tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31072798986953833452024-02-20T18:06:38.786-05:00Dr Chop Suey KnitsDrChopSuey Knits spreads the love for knitting through the teaching knitting and experimenting in knitwear design. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-47268646260355066722016-08-01T08:58:00.003-04:002016-08-01T08:58:59.508-04:00DrChopSuey Knits Summer Mojo GiveAway<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">THANK YOU to all who participated in my first DrChopSuey Knits Contest! It's always a thing when you are not sure if anyone is going to join or play with you in your events - so it was so rewarding (and fun!) for me to see so many familiar and new faces join. And thank you for sending me (and each other) knitting inspiration - you guys are really awesome! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was also fun (okay, nerve wracking) to jump on Facebook live to announce the winner. In my first FB live post (on a different group) I didn't realize the camera orientation had to be vertical and not horizontal. So for the entire live post I was sideways! In this second FB live post I didn't realize the camera shows everything backwards! So I didn't realize my wheel and everything would be inverted! Doh! Maybe the third time will be the charm and I'll finally get the hang of this thing (probably not, but whatevs!). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Awesome BACKWARDS contest wheel. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a congratulations to Rebecca G who won! I was so excited to give away a prize - I think I might do another giveaway sooner rather than later! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, a reminder to all about my upcoming Virtual Knit night! I have no idea what to expect (or really what I'm going to do). So if you wanted to hang with me and other knitters (crocheters and other fiber artists are also welcome!) please join us on Thursday, August 11th from 7-8pm (EST) on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1746034038995391/">DrChopSuey Knits FB events page</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1746034038995391/"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AsrdIQKc6HNrB2jd4uoI89kv8d32o03az_JpHbBwgHksm1vr1RYs26OdbuRAvgf0Dptj8qR9hKC5CSA-EixQtr5j4SuwNStFJk0MYLIlBHAHnGTYAXB51Oc8W9omsYyNQb_JSRVaLnwW/s640/VirtualKnitNight.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1746034038995391/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1746034038995391/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until next time - Knit and Rock on!! </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-31485825241183252102016-07-22T09:54:00.001-04:002016-07-22T09:54:13.526-04:00New Accepted Forms of Payment<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey DrChopSuey Knits fans - I now have a number of ways payment can be accepted! When you do a private lesson with me (currently $35/hr) I can now take cash, PayPal, or credit card (via square). Just let me know what works best for you! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-42055860818407742402016-07-17T16:48:00.001-04:002016-07-17T16:48:27.494-04:00Summer Give-Away<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's summer and I've lost my knitting mojo! To try to get back in the knitting groove I'm doing a give-away! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/">DrChopSuey Knits </a>on Facebook, find this post, and let me know what inspires you, or what you like to knit, in the summer. If you like and comment you will be entered to win this Ocean Breezes (ahhh, summer ocean breeze) book, a skein of yarn to knit a scarf from the book, and other knitting goodies. Share this FB post and you'll get a second entry! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the details, only in the US (sorry... another time!), and all entries (comments and shares) must be posted by Friday, July 29th. I will do the drawing that weekend and will announce the winner August 1st. Good luck to all and help me get my knitting mojo back!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-79197682209910314442016-04-28T09:02:00.000-04:002016-04-28T09:02:03.909-04:00Finished my Fox Paws!<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdrchopsueyknits%2Fposts%2F1173665312646204&width=500" width="500" height="714" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-21839976945778862172016-03-22T09:20:00.000-04:002016-03-22T09:20:10.567-04:00Last Chance for Portuguese Knitting! <div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1143792685633467" data-width="500"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-26303018286241556492016-03-16T10:34:00.000-04:002016-03-16T10:34:01.968-04:00MORE fiber! <div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/photos/p.1143781888967880/1143781888967880/?type=3" data-width="500"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-15782037553313229362016-03-15T09:24:00.001-04:002016-03-15T09:26:15.111-04:00Portuguese Knitting! <div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1143016995711036:0" data-width="600"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1143016995711036:0"><p>Wow! Who knew Portuguese (also known as Peruvian or Bosnian) knitting would be so popular! Only a couple more slots...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/">Drchopsuey Knits</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1143016995711036:0">Monday, March 14, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-68124967327304708242015-09-28T10:04:00.000-04:002015-09-28T10:04:00.105-04:00New AdventuresNew Adventures for DrChopSuey Knits! I've begun to enhance my knitting teaching career by expanding to another knitting shop! I'm still teaching and working (and LOVING) <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com/">WoolWinders Yarn Shop </a>in Rockville, Maryland. But now I'm also teaching at <a href="http://www.knitlocally.com/">Knit Locally</a>, another LYS located in Boyds, Maryland. I am excited to meet more people, get even more experience with teaching, and continue to deepen my knitting knowledge!<br />
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I really love this new LYS because they carry different yarns than my home base shop, and they have a focus on local artists (they feature artwork, jewelry, bags and goods made by local artists). And Knit Locally is set up and decorated in a very elegant style that just makes you feel welcomed and comfortable.<br />
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I'm teaching two Thursdays a month (again, this is in addition to my regular Saturdays at WoolWinders!), from 6:30 - 8:30pm. These sessions are called 'Knits of the Round Table' where you can drop by and I can help you with your project! I'm hoping these turn into awesome and fun Thursday evenings where people come and go (mostly come and stay) and knit with me for the 2 hours! For more information please see the <a href="http://www.knitlocally.com/KnitLocally-Classes.htm">Knit Locally site</a>.<br />
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These sessions start this coming Thursday, October 1st. Come and bring a friend! I hope to see you there!<br />
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I'm excited to announce a new knitting class I'm teaching - Knits of the Round Table at Knit Locally! Join me two times...<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits">Drchopsuey Knits</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1050379234974813">Tuesday, September 15, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-69629722498798169222015-09-24T09:49:00.000-04:002015-09-24T14:23:45.149-04:00Wowza - Better late than never!Wowza - I'm so bad at updating this site!<br />
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Actually if you want to stay on the most up-to-date info on DrChopSuey Knits you might want to Like and Follow my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits">DrChopSuey Knits Facebook page</a>.<br />
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On another note -- it looks like when I last wrote, I blogged about brioche knitting. Well folks, brioche is still HOT and happening! In fact, check out my upcoming classes:<br />
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Brioche Knitting is just like the bread - it is hot, Hot, HOT! Learn it now, while it's the hip thing. Join me at...<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits">Drchopsuey Knits</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits/posts/1054765867869483">Monday, September 21, 2015</a></blockquote>
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So that's all for now. Check out and like the FB page and maybe I'll start posting on here again soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-64466650267816686362015-02-06T14:42:00.000-05:002015-02-06T14:42:14.488-05:00Brioche KnitsMore Doubled fabrics!<br />
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I have been all about double knitting lately and these projects are no different. I fell for brioche knitting and with all the hoopla as of late, it looks like many others out there have as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK-G8tJmszTo_ZsQ6RnFv3NY4Bml-Qr6uh9fbUfdbfFZv7sWROkrD5cSVeCLj9Zh384eUbTqyE6jFvpuC2DWW9RzV768hHcZlDXv1JOI4RY83k9wCYutXb-c26vX5Mbv0RubZwgtz-ohp/s1600/brioche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK-G8tJmszTo_ZsQ6RnFv3NY4Bml-Qr6uh9fbUfdbfFZv7sWROkrD5cSVeCLj9Zh384eUbTqyE6jFvpuC2DWW9RzV768hHcZlDXv1JOI4RY83k9wCYutXb-c26vX5Mbv0RubZwgtz-ohp/s1600/brioche.jpg" /></a></div>
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So what is brioche knitting? Brioche knits are sort of similar to the brioche bread that you are familiar with. Similar to the bread, the knitted fabric is a bulky, lofty, and ridged fabric that looks like stitches sitting on top of one another. The fabric creates lovely pronounced columns where the knit stitches litterly pop off and appear to float above other stitches. The fisherman's rib produces a similar final outcome but the method by which one gets to the result is different. In brioche knitting you slip one and create a yarn over. On the next row the slipped stitch is worked with the yarn over. In the fisherman's rib you knit through the stitch below, essentially creating that yarnover as you knit.<br />
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Either way, the brioche knit and look is in right now. Nancy Marchant is famous in the brioche knits world, just published a new book:<a href="http://www.briochestitch.com/"> Knitting Fresh Brioche: Creating Two-Color Twists & Turns. </a><a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/tags/Knitting+Daily/default.aspx">Knitting Daily </a>sent out a number of brioche-related stories lately. And I saw brioche patterns and spotlights in a number of knitting magazines this winter.<br />
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So why not jump on the brioche bandwagon?!<br />
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I will be teaching a Brioche Cowl class at WoolWinders Yarn shop this weekend. I think it's actually sold out. But good news... it'll be offered again in the spring so stay tuned for the dates and times.<br />
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What cowl will I be teaching? Well I'm glad you asked. I'll be teaching two of my own pattern designs!<br />
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The first is the Twisted Brioche Cowl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-brioche-cowl"><b>The Twisted Brioche Cowl </b></a></div>
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Available for free from Ravelry</div>
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<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/fyberspates-scrumptious-aran">Fyberspates Scrumptious Aran</a></div>
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<b>Needles: </b>US size 10 (6.0 mm)</div>
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The second project is called Button It Brioche Cowl.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-it-brioche-cowl">Button It Brioche Cowl</a></b></div>
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Pattern available for $2.00 on Raverly</div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/fyberspates-scrumptious-aran">Fyberspates Scrumptious Aran</a></div>
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Both patterns are available here on my website, under the tab: Designs http://www.drchopsueyknits.com/p/drchopsuey-knits-designs.html). Both links will kick you over to the DrChopSuey Knits page on Ravelry where you can download the patterns. </div>
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Both projects are fun and relatively quick knits (once you learn how to do the brioche stitch). The reason the one pattern is paid for... I had to do some math. :) </div>
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If you try out my patterns please link to it on Ravelry and let me know if you find any issues so I can quickly fix and post errata. Enjoy and stay warm! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-49570570495380211712015-01-05T09:14:00.000-05:002015-01-05T09:14:00.526-05:00Double Knit Knit-A-Long! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHiSyEaMbG7EiiJfey76uMaEgjlSmddYVhiPaaDtaG1RXqqFmkY7CXRpBrwwkiTsDAzuxVBxjKwSDB2XQnryCSLCDLs4HRygEb0OQP_D99KXQwDjNNWb-Q4Qq5D0xGzUyhVZQtgptwQ2O/s1600/20141206_074716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHiSyEaMbG7EiiJfey76uMaEgjlSmddYVhiPaaDtaG1RXqqFmkY7CXRpBrwwkiTsDAzuxVBxjKwSDB2XQnryCSLCDLs4HRygEb0OQP_D99KXQwDjNNWb-Q4Qq5D0xGzUyhVZQtgptwQ2O/s1600/20141206_074716.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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I've been obsessed with the idea of double knitting for a while now. <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/03/double-trouble.html">Last year I attempted the technique but the pattern and I were not getting along</a>. I figured out the technique no problem but the pattern was not written well and it just became a huge mess. This year I decided I was not only going to master the technique, but also teach it AND have it as a fun month-long knit-a-long (KAL)! Luckily Amy, the owner of WoolWinders, lets me try out crazy ideas and we have it scheduled for the whole month of January. So starting in January (the 10th if you will) I'll be teaching a class where people can choose their OWN double knit pattern and join along for a month of knitting fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpv3ypDjkz4SLvXTYC25atOcLVxppWALn7UYO788wjxHgH_WLzOJgCgNjtc4XuyBSZ4GIIkpAWBpBh8QuGGh7twPuLVn7kILMsawuASayhvcc1vHebjbHnn-FD0qxLVtSwPfPtzaLio-P/s1600/20141123_150100-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpv3ypDjkz4SLvXTYC25atOcLVxppWALn7UYO788wjxHgH_WLzOJgCgNjtc4XuyBSZ4GIIkpAWBpBh8QuGGh7twPuLVn7kILMsawuASayhvcc1vHebjbHnn-FD0qxLVtSwPfPtzaLio-P/s1600/20141123_150100-1.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
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<b>Project:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/snowflakes-double-knit-scarf">Snowflakes Double Knit Scarf</a></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-blanket-snowflakes---vognteppet-snfnugg">Baby Blanket Snowflakes/Vognteppet Snofnugg</a> by Penneguri</div>
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<b>Yarns:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/madelinetosh-pashmina-worsted">Madelinetosh Pashmina Worsted </a>in Fathom and Antler (75% merino, 15% silk, 10% cashmere)</div>
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<b>Started: </b>October 11, 2014</div>
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<b>Finished:</b> November 29, 2014</div>
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The pattern I chose for the store sample is actually for a fair-isle blanket that is worked in the round and then steeked (!!). Actually I'm totally intrigued and want to try knitting and steeking the blanket. But for now I just used the pattern for inspiration for my scarf.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaFqVDN76kn3x6ImXFe4du7J16lomBIMBXmxs_EM7a-RuVrxgwJdBqF3k6I_l_ID_XLCnhLsp4hN4GYlqixHOSLqot6jjoxDkHQohurd9BMEzMOh5WxS-M-Yl4IwoiyzK8fnJt9V2akIP/s1600/20141206_074526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaFqVDN76kn3x6ImXFe4du7J16lomBIMBXmxs_EM7a-RuVrxgwJdBqF3k6I_l_ID_XLCnhLsp4hN4GYlqixHOSLqot6jjoxDkHQohurd9BMEzMOh5WxS-M-Yl4IwoiyzK8fnJt9V2akIP/s1600/20141206_074526.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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I really love my snowflake scarf. It's so warm and soft! The two layers of cashmere blend yarn are heavenly. If you ever want a luxurious feeling scarf draped around your neck go for the Madelinetosh Pashmina. Actually Rosie loved sitting on my lap while I knit this because the warm and soft cashmere would just drape around her. What a spoiled little pup!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVWni1GS4in9vO86JEr6L8e-SJ4lQyCxjIrvwriO5rTkB3H6nJkmrc3nNJ8_wyQRTplV2mh9FWOOxBG2zE-d0lXZl65ZDxqAD2StOui-P6cxA71W4qZLd6c44QtdAi6YF_4hQd25Q1xBL/s1600/20141206_074643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVWni1GS4in9vO86JEr6L8e-SJ4lQyCxjIrvwriO5rTkB3H6nJkmrc3nNJ8_wyQRTplV2mh9FWOOxBG2zE-d0lXZl65ZDxqAD2StOui-P6cxA71W4qZLd6c44QtdAi6YF_4hQd25Q1xBL/s1600/20141206_074643.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping that people will try different patterns for the January KAL. I'll be knitting the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/there-and-back-again-story-scarf">There and Back Again</a>, Hobbit story scarf for the hubs in a brown and cream combination (request by the hubs himself).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiqQlpdYOc6kOOIuHGkr4e3OVnNYHbOBJaO0Ia7ReSXMA4eOHruOQhVyuD_6saBPvZSpZEIvUhQYFi9chiMKY17DMPwXEEjUIkpH_6UBO4OApIqXozwgIlpojJMajjBKJpfjiDTp67L41/s1600/Story_modeled_2_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiqQlpdYOc6kOOIuHGkr4e3OVnNYHbOBJaO0Ia7ReSXMA4eOHruOQhVyuD_6saBPvZSpZEIvUhQYFi9chiMKY17DMPwXEEjUIkpH_6UBO4OApIqXozwgIlpojJMajjBKJpfjiDTp67L41/s1600/Story_modeled_2_small2.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/FrivoliteByHand" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">FrivoliteByHand</a></td></tr>
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The other cool thing I'm attempting this class will be a virtual "hangout" twice during the month-long KAL. Two in-person sessions and two virtual sessions. These virtual knitting hangouts will either be a complete awesome success or huge awesome failure. Fingers crossed for fun and success but either way, I'm excited to try it out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl-kTfUvvmZXYFksgP3PcHxkITg1yD_8NaFloQmoBp687gpes6RMLe0PwgKomj90aop1oINO9KRo__y3guStd0REWE_04oNA55pYBoWJThMQEGGQg_YCIdTeBc5VGq3GoOaV0L3nz1cS2/s1600/20141123_150035-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl-kTfUvvmZXYFksgP3PcHxkITg1yD_8NaFloQmoBp687gpes6RMLe0PwgKomj90aop1oINO9KRo__y3guStd0REWE_04oNA55pYBoWJThMQEGGQg_YCIdTeBc5VGq3GoOaV0L3nz1cS2/s1600/20141123_150035-1-1.jpg" height="320" width="168" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL4cZdsV_ER00CslNlSmLlqgoFZw8tF0Mqqu2XMj9agbFwrUpxWYc_JWaPjRCwBktZ_lZITtPyHntAsxRYDsyon4lAJdXcYVQShBJnHuta7bST4mTVjX-_hoRFsO8Hwj4Jtn3DEiOwxhY/s1600/20141123_150022-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL4cZdsV_ER00CslNlSmLlqgoFZw8tF0Mqqu2XMj9agbFwrUpxWYc_JWaPjRCwBktZ_lZITtPyHntAsxRYDsyon4lAJdXcYVQShBJnHuta7bST4mTVjX-_hoRFsO8Hwj4Jtn3DEiOwxhY/s1600/20141123_150022-1.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
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Lastly - I have to plug it one more time. Are you tempted to join me in the KAL? There are still a couple more slots available! Go to the <a href="http://store.woolwinders.com/double-knit-knit-a-long/dp/4239">WoolWinders website to learn more and register</a>! How to double knit and a month of fun... sounds awesome to me!<br />
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Till next time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-10858283160795567032015-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-01T09:00:01.822-05:002014 Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKd6fnFUCKOyJjv99rCHkGdJk9TGusLPHCm11vNFAXK5DlowuTOfV-SGLmeUZfJ0Mxe397DQSzZ-1opRzCXmXoJk_YrjFw2prPfb69Oi6DbaU_H6WFfYfIIqOXuW_qfi4rV2VLMpYUVcF/s1600/Landscape-Reflections-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKd6fnFUCKOyJjv99rCHkGdJk9TGusLPHCm11vNFAXK5DlowuTOfV-SGLmeUZfJ0Mxe397DQSzZ-1opRzCXmXoJk_YrjFw2prPfb69Oi6DbaU_H6WFfYfIIqOXuW_qfi4rV2VLMpYUVcF/s1600/Landscape-Reflections-2.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I've mentioned before, I'm not one to make resolutions for the new year but I always like to take time to think about what has happened in the past year, reflect on lessons learned, the good and tough moments and think about how to make the next year even better in all areas of life.<br />
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But of course for the purposes of this blog I always have to list out my fiber-related accomplishments:<br />
<ul>
<li>Completed <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey">29 knitting projects</a> </li>
<li>Wrote <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2014-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2015-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=42">42 blog posts</a></li>
<li>Taught 42 hours of classes</li>
<li>Continued to work at <a href="http://woolwinders.com/">WoolWinders Yarn Shop</a></li>
<li>Participated in (and completed) <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/07/irish-arrow-mystery-shawl-kal.html">my first MKAL</a></li>
<li>Launched the new DrChopSuey Knits logo (with a revamped blog/webpage ready to be launched soon!)</li>
<li>Created the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/drchopsueyknits?ref=bookmarks">DrChopSuey Knits Facebook Page</a> with information about classes, projects and all things fiber-related</li>
<li>Maintained the <a href="https://twitter.com/drchopsueyknits">DrChopSueyKnits Twitter</a> feed </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wey9nX4AK7mMK6GfRTPpW1U9he7nkVtLV5eyl97cohWI5fpTwVe9nNR-0WWGkkzEh8HiiCd3bhZUZZFHI9ApiXAtkHTKMGNNI2OqMyZCxdc_uMzQAhANrC8yVTwjzRujlOXM7kgQfxB/s1600/2014Projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-wey9nX4AK7mMK6GfRTPpW1U9he7nkVtLV5eyl97cohWI5fpTwVe9nNR-0WWGkkzEh8HiiCd3bhZUZZFHI9ApiXAtkHTKMGNNI2OqMyZCxdc_uMzQAhANrC8yVTwjzRujlOXM7kgQfxB/s1600/2014Projects.jpg" height="371" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot of finished projects in 2014 (from Ravelry)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New DrChopSuey Knit logo!</td></tr>
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Of course knitting is not all I do (believe it or not). A couple additional fun accomplishments to note: </div>
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<ul>
<li>#1 item - still cancer free! Let's keep this one going! </li>
<li>Read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4622279-suzy">34 books</a> (12 more than last year!)</li>
<li>Walked/ran <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/user/23LJRC">4,161,997 steps</a> and 9,612 flights of stairs (that's 186,002 more steps and 2,446 more stairs in 2014!)</li>
<li>Traveled to Europe for the first time (I had only traveled to Asia previously), not just <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/05/copenhagen-fun-part-1.html">once </a>but <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-amsterdam-trip.html">twice</a>! </li>
<li>Completed a year (pretty successfully) at work (they haven't sent me packing yet, ha!). </li>
<li>Met a lot of amazing people from all walks of life</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6zHa0QoqJs1ibKDY1GyOy7uwnHYly0o0HrAao9SDOfYYo7XHrJwYROik6cxZPbNwdo2AssPNcAeXHasjKw2oLQaI2rCK5tTqHIpZfBDGPUVkXnZ2UDQJ3fj1LD_McC4602iytZCge_h9/s1600/2014Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6zHa0QoqJs1ibKDY1GyOy7uwnHYly0o0HrAao9SDOfYYo7XHrJwYROik6cxZPbNwdo2AssPNcAeXHasjKw2oLQaI2rCK5tTqHIpZfBDGPUVkXnZ2UDQJ3fj1LD_McC4602iytZCge_h9/s1600/2014Books.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of book covers from 2014 books read (from GoodReads)</td></tr>
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Clearly 2014 was a great year for my fiber life as my knitting teaching career really took off. I never thought I'd be teaching but I have to say in absolutely loving it. I am learning to become a better knitter and communicator by teaching others. It's an added bonus that I've made a little money and amazing friends along the way.<br />
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So what does 2015 have in store? Obviously we have no idea yet. What I do know is that my career (that actual work thing I do with clinical terminologies, not my fiber hobby) is also starting to take off so I'll be busy with that part of my life. And the hubs is getting involved me with his profession too. So this family may have a very busy professional year in 2015. But whatever happens - it should be fun. Looking forward to spending time with you and sharing my adventures for another year!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-80426559879113824132014-12-31T13:56:00.000-05:002014-12-31T13:56:32.071-05:00Christmas 2014 - New Hampshire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Holidays!<br />
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We just returned from a trip to New England to visit the family for Christmas. It was great seeing the family (my little nephew is just the cutest thing ever!). But we didn't go alone - we also brought the pups and the bunny:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-kWU4xNZyz1GHlTTj7g94IwiLZxFkObkIisF9ZRVFn_iJY5cuYtH5BRypiTQZVh9grjNppXyCwnjx_ySiXRw5i7KftoQRJBzfz1hjzYEK5S8EAmbNUrb2aA0VEnIn1lXQEZb99zrgD7Q/s1600/20141221_111554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-kWU4xNZyz1GHlTTj7g94IwiLZxFkObkIisF9ZRVFn_iJY5cuYtH5BRypiTQZVh9grjNppXyCwnjx_ySiXRw5i7KftoQRJBzfz1hjzYEK5S8EAmbNUrb2aA0VEnIn1lXQEZb99zrgD7Q/s1600/20141221_111554.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting cozy during the 12 hr car trip. </td></tr>
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It only took one evening of the dogs (my parent's pooch, Dutch and our two) being leery of one another before they became fast friends and tore through the house playing and chasing one another. Every evening we'd see the pups flop out tired from a day of play:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dutch, so tired he fell asleep on Ryan's lap with his head on the table!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boe Bear flopped out on the bed but with TWO tennis balls at the ready should he want to wake up and play!</td></tr>
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The week wasn't all dogs and play (okay so it might have been). But I did get some knitting time in. In fact, I knit the world's ugliest sock:<br />
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<b>Project:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/christmas-throw-up">Christmas Throw Up</a></div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-fixation-spray-dyed-effects">Cascade Fixation</a> (98% cotton, 2% other) </div>
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<b>Needles:</b> US 4 (3.5mm)</div>
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<b>Started: </b>December 24, 2014</div>
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<b>Finished: </b>December 25, 2014</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs0E6bj8Hm0/VKHIsqYsQCI/AAAAAAAAQyA/zfsWVraU9tQ/s1600/20141225_101607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs0E6bj8Hm0/VKHIsqYsQCI/AAAAAAAAQyA/zfsWVraU9tQ/s1600/20141225_101607.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So ugly Rosie can't even look at them! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U71chyT7820/VKHI1FzDKjI/AAAAAAAAQyc/TljqYDdlzLU/s1600/20141225_101546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U71chyT7820/VKHI1FzDKjI/AAAAAAAAQyc/TljqYDdlzLU/s1600/20141225_101546.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They fit Mumma Roy perfectly!</td></tr>
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This yarn is so odd - it's a stretchy cotton which makes nice socks but a beotch to knit with. They are a DK so they knit up quick (hence the one-day to complete the pair). I CO on the 24th and lo-and-behold, Mumma Roy had a new pair of socks to wear on Christmas! Too bad it looks like the socks had a little too much eggnog and threw up on themselves! Ah well... Mumma Roy seems to like them.<br />
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Aside from ugly sock knitting I had other fiber-related goodness: I visited the <a href="http://spottedsheepyarnshoppe.com/">Spotted Sheep Yarn Shoppe</a> in Goffstown, New Hampshire. I thought this was a new LYS but I was surprised to learn it opened around four years ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx95zfEJd1BtHtVn6uKpjyWYHLDdtVhdKahf3M_2EsGTv0njQ37Nv3qMP-j27e5XhG_aMmklT-ZIc9ZUbRfETOH6tGhcwYi0sTG5eSRd58YYFsjZ0cdRSt7l9QlDEW2XtwRLX_lsp1ddiI/s1600/logoSpottedsheep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx95zfEJd1BtHtVn6uKpjyWYHLDdtVhdKahf3M_2EsGTv0njQ37Nv3qMP-j27e5XhG_aMmklT-ZIc9ZUbRfETOH6tGhcwYi0sTG5eSRd58YYFsjZ0cdRSt7l9QlDEW2XtwRLX_lsp1ddiI/s1600/logoSpottedsheep.png" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3HF0XYdvqSLWPVXJQ_CvzzDU25xw4yatJJtSVtTEsMfmzB-oOCWM6QP1DKB-gmPNmNrKWlYUUe9Q4-YXdl6EyBTtrqZl2_PmuTQf0ac8k2qJ2LvMOYjuVSulnMxi0JcdIP596PRStKFI/s1600/spottedsheep.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3HF0XYdvqSLWPVXJQ_CvzzDU25xw4yatJJtSVtTEsMfmzB-oOCWM6QP1DKB-gmPNmNrKWlYUUe9Q4-YXdl6EyBTtrqZl2_PmuTQf0ac8k2qJ2LvMOYjuVSulnMxi0JcdIP596PRStKFI/s1600/spottedsheep.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: https://bonnetsandbowties.wordpress.com/tag/knitting/ (it was a dreary day and the photo looked terrible). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZZJ9zjlJDMhTNne4K4Jq_1znFOXWfXKnWB-7_63ycWLploVNFE6V9_bNTtf4pYjtTpq7y-oROXl7DMA4eV_dSjNcvJIZftJoKkMPharkIy1igL1Hu1q3ODhgI_QE8Kpb8YbbuG__sihU/s1600/ChipSheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZZJ9zjlJDMhTNne4K4Jq_1znFOXWfXKnWB-7_63ycWLploVNFE6V9_bNTtf4pYjtTpq7y-oROXl7DMA4eV_dSjNcvJIZftJoKkMPharkIy1igL1Hu1q3ODhgI_QE8Kpb8YbbuG__sihU/s1600/ChipSheep.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip the Mascot! </td></tr>
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The shop is adorable and has a great selection of yarns and a HUGE selection of <a href="http://blueskyalpacas.com/">Blue Sky Alpaca Yarns</a> -- sooo soft and luscious! The owner Bruce was great. We chatted about yarns, patterns and all things knitting while Mumma Roy and I browsed the store. Also very impressive - the exclusive patterns made by Bruce for the shop:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbWg-GeVlOgPF6cGhYs9cViQ6jFlgy7hDLgo95LRFGR5myuj-nPaPIwqOO1DDJUoglTJyJClekpb8oa9TUKqlzArOQQHiMC1kwItlvUxK4Gr8exoxUPvgdZeb2MQTaZ1itwD0c3cttyGp/s1600/BruceHat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbWg-GeVlOgPF6cGhYs9cViQ6jFlgy7hDLgo95LRFGR5myuj-nPaPIwqOO1DDJUoglTJyJClekpb8oa9TUKqlzArOQQHiMC1kwItlvUxK4Gr8exoxUPvgdZeb2MQTaZ1itwD0c3cttyGp/s1600/BruceHat.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BruceN/simply-lined-hat-knitting-pattern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatb9bwfq7zxVZJZxuk5uc695lij5Qxx-HbCuV5Q7nBo0e2a9UQ5HNy07lBxe3xEMEC4hNLVMNxluhlABMPxiYa9HHJ0-OS4VywcqlRMpK95RnwE8QbB2yGxjb-xoS6d75IVgFini_X1QQ/s1600/BruceSlippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatb9bwfq7zxVZJZxuk5uc695lij5Qxx-HbCuV5Q7nBo0e2a9UQ5HNy07lBxe3xEMEC4hNLVMNxluhlABMPxiYa9HHJ0-OS4VywcqlRMpK95RnwE8QbB2yGxjb-xoS6d75IVgFini_X1QQ/s1600/BruceSlippers.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BruceN/simply-lined-slippers-knitting-pattern</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BruceN/simply-lined-hat-knitting-pattern">Simply Lined Hat Knitting Pattern</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BruceN/simply-lined-slippers-knitting-pattern">Simply Lined Slippers</a> are soft, cushy and quick knits perfect for gifts or for yourself! Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures inside the shop - I was too busy chatting and shopping. But if you are in the area I recommend a stop!<br />
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Last fiber-mention about my Christmas trip... the French Press Slippers I gifted to Mumma Roy and Sandy. I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/stonehedge-fiber-mill-shepherds-wool-worsted">Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool</a> again (see my <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/07/french-press-slippers-for-work.html">previous post</a> about these slippers) to make these slippers. I knit the slippers and wrapped them without felting so they looked like this:<br />
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Waaaay too big for a human to wear. And I couldn't wait to see their expressions when they unwrapped these monsters:<br />
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You can tell from their expressions they thought these monsters were hilarious. Only after I explained that we'd have an afternoon of felting did they get it. And did we have fun later that day felting and stretching/forming to feet! BTW - blame Mumma Roy for the lack of finished object photos... will post those once she sends them to me. </div>
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Overall we had a blast up in NH. It's always nice to see family especially during the holidays. I miss them already! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-73984083083318401302014-12-22T16:14:00.000-05:002014-12-22T16:14:00.383-05:00My Amsterdam Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a couple of <strike>weeks </strike> months and I think it's about time I show you my fiber finds from my Amsterdam trip!<br />
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Unfortunately work got in the way and I didn't have enough time to explore (dang work!) but I was able to stop by one shop -- Penelope and Stephen! One of the finals days we had a little break in the action so a colleague friend (who is just as addicted to knitting as I am) and I jumped on the tram and hurried into town to visit and patron the Penelope + Stephen shop:<br />
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The small shop was beyond cute. I mean, even before you got in the shop you saw knitterly goodness. Yep that is a crochet cozied bike! </div>
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And the inside was just as adorable: </div>
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And of course, filled with yarns!<br />
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Oh so much pretty yarn! Many were yarns that I could find here in the states. But some were unique colorways that I had not seen before. Mostly I just had fun looking around and squishing every bit of yarn possible.<br />
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The ladies working were very nice. They even gave my colleague and me a free measuring tape (pictured below) for shopping with them! </div>
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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/AVvXsEhK3oHIwwnU5DGjoEfJFBJfnwi1DxZ2A_Mup99M8CYbS9-WkxdchxPm-V3kgR1FdHQGx1N0YFiMguvldC19KoQ-YAB8_W4flb3gWdo-aCK7tV2NA45lOWLx9gBSRmw2J5nYClVEm37IXZJr/s1600/20141031_140024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3oHIwwnU5DGjoEfJFBJfnwi1DxZ2A_Mup99M8CYbS9-WkxdchxPm-V3kgR1FdHQGx1N0YFiMguvldC19KoQ-YAB8_W4flb3gWdo-aCK7tV2NA45lOWLx9gBSRmw2J5nYClVEm37IXZJr/s1600/20141031_140024.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes... we had fun! </td></tr>
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So I have to admit, I was a little bummed that we didn't see Stephen. HOWEVER, as we were heading back to the tram (we did, after all, have a conference and work to get back to!) a very pale, beautiful man, riding a bike COVERED with colorful knitwear rode by. Oh you KNOW I squeealed like a little school girl as he rode by. Maybe next time I visit the Netherlands I'll pounce on him!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BE4V3SMwi9lcKY6H1zAQUlzauwg-emEzC_20Cx7LtMuu8Qkj60ARnuFU-fqKcGoc7j4s6aDytsjZbfL96Bjk0pKtOd5XVlvsXiEci85hvq3i2Z0ZsF4DhYl_EDC_Bfb_zqJO1rvxDnpd/s1600/cc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BE4V3SMwi9lcKY6H1zAQUlzauwg-emEzC_20Cx7LtMuu8Qkj60ARnuFU-fqKcGoc7j4s6aDytsjZbfL96Bjk0pKtOd5XVlvsXiEci85hvq3i2Z0ZsF4DhYl_EDC_Bfb_zqJO1rvxDnpd/s1600/cc.JPG" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a cutie!</td></tr>
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Okay so now I know you are wondering... what did you get?!?! Okay, we'll start with the money shot of all the items:<br />
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And now I'll tell you a funny story. So I purchased this pattern book because I love knitbot and I had never seen this particular book. I checked the date and sure enough, knitbot Essentials is from 2012. Because it might be difficult to find the booklet again I purchased it. Fast forwards weeks later when I'm looking at my knitted sweaters on Ravelry and a friend mentions she likes the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/lightweight-pullover">Lightweight Pullover</a> I knit ages ago. As I'm checking out the design I realize it's a Hannah Fettig - huh, apparently I liked Hannah's designs even before I became a huge fan. As we're digging around more I'm noticing my e-pattern book is very familiar. I check out the cover... and sure enough! It's this same <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitbot-essentials">knitbot essentials book</a>! So now I have it both e-format and in paperback. Oops! I guess you know I like the patterns.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/loret-karman-fingering-80-20">Loret Karman</a></div>
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An 80/20 (80% merino, 20% nylon) fingering weight yarn, dyed in Amsterdam. I walked by the yarn a couple of times and didn't think too much of it. I mean nice colors (the yellows and greens really popped!) but the yarn wasn't the softest. And I couldn't really think of what I'd do with it. Then the shop assistant told me it was all dyed by a lady who lives in Amsterdam -- okay sold! Apparently she specializes in yellows and greens so I had to grab a green. And I love purple so I though why not. But I have to admit, I'm kicking myself for not getting the neon yellow?!?! Ah well... next time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/hedgehog-fibres-sock">Hedgehog Fibres - Sock Yarn</a></div>
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Yes I know it's available in the US but I really liked this particular colorway (24 carat!). It's 90% merino and 10% nylon, and oh so unbelievably soft! I'm thinking this might become a little shawlette rather than socks just because of the softness.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/three-irish-girls-glenhaven-gold-sparkle">Three Irish Girls - Glenhaven Gold Sparkle</a><br />
Yes, I can get 3 Irish Girls anywhere - even at WoolWinders! But this, THIS, yarn is an exclusive from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenandsteventour">Stephen and Steven Tour</a>! I know, I didn't attend but I don't mind grabbing some of the leftover yarn from the rockstar tour! I love that it has just a hint of bling in it - just enough to make a lovely shawl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KdjyK4LF5c/VFuEgJrsxwI/AAAAAAAAQeA/sAVQmGrLEBM/s1600/20141102_203313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KdjyK4LF5c/VFuEgJrsxwI/AAAAAAAAQeA/sAVQmGrLEBM/s1600/20141102_203313.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another image of the lovely yarn. </td></tr>
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And a shot of all the snacks I brought back... I promise I shared with others! Although I haven't had a stroopwafel in a month and now I'm craving one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWqTiYsb834sorfaHtzq2Ep-wnKKWqS56-eI6kBXsYMCzzui7m5ogxvbmuijWdwZ94AUY2Kj4Su75KBZPIlNASJ_LjGPi2H6LgcF00NzzxW0VzYn3mBHLSMyzMWSO1By4iIKkgXM7Dfr/s1600/20141102_211241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWqTiYsb834sorfaHtzq2Ep-wnKKWqS56-eI6kBXsYMCzzui7m5ogxvbmuijWdwZ94AUY2Kj4Su75KBZPIlNASJ_LjGPi2H6LgcF00NzzxW0VzYn3mBHLSMyzMWSO1By4iIKkgXM7Dfr/s1600/20141102_211241.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, I'll leave you with some pictures of the lovely city. I went on a couple of early morning jogs and a walking tour with a group of friends. Here are some of the images:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINSWTrC24R98x2vXA_Zu6KnXTYu9CxFSBNrm30tQKLiQF7HyiaFQJaKDGYPfVoVfc1rqYwr0yIAxQgBtecf8VT9P09H7PTQ-lcr07jH4SZsel_MsIlhbCdeB7nCmFjBybDb8mZK6OPJI0/s1600/20141027_083858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINSWTrC24R98x2vXA_Zu6KnXTYu9CxFSBNrm30tQKLiQF7HyiaFQJaKDGYPfVoVfc1rqYwr0yIAxQgBtecf8VT9P09H7PTQ-lcr07jH4SZsel_MsIlhbCdeB7nCmFjBybDb8mZK6OPJI0/s1600/20141027_083858.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Gooyer,_Amsterdam">De Gooyer</a> Windmill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNMuiQxMuhWiH8e8dj8CkwJEEPAANgMEvdM0J0sn5n7mlwoIBG1f-pgctS0MVJlkD6h7Uiv2QJFccZWvasEjQL6xIUm-D-6EXYQz1l5ZZ9bN3OeMI7LqYEydlnQd4H9NfHXBB3brDgVAK/s1600/20141026_174511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNMuiQxMuhWiH8e8dj8CkwJEEPAANgMEvdM0J0sn5n7mlwoIBG1f-pgctS0MVJlkD6h7Uiv2QJFccZWvasEjQL6xIUm-D-6EXYQz1l5ZZ9bN3OeMI7LqYEydlnQd4H9NfHXBB3brDgVAK/s1600/20141026_174511.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my hotel room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC__SySVLA_rjQpwgubbcH_7Im1ONKw0siUbc6JlM8MkCWWYO6RfwYzWegnysKlMX9LkxKDueCGo4bkh4gcHUf_lxD4ehoHbg6J2orR2XrbIpl5OLW-yH6Xv8RLYYtlGlw9yNas4k1jex5/s1600/20141026_174543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC__SySVLA_rjQpwgubbcH_7Im1ONKw0siUbc6JlM8MkCWWYO6RfwYzWegnysKlMX9LkxKDueCGo4bkh4gcHUf_lxD4ehoHbg6J2orR2XrbIpl5OLW-yH6Xv8RLYYtlGlw9yNas4k1jex5/s1600/20141026_174543.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from my hotel room - no that is NOT Hogwarts, but it's the place where we had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tropical_Institute">our conference!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckti_4vWX9ke1X9vVWYBeqZ475KMMzibEw8y3kpHwsqNnf1dIa-HJkZt6YS3eUHDh-m_zCL5GA5Wvyi80CdzDC9saNvKWPkQSKQrg0VUizBS_vEMQu-aSouIIB-1RwjciFyksGHQ2msgz/s1600/20141027_092411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckti_4vWX9ke1X9vVWYBeqZ475KMMzibEw8y3kpHwsqNnf1dIa-HJkZt6YS3eUHDh-m_zCL5GA5Wvyi80CdzDC9saNvKWPkQSKQrg0VUizBS_vEMQu-aSouIIB-1RwjciFyksGHQ2msgz/s1600/20141027_092411.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things are so much prettier in other countries... even the details above doorways!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws4zg-MoKup9xvTaCyQVhGLeY7-SBtIZhWDkFk2aT1-NcSKUhNhnFlITMAOQPxWCvk6o8Ona__pGRyfOSFiWmKX35HKQ6qteoQzadiof6NIGxljwWrfc1Ldu_NLZK94slTvy9M1wT2ez6/s1600/20141029_135719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjws4zg-MoKup9xvTaCyQVhGLeY7-SBtIZhWDkFk2aT1-NcSKUhNhnFlITMAOQPxWCvk6o8Ona__pGRyfOSFiWmKX35HKQ6qteoQzadiof6NIGxljwWrfc1Ldu_NLZK94slTvy9M1wT2ez6/s1600/20141029_135719.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canals_of_Amsterdam">canals</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRzoSQZxY7c/VFuDYe3qAxI/AAAAAAAAQWw/lEFb2A4BNTA/s1600/20141029_150823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRzoSQZxY7c/VFuDYe3qAxI/AAAAAAAAQWw/lEFb2A4BNTA/s1600/20141029_150823.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line to get into the<a href="http://www.annefrank.org/"> Anne Frank House</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iRu3ipz4UwPO3SXF6_W5k3qkHZAZqcpOwcKymXDaAcTxUaPUvqiz-Uhb_dysgL2Vhz9bBy5GkG121IbT_R_Su_lPYFz7EwU2XusN0-3Bh6zyrO9vWcP_rqWGijDGR7bD5NpgOkazzNil/s1600/20141029_153029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iRu3ipz4UwPO3SXF6_W5k3qkHZAZqcpOwcKymXDaAcTxUaPUvqiz-Uhb_dysgL2Vhz9bBy5GkG121IbT_R_Su_lPYFz7EwU2XusN0-3Bh6zyrO9vWcP_rqWGijDGR7bD5NpgOkazzNil/s1600/20141029_153029.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More canals. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3WDq7W4xOU/VFuDp1aATGI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/a_P7Qu3XbXI/s1600/20141030_173617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3WDq7W4xOU/VFuDp1aATGI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/a_P7Qu3XbXI/s1600/20141030_173617.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason my hotel thought it was important to let me know how many sunshine hours there were each day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEQidXQXhDqWI9vVnjYVbbJoKzzfJ4uSLJtIc-86dM-ocV9J1kJa89ctqkOXf_bgsnziYGI8Z0wzgxWD2C2zNy9D3-UFQ9gmV0TIJ1bunqS7OyJbl2X9YqCPhShHGO5Wboem0zg67uJgj/s1600/20141031_131105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEQidXQXhDqWI9vVnjYVbbJoKzzfJ4uSLJtIc-86dM-ocV9J1kJa89ctqkOXf_bgsnziYGI8Z0wzgxWD2C2zNy9D3-UFQ9gmV0TIJ1bunqS7OyJbl2X9YqCPhShHGO5Wboem0zg67uJgj/s1600/20141031_131105.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not even going to tell you how many croissants I had during the week-long stay. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYheZaKevk6nJC7IluJzI74pfxlG78nUYKnxbNurjuYT4f3HoD8E0oWo-bjyYCA7cq5K9LPAaopdw5-BsE0Nc6HTPuum5SmjkgZq3ScChoOietdcLCY7qIBVWA9K6P7T6bKAxyy2K9xEG/s1600/20141031_212115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYheZaKevk6nJC7IluJzI74pfxlG78nUYKnxbNurjuYT4f3HoD8E0oWo-bjyYCA7cq5K9LPAaopdw5-BsE0Nc6HTPuum5SmjkgZq3ScChoOietdcLCY7qIBVWA9K6P7T6bKAxyy2K9xEG/s1600/20141031_212115.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had too many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroopwafel">stroopwafels</a> too.... </td></tr>
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So there you have it - my trip to Amsterdam. Okay I actually mostly worked but I tried to get a little fun in where I could!<br />
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This post should go up as the husband, dogs, bunny and I are driving up the NH. Not sure if I'll be able to write up a post while visiting with the family - so if not - happy holidays and see you on the return!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-15672838149661681792014-12-16T08:30:00.000-05:002014-12-16T08:30:00.985-05:00Rosie in Yak<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5XSMhjIHMA/VIm54jluuJI/AAAAAAAAQls/i1Ls2fNnzUI/s1600/20141211_095452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5XSMhjIHMA/VIm54jluuJI/AAAAAAAAQls/i1Ls2fNnzUI/s1600/20141211_095452.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every dog needs an $80 baby yak down, cabled sweater. Right?<br />
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Yes I know - I've gone over the deep end. But really I couldn't help it! We're traveling up to New Hampshire to visit the family for the holidays and it's COLD up there! After not living in the great Northeast for going on 10 years (has it really been that long?!) I have lost my New England heartiness to harsh weather. And my little poor yorkie is even worse than me in the cold. AND (!) I was scheduled to teach my cabled dog sweater class at <a href="http://woolwinders.com/">WoolWinders Yarn Shop, </a>so why not make her a special sweater for the trip. <br />
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So yes, the pattern is nice. It's my revamp of my basic dog sweater. Actually I've blogged about this <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/09/classic-cabled-aran-sweater.html">cabled pattern before s</a>o I won't talk too much about it here. Instead I want to focus on this yarn.<br />
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Oh this lovely, lovely yarn.<br />
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Yak down is one of those luxury fibers that everyone is curious about but not many get the chance to play with. Lucky for me, WoolWinders recently started selling <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/reywa-fibers-embrace---100-tibetan-yak-down">Reywa Fibers Embrace (</a>100% Tibetan Yak Down).<br />
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So why is yak so exceptional? The qualities of yak fibers are unique because the undercoat (or down) is made up of fibers from around 14-22 microns and approximately 1-inch long. It is comparable to the softness of cashmere but because of the small fiber size, actually warmer than merino wool (some say 10-15% warmer!). Another aspect of the fiber is that there are tiny ringlets (also known as crimp) which gives a fabric knit or woven in spun yak down nice loft, warmth and softness. The scales of the fiber are in a unique wavey mosaic pattern which results in a smooth fiber that doesn't itch. And a big bonus is that there is no lanolin in yak. So the fiber is easy to clean and is hypoallergenic. Not to mention the natural breathability of the fiber allows garments to remain warm even when wet and can help the individual wearing it regulate temperature (warm or cool).<br />
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With all of these wonderful qualities, why don't we use more of this amazing animal fiber?! Well yak down is actually quite rare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSeONrpOUfiUS3hJ0YrBVY6zcT1Jpii4y03fklFhhHrhlms5D_px3Gx1HiBNevuEjmG7EKvsdbnUA6Z0FzTIyZD7rOQ_ZBifIB9JNoZ8XNQoQrgMQpmFlzOfltaCpQoOFPKxZTIosHZ_T/s1600/lady_with_yak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSeONrpOUfiUS3hJ0YrBVY6zcT1Jpii4y03fklFhhHrhlms5D_px3Gx1HiBNevuEjmG7EKvsdbnUA6Z0FzTIyZD7rOQ_ZBifIB9JNoZ8XNQoQrgMQpmFlzOfltaCpQoOFPKxZTIosHZ_T/s1600/lady_with_yak.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.travel-watch.com/tabet.htm</td></tr>
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The average yak produces only about a kilogram of fiber annually. And that includes the long guard hairs in addition to the down. Pair that with the fact that yaks tend to be found in more remote regions of the world (side note: there are some breeding ranches... but those are far and few between). Thus... you have an expensive (but rightfully so) fiber!<br />
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The yarn I used here was from <a href="http://reywafibers.com/">Reywa Fibers</a>. 'Reywa' means hope in Tibetan. The yarns from this company comes directly from the Tibetan Plateau and is made by the nomads of the region. Profits go directly back to the Tibetan communities. Actually Reywa Fibers have invested a lot back into the community and if you have a chance, <a href="http://reywafibers.com/about/community-involvement">read about it here</a>.<br />
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So after all of that... am I mad about my $80 dog sweater? Nope. Not at all. Actually I held the yarn double, so really I probably could have created this sweater with 1 or 1.5 skeins but I wanted a heavy winter sweater for her. And with that she got:<br />
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She's not happy now but next week when we get up to New Hampshire, guess who is going to love this thick, warm, beautiful sweater?! </div>
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Happy Holidays and keep warm (and go get some yak!).</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-71245523564957350282014-12-12T10:28:00.000-05:002014-12-12T10:28:00.623-05:00Funky Chunky Cowl TimeOh it's that most wonderful time of the year -- chunky wools and other bits of knitterly goodness! And if you are going to go bulky, super chunky why not add some funky?!<br />
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Yes it's time for last minute gifts and us crafters know how much time it takes to make our loved ones gifts. But of course arm knitting is super fast and fun. I'll be teaching a class on how to arm knit a scarf or cowl this<a href="http://store.woolwinders.com/arm-knitting/dp/3095"> Saturday at WoolWinders Yarn Shop</a>!<br />
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And of course, it was about a year ago when I took this deep-dive into teaching knitting. And it all started with arm knitting and this little news segment: </div>
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<a href="http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/9660353-making-hats-scarves-or-mittens-try-arm-knitting/#.VIm28bl2sHQ.blogger">Making Hats, Scarves Or Mittens? Try Arm Knitting « CBS Minnesota</a><br />
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Stay warm!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-79192891998664805432014-12-11T10:15:00.003-05:002014-12-11T10:15:18.660-05:00Pretty Basic but Really PrettyDrChopSuey really does knit! I've been a little busy with that whole work thing. I have a couple 1/2-completed posts (including one on my Amsterdam fiber buys) but for now I have a number of projects completed and ready for blog posting!<br />
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Back in April I went on a trip and started this shawl. 7+ hours on the plane meant I almost finished it! However, when I got home I looked at it and noticed it was a mess. I knit the first stitch rather than slipping, and I used size 7 needles so the stitches/fabric were really big and loose.<br />
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So... I ripped it all out.<br />
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A couple months later I picked it up again, this time with size 6 needles and decided to change up the pattern. And now, I must say, I'm very happy with the results!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/pretty-basic"><b>Pretty Basic but Pretty and Good for Travel</b></a></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pretty-basic">Pretty Basic by Janina Kallio</a></div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/pagewood-farm-denali-hand-dyed-sock-yarn">Pagewood Farms Denali, Hand-dyed Sock Yarn</a>, in colorway Fuchsia Fizz</div>
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<b>Needles: </b>US size 6</div>
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<b>Started: </b>April 26, 2014 (and ripped out May 10th)</div>
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<b>Finished: </b>October 22, 2014</div>
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This was a perfect travel knit. On the plane, bus, metro, car... I knit this project all the time! Because the pattern repeats were so easy to memorize I could easily throw this into my purse/bag and pull it out even if I only had 5 minutes of knitting time. Easy enough to ball up and throw back into the purse when done (or at my metro stop).<br />
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I did change the pattern a bit. Instead of a garter stitch shawl, I opted for a different sort of texture shawl. I alternated between garter and stockinette stitch on the pattern repeats. In other words, I started the first pattern repeat in garter (knit on both sides) as the pattern calls. But on the second pattern repeat I switched to stockinette stitch (knit on one side, purl on the other). And I did ssk for my decrease on the purl side. Actually I only did this because of the way I knit. Because I'm a combination knitter (western knits and eastern purls) it was easier (and faster) to maintain the K2tog on the stockinette section. This made my decreases on the garter sections slant to the right and on the stockinette section slant to the left. So... if you are a "regular" western European or American knitter, K2tog on the garter section and ssk on the stockinette section.<br />
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As for the yarn... me like! This sock yarn is typical of what I like to knit with (for socks), 80% merino wool and 20% nylon blend. But the hand-dyed yarn was just too pretty for socks! I really like the variegated light and dark pinks of the yarn. Yes I know, this made the texture of the garter vs stockinette stitch not as apparent from afar. But I can tell by feel - and that's what I wanted. This hank of yarn was an awesome bang for the buck! At 450 yards per hank, I still have some leftover for another small project. I purchased the yarn during one of my travels to the pacific northwest a couple years ago so it reminds me of visiting and spending time with my friends out there. Always a nice added bonus to projects that become wardrobe staples.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-10752300390961817292014-11-10T09:30:00.000-05:002014-11-10T09:30:00.797-05:00Fun StripesA couple of months ago the yarn shop I work at started carrying self-striping yarn. The morning Amy, the owner, pulled the yarn out of the shipment boxes was unreal. The customers (and, ahem, some of the staff) were RUNNING to the boxes and grabbing the hanks before we could put price labels on them! It was the first time in recent history that we've carried striping yarn and let's just say everyone was a little excited.<br />
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I purchased a couple of skeins myself (no surprise). And really I could justify these purchases because recently I noticed my hand-knit socks supply has been dwindling. A couple of pair have holes or are about to have holes - and I'm not really into darning my socks. I take the Yarn Harlot's approach to darning socks (see <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=34QNnUiM0kAC&pg=PA33&lpg=PA33&dq=yarn+harlot+darning+socks&source=bl&ots=RcFwG_ZHOH&sig=kFlTpKu_08Zt0XR94v7ejqr9jIk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XzJAVMDQCqjesASnxIKwDQ&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=yarn%20harlot%20darning%20socks&f=false">passage from The Secret Life of a Knitter</a>). So it's time to go on a sock knitting binge (yay!!). I cast-on and have been using the short bouts of commuting time (on the bus and/or metro) to knit on the sock. And here is the first completed sock:<br />
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<b>Project: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/how-i-make-my-socks">Getting Back into Socks, Socks!</a></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/how-i-make-my-socks">How I Make My Socks </a>by Susan B. Andersen</div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/biscotte--cie-felix-self-striping">Biscotte & Cie Felix Self-striping</a></div>
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<b>Started: </b>September 7, 2014</div>
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<b>Finished: </b>October 16, 2014</div>
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Because it's been so long since I've knit socks from the cuff down I forgot how much I hate the regular long-tail cast on for socks. If I knit anymore cuff-down I'll need to remember to use a more stretchy cast-on method. And for some reason my first sock was super loose, I think I had an issue with my tension. Very odd. The second sock fits well. These were initially for my mom but the second sock won't fit her so these are now for me. (oops!).<br />
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As for the sock yarn... it is nice. At 80% merino + 20% nylon blend, it's my favorite type of sock yarn. The fact that it stripes is just super fun. Sure I could have done something more interesting for a pattern but I have a couple students wanting to try socks for the first time and because it's been so long since I've knit plain-vanilla socks I figured I should have a go and practice. Besides, the simple sock really does make great metro knitting - easy to stop and pick up at anytime.<br />
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Watch for more socks in the next couple of months! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-34414143909606351512014-11-04T09:30:00.000-05:002014-11-04T09:30:01.836-05:00Doggie Safety Coat NOTE: I should be back from my trip by now but I'm not sure about jet lag. So this is another post from October that I've prepped for delivery!<br />
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My husband and I love hiking, especially with our crazy little pups! Many people think it's a joke that we take out little yorkie out hiking trails but let me tell you - this little porky yorkie can HIKE! In fact, we have to carry the larger bischon, Boe, more frequently than we have to carry Rosie.<br />
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One thing that I've found is that Rosie blends in with the trail, especially during autumn. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay Rosie is wearing a jacket here but you can get the idea that she blends in really well with the trail. </td></tr>
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Her natural cameo can be an issue when we let her off leash (just us trying to keep and eye on her) and when other people or dogs don't see the little peanut. To make her seen by all I decided to knit a bright colored coat. I took my basic dog coat recipe that I've blogged about previously (<a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2013/03/doggie-sweater-part-iii.html">here</a> and <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2013/03/doggie-sweater-part-ii.html">here</a> and <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2013/10/owls-in-woods.html">here</a>) and used some neon yarn and made her a safety coat! </div>
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<b>Project:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/doggie-safety-coat">Doggie Safety Coat</a></div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/caron-simply-soft-brites">Caron Simply Soft Brites</a> in Neon Yellow</div>
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<b>Started: </b>September 14, 2014</div>
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<b>Finished: </b>September 15, 2014</div>
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Sure I used acrylic yarn - but hey it's cheap and I don't care if it gets filthy and destroyed while out hiking. It does the job! And you can see that Boe Bear doesn't blend as well with the soundings. We'll see come winter in the snow :) </div>
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And finally - a couple of photos from our last outing:<br />
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Here we are on a quick photo op next to a cool looking tree roots:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6IyePa44sAU0cCbb3H0FQfRqAqXOJi5_OKFMlLWSBky0DVZsXK0OT2mD02Io9Qh1WACcd4ZU958SCmjcVKQ-vBGebzIMuwaESKzKgqYOFmJzZErKn9-ShM0do3p4knyeC-otHcOZp4eL/s1600/20141005_121601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6IyePa44sAU0cCbb3H0FQfRqAqXOJi5_OKFMlLWSBky0DVZsXK0OT2mD02Io9Qh1WACcd4ZU958SCmjcVKQ-vBGebzIMuwaESKzKgqYOFmJzZErKn9-ShM0do3p4knyeC-otHcOZp4eL/s1600/20141005_121601.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie stands out a bit :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5v0cDJuO_0iTtArBG1bVZefpBgh-H9Z4KGv8-K6l7rpEezlqNPku_eCwQ4clWO71i6up52f7jvzFBwvE0BArLsFs3HzCjkwLYgMJn6GY4-VIcSSdWrGrak93xZRedIvS3gODfi3I75D-/s1600/20141005_105438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5v0cDJuO_0iTtArBG1bVZefpBgh-H9Z4KGv8-K6l7rpEezlqNPku_eCwQ4clWO71i6up52f7jvzFBwvE0BArLsFs3HzCjkwLYgMJn6GY4-VIcSSdWrGrak93xZRedIvS3gODfi3I75D-/s1600/20141005_105438.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Selfie!</td></tr>
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And finally - a reminder of why my husband is awesome. I fell in love all over again when the hubs looked this tree and said "Go ahead take a picture - I know you are looking at it and thinking about knitting a 'twisting' pattern." Clearly I have him trained! He's not using the proper term (cabled dude, not twisting!). But seriously, that is why I love this man, he totally knows me because it's true, when <span style="text-align: right;">I saw this tree and instantly wanted to cast-on a cabled sweater! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-40962740410214881682014-10-28T10:00:00.000-04:002014-10-28T10:00:02.849-04:00A Travelling Shawl Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijBGE7MMSWhyphenhyphenRzuqxnQb39e_BwYrYwUQLfj0uLYWvhi_yGuPXPqfN-KmDrzVOyJuhaaWq6BRTlezX-tuWCmktl7Oe-uSnr2tNGcO8L2kODrZWGdNlDL5YRi7yoWfI3iHqARSwDDWEZIxY/s1600/20141004_102341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijBGE7MMSWhyphenhyphenRzuqxnQb39e_BwYrYwUQLfj0uLYWvhi_yGuPXPqfN-KmDrzVOyJuhaaWq6BRTlezX-tuWCmktl7Oe-uSnr2tNGcO8L2kODrZWGdNlDL5YRi7yoWfI3iHqARSwDDWEZIxY/s1600/20141004_102341.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a treat I have a post ready to launch while I'm on my work trip -- An update on the Travelling Woman Shawl I completed with my class!<br />
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A while back I blogged about <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/04/traveling-woman-me-and-shawl.html">my shawl class at WoolWinders</a>. I decided to knit along with my class and this was the result:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUjWDknzbmqYqrds0i0rnQ-xh3rWONA5KbBXY7O4dqKnUrfq4bumDayJBST67yFwpnY5ar7BHDnwOeJb6GIxP1XwkRcfBre7rzQVxtAfxkjQArbtkRX4DjW-2KTK58Y_Qw9Ce6MHS4_wp/s1600/20141004_102359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUjWDknzbmqYqrds0i0rnQ-xh3rWONA5KbBXY7O4dqKnUrfq4bumDayJBST67yFwpnY5ar7BHDnwOeJb6GIxP1XwkRcfBre7rzQVxtAfxkjQArbtkRX4DjW-2KTK58Y_Qw9Ce6MHS4_wp/s1600/20141004_102359.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/traveling-woman">Travelling Woman</a> by Liz Abinante</div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-fine-art">Rowan Fine Art </a>in colorway Elm </div>
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Although a little pricey - this yarn is fabulous! It's a blend of 45% Wool, 25% Nylon, 20% Mohair and 10% Silk. And it knits easily and blocks wonderfully. Really a great yarn for lacy shawls.<br />
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Because I've completed this pattern so many times (and this will be my last time ever) I decided to go all out and make this one bigger than my previous attempts. I ended up completing Chart A 4.5 times... why only 4.5 and not the complete 5? Oh because I ran out of yarn and had to rip back. Good thing this was a class I was teaching about lifelines (teaching makes me have better habits than I would do for my "normal" knits)! Luckily I was able to easily rip back to a spot that made it easy to pick up stitches and continue with the pattern.<br />
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It's pretty - I'm happy. On to the next knit.... <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-85744151251754038292014-10-22T09:30:00.000-04:002014-10-22T09:30:01.262-04:00Travel ProjectsIt's time again... I'm prepping for a work trip! This time I'm heading to Amsterdam for a week-long business meeting and conference. Last time I traveled I reminded everyone about <a href="http://drchopsuey.blogspot.com/2014/04/traveling-knits.html">using Ravelry to find LYS's</a> (or to remind myself of that niffty function!).<br />
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And sure enough - I will have a couple of yarn shops around me in Amsterdam!<br />
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There are so many to choose from! I am pretty booked up with meetings so I'm not sure if I'll actually be able to visit one this time. It'll depend on time availability and location but I do hope I get to visit one in particular. This past week I came across this tweet:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDZ-GSNsB8UDqVM5a1MguH7KIuCB20uw6VokOGwAgbzh3-H_wKDJtmTLN0svJAcqqs_NVKjbNTD3Jx40HXCAB4Sn-t7KRM0t7MUHK6jWNo0SE2Vni6qhpmMxswzXIEajlnLH-T-2WNdjf/s1600/Westknits_Tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDZ-GSNsB8UDqVM5a1MguH7KIuCB20uw6VokOGwAgbzh3-H_wKDJtmTLN0svJAcqqs_NVKjbNTD3Jx40HXCAB4Sn-t7KRM0t7MUHK6jWNo0SE2Vni6qhpmMxswzXIEajlnLH-T-2WNdjf/s1600/Westknits_Tweet.jpg" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
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That would be THE Stephen West (oooh I'm SUCH a fangirl!), partnering with Penelope Craft which is now <a href="http://penelopecraft.eu/">Penelope + Stephen, Yarn and Craft Boutique</a>! Fingers crossed I can visit any of the wonderful shops, and double crossed it's this one!<br />
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Aside from locating shops to visit while on a trip. What about patterns? Last trip to Copenhagen I found a knitwear designer based out of Denmark, purchased a pattern and bought yarn at one of the Copenhagen shops specifically for that pattern. It's my Copenhagen knit! (Have I CO the project yet... no, but that's a separate issue!).<br />
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So what I wanted to focus on this time was reminding everyone (but mostly myself) of some of the advanced features available for Ravelry pattern searching. As a librarian I LOVE using these filters to hone in on specific aspects of patterns. And when I'm going to travel to another country I like to find patterns from designers from that country. So for example:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs3ezOuGjCL2NWuuwMQ3zuRFVsLwWGfEeHcAN59IfeKa14dFoI1z9WfnCf2m0LSXQCqWbR92V_wR2otItBzGFUKYIc_q3uFZxtgl9EehWVDIZ2KJjW6Rc6K1Qtp0RWlzTKQ-8QwRalHfU/s1600/Advanced+Search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs3ezOuGjCL2NWuuwMQ3zuRFVsLwWGfEeHcAN59IfeKa14dFoI1z9WfnCf2m0LSXQCqWbR92V_wR2otItBzGFUKYIc_q3uFZxtgl9EehWVDIZ2KJjW6Rc6K1Qtp0RWlzTKQ-8QwRalHfU/s1600/Advanced+Search.jpg" height="268" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Go to the Patterns Tab and Click on the Advanced Search</div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Start Applying Filters! Here I've picked Knitting and Has Photo</div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Scroll all the way to the bottom. In the 'More Search Options' widget find the Designer Country option.... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIJYDuHMskPnW0pE6LY_PGtrW7CAI3c9Xc27wN4KO4juoHfwJYSHqW3Z8WCB3s7Tla6vJS6Zgi9-UgtxCDfu0Es287WycXvt5njZfiZdQF8qheAR-_Z02pep3CA3JPTu8_WEHhG3evmUV/s1600/country.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIJYDuHMskPnW0pE6LY_PGtrW7CAI3c9Xc27wN4KO4juoHfwJYSHqW3Z8WCB3s7Tla6vJS6Zgi9-UgtxCDfu0Es287WycXvt5njZfiZdQF8qheAR-_Z02pep3CA3JPTu8_WEHhG3evmUV/s1600/country.jpg" height="539" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Find the Country (or more) that you want. You can use the Or, And, Not for Boolean searching. Here I want to hone in on Dutch knitwear designers. </div>
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And Wa-La! I have 38 pages of projects to drool over! Of course if I wanted to apply more filters I could (for example if I wanted to find a shawl pattern, or a project that calls for a certain yarn weight). But that give a basic idea of how I find patterns for designers from countries I visit. It gives a little extra something special when I go to knit the project. And it gives me something specific to shop for at these yarn shops (although... I can't say that is ALL I purchase - I think I purchase the yarn for the project ON TOP OF "souvenir yarn"!!). </div>
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What project will I pick? Not sure yet. What projects am I bringing on the trip? Not sure yet. I'm a little busy with getting ready for the work aspect of the trip. But I still have some time to figure that stuff out... I don't leave until Friday. So until then... happy travels and happy knitting! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-23869667010899294622014-10-16T12:07:00.000-04:002014-10-16T12:07:50.836-04:00DrChopSuey Knits er Crochets<div dir="ltr">
I've been meaning to learn how to crochet for a while now. Thing is... it always slips to the end of the 'To Learn List' - too many other things creep up and take it's place. And I've been lucky enough that all of the people I've had to help at the yarn shop (thus far) have needed assistance with knitting projects. But a couple of weeks ago I had a co-worker ask if I could help out a customer with a lesson on crocheting... and I sort of freaked. I would LOVE to help someone. I love helping and teaching people (after all, it's what I do in library/clinical terminology-land (you know, my "main" job) and at the yarn shop). So I felt a little useless not being able to help someone when they wanted to learn.</div>
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An hour or so later I opened up Facebook and guess what smacked me in the face - A big huge advertisement to learn how to crochet.</div>
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Grrr you Google, Facebook and other personal data analyzing applications! (Although honestly, from a data perspective I would LOVE to learn how to code and then analyze those data-crunching algorithms!).</div>
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So Mr. Google and Mr. Facebook have spoken.</div>
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I learned how to crochet:</div>
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Okay. It's ugly.</div>
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But the fact that I learned how to do it is a little amazing. One afternoon I got dropped off at the shop early and decided to pull up YouTube, a crochet hook and some yarn. And with a little guidance from a co-worker (thank you Susan!) I was off!</div>
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Kind of.</div>
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It took a couple tries. And with the careful directions <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ47MLlrLzw">from Naztazia on Youtube</a>, I was able to crochet this simple ball. I even learned how to<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/demystifying-the-magic-ring/"> crochet the magic ring</a>! Naztazia's Youtube page has a nice video on how to crochet the magic ring as well.</div>
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So now I'm off to new adventures with a new fiber art technique in my tool belt! I'm going to attempt another crochet project soon. Stay tuned!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DrChopSuey/classic-cabled-aran-sweater">Classic Cabled Aran Inspired Dog Sweater</a></b></div>
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Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/cascade-yarns-220-superwash">Cascade 220 superwash</a> (100% wool)</div>
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Started: Feb 21, 2014</div>
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Finished: July 13, 2014</div>
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Clearly she's not too happy modeling the sweater. Could be that it was 90+ degrees (F) when I took the photos. Come December and January she will love the sweater!<br />
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I love the fact that it actually fits her! The basic dog sweater "pattern" is really excellent and now I'm realizing all the potential designs I could make from this basic design.<br />
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So it might not be in an classic aran weight wool (as it's in plain and simple Cascade 220 superwash wool) and it might not have any sort of significant meaning to the pattern... but it's a classic Ireland Aran Island sweater in this half-asian's eyes! :)<br />
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The top has a typical cris-cross diamond motif with alternating moss/seed stitch and reverse stockinette stitch interiors. This is bordered by a simple cable (with twists to the outside on both sides).<br />
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And the under panel has a what I call a lobster (lobstah) claw or a faux-cable.<br />
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A fun knit really. I will be teaching a class on how to create this cute sweater later in the fall. More details soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-90442959956218233832014-09-18T11:12:00.001-04:002014-09-18T11:12:07.317-04:00Ekks - I'm going to try to STEEK! This coming Sunday (9/21/2014) I'm going to take a class on steeking! I'm excited and frightened to cut into some knitting. If you are near the DMV-area register now at <a href="http://woolwinders.com/2014/09/16/7054/">WoolWinders</a> yarn shop to learn and master this technique from Terry!<br />
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I'll let you know how it goes! Stay tuned....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107279898695383345.post-66497268031978544802014-09-15T09:45:00.000-04:002014-09-15T09:45:00.375-04:00Another Class: Basic Dog Sweater 101My last Basic Dog Sweater class was such a hit we are doing it again!<br />
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Join me at <a href="http://woolwinders.com/event-registration/?regevent_action=register&event_id=520">Woolwinders Yarn Shop</a> on Saturday, September 27th and October 11th from 9-11am to learn how to knit a dog sweater that will fit your little (or big!) pup!<br />
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This class is perfect for learning about gauge and how to design your project to fit. Yes there is some math involved but the outcome is well worth it! And really, I'm right there with you so it's not scary at all! This is class one of a series (!!!) so it can be thought of as Dog Sweater 101. You learn the basics and how to get a really classic looking dog sweater. Class 201 will start in November and will kick up the techniques and skills a bit. Be on the lookout for the that class description and registration information!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15086113705854316781noreply@blogger.com0