00.002-04:002009-04-12T19:05:45.005-04:00Pictures from Denise<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procsrserv/47b9da33b3127cce9854884a121800000040108EctmrVw4bg/cwvDm9asA3Lw9YtWAbl5esmDBw" width="200" height="200" /><br />101 pictures - get ready for baby overload<br /><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8EctmrVw4buwg&eid=115">View Album at Shutterfly</a><img border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" width="1" height="1" /><br />hey that's what happens when a new baby arrives, not much knitting and even less blogging :)<br />be back when I have more freetime, maybe 2014 or so...<br />meanwhile see you on Facebook and Twitter<br />xxxxDenisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-10879549968403540022009-01-28T11:00:00.005-05:002009-01-28T11:34:38.055-05:00Want to see some more baby photos?Sure you do!<br />Here's Darcy in her new mitts from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KnittyMcKnitKnit/miittens">Knitty </a>- and her hat from Nan (cardi shop-bought - but knit by <em>somebody</em>)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD7YwAn8I/AAAAAAAABEI/8h8HR7FJX1k/s1600-h/new+mitts.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296378218067042242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD7YwAn8I/AAAAAAAABEI/8h8HR7FJX1k/s320/new+mitts.JPG" border="0" /></a> And here she is with her superhero <a href="http://twiceknit.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/super-sheldon/">Sheldon</a>! A lovely surprise from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/twiceknit">Twiceknit </a>-<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD7AuKlTI/AAAAAAAABEA/1N6xSZgFlGA/s1600-h/darcy+sheldon+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296378211616855346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD7AuKlTI/AAAAAAAABEA/1N6xSZgFlGA/s320/darcy+sheldon+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Even sleeps with him :)<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD62BFVrI/AAAAAAAABD4/s-S1A7BBmS4/s1600-h/darcy+sheldon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296378208743413426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD62BFVrI/AAAAAAAABD4/s-S1A7BBmS4/s320/darcy+sheldon.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And...would you believe I've got some kntting in? I bought this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/tess-designer-yarns-microfiber-ribbon">ribbon </a>yarn at MD Sheep & Wool and decided I wasn't busy enough so cast on - v pretty and <em>might</em> be ready for the summer!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD6xiiqLI/AAAAAAAABDw/Aswp9kdyJvU/s1600-h/blue+knits.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296378207541569714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD6xiiqLI/AAAAAAAABDw/Aswp9kdyJvU/s320/blue+knits.JPG" border="0" /></a> My Mum is here for a month, which is <em>so nice, </em>don't know how I'll manage when she leaves......and look what she got me...<a href="http://www.thyme2sew.blogspot.com/">Sue </a>want to visit and show me how to use this? Free baby cuddles with every visit!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296378217610647154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCD7XDMlnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/raHvx1OQwC0/s320/DSC03366.JPG" border="0" />And finally - Darcy is still getting used to her new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">blankie </a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296377515336505234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SYCDSe3_l5I/AAAAAAAABDo/W3RnGzqvAlg/s320/wah.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-50519956900521096692009-01-14T16:24:00.001-05:002009-01-14T16:27:38.330-05:00My daughter's handsHow soon till I can get some knitting needles in these? <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW5YdxTPmOI/AAAAAAAABCI/TvvNsSdGtHM/s1600-h/DSC03242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291263880680413410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW5YdxTPmOI/AAAAAAAABCI/TvvNsSdGtHM/s320/DSC03242.JPG" border="0" /></a> Modeling a hat knitted by her Irish grandmother.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW5YddsddII/AAAAAAAABCA/nhCygvVwH5c/s1600-h/DSC03264.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291263875417470082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW5YddsddII/AAAAAAAABCA/nhCygvVwH5c/s320/DSC03264.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-88050903858012583032009-01-13T17:32:00.004-05:002009-01-13T17:39:11.275-05:00Babette Bulletin<div>What do you think? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290910782017315682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW0XUuRtI2I/AAAAAAAABBw/hkUMcEcDFJI/s320/babette+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Finally finished the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">babette</a>, and put it on the spare bed in Darcy's room (she, of course, sleeps in a crib!) It actually sewed up quicker than you'd think - took a whole day - and it turned out even better than I expected. This really is a little girl's room now.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>PS - check out the wee boots by the bed. She has about 5 pairs of shoes, these are the ones she wears most days:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290911162474957170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SW0Xq3l4CXI/AAAAAAAABB4/dP7ye8kWJac/s320/baby+boots.JPG" border="0" /></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-90347078644701962032009-01-06T20:39:00.003-05:002009-01-06T20:52:27.450-05:00All change for the New Year<div><div><div>Well - no posts for about a week, and a life-changing week at that...My little daughter Darcy was born last Wednesday (New Year's Eve)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288361932502392066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SWQJKJ6A3QI/AAAAAAAABBo/LMMU6thR2J0/s320/darcy+hat.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p>Here she is, wearing a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/swell-3">little hat </a>I knit for her yesterday, under the blanket I made for her brother years ago. She is just the sweetest little thing.</p><p>I am still working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">babette,</a> which will now be an integral part of the decor in her room :) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288361929700606594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SWQJJ_eBAoI/AAAAAAAABBY/knudr3pF1A8/s320/babette+1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288361931738756706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SWQJKHD8tmI/AAAAAAAABBg/uaBV0FtmCyY/s320/babette+2.JPG" border="0" /></p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-11723087050550248572008-12-29T12:10:00.003-05:002008-12-31T09:58:40.521-05:00Last post of the year?<div align="center"> Maybe! </div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">UPDATED TO ADD PICTURES </span></em></div><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><div align="left"><br /></span></em>Though I have been making some progress :)<br />Finished my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/argosy">Argosy scarf</a>...here it is pinned, blocking</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285966971968949586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SVuG9GqoDVI/AAAAAAAABAw/yEry3JeY9Fk/s320/argosy+1.JPG" border="0" /><em>this</em> you have to see - I ran out of yarn mid way through the decreases...so I substituted some <em>other</em> pinkish sock yarn - v obvious I'm afraid. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285966976518219042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SVuG9XnQZSI/AAAAAAAABBA/HBVT_50rWwA/s320/argosy+3.JPG" border="0" />I considered ripping out and making the whole thing shorter, and then decided instead to just finish and block it and see. So after all that blocking and pinning, I discovered some left over original-coloured sock yarn (see there to the left of the orangey bit?)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285966977905191746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SVuG9cx760I/AAAAAAAABA4/MC1GuETA16Y/s320/argosy+2.JPG" border="0" />(still with me? Am not explaining this very well). So now I have the option of ripping out and redoing my blocked scarf (still pinned), or wearing it with a big un-matchy bit at the bottom. Hmm. TBD...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">Babette</a> is coming along well! I have about 20 4-round squares to go, they are quick in themselves but that's still a lot...an evening or two should knock that out then 'just' sewing and weaving in ends...am determined to finish before baby makes an appearance*. The nursery is shades of blue/lilac, so this blanket would go a long way to 'girling up' the place, if it turns out to be a wee girl.<br /><br />And seeing as it's coming into frigid season here in Merrilen, I cast on for a hat last night - haven't the patience (or probably time) to make one of those cool slouchy berets, but I thought the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beaufort-hat">Beaufort</a> would be both pretty and quick, dug out some dark red <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/patons-classic-wool-merino">Paton's classic wool Merino</a>, and hope to be done by the weekend. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285966982179329666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SVuG9ss-FoI/AAAAAAAABBI/6G-T3_6dRkM/s320/DSC03149.JPG" border="0" />UPDATE - knit this up in <em>a day</em> - and the lace pattern stretches out really nicely :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*No more false labor scares - am getting tons of exercise walking to and from bathroom and eating loads. Heartburn - check. Bloated - check. Stretch marks - check. Excited - check! Here I am:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285966989718014930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SVuG-IyVS9I/AAAAAAAABBQ/_dZV-40RS9o/s320/8+months+along.JPG" border="0" /></span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-81920023176744662082008-12-19T14:10:00.002-05:002008-12-19T14:16:34.715-05:00Just another monthHaven't mentioned being pregnant much on the blog - not a preggo blog after all - but it's obviously on my mind more and more as I approach 200lb and ankles the size my knees used to be.<br />Yesterday my lovely work friends had a shower for me - totally unnecessary as I have a 4 year old and they held me a shower for him back in '04, but I was really chuffed, and we had sheet cake - yay!<br />Last night we went for dinner at the mall and then lined up for over an hour to see Santa. Little guy was just delighted to see him, but apparently even standing for an hour is too much for me now - spent the night in hospital with v sore contractions, and came home this morning still cooking this baby but poked full of holes and exhausted.<br />Like I say, just another month.<br />Maybe I'm just a moaner. I mean - look at <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/18th_baby">this woman</a>. Hats off...Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-34580976247194842412008-12-16T11:27:00.009-05:002008-12-16T11:53:45.467-05:00funOnly 9 days til Christmas!<br /><br />Cookie swap was lots of fun last week, like I knew it would be. Made my 200 cookies, that's my baking over for another year. And brought <em>loads</em> home, have a couple of bags enticingly lining my freezer, yum.<br /><br />Here is <a href="http://www.diastelo.org/blog/?p=312">diastelo</a>'s Irish Potato Candy - not strictly a cookie but I forgive her -<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://knitredsox-massgirl.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426829244389362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfYOWuN1_I/AAAAAAAABAo/hgqpCKcYTzI/s320/DSC03059.JPG" border="0" /> KnitRedSox</a> loitering by the chocolate fountain...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfYOJjDOII/AAAAAAAABAg/4Wti9JCJaHs/s1600-h/DSC03057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426825707894914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfYOJjDOII/AAAAAAAABAg/4Wti9JCJaHs/s320/DSC03057.JPG" border="0" /></a> Table o' goodies, mmm<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjkHLjYI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/IrjYzkHDcH8/s1600-h/DSC03055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426094104382850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjkHLjYI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/IrjYzkHDcH8/s320/DSC03055.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://pheelya.blogspot.com/">Pheelya</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/KnittyMcKnitKnit">Knitty</a> showing off their knitted finery!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXj4Rpw2I/AAAAAAAAA_g/Ao6u37u3d0c/s1600-h/DSC03060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426099517014882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXj4Rpw2I/AAAAAAAAA_g/Ao6u37u3d0c/s320/DSC03060.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>There was even a rare appearance by <a href="http://twiceknit.wordpress.com/">Twiceknit</a>, in between her travels round the world. Great minty cookies too, yummm...</div><div> </div><div>Here's my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/argosy">Argosy scarf</a>, which I am working on between <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">Babette </a>and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/minutia">wee sweaters</a>. Just love the colours. And yes, it's for me. I really am embracing this whole <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/selfish-knitters">'Selfish Knitter' </a>ethos...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426577579641106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfX_tMqiRI/AAAAAAAABAY/kNngHriPUlU/s320/DSC03072.JPG" border="0" />On the home front - getting ready for Christmas by dropping many dollars at the post office. I always have a helper when I go:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjcTHHOI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/UpQC6Z1Qc4U/s1600-h/DSC02998.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426092006939874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjcTHHOI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/UpQC6Z1Qc4U/s320/DSC02998.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cheriwan">Cheriwan</a> got her swap package and I think <a href="http://sinequanon.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/swaporama.html">she was pleased </a>:) This is one of the best swaps I've been in. Thanks for organizing Pheelya and TulaBug!!</div><div> </div><div>Paddy and Jamie also join in the festivities. Not willingly, necessarily. You <em>know</em> I had to hold out some serious treats to get this picture...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjPx8AiI/AAAAAAAAA_I/3JH0QW4CNuo/s1600-h/DSC03005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426088646574626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SUfXjPx8AiI/AAAAAAAAA_I/3JH0QW4CNuo/s320/DSC03005.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-85442953944554022482008-12-09T13:08:00.003-05:002008-12-09T13:24:41.918-05:00what a find!Just came across <a href="http://www.knotions.com/">Knotions</a> and <a href="http://www.theinsideloop.com/Issue4/index.html">The Inside Loop </a>while checking, again, to see if <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.knitty.com">Knitty</a> winter patterns are up yet. I plan to cast on for <a href="http://www.theinsideloop.com/Issue4/Patterns/blowseyruffles.html">this</a>, for me, as soon as I finish my current scarf,<br />which, seeing as it's being knit on teeny needles with skinny yarn may make future knitting projects destined for the new decade...<br /><br />Would love to show you pictures if my camera would cooperate.<br />Got about 10 dozen cookies made last night, then ran out of eggs...considered sending himself out in the cold to store but as he had been warned that none of the cookies were for him, felt it would be pushing my luck...although we'll have dozens of cookies in the next day or two when I get back from the swaps, hmmm.<br /><br />Joined a great new group on Ravelry - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/selfish-knitters">Selfish Knitters</a>. Moderator andreainblue has a great philosophy: " my litmus test(s) for The Worthy is determining whether or not the recipients would ever spend an equal amount of time/money on me."Makes you think eh. From now on, knitting for kids (mine) and my Mum. Oh and ME, and that's it.<br /><br />Ahhhh feels good!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-69843660980660325632008-12-08T15:38:00.003-05:002008-12-08T16:11:11.698-05:00Thank Youuuuu!To my new friend <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/cheriwan"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheriwan</span></a> (<span style="font-size:78%;">real name Jillian - rechristened "Jennifer" <em>don't ask</em></span>) who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vvv</span> generously sent me the following in the recent <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sheila-rovelstad-designs/416125/1-25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ravelry</span> swap</a>:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277522093951983314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/ST2GYghIntI/AAAAAAAAA-w/sjediLAu3O4/s400/DSC03032.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277522101460784882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/ST2GY8fX1vI/AAAAAAAAA-4/y9l0KBjcyfE/s400/DSC03033.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Don'tcha</span> love opening mystery boxes with wee individually wrapped presents inside?? Some lovely yarn (have always loved working with Crystal Palace yarns!) in <span style="color:#ff6666;"><em><strong>pink</strong></em></span> (looks more red in pic), v. handy looking <a href="http://www.jeanettejed.etsy.com/">stitch markers</a>, <a href="http://www.piddleee.etsy.com/">skull yarn notions bag </a>(love.it.) <a href="http://www.theblackapple.etsy.com/">funky bubblegum girlie card</a> and bookmark - candy! And 2 patterns!! <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yay</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277522105114566258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/ST2GZKGgHnI/AAAAAAAAA_A/J8jLQ0KhFTo/s400/DSC03049.JPG" border="0" /></em>She even went to the trouble of ordering me things from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">etsy</span></a> - have included the links. </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Thanks again Jillian!<br /></div></em></span><div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-42439410651153962052008-12-08T13:43:00.006-05:002008-12-08T14:05:58.706-05:00Busy night ahead...I say this every year, and yes it's a cliche, so shoot me. I Love Christmas. It's <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The most wonderful time of the Year. </span></em>From the reliable "<span style="color:#990000;">Christmas is not just about shopping and eating you know</span>" sermon from the parish priest, to the emergence of more and more lights every evening driving home, to the <em>'what on earth can I get for my father this year'</em> dilemma*, just love it all.<br /><br />And this year - <em>we are home in our own house</em> - for the first year ever! <a href="http://needle-dee.blogspot.com/2007/12/im-dreaming-of-bright-christmas.html">Usually</a> we spend it with in-laws (Florida) or my folks (Ireland) - neither of which are bad options let me add, but I always feel like I miss the fun in our <a href="http://www.theviewnewspapers.com/community/11736/kendall-ridge-good-neighbors-make-it-work/">own neighbourhood</a>. Grandparents coming up to share in festivities for Christmas week, adding their Boston Terrier to the mix. I predict a good snorty time...<br /><br />And the fun starts tomorrow night, with a cookie swap. Making about 8 dozen cherry chocolate cookies tonight for a swap with neighbourhood ladies. And then the <em>next</em> night, another cookie swap with my knitting friends, about another 8 dozen. That means I need to make about 200 ~ 17 dozen cookies tonight, at least...<br /><br />I didn't pick a great recipe (will post later - if successful). Bucking the usual trend the recipe I chose from a random cookbook (bought when newly married and planning to cook/bake a lot - ha!) turned out great the first time, so I passed it on to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/TulaBug">TulaBug</a>, hostess extraordinaire, who is <a href="http://needle-dee.blogspot.com/2007/12/cookies-and-knitted-hats-and-more-yarn.html">again</a> hosting Wednesday's shindig.<br /><br />Subsequent efforts, however, resulted in 1: tray o'crumbs; 2. tray o'hockey pucks. No room for mess-ups tonight so fingers crossed...<br /><br /><strong><em>And</em></strong> my yarn swap loot arrived this weekend! Separate post coming on that as soon as camera cooperates, grrr.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*this year - donation to charity. So he's getting that, a </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/minutia"><span style="font-size:85%;">sock keychain</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, and pictures of his grandson :)</span>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-80118235118750014222008-11-30T17:39:00.006-05:002008-11-30T18:00:00.622-05:00Hmm...Just got an e-mail from Zazzle.com<br /><br />I made some customized postage stamps on Zazzle.com last week, uploading the <a href="http://needle-dee.blogspot.com/2008/11/some-pictures-to-keep.html">picture of my son</a> holding the newspapers announcing President Elect Obama's victory.<br /><br />Today, I received this e-mail from them:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">"Policy Violations: --- </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Incorporates the name or likeness of a current or former world leader or politician, </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">or a local, regional, national or international leader, religious figurehead, or politician."</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Who'da thought, eh? Kind of annoying...</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br />Still crocheting the Babette (really must take some pictures) and making wee little socks and sweaters for coworkers.<br /><br />Or for my tree, haven't decided.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274587361679036018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/STMZQm2kznI/AAAAAAAAA-k/EC41KwChY3w/s400/Rory+by+the+tree.jpg" border="0" />This is the first year we've had Christmas in our house, usually at one or other set of parents, so we're going all out this year - first house on the block to have <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">lig</span><span style="color:#009900;">ht</span><span style="color:#6633ff;">s </span><span style="color:#ff6600;">ou</span><span style="color:#9999ff;">t</span>! </strong>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-35963367245331297942008-11-28T13:05:00.002-05:002008-11-28T13:07:19.307-05:00Best. Mittens. Ever.<a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14558002@N03/3034974710/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3034974710_d31639cf13_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14558002@N03/3034974710/">bob02</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/14558002@N03/">muffinm</a></span><br /><p>Saw these on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dog-mittens">Ravelry</a> - so cute!<br />I know I won't have the time to make these this winter, but maybe I can knit while the new baby sleeps, will have so much spare time being at home for a couple of months...ahem... :)</p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-21478604878371847002008-11-26T11:06:00.004-05:002008-11-26T11:14:48.429-05:00What's new with you?Wintry weather setting in here...worked at home last Friday and enjoyed this - <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272998791292940450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SS10dpAUcKI/AAAAAAAAA-E/BqRFwWN3kUI/s400/snow.JPG" border="0" />this -<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272998807916568546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SS10em7s3-I/AAAAAAAAA-c/v9WKu54GvPA/s400/fire.JPG" border="0" /> and this -<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272998800304079618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SS10eKkvgwI/AAAAAAAAA-U/gymX_1ic_pw/s400/paddy+all+cosy.JPG" border="0" /> And wore my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/grandiflora">new socks</a>! <div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272998795787449522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SS10d5v5NLI/AAAAAAAAA-M/w1N0gGgLMK8/s400/new+socks.JPG" border="0" />Made them way too big though. They are practically slippers - I always do this, none of my knit socks are fine enough to actually wear with normal shoes. For once I actually used the whole ball of yarn though, have maybe 2 yards left, instead of the usual small ball that you hate to throw away (the thought!) but can't think of anything creative to do with. Though there's always <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/minutia">these</a>. </div><div> </div><div>Right now am back working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/babette-blanket">Babette, crochet blanket</a>. Hit <a href="http://www.allaboutyarn.com/">All About Yarn </a>on Saturday to get in more pink n green yarn supplies. Am on the home stretch, in terms of making the squares. The sewing and weaving-in-of-ends awaits...New pics coming. </div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-53094021335240886392008-11-18T15:43:00.001-05:002008-11-18T16:29:49.549-05:00more knitting-related stuff you don't need - and scarfapaloozaBeen trolling on <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">Zazzle </a>(who have a 10%-off coupon if you use Paypal - woohoo!) <div><div><div><div><div><div>Wouldn't I look smart showing up to <a href="http://www.meetup.com/ColumbiaSipandKnit/">S&K</a> with <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/knit_girls_will_knit_for_tattoos_shoes_kedsshoe-167170212376845531">these</a>: knitting themed keds! Might be the only way I'd ever wear a pair - us height-challenged folks need a bit more assistance in the heel department than Keds offer. </div><br /><div>Rory got a belated b'day gift from my friend J all the way in sunny (?) Belfast:</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270109736204275186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMw4gHIjfI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Zgc9QKdLXvU/s400/DSC02866a.JPG" border="0" />And this will be winging its way to her little girl shortly:</p></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110507445085826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxlZNRZoI/AAAAAAAAA90/humACxzbbss/s400/DSC02964.JPG" border="0" />I even crocheted little flowers on there - to use up the yarn - see I <em>do</em> crochet sometimes still: this blanket was the first ambitious project I worked on - red heart yarn all the way but hey: Jamie likes it...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110270572029266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxXmyVZVI/AAAAAAAAA9U/5Z8N6KXqS58/s400/DSC02949.JPG" border="0" />She is such a good model. </div><br /><div>Here is is showing off my entrelac scarf:</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110278446118786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxYEHqd4I/AAAAAAAAA9k/_P1Rg2Xjpsc/s400/DSC02968.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>(here it is folded in half - love this pattern)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270111356518881682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMyW0QPWZI/AAAAAAAAA98/LOhxPQM7Nvo/s400/DSC02966.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Here's the clapotis, still not blocked...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110271557747554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxXqdWQ2I/AAAAAAAAA9M/bhssS6cC87c/s400/DSC02965.JPG" border="0" />Oh, and here's some sweaters I've knit - photo taken from 50ft up obviously...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110278981417266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxYGHSeTI/AAAAAAAAA9s/6-IvPFHctzQ/s400/DSC02967.JPG" border="0" />And finally, the Grandiflora sock. I am now past the heel and into the gusset, but may have to rip waay back as I didn't center the heel in the pattern and so the lacey holes aren't even across the top of the foot. Grrr. The colours are totally mad too. I think these will have to be a keeper, can't see anyone else wanting them ;)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270110274136186866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSMxX0EGH_I/AAAAAAAAA9c/1_UtW3AhfNc/s400/DSC02969.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-70301859005738976812008-11-17T17:07:00.003-05:002008-11-17T17:13:02.894-05:00Yarn as artLook at <a href="http://www.studioloo.com/yarns.htm">this site</a>:<br /><br /><br />I want every single thing she makes, especially this:<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269752182908968498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SSHrsKSg3jI/AAAAAAAAA8U/kNYZxIKz-ZU/s400/dollhouseupseticon.jpg" border="0" />This is how it's described:</p><p>"<em><span style="font-size:85%;">DOLLHOUSE UPSET - This yarn is split into two skeins (because it was hard to fit on the bobbin with those doll heads). It is spun from various colours and fibers, a thick and thin single. There are hard plastic doll vintage doll heads throughout. Their hair is spun right into the yarn</span></em>. "<br /></p>I could never knit with any of it though - it's too pretty and magnificent to disrupt from the skein...so while it's the most impractical yarn purchase I may ever make it just <em>might have to happen</em>...will let you know...Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-2683013969639613672008-11-15T21:23:00.003-05:002008-11-15T21:34:38.258-05:00all quietNot a lot to report - am on my 5th scarf in a row - a blue stripey one for the brother, birthday in less than two weeks, and seeing as he is in Ireland and I left it in <a href="http://www.meetup.com/ColumbiaSipandKnit/">Panera's</a> last week (thanks Sarah for minding it for me!) it may end up being a Christmas gift. It's a very simple pattern, 2x2 ribbing in Lion Brand wool, simpler the better if you actually expect a guy to wear something knitted I have found.<br /><br />I've picked up the second <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/grandiflora">Grandiflora</a> sock, looking good. Plus it's coming into sock-wearing weather here. Thing is, am getting <em>so</em> pregnant - now weigh more than Himself - that normal sizes don't fit me and I have a lovely case of the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cankles">cankles</a>! Maybe will wear them in Spring.<br />Scored some lovely <a href="https://www.knitswithsticks.com/">Sheila Rovelstad yarn </a>for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sheila-rovelstad-designs/388469/26-50#32">Winter Wonderland Swap</a>. Won't post a picture in case the swapee reads this :) (And I will also spare you a picture of my cankles).Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-4139532668998355132008-11-08T22:52:00.004-05:002008-11-08T23:06:01.169-05:00Some pictures to keep<div>Tuesday night was a momentous one - </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266503082728777362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SRZgpo6MZpI/AAAAAAAAA8E/HyMVj-pLf4M/s320/DSC02920.JPG" border="0" />Wednesday at Sip n Knit we were discussing whether this would be one of those 'where were you when...' occasions - all too often those are linked to tragic occasions - 9/11, Diana dying, Kennedy getting shot (bit before my time that last one), so it's wonderful to have a happy memory to anchor onto. Of course, if anyone asks where <em>I</em> was when the first black president was elected, I'll have to say I was fast asleep in bed, hugging big pregnant belly :) Ah well.<br /><br />PS - though I had the chance to buy actual newspapers on Wednesday <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">morning</span>, it never <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occurred</span> to me. By the time I realized that I was missing out on wonderful souvenirs, this is what I found:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266503092666696274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SRZgqN7lAlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/XbrLWJS2OCQ/s320/DSC02921.JPG" border="0" /><br />Well - there's always Inauguration Day!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-71873150241704183742008-11-05T14:03:00.004-05:002008-11-05T14:41:35.144-05:00cheesy grin alert<div>Been a good good week. Extra hour in bed on Sunday. A wonderful new President. And...my first week in two years </div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><em>without</em></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><em>braces</em></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc33cc;"><em>!!!</em></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Got braces two years ago because my not-very-crooked teeth were getting chipped from the bad alignment. Or something. Twenty four months and 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">orthodontists</span> later (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grr</span>) they came off last week and I have a lovely All-American girl smile now. I even bought some of that teeth-whitening stuff last weekend. I will update later with some up-close-n-gorgeous pictures, but for now here's me and my two men and my big cheesy grin!</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265259666243890002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SRH1xRioq1I/AAAAAAAAA70/bT4gWpfCiAs/s320/halloween.jpg" border="0" />What amazed me was, when I went to work and met friends over the next few days, that they <em>didn't immediately notice</em>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manys</span> the person who smiled politely, then worriedly, as I grinned widely at them demanding an opinion. Like my teeth aren't foremost on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">everyone's</span> mind, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sheesh</span>...<br /><div align="center">OK here's one more look:<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265259678293670466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 66px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 36px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SRH1x-bhukI/AAAAAAAAA78/mnjU47BlQuQ/s320/mysmile.jpg" border="0" />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-33476265339666902002008-11-04T10:19:00.008-05:002008-11-04T10:55:40.345-05:00A year already?Yayyy been blathering on here (intermittently) for a year now. And I still have stuff to say! <div><br /></div><div>Well - the knitting is going good - deep into scarf season, my favourite. I recently finished a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/clapotis-3">skinny clapotis </a>and a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/entrelac-scarf">short entrelac scarf </a>for my friend's 5 year old - and am on my second entrelac scarf, all looking lovely and - thankfully - not boring to knit. I am using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/noro-matsuri">Noro matsuri </a>for the scarf on the needles now and it's a lot of fun to see the colours developing. It's a cotton/wool blend - so no wispy bits to stick to my winter-chapped lips. (Note: I have been listening to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bonk-Curious-Coupling-Science-Sex/dp/0393064646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225812952&sr=8-1">this</a> on audiobook while knitting this scarf, so will probably always have some weird associations with this particular garment...)</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>In sad knitting news - Himself washed <em>and tumble-dried</em> the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/dollar-and-a-half-cardigan">purple cardi </a>:( </div><div>let's just say it is now a wee bit snug...It <em>may</em> be stretchable, or maybe I'll have to wait to wear it when I drop some of the baby blubber. Speaking of, am now nearly 7 months along. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264827928514253490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SRBtG1Kl0rI/AAAAAAAAA7s/YVm1BbB_ixc/s320/DSC02830.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I tested presumptive for gestational diabetes though, have to do the follow-up this weekend. My major in <a href="http://www.ulster.ac.uk/campus/coleraine/">college</a> was Human Nutrition, I should know better*(she says, still scarfing down Halloween candy).</div><div> </div><div>In <em>other </em>sad knitting news - the hat and scarf I donated to the school's fund riaser? They were put on sale for $2 each! I nearly bought them back in annoyance. I should have added labels saying they were handmade especially, washing instruction etc. But didn't. Ah well. Last I checked they were gone. No update on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/baby-surprise-jacket">this accursed item</a>... </div><br /><div></div><div>In other sad news, my Tivo died :( And even though I have 18 months service paid up, the only option to access it is to <strong>buy a whole new Tivo box</strong>. Ranging from $150 to $350. Grr. And I had loads of stuff saved on there that I was going to watch <em>sometime</em>. Am a big fan of 'Murder TV' as himself calls it. I particularly like the Oxygen show "<a href="http://oxygen.com/TvShows/SNP/">Snapped</a>" where some long suffering women off their men. <span style="font-size:78%;">Usually following laundry-related mishaps...</span></div><div></div><br /><br />Rare trip to the movies last weekend, to see <a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809958867/info">Zack and Miri make a porno</a>. I really liked it, Seth Rogen always cracks me up. The only reason I mention it here, though, is for the surprising amount of knitted and crocheted items on view - it's set in wintertime Pennsylvania so afghans/scarves/hats/sweaters are in nearly every scene. Good a reason as any to check it out :)<br /><br /><div></div><div>The <a href="http://www.meetup.com/ColumbiaSipandKnit/">Columbia Sip n Knit </a>celebrated 2 years and counting last Wednesday, still going strong. I've been a member just over a year, and I love it. A nicer bunch of ladies (and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/textillian">Textillian</a>!) you couldn't hope to meet. Lynn even had cake for us - and surprises from her trip to China! </div><div></div><div></div><div>Last night I experimented with a new cookie recipe for the 2nd annual cookie swap at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/TulaBug">Stacey's</a> house next month: <span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#990000;"><em>Cherry chocolate Yumsters</em></span>, I think I'll call them. Himself thought I was having a 'craving' he should know by now that I kind of always crave cookies, and now I have an excuse to eat them (see*!!)</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-47532236668808990962008-10-27T11:13:00.003-04:002008-10-27T11:30:54.280-04:00Another clapotisAfter a hiccup-y start (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/blue-heron-rayon-metallic">this yarn </a>gets tangled very easily) I am motoring away on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/clapotis-3">clapotis/scarf</a>. Jamie happily modeled for me (rather - she wouldn't get up so had to drape knitting over her). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261852995705145074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SQXba81UhvI/AAAAAAAAA7M/IdV4cqWPujo/s320/jamie+is+clapped+out.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261853009825674914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SQXbbxb6tqI/AAAAAAAAA7U/q7GdOc0sMVs/s320/Jamie+models.JPG" border="0" />It's 47 st. wide, and very portable for commute-knitting. <div><div><div>I kind of wish I had made it maybe one repeat wider, because I have a lot more of this yarn. Also, am not loving the colour - it seemed more red in the skein, orange has never been my favourite...may well be an xmas gift for somebody. </div><div> </div><div>I also went to visit the Celtic-Knot yarn store in Ellicott City, up for sale and maybe soon to close :( and got the pink/purple Karaoke yarn you see here:</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261853016290658066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EwzrB2lFcFw/SQXbcJhShxI/AAAAAAAAA7c/xoGuCBGTPUM/s320/more+intarsia.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br />I tried out the intarsia using the King Cole yarn on top - not a great idea, the yarn is waaay too variegated and that colourway is not for me... But the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/south-west-trading-company-karaoke">Karaoke yarn </a>is coming along great - I plan to make 2 skeins of it into a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE/entrelac-scarf">scarf</a>, felt it, and send to my friend's 5-year old. That's the <em>plan</em> anyway...Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-86725541336745427382008-10-21T13:40:00.005-04:002008-10-21T13:59:02.677-04:00Some FO picsI already put these up on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeniseE">Ravelry </a>but am nothing is not a showoff ;P<br /><br />Here's my Grandiflora sock, <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="408" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2954859487_01c609d0c2_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Made from the Opal Harry Potter Tonks Yarn - here she is on the label, cute eh:</p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2955704440_07d92fb712_o.jpg" border="0" />And donated some knits to charity (daycare 'yard sale' for Make-a-Wish):</p><p>this scarf, that was languishing half finshed for over a year...</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="299" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2955705038_298d449662_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>it started existence as a trial-run for this.</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/1716754614_d37f49156c_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>This hat - too big for any normal headed person</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2186/2115382641_0c7ec5460b_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>And (blush) the beleagured Baby surprise jacket!<br /></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2793123190_b2d962f85f_m.jpg" border="0" /> <p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2955704440_07d92fb712_o.jpg"></a></p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-31575916709768246722008-10-21T13:39:00.002-04:002008-10-21T13:58:17.618-04:00The latest trend in xmas tree ornaments<a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisee/2955705498/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2955705498_c7b069165b_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisee/2955705498/">DSC02854</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/denisee/">dcrre</a></span><br /><p>Never too early to start preparing...<br />made a knitted uterus for a 'childless by choice' friend - for decorative purposes only, just like her own ;)</p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7810481363769137465.post-48009818749894363032008-10-20T08:33:00.002-04:002008-10-20T08:36:51.871-04:00The bright side of election season15 more days to go...what to do...<br />try <a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/Newsletters/51849.html">these</a>: Presidential Finger Puppets from Lion Brand. Mc Cain is just <em>uncanny</em>...Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06264767740414904796noreply@blogger.com0