tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88721634753209158512024-02-07T21:47:49.236-08:00Chennapenna CreatesChennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-72965315541153409152013-02-16T15:14:00.005-08:002013-02-16T15:14:52.485-08:00It's been awhile!So It's been a long time since I've posted a blog. At the beginning of this year my shop sales have skyrocketed. There just aren't enough hours in the day to do it all. So naturally the blog is the first things to be put off.<br />
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I've been working on some new yarns, mostly for Spring. I like this new color combo that is out now, pastels mixed with neons. So I've been making pastel colored yarns that will go with my neons.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123165259/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-peach-fuzz-60" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI2daYyJR69soe1wh0sYcNkWnptMZYFyBbtPlzt5e4OLF1n3BCfQ4JrzptbPcOwEAm6n6hW66YEYkqmxoF5pq4eLCMKV4stFhbwkdkuZaB6D53eWFrjJn4MaVgns6dGAEfPODNI06ugc/s320/IMG_3249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123165259/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-peach-fuzz-60">Peach Fuzz 60 Yards</a></td></tr>
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This was my first pastel, it's a light peachy color. looks great with my Aqua colored yarn!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248645/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lilac-60-yards" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc_RH89CjBNPnqrTp2GSbX87t-CYeB-pCSvG7Fi3kEfY5pAYHnv1sXkPK23BdT2y0heVmcwV-yO0BNElMH3sd_6fJkBMXvDW4chC8xjCX2gDVj4LIunfOFGLmP0TeMV4UCTEWZFVY-gE/s320/IMG_3291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248645/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lilac-60-yards">Lilac 60 Yards</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248645/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lilac-60-yards"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248645/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lilac-60-yards"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248645/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lilac-60-yards"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://www.etsy.com/listing/123248001/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-washed-lemon-60" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPhUnekpKyC1okRx2NetMGZULb6pVitx_cL30_jdsg1dYvg44rqgFOgjI-XY9VhypMwJ1HO9fzhyphenhyphen_Ruy3iyfdxhh-zfQJR3ZfWsh1xXzxxwmXrvutW_rTc9383f7WDM_eIoX8FXE1Eio/s320/IMG_3272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123248001/hand-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-washed-lemon-60">Washed Lemon 60 Yards</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgQp1y7Fl-7Qp_KA55jZKwUwtl1-K7zYPOmWC_5D2cBPp0oyUnLsPjpVy0wmq8gDLdRVBYQU7mZ5ooxqhczmvDwYk0UFJ1lFQibmbpUpGBaFsKyYOZRb6NlxyuDB567hP4vrGd2jQQ8gyk/s1600/IMG_3300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQp1y7Fl-7Qp_KA55jZKwUwtl1-K7zYPOmWC_5D2cBPp0oyUnLsPjpVy0wmq8gDLdRVBYQU7mZ5ooxqhczmvDwYk0UFJ1lFQibmbpUpGBaFsKyYOZRb6NlxyuDB567hP4vrGd2jQQ8gyk/s320/IMG_3300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123251893/hadn-dyed-t-shirt-yarn-lightest-beige-60">Lightest Beige</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So there they are, my pastels. I think I will be doing a few more. I think I need to do a minty green, and light pale blue.<br />
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Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-1853079933248127062011-08-02T16:56:00.000-07:002011-08-02T16:56:40.955-07:00What I am working on.I've been working very diligently through my yarn stash this month trying to knit items with stuff I have. I just wanted to share with you one of the things I'm working on.<br />
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I bought this really cute, short sleeved cardigan a few Falls ago at Target, but it's beginning to wear thin. I have yet to find anything that compares to it at a store that didn't cost a fortune. So, I went on Ravelry.com (by the way if you knit, and haven't checked this site out you should) to search for a replacement.<br />
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I found the <a href="http://involvingthesenses.blogspot.com/2008/03/shalom-cardigan.html">Shalom Cardigan</a>, by Meghan McFarlane and it is adorable! It's simple in it's design, but it is exactly what I was looking for. I have some very Autumnal colored yarn that I will be using, that is perfect for this. I will make some modifications though, I am very large chested, so the cap like sleeves will only make my chest more pronounced. So I'm thinking 3/4 sleeves. Autumn in St. Louis is still warm, even in November you can still get some very mild temperatures, so I figure elbow length will be perfect. Here's the beginnings of my Shalom Cardigan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkPV780VbodHH4Tp6tmnBJPMJzgfSNE0ewpvMhx3SFfsGkoWJLAZh2A3ln8FgQMINQvu9Go0ASAtcmdQp0L8fQJUo2Uxm1YlTbKIJoELlhX81TaGOSQWlI4311Ymbx4DiOYJQPeI31FA/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkPV780VbodHH4Tp6tmnBJPMJzgfSNE0ewpvMhx3SFfsGkoWJLAZh2A3ln8FgQMINQvu9Go0ASAtcmdQp0L8fQJUo2Uxm1YlTbKIJoELlhX81TaGOSQWlI4311Ymbx4DiOYJQPeI31FA/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br />
As I am looking at this photo, I realize I may have to frog part of this, and try again, it's not matching up to original pattern...sigh.<br />
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I hope everyone is staying cool this evening. Now I have to go wake my husband up and see where he wants to go for dinner. I'm starving. Also I hope everyone is enjoying the new look of my blog. It's been an all day project.Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-22572086549425941072011-07-31T16:53:00.000-07:002011-07-31T16:56:56.830-07:00What I Made on my Summer VacationI've been on a sewing kick lately, mainly stuff for me and my niece. I've been trying some simple reconstruction projects with fabric, and clothing I have instead of buying new supplies. This is my first project a simple tank dress. For the skirt I used an Asian print I bought a few years ago. I had no idea what I was going to do with it when I bought it, and it was just enough for the skirt. I knew I would make good use of it sometime. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFV7fPsUhL9Qiq-IYnfgYCuW1WcpNNlg0wVpntPHOH2wIa6eLYl89Gq7I6EzK-NytJWRCFSk27ZDLVUxYodMHCq0c2jPplr2Sz8MEre-WRWdFz6RZshGBvjuCWiju9HPYgMgVLWG01_g/s1600/IMG_20110727_161757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFV7fPsUhL9Qiq-IYnfgYCuW1WcpNNlg0wVpntPHOH2wIa6eLYl89Gq7I6EzK-NytJWRCFSk27ZDLVUxYodMHCq0c2jPplr2Sz8MEre-WRWdFz6RZshGBvjuCWiju9HPYgMgVLWG01_g/s320/IMG_20110727_161757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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I'm not 100% happy with it, the skirt is a bit short and poufy, the tank's a bit too long, and the straps need to be shortened. I enjoyed the process. New projects are like pancakes, the first one always comes out a little odd, but the ones following it get better, and better<br />
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Project 2:<br />
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So, I had a pair of linen pants I bought last summer, and like a dope I stuck them in the dryer. They still fit, but were way too short in the legs (I'm 5'9" so I need all the length I can get). Angry with myself for doing something so dumb to a new pair of pants, I stuffed them into the back of my closet, and left them there. Well, a few days ago wanting to do something different, I pulled them out, and thought "I can make a skirt out of these pants" and I did! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3GIk5QzXcZNynHupDCUZZsV6u1uRcr7rq9Fav32vz5UIgX-G1cNM9f7gYrzljodkx1tytndRCISQq_CLJG9lbOup-Uuj46_ofCwE3ZB2VDMN6JuRs3nDee5LpN49Y1Bml8MzrtsWNqs/s1600/IMG_20110728_183227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3GIk5QzXcZNynHupDCUZZsV6u1uRcr7rq9Fav32vz5UIgX-G1cNM9f7gYrzljodkx1tytndRCISQq_CLJG9lbOup-Uuj46_ofCwE3ZB2VDMN6JuRs3nDee5LpN49Y1Bml8MzrtsWNqs/s320/IMG_20110728_183227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrtACHqepCISHFnCLptTYCXNiJtSm-TTQpfbTS9521tCcwAT0sAlPSZIQ4VlYz0axkwVnyvOm1mtgzazQSqbL3Tkee6k5tCo0pfNJh9VHPrmckl0AvWEKoJcmg1LxmXFzVY1_VrZLkN4/s1600/IMG_20110728_183259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrtACHqepCISHFnCLptTYCXNiJtSm-TTQpfbTS9521tCcwAT0sAlPSZIQ4VlYz0axkwVnyvOm1mtgzazQSqbL3Tkee6k5tCo0pfNJh9VHPrmckl0AvWEKoJcmg1LxmXFzVY1_VrZLkN4/s320/IMG_20110728_183259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I had this funky droop in the back that no matter what I did I could not make decent looking, so I added some ruffles and a bit of a dart in the back. It looks adorable on, and is just the right length. I am really pleased with it.<br />
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My last project was one I did this afternoon. I saw this pattern at my local Joann's and figured instead of buying the pattern I could figure it out for myself. The hardest part was gauging the size since my niece lives 30 miles away! I intended it to be a dress, but she's tall for a one year old, I think it might end up being a top. My sister loves it, and I can't wait to have my niece try it on! Top picture is the front, bottom is the back. Tomorrow I might make a few more just for fun. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq_rlt1-fqBfsdhBmEqATz9Qn_Et3MwyMwHKyOq65WgwYYgDbxZhPtSZ_BCyOBw6W3fLL9nhqI7ZJRN45J7ML5g4MZ89qDCOzanf_L8do2CXtzewccPsxl37mzi4kiGNj31VQygXt9Kk/s1600/IMG_20110731_175013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq_rlt1-fqBfsdhBmEqATz9Qn_Et3MwyMwHKyOq65WgwYYgDbxZhPtSZ_BCyOBw6W3fLL9nhqI7ZJRN45J7ML5g4MZ89qDCOzanf_L8do2CXtzewccPsxl37mzi4kiGNj31VQygXt9Kk/s320/IMG_20110731_175013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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So, this is what I have been working on lately. I have one more week of vacation before I have to go back to work. It's been am awesome vacation. I've done loads of projects, a few household projects completed, and.... oh yeah lots, and lots of relaxing. I'm ready to go back to work I'm beginning to miss my daily routine.Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-20056757957856987202011-07-18T12:06:00.000-07:002011-07-18T12:06:10.707-07:00Washing Alpaca FiberI've been on summer vacation this month, and have decided to work on cleaning up some alpaca. Here's how I clean it, and what you will need:<br />
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Lingerie bags (2-4 do nicely)<br />
Liquid dish soap (not soap used in a dishwaser) I use plain old Dawn<br />
Fiber<br />
A large container of hot water<br />
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Below is some of the fiber I want to clean. I picked through it by hand removing grass, short bits, and other unwanted things. Besides being really dusty it was relatively clean stuff. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nx1UUEOl59Sr_0VfEfPaG-OpYsalAE4K9YhTBqFCXkpZA5_MZTMD4WkBXNULpwyxSApYro7MS2jad5DddbUOLP7xSocQOl09Vqq6WjI1-gJ9uz8BFTYh3HWh1a316kL1eYCgWWF2N4M/s1600/IMG_20110709_132854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nx1UUEOl59Sr_0VfEfPaG-OpYsalAE4K9YhTBqFCXkpZA5_MZTMD4WkBXNULpwyxSApYro7MS2jad5DddbUOLP7xSocQOl09Vqq6WjI1-gJ9uz8BFTYh3HWh1a316kL1eYCgWWF2N4M/s320/IMG_20110709_132854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I stuffed a few handfuls into a lingerie bag. You don't want it too full, if the bag is stuffed with too much it will be hard to get it clean.<br />
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Next fill your sink with the hottest water you can get. Our water heater makes some very hot water so I just use that. Next pour in your liquid soap, I use about 4 liberal squirts of Dawn. Make sure to add this after you've filed your sink, you don't want to make suds. Here's my water ready to go!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWYf0Lg-KZiDZ_sBmCi7VkjRa2LbmEKkKHm_Ta8-mSc7fzP2QoHLdyJsTfQ8-2huEPLhnKizHwP2B7MFEzdTnFoNV2o3ot1ZU2i6s6JNa7ezHhn0dJmOGP0l8TB542PeIS9yK-0XmL5I/s1600/IMG_20110709_132921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWYf0Lg-KZiDZ_sBmCi7VkjRa2LbmEKkKHm_Ta8-mSc7fzP2QoHLdyJsTfQ8-2huEPLhnKizHwP2B7MFEzdTnFoNV2o3ot1ZU2i6s6JNa7ezHhn0dJmOGP0l8TB542PeIS9yK-0XmL5I/s320/IMG_20110709_132921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Now, the first time I washed some of this fiber I did two bags at once. It came out clean, but it was a lot more work. This time I soaked 1 bag at a time. All you have to do is lay your lingerie bag full of fiber on top of the water and let it just absorb the water on it's own.. Don't go swishing it around, you will felt it (although I have found this particular alpaca fiber I am using can be treated pretty rough without felting)! After a few minutes, I have a dowel rod that I use to gently poke it down into the water. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB_kFPmM8NZ7qAUVJNctWu9sB2VjntmIqWsPBm9yDk2vSI3dCspepx3PA0BgaOpEADQuKINIWBbh2QitzCWeKLFxCZjLvLlCm6S0uR2t9V-s0UAsvBA8g9ikDQALffNZtmFXWwNG5Q5w/s1600/IMG_20110709_133236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB_kFPmM8NZ7qAUVJNctWu9sB2VjntmIqWsPBm9yDk2vSI3dCspepx3PA0BgaOpEADQuKINIWBbh2QitzCWeKLFxCZjLvLlCm6S0uR2t9V-s0UAsvBA8g9ikDQALffNZtmFXWwNG5Q5w/s320/IMG_20110709_133236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZESDEd0YYrZBoqeiwu9aXK_BbKeMwx1pmPuclSLMKYVrTmh-CTeUykh1WV5n56amM9GsrC4cL473N6rcq78qfu6jAUVsn2qqQdAJN5KOtDKiYpeJ2e9pa4AF44Wf-ODLwB05sLAONLM/s1600/IMG_20110709_133258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZESDEd0YYrZBoqeiwu9aXK_BbKeMwx1pmPuclSLMKYVrTmh-CTeUykh1WV5n56amM9GsrC4cL473N6rcq78qfu6jAUVsn2qqQdAJN5KOtDKiYpeJ2e9pa4AF44Wf-ODLwB05sLAONLM/s320/IMG_20110709_133258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After it is fully immersed I set my timer for 30 minutes and just let the soap and hot water do it's stuff. Most of the dirt, and dust will simply sink to the bottom. As you can see from the picture below the water gets quite dirty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzPu4JVAVRfrpH3kO2UJ7z5OYooZIgKTiZkICa4nVfuKtlWdIgLQHNCv44DiMVH7zULdcJ8ZtP56R0o_QEijmMzQRaao1JmcbePFyL5L2lT3PkPplEa39KQofoh0_r7ywrucOhupbU94/s1600/IMG_20110709_133354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzPu4JVAVRfrpH3kO2UJ7z5OYooZIgKTiZkICa4nVfuKtlWdIgLQHNCv44DiMVH7zULdcJ8ZtP56R0o_QEijmMzQRaao1JmcbePFyL5L2lT3PkPplEa39KQofoh0_r7ywrucOhupbU94/s320/IMG_20110709_133354.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
After 30 minutes I pull the bag out of the water, I hold it up for a bit letting the excess water run off. I have another hot, soapy bath waiting on the other side of the sink. I just pop it in the next bath for another 30 minutes. Here's what is at the bottom of my sink after the first 30 minutes!<br />
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I repeat this process until the water is basically clear and there is very little dirt at the bottom. A,fter all the washing is done, I squeeze the excess water out of the lingerie bag (gently now, don't go ringing the heck out of it) and lay it on a wide screen just for this. Lay it in a sunny spot, and after an hour or two you will have beautifully fluffy, clean fiber.<br />
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After that I card it, and it is ready for spinning. Here's some of the yarn I have made using the fiber above. I am really please with it. It is incredibly soft, and slightly silky in texture. I'm working very hard on creating a balanced yarn, so far so good. <br />
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This is a video of me using my electric spinning wheel.<br />
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I hope this little tutorial is helpful.Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-77260442507535452562011-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:002011-03-19T16:10:16.581-07:00Cleaning raw wool and spinning.My MIL, who is currently working in New Hampshire sent me a birthday gift a few weeks ago. A giant box of raw alpaca! Two big bags one, creamy white, and one a rich auburn brown color. I was daunted by the thought of washing it all. I've never done it before, but I have been reading, and watching a ton videos of people doing it. So, after a few more days of research, and some tool making I dove in.<br />
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The first thing I needed was a skirting table. I'm the type of person that would always prefer making my tools rather than buying them. And have you priced a skirting table lately?! Yowch, they are expensive!<br />
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I went to Lowes, and bought some 1.5" thick pvc pipe, cut it into 3x5 pieces, and made a rectangle out of them. Then I covered it in plastic bird netting which was all I could find. I'm getting some sturdier plastic chicken wire from my mom when I remember. I just zip tied the netting to the pvc rectangle. Presto, a skirting table that didn't even cost 15.00! I use my husbands saw horses, and it works like a charm.<br />
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So, after getting the big clumps of debris, and other unmentionables out of the wool, I filled my lingerie bags with fiber and started soaking them.<br />
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Shoot, wishing I had taken photos of all of this, but was way too busy and forgot. Next time!<br />
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I washed my wool in my kitchen sink, I filled it with the hottest water my sink could provide, and a kettle of boiling water which got me a temp of 140 or so, which seemed to work perfectly. I added about 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap (not dishwasher detergent do not use that) making sure not to make the water sudsy. After that I very slowly, and gently pushed the bags into the water and let them soak for a half an hour.<br />
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Seeing how dusty and grass ridden this stuff was, I was skeptical that simply letting them sit would get everything out, but it did! I still have some grass to pick out, but for the most part it came out beautifully.<br />
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I've only cleaned a small fraction of what was in the box, and what I've done is enough to last me for a long while. Right now, I'm using big slicker brushes to card the fiber. They aren't the greatest tools for the job, but I'm saving my dollars for hand carders or a pair of combs. I can't decide which I want more. I don't mind spinning carded rolags, or combed top, it's really more of a question of which is a better process for the alpaca. If any spinners can give me their opinion or advice on combs vs carders that would be great!<br />
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So that's what I've been up to. It's getting warmer everyday and flowers are beginning to pop up here, and there. Could winter really be ending?Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-64054063981305281272011-03-01T21:33:00.000-08:002011-03-01T21:38:39.337-08:00It's been awhile.Sorry it's been so long since I have posted anything. I've been busy (and lazy). I found a local yarn shop that sells spinning wool, which has given me no end of joy. This is just the first of many purchases to come. It's a beautiful blue Suri Alpaca. This is such a gorgeous color, this picture does it little justice.<br />
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I heard that alpaca is slippery stuff to spin, but I have found that I actually like it more than the wool I just finished. I taught myself, (after lots of cursing) the long draw technique. It's so much fun, now that I know how to do it! I'm still very inconsistent, I find that I draw it waaayy too far out, and the single just snaps into nothingness, but I will keep practicing. <br />
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I've also been doing some dyeing. The last bit of my Polwarth wool I wanted to do something fun with, so I decided to knit up a pair of thrummed mittens for my MIL. I didn't want to use boring white, so I dyed it. Unfortunately, it did not come out as it looks in the first pictures, (most of the color mixed together once I put the heat to it), but I'm happy with the results. <br />
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Isn't it a pretty fuchsia color? <br />
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I've also been thinking about joining the Weavers Guild of Saint Louis. I'm apprehensive, I'm not a social butterfly, I want to learn as much as I can, but it's hard to make that leap to join a group. I wonder if any of my readers are a part of a guild (knitting, artists, weavers etc)? What do you do? What have you learned from being apart of a guild? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<br />
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I wish I had taken a moment to take pictures of the finished mittens, but I was so excited to send them off that I forgot! So that's what I've been doing lately, along with working, and wishing for Spring. Will it ever come?Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-37367851187881319812011-02-01T11:56:00.000-08:002011-02-01T11:56:41.648-08:00Apparently blizzards make productivity go up.At the moment, Saint Louis, and the surrounding areas are being hit by a huge blizzard. Last night, everything was given a thick coating of ice, and we are expected to get almost 20" of snow today! This is on top of the few inches of snow that is still on the ground from the last big snow. I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime. I mean, I live in the Midwest, I know hard winter weather, heavy snows, sleet, and flooding, but a blizzard is something almost unheard of in my area. Just about everything is shut down, I have yet to go to work this week, and I thank god my husband has the ability to work from home. <br />
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That being said I have been very productive these last few days. Cleaned house and did the mountain of laundry yesterday. Today I've been able to dye some singles in preparations for my first three ply yarn. I took lots of pictures of the process.<br />
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These are my singles getting all tied up, (yes a niddy noddy is on my list of tools to purchase), this giant shoebox lid works well for now. The fiber I used is Polwarth top roving purchased from <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.net/">Paradise Fibers</a>. This is a great fiber for a beginner like myself, it's easy to draft, and is not too expensive.<br />
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I'm pretty proud of the consistency of these singles. When all is said and done I'm hoping this will be a medium weight yarn, but right now I'm not very good at gauging what finished yarns are going to look like.<br />
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Below are the two colors I have decided to use: tangerine and teal. The third ply in this yarn will be a dark peacock colored thread. I know from experience that RIT dyes aren't always great at giving yarn a rich color, but for my first time dyeing singles, I wanted something I'm familiar with. Maybe with the next dye session I will spring for more vibrant dyes.<br />
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Here's the dyes all mixed up and waiting.<br />
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I added the first hank into the teal, it looks like I beautiful color, I just hope it looks that good when it's all done.<br />
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And now the second hank into the tangerine, this is also a beautiful color, but has a very odd smell to it. Not bad, just odd I should have looked to see what they use in this particular dye.<br />
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I let them soak for about 10 minutes before checking them out, looks good so far!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA1xpGnlQH1isrEdzt-89yG_-1PTmRvyNGOEpITF9PncubNaW76JAwdkDkkOFvDe-IyTsJ_08P6kAyNGPnp1rU62z5lKIsrvHpzfpgFbrp1JbNCgTUMiDNTwp4nEcOrroy7jg296DTD4/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA1xpGnlQH1isrEdzt-89yG_-1PTmRvyNGOEpITF9PncubNaW76JAwdkDkkOFvDe-IyTsJ_08P6kAyNGPnp1rU62z5lKIsrvHpzfpgFbrp1JbNCgTUMiDNTwp4nEcOrroy7jg296DTD4/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I let the orange sit in the dye for 30 minutes, the blue I let sit for an extra 10 minutes it seemed like it needed a bit more time. After that, I gently rinsed them both in lukewarm water being careful not to let anything felt up. I just kept rinsing until the water ran clear. Then I squeezed the water out (gently) and rolled them each in a towel for a few minutes to soak up the water. At the moment they are hanging up to dry.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjXNX1-7FdmoZSlXhkoQGRKG_bC2SQTWH0M1TdZfgA_WcwOiqu3H0FSJPyfL2vWgtdx1lIFN6kQiYfc4hHiowJvxuQWpW_CNHpnoVzsQwp3j9uMdmlF20i1-nMQzPo4S_TMiITJORiiU/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjXNX1-7FdmoZSlXhkoQGRKG_bC2SQTWH0M1TdZfgA_WcwOiqu3H0FSJPyfL2vWgtdx1lIFN6kQiYfc4hHiowJvxuQWpW_CNHpnoVzsQwp3j9uMdmlF20i1-nMQzPo4S_TMiITJORiiU/s320/IMG_2283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXmbElrXrQUAibKNyNRXOA4oGzXKMtOWm8m7x-I660BOxjwJ2ul-DBl-xy9U71uxAlfOLFP0Q4CmtMFlFssEgFedC6wPbEtwMUDnvoFDqqD5Ean0uIy8S64MLwMi8IzTkGKsUiCG2ojw/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXmbElrXrQUAibKNyNRXOA4oGzXKMtOWm8m7x-I660BOxjwJ2ul-DBl-xy9U71uxAlfOLFP0Q4CmtMFlFssEgFedC6wPbEtwMUDnvoFDqqD5Ean0uIy8S64MLwMi8IzTkGKsUiCG2ojw/s320/IMG_2284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This tangerine color is just gorgeous! The teal is also pretty, not quite what I expected, but I knew it wasn't going to be the vibrant teal I had hoped for. These photos make it look rather gray, in person it looks more green.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9pb0gJP_lYsH7e7YlQ9W0leCPuc6odAJ5NjuBcPaRIdA9Z1BAEJjl1CBD2yy-MNc98pLi4gRJt8btIFaAI5Y7HtT0hixGYPc500GGSOnRpVlljEKpSRyBSoGHw708NLk4qYTq7_K0Gs/s1600/IMG_2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9pb0gJP_lYsH7e7YlQ9W0leCPuc6odAJ5NjuBcPaRIdA9Z1BAEJjl1CBD2yy-MNc98pLi4gRJt8btIFaAI5Y7HtT0hixGYPc500GGSOnRpVlljEKpSRyBSoGHw708NLk4qYTq7_K0Gs/s320/IMG_2285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I gave them a twist to see how the two will look plied together. Not too shabby.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoysHnQuWmCXLWwhpsyDhkIXqpnpFAtNCq4CCB8Bs8tZ3F1_yUR7GUzMj_8QCIBVINr4oGTc2q0QdF80BoB6Ye-KD5SoNukzb6eklraLw8uZV8zfCb0afaD9B-syPLzHL1Y8r5RZic7CE/s1600/IMG_2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoysHnQuWmCXLWwhpsyDhkIXqpnpFAtNCq4CCB8Bs8tZ3F1_yUR7GUzMj_8QCIBVINr4oGTc2q0QdF80BoB6Ye-KD5SoNukzb6eklraLw8uZV8zfCb0afaD9B-syPLzHL1Y8r5RZic7CE/s320/IMG_2288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAGzD00a9knVTYYAbjCVEIXMy_JbtucxcsRUBuCYURKrDpqsmqV1ACMJvwKlwHoMtjP1PeBauHyLJqo_5st0BdhhF3BCe07bwLwEbzn4NNgQlER1WdNn6fWYVHokeoZCQrEllqTfv21E/s1600/IMG_2289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAGzD00a9knVTYYAbjCVEIXMy_JbtucxcsRUBuCYURKrDpqsmqV1ACMJvwKlwHoMtjP1PeBauHyLJqo_5st0BdhhF3BCe07bwLwEbzn4NNgQlER1WdNn6fWYVHokeoZCQrEllqTfv21E/s320/IMG_2289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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With the peacock thread running through it I think it will be fantastic yarn. I hope doing a three ply isn't as cumbersome as I suspect. I've been researching a lot of videos, and have picked up a few techniques that I'm gonna try. I will take lots of photos of the finished product. Wish me luck.<br />
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I'm leaving you with a photo taken from my window, let's just pray the power stays on, and no ones pipes freeze!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGNKGWh3Iy6JjxYR_J17TTAYopeiIClYwjO195E2vAR3nGsDCPQXkxWbAdh0PmhDxMMw5z4Nl2EHnAGcqRJuRte1Ff-zxctrIOWjQha0fkyZ3iiU-ZE07upmPRldL36ejCEzbTXEopL0/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGNKGWh3Iy6JjxYR_J17TTAYopeiIClYwjO195E2vAR3nGsDCPQXkxWbAdh0PmhDxMMw5z4Nl2EHnAGcqRJuRte1Ff-zxctrIOWjQha0fkyZ3iiU-ZE07upmPRldL36ejCEzbTXEopL0/s320/IMG_2292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Have a great day everyone!Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-17026718363410909732011-01-28T17:27:00.000-08:002011-01-28T17:27:05.711-08:00Saturday Shopping: Shop locally Saint Peters MissouriI have a very busy weekend ahead of me, so I'm doing my Saturday Shopping post a day early. I've been busy with work, spinning, and just daily life in general that I haven't had time to pick a specific topic to write about. However, this evening, I've decided to search locally for what Saint Peters, Missouri has to offer. I am very impressed at what is being made in my fair city. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Arched Tea Light Candle Holder </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.182592632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.182592632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Created by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodnCraft?ref=pr_shop_more">WoodnCraft</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beaded Gold and Red Earrings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.201269942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.201269942.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade BY: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64152536/hand-crafted-beaded-gold-with-red-dangle">SouthBreezeDesigns</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Set of Four Shotglasses </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198679599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198679599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Created By: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cre8ivecat?ref=seller_info">Cre8ivecat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Heart Sculpture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211880420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211880420.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade By:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66816604/chicken-heart-original-ceramic-sculpture?ref=pr_shop"> lloydfineart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter Oaks </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.157783166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.157783166.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Created By: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nolankowalski?ref=seller_info">nolankowalski</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is just a small tasting of what St. Peters has to offer. I am so proud to be able to showcase some of my fellow local artists. The really great thing is that the number of artists in St. Peters seems to be growing everyday! I encourage everyone to take a look at the local artists in your area. Appreciate them, patronize them, and try to spread the word on their amazing work. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend!</div><a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/cre8ivecat?ref=ls_profile"></a>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-14485258461436748562011-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:002011-01-15T18:12:06.799-08:00Saturday ShoppingI've been seeing more, and more life like creatures being made by needle felting. From tiny mice, to dogs that look as if they could starting playing at any moment. It makes me smile, and stirs the child with in me when I see them. Whether life-like, or whimsical this collection of items are truly amazing. Let's take a moment and appreciate the talent these artists have.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> It looks so real doesn't it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Shih Tzu Sculpture</div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/firbreheart?ref=pr_shop_more">Firbreheart</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">He's ready for adoption!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needle Felted Kitty </div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BayColonyDesigns?ref=seller_info">BayColonyDesigns</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you look close enough you might see it breathe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198697439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198697439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needle Felted Snow Hare</div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarasark?ref=seller_info">sarasark</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The cuteness level here is insane!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.206530147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.206530147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Feltedcreatures?ref=seller_info">Feltedcreatures</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sweetest little hamster I've ever seen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205239432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205239432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/novembrin?ref=seller_info">novembrin</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">How can you look at these and not smile? The cuteness is enough to make my head explode. This has successfully brighten this dreary, cold day of mine! I hope it has given you a smile too!</div>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-58372818235046567412011-01-11T15:07:00.000-08:002011-01-11T15:07:51.124-08:00Snow DayI was blessed with a snow day today. It isn't often that I get them, so I was going to make the best of it. I slept til 10, had a good cup of coffee, and got to work. I've spent my day retaking shop photos, with my new table top photo lab. I am so happy with the way my photos have turned out. Here are some before and after pictures: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rsIyTKor63piV35Z8yseQPmLY4FWj3v1rJeRoCI4ObLasgVHCu2vNKBXSu2AjnoQqE1-7GiKyGD6Us93RENVaN-_8datVltnVuxvt-j_TC4EVwREsxUMcxjD06XTHaeSlzGcXG9Nsd4/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rsIyTKor63piV35Z8yseQPmLY4FWj3v1rJeRoCI4ObLasgVHCu2vNKBXSu2AjnoQqE1-7GiKyGD6Us93RENVaN-_8datVltnVuxvt-j_TC4EVwREsxUMcxjD06XTHaeSlzGcXG9Nsd4/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before Photo Lab</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlEPdbH_iTeVZP6vIVbr1vmcVqaEPcaoo8d-DUSl5KOZmE_zQrhpAjqapMWaIS3mAEsR5M-pF7q_JLBNanrH_dSI4Bb061wVSYReoOS08GBvRKXCamVqWN-w6PwhU-3oh8UMhtTacC1c/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlEPdbH_iTeVZP6vIVbr1vmcVqaEPcaoo8d-DUSl5KOZmE_zQrhpAjqapMWaIS3mAEsR5M-pF7q_JLBNanrH_dSI4Bb061wVSYReoOS08GBvRKXCamVqWN-w6PwhU-3oh8UMhtTacC1c/s320/IMG_2094.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taken with Photo Lab</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63270600/black-damask-first-aid-kit">Black Damask First Aid Kit</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfZB-NBmy4y8KFBrlKAUg0QKoq6RU0Fscp6alDEdAQgSScXTcrlJaLl9Z_R-2VtPXmMfdTs64MkwkXsPEwtXY1cZbQp6pd47SBgUQdIejOCfKwo52o7C7Ho4tz2POiqWaxFfqUVDh8wY/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfZB-NBmy4y8KFBrlKAUg0QKoq6RU0Fscp6alDEdAQgSScXTcrlJaLl9Z_R-2VtPXmMfdTs64MkwkXsPEwtXY1cZbQp6pd47SBgUQdIejOCfKwo52o7C7Ho4tz2POiqWaxFfqUVDh8wY/s320/IMG_1865.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn27tPHD-_d0QT_i1gB2Oce3Dy2Ttlx2iYqP7RiCvtaXYrfp98Iwhj8ifGSGbaNZzLt62bvzNWi6FqYTHns-VPW_h1gbBW8zQLilg_EZFCIcGtLbs8r8-3gPU5rY06MU6YSzZriyb8jK8/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn27tPHD-_d0QT_i1gB2Oce3Dy2Ttlx2iYqP7RiCvtaXYrfp98Iwhj8ifGSGbaNZzLt62bvzNWi6FqYTHns-VPW_h1gbBW8zQLilg_EZFCIcGtLbs8r8-3gPU5rY06MU6YSzZriyb8jK8/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39285893/eensy-green-compact">Eensy Green Compact </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Such a difference it has made! Here I thought my photos weren't to shabby, but now I wonder why anyone ever bought anything from a shop that had such awful photos! I can't believe how easy it was, if you own an online shop I highly recommend purchasing a tabletop photo lab, it is worth every penny! You can get them as simple or as extravagant as you want, there's many to choose from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also weeded my shop and deactivated a lot of things that have just been sitting. I'm thinking it will either go into clearance, or just stay deactivated I haven't decided. What do other Etisans do with older items that just sit?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry it's such a short post I have been busy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-44836947516569825702011-01-02T21:33:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:33:57.437-08:00Sunday ShoppingSince the holidays are now officially over, I will resume my weekend shopping section. This week, I will focus on yet another craft that I cannot do. Quilting. I love looking at them, trying to figure out how they're pieced together. My brain hurts when I think of all the precise pieces that need to be cut, and the hours bent over a sewing machine. I have tried only a few times to quilt, but I believe it's a craft for people who like order. A preson who's motto is "a place for everything and everything in it's place". This unfortunately is not me which why quilting is a struggle for me. <br />
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So snuggle in, it's cold out there, and do some shopping.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love this color in this, it looks so cozy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.194395916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.194395916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dream in Color Lap/Throw Quilt </div><div style="text-align: center;">Created By: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Quiltville?ref=pr_shop_more">Quiltville</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The workmanship that went into this quilt is amazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205155301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205155301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Veggie Wall Hanging or Table Top Quilt</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Handmade By: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/judiheindesign?ref=pr_shop_more">judiheindesign </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't this great on a sideboard for summer?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.156586796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.156586796.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Extra Long Table Runner </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Handmade by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OriginalsbyLauren?ref=seller_info">OriginalsbyLauren</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Again the work put into quilts is staggering. This even makes me a little dizzy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201720513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201720513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> King Size Blue and Brown Weaver Fever</div><div style="text-align: center;">Created by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/4quiltsandmore?ref=seller_info">4quiltsandmore</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This looks just like stained glass! Gorgeous!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.172225159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.172225159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Rose Mini Quilt</div><div style="text-align: center;">Made by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TerryAskeArtQuilts?ref=pr_shop_more">TerryAskeArtQuilts</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">These artists do just brilliant work. All the time, and effort that goes into each stitch should be appreciated by everyone. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone had a lovely New Years!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-44244781407585833222010-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:002010-12-29T20:34:43.419-08:00I must have been a very good girl this year.I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas, I know I did. Not only did I get my photo lab that I have been drooling over, but so much more!<br />
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I have to thank my wonderfully talented husband for it all. He built me a new computer, (I was not expecting it at all), and on top of that I received (drum roll please)........an electric spinning wheel!!<br />
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Holy smokes I thought I had died, and gone to heaven! I was totally floored, I sat there, and stared at my gifts, dumbfounded.<br />
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This <a href="http://www.glacialwanderer.com/hobbyrobotics/?p=390">guy</a> has created an absolutely stunning piece of machinery called the <a href="http://www.dreamingrobots.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2">Electric Eel Wheel</a>.<br />
It comes both fully assembled, and in kit form, which is what my husband purchased, and built. I have been wanting to try spinning for years now, but couldn't afford a wheel. I thank my lucky stars my husband is so talented, and was able to make it for me. <br />
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He bought me a few little bags of fiber from JoAnns, the kind for needle felting. He had hoped it was the right kind of fiber. I wasn't sure myself, but they make for good practice. <br />
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Christmas Eve I spun my little heart out! It looks awful I know, but I couldn't be more proud. It's like that garter stitch scarf I made that first time knitting. I only have one bobbin, so I had to wind what I did on empty ribbon spools, now I know why I don't throw anything away!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nSlGhucKAQkJrY9Hr6YCrOTynQzRsE2C2rqlMlvyKBFAI2i8xCz-Io9SvnhFcvuL0BoXjoptpTHC9uN1z0wGdwnLaecvFOtNx4lApwowQowvh626zECdNQyhBPKXBGW72nLlGNRe1r4/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nSlGhucKAQkJrY9Hr6YCrOTynQzRsE2C2rqlMlvyKBFAI2i8xCz-Io9SvnhFcvuL0BoXjoptpTHC9uN1z0wGdwnLaecvFOtNx4lApwowQowvh626zECdNQyhBPKXBGW72nLlGNRe1r4/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br />
The green is my first attempt, the red my second one I did Chirstmas day while my family watched. As you can see it's a little better it's less coiled, and a bit more even throughout. Here's my wheel, with what I did tonight on it, I get better each time I practice. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0njS0jpBulc4sGpHxinulUBz-vXRJ25wlpfbrPgpQzHGVb-6KoW6Gx1mFmk2mF0H41hZEGWv5-0PAb52SOA7heTKqZnlXirZDKBKTeGSu7csMpybjje5hP9Izkm935qzFzg-u8uhPwyQ/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0njS0jpBulc4sGpHxinulUBz-vXRJ25wlpfbrPgpQzHGVb-6KoW6Gx1mFmk2mF0H41hZEGWv5-0PAb52SOA7heTKqZnlXirZDKBKTeGSu7csMpybjje5hP9Izkm935qzFzg-u8uhPwyQ/s320/IMG_1993.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br />
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It looks so easy when you watch spinning videos on youtube, but it's tough stuff. What's worse is that if you start to tense up, things just get harder, you really do have be very zen about it. But, trial and error is half the fun. I bought a few books to read as well: <br />
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<a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1596683600">"The Intentional Spinner: A Holistic Approach to Making Yarn" by Judith McCuin "</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?type=1&catalogId=10001&simple=1&defaultSearchView=List&keyword=spin+dye+stitch&LogData=[search%3A+8%2Cparse%3A+59]&searchData=%7BproductId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A1%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Atrue%2Cnavigation%3A5185%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26type%3D1%26nav%3D5185%26simple%3Dtrue%26book_search%3Dspin%2Bdye%2Bstitch%2Cterms%3A%7Bbook_search%3Dspin+dye+stitch%7D%7D&storeId=13551&sku=1600611559&ddkey=http:SearchResults">"Spin Dye Stitch" by Jennifer Claydon" </a><br />
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I love my wheel, it's hypnotic, and addictive. I'm currently out of fiber to spin and I'm itching for more!<br />
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I wish everyone a Happy New Year! <br />
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<div> <h2 class="titleheader"><br />
</h2></div> Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-25986652051038633762010-12-21T20:54:00.000-08:002010-12-21T20:54:29.886-08:00I'd like to talk about an obession of mine.Although my shop doesn't showcase much of it, my obsession is knitting. I am a self taught as no one in my family knits, although almost everyone crochets. About 5 years ago I bought a knitting CD at a local craft store, a pair of size 8 needles, and a skein of Red Heart yarn. I was determined to learn. <br />
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I popped the $10.00 CD into my computer and watched it a few times, took up my needles and never looked back. In just a few hours I had learned a double cast on, knit, purl, and binding off. I also knew I was hooked. After I did this for a few more hours, of course I wanted to make the most cable ridden sweater I could find, but I knew better. I started simple: a garter stitch scarf.<br />
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While knitting this scarf, which I thought would never be finished, I dove into the knitting/fiber world head first. I did what every knitter does. I made a stash. To this day my stash has no rhyme or reason, I see something I like, I buy a few skeins, and add it to the hoard. I am no fiber snob, I think acrylic yarn is beautiful, and has it's rightful place as much as any cashmere, merino, or silk. It's all together, stuffed into big plastic bins, waiting for the project it is destined for.<br />
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Like I said before I am self taught, I had no teacher, but a few books, you tube, and plenty of trial and error. I've taught a few people to knit since then, and they all get frustrated just like I did. I tell them I didn't get to where I am by stopping, you'll get there if it's what you want to do. And if you don't, to hell with it, try something else at least you know you did your best!<br />
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I did finish that garter stitch scarf after about three weeks of slow, determined knitting. I wore it proudly that winter and still have it. It's lumpy, with some stitches too tight and some too loose, but I keep to remind me that we all have to start somewhere.<br />
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So I guess the point of this post is to try something new, who knows you might fall in love with it. <br />
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Books I enjoy that have helped me over the years:<br />
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<a href="http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-132-vogue-knitting-the-ultimate-knitting-book.aspx">Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book</a> - I would say everyone who knits should have this. It talks about everything from casting on to how to knit a hidden pocket into a sweater. So thorough and easy to understand. Also has a very interesting stitch collection in it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Stitches-Leisure-Arts-2973/dp/1574866796">99 Stitches To Knit</a> - This book is the first knitting pattern book I bought and I still use it a lot. It's full of very clearly drawn stitches and very easy to understand directions. It's how I learned to cable knit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-Nation-Debbie-Stoller/dp/0761135901/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1292992961&sr=8-4">Stitch N Bitch Nation </a>- I bought this because it has a great chapter on how to redo patterns to specifically suit your needs. It's a great way to understand patterns, and to learn you don't always have to do what a pattern says. It also has lots of funky patterns of all difficulties. <br />
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There are tons of others, but these are ones that I really enjoyed while I was learning. <br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-13649659224810920472010-12-18T10:51:00.000-08:002010-12-18T10:59:38.109-08:00Saturday Shopping: Gotta Know When To Fold Em.<span style="font-weight: normal;">Origami-<i> ori</i> meaning "folding", and <i>kami</i> meaning "paper"</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">From cranes to </span>icosahedron,<b> </b>I have been fascinated by origami for years now. However, I'm not very good at it myself. I can do simple things, but nothing compared to beautiful pieces others have done. So get that cup of tea, or coffee, and take a few minutes to browse these lovely shops, and see the wondrous things they have to offer. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love the warm and cool colors in this. This would be gorgeous anywhere in a home.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196003805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196003805.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theStarcraft?ga_search_query=theStarcraft&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Made by theStarcraft</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Giving one of these to someone would be better than any thank you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.170100997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.170100997.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fishandlotus?ga_search_query=fishandlotus&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Created by fishandlotus</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want a whole Christmas tree full of these, in various colors please! It reminds me of a kaleidoscope! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.98509902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.98509902.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_276531539"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperAffection?ga_search_query=Paperaffection&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Handmade by PaperAffection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">It certainly would be a Happy Birthday to the one who receives this card. It's so pretty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.103264222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.103264222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKatKards?ga_search_query=kittykatkards&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Made by KittyKatKards</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">What origami collection would be complete without the ever popular crane? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.199046314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.199046314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/makikomo?ga_search_query=makikomo&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Created by makikomo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well I hope you've enjoyed this Saturday shopping trip, now go show these artists some love and attention!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next week due to it being Christmas there will be no Saturday Shopping. I hope everyone has a great holiday and gets everything on their list. Now I have to go finish making my Christmas cookies. Have a great day everyone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-12426818507919115122010-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:002010-12-11T09:55:43.346-08:00Saturday ShoppingSo on the weekends, I've decided I will dedicate my blog to other shops, and the spectacular things they make. This week the subject will be terrariums! I adore them big, or small! My grandmother had a large one when I was little. She'd fill it with fake mushrooms, tiny figurines, little houses and colored marbles. It was magical to my young eyes. Here are a few that also spoke to me! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Couldn't you see this on a desk, giving someone that bit of green inside their gloomy cubicle? Perfect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201071748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.201071748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopOfStuff?ref=pr_shop">Made By ShopOfStuff</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">A tiny tree inside of an ornament, so sweet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.189340797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.189340797.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57799374/solitary-tree-glass-ball-benefiting-the?ref=sr_list_7&ga_search_query=terrarium&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade">From onegiftoneworld</a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This can sit on your table, and remind you that the beach is closer than you think.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.195309032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.195309032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62544427/specimen-no-585-terrarium?ref=sr_list_22&ga_search_query=apothecary+terrarium&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade">From Doodlebirdie</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it darling? I just love it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198298021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.198298021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63370776/mushroom-terrarium-ornament?ref=sr_list_34&ga_search_query=+terrarium&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=8&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade">Created by Cherry6goddess1</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So it's true, good things come in small packages. I hope you go and take a peek at the wonderful things these shops have to offer. Some are brand new, some are veterans, but all create wonderful things for us to enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great weekend everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-92000807083771399262010-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:002010-12-08T19:47:38.128-08:00So, what's the one thing I want for Christmas? A table top photo lab. It was only recently that I discovered there was such a thing. I was rummaging through Amazon trying to find something for my husband to get me for Christmas and came across this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyLzD8AddNc__M1NY2K77bUQ646wKu8h_qm1_33t83yRrtkeKTLY7tgL1kyzMk6MizncP52TghGyIP0dR_n4n9scBTiC8L8bQoNxiLdEhW3mRR2zTUSB7_50DjFOgpsW_XH0wUWMAqtI/s1600/photolab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyLzD8AddNc__M1NY2K77bUQ646wKu8h_qm1_33t83yRrtkeKTLY7tgL1kyzMk6MizncP52TghGyIP0dR_n4n9scBTiC8L8bQoNxiLdEhW3mRR2zTUSB7_50DjFOgpsW_XH0wUWMAqtI/s1600/photolab.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Isn't in neat? I am giddy with the thought of it! My full time job is closed the week between Christmas and New Years, so I can spend my vacation sleeping late, drinking coffee, eating cookies, and taking new and improved photos of my creations. I haven't been this excited for Christmas since I was a child!<br />
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Have great night everyone!Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8872163475320915851.post-26836322770865837542010-12-07T20:01:00.001-08:002010-12-07T22:02:03.797-08:00So let's give it another try.I know how important it is to blog if you make your living creating handmade things, so I'll give this another whirl.<br />
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What do I want to accomplish from this blog?<br />
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1. To get my work out there for people to see and enjoy. This of course is a no brainer.<br />
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2. To make more friends in this wonderfully weird, passionate, serious and silly world of crafting.<br />
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3. To say what's on my mind.<br />
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2 and 3 will be the hardest for me. I really do fear putting myself out there. The phrase "<span class="forum"><span class="postbody">It is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt"</span></span> is something I live by. A blog is so the opposite of that! I'm going to have to accept that I'm gonna say something dumb at some point. I also have to accept that there will be some who will dislike it, and stop reading. However, there will be some that will know none of us are perfect, enjoy my writing all the more for it, and continue to read. And those are the people would like to reach out to.<br />
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So, that's what I want to accomplish, make friends, learn from them, perhaps teach a few, and speak up more.<br />
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Everyone have a wonderful night.Chennapennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379477742919672925noreply@blogger.com1