tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15217409720501727962024-03-13T12:11:55.467-05:00doodles in stringChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-11863166527340737932015-11-23T22:50:00.000-06:002015-11-23T22:50:07.701-06:00shop sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">There's a sale this week in my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring" style="background-color: white; color: #8eb8d5; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">shop</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">! Just enter coupon code BLACKCYBER15 and receive 20% off your order.</span>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-9270008151264307382015-10-05T21:27:00.000-05:002015-10-05T21:27:25.191-05:00post fest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend was a whirlwind made up of lots of sheep, alpacas, and every fibrey-related product and person I know. The <a href="http://www.manitobafibrefestival.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fibre Fest</span></a> was a lot of fun and I got to talk to so many wonderful people about the sweaters they were wearing and what they love about fibre. I'm already looking forward to next year.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--joR87ooVqc/VhMwpGqjC4I/AAAAAAAACZg/ZotTXEMuXko/s1600/cupcake%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--joR87ooVqc/VhMwpGqjC4I/AAAAAAAACZg/ZotTXEMuXko/s320/cupcake%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just listed a whole pile of stuff in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #cc0000;">shop</span></a>! There's lots of fibre (all superwash, due to my 'sock' theme recently) and tons of yarn, including some double-stranded sock blanks.<br />
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Winter's coming! <i>(northern hemisphere, anyway)</i> You need wool to keep you warm!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-39380579857015305302015-09-06T12:47:00.000-05:002015-09-06T12:47:42.581-05:00fest of fibre round twoI've spent part of this summer doing lots and lots of dyeing for an upcoming <a href="http://www.manitobafibrefestival.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">fibre fest</span></a>. It's my second time as a vendor there and this year is bigger and better than ever. I'm really looking forward to it.<br />
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Last year I took a variety of my yarn and fibre bases, but this year I decided to focus on SOCKS. I'm really excited about several new things I've been dyeing up, especially because all but one of my bases are now sourced in Canada, and I'm really happy to be supporting domestic mills.<br />
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So, in addition to my 80% superwash merino/20% nylon 'Sock' base...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzKIfppdkSk/Vex1reOnKPI/AAAAAAAACXw/nfbfEZfBxds/s1600/sock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzKIfppdkSk/Vex1reOnKPI/AAAAAAAACXw/nfbfEZfBxds/s320/sock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the matching spinning fibre with the same sw merino/nylon composition...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8G_raIL2xU/Vex2E-JXhuI/AAAAAAAACX4/L2X6E2Eguys/s1600/sw%2Bmerino%2Bnylon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8G_raIL2xU/Vex2E-JXhuI/AAAAAAAACX4/L2X6E2Eguys/s320/sw%2Bmerino%2Bnylon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also have a new 80% superwash bfl/20% nylon sock yarn</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nd9izR39kLc/Vex2Zew4s3I/AAAAAAAACYA/Z0wGXuEVDhE/s1600/sw%2Bbfl%2Bnylon%2Bsock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nd9izR39kLc/Vex2Zew4s3I/AAAAAAAACYA/Z0wGXuEVDhE/s320/sw%2Bbfl%2Bnylon%2Bsock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and matching spinning fibre</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3_E8Jha6T0/Vex2mIeFrnI/AAAAAAAACYI/afXPi6AUlZM/s1600/image_medium%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3_E8Jha6T0/Vex2mIeFrnI/AAAAAAAACYI/afXPi6AUlZM/s320/image_medium%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love how the bfl takes up the dye so differently from the merino; it blends much more quickly and has a more subtle tone overall.<br />
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I've also been experimenting with double-stranded sock blanks.<br />
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They're great for knitting perfectly matching two-at-a-time socks like these<br />
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Yay for socks! Of course, these are all great for shawls, sweaters, etc. as well. I also think knitting the blanks double-stranded for a dk weight accessory would be great. So many possibilities. </div>
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-62602044278787939182015-06-08T07:32:00.002-05:002015-06-08T07:32:32.589-05:00shop saleSale! To celebrate the great weather and longer days of June, I'm having a sale in my shop. Get <b>30% off</b> until June 15th with coupon code JUNEISAWESOME.<br />
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Shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring?ref=hdr_shop_menu"><span style="color: #b45f06;">here</span></a>!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuEyLHW6FCg/VXWK8p835XI/AAAAAAAACWc/ReE8oL_TEYo/s1600/il_570xN.586181271_6a88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuEyLHW6FCg/VXWK8p835XI/AAAAAAAACWc/ReE8oL_TEYo/s400/il_570xN.586181271_6a88.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-45454448008467364922015-05-12T19:36:00.001-05:002015-05-12T19:36:03.476-05:00goalsI haven't blogged a lot in the last year or so and I've noticed a general downturn in the frequency of the knitting blogposts I read, too. It might be my natural introvert tendencies creeping in, but I also just haven't been doing as many fibre-related things to talk about. My goals over this past winter actually had nothing to do with knitting and everything to do with achieving things I've wanted to do for a long time - learning to play the violin and running a half marathon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVNGb1ZN4dc/VVKFiI_iyfI/AAAAAAAACVs/Eb-az4BnHT0/s1600/violin%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVNGb1ZN4dc/VVKFiI_iyfI/AAAAAAAACVs/Eb-az4BnHT0/s320/violin%2Bshoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I've spent a lot of time training for both lately. The violin-playing skill is ongoing (note: having played piano as a child I can attest that learning an instrument as an adult is much, much harder, despite already knowing how to read music)...but I did complete my first half marathon last weekend. I currently have zero desire to ever run a full marathon, but getting faster at the half and shorter distances is my new goal. So these pursuits are competing with knitting for my free time, but I did manage to finish a project this week.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuQbxEt3tbk/VVKJpPAGdMI/AAAAAAAACWE/1sdrMLy0X7Y/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuQbxEt3tbk/VVKJpPAGdMI/AAAAAAAACWE/1sdrMLy0X7Y/s320/3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ravello"><span style="color: #45818e;">Ravello</span></a> by Isabell Kraemer<br />
<b>Yarn: </b>Manos del Uruguay '<span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.estelleyarns.com/manos-del-uruguay-yarns/Items.php?yCode=MA14&tc=20150512191930"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Alegria</span></a>'</span> in 402 A (navy-purple) and Tanis Fibre Arts <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/yarn/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Blue Label Fingering Weight</span></a> </span>in 'Plum' (lighter purple)<br />
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This was a pretty quick knit - lots of stockinette in the round. Knit in fingering weight at an extra loose gauge (24 sts/4") it's really drapey and lovely. It used two full skeins of the Alegria and a full skein of the Tanis. I was happy I didn't need to break into any extra skeins, but I love that I got a decently sized sweater using only 3.<br />
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I switched up the pattern by doing a contrast colour at the neck and then eliminating the third colur striping in the pattern. My Alegria skeins were quite different, so I just striped between them instead for a more subtle effect. I wasn't paying attention when I blocked it and it's bigger than it should be, but it's super comfy.<br />
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Our spring weather has been warmish-to-chillyish, so it's been a great sweater to have on hand. Hoping it gets warm enough to plant my garden soon.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-48336154445530266222015-04-03T21:42:00.000-05:002015-04-03T21:42:03.068-05:00shawls-r-usI've been a bit obsessed with shawls. Three finished in the past month. When I bound off the third I immediately cast on 3 new sweaters, so I seem to be working in trilogies.<br />
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The first:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ6MbtKNL2I/VR9HYTJxUaI/AAAAAAAACVM/-yS09yqZqt4/s1600/nefertem%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ6MbtKNL2I/VR9HYTJxUaI/AAAAAAAACVM/-yS09yqZqt4/s1600/nefertem%2B1.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nefertem"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Nefertem</span></a>' by Kirstin Kapur</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Bare Naked Wools <a href="http://knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/fingering-better-breakfast-fingering-c-21_24_80.html"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Better Breakfast Fingering</span></a> in <i>'Americano'</i></div>
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I've been wanting to try this yarn for a long time, and it was really nice to work with. Minimally processed with a nice tooth. Not the sort of yarn I usually prefer for lace, but I loved how it worked up on this great pattern. I may make this again some time and make it a bit bigger, though this shawlette size is sweet.</div>
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The 2nd:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ZHTvV-MkQ/VR9HaMogZ4I/AAAAAAAACVU/i-7DtOidzEA/s1600/waves%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ZHTvV-MkQ/VR9HaMogZ4I/AAAAAAAACVU/i-7DtOidzEA/s1600/waves%2B1.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> <span style="color: #0c343d;">'<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stones-and-tides"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Stones and Tides</span></a></span>' by yellowcosmo</div>
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<b>Yarn: </b><a href="http://skeinyarn.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Skein</span></a> Merino Cashmere Fingering in <i>'Static'</i> (blue) and Doodles in String MCN Fingering in <i>'Sandbox'</i> (yellow)</div>
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I've gushed about Connie's patterns here before and I'm sure I will again, but I truly loved making this shawl. It has brilliant short rows and pebbly yarnovers and stripey colour changes and I love the linearity and width of it. And I was so happy she used my yarn.</div>
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The 3rd:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPbhBOwWyzQ/VR9HNEk7DlI/AAAAAAAACVE/qhUTEfOpM3k/s1600/sick%2Bday%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPbhBOwWyzQ/VR9HNEk7DlI/AAAAAAAACVE/qhUTEfOpM3k/s1600/sick%2Bday%2B1.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sick-day-shawl"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Sick Day Shawl</span></a>' by Kate Atherley</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/yarns/berroco-ultra-alpaca"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Berroco Ultra Alpaca </span></a>in <i>Charcoal #6289</i></div>
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This one I actually started last fall when I came down with a tremendous flu-turned sinus infection that stayed around for 6 weeks. It got put down for a few months but a few weeks ago I decided I really wanted to wear it so I finished it off. I can finally check (half) Pi shawl off my to-do list. Great pattern and this yarn was absolutely perfect.<br />
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I might have shawls out of my system for a while. (Probably not).Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-57421986741514715982015-01-07T16:11:00.000-06:002015-01-08T08:31:27.056-06:00catch up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a quick overview of all the stuff I've been knitting the past few weeks, then failed to blog about and only managed to keep a mediocre record of. It was a whirlwind.</div>
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I went into accessories overdrive and sought out fun projects I could work up fast.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR482g57pWQ/VK2cxhd5zBI/AAAAAAAACSk/xOwY_T_6nag/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR482g57pWQ/VK2cxhd5zBI/AAAAAAAACSk/xOwY_T_6nag/s1600/hat.jpg" height="167" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lets-go-for-a-walk"><span style="color: #741b47;">Let's Go for a Walk</span></a> by yellowcosmo</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Mission Falls 1824 Wool (discontinued)</div>
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(I think I've mentioned my weakness for cabled hats. Or anything designed by Connie).</div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> <span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/branchy"><span style="color: #274e13;">Branchy</span></a> </span>by Odessa Reichel</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> various worsted wts, held double</div>
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Made 4 of these for my friends at work. I have now made this pattern a total of <b>6 times</b>. Yup. Might even make it again.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkjP8g-OnCs/VK2dF7_LK2I/AAAAAAAACS8/uTrTlTpCYyw/s1600/socks%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkjP8g-OnCs/VK2dF7_LK2I/AAAAAAAACS8/uTrTlTpCYyw/s1600/socks%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkjP8g-OnCs/VK2dF7_LK2I/AAAAAAAACS8/uTrTlTpCYyw/s1600/socks%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VpDwX4uwDg/VK2dK8pGcXI/AAAAAAAACTE/MuIHi5agIKk/s1600/m%2Bsocks%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VpDwX4uwDg/VK2dK8pGcXI/AAAAAAAACTE/MuIHi5agIKk/s1600/m%2Bsocks%2B2.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQiakA3bJUE/VK6USBI9r8I/AAAAAAAACUI/VORoQn5PgyU/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQiakA3bJUE/VK6USBI9r8I/AAAAAAAACUI/VORoQn5PgyU/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" height="181" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Socks #1 (blue):</i> <b>Pattern:</b> <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heritage-mittens"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Veil of Rosebuds</span></a> </span>by Anne Hansen</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> <a href="http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com/index.php?cPath=41"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Brooks Farm Yarn</span></a> </span>Acero</div>
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Yarn was given to me by my friend Liz. So beautiful.</div>
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<i>Socks #2 (stripey):</i> <b>Pattern:</b> none</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> <a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/yarn/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Tanis Fiber Arts</span></a> Blue Label Fingering Wt. in 'Lilac' and 'Jewel'</div>
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For my daughter's best friend because she asked me so sweetly if I could knit her socks for her birthday.</div>
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<i>Socks #3 (purple):</i> <b>Pattern:</b> none</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> <a href="http://www.wolseleywool.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Wolseley Wool</span></a> </span>Secret Stash in 'Raspberry Ribbon' </div>
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Handdyed by Samantha who works there. So pretty! </div>
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I also made a quick pair of socks for my dad but had to send them off before taking a photo</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e-Xua9Iaqk/VK2dLDgBS4I/AAAAAAAACTI/W22ARVAdnD0/s1600/mitts%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e-Xua9Iaqk/VK2dLDgBS4I/AAAAAAAACTI/W22ARVAdnD0/s1600/mitts%2B1.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heritage-mittens"><span style="color: #990000;">Heritage Mittens </span></a>by Odessa Reichel</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> <a href="http://www.briggsandlittle.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Briggs & Little</span></a> Country Roving</div>
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Very warm & fun to knit!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmMc-5m0Z3g/VK2c8HS4-0I/AAAAAAAACSs/EjFNLFWeWss/s1600/G3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmMc-5m0Z3g/VK2c8HS4-0I/AAAAAAAACSs/EjFNLFWeWss/s1600/G3.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5-Rw8OlWOs/VK2h9DGZubI/AAAAAAAACTw/crz22M_UeWI/s1600/Nirvana__1__medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5-Rw8OlWOs/VK2h9DGZubI/AAAAAAAACTw/crz22M_UeWI/s1600/Nirvana__1__medium.jpg" height="174" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> my own. based on Kurt Cobain's sweater as above, as requested by my sweetie.</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Rowan Felted Tweed</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkyuyJvdhz4/VK2dASRXxXI/AAAAAAAACS0/sq1hSeBb3_8/s1600/wandering%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkyuyJvdhz4/VK2dASRXxXI/AAAAAAAACS0/sq1hSeBb3_8/s1600/wandering%2B4.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wandering-in-the-souk"><span style="color: #274e13;">Wandering in the Souk</span></a> </span>by yellowcosmo<br />
<b>Yarn</b>:<a href="http://www.aslantrends.com/royal_alpaca.php"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca</span></a> in 'Palm'<br />
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I testknit this for Connie a few months ago and I love it. I had this alpaca in my stash for forever, so I was happy to finally use it. Very soft.<br />
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Hope your holidays were happy!
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There's a sale this weekend in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #134f5c;">shop</span></a>! Just enter coupon code BLACKCYBER14 and receive 25% off your order.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-7536584610885975722014-10-28T18:10:00.001-05:002014-10-28T18:10:12.713-05:00Brrrrrr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGJmW63mc-s/VFAf-JqLCzI/AAAAAAAACR8/XNAsTHmqsXk/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGJmW63mc-s/VFAf-JqLCzI/AAAAAAAACR8/XNAsTHmqsXk/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> '<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/its-brrr-time"><span style="color: #741b47;">It's Brrr Time</span></a>' by Suvi Simola<br />
<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #741b47;">Doodles in String</span></a> Merino DK in 'Wormhole' colourway<br />
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I have a weakness for cabled garments, especially hats. I also love Suvi's designs, so this was irresistible. I love the overall shaping and the little corners at the top formed when you graft the front and back together. Quick to make and lovely to wear. It's a perfect hat for these cool fall days.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-19936688189186316902014-10-18T23:10:00.000-05:002014-10-18T23:10:00.434-05:00skiff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TeqWYGjL38/VEM1ACBpeDI/AAAAAAAACRY/wlLF6EDt3og/s1600/skiff%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TeqWYGjL38/VEM1ACBpeDI/AAAAAAAACRY/wlLF6EDt3og/s1600/skiff%2B3.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8ZnK5FbN-A/VEM0_8cZpyI/AAAAAAAACRU/Bc6QRUXlktY/s1600/skiff%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8ZnK5FbN-A/VEM0_8cZpyI/AAAAAAAACRU/Bc6QRUXlktY/s1600/skiff%2B1.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern:</b> '<a href="http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=318"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Skiff</span></a>'' by Jared Flood</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Custom Woolen Mills <a href="http://www.customwoolenmills.com/wool_shop/wool_yarn/mule_spinner_2-ply_100_wool_-_skeins"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Mule Spinner 2-Ply</span></a> in #8 Sea Green</div>
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I realized I have a backlog of recent knits I haven't blogged about, so here's one. When Brooklyn Tweed's Fall patterns came out a few weeks ago I was finishing up a few other things and couldn't start anything big, so I grabbed a skein of yarn I wanted to try out anyway and knocked this off in a few nights. </div>
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I utterly adore this hat. I have a strong compulsion to knit cabled hats in general but this one is really fab.Lots of stuff going on for interest, great fit and lots of warmth. </div>
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One of my goals this winter is to research and try as many Canadian yarns as I can. I have a few new natural bases I'm trying in the DIS dyeing division, and there are some new-to-me mills, like Custom Woolen Mills, that have some great yarns I'm trying on projects. I really enjoyed using the worsted weight, woolen spun yarn shown here. The cables don't have quite the same crispness that a worsted spun yarn would give, but I love the slight fuzziness and softness of this yarn.</div>
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The days are getting cooler. Need more hats.</div>
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-77856938461561976442014-09-09T00:06:00.001-05:002014-09-09T00:06:04.453-05:00fibre fĂȘte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After spending many weeks dyeing and preparing my little DIS roadshow, I was so happy when this past weekend finally arrived. The<span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.manitobafibrefestival.com/">Manitoba Fibre Festival</a> </span>was a lot of fun to attend as a participant last year, but this year was even more fun as a vendor. We were right next to my favourite farmer's market, and the crowds were fairly intense, especially earlier in the day. I talked to so many great people willing to chat enthusiastically about yarn and projects. Thanks to everyone who came by and said 'hi'. I was nervous about my first show and you made it wonderful.<br />
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I only wish I could have seen more of everyone else's stuff, as I was rather confined to my spot (I missed the angora bunnies!). Maybe I can clone myself by this time next year. (That would make several aspects of my life easier, actually).<br />
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After the festival I went to bed early so I could get up at 5:30 the next day to run my first 10k race. I had much fun at that, too, and was pretty happy with my time. I'm really hoping to do a half marathon next spring, so I have to figure out how to run consistently through our crazy winter.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-91373235484235704252014-08-09T13:35:00.001-05:002014-08-09T13:36:38.442-05:00zion lion Last week someone from <a href="http://www.woolandthegang.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Wool and the Gang</span></a> asked if I'd like to try one of their kits, so I was very excited to receive this bundle of awesome in the mail. They sent me a kit for the <a href="http://www.woolandthegang.com/shop/items/zion-lion-women/knit-your-own"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Zion Lion Hat</span></a>.<br />
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There are so many great designs, yarns and kits on their site (like <a href="http://www.woolandthegang.com/shop/items/cross-my-heart-wrap-women/knit-your-own"><span style="color: #134f5c;">this</span></a>! and <a href="http://www.woolandthegang.com/shop/items/mind-the-gap-sweater-women/knit-your-own"><span style="color: #134f5c;">this</span></a>!), and I'm really glad I know about this company now. First, I love the graphics and layout of their packaging:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuMEHEyZd3Y/U-Zfyz8Qp0I/AAAAAAAACQU/kxhEYejz_vk/s1600/watg+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuMEHEyZd3Y/U-Zfyz8Qp0I/AAAAAAAACQU/kxhEYejz_vk/s1600/watg+bag.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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Inside is a pile of pure gorgeousness:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrLbXI1nd00/U-Zf2EO9TtI/AAAAAAAACQk/gXPyPGx2IEI/s1600/watg+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrLbXI1nd00/U-Zf2EO9TtI/AAAAAAAACQk/gXPyPGx2IEI/s1600/watg+kit.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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I big ball of super bulky yarn (200g), a pattern booklet, tapestry needles, a sticker, a wee pin and some absolutely stunning rosewood knitting needles.<br />
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The yarn. How I love this yarn. It's a somewhat loosely-spun single, wool, very lofty and extremely soft.<br />
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Being super bulky it knits up very quickly. Like any single, care needs to be taken not to pull too hard and break the strand, but it's easily felted together again if that happens. I really love the ivory colour they sent me, especially on the rich wood of the needles.<br />
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This simple pattern is great for beginner knitters and there are lots of explanatory details and drawings for techniques. They also have online video tutorials, so their website is a great resource.<br />
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Et voila! A super cozy hat in no time at all. I still have 87g left over, so I'm plotting.<br />
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It's 30c today, so the photoshoot was brief, but MAN I LOVE THIS HAT. I really looked forward to wearing it this winter. Then the girl grabbed it when I wasn't looking and has now claimed it for herself. I may need to make another.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-36547024208549771862014-07-27T18:45:00.001-05:002014-07-28T12:27:33.331-05:00exploring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I decided to try a different dyeing technique, since many of my favourite dyers are doing gradients and colour block dyeing. I started out thinking I wanted to do a gradient, but trying to get a gradual colour transition without knitting up a blank first seemed tricky, so I decided to try long colour blocks instead. I divided a skein of sock yarn into two and each of those into thirds and then dyed a moss colour, blue-moss and blue on each.<br />
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The centre photo shows the resulting cakes. Their difference in diameter is due to forgetting I own a swift (bottom) and then remembering (top ;). The bottom photo shows the top-up socks I'm knitting two at a time on the left. The right has some handspun socks in similar colours. I'm so predictable.<br />
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Yesterday I finally snapped with the whole 2 at a time thing. It felt so incredibly slow. I think I'm just unusually slow at this technique.To cheer myself up I split them onto dpns to finish the rest. Here's their current state. Finally at the light blue! They'll be knee highs to use up as much yarn as possible.<br />
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This week Teresa from Canary Knits did a really lovely post on my designs <a href="http://www.canaryknits.com/2014/07/indie-designer-revisit.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">here</span></a>. She is such a talented designer herself (check out her huge collection <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/teresa-gregorio"><span style="color: #134f5c;">here</span></a>!)I was humbled to be featured by her (and a bit guilty I've been so lazy about publishing stuff lately). I love reading her blog and learning about people I might not have known about otherwise.<br />
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Hope your weekend was good. Happy knitting!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-8118718542061979572014-07-22T13:28:00.000-05:002014-07-22T23:36:55.791-05:00busy summer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope your summer is going well and you're having lots of fun outside. I design parks, so construction season is in full swing and work is a bit nuts right now. Nuts in a good way, though.<br />
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Just wanted to let you know that I'm also <em>super</em> busy dyeing stock for an upcoming fibre festival, where I'll have a booth - the <a href="http://www.manitobafibrefestival.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Manitoba Fibre Festival</span></a> on Sept. 6th. There are lots of amazing vendors and workshops, so if you're in the area, check it out! It's my first time selling like this, so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm really looking forward to meeting and chatting with fellow fibre lovers.<br />
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So the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring?ref=si_shop"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Etsy shop</span></a> will only be stocked for a little while longer and then I'll be getting ready for the fest, so if there's anything you want, grab it now. <br />
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Enjoy the sun!<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-91541431279248595492014-07-05T23:53:00.002-05:002014-07-06T00:02:47.641-05:00nyc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We decided to take advantage of a good flight deal and take the kids to New York this week. The last time I was there was 20 years ago. I shouldn`t have waited so long to go back. I love the intensity, the smells, the personalities, the parks, the art and architecture, the street food, the constant exhausting stimulation. A great start to summer.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-38914039455842717812014-06-03T13:46:00.000-05:002014-06-03T13:55:41.624-05:00my happy place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been a bit obsessed with dyeing lately.<br />
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I also dyed some sparkly yarn the other day, which was pretty fun.<br />
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I didn't think I was a sparkle person but I, apparently, am. I can't wait to see how this yarn knits up.<br />
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And I've been seeing so many dyers doing beautiful gradient yarns lately I decided to try it out. I'll show you the result of this once these little mini skeins are dry.<br />
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What are your favourite kinds of hand dyed yarns and fibre?Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-49171870409917950232014-05-24T08:57:00.000-05:002014-05-24T20:51:56.543-05:00spun socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Pattern:</b> my own basic top-down socks<br />
<b>Fibre:</b> <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/subyarn.php?id=39"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Malabrigo Nube</span></a> in 866 'Arco Iris'<br />
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I spun this fibre a few months ago and got 532 yds of 2-ply fingering weight, which is a bit more than I usually achieve with 4oz. Then I split it in half and worked each sock from separate balls. They're certainly not twins, but the randomness is what I like about spinning in general and partly why I don't try to control my colour progression with n-plying. I like seeing what mixes and blendings happen when 2 plies are thrown together and the painterly results.<br />
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This fibre was lovely to spin and knit up. Very bouncy and soft. If it weren't 30c today I would wear them all day. I totally love spinning for socks. I'm happy there's enough yarn left over from these to make a stripey pair with a solid colour.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-1387015221422638452014-05-05T12:17:00.001-05:002014-05-05T12:20:29.489-05:00spring sale<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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I'm having a sale in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>shop</strong></span></a> until May 25th in celebration of spring and all things green. Yay for free shipping!</div>
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-586095724919236542014-04-28T13:45:00.000-05:002014-04-28T13:45:17.450-05:00something springy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Pattern:</strong> my own<br />
<strong>Yarn:</strong> <a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/yarn/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Tanis Fiber Arts</span></a> Green Label Aran Weight in 'Seabreeze'<br />
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I had this idea for a horizontal cabled yoke so I decided to try it out in girl-size first. Luckily I live with a sweet model who is just the right size and who loves bright teal as much as I do. <br />
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It's a fairly straightforward construction - the cable is worked first and then stitches are picked up along one edge for the neck and along the other edge for the body and then it's worked in one piece to the bottom. I made 3/4 length sleeves and a 4-button front to give it some lightness and make it a nice transitional weather piece. I added i-cord lines over the stitch increase/decrease areas in the yoke to add interest and mimic the lines of the cables. It's a detail that takes a bit of time, but I'm really pleased with the result. The rest of the sweater is so easy overall, it's not a big deal.<br />
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I love Tanis's yarn so much. This colour is a great teal with hints of green and has a good 'sproing' factor. My girl is very fussy about itchy yarns and this one is extremely soft. I think she'll wear it a lot. Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-84272038354299994072014-04-09T22:17:00.001-05:002014-04-09T22:17:30.458-05:00shop talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love to spin fibre but I tend to spin much more than I actually knit up, so I decided to start listing handspun yarn in the shop if I have some at hand I don't need for a project. I also have some new superwash merino/nylon fibre. Check them out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a>.<br />
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I hope spring is finally coming to you!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-67404807957504220722014-03-16T12:22:00.001-05:002014-03-29T17:26:12.905-05:00new stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only upside I can see from having a mercilessly cold and extended winter this year is the excuse to knit lots of warm things. I've never been very interested in knitting summer sweaters in cotton and linen and I have a hard time switching gears from the knits I love to knit to the ones I feel I should knit when the temperature rises. So I have mixed emotions this time of year as I'm so glad to see the end of winter but not sure what I'll do to keep my needles busy/sanity intact.</div>
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While it's still -20c I'm trying to finish up a few things I've had going:</div>
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I made these simple socks for the girl using Manos del Uruguay <a href="http://www.estelleyarns.com/manos-del-uruguay-yarns/Items.php?yCode=MA14&tc=20140316092309"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Alegria</span></a> ('Carnival'). I really love this yarn. It's soft, comes in wonderful colourways and I can't seem to stop casting on socks with it.<br />
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My niece just had a little baby boy who is utterly adorable. I made these for him before I knew he was a him, but this would have been fine for a her, too. The patterns are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/antler-cardigan"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Antler Cardigan</span></a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Doodle/antler-hat"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Antler Hat</span> </a>by Tincanknits and I needed only two skeins of Cascade <span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/longwood.asp"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Longwood</span></a> </span>(in '20') to make both. The patterns were fun and since I made size 1-2 they were tiny and fast. I figure babies get lots of newborn-sized clothes given to them but fewer when they're a bit older, so he can use this next fall. The yarn is super soft and great for baby or child knits, though it's a loose ply yarn and it splits like crazy while you're working it, so drink heavily if you do.<br />
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I made this a few months ago but forgot to post it here. It's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/acorn-trail---customfit-recipe"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Acorn Trail</span></a> by Amy Herzog using Briggs and Little <a href="http://www.briggsandlittle.com/products/wool-knitting-yarns/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Regal</span></a>. I like some things about this sweater but I'll admit I don't love it. I used her custom fit software out of curiosity and chose a medium ease option, and technically it fits but it's a bit more snug than I like. I'll try it again after I've been running for a few weeks and have lost my extra winter weight, because that might be it. The yarn is gorgeous, and the main reason why I made this was to try it out on a sweater. I'll definitely use it again.<br />
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I also just updated my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlesinstring"><span style="color: #134f5c;">shop</span></a> with lots of lovely laceweight merino and some sock yarn. I think perhaps a fingering weight sweater is what I need to make spring arrive soon.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-49238003234372126392014-02-25T13:09:00.000-06:002014-02-25T13:09:01.716-06:00thanksJust a quick post to thank everyone who bought my patterns during the Olympics as I was able, along with my own contribution, to donate $100 to <a href="http://egale.ca/"><span style="color: #741b47;">Egale</span></a>. I really appreciate your help. <br />
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I was slow to get into them this year, but then (as it always happens) I got caught up in the emotion of the athletes and their incredible talents. My kids loved the snowboarding, speedskating and skiing and we watched something almost every day. Obviously, curling and hockey are the huge things here in Canada. It was awesome that the women's curling team from my city went undefeated, and of course hockey was unbelievable. I also loved the <a href="http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/search/hbc-/olympic-collection"><span style="color: #741b47;">duffle coats</span></a> Team Canada wore for the opening ceremonies.<br />
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CBC had great coverage and their Olympics app was so helpful to track when things were on. So, that half of things was awesome but meanwhile all the other stuff was and still is going on. I don't talk politics here and I'm not interested in starting. I just felt this particular intersection of events needed a word. Thanks again.<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-57439433464509594992014-02-09T16:23:00.001-06:002014-02-09T18:43:07.237-06:00bliss jacket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/07-drop-collar-cabled-jacket"><span style="color: #351c75;">Drop Collared Cable Jacket</span></a> from Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine<br />
<b>Yarn:</b> Debbie Bliss Donegal Chunky Tweed in Navy <i>(discontinued)</i><br />
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This is a project I bought the yarn for and started in 2008. I got one front done and was partway up the second when I just got tired of my hands aching with the heavy yarn and big needles and I put it away. I came across it a few weeks ago and decided a) the yarn was really suited to being this object and I really loved the yarn and b) I still liked the design and would probably wear it.<br />
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I then realized I had decided to lengthen the body pieces by 2" but only had enough yarn for the original length and this yarn has since been discontinued. Luckily, two Ravelers had some for sale and one of them was willing to ship to Canada, so I managed to snag enough to finish.<br />
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It's really warm despite the 3/4 sleeves. I love the extra big collar. It's crazy cold outside so these few pics taken by the girl will have to do for now. I think I'll get lots of use out of this.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-68927265368963217422014-02-08T13:09:00.000-06:002014-02-08T13:09:34.531-06:00sophie sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January and February are the perfect months to stay warm inside and finish all the projects I've had going. Once. And. For. All. First up, Sophie's sweater. Started in September. Finished this week.<br />
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<b>Pattern:</b> 'Classic Aran' from Patons booklet A Dog's Life</div>
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<b>Yarn:</b> Berroco Vintage in colour #51176 </div>
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Really boring knit what with all the seed stitch on the body and the fact she's not a tiny dog. I really forced myself to slog through this one at the end. But it fits her well (thank goodness) and should be cozy for walks.</div>
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I'll show you the two sweaters and the socks I finished this week in a bit. Later, skaters. </div>
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521740972050172796.post-69434877622536419662014-02-07T18:44:00.000-06:002014-02-09T17:24:50.296-06:00winter rainbowsI usually love watching the Olympics, especially the winter ones, partly because I live in a very wintery climate half the year. But this year is different, and my enthusiasm has been tempered in no small part by everything I've been made aware of concerning human rights abuses in Russian prisons and their legislation about homosexuality.<br />
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I have felt upset every time I've thought about the games, to be honest. And I've felt helpless to effect change, as 'boycotting' by not watching my tv really didn't have any significance.<br />
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Then <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/bristolivy"><span style="color: #990000;">Bristol Ivy</span></a> floated the idea of a donation drive and I decided that was something I could get on board with. There are lots of designers offering a percentage of their pattern sales towards helping groups who fight for LGBT rights - see the ever-growing list <a href="http://blackbirdturning.blogspot.ca/2014/02/making-right.html"><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></a>.<br />
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So, for the duration of the Olympics, I'll be donating 75% of all sales of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/doodles-in-string"><span style="color: #990000;">self-published</span></a> patterns to <a href="http://egale.ca/"><span style="color: #990000;">Egale</span></a>, and in a small way help to nudge the world toward greater compassion.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02120081588783719005noreply@blogger.com1