tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81443836968440255432024-03-13T11:41:19.678-04:00Needle and Wheel DesignsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-23647774591801685022013-10-04T08:33:00.000-04:002013-10-04T08:33:17.724-04:00Lost in the Land of SaoriYup.....that is exactly where I've been since my last post.....lost in the Land of Saori!<br />
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I'd like to say it's been a peaceful journey, but my path has been fraught with ups and downs. In the beginning.....Excitement! <br />
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Borrowed a warping board from my friend Terri (in to much of a hurry to wait for hubby to make me one) and blindily plunged in. Thought it couldn't have gone better. <br />
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Next step "dressing the loom" (taking what I'd just measured on the warping board and actually putting it on the loom).....still in "Excitement" but quickly came to a screeching halt.<br />
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Not really understanding the process of measuring a warp, I found I had doubled the amount of ends....yikes! I couldn't even get them all on my loom. From "Excitement" to "Confusion" in the blink of an eye.<br />
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After much research, and <em>whining</em>,........messaging to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/BigSmith">Terri</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/WonderWhyGal">Ms. Wonder Why</a>, and <em>whining</em>,...... being just short of depressed and <em>whining</em>,........not sleeping and <em>whining......</em>.notice a recurring theme here? I was no longer feeling "Excitement or "Confusion", now I had traveled into the land of "Frustration"!. What in the world was I going to do? How was I ever going to get back to the "Excitement" part of this journey?<br />
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Not knowing what to do, I finally just sucked it up, unwound everything I had done, removed all the extra warp threads and started over. Now I had hit the "Determined" part of my journey. <br />
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Not sure of what I would find at journey's end, I slowly moved on. Tried some fun techniques and the "Excitement" started to return.<br />
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In a surprising short period of time I found myself at my journeys end. Not only had "Excitement" returned but I had also found "Accomplishment".<br />
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When I started, I thought I'd be more than up for the journey. I was quickly brought back to earth with the fact that even though "weaving" can be exciting, knowledge about the technical parts of "measuring a wrap" and "dressing the loom" is an invaluable skill. On the advice of more experienced weavers, I purchased Floor Loom Weaving by Janet Dawson from Crafty. It is amazing.<br />
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Now I'm working on my second Saori yardage and am happy to report it's going pretty well. I'm still having problems understanding "measuring the warp" since this time I didn't have the amount I was hoping for. Way better than having twice the amount though......LOL.<br />
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Next up......a little non fiber related project I started this week. I took a class on painting furniture on Wednesday using CeCe Caldwell chalk paint from <a href="http://shizzle-design.com/">Shizzle Designs</a> in Byron Center. It also was an amazing class. I picked my colors with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/WonderWhyGal">Ms. Wonder Why</a> in mind....Kissimmee Orange and Traverse City Cherry.<br />
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My piece before painting...<br />
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Two coats of Kissimmee Orange....<br />
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Painting on the top coat using Traverse City Cherry....<br />
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You can really see the difference at this stage between the Cherry and Orange but once the table was completely covered, I couldn't believe how pink it looked. Almost Pepto Bismol pink!<br />
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This was a 5 hours class and by the end I was getting really tired. I still had to distress the piece and try out the final step which is waxing. Hurried along but realized I was not going to get it completed by days end. I decided to just put some wax on the center section of the back. Couldn't believe the difference in the final color. My <br />
red was back! A nice deep Cherry red.....sweet.<br />
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There was another person in the class who used these same colors except she put the Traverse City Red on first and Kissimmee Orange for the top coat. What a difference...<br />
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You can see little pops of the Kissimmee Orange showing on my table on the front leg next to her stool and on the picture above showing the back. I'll have to take some close up pictures once I've done more distressing and have the wax applied. So glad I was able to take this class and learn some different painting techniques. It was a welcome break after being Lost in the Land of Saori!<br />
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-16444753424484542872013-08-30T09:34:00.000-04:002013-08-30T09:34:29.190-04:00Saori - A New Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow....I've got lots to share this week since my last post was at the beginning of August. I'll start by sharing a little about my class in Saori weaving at Michigan Fiber Festival from <a href="http://saoristudiofun.com/">Chiaki O'Brien</a>. What a fabulous, fabulous day it turned out to be.<br />
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I've had a rigid heddle for a few years but felt weaving just wasn't going to be something I would be passionate about. Boy was I wrong. Once I started weaving in the Saori class, I found myself thinking of all kinds of weavings I could create. It was just plain fun and look what came home with me from festival.......a used 4 harness loom....a totally unexpected purchase!<br />
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Oops, got a little ahead of myself, back to class. I thought I'd taken pics of everyone's finished work from class but found I hadn't. That was a little disappointing since our pieces all turned out so differently. <br />
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Some of us brought some of our own yarns/material (yup, one lady actually brought some material she ripped into strips) to weave with and Chiaki had a whole table full of different yarns for us to add into our pieces if we wanted. Just can't say enough about how inspiring this class was.</div>
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So now I'm on a Saori adventure with Terri and Ms. Wonder Why. Terri came over on Wednesday afternoon with her warping board to give me guidance on my first warp. Here it is on her warping board......</div>
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and today I'm going to tackle dressing my loom....Yay! </div>
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It's probably going to take me quite a while since I really don't know what I'm doing. I figured I might just as well make this a long warp so I'd have some material to make into a piece of Saori clothing. I ordered a book from Chiaki and it arrived yesterday. Spent last night drooling over all the wonderful garments.</div>
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On the knitting front, I've been working away on my Star Lily and just started a mystery KAL using a pattern by KellyJ from her Up North Collection. It's called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/strolling">Strolling</a>. </div>
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This is the first time I've tried a mystery knit and I must say it's been putting my comprehension skills to the test. I made an error at the beginning of Clue 1 so I've been very cautious since then. I didn't realize how much I use the pattern picture to help figure out if I'm on the right track. </div>
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We get a clue every 2 weeks and lucky for me Kelly posts a spoiler picture after the first week. This is how I found I'd made a mistake and had to frog back. Clue 1 done......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKx3e2vF0Et56OMOBQV4uyd57CztfCdqEaad2a9j0KCAM0KqXFFv3fec4wk7TDQOKgtjSW_30qM2GAsPJPjzOFjQq-jVJlURy0IJTJZ5TdUUk8hLw38Mp6WWVoiq8q3ZuDPXcJJgI31I/s1600/8-29-13+mystery+KAL+Clue+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKx3e2vF0Et56OMOBQV4uyd57CztfCdqEaad2a9j0KCAM0KqXFFv3fec4wk7TDQOKgtjSW_30qM2GAsPJPjzOFjQq-jVJlURy0IJTJZ5TdUUk8hLw38Mp6WWVoiq8q3ZuDPXcJJgI31I/s320/8-29-13+mystery+KAL+Clue+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Working on Clue 2 but pictures can't be revealed until next week. I decided to use some of my sock yarn stash....yup! Told myself I couldn't buy anymore sock yarn until I'd used up some of that stash. Now I can see that stash making it's way into a Saori weaving....LOL.</div>
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In my last post, I mentioned I was working on a photo album for our daughters birthday. I decided I'd try my hand at making this album totally from scratch. I used material as the base for all the pictures and sewed all the pictures down instead of using just paper. You know how it goes.....yarn stash.....material stash....art stash.....stash, stash, stash. Seems like a recurring theme to me!</div>
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It was certainly a learning experience. We went to KY last weekend to celebrate with her so I can finally show all the pics.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2-oYTURdl_rMRzWfL_F7aUQdSqI7Fg3hEUM_Lt1V9UbyA1So57WmgpCETPsV0LPBCCIbNbiA26sce4jzy26RnDBF5EE9ZibCII6kxtd6dsvF-LZXbUpNskNu7ZnxH624MUw6mXAVCP4/s1600/8-30-13+Nikki%2527s+album+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2-oYTURdl_rMRzWfL_F7aUQdSqI7Fg3hEUM_Lt1V9UbyA1So57WmgpCETPsV0LPBCCIbNbiA26sce4jzy26RnDBF5EE9ZibCII6kxtd6dsvF-LZXbUpNskNu7ZnxH624MUw6mXAVCP4/s320/8-30-13+Nikki%2527s+album+collage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover and our grandson, of course on the first page</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuOhfg9RhbZ1K5cPQ9QiFrYfdqcLtCE1HfTFINwi76CSq7QIhEZEeeAQWPY3y_nbqnDecq-AohpDKm_RTUGgQirXl1FbAfQ_Rs7zJr028Vj0bW3XJwNulpClueK7UewF_hBDdHnn2-3E/s1600/8-30-13+Nikki+album+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuOhfg9RhbZ1K5cPQ9QiFrYfdqcLtCE1HfTFINwi76CSq7QIhEZEeeAQWPY3y_nbqnDecq-AohpDKm_RTUGgQirXl1FbAfQ_Rs7zJr028Vj0bW3XJwNulpClueK7UewF_hBDdHnn2-3E/s320/8-30-13+Nikki+album+collage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left hand photo; pic of the family in their hockey jersey's, middle; Ben and dad, right; a little book I made to hold more pictures<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic's inside the little book<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUYZEwBSwr3U6CoBcM95_qh4N0xk24Mg_ib1HrDbNaFimQVC-eBsXw1VnRj-Ajgt94DEGbSURE_qBaPq70ufkn8T9qQSm5u7ny8LmQhLI7F2XG2F6iVCbaHUAt3R6WVKLjj_8HUQG-Rc/s1600/8-30-13+album+page+6+%2526+7+best+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUYZEwBSwr3U6CoBcM95_qh4N0xk24Mg_ib1HrDbNaFimQVC-eBsXw1VnRj-Ajgt94DEGbSURE_qBaPq70ufkn8T9qQSm5u7ny8LmQhLI7F2XG2F6iVCbaHUAt3R6WVKLjj_8HUQG-Rc/s320/8-30-13+album+page+6+%2526+7+best+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben with his dog, Lola and of course a family photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp5p81n3s1e1sB4css1FPbNdRVr9Msil25V8Lb6oohYG6cEYplnViPScpErNFUx2tzMD8R5wSSbyylHL6PJEea06Xdq22f-S4bFUQBnerLG-0tDNeh-S_zNv0JtUajSYAW3BGr5necoQ/s1600/8-30-13+Album+page+8+%2526+9+best+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmp5p81n3s1e1sB4css1FPbNdRVr9Msil25V8Lb6oohYG6cEYplnViPScpErNFUx2tzMD8R5wSSbyylHL6PJEea06Xdq22f-S4bFUQBnerLG-0tDNeh-S_zNv0JtUajSYAW3BGr5necoQ/s320/8-30-13+Album+page+8+%2526+9+best+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left; the little book of photos and another family photo for the last page<br />
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Very happy with how it turned out but will definitely be making some changes in my next one. I got a little carried away with the thickness of my pages which caused a little problem in the binding process. It all turned out well in the end and I'm glad to say she was very pleased and surprised.</div>
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The second part of her present was us spending the weekend cleaning and organizing their garage so she can park in it this winter. They bought a new house several months ago and everything they didn't know what they were going to do with, went into the garage. It was driving both her and especially my hubby crazy every time we went to visit. Ta Da......parents to the rescue.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoHUaaLvswz2w-3z3Ez1LHI0Ic8KluQ4uKDdhiV0-_uWiuHJnzqr5yYE53PPbHBeCKJwIbvjIrCgJuMrAyGbi4uOSxLQF3rzc7SSf1_21IMdQ4QZmjK-rdzNcJZ5r4t7mnN-c9f_MZnE/s1600/8-30-13+Nikki%2527s+garage+cleaned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoHUaaLvswz2w-3z3Ez1LHI0Ic8KluQ4uKDdhiV0-_uWiuHJnzqr5yYE53PPbHBeCKJwIbvjIrCgJuMrAyGbi4uOSxLQF3rzc7SSf1_21IMdQ4QZmjK-rdzNcJZ5r4t7mnN-c9f_MZnE/s320/8-30-13+Nikki%2527s+garage+cleaned.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a long, grueling process in 95 degree weather but we gotter' done! Nikki is a happy, happy girl.</div>
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This was my reward....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeDdz7fgZKR4NNUFY_siQPVNQqGGL8CtzhRBjAbQyXqECclK5ETkTHkinuSsdfYaikkE5aVyaSGaRhrNuxJI4fUOWaJmkY07cPSPJ_nvBDf55ixtf-I1VE5_33PZSv50NRkKCPoiscI8/s1600/8-29-13+me+at+Woolery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeDdz7fgZKR4NNUFY_siQPVNQqGGL8CtzhRBjAbQyXqECclK5ETkTHkinuSsdfYaikkE5aVyaSGaRhrNuxJI4fUOWaJmkY07cPSPJ_nvBDf55ixtf-I1VE5_33PZSv50NRkKCPoiscI8/s320/8-29-13+me+at+Woolery.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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....a visit to The Woolery. I didn't realize they are only about 40 miles from her new house. Hubby was nice enough to take me a few extra mile out of our way. I bought the warp thread that's on the warping board at the beginning of my post and a raddle to help with the warping process. </div>
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Whew.....sorry for the length of this post. I need to buckle down and post every Friday. </div>
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I don't have to work this Saturday so plan on spending the next three days working on my loom. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial day weekend.</div>
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-19738525074735850682013-08-02T10:39:00.000-04:002013-08-02T10:39:42.820-04:00Busy, Busy...Busy!!Oh my goodness, I've had a great week full of crafting fun....painting, making blue berry jam for hubby, trying to dehydrate blueberries for me (this is taking forever), album creating, knitting and spinning! <br />
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We spent quite a few days in July camping and visiting with family. Although we had an awesome time, it meant far less crafting time than I'm used to getting. So I decided this week was going to be all about playing and crafting as much as possible.<br />
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Knitting fun....I decided to put my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/wisdom-wrap">Wisdom Wrap</a> on hold after completing the first section. Love the pattern but really wanted to get started on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/star-lily">Star Lily</a>.<br />
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I fell in love with this pattern after trying a finished one on at <a href="http://cleverewe.com/">Clever Ewe</a> during our annual Yarn Quest. It's a good thing they had a trunk show cause the picture does <em>not</em> do it justice. Loved the way it fit plus the yarn is so yummy soft. It's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/classic-elite-yarns-mountaintop-canyon">Mountain Top Canyon</a> by Classic Elite Yarns, 85% cotton and 15% alpaca. Yup...cotton and alpaca...who would have thought. It is a dream to knit with.<br />
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My only snag....I realized I was going to be one skein short. I guess I was so excited about the project I miss read how much yarn I was going to need. Problem....nope. My parents live on the way to Ada so Tuesday I stopped and picked up my dad (he loves to ride) and off we headed to Clever Ewe. They moved into a big old Victorian house right next door to where they were.....cute house with all kinds of little rooms filled with yarn. I didn't get to look around much, dad loves to ride but doesn't walk so well now, so I'm thinking maybe another rode trip.....hint, hint, wink, wink, Ms. Wonder Why and Terri.<br />
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Spinning fun....after all the spinning during the Tour de Fleece, I found myself missing my wheel. This was certainly easy to fix. Pulled another batt from my stash and decided to spin another lace weight yarn. It's 100% merino dyed by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/windingwoolcreek">Winding Wool Creek Fiber</a> in color way Lone Wolf. It's the last of what I bought at last years Michigan Fiber Festival. Hmmmm....how lucky...just 12 more days and it's festival time again!<br />
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Painted furniture...the weather here in Michigan turned wonderfully cool this week so I headed out to the garage to complete some pieces.<br />
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Studio fun.....birthday gift complete except for the binding. Just a little sneak peak of the front cover.....I'll share the inside after it's gifted. I decided I'd try my hand at creating a photo album totally from scratch. Cut my own cardboard, covered each page with different fabrics, papers and embellishments, oh yeah, and family photos. Kind of like making a crazy quilt.....I had an awesome time creating it. Now I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the <em>giftee</em> likes it as much as I liked creating it.<br />
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Woke up this morning to a rainy day, not the best for painting but great for writing up a post. I'm planning on getting my album bound today and probably should spend time cleaning up the awful mess I now have in my garage and studio.....down side to a week spent in crafting bliss.</div>
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Hoping everyone has a great week, time to get some breakfast and check out what everyone has been creating this week over on <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins in Wonder</a>........Happy Fiber Arts Friday!! </div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-30384319729643905532013-07-26T09:14:00.000-04:002013-07-26T09:14:59.758-04:00Goals AccomplishedFor once the goals I set for the Tour de Fleece turned out to be within my reach....YAY!!<br />
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Goal 1: complete the roving I'd started prior to the tour.<br />
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Goal 2: spin lace. First up......4 oz. of brown alpaca/silk top followed by 6 oz. dyed 100% merino.</div>
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Day 1 - 3: completed the yarn I started before the tour....464 yds. sport</div>
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Day 4 - 12: alpaca/silk yarn complete....364 yds. lace<br />
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Day 12 - 21: merino yarn complete....just in time to cross the finish line!...508 yds.<br />
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My victory collage<br />
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Big, big thanks to <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Ms. Wonder Why</a> for being our team leader again this year. We had a very chatty group....lots of photos and information was shared and questions answered.....couldn't have asked for a better group of spinners.<br />
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What I learned on this tour....lace takes a <em>l-o-n-g</em> time to spin!...LOL.<br />
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-58898991011501860982013-07-19T08:30:00.000-04:002013-07-19T08:30:58.646-04:00Unexpected Words of WisdomI'm starting my post a little different than usual today. I've been on a healthy eating, weight loss journey for just about a year and a half. Tuesday I needed to go for a weigh in and I was feeling a little concerned after being away for a few day over the July 4th holiday. You know how it goes.....ate a few things I shouldn't have eaten, then a bit of a struggle to get back on track. <br />
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Anyway....I was starting my day as usual, going through my emails, and found a new posting by Kate, aka Sparkle Tart. I follow her blog and her post that day was called "<a href="http://katepalmer.typepad.com/">Words of Wisdom - Comparison</a>". She is one of the art bloggers I follow and this post certainly hit a cord with me.<br />
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It was just what I needed to read (<em>hear</em>) to get myself back in perspective. It made me stop being concerned about what the scales <em><u>might</u> </em>reflect and look at all I have accomplished in this year and a half.<br />
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Her post is well worth reading if you have the time. So often we short change ourselves on what we have accomplished and how far we have come on our personnel journey through life.<br />
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Just in case your wondering how that weigh in went.......I lost 2 lbs. That puts my total weight loss at 101 lbs....YAY!<br />
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Okay, enough....now on to what I've been creating this week. My week has pretty much been filled with spinning for the Tour de Fleece with a little time carved out in my studio.<br />
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Tour de Fleece......<br />
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Boy....it doesn't look like I've gotten much done this year. You can just see my first skein in my basket, second is the brown alpaca/silk lace and last but not least, working on spinning 100% merino lace. Hopefully I'll be able to get this merino done by the end of the tour.<br />
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Wow......I didn't have a clue how long it would take to spin lace. It's going to be well worth the time and it was just what I wanted to try spinning this year.<br />
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I've been looking on Rav for a shawl pattern for my first multicolored skein. I'm thinking of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hitchhiker">Hitchhicker</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vendanges">Vendanges</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragonfly-wings">Dragonfly Wings</a>. Must admit, right now I'm leaning towards Vendanges. Only time will tell which one I'll choose. Not even thinking about what I'll make with the lace I've spun. <br />
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I can't post any pics of my current art project....<em>sigh. </em> It's going to be another present for my step daughters birthday in August. Just remembered I haven't shared the first present I made for her earlier in the year....same reason! I'll be sure to post pics after her birthday celebration.<br />
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That's it for me...hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. To everyone one out there who's participating in the Tour.....<em>spin on</em>, the finish line is almost in sight!<br />
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-59553261330189912212013-07-12T07:44:00.000-04:002013-07-12T07:44:31.544-04:00It's That Time of YearWhat time is that?.......Tour de Fleece! Of course I'm back on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/wonder-why-fiber-arts-and-alpaca-farm/2580035/101-125">Team Wonder Why Alpaca Farm</a>.......some really awesome yarns are being spun.<br />
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I spent my first 3 days working on roving I had purchased on our trip last October to Vermont. First time going to the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival. Here she is.....<br />
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I now have 464 yds. of sport weight in this beautiful color way. After the tour, I'll have to spend some time on Ravelry looking for a simple shawl pattern. </div>
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My challenge for this year was to use my lace flyer. I've had my Lendrum for 3 years now and decided this would be the year to give lace a try. Looked through my fiber stash and decided to start with these.....</div>
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The brown top is a 4 oz. Alpaca/Silk blend that I purchased from <a href="http://www.ladypeddler.info/">Lady Peddler</a> and the dyed roving was purchased last year at Michigan Fiber Festival from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/windingwoolcreek">Winding Wool Creek Fiber</a> in color way Peace -n- Love. I thought they would go well together to make a two color shawl.</div>
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What I didn't think about was how long it would take to spin 4 oz. into a lace single. There went day 4 through 12 (<em>day 10 was a day of rest</em>). </div>
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Really proud of how fine I was able to spin even though the finished yarn did not fall into the lace range. The wraps per inch turned out to be 25 and according to my WPI gauge that's probably a light fingering.......lace starts at 35+WPI......what? I can't quite get my head wrapped around how fine the single would have to be. </div>
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Day 13 had me starting on the dyed roving. Now my challenge is to spin my singles the same thickness so the final yarn will be close to the WPI of the alpaca/silk. I was worried the roving would be harder to spin this fine but am glad to say.......<em>it is not....</em>yay!<br />
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Yesterday was such a beautiful day, I only spun 0.4oz. I really wanted to spend some time "shabby chic'n" a couple pieces of furniture. Got my plant stand done....</div>
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and a little side table painted. Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to do to fix the top. I have several ideas but just can't seem to make up my mind....this tells me I haven't come up with the right design yet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeyl2Ij4VhG-5S9jdc95S52_kYvEiUbifL4DjOIa1AcaETp9RaBQvSlm0aJ1P36CdJHN_SwFPRb1lxBVlrEcQFqQv8jUVwk0ASV29Zz3KCWF1HAJ7cP6xGg6_n-gwOFumIWf6af_A63k/s1600/7-11-13+white+end+table+before+&+after+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeyl2Ij4VhG-5S9jdc95S52_kYvEiUbifL4DjOIa1AcaETp9RaBQvSlm0aJ1P36CdJHN_SwFPRb1lxBVlrEcQFqQv8jUVwk0ASV29Zz3KCWF1HAJ7cP6xGg6_n-gwOFumIWf6af_A63k/s320/7-11-13+white+end+table+before+&+after+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well that's it for me. I need to read some of the other Fiber Arts Friday posts, get to spinning and hopefully get back to painting my next furniture piece.</div>
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-78589638597545352172013-06-30T19:21:00.001-04:002013-06-30T19:21:58.082-04:00Beautiful Day<div style="text-align: left;">
What an awesome day we had today in West Michigan.</div>
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I started the day off with spinning for the second day of the Tour de Fleece. Tour de Fleece, what in the world is that? Spinners all over the world join their favorite teams to challenge themselves to spin every day along with the Tour de France. </div>
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I filled a bobbin of this beautiful roving I purchased on our trip to Vermont last October. I was able to attend the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival for the first time and purchased this roving on that visit.</div>
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I already had a full bobbin of this fiber spun up and my plan for the day was to ply the two together to complete my yarn.....</div>
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but, it was so beautiful I decided to spend the day outside working on painting some furniture pieces I've been collecting. This is what some of them looked like before I started.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKNJdIdiQdd50fUzC3CRhqLkF1aJszXf1hMchK3wRhDnusY5Y0s4N4r8KLAamGeVFXgddnvpkVxLizPqmApJHy2Gv2hVIXTaSebK1Jf7_fK_3O3i0s5xfIhSR1cHX0oAs97BCSajH74U/s1200/6-30-13+collage+furniture+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKNJdIdiQdd50fUzC3CRhqLkF1aJszXf1hMchK3wRhDnusY5Y0s4N4r8KLAamGeVFXgddnvpkVxLizPqmApJHy2Gv2hVIXTaSebK1Jf7_fK_3O3i0s5xfIhSR1cHX0oAs97BCSajH74U/s320/6-30-13+collage+furniture+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One coat done on the plant stand, square table and the mirror....<br />
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I was able to complete the green magazine table that the mirror is laying on, as well as the desk organizer pictured in the right hand corner. I was so excited about being able to get outside and paint, I forgot to take before pics of these two items.</div>
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My last project for the day was to make some quiche for our breakfast this week.</div>
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Yum, yum, we just love these mini mushroom sausage quiche. Now to watch some TV and do some knitting and my day will be complete!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-39155118145971625372013-06-28T08:13:00.000-04:002013-06-28T08:13:36.069-04:00Traveller aka ViajanteWow, can't believe how long it's been since I've done a post. Decided it was time to get back at it.<br />
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My goal was to get this project complete to wear at Stitches this year. Last year the air conditioning was turned so high I couldn't believe how cold it was....my hair was actually moving at times. <br />
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So without further ado, here I am.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz07W82EynW4MsQKdKFn3AWHZo1y1tqtx82g9xd4yejnMoqlE0nAw3bmQKfYI2gGRf0n95eaHxzVa6p-h0l3aipxmKHfEibp4VU9y8fGW6RArHaUJ5fRMfSfBoKwJZKkAJXtKZvPMLwUo/s1600/5-25-13+viajante+at+store+held+out+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz07W82EynW4MsQKdKFn3AWHZo1y1tqtx82g9xd4yejnMoqlE0nAw3bmQKfYI2gGRf0n95eaHxzVa6p-h0l3aipxmKHfEibp4VU9y8fGW6RArHaUJ5fRMfSfBoKwJZKkAJXtKZvPMLwUo/s320/5-25-13+viajante+at+store+held+out+copy.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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I looked through almost all of the individual photos on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/viajante">Viajante</a> projects page and found that several people made changes. Some added beads and some changed up the lace at the end. Beads.....did I actually see beads! Well once seen, I certainly had to add some to mine. Their hard to see in the photos but in the 1st one you can see a hint of glisten around my shoulder. Seen in person, they show right up.<br />
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Must say I just LOVE how this turned out. It's knit in the round but it was still a lot of knitting. It was my mindless knit and sooooo worth it. I've worn it several time already and have gotten positive reviews. <br />
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There's several ways this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viajante">shawl </a>can be worn so you might want to check it out for yourselves.<br />
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I'm currently working on two knitting projects....yup, two. Those who know me well, know this is way out of my comfort zone. I'm usually a one project person.....knitting, painting, sewing, mixed media, spinning but only 1 in each category. I'm living on the edge......I'm out of control!!!!<br />
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Started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/camas-bolero">Camas Bolero</a> by Maggie Jackson, of course using yarn by Maggiknits. This is a pic of the back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oyy_v3I_KdzJabdd0gfE85DcqiTyKfPtBk_HQ5Ua2aFOzzy18L-rDzZ4AgG5LnlTSK3VEDbeR7-rpGCHaS3oyNIq-DsMu9FLg4rAcQdGBkK4Xm2W0jZ1QYmy67TiTctQvtlP9Frcl1o/s1600/6-26-13+Camas+Bolero+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oyy_v3I_KdzJabdd0gfE85DcqiTyKfPtBk_HQ5Ua2aFOzzy18L-rDzZ4AgG5LnlTSK3VEDbeR7-rpGCHaS3oyNIq-DsMu9FLg4rAcQdGBkK4Xm2W0jZ1QYmy67TiTctQvtlP9Frcl1o/s320/6-26-13+Camas+Bolero+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's moving along nicely and pretty mindless at this stage so I also started working on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/wisdom-wrap">Wisdom Wrap</a>. Another pretty mindless knit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU5uZgVFWuo6ogfNyxBAN1e8t-m2c2qVwgq8IynafCL2V_itigEM6gmNYhfPLtv_eoJbzR2xwTAtfK4cMyDVmya9xGjkWmkDjAplInwzex0RVvtpi_3JQ-Dm0qIMd2qOjfuTVDjD2E3Y/s1600/6-26-13+Wisdom+Shawl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU5uZgVFWuo6ogfNyxBAN1e8t-m2c2qVwgq8IynafCL2V_itigEM6gmNYhfPLtv_eoJbzR2xwTAtfK4cMyDVmya9xGjkWmkDjAplInwzex0RVvtpi_3JQ-Dm0qIMd2qOjfuTVDjD2E3Y/s320/6-26-13+Wisdom+Shawl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Along the fiber theme, I decided to make some throw pillows since I found our local JoAnn's Fabrics was selling a bunch of their custom order material samples for 50 cents a piece. Now who could pass that up. <br />
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Hubby was with me when I was shopping and the next thing I knew he and found 2 panels and asked if I would make him a couple for his "man cave" camper. Here's what he picked out.<br />
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This one's done except the sewing up where I had to leave it open to stuff. I have tons of stuffing but didn't like the way it was turning out kind of lumpy bumpy. Hmmmm, what did I have on hand I could use to line the inside before stuffing? Searched around my messy studio but couldn't find any quilt batting. Glanced over and saw a felt batt that I had made at a mill using our alpaca seconds. So I thought, "why not", after all they are for my hubby. Tee he, it was the warmest pillow I've ever stuffed......my arm was sweating before I got it finished.<br />
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Here's the second one waiting for it stuffing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufRICm-ucx7XAH7mLNZLryzeyX9BVF6cyOIrhFzEGZCljiq_6cgqVhVAZyANiEJ836lpFkEH-2c8J4He6gdDROJpDTH8GeVewQ9bQY5_gWxmmYI_3-p2Gr0vJ_ZuXujaqz2kb-BQ-5c8/s1600/6-27-13+Jim%2527s+2nd+pillow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufRICm-ucx7XAH7mLNZLryzeyX9BVF6cyOIrhFzEGZCljiq_6cgqVhVAZyANiEJ836lpFkEH-2c8J4He6gdDROJpDTH8GeVewQ9bQY5_gWxmmYI_3-p2Gr0vJ_ZuXujaqz2kb-BQ-5c8/s320/6-27-13+Jim%2527s+2nd+pillow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I think he did a great job picking out his material. He thought they looked kind of Hawaiian and would go nicely with the red cushions already in his camper and blend in with his ukulele obsession. <br />
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"<em>I</em><strong>"</strong> think they look great with my new chairs that sit between my dining room and kitchen. It's certainly <em>really</em> nice material for something called "the man cave"!<br />
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Here's a few photos of other project that have been taking up my time....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKTEBGRBy_eaD82fUAMIY6D-LlNcwP79PS7UcNERnsEw6-ey2KTqtTYMmSpSeg1Nryt5ISdJJupdLRBRNRE68-4dI4cWEN6k_rU8A6LvTxPd6n-l_m3RJ1W4zWSeW7iQXwGRhWEsx-Qc/s1600/6-26-13+dress+form+canvas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKTEBGRBy_eaD82fUAMIY6D-LlNcwP79PS7UcNERnsEw6-ey2KTqtTYMmSpSeg1Nryt5ISdJJupdLRBRNRE68-4dI4cWEN6k_rU8A6LvTxPd6n-l_m3RJ1W4zWSeW7iQXwGRhWEsx-Qc/s320/6-26-13+dress+form+canvas.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed media; background texture using fiber paste, spackle, onion bag and layered with paint and items from my stash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUQZ7YvUvcJAwvaukkQ52q8jnPh5MxUKrU-O64KW1T-KBU7mbaxr5CCS62aX93iPOEnPQituFu3PPJxSE8FyqU4IQK9mp2s99QI5BzVcShyFNTtLpo5i3gm8Q6o6_rwbW1ndXweWird8/s1600/6-26-13+Sprinkler+canvas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUQZ7YvUvcJAwvaukkQ52q8jnPh5MxUKrU-O64KW1T-KBU7mbaxr5CCS62aX93iPOEnPQituFu3PPJxSE8FyqU4IQK9mp2s99QI5BzVcShyFNTtLpo5i3gm8Q6o6_rwbW1ndXweWird8/s320/6-26-13+Sprinkler+canvas.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a friend gave me this sprinkler head thinking I might be able to use it. Couldn't pass up that challenge. Background textures; lace, drywall tape, fiber paste and used dryer sheets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cGp41PZ00XdG2cubr6q6vzs1yBMT6HqBlgE_gYQjXH6Omkp6uchEnO3RbMjzV_cEI5UC6e9_JNRCzmEYVHr5OiIPk2UO-PbWO9UcxXEXRRHWtu5_SNd0gnUA2gGbIRL_eodlWQVxLHk/s1600/6-26-13+painted+mixed+media+canvas+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cGp41PZ00XdG2cubr6q6vzs1yBMT6HqBlgE_gYQjXH6Omkp6uchEnO3RbMjzV_cEI5UC6e9_JNRCzmEYVHr5OiIPk2UO-PbWO9UcxXEXRRHWtu5_SNd0gnUA2gGbIRL_eodlWQVxLHk/s320/6-26-13+painted+mixed+media+canvas+copy.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">canvas using different textures; gesso, egg shells, spackle, string</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfohgWqukCU3e3y2y5j6u5raBHf72YJlh58bHw48BkXD6QKEMM11ufyKEh4gs2D7ocZffS5Gxsb-cV0xI2FIgRH9f0XVEVujiAesC3kVu0DInyAB03D7eWG6tLamKDpbuspvT81_PgzZ4/s1600/6-26-13+fern+canvas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfohgWqukCU3e3y2y5j6u5raBHf72YJlh58bHw48BkXD6QKEMM11ufyKEh4gs2D7ocZffS5Gxsb-cV0xI2FIgRH9f0XVEVujiAesC3kVu0DInyAB03D7eWG6tLamKDpbuspvT81_PgzZ4/s320/6-26-13+fern+canvas.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fern canvas; spackle with fern impression<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWSI3GtDH218w1oK8FWR8gneR8whEEKZty4hhbzaKgN7MNMlFo9A-pmAEyUQd6Bm4B2g4EwZN9VPePvttfUrY2fc3282Glgx-xPNwGo1JyvaBMfZG2WJeOfJk46QztpRTVwg-T-3SnAY/s1600/6-26-12+Rob+and+Ashley+canvas+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWSI3GtDH218w1oK8FWR8gneR8whEEKZty4hhbzaKgN7MNMlFo9A-pmAEyUQd6Bm4B2g4EwZN9VPePvttfUrY2fc3282Glgx-xPNwGo1JyvaBMfZG2WJeOfJk46QztpRTVwg-T-3SnAY/s320/6-26-12+Rob+and+Ashley+canvas+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and his girlfriend mixed media canvas; background textures wood filler and fiber paste. Computer parts, nuts, old tools, and flowers<br />
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I've been a slave to my studio lately! </div>
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!</div>
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.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-49869701059543049492013-04-05T08:35:00.000-04:002013-04-05T08:35:04.351-04:00Old and New ProjectsHey everyone....hope you all had a great Easter. Mine turned out to be very busy since one of our sons came home for a visit with his girlfriend. I spent most of my time cooking and doing dishes. Seems like we just could <em>no</em><u>t</u> get our eating schedule to match up. By the time they were up, hubby and I had already had breakfast and our farm chores done. That meant cooking another breakfast and it just snow balled from there.<br />
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Those who know me well, know I never have been much of a cook.....always wanted to use the time for creating something artistic....not food! Well that has certainly changed since I started seeing a Nutritional Counselor. For the first time in my life, food has become a friend. The end of March was my 1 year anniversary of eating "clean" and I'm proud to share my weight loss of 86 lbs. Wowsa!!....so hard to believe..... just had to put it in writing.<br />
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Now on to what I've been doing in my studio. On a fiber note, several of us did get together on good Friday at Your Local Yarn Shop and I almost completed spinning the 4 oz. batt I shared in my last post. I've also been knitting along on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/viajante">Viajante</a>. <br />
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Decided on my bead placement and though it's hard to see with it on my knitting needles, I've started another section of beads that I'll continue with until I start my lace border. Lovin' how this is turning out.<br />
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A couple Monday's ago a friend came over who wanted to learn how to make a spiral bead. <br />
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I hadn't made one in quite a while so I decided I'd better give myself a refresher before she came. While getting my supplies out I found a bracelet I'd started quite a while ago and thought I should try to finish.<br />
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I've been working on it a little bit each day. I've only got the right upper side to complete before I can attach the backing and bead the edge. Trying to stay focused this time to get it done......long overdue.<br />
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But.....I seem to always find new things to try. I've gotten hooked on the thought of <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-900-1-s&va=zentangles+doodle">Zentangles</a>.......yup, doodling. Check out the link I've posted......their awesome! <br />
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Here's my first try.....<br />
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Then I just couldn't help myself. I had to try an alpaca......<br />
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We live in a very small community with an even smaller library but they are so helpful whenever I want to try something new. They even went so far as to actually buy some of the Zentangle "how to books" so I could give it a try. The books came last week and they called me as soon as they came in so I could bring them home. I plan on taking these samples in to show today but you can bet I'm hanging onto the books for the full 3 weeks!<br />
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That's it for me.....now hop on over to <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins in Wonder</a> to see what everyone else has been up to. I'm on my way there to check it out....Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-17780835793892181522013-03-22T08:17:00.000-04:002013-03-22T08:17:36.473-04:00Spinning FunWe had our monthly get together last Sunday at Ms. Wonder Whys farm and I decided I'd take my wheel since it's been months since I last spun. After a fab-u-lous lunch and some chit chat, we finally got down to some spinning. <br />
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I had just a little bit of one of my blended batts that needed finished and thought it would be a good time to try my hand at Navajo plying. Lucky for me, Ms. Wonder Why was very willing to give me a lesson.<br />
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Ta da.......<br />
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It sure wasn't easy but I gotter done! I was thinking it was going to be an over plied mess but was surprised, once I had it wound into a skein, to find it was pretty balanced .....shocker!<br />
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So on Monday I decided I'd better try again before I forgot what Andrea had shown me. Checked my spinning basket and sure enough found another full bobbin. For some reason before I left Andrea's, I took the jumbo flyer off my spinning wheel and put the smaller one back on. <br />
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You know how it goes, I was to lazy to put the jumbo flyer back on. I just wanted to get started plying. I was sure it would be just fine to use the smaller flyer....Wrong. Of course I didn't figure out why I was having so many problems until I was about half way through the bobbin. Dah......I couldn't peddle slow enough for my hands to keep up. So this skein, not so great....<br />
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Close up.....just look at that over plied skein or maybe I should say "energetic"! <br />
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Oh well, I'll definitely give it another try....practice, practice, practice.<br />
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It felt nice to be sitting at my wheel again so thought I'd find something else to spin up. Chose some fiber I picked up when we were visiting our son in VT last October. I have two 4oz skeins of Frabjous Fibers hand dyed Merino called Green with Envy.<br />
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I'm loving how it's spinning up. I haven't decided if I'll try Navajo plying this when I'm done or not. Since I have two braids, I my fill two bobbins and ply them together. I'll see how I feel after I get the singles done.<br />
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I've also been knitting on my Viajante but decided not to bore you with any pics at this point. It's going to be while before it will look any different. After looking at several of the finished Viajante's, I found inspiration from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tippsy1/viajante">tippsy1's Viajante</a>....she incorporated beads and also love how <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/DeDitte/viajante">DeDitte's</a> added additional sections of the lace edging. So I'll wait to give an update once I've added some beads.<br />
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That's it for me, thanks for stopping by......hope you all have a wonderful weekend.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-78660918711618936652013-03-15T09:00:00.000-04:002013-03-15T09:00:54.599-04:00Viajante KALLast Saturday I was able to get started on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/viajante">Viajante</a> with a couple of friends. This is a really easy project.....not going to be quick!..... but definitely TV watching or knitting in public project.<br />
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When I decided to knit this shawl, I wanted to find a color I'd be able to wear with dressy as well as everyday clothes. I think it will look lovely with jeans and I'll definitely be able to "dress it up". I'm loving how this is working up.....long way to go yet! <br />
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I also wanted to share a weaving project I started a long time ago. This pic was taken on 5-5-2011 showing the warp done using my suri yarn with accents of white/silver lace mohair. I just knew it would be stunning. Problem......I love woven items but just DO NOT like to weave. <br />
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I tried to work on this project on a regular basis but it just kept getting put aside for other projects.....knitting, beading, you name it.....they all took precedence over working on this dang scarf. <br />
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Luckily I live close to Ms. Wonder Why and several other friends who get together on a monthly basis. You know.....share our projects, support i.e. enable, laugh, eat and sometimes whine. I'm always admiring Ms. Wonder Why's woven items as well as those woven by our friend Terri and always felt bad about not getting this scarf done. <br />
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Fast forward to October 2012: "the girls" all came to my house to support me during my annual <a href="http://artsandeats.org/">Arts and Eats</a> show. Of course there were beautiful <em>finished</em> woven items shared by Andrea and Terri and you guessed it.....mine was still not done! <br />
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Once again I was talking about trying to find the gumption to get back to working on my scarf. <em>Even though I don't have any pics of my weaving, I did have maybe about</em> <em>1/4 of the scarf woven at this time.</em> Terri looked at me and asked, "do you want me to take your loom and finish that for you?" I could not say, YESSSS! fast enough. Luckily for me she had set aside one of my beaded shawl pins and I quickly said "I'll gladly give you the pin for finishing my scarf" and a deal was struck. After almost 2 years on my loom.....my scarf is born.<br />
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My intent was to create an open weave scarf to mimic a drop stitch knit scarf. Cannot thank Terri enough for making this happen....what awesome friends I have!<br />
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Thanks for stopping and don't forget to pop over to <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins in Wonder</a> to read more Fiber Arts Friday post to see what everyone else has been up to this week.<br />
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Wishing everyone a great weekend.......Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-26480719611337198132013-03-08T08:30:00.000-05:002013-03-08T08:30:42.541-05:00Oh So Slow a WeekI guess with all my crazy need to create the last few weeks, my mind decided it just needed a break. Soooo, I accomplished very little this week in the crafting department. Lazed about with some reading, after discovering the author Lisa Jackson at my local library. Spent some time on YouTube and checking out Pinterest and had quite a few errands/appointments. <br />
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But I was determined I'd get my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/palette-of-colors-shrug">Palette of Colors</a> done.....after all I only had one cuff to finish. Love how it turned out.<br />
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Also moving along nicely on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/sweetness">Sweetness</a> cowl.....at the half way mark.</div>
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LOL......I think this has been my shortest post ever!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. My plan for Saturday, besides work, is to start knitting on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viajante">Viajante </a>shawl with a couple of friends. If your close to <a href="http://yourlocalyarnshop.com/">Your Local Yarn Shop</a>, stop on by to see our progress. Our first hurdle will be winding 2200 yds of lace weight.....Yikes!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-31676718350287480142013-03-01T08:56:00.000-05:002013-03-01T08:56:17.217-05:00Fun Filled WeekI've had a busy week trying to get some of my projects done before starting on a KAL with a couple friends.<br />
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Hubbies socks....<br />
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Second pair of Elf Clobbers....<br />
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I really tried to learn how to do the crochet myself. I understand how to make the stitches but just can't get the hang of figuring out where to put the hook to actually make the stitch. Knitting is so much easier......the next stitch to be worked is just waiting right there on the needle. So once again my friend Sue came to my rescue.<br />
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So close to being done with my Palette of Colors...<br />
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Hoping to get the last cuff done this weekend so I can wear it.<br />
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Cardinal mixed media....everyone who saw a pic or actually saw it in person told me I should not do any painting on the background. They liked it just the way it was. So I took their advice and just painted over the gesso with white paint and then sprayed on Frosted Jack Frost Starburst from <a href="http://www.lindystampgang.com/sprays/">Lindy's Stamp Gang</a>. This gives a very subtle sparkly look that reminds me of sun glinting on the snow.<br />
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This is the best pic I could get to try to show the background....<br />
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While <u>Ms</u>. Cardinal, <em>yes, I was corrected by someone that this is a female cardinal not male as I'd said in my last post</em>, was drying, I started working on a second mixed media canvas. This time I wanted to try painting just the background leaving all the assemblage pieces in their natural finish. Used lots of texture...chicken wire, hardware cloth and cheese cloth painted cream then sprayed with different colors of Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst sprays. </div>
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Finished canvas.....<br />
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Old paint brush, antique faucet, door and dresser handles, tatting shuttle, glass cutter, spark plug gauge, watch parts, hinge, computer parts, some man tools, lace, jewelry and a vintage photo. This one went much faster and I am soooo hooked!!.....Love it.<br />
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While tooling around on Ravelry I found the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viajante">Viajante</a> shawl and became very intrigued. After showing it to a couple friends, we decided we'd do a KAL. Next....what yarn? I looked into the Wollmeise but decided trying to get a skein was going to be really hard so I turned to <a href="http://www.briarrosefibers.net/">Briar Rose Fibers</a> and found <a href="http://www.briarrosefibers.net/stella/">Stella</a>, a beautiful merino/silk blend.<br />
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Had a really hard time trying to decide which color I wanted but finally settled on this one....again, pic does not do this yarn justice.<br />
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That's it for me....gotta get busy in the kitchen.....friends coming over for lunch and a visit.<br />
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Don't forget to hop on over to <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins In Wonder</a> to see what everyone else has been up to this week.....hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-10952736305300335862013-02-15T08:42:00.000-05:002013-02-15T08:42:26.907-05:00Making ProgressHere we are with another week behind us. Unfortunately for me, I took a tumble last Friday while tiling my kitchen back splash. Yup....step stool, cause I'm to short to reach the wall in most places, coupled with pants that were too long. Left foot standing on my right pant leg, me not knowing it, and needing to get down to move the stool.<br />
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Crash, bang!....clipped the counter top with the underside of my right arm, wrenching my shoulder and neck, before smacking my head on my brand new floor. <br />
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Hubby came running from his office, and as we all do in these types of situations, looks down and says "are you hurt?" After opening my eyes and getting my breath back, y...e....s!....I said in my best whinny voice.<br />
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So I spent most of this week in my recliner on muscle relaxers and the heating pad. Glad to say, no major damage and I love how the back splash looks.....<br />
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I only have to paint the trim pieces, glue them in place and this task will be done! Oh yeah, just for the record.....I don't foresee any tiling jobs in my future.<br />
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Needless to say, I needed something pretty mindless to knit. Several of my friends have been making socks so I decided that would be the perfect project. My goal..... new socks for me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kellys-toe-up-socksation">Kelly's Toe Up Socksation</a></td></tr>
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Best laid plans.....I don't know if it was my drug induced state or what, but the sock was way to big for me. I was too lazy, <em>really just didn't care</em>, to pull it out and look for smaller needles so hubby now has one completed sock. He's a happy camper and I still managed to get something knit for this weeks post....win, win!<br />
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I didn't post last week because I was being <strong><em>compelled</em></strong> to work on a new mixed media canvas instead of knitting or spinning. Pinterest!!!......I knew I shouldn't get caught up in it's sticky web. I found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9kn261Rs18">Finnabair</a> and she inspired me and as as they say, "the rest is history."<br />
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Cut this bird picture from a magazine, decoupaged some tissue paper for his tree and jumped in.<br />
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Decided to add some more branches, some leaves and more found items. <br />
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Really got into salvaging odds and ends, no drawers were left unturned.....computer parts, metal pieces, tools, jewelry....nothing was off limits.<br />
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I worked on it this week until it told me it was complete......<br />
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Then I decided to gesso everything before doing my final painting hoping to turn all the found objects into a textural frame surrounding Mr. Cardinal.....keep your fingers crossed!<br />
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That's it for me this week. Heading over to visit all the other Fiber Arts Friday blogs at <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins In Wonder</a>. Hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend....Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-2609874671541565232013-02-01T07:54:00.000-05:002013-02-01T07:54:15.787-05:00Another Eventful WeekA couple weeks ago I posted the difficulties I was having staying focused. Well let me tell you, that has certainly changed....can't believe how focused I've become again.<br />
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On the knitting side......<br />
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I was trying to use up the rest of the yarn from my Elf Clobbers and decided to make a somewhat matching cowl. This is a free pattern on Revelry called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squish">Squish</a>. <em>I seem to be drawn to weird named patterns right now. </em> If you go to the link, you'll see the original pattern is for a scarf with fringe. After checking out some of the finished projects, I found the author had this version so I chose to follow these directions.<br />
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Got the cowl done but didn't use up all the yarn. Isn't that the way it goes sometimes. You either don't have enough yarn or more than you hoped for left over. Probably not enough to make anything else.......this will wind up in a bag with all my other leftovers. Seriously....maybe my next project needs to be something to use up all my orphan yarns.<br />
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Might be it's time to get out my Carol Leigh triangle loom. Maybe I can come up with a Saori shawl......hmmmmm....... that really does sound like a plan.<br />
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I also started another pair of Elf Clobbers. I've had so much fun wearing them, I thought I should have another pair. This time I thought I'd try doing the crochet part all by myself. Found a book at my library.....<br />
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......cuffs finished...book has instructions for all the stitches I need......NO crochet hook......Duh!!! Obviously focused does not equal organized so I've been good and am knitting on my Palette of Colors Shrug.<br />
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Progress on my kitchen island......<br />
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As you can see the second coat did really cover well. <em>I swear, no flat surface can stay uncluttered for more than a few seconds in this house. Project not even done and I have yarn and my book on the top......it must be a sickness!</em><br />
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Unlike my husbands entertainment center, I wanted this piece to look older and time worn so I sanded the edges.<br />
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Then decided the white oil base paint was too white, so I waxed these areas using Annie Sloan dark wax which turned them more of a cream color. After some more research on Pinterest <em>(yes, I finally broke down and registered</em>) I learned if you wanted it to be more waterproof, use a second coat of wax. I chose to use clear for my second coat since I wanted more protection and not a darker look. I swear the painting part is so much fun but it sure took some time and elbow grease to do the sanding and multiple layers of wax. Well worth the time!<br />
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Finished island......<em>except for the towel bar that I want moved to the other end so my husband has to drill new holes. </em><br />
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This isn't the placement of the island but we had to take a picture before putting it in place or we wouldn't have been able to get a good picture of the front. I love how it turned out! </div>
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Before and after pics of my kitchen......</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before (yes, for the last 20 years all my cooking was done using this antique Magic Chief)<br />
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After<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wowza!!!!.....this is the first time I've put the before and after pics together. The cabinet face lift was done by <a href="http://kitchensbykatie.com/main.html">Kitchen's by Katie</a>........they did an awesome job. My new floors are Armstrong vinyl planks and were installed by my brother and his friend....also an awesome job. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Still have some work to do. I'll be painting the wall between the counter and cupboards and then put a single row of glass tile 6" high for the back splash. The opening by the fridge is for a dishwasher that I've yet to buy. Thought I liked the convenience of having the trash in that spot, <em>it is really convenient,</em> but can now see how "trashy" it looks in a picture.....back under the sink it goes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well....that's it for me this week. Thanks for letting me go on, <em>and on</em>, about my new passion......Annie Sloan chalk paint. I'm sure the kitchen painting will be a bit boring now but it needs to get done too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!</span></div>
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-50945298136530909442013-01-25T08:55:00.000-05:002013-01-25T08:55:32.082-05:00Awesome WeekI'm happy to write that this week I was able to keep focused on completing a couple of my projects.<br />
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First on my list...... my husband's entertainment center.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My original plan was to do some sanding on the edges to give it a Shabby Chic look. When I asked Jim his thoughts on sanding the edges, he told me he liked it just the way it was. Good news for me.....first finished piece using Annie Sloan chalk paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">His 50" flat screen was delivered yesterday and I must admit.....it looks pretty cool. Now to just get rid of our huge sleeper sofa which is taking up so much room I can't get a decent picture. The house is slowly getting a "new look" and we're very happy with the way it's all turning out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Second finished project ......my Elf Clobbers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love, love, love how these turned out. My friend Jill and I checked out a couple new stores in Hastings on Tuesday and the owner of a clothing store thought they were awesome. She had to try them on and show them to a several other customers. Then she asked if I would make a pair for her. Wow.....what a compliment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the knitting front.....still working on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/palette-of-colors-shrug">Palette of Color shrug</a> but did get started on my next furniture project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I've been using this cabinet in my studio to hold all my dying equipment but thought it would make an awesome island in my new kitchen. On Tuesday I emptied it out and after quite a bit of struggle, we managed to get it up the stairs so I could get it washed and ready to paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When I started washing it down, I realized it had been painted with an oil base paint and Anne Sloan paint is latex. Problem.......or so I thought. I was planning on having to sand it down and prime it with Kilz but I was told that wouldn't be necessary. Just to go right ahead and paint it with the chalk paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">First coat applied on yesterday.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yikes.......pretty rough looking. I left it to dry over night and today I'll be putting on the second coat. Sure hope it looks better!.....keep your fingers crossed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That's it for me, now it's time to head over to <a href="http://www.wonderwhyalpacafarm.blogspot.com/">Wisdom Begins In Wonder</a> to see what everyone else has been doing......then back to painting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Fiber Arts Friday everyone!</span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-25277909819888394052013-01-18T08:42:00.000-05:002013-01-18T08:42:52.635-05:00I've Lost My Focus!For those of you who have spent any time with me can testify, I'm usually very focused on just working on one project at a time. Well I guess maybe some of my friends have rubbed off on me or my life has just been taking me in many different directions.<br />
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Whatever the cause, I just can't seem to focus on any one project right now. I'm jumping around like Mexican jumping beans.<br />
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I'm still working on my Palette of Colors shrug. Almost done with this section then I can block it and do the cuffs. Must stay focused......must stay focused!<br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/141875697/1-17-13_Palette_of_Colors_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/141875697/1-17-13_Palette_of_Colors_medium2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Well so much for staying focused.......I was surfing around Ravelry (<em>I know, I know, what was I doing surfing Ravelry?...should have been knitting on my shrug</em>) and found these cuffs and just had to give them a try....their called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elf-clobber">Elf Clobbers</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/141860833/1-17-13_Elf_Clobber_with_crochet_trim_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/141860833/1-17-13_Elf_Clobber_with_crochet_trim_medium2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course the cuffs knit up quickly and then I realized the next part was crochet. Oops.....I don't crochet! Luckily I have a friend that does. I talked to her last Wednesday when I saw her at Your Local Yarn Shop knit night and she was so nice she didn't even make me whine. She just said "sure I'll do them for you". What a sweetie.....thanks so much Sue. Now I just have to knit the ruffle and they will be done. I love them so far.....now my focus will have to switch from the Palette of Colors to these since she just returned them yesterday.</div>
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On a non fiber note, I decided to try my hand at painting and re purposing some furniture pieces. My husband found a buffet that he wants to use as an entertainment center for his new 50" flat screen and he asked if I would paint it red for him. What the heck....RED......well why not! I'd just recently found out about Annie Sloan Chalk paint......so in I jumped.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffet before painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside painted Old White<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside painted with 1 coat of Graphite<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Since I don't know what</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I'm doing, I'm still trying to decide if I will give it another coat of Graphite or just start in on Emperors Silk. Once I have the red coat on, I will do some sanding because I want to have some places where the original color shows and some with the graphite color with the red being the focus. This is a very bold red color so I'll be using Annie Sloan dark wax to finish the project and this will tone down the red quite a bit. I think I'll need to spend some more time on YouTube to help me make up my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Maybe losing my focus was just what I needed to open up my creativeness!</span><br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-24004286011903991512013-01-04T10:12:00.000-05:002013-01-04T10:12:46.339-05:00Knitting ProgressWow, it's been a couple of months since my last blog.....life just sometimes takes over. The last two months of 2012 were not the best for us so we're looking forward to good things in 2013.<br />
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I've been working on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/palette-of-colors-shrug">Palette of Colors Shrug</a>. I bought this kit from KellyJ at our annual "stash sale" at Your Local Yarn Shop. I thought it would work up quickly but have been surprised at the length of time I've been working on it. Hmmm....that could be because the bulk of it is worked with lace weight, I've just been lazy and not knitting that much or cause I took the time to work on a hat for my son's girlfriend. Whatever my problem has been, I'm now determined to get it done.<br />
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This knit is actually going to be mine......<br />
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<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/134876293/12-13-12_Palatte_of_Colors_Shrug_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/pacagirl/134876293/12-13-12_Palatte_of_Colors_Shrug_medium2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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When we went to Vermont in October to visit our son and his girlfriend, Ashley asked if I would knit her a hat. I told her, "no problem". She picked out a pattern from Ravelry but when I decided to start kniting it, I just couldn't get into the pattern. So after doing some searching on my own I found inspiration from my favorite designer and started <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/raxtur">Raxtur</a> by Stephen West. <br />
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This was an interesting and fun knit. You start on the ear flaps and when you get to the body of the hat you turn it wrong side out to knit the color work on the top. You use slip stitches to make the vertical stripes in this area and I must admit, even though it was easy, sometimes I messed up during this part and had to take out a few times due to my lack of concentration. I thought I had every thing fixed. Finished the hat and turned it around only to find an error about half way down the color work. Wished I'd only said "drat" but actually had to use some strong language!<br />
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The error is on the back of the hat so if you wear it with the ear flaps down the hat is slouchy enough it doesn't show. Ear flaps up and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I was so bummed I put it away and haven't looked at it again until today. Now I have to decided if I'm going to rip it all back or leave it alone. DRAT!!!....since writing this, I really think I have to rib it out. <br />
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Happy Fiber Arts Friday!<br />
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-39968917967166297272012-10-12T08:12:00.001-04:002012-10-12T08:12:15.901-04:00Vacation Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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After making plans to visit our son in Vermont the end of September, I hit the web to see what might be going on over the weekend. Woo Hoo......found out the Vermont Sheep and Wool festival was that weekend and it was only a hour from our son's house.<br />
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So on Saturday Jim and I headed to Tunbridge.....<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">parking in the infield of the horse track</span><br />
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camping on top of the hill....bathroom at base of hill. I'd hate to make that trip in the middle of the night!</div>
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Food vendors, lamb was definitely on the menu. This is the first time I've been to a festival that sold both ready to eat lamb as well as frozen.</div>
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Vendors......<br />
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Sheep, alpaca and llama barn....</div>
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And surprise.....the goat barn. There must be a lot of cashmere goat breeders in the area because they far out numbered all the other animals. Of course, Jim thought this was awesome.</div>
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This guy was really interested in my camera.....</div>
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As we moved down the isles, I noticed a couple of ladies in long black dresses. They were bent over with their backs to us helping with the judging. I turned to Jim and whispered, "I didn't realize their were Amish in Vermont". Right after I said this they stood up and to our surprise, they were nuns.<br />
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Before we left, I took this picture of Jim outside the "Sugar Shack". He couldn't wait to get some of the maple treats. They had maple cotton candy, donuts with maple cream frosting, maple candy and maple ice cream. He wanted to try the maple ice cream but it was a very cool day so he opted for the donut with maple frosting instead. I swear he'll go anywhere with me as long as he gets a sweet treat.....what a small price to pay!</div>
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We had a great day even though the weather was cold with misty rain most of the day. The festival was much smaller than Michigan Fiber Festival but well worth seeing. <br />
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Days trips with our son and his girlfriend.....<br />
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Fun at the apple orchard......<br />
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canning the fruits of our labors.....</div>
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We had an awesome time in Vermont with Robert and Ashly. Then it was time to visit with Jim's family in Northampton, MA. Guess what's in Northampton, MA?......Webs.</div>
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What a lucky, lucky girl I was on this vacation. Just to prove I didn't spend all my time shopping.....came home with my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/flamboyan">Flamboyan</a> complete and my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/akimbo">Akimbo</a> started.</div>
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That's it for me today.....hope everyone has a great Fiber Arts Friday!!</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-55719793259153879332012-07-13T09:02:00.000-04:002012-07-13T09:02:31.202-04:00Piece OutI found I just needed a little break from shawl knitting. I was looking though my collection of patterns and books by Stephen West and my husband saw this hat and said "oh, I'd wear that hat". Wa la......decision made on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/piece-out">pattern</a>......now the yarn choice. <br />
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Since this was going to be <em>his hat,</em> he wanted to pick out the colors and of course it had to be from one of our animals. So off to the basement we went. He picked out this yarn that has a very muted, earthy look. He thought the color was very "man-ly".<br />
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Then we needed to find accent colors. I don't know about you but it seems I have a <em>never</em> ending supply of left over yarns from various projects. He selected his colors and his new hat was on my needles in no time. He was very willing to be my model.......<br />
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<br />This was a very simple and quick knit. Just what I needed as a break from what seems like never ending shawl patterns and I have a very happy husband.....win win!<br />
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On the spinning front......<br />
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Last week I shared my current project for the Tour de Fleece. I thought it was going to take forever to get all three singles spun, but I'm happy to say, this is not the case. Once I had the suri/merino roving done and moved on to "top", it's moved along quickly.<br />
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This is what my bobbin liked like on Wednesday but after yesterday it's almost full. Woot, woot! The plan for today is to "<em>getter done"</em> and start plying.<br />
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Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend and we'll see you next week.<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-6051061672689199332012-07-06T08:41:00.000-04:002012-07-06T08:41:18.587-04:00Tour Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yep.....the Tour de Fleece is in full swing again. Of course I'm back on the Team of Wonder and the best part of the Tour is seeing all the fantastic yarns that are being created.</div>
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In my last post, I shared the last of my Yarn Hollow roving that needed to be spun. My first priority was to get this done to free up my bobbins. </div>
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This turned out to be the most colorful, fun yarn I've ever spun. <em>Ssssssh, don't tell my team mates, I am on the Alpaca lovin fiber team after all.</em> It's Merino Superwash in two colorways, Spumoni and Bengal Bees, finished yarn is DK and 284 yds. I absolutely LOVE this yarn<br />
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I'm currently spinning some of my Suri/Merino that I dyed a nutmeg color. <br />
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My plan is to spin a 3 ply yarn using these three roving's. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjzZZ91z9Vhy-vYhQT0jN-dJz5UCLAyeauil1GuC3cukOwf25qoZYrScEarxu_yl6lwjhRSvyva61K05zVIJNJKBx694M7W1faf3ZDV_n_LkGzLNaaC3Din1dfTXJ246VJQ5mdt91aCg/s1600/7-3-12+3+fiber+of+gold+for+Tour+de+Fleece+yarn+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjzZZ91z9Vhy-vYhQT0jN-dJz5UCLAyeauil1GuC3cukOwf25qoZYrScEarxu_yl6lwjhRSvyva61K05zVIJNJKBx694M7W1faf3ZDV_n_LkGzLNaaC3Din1dfTXJ246VJQ5mdt91aCg/s320/7-3-12+3+fiber+of+gold+for+Tour+de+Fleece+yarn+copy.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Notice the use of the word "plan". This is the first time I've ever considered spinning a 3 ply yarn and the first time I've spun so thin. I figure it will take me the rest of the Tour and <em>beyond</em> to complete. I'm hoping I can stay the course.<br />
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I'm also moving along nicely on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stripe-study-shawl">Stripe Study shawl</a> using a skein of the 100% suri lace weight yarn I dyed last week. I'm pairing it with a purple merino/silk skein of Cascade Heritage fingering weight. <br />
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KellyJ suggested using the different yarn weights and I must admit I was concerned about how it was going to knit up but she's very persuasive. She said "have I ever steered you wrong".......trust me"! Once again....she was right. I'm loving how it's looking.<br />
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I've completed five of the 12 rows the pattern calls for. I have another skein of the purple on hold at Your Local Yarn Shop encase I decide to make it larger cause I'm not sure how using lace and fingering together will affect the size.<br />
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So that's my week in review...... just want to leave you with a couple of pics that brought a smile to my face when I got home from work yesterday. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New addition to pasture, 1995 Buick</td></tr>
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We don't have lovely green pastures on our farm but more importantly, for our alpacas and goats in this heat, we have shade, lots of beautiful shade. After hosing down the alpacas, my husband decided to wash our second car and just closed it in the pasture for the night.......safety first.<br />
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Happy Fiber Arts FridayMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-71769601811594514472012-06-29T20:20:00.000-04:002012-06-29T20:20:31.896-04:00Fiber-licious FunJust a quick post as the day has gotten away from me. Had a great week for dying some yarn.<br />
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First up was some lace weight 100% Suri.......<br />
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.....next came a blend of brushed Suri and nylon. I really like using one strand of mohair for plying with my handspun so was thrilled when I found this brushed Suri. Who needs mohair when you can have Suri......right? Just kidding, I'm sure there'll still be mohair in my spinning future.<br />
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Currently working on 100 % alpaca in fingering...........<br />
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On my wheel......the last of my stash from Yarn Hollow. On the larger bobbin is Merino superwash top in colorway Spumoni. I'm spinning up 4 oz. of Merino superwash top colorway Bengal Bees. I think this will make for an interesting combo.</div>
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My plan was to have all my bobbins emptied for the start of Tour de Fleece tomorrow. You know how that goes.....</div>
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Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend....enjoy the 4th and will see you next week.</div>
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<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-2513540855946293622012-06-22T12:26:00.000-04:002012-06-22T12:26:37.918-04:00Getting readyYep.....need to get my self together for this years Tour de Fleece. Once again I will be on the Team of Wonder.<br />
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Last Saturday we had the annual roof sit for The In As Much House at Your Local Yarn Shop. Tables were rented for $5.00 (that is then donated to the cause) and anyone can sell their "stash" of yarn, material, knitting & crochet books, needles, basically anything they don't want anymore that's related to crafting. The monies the individuals make is theirs to keep or donate if they choose.<br />
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My husband always brings a couple of our alpacas for the day and this year we even had hot dogs sold by Bill's Pizza. This was our biggest stash sale with 20 tables sold and we collected $1500.00 during the event to donate. Woot, Woot!<br />
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Well, what does this have to do with me getting ready for TdF? Just leading up to the fiber I purchased at the sale.......did I really need any fiber?........nope, but I just couldn't resist. Luckily I don't have much time to shop during this event since I'm working. When I saw some of the bags of fiber that others had purchased, I was surprised at the amount of fiber was there. Next year I'll have to pay a little more attention.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv0VsWPllDEke073kPlAEUl3pgnMHLvGk47L8WHVFGJwZT6yNdIyVCzBxu8Gz-fYqO5DqT7S7wX5bUI43khTTjtjrNv_50X9qvcq3SviMocyq-7xWxz1ZKuRubZUU5se1yoG62T24tP0/s1600/6-17-12+Mauve+and+gold+roving+fron+Stash+sale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv0VsWPllDEke073kPlAEUl3pgnMHLvGk47L8WHVFGJwZT6yNdIyVCzBxu8Gz-fYqO5DqT7S7wX5bUI43khTTjtjrNv_50X9qvcq3SviMocyq-7xWxz1ZKuRubZUU5se1yoG62T24tP0/s200/6-17-12+Mauve+and+gold+roving+fron+Stash+sale.JPG" width="200" /></a>Their both merino top.......I love, love, love spinning from top. The Mauve colored one I plan on using with this.........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SiC8m8j6k016gFOwzI3DW3fBwJKZ5nV8Pg6hqA-nuvM7DV5ltAjoHHnKrq4QtVkagO_DuoWMwVJbBhCDoKEAzvChRl_LRvrsS-JKXUWigi7AFQ2rXwtJ-6DQ2-T2VeuOHmozgxxdk0Y/s1600/6-17-12+merino+silk+from+Jill's.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SiC8m8j6k016gFOwzI3DW3fBwJKZ5nV8Pg6hqA-nuvM7DV5ltAjoHHnKrq4QtVkagO_DuoWMwVJbBhCDoKEAzvChRl_LRvrsS-JKXUWigi7AFQ2rXwtJ-6DQ2-T2VeuOHmozgxxdk0Y/s200/6-17-12+merino+silk+from+Jill's.JPG" width="200" /></a>Merino, silk top I purchased from Lady Peddler. When I bought this fiber from Jill I was planning on using it for some core spinning for my challenge days. I have 16 oz of both colors so maybe I'll use half for core spinning and then half plied together. We'll just have to see what I feel like once I get started.</div>
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A couple of week ago I dyed up some of my alpaca roving......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh157YNI-TJTxHR2HbzByl8hHb_7Xlkv6iB5wZTvHTbGEUapPwNrAavTCNLe7M8UQkywZkjz8weS57LTPQdYfA4aFUCrjvXspPqPG_9_denLGpA_kEBsuwMlarZPE8ql_FVoT-7aeHSzRs/s1600/6-7-12+Butternut+roving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh157YNI-TJTxHR2HbzByl8hHb_7Xlkv6iB5wZTvHTbGEUapPwNrAavTCNLe7M8UQkywZkjz8weS57LTPQdYfA4aFUCrjvXspPqPG_9_denLGpA_kEBsuwMlarZPE8ql_FVoT-7aeHSzRs/s200/6-7-12+Butternut+roving.JPG" width="200" /></a> I'm thinking about using the golden merino from the stash sale as a second ply with this. They are pretty close in color so right now I'm toying with the idea of over dying the merino in some brown/nutmeg tones........what do you all think?</div>
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So these are my spinning plans for the TdF. I wonder if I'll stick to this plan?.......you never know what inspiration I'll get from some of my fellow team mates.</div>
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Just wanted to share the finished yarn I was working on in my last post. The Yarn Hollow, Merino Tussah Silk and the Finn I purchased from The Spinning Loft.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjhj-x4apiX-FT9qmj3jdTGNXe-daiLVNnCT1RBxip8pTmtHwcqZuueV0kY4gyuKTu-XpjlmPL-8ZwZMPGqSK6qPcv4VvBhNhk8HPfrjLbTZh57SOWL_whfJ0FNKEbghzpb3uuM5zNEI/s1600/3-23-12+Merino+Tussah+silk+Electric+Chai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjhj-x4apiX-FT9qmj3jdTGNXe-daiLVNnCT1RBxip8pTmtHwcqZuueV0kY4gyuKTu-XpjlmPL-8ZwZMPGqSK6qPcv4VvBhNhk8HPfrjLbTZh57SOWL_whfJ0FNKEbghzpb3uuM5zNEI/s200/3-23-12+Merino+Tussah+silk+Electric+Chai.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino Tussah Silk colorway "Electric Chai</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok7YY1vbvp_0mrVIUUsXXwZEpiNa4566j7CL87H7uaogS-m_nV0xPo0nXHuQl1GhtPx-iZDwSehdZslAZEnkT_ZwDDbofZnioEzgXjv8CCG_GuWSJCuSK7S5Kln6bCTp-7O-CEy8xn6I/s1600/1-30-12+Finn+with+matt+from+spinning+loft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok7YY1vbvp_0mrVIUUsXXwZEpiNa4566j7CL87H7uaogS-m_nV0xPo0nXHuQl1GhtPx-iZDwSehdZslAZEnkT_ZwDDbofZnioEzgXjv8CCG_GuWSJCuSK7S5Kln6bCTp-7O-CEy8xn6I/s200/1-30-12+Finn+with+matt+from+spinning+loft.JPG" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finn colorway "You Love Me"</td></tr>
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.........350 yds and I love these two colorways together. Both rovings were wonderful to spin with. I see more Finn in my spinning future.</div>
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That's all from me this Fiber Arts Friday. It's a beautiful day and I have some alpaca yarn that's saying, dye me.....please dye me!....so off to the basement I go.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-25770457565659583082012-06-08T09:19:00.000-04:002012-06-08T09:19:17.362-04:00Week Filled with Fiber Fun<br />
Knitting....... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weekend-shawl">Weekend Shawl</a></td></tr>
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This was a really fun shawl to knit until I got to the bind off. I used needles 2 sizes larger than I used for the shawl .....took it to Your Local Yarn Shop for blocking and KellyJ said the bind off was to tight and I'd have to redo it. BIG sigh! <br />
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Put it aside for a while till I could bring myself to work on it again. I was having such a great week I decided this was the time to tackle the problem. Still used 2 size larger needles and bound off using the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGHItYwr1us">stretchy bind off</a> method I found on Youtube.<br />
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It turned out much more relaxed so I thought I was home free. NOT! Took it back to the shop yesterday and Kelly said even though it was <em>much</em> better, it was still not loose enough to block the lace out completely. This time some "strong language" was used instead of the "BIG sigh".<br />
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The good news is Kelly is taking pity on me and is going to rip out the bind off and get it back on my needles so I can try <em>once again</em> using a Lucy Neatby bind off technique. I'm hoping 3rd times charm!.....I'll let you know how it works out.<br />
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On a more positive note......yesterday I completed my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/color-affection">Color Affection</a> using the Lucy Neatby technique so the bind off is perfect. Happy face!........now it just needs to be blocked.<br />
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Spinning......<br />
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Spun this yarn from roving I purchased from Yarn Hollow......4 oz BFL colorway Spumoni and 4 oz BFL/Tussah Silk colorway Morning Spice. It turned out to be a very happy skein........196 yds, don't know how many ounces since I didn't take the time to find my scale.<br />
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I'm currently spinning some Merino Tussah Silk top in colorway Electric Chai (again from Yarn Hollow) to ply with a bobbin of Fin I purchased at The Spinning Loft.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big bobbin on left Finn, Electric Chai on wheel</td></tr>
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Wow....look how close the two colorways are turning out and I bought them months apart. I was hoping for some difference between the two so I'm looking forward to seeing how the yarn turns out. Will the color run be different on the Yarn Hollow or will I end up with a barber pole affect? Now I need to spin, spin, spin to find the answer to that question.<br />
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The weather was so beautiful, I decided to get out the dye pot..........<br />
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Dyed up several skeins of my mill spun Suri/Merino yarn in Violet and 8oz. of my Suri/Merino roving in Buttercup.</div>
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I've had problem dyeing without felting my Suri/Merino roving but after getting some pointers from a couple of people I decided to give it another try. When I had the fiber processed I had one side done in white and the other in light fawn. It certainly looks better than my earlier tries but I'll have to see how it spins before I can judge how well I did this time.</div>
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So that's what I got accomplished duirng my fiber filled week........thanks for stopping by.......now I'm off to read about everyone else's fiber week and to start my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/whippoorwill">Whippoorwill</a> shawl.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144383696844025543.post-49831790846980129812012-06-01T12:11:00.000-04:002012-06-01T12:11:46.435-04:00Quick post from IndianaHey everyone......we're down in Needmore Indiana for the <a href="http://ukuleleworldcongress.wordpress.com/">Ukulele World Congress</a> where my husband, Jim, can play his uke to his hearts content. <br />
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We usually camp on site but this year we found we had major problems with our truck so we had to leave the camper at home and motel it. I'm not to sorry about this since last year it was about 90 degrees with 75% humidity. So far this year it's cold and rainy. <br />
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Last night we ventured out to the field where everything happens. Jim was able to reconnet with his friend from around the world.....Australia, Alaska, Thiwan, Canada, Bermuda, England, Nova Scotia....what a crazy bunch of uke players. This is what the sky looked like when we decided to head back to the motel.<br />
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Those clouds opened up and the rain came pouring down.....felt so bad for the people in that field who were in tents. You have to be a hardy soul for this uke weekend. No electricity, no running water and only porta johns.<br />
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Here's my handsome man playing in the lobby of our motel. He's so happy to be here again despite the weather.<br />
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Of course I did bring my knitting. I'm working on finishing up my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/pacagirl/color-affection">Color Affection Shawl</a>. Just completed section 3 so only have 2 inches to knit in the brighter blue color to finish it up.<br />
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....hubby chomping at the bit to get out to the field so that's it for me this week. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Happy Fiber Arts Friday!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04518148868819756669noreply@blogger.com6