tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453399129511685532024-03-14T15:43:41.498+00:00The Knitting Assassin!The ramblings of a knitter .....as life slowly unravels!SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-78166798296417811112017-09-03T14:37:00.001+01:002017-09-03T14:37:46.808+01:00Out of the basket and onto the couch!Progress report on the previous post (<a href="https://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/in-my-basket-this-week.html">In my basket this week....!</a> ) - I finally finished the Apache Tears cushion: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOen6a_-CG8py7xBza3duuEC11jHHtS53-hrK1Awxu3SRDHIxE50cOuYTbcGo2ZpFtRessKYApKmoP-Rg7wK4jPsNJ_BX80j67bOh0c1dDdx-0qYxfElhTVd2p55mWqq3JuSOH5LBNDQ/s1600/Apache+tears+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOen6a_-CG8py7xBza3duuEC11jHHtS53-hrK1Awxu3SRDHIxE50cOuYTbcGo2ZpFtRessKYApKmoP-Rg7wK4jPsNJ_BX80j67bOh0c1dDdx-0qYxfElhTVd2p55mWqq3JuSOH5LBNDQ/s320/Apache+tears+front.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I just did corresponding stripes on the reverse:</div>
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It was an interesting pattern, but next time I use it, I'll leave the loose ends to make a fringe - you work the rows right to left without reversing the work so you have to keep cutting the yarn and restarting, which makes weaving in the ends a bit tiresome!</div>
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So now I'm back to an ongoing project - hats and scarves for some of our local homeless projects.</div>
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I've had a basket of yarn by my chair all year and in between other items (like the cushion, above)</div>
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I'm knitting hats and scarves using up oddments (and donations!) of yarn.</div>
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The current total stands at 13 scarves and 22 hats - that's some of them, pictured above. </div>
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(I need to filch a few out for a friend to sell at a table-top sale next week to raise funds to help a local group: an elderly acquaintance of hers has set up his garden allotment to encourage young people with learning difficulties learn about horticulture - he provides tools, seeds and expertise and then gives them a section to work on. He even prints out a little 'certificate' to hand each of them at the end of the season! However, their transport funding has been withdrawn, so we want to raise money to offset this.)</div>
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Hopefully, I can 'replace' the items before the December deadline for our homeless shelter project!</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-80959571565397761362017-08-17T13:58:00.000+01:002017-08-17T13:58:35.331+01:00In my basket this week.....!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNyfgMGLvqQA28AtLSoQLqAPbxZAJe_4J78VTgU_4yCRiSZnt25j_Pyftm22aH3dlpWTcyAngZM6ZkF18JmO5KhF7ulBrV-SnXLI0rQwM8N50lVNDXj6AY2iBcndEl-ZSYcUJYUz5kzU/s1600/20170817_125548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNyfgMGLvqQA28AtLSoQLqAPbxZAJe_4J78VTgU_4yCRiSZnt25j_Pyftm22aH3dlpWTcyAngZM6ZkF18JmO5KhF7ulBrV-SnXLI0rQwM8N50lVNDXj6AY2iBcndEl-ZSYcUJYUz5kzU/s400/20170817_125548.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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It's been a while - 'life' got in the way of blogging, but I have been doing a LOT of knitting and crochet!<br />
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In a bid to get some structure into the haphazard jumble of events that my life currently consists of, I've decided to try doing a blog post once a week, primarily to 'log' progress on various projects, as much as to get me back into the swing of regular blogging!<br />
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So, this week, I finished:<br />
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A shawl - an excuse to use up scraps of similar colours<br />
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A hat and scarf (to add to the pile I'm accumulating for the Winter Shelter with a local Homeless project)<br />
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WIPs include:<br />
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Another scarf for the Homeless project - excellent TV-knitting as it's all Garter stitch and knit lengthwise (220 sts per row!) so you get nice stripes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8S0F6NQ2BiykeW1o11CO50PQ1l__H0CIKO_jGLDVaMxBjBUaP47khoA5twIzHoQHPIFPLklUEFgq83qQBzugeWjkernqA2jpVpC7Avbj2uOjZ0OLKPyLFlnXBVqbTnPBx0cm6XbsG4M/s1600/20170817_124148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8S0F6NQ2BiykeW1o11CO50PQ1l__H0CIKO_jGLDVaMxBjBUaP47khoA5twIzHoQHPIFPLklUEFgq83qQBzugeWjkernqA2jpVpC7Avbj2uOjZ0OLKPyLFlnXBVqbTnPBx0cm6XbsG4M/s320/20170817_124148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trying out the 'Apache Tears' crochet stitch - quite pleased with it so far. Probably make it into a cushion cover.</div>
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Now my challenge is to post again next week with a progress report! :-)SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-39747921909899748782016-01-23T18:34:00.000+00:002016-01-23T18:34:02.663+00:00I've started....so I'll finish!In an effort to cull some of my yarn-buying fetish I decided that I ought to finish a few projects before I buy any more!<br />
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Here's the finished 'Granny square' blanket from my previous post:<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12507688_1051726268203342_6966368787986188316_n.jpg?oh=93ece6b275a25b1c4b59f7971cb94639&oe=573BD2B2" width="240" /> <img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12509020_1051726221536680_5338042264376892187_n.jpg?oh=02145b04a6b6f5216cf1812f0d29f5e8&oe=57489E08" width="240" /><br />
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The 1940's 'Wallis' (inspired by Mrs Simpson) cardigan my daughter had fought with, was ripped out and given to me to try my hand - it is still a work in progress, on 2mm needles!<br />
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To use up some of my scrap stash (and when I want a break from knitting) I started this crocheted 'Ribbon Afghan' - picking the colours at random (not quite sure what I think of it, as yet!)</div>
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The 'Spiral-staircase' scarf was completed, but though I loved the colours (reminded me of the Northern Lights) I ripped it out - yarn too scratchy for a neck scarf, I'll use it for socks.<br />
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However, I did another S-s scarf. this time in baby-soft 2ply cream yarn - this feels like wrapping yourself in goose-down!<br />
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It's turning colder here, time for hunkering down, drinking tea,</div>
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watching a good film and playing with yarn - so, see you later!</div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-59624583732252186602016-01-03T17:42:00.003+00:002016-01-03T17:42:34.665+00:00New Year - new start!Another year begins - let's hope it's better than the last one (after the upheaval of moving two elderly family members and accommodating ALL THEIR FURNITURE temporarily, before being flooded out of our home......!)<br />
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Anyway - I know I have been neglecting this blog and despite my best efforts I never seem to carve out enough time to do everything I want to, but the nearest thing I can come to as a New Year resolution is to <i>attempt</i> to try and post something reasonably regularly so I'll start with a montage of a few projects that have been on the 'go' up to and over the Christmas period!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEJQmB1qlPAkAW0Yk3b1sm0U8zUxUcKqyJg7PGIP9VMzLNqfEtmpUB5DWKgKQGyrlV5CD6O9gsmQh0O1AwJCytheRms5ZrixnG9fkGGxeUYPXrouo8P6m2o9jDfOvDxfk5Hoji_ylAec/s1600/20151104_172735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEJQmB1qlPAkAW0Yk3b1sm0U8zUxUcKqyJg7PGIP9VMzLNqfEtmpUB5DWKgKQGyrlV5CD6O9gsmQh0O1AwJCytheRms5ZrixnG9fkGGxeUYPXrouo8P6m2o9jDfOvDxfk5Hoji_ylAec/s200/20151104_172735.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxwxyf_kQ2QbIeRBmRU3e49b350yqcMiT2FKWja-73gpZolHNV_YFfKceBYUWO2CpdNCndIqDoswS4oK2fUsnYkl0iT4VasBp7ofrPn4P_nNyg6KjMWkQpB7KRu-SssVzstnnt7Rj-08/s1600/20151116_231503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxwxyf_kQ2QbIeRBmRU3e49b350yqcMiT2FKWja-73gpZolHNV_YFfKceBYUWO2CpdNCndIqDoswS4oK2fUsnYkl0iT4VasBp7ofrPn4P_nNyg6KjMWkQpB7KRu-SssVzstnnt7Rj-08/s200/20151116_231503.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Cover for a long footstool - an impression of a 'dry stone wall'; a lacy wrap for my cousin in NH;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXROQSO34IVRteGloo83Nox8m6NnUQHrRGUMOrYQyYdVicKbhXNBj-JpKy4CXTuNxby_PG2ajzkbncYRCVGbkt7KzhPiN9-U-icKeaLzCsXAcViVduZzfaKa1CbBnWMGUeO_o0hrIvRjY/s1600/20151211_165955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXROQSO34IVRteGloo83Nox8m6NnUQHrRGUMOrYQyYdVicKbhXNBj-JpKy4CXTuNxby_PG2ajzkbncYRCVGbkt7KzhPiN9-U-icKeaLzCsXAcViVduZzfaKa1CbBnWMGUeO_o0hrIvRjY/s200/20151211_165955.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz4Z-5p6C2gPomM_i4Cpq0INctvm5JQDdjjKsELN3vn5v4u4ZUSDwr-c3h_IgwBlJhJRoqXm_1DZI6fzmQ3dnKPfSNslWPbTSspRBV5D_GAf6Tsi-6XUto4w331f28lMy9Vw6_7GhQYo/s1600/20151128_095832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz4Z-5p6C2gPomM_i4Cpq0INctvm5JQDdjjKsELN3vn5v4u4ZUSDwr-c3h_IgwBlJhJRoqXm_1DZI6fzmQ3dnKPfSNslWPbTSspRBV5D_GAf6Tsi-6XUto4w331f28lMy9Vw6_7GhQYo/s200/20151128_095832.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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'Playing' with colour-variation yarn;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTyoORMxjvaqFcEEUxjIA3Cjfpz6Qv6hl_TkPgaBuITBsfK6nw3VTdIBQaeg3EMXeeTLkR3uYI-GxLD4o-pAJdZ6Hq8bdBs18AOSCRXm5Z44dP-r0u7nELlbrGa-C92MkgAxZxJStu6Y/s1600/20151211_165853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTyoORMxjvaqFcEEUxjIA3Cjfpz6Qv6hl_TkPgaBuITBsfK6nw3VTdIBQaeg3EMXeeTLkR3uYI-GxLD4o-pAJdZ6Hq8bdBs18AOSCRXm5Z44dP-r0u7nELlbrGa-C92MkgAxZxJStu6Y/s200/20151211_165853.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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(Some of these have been finished.....others are 'pending'!)</div>
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The current WIP was started over Christmas - a fairly mindless stash-busting project of crocheted 'granny' squares to keep my hands busy whilst watching Christmas-present DVDs and catch-up TV!</div>
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Joining the squares 'as you go' was interesting, engineering the joins across the different sized squares. Now I'm just doing rows all around the edge to use up the colours!</div>
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In between all these things I've been making incubator blankets for our Knitting group's challenge - we've donated 6,000+ items to SCBUs up and down the country over the last two years. The latest 'drive' is to see how many we can produce between now and Easter. I will hopefully be digging deep into my stash - however, my son (bless him!) gave me a voucher to spend at <a href="http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/">Wool Warehouse</a> as part of my Christmas present, so the stash will continue to grow!</div>
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Another project I'm about to start on is another CAL (remember my adventures with "Sophie's Universe" last year?) - this time it's hosted by another designer and it's called:</div>
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the <a href="https://keepcalmandcrochetonuk.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/kcaco-uk-2016-everything-is-cool-and-groovyghan-starts-jan-13-2016/">everything is cool and groovy-ghan</a></div>
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I'm hoping it'll encourage me to post regular progress updates here and get my</div>
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blogging back to normal! One can only hope!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year, everyone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May your hands never ache and may the deepest recesses</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of your stash finally see the light of day! :-)</span></div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-57618285574968364642015-08-29T19:53:00.000+01:002016-01-24T14:12:51.780+00:00Now, that's a first!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUZaqoN_etqA1l6JhBpoVN8MMcHc34N2GbBBqplQX2V56MUPKLq8HkFiHIYFVeLUiQ61h1AQ8rVmt-eo6LiB-oHjdTwEp1rdQoz7ZQ-4RwYNaqouJLQPt7O1f6gO0vQ26OIUm3YmAsiY/s1600/six+petal+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUZaqoN_etqA1l6JhBpoVN8MMcHc34N2GbBBqplQX2V56MUPKLq8HkFiHIYFVeLUiQ61h1AQ8rVmt-eo6LiB-oHjdTwEp1rdQoz7ZQ-4RwYNaqouJLQPt7O1f6gO0vQ26OIUm3YmAsiY/s320/six+petal+flower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Excuse me for getting a little excited - but this is the</div>
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first time I've ever done any crochet designing....</div>
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FROM SCRATCH!</div>
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Dead chuffed at having learned new techniques from doing the</div>
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<a href="http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/">"Sophie's Universe" CAL</a> " earlier in the year - and managed to create</div>
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a design all of my own!</div>
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...and yes - I did remember to write it all down, so I can replicate the pattern!</div>
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(it may even appear here, at some point!)</div>
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Thank you for letting have a little 'show and tell' session!</div>
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:-)</div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-18310425843811088632015-08-23T17:22:00.000+01:002015-08-23T17:22:52.407+01:00Catching up with updates!<br />
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Well - a bit of a long hiatus but now hopefully back on track. Life in our household has been like a washing machine - going round and round at speed and wet!<br />
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Let me 'unpack' that a bit:<br />
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Since Spring, we have moved two elderly relatives (hubby's mother and his maiden aunt) from their Retirement complex on the south coast of England up to a new Residential Home just the other side of town from us. This makes a vast difference - previously it was a 4+hour drive each way, now it is about 10 mins! Which means, if there's a problem you can be there and back without letting your coffee go cold!<br />
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The first 'upheval' was having to clear both their flats of furniture! It was ultimately going to hubby's sister's smallholding to be stored in a barn, pending other family members choosing anything they'd like. However, she was on on the 'high seas' sailing up to the Hebrides at the time of the move so it ended up in our conservatory, our garage, our lounge, our spare(?) bedrooms and our own bedroom (just a small trench around the bed for access!) - in fact there was stuff every where:</div>
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<img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11350575_919399684769335_16365981642259069_n.jpg?oh=0c7d723ca2405fbbb33ccacc534b4499&oe=5635CD1F" width="320" /> <img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/549308_923916350984335_1903891155013166505_n.jpg?oh=4d55b8bb08239202be1700fb395c0edb&oe=56794A12" width="320" /><br />
<img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10468356_919399704769333_2681878209203607428_n.jpg?oh=44b88b948d8b9e4e067c6ae1138cd5c9&oe=567CCC1D" width="320" />....... you get the drift...?<br />
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We couldn't turn for falling over 'stuff' - but eventually, after some weeks the bulk of things had been shipped out to its final destination. We still had boxes and crates of ornaments and crockery and what I referred to as 'old lady detritus' - the accumulations of 80+ years. By about the middle of June we could start to return things to normal - oh the luxury of 'space to move'!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27PMpjigxVFcPa0eJ7hegTVLzTL0aC-Ku9WjDODraSXyRBToQoDrC82gBjJ8gKOpQOdrIeCtThQh9UUMY7uCteUC752Yx7QDgNSGh1agiZAByeTuxk_9PY3rwWKqR_zSkR55Q6RKUmaQ/s1600/20140304_172518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27PMpjigxVFcPa0eJ7hegTVLzTL0aC-Ku9WjDODraSXyRBToQoDrC82gBjJ8gKOpQOdrIeCtThQh9UUMY7uCteUC752Yx7QDgNSGh1agiZAByeTuxk_9PY3rwWKqR_zSkR55Q6RKUmaQ/s400/20140304_172518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was short-lived, of course. About 4 weeks, to be precise.<br />
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The analogy of the 'washing machine' now comes into play - not only was our life turned upside down but we learned the devastation that follows a flood!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ihYqtGGVkCqmXli4ZTBmEIGD1mRpHdiNYpnZmBWusGKl5U6qRUAZFV5T-Pfipi87151q8GUuuMZlKuawq-ZjTuyJkO9irFtWX1gF5pu-xE_0fFC4WDmMM1oHZymrok9KIsWVgMj6hdg/s1600/20150722_075454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ihYqtGGVkCqmXli4ZTBmEIGD1mRpHdiNYpnZmBWusGKl5U6qRUAZFV5T-Pfipi87151q8GUuuMZlKuawq-ZjTuyJkO9irFtWX1gF5pu-xE_0fFC4WDmMM1oHZymrok9KIsWVgMj6hdg/s320/20150722_075454.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11811291_957150130994290_5655328977485708429_n.jpg?oh=26aceeb6a13aa5c559d13fdfb840998b&oe=56813EAA" width="240" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKcGjRmJ59xA4LjcdxEy5EX6qTT9F2vr42wNA19FQZKKI4skZ1ZugmWsZqp1h5t5X9OiXlq2IlH_PSg7RXz5cCDUNyiKqTp1M56UEeX4Ayo95csDyZYS8HZOdeveNFtafRlcpjg9z6yw/s1600/20150722_075439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKcGjRmJ59xA4LjcdxEy5EX6qTT9F2vr42wNA19FQZKKI4skZ1ZugmWsZqp1h5t5X9OiXlq2IlH_PSg7RXz5cCDUNyiKqTp1M56UEeX4Ayo95csDyZYS8HZOdeveNFtafRlcpjg9z6yw/s400/20150722_075439.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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(rugs floating on top of the water-sodden carpet - you can see the ceiling light reflected in the water)</div>
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Basically, the water main just up from our property had 'exploded' and it had come down the hill, across the gardens, UNDER the neighbour's house and straight into ours! Right through the lounge-diner and out through the conservatory. The term 'A river runs through it' seems apt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PDjyrfOHgX9x4TnHE165qUxg4n18Y1ktX8XZxhEl2PwhMJzN_2D8YGRzh5QbJi8PMC97FBS5MvV0LpJwmk6AzIER4puqTmHHMaZME_Zg1C5Z3DWHj9-F542mSq6SovR6ItQ2EjieUc8/s1600/20150722_075356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PDjyrfOHgX9x4TnHE165qUxg4n18Y1ktX8XZxhEl2PwhMJzN_2D8YGRzh5QbJi8PMC97FBS5MvV0LpJwmk6AzIER4puqTmHHMaZME_Zg1C5Z3DWHj9-F542mSq6SovR6ItQ2EjieUc8/s320/20150722_075356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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That was nearly five weeks ago - we have no carpets, lost some furniture, rescued some the so-called 'recovery team' tried to wreck and spent close on a month in a local hotel as we had industrial blow-heaters running 24/7 at 33degC - making the place uninhabitable.</div>
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11059749_960795577296412_8971666659907835774_n.jpg?oh=4341ca8751e457fa46eca643add8a9c8&oe=5641A3B7" width="240" /> <img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11828603_960795590629744_2977787047851252222_n.jpg?oh=3eb6ae961e8623b485533645beec32e7&oe=5635BCD4" width="320" /></div>
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<img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11817220_960089934033643_2341664858136106939_n.jpg?oh=5218196c166f5c574b34a4dce3348ba2&oe=5672B51B" width="320" /> <img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11813330_957150157660954_8602135929137941192_n.jpg?oh=e30ed57201412dbb2641aae8eb0bbdb1&oe=56815674" width="240" /></div>
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We 'moved' back in a few days ago - we're back to having 'stuff' everywhere (small access trench around the bed - again :-/) upstairs. Downstairs is Spartan, to say the least - we've had a decorator stripping off the wallpaper so last night our Saturday evening in the 'homestead' looks really luxurious, doesn't it:</div>
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<img height="400" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11891138_968877889821514_4428969272864163590_n.jpg?oh=eb2ec3f55d481ae2bfd0056c988da4fa&oe=568466D4" width="300" /></div>
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(like our 'temporary' media trolley?)</div>
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We have a hell of a long way to go - thank goodness the water company are picking up the tab, but I doubt we'll get compensation for the distress and trauma that's been caused.</div>
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-oOo-</div>
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Anyway, at least there was only one 'yarn-related' casualty - a bag of knitted squares someone had asked me to sew together for a charity blanket. I fished the bag out of the conservatory and laundered them - at some point I'll get round to sewing them!</div>
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So, here's a few pics of completed projects that got done in the midst of the melee:</div>
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<img height="480" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11855631_959569140752389_1802614322597984223_n.jpg?oh=a5e3e2c6f2aa352c8f74de0aa441448d&oe=567D2A14" width="640" /></div>
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This was the 'log cabin' knitted patchwork blanket I started ages ago - finally finished the border and sewed in all the ends. (draped over a sofa at my daughter's home - our secondary bolt-hole after the deluge!)</div>
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<img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11350508_911040875605216_383946971812966068_n.jpg?oh=831c68c98ef5dd729e8d8524ea729ac6&oe=5673ED89" width="320" /><img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11350517_911040902271880_5190946932179684619_n.jpg?oh=dce0b310da82d44ce9c4f7fb74bc5704&oe=566A29E7" width="320" /></div>
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I made it through to the bitter end, getting my "Sophie's Universe" afghan finished. Learned SO many new techniques and stitches, I have no excuse not to try even more complicated things!</div>
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(it came out huge, too - over 6ft square! Try blocking that.....!)</div>
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/l/t1.0-9/11150764_915064238536213_3998110021608709006_n.jpg?oh=d7e0707418b7d1deaee0488b7e1d7a57&oe=5669BAA2" width="240" /></div>
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Having learned about 'surface' stitches via the 'Universe' - I tried out this 'Spiro Star' design, by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spiro-star">Helen Shrimpton</a> - I have the wool to make more blocks, but it's currently buried behind everything else in what was my workroom:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNE6C8XOv4S3qfzbSpsTMTlFj_w0R6XM87OYZN7az1GhYGlLzKeIgJ1KFkmHuMtmDn2fNRHfRZCzJDSRrcA3XdgZz9jUB8mKzoiFs0OIOOvlIvMs71z0f3M2GsQY5T9a88nQyWcrsIuU/s1600/20150726_182815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNE6C8XOv4S3qfzbSpsTMTlFj_w0R6XM87OYZN7az1GhYGlLzKeIgJ1KFkmHuMtmDn2fNRHfRZCzJDSRrcA3XdgZz9jUB8mKzoiFs0OIOOvlIvMs71z0f3M2GsQY5T9a88nQyWcrsIuU/s320/20150726_182815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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- since the flood, now known as one of the 'dumping grounds'! </div>
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In between I've been doing lots of incubator blankets for prem. babies - our knitting group is on a mission to get parcels of blankets and baby-related items to as many SCBUs as we can - it's an ongoing project.</div>
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At the other end of the scale we're also producing lots of 'Twiddle muffs' for Alzheimers and Dementia patients. (learn more <a href="http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2912&pageNumber=4">here</a> )</div>
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<img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11822292_961532203889416_3611255308248353656_n.jpg?oh=ce27441b5bc8902af7b5f116e7aaa376&oe=566A9334" width="320" /><img height="240" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11811360_961559190553384_2845116332810259472_n.jpg?oh=a08ec9a351c5b323a5ef8b0bfa4ec7f7&oe=56378666" width="320" /></div>
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We're passing them on to local hospitals and care homes - it's a great way to use up all sorts of bits and pieces and it also means we're supporting a worthwhile cause.</div>
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-oOo-</div>
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Right, that's about got things up to date - it will be a month ot two until our home is back to 'normal', but at least hubby doesn't bat an eyelid when I have frequent 'yarn-shopping expeditions' to deal with the stress! </div>
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Now I'm off to start onto another project I've been wanting to do for ages!</div>
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<img height="277" src="http://mylifeinknitwear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Lily-Blanket-close-up-Jane-Crowfoot-Stylecraft-CAL-my-life-in-knitwear.jpg" width="400" /></div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-70664748843160806012015-03-07T12:30:00.000+00:002015-03-07T12:30:29.511+00:00"Universal" appeal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsKzw9bcTQmUvyT3a48mC3Fq42iRHAL8iOKKwTVbfisgirO7gpCLfCuETU4OQjRPN_Z4k4zT_3-9I6wNBfa2gjh3tkETIBVETk97HIwWOAzDt8aqbp1Ise6ehiv3voi_aptmucMmkz40/s1600/SU8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsKzw9bcTQmUvyT3a48mC3Fq42iRHAL8iOKKwTVbfisgirO7gpCLfCuETU4OQjRPN_Z4k4zT_3-9I6wNBfa2gjh3tkETIBVETk97HIwWOAzDt8aqbp1Ise6ehiv3voi_aptmucMmkz40/s1600/SU8.jpg" height="400" width="377" /></a></div>
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I kept seeing lovely kaleidoscopic pictures of crochet, while noodling around the internet and discovered they were representations of a 'mystery' CAL (Crochet-a-long) designed by Dedri Uys and called <a href="http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/">"Sophie's Universe"</a>. The 'mystery' aspect refers to the fact that no-one knows what the final item will look like, as each new part is released weekly!<br />
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Well, that piqued my interest, so I grabbed my stash and set-to hooking; I must say it has been quite an experience learning new stitches and techniques! I'd always been a fairly conservative crocheter, just using the basic chains, double/treble crochet and slip stitches but before long I was doing FPDCs and BLOs. to say nothing of the odd FPDTR! (Front Post Double Crochet, Back Loop Only, Front Post Double Treble - and if that sounds like double-dutch I also had to remember these were US terms and slightly different from the UK ones I'm more used to!)<br />
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......anyway - I started a couple of weeks ago, late to the 'party' (which began on 18th Jan and will finish 31st May) and I'm still playing catch-up. I've just finished Part 5 (rounds 1-45, there are another 67 to go...) Although there are suggested yarn weights/types/colours I'm just using DK stash yarn - and if I survive the experience I may do another one with more specific colour choices!<br />
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So, here's a little montage of 'progress' pictures:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhDRviP9Cz7U4-A7oJpXiSKtC1-IotC6DMFwba892tdZz_1gcuqniAvSP9K2zYKkceGTZ_TDEVSMveKXJJ_Q8AdCnm7nuL1NJv0qw_vCQ4FHzGaQLzOWWZUn7RmrzzQidhznn6Z0Ei9s/s1600/SU2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhDRviP9Cz7U4-A7oJpXiSKtC1-IotC6DMFwba892tdZz_1gcuqniAvSP9K2zYKkceGTZ_TDEVSMveKXJJ_Q8AdCnm7nuL1NJv0qw_vCQ4FHzGaQLzOWWZUn7RmrzzQidhznn6Z0Ei9s/s1600/SU2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq-SekbmJ3jNIk1UC5yqYYgfnRP3fy-cCyEFia8Z5PC6eJD6Zq0QUHIP1n-__Fqt-z-VmzSTczaQt1wS0PeZQ6bgLqMb6gR0jUnyEWV88vv8Jj42lXHeQDh_VaP-ZZVZCwLH6pi_mV5Y/s1600/SU3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq-SekbmJ3jNIk1UC5yqYYgfnRP3fy-cCyEFia8Z5PC6eJD6Zq0QUHIP1n-__Fqt-z-VmzSTczaQt1wS0PeZQ6bgLqMb6gR0jUnyEWV88vv8Jj42lXHeQDh_VaP-ZZVZCwLH6pi_mV5Y/s1600/SU3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduUY77YAWU6vFlxNf5vTTdxr5814TTukrQu0wf_0oYyS0VFPKWLeXOEgNL14aqI4QF5gaBA4ZsRBrnUBVKyI9FjkqJOFUWu_TNzJHUFZW_QZBeFNECkGbp3ZlvBg9BTgFdqO91YQxdJM/s1600/SU4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduUY77YAWU6vFlxNf5vTTdxr5814TTukrQu0wf_0oYyS0VFPKWLeXOEgNL14aqI4QF5gaBA4ZsRBrnUBVKyI9FjkqJOFUWu_TNzJHUFZW_QZBeFNECkGbp3ZlvBg9BTgFdqO91YQxdJM/s1600/SU4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrppX4LedZ0sjn4q_ZTApkT3KmFKkY6psFQSP_-HgnORG6DuOf6L0tlcnoEE5OYgkwqD94B231ufimeIEndbA5EQ5W6f6SDJLSm_igp-yeIe289s-gk_w6SDo78JXo7BqYtagvEOiAE8/s1600/SU5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrppX4LedZ0sjn4q_ZTApkT3KmFKkY6psFQSP_-HgnORG6DuOf6L0tlcnoEE5OYgkwqD94B231ufimeIEndbA5EQ5W6f6SDJLSm_igp-yeIe289s-gk_w6SDo78JXo7BqYtagvEOiAE8/s1600/SU5.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZT5kzCdkdR_6o7ytEefOOn1JzGgoULNt0olQWNiyZw1YEsqDH2z2bmMBVQom4TpCEbWupyT9hGjL6mn7w4Yfxv60uLEqnHfPeTEa-j9i9-4Q6fv3Biyy-oJho6DnDd6EpXSY70_O1Pw/s1600/SU6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZT5kzCdkdR_6o7ytEefOOn1JzGgoULNt0olQWNiyZw1YEsqDH2z2bmMBVQom4TpCEbWupyT9hGjL6mn7w4Yfxv60uLEqnHfPeTEa-j9i9-4Q6fv3Biyy-oJho6DnDd6EpXSY70_O1Pw/s1600/SU6.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C6TmV-YcPObXP6Y_KhjqUnyX5BQ7lVVc6rYypuvvy1am7u1BChw_ueJg4lTy4ELCKOj2H41bqjWCQgO8x2iJ0oWy0EgeZTplOrdxuNaRXQGJSfD_TOv8goUdOeqftcNo7tAcwTQ1qNc/s1600/SU7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C6TmV-YcPObXP6Y_KhjqUnyX5BQ7lVVc6rYypuvvy1am7u1BChw_ueJg4lTy4ELCKOj2H41bqjWCQgO8x2iJ0oWy0EgeZTplOrdxuNaRXQGJSfD_TOv8goUdOeqftcNo7tAcwTQ1qNc/s1600/SU7.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Sophie's Universe is expanding.... so far she measures 29" (73.5cm) but the finished size will be somewhere near 6ft (180cm0 square!</div>
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If you want to join in, use the link at the beginning of this post - this thing has gone global, always room for more!</div>
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(check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialcccsocialgroup/?fref=nf">F@ceb00k community page</a>F@ceb00k community page, too!)</div>
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<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-44506283382131644032015-01-05T17:47:00.000+00:002015-01-05T17:47:34.815+00:00New Year, new project! (...or three!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-knDJrl_S72tE6e8X8VR2soNePGhlkytcmu_TDXH_nAz2yx4izuAhJESrJV6egrzKaU00K0d8o3GQgmNfhlYAVwgwks5PLnu-C0rwBhmzDrxPtNeKy_bLayrCgl0C-uaRMNjeHSG1gmE/s1600/basket+of+wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-knDJrl_S72tE6e8X8VR2soNePGhlkytcmu_TDXH_nAz2yx4izuAhJESrJV6egrzKaU00K0d8o3GQgmNfhlYAVwgwks5PLnu-C0rwBhmzDrxPtNeKy_bLayrCgl0C-uaRMNjeHSG1gmE/s1600/basket+of+wool.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
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Now that Christmas has been and gone and all the decorations are safely packed away until December I can at last turn my attention to some new projects that have had to sit on a back-burner (ok, filed away in the dark recesses of my brain!) while I got on with my pre-Christmas sock-knitting marathon - see my <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/not-quite-night-before-christmas-but.html">previous post</a>.<br />
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Following on from the 'c2c' green and white <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/turning-design-on-its-head-part-deux.html">blanket</a> I'm indulging my fascination of patchwork quilts - but in yarn rather than fabric.<br />
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I started with a few colours (l-r) Sherbert, Turquoise, Claret, Teal and Midnight (all Stylecraft 'Special' DK)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl4avMUNYNU8WEEX86FYO9U0kKbsAmaFeMQ1_5iVQrCDzeOTzp1he4aeHJLc9T_hy-v3x4432c8E9Y4y5KjSPRjdHluNFKgDHFyZhRKQpn_1nduprOLC-nqb-E-V2gHiDlLrTh6UwC3c/s1600/20150105_163042_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl4avMUNYNU8WEEX86FYO9U0kKbsAmaFeMQ1_5iVQrCDzeOTzp1he4aeHJLc9T_hy-v3x4432c8E9Y4y5KjSPRjdHluNFKgDHFyZhRKQpn_1nduprOLC-nqb-E-V2gHiDlLrTh6UwC3c/s1600/20150105_163042_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Red might seem an odd colour to throw in the mix, but I wanted to do a variation of 'log cabin' patchwork. Traditionally, that starts with 'red' in the centre, representing the fire or hearth of the home, around which the strips or 'logs' of the cabin are arranged:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPcGQyeb58UPvURB599q-FwH-V1zn1rEBtae-a-JU4dPAzZD9LVf1zJwse0FnWd-MNZEgyx_mdnwHoskfx0ho8vEZ_iftmOqSN7YROjGZ90ocH4-QrFIvZ5hNkHFQN_KFHyQGxHfZZyo/s1600/20150105_163123_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPcGQyeb58UPvURB599q-FwH-V1zn1rEBtae-a-JU4dPAzZD9LVf1zJwse0FnWd-MNZEgyx_mdnwHoskfx0ho8vEZ_iftmOqSN7YROjGZ90ocH4-QrFIvZ5hNkHFQN_KFHyQGxHfZZyo/s1600/20150105_163123_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this pattern, I have lighter colours one side (representing day) and darker ones the other side, ('night')<br />
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When I ordered the colours (online) it was hard to get a true idea - I think the 'Midnight'/dark blue colours is a little too much but it's growing on me.</div>
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Next comes the fun of 'playing' around with putting the blocks together!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3sQuVjMRCriJg1aoQLaoIoOp6cNtk1A3VVj60pzEwo5ovxHrM3T66IR9bQ0SGiRrPR6RQxjUSlpNemBCVmBTmlMDJT1kPAy8HfYNYVF-kRBECWOAgKjfooX8z3q1RLKdKxjeeHqViKI/s1600/20150105_163738_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3sQuVjMRCriJg1aoQLaoIoOp6cNtk1A3VVj60pzEwo5ovxHrM3T66IR9bQ0SGiRrPR6RQxjUSlpNemBCVmBTmlMDJT1kPAy8HfYNYVF-kRBECWOAgKjfooX8z3q1RLKdKxjeeHqViKI/s1600/20150105_163738_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I like this pattern ('fields and furrows') :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO0t1YtcMZ9Aj6P3n0CwSTGW94VDW-mdZu4NrQAs7cah9RlzbOfOZsam6FHHNIsR2hAuFjPDHpl18rJWhuwoqKZR177QrkKzgDpqqg0qpIJpgle06OrvKg05qoQZk26z99ws6ulktJQc/s1600/20150105_163552_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO0t1YtcMZ9Aj6P3n0CwSTGW94VDW-mdZu4NrQAs7cah9RlzbOfOZsam6FHHNIsR2hAuFjPDHpl18rJWhuwoqKZR177QrkKzgDpqqg0qpIJpgle06OrvKg05qoQZk26z99ws6ulktJQc/s1600/20150105_163552_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It creates the illusion of diagonal stripes (still not sure about that dark blue....)</div>
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Mind you, I'm only on my seventh block so it may all come together ok eventually, especially with a dark blue border, perhaps. I'll post progress, as and when - I'll need to order more wool, so it's just as well that as part of my Christmas present my son gave me a shopping voucher for <a href="http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/">Wool Warehouse</a>!<br />
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-oOo-</div>
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Along the same lines, I picked up another project that had been abandoned in favour of the 'sock-marathon'. Similar in principle to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ten-stitch-blanket">'ten stitch blanket'</a> but picking up stitches all along each new side and knitting out a few rows, I created this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtARyIkd8FUKs152snK6Z9xqFULEiW-2TzKdr9xU7Nh9xAzncPWi5Hz11KjdXEtvl2k5iuZNeriApo00-hRymWeWX8mdPEIHHIW8kE5PoPSyXVigxQ54rJqWfN55C1EJJCk2Q-agURAs/s1600/20150105_164304_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtARyIkd8FUKs152snK6Z9xqFULEiW-2TzKdr9xU7Nh9xAzncPWi5Hz11KjdXEtvl2k5iuZNeriApo00-hRymWeWX8mdPEIHHIW8kE5PoPSyXVigxQ54rJqWfN55C1EJJCk2Q-agURAs/s1600/20150105_164304_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm using this yarn I picked up at a craft show last year: </div>
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<img alt="554-02 Wholesale" height="320" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0286/6256/products/554-02_a4165b3e-dd5d-4690-9734-76ac4c40fa9c_large.jpg?v=1390918702" width="256" /></div>
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It makes for mindless knitting in front of the TV, as it's random-dyed yarn so no new colours to join in, just knit each block, cast off all but last stitch, turn 90deg and pick up stitches along the next side and away you go again. (Casting off loosely makes for easier picking-up!)</div>
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This piece is progressively looking like a piece of wood-block flooring, thanks to the yarn colour.</div>
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-oOo-</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Living up to my Facebook icon......</span></div>
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1977452_695666843809288_8391243080262340879_n.jpg?oh=97ecf0255b80e12d99c9e8cf72c5315e&oe=5538D8F6" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">......I went to Coventry with DD so she could buy some wool from our</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">favourite/nearest REAL yarnshop and I was just going to have</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">a look....honestly.....until this 'fell' into my basket!</span></div>
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<img height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10896932_835913506451287_896374575883390734_n.jpg?oh=897b55aee8c2fec784aebc235207b2fe&oe=5525FD0A&__gda__=1430170001_5912cd189ab357e7d150c8e5e4230314" width="320" /></div>
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The 'James Brett Marble' will probably become a cowl, the Robin 'Paintbox' is for a baby cardigan but the rest is all for another 'log-cabin'-inspired piece,,,,,,watch this space!</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-84209775279197113142014-12-22T18:47:00.000+00:002014-12-22T18:47:15.374+00:00Not quite 'the night before Christmas' - but it's a close-run thing!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10868182_826491834060121_2852786559571265361_n.jpg?oh=7a4da68ddd2bb3d1fd49ac69a8fb91e9&oe=55450CDC&__gda__=1426085973_963f67d1b44280720ba90bdc62dc0c8c" width="400" /></div>
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Never mind '....the stockings were hung by the chimney with care', how about: the socks were all pegged up - and not just ONE pair!<br />
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Phew! Just about done in time for Christmas, six (yes SIX!!) pairs of socks! That'll teach me to offer to make them at short notice!<br />
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I started on 25th November and finished the final pair on 20th December - and I think I shall have a wee break from sock knitting for a while! (although I do need to make a pair for a January birthday present.....)<br />
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After knitting in 4ply sock yarn for so long, using DK yarn feels like knitting with rope!! ;-)<br />
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Still, back to some of my other projects-in-waiting......a blanket, an experiment with knitting 'log-cabin patchwork'-style,.....and delving into my stash....bliss!<br />
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Happy Christmas, everyone - I wonder what projects YOU have in mind for 2015???<br />
<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-88722677172224774592014-11-06T19:33:00.002+00:002014-11-06T19:33:43.910+00:00Turning a design on it's head - part deux!!<br />
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<img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW57IMobQ_AOVqobHC90EJR0LTNsPjMQ4sEn8563loWwMusnrDl5XiywqI7x5Hi5VxaCGNVyHId_6o66irHw4Ge7R1QTILCJDwv4RaD6RTL-NPskQzS8eAP1AoJQz60ZkLT8i5Pl3WpqU/s200/20140827_174057-1_resized.jpg" width="187" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahpn7pdZsrrb4LCNq9ZWvCwCEpFTQomzK4_uUG5aXZTF0WbBnrWEMFKp-cMRVsOaEcdhr7NLcBvC9GOIdgE_vdjqki7R9DtE10T8p2lpIf2V0Tl7gGCXXLZFby_vsLBTmwAo7ImOaQs/s1600/green+blanket+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahpn7pdZsrrb4LCNq9ZWvCwCEpFTQomzK4_uUG5aXZTF0WbBnrWEMFKp-cMRVsOaEcdhr7NLcBvC9GOIdgE_vdjqki7R9DtE10T8p2lpIf2V0Tl7gGCXXLZFby_vsLBTmwAo7ImOaQs/s1600/green+blanket+3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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A few months ago I posted about a new crochet technique I'd come across called 'c2c' or 'corner to corner' <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/turning-design-on-its-head.html">(here)</a><br />
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In a fit of clearing the decks of 'WIPs' prior to a visit to the craft show in Birmingham (more on that in a forthcoming post!) I pulled the completed squares out of a bag and began sewing them together!<br />
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Thus, this....<br />
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl8DzmPTsPFx6FEl6tZTT70OsOKgt07b9kYB-c0BQMBJsPlHxRWGNukIBo_aUB4Jg0D-1rn_omi_C7EdJadcvpeXbztq8RJD8HEXv6bxS5V_GlywMfvikB5RG9qDC7qp9-6LibXDaVH4/s320/20140825_141347_resized.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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...became this....<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIYTAhXSAGDTI7_TDD6IP1o2YDy5fgFlepiSXVnk2yylYKjYJWzfLDAeQMCT2UtDj5Kn1XC3XT3KhHUZ4ij3LCBhthInj6m9A7OJHusLTt1kE5fidIEDfUIIZc5rkzDG9IgUuDr2S_Y4/s320/20140825_141310_resized.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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...and soon 'morphed' into this....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEwpkYOoiGEsnEhdMoH2gmE6amdLF8AW2eYVzIhaqJu9cIElMqi4lHX49nM0dWcYkHExXpfkkJJgOtnIFtp0eJTKjafboWZQingUK3dSmAGRD7W4dIu9RlV10HMkgwZElBizcso9Rqqg/s1600/20141031_204339_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEwpkYOoiGEsnEhdMoH2gmE6amdLF8AW2eYVzIhaqJu9cIElMqi4lHX49nM0dWcYkHExXpfkkJJgOtnIFtp0eJTKjafboWZQingUK3dSmAGRD7W4dIu9RlV10HMkgwZElBizcso9Rqqg/s1600/20141031_204339_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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......and with a little more 'embellishment' it finally became this....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2M5ILuQWMJ_gjBJp9JwUhJ7QG8R51_Zdw-6GVonBj8Ba9aUV2IcKY-GKBasBO6MKOUrN8G1Dl8-p-5TIV6AR8MCmg1wbkHllScWKTzOibx6OjVC6WKmEVwL7LC-Gcjg8KgMgSuYfHeM/s1600/green+blanket+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2M5ILuQWMJ_gjBJp9JwUhJ7QG8R51_Zdw-6GVonBj8Ba9aUV2IcKY-GKBasBO6MKOUrN8G1Dl8-p-5TIV6AR8MCmg1wbkHllScWKTzOibx6OjVC6WKmEVwL7LC-Gcjg8KgMgSuYfHeM/s1600/green+blanket+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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(apologies for colour quality - using phone cam under electric light :-/)</div>
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Sewing the squares together was tedious, matching the white and green wool on each seam - if I do this again I will try to find a more satisfactory/simpler way!<br />
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It was just an experiment to find different ways to use the squares - not really keen on the colours though (reminds me of broccoli and cauliflower!) However, it didn't turn out too bad! (even if it ends up as a car blanket! ;-p)<br />
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<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-51951048866243417592014-09-28T21:30:00.000+01:002014-09-28T21:30:00.844+01:00B.O.Y - just what I needed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGWpHkVAqlebnYDgzkYhGuB13YlRGK1wIw7lyrBT2AAu05wnQynfs49CzP2oKEoC0EMy-X8eGHQxTmel90KJqohGW0OEjtUI5l6pW7wUX7HvRgyOrdN-P_5TVLs4QDiEmITpyrbdudQo/s1600/20140926_190900_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGWpHkVAqlebnYDgzkYhGuB13YlRGK1wIw7lyrBT2AAu05wnQynfs49CzP2oKEoC0EMy-X8eGHQxTmel90KJqohGW0OEjtUI5l6pW7wUX7HvRgyOrdN-P_5TVLs4QDiEmITpyrbdudQo/s1600/20140926_190900_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A good few months ago I had a message on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> from a local knitting group inviting me to join them. I had every intention of following it up - but then 'life' got in the way, as it so often does.<br />
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However, I got a 'second chance' when our local newspaper did a feature on the group, celebrating their first anniversary and I thought "I'll have some of that, please!" So, DD and I plucked up courage and went to join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ballofyarn/?fref=ts">Ball Of Yarn</a> - and what a warm welcome we got! :-)<br />
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It is SO nice to meet up with other knitters and crocheters (sounds better than 'hookers'!) all doing such a variety of different things with yarn! Great to be able to learn and share from each other, too!<br />
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Currently there's been a drive (for those who want to, it's not mandatory) to produce cot and incubator blankets and hats for a local SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit) - a project dear to my heart as DD was a wee 'premmie' herself, all those years ago!<br />
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Well, the request was for 'colourful' items so I took them at their word....<span style="text-align: center;">do you think this is colourful enough? ;-p</span><br />
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<img height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10612813_779188245457147_7867212969371999335_n.jpg?oh=0666458de2b2741d711c3e09a8e98a15&oe=54CBBA43&__gda__=1422040827_54742fc3d7c072148a697ddfdf0226d9" width="300" /></div>
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A cot blanket, waiting for ends to be sewn in:<br />
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....and hats...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBOwjJVGr1dWYKB5ltIXsf3knHRktUCjlllrRHT2P66rImkfz1s47rpJ1bIe1-QhsQUaXMSKEx6H-DBFt9pgSlzHHhonYjkTWS85YIg6gBwY1uQKQnajmIQlWtZ6TRn-GZLkvBcWyyG4/s1600/20140926_191430_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBOwjJVGr1dWYKB5ltIXsf3knHRktUCjlllrRHT2P66rImkfz1s47rpJ1bIe1-QhsQUaXMSKEx6H-DBFt9pgSlzHHhonYjkTWS85YIg6gBwY1uQKQnajmIQlWtZ6TRn-GZLkvBcWyyG4/s1600/20140926_191430_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, back to B.O.Y - I'm enjoying getting to know a few of the members of the group and I'll try to snap off some pics of them at 'work'.....what DO you call a collection of knitters, I wonder?<br />
<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-74891421533093593612014-09-26T17:21:00.001+01:002014-09-26T17:21:24.447+01:00All 'dolled-up'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-Cu83xPF4aQgb6HQkIFbHHkvGF1HR8x5oOFOso7ktQG5Zzv85c326fYTe-vxIdjuoD0wl2kCG01lFKlrHyKudKrjEyo748ZxusQRPXmwHSgWb-sPqYNiZ6hCeGHEAjfstR_oFiFANas/s1600/Matilda+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-Cu83xPF4aQgb6HQkIFbHHkvGF1HR8x5oOFOso7ktQG5Zzv85c326fYTe-vxIdjuoD0wl2kCG01lFKlrHyKudKrjEyo748ZxusQRPXmwHSgWb-sPqYNiZ6hCeGHEAjfstR_oFiFANas/s1600/Matilda+face.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Recently, I laid down my yarn, crochet hooks and knitting needles and picked up my dressmaking shears for another 'unexpected' project!<br />
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A friend who volunteers at a local home for the elderly had asked my help on behalf of one of the residents, who had made a doll but was now unable to make any clothes for it. I say 'it', but of course this doll has a character all of her own and her name is Matilda!<br />
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The lady who owned her had made her from scratch, with jointed limbs....</div>
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...and an amazing Victorian-style hairdo!</div>
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.....but she needed some clothes to preserve her modesty!</div>
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My friend supplied a pattern and material and one Saturday morning a couple</div>
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of weeks ago I set to work with my shears and sewing machine.</div>
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So, she soon acquired a petticoat:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOoYsHoDFGYJ69nzAFeOR6jgnamCKytB_eVr_yHhVQuc44Kf335KJWAjWxIAAWwYNGoFZDvKHXIRS8KnW770w5kdWcUN6ho0emnoKhy7xImLy5eZTmtRagpVuFo7koFhRYPKdlgaBrMQ/s1600/Matilda+petticoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOoYsHoDFGYJ69nzAFeOR6jgnamCKytB_eVr_yHhVQuc44Kf335KJWAjWxIAAWwYNGoFZDvKHXIRS8KnW770w5kdWcUN6ho0emnoKhy7xImLy5eZTmtRagpVuFo7koFhRYPKdlgaBrMQ/s1600/Matilda+petticoat.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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....and a blouse:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9GNd89E6zTmt-vDmQZ5sHhY93Dx-OI1_jaGNStQg57uxNVwNp6APU3letRbA9aOQKGwV98VJlzd1cDQVsKvHLoatavmUHgviCQNMKQs2DAoj973fjDn2IN9K8yKqFQ4dEsTBtNrAO6U/s1600/Matilda+blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9GNd89E6zTmt-vDmQZ5sHhY93Dx-OI1_jaGNStQg57uxNVwNp6APU3letRbA9aOQKGwV98VJlzd1cDQVsKvHLoatavmUHgviCQNMKQs2DAoj973fjDn2IN9K8yKqFQ4dEsTBtNrAO6U/s1600/Matilda+blouse.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then came a new over-dress:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB8Qpd7zHX3HhSw5LPD4YB6CIKAlfCJXshqdh8uUvVvGoI5lxPLKV4kN7fUVVBgPHfbtAhLSovcPiU_yCdEyIt1kcwdfBzt6yRxACSUv9aGK-SNPDVB_KhugNBgjCxNThnisHuLegMco/s1600/Matilda+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB8Qpd7zHX3HhSw5LPD4YB6CIKAlfCJXshqdh8uUvVvGoI5lxPLKV4kN7fUVVBgPHfbtAhLSovcPiU_yCdEyIt1kcwdfBzt6yRxACSUv9aGK-SNPDVB_KhugNBgjCxNThnisHuLegMco/s1600/Matilda+back.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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(I had forgotten how fiddly 'rik-rak' braid is to sew on - I'm glad it was just for a 21" doll and not a full-sized garment!)<br />
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However, Matilda was barefoot and I couldn't have that!</div>
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So a bit of fiddling about with some brown felt produced these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-fPBhZLWffD6VoyLUbkvUZXeQU2032IcjnBiT-rCg1DrxUdv0gHOI4wlrWD6CuZt-McAEUbT_y5-9LsfEc7ni7pbgmU5Mc6Dyf5e9Tr02nulObwB2XHDOHMZ0fdYmRzVBZkjTm3jxCg/s1600/20140916_171747_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-fPBhZLWffD6VoyLUbkvUZXeQU2032IcjnBiT-rCg1DrxUdv0gHOI4wlrWD6CuZt-McAEUbT_y5-9LsfEc7ni7pbgmU5Mc6Dyf5e9Tr02nulObwB2XHDOHMZ0fdYmRzVBZkjTm3jxCg/s1600/20140916_171747_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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(They were as near to Victorian-style boots as I could manage!)</div>
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Now Matilda sits in splendour, admired by residents and staff alike; her maker was</div>
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absolutely thrilled to see her new clothes.</div>
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It took me a couple of long days to complete</div>
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(good job hubby was away, so I could just work right though!)</div>
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but hearing of the elderly lady's pleasure at seeing Matilda restored to glory</div>
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is more than sufficient reward!</div>
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:-)</div>
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<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-61121498452693993152014-08-27T19:33:00.001+01:002014-08-27T19:33:56.480+01:00Turning a design on it's head.....!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW57IMobQ_AOVqobHC90EJR0LTNsPjMQ4sEn8563loWwMusnrDl5XiywqI7x5Hi5VxaCGNVyHId_6o66irHw4Ge7R1QTILCJDwv4RaD6RTL-NPskQzS8eAP1AoJQz60ZkLT8i5Pl3WpqU/s1600/20140827_174057-1_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW57IMobQ_AOVqobHC90EJR0LTNsPjMQ4sEn8563loWwMusnrDl5XiywqI7x5Hi5VxaCGNVyHId_6o66irHw4Ge7R1QTILCJDwv4RaD6RTL-NPskQzS8eAP1AoJQz60ZkLT8i5Pl3WpqU/s1600/20140827_174057-1_resized.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In my <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/new-tricks.html">last post</a> I was waxing lyrical about the 'c2c' crochet technique I've recently discovered. Well, I got to thinking about how to progress from just doing the large squares and rectangles I've seen it used for so far. So - I decided to play around with the concept and have fun....! ;-)<br />
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One little square, with various stripes:</div>
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Doesn't look all that much, right?</div>
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<br /></div>
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.....but try adding a few more:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIYTAhXSAGDTI7_TDD6IP1o2YDy5fgFlepiSXVnk2yylYKjYJWzfLDAeQMCT2UtDj5Kn1XC3XT3KhHUZ4ij3LCBhthInj6m9A7OJHusLTt1kE5fidIEDfUIIZc5rkzDG9IgUuDr2S_Y4/s1600/20140825_141310_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIYTAhXSAGDTI7_TDD6IP1o2YDy5fgFlepiSXVnk2yylYKjYJWzfLDAeQMCT2UtDj5Kn1XC3XT3KhHUZ4ij3LCBhthInj6m9A7OJHusLTt1kE5fidIEDfUIIZc5rkzDG9IgUuDr2S_Y4/s1600/20140825_141310_resized.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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...or shuffle them around ....and add another couple....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYStMR7nCugqTMFzkd_IfkZq17ifyOfRJceVkEllgZZ7CyDPnUv3KA87n1sRZCY3Sk7Gdb-qFEIv0Xowvlb4IHxscGxrLyFY5TAK6nqHb8QxSwM8Zx8JQizzS5PjgIb_e0vNWPYXfaEo/s1600/20140827_155333_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYStMR7nCugqTMFzkd_IfkZq17ifyOfRJceVkEllgZZ7CyDPnUv3KA87n1sRZCY3Sk7Gdb-qFEIv0Xowvlb4IHxscGxrLyFY5TAK6nqHb8QxSwM8Zx8JQizzS5PjgIb_e0vNWPYXfaEo/s1600/20140827_155333_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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....see where I'm going with this....?</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's like a combination of crochet squares and patchwork and now there are all sorts of possibilities rattling around in my head.......!</span></div>
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I'll get back to you with some other combinations!</div>
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(oh, I do love a NEW project!!)</div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-38308504790623342372014-08-25T18:11:00.000+01:002014-08-25T18:11:14.686+01:00New tricks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNgUEP-wXCZMmg4QwhsyHsZUVUuhIzsADXzAx6n5xvXucZnnqJFOiQQR71W5c50c2mfzMPpGlvT7TEdM2_28X_V_5Rq8UuDEo6QpPEbe59nLn37gtsoRpxXEy_ZbAJb5m43WTB08aIko/s1600/20140816_101212_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNgUEP-wXCZMmg4QwhsyHsZUVUuhIzsADXzAx6n5xvXucZnnqJFOiQQR71W5c50c2mfzMPpGlvT7TEdM2_28X_V_5Rq8UuDEo6QpPEbe59nLn37gtsoRpxXEy_ZbAJb5m43WTB08aIko/s1600/20140816_101212_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I haven't died - just been too busy 'doing' to have time to blog about it! I've been having adventures in yarn...... here's some of what I've been up to:<br />
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I discovered that the Drops 'Cotton Light' I talked about in my <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/too-busy-yarning-to-blog.html">last post</a> (months ago......!) has proved to be a right royal pain to crochet with, because it's very splitty and I kept catching the hook in it which slowed progress :-/ However, it is rather nice to knit with! One of my quartet of recently-finished cushions was crochet one side and knit on the other side:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3JlzPVLtR6eabpphWb5rYREKTueYInehOXW467-lHQISOwbE-Q56MKb_ojeyUqVpbFq-ZkC1WPQTd8NmWeyLUIvhqRWlaQAaMK0G8bYoBOqDduJpCufaGbutMMI_ZAAvd1KcxsBABS4/s1600/20140808_152516_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3JlzPVLtR6eabpphWb5rYREKTueYInehOXW467-lHQISOwbE-Q56MKb_ojeyUqVpbFq-ZkC1WPQTd8NmWeyLUIvhqRWlaQAaMK0G8bYoBOqDduJpCufaGbutMMI_ZAAvd1KcxsBABS4/s1600/20140808_152516_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH06kE8WNwQzjrExFNpyreKxqesWwszO0Aw21D7TOfgmQv4cqohpMUyudGiC1I5eDifqO0oM3ze491Z4eC7E2nRcxGQYZ6QXpFwkbZ4xLYAHC2oUDRpex1ZQAWrLaYz5QYlLHbI6qB3R0/s1600/20140808_152537_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH06kE8WNwQzjrExFNpyreKxqesWwszO0Aw21D7TOfgmQv4cqohpMUyudGiC1I5eDifqO0oM3ze491Z4eC7E2nRcxGQYZ6QXpFwkbZ4xLYAHC2oUDRpex1ZQAWrLaYz5QYlLHbI6qB3R0/s1600/20140808_152537_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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....and here's the full quartet:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XkZWBP2tAy2NiWNED7WAxhkeZT0nU9oVgckbTH_Z7G9o34Awsxr3UnBukDNdJPCnUVnMae5osFn9otkQO2Ze2xerBfrN05rhFMWFgYOSGHCGmgfJiZy55mdJXqnWbFzwwpBs3TlMeVY/s1600/20140824_161736_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XkZWBP2tAy2NiWNED7WAxhkeZT0nU9oVgckbTH_Z7G9o34Awsxr3UnBukDNdJPCnUVnMae5osFn9otkQO2Ze2xerBfrN05rhFMWFgYOSGHCGmgfJiZy55mdJXqnWbFzwwpBs3TlMeVY/s1600/20140824_161736_resized.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This diagonal striping is commonly called 'c2c' (corner to corner) - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNrS4s5C8vc">here's</a> a link to a fab tutorial if you haven't come across this! It is fast becoming a favourite - two cushions and a part-finished baby blanket already testify to my growing obsession with this technique and I'm starting to tinker around with the design for my next project.......wait for my next post!! :-)</div>
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Of course, all this crochet takes it's toll - my right hand was exhibiting some pressure damage and I was getting pins and needles from where my steel hook was pressing into my palm and causing nerve problems. </div>
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But then I discovered the sooper-dooper hooks pictured at the top of this blog - and hubby treated me to a set for our 34th wedding anniversary a few days ago! These Knit-Pro 'Waves' hooks are just SO comfortable to use......I may never go back to ordinary ones again!</div>
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Any way - back to to the hooking........!</div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-26236609419256110202014-06-27T15:11:00.001+01:002014-06-27T15:18:55.340+01:00Too busy 'yarning' to blog...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRPrK05CH8UI9cmzsuuP0-1bbyEWnmCvipU-_yBij3aKPg5fmF1mltMtkAfgcQPsJeQfuO1H4g-808Bp552WWLkHOBo0vmYPVxuqjC0FI6vrttQZJpIhyeJ1Rq0MvS-JaUBUs80Sxfmo/s1600/Needles+and+wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRPrK05CH8UI9cmzsuuP0-1bbyEWnmCvipU-_yBij3aKPg5fmF1mltMtkAfgcQPsJeQfuO1H4g-808Bp552WWLkHOBo0vmYPVxuqjC0FI6vrttQZJpIhyeJ1Rq0MvS-JaUBUs80Sxfmo/s1600/Needles+and+wool.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I realise it's a while since I last blogged here - life's events and excitements get in the way from time to time. However, there aren't many free moments when I HAVEN'T had some yarn in my hands, lately (even if that's just moving stash piles to other boxes.....)<br />
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Best of all, I decided to put in an order to <a href="http://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/">The Wool Warehouse</a> (yes, I know I already have SEVERAL large crates of the stuff up in my workroom.....but one can never have too much!) and it arrived this morning! (not bad, since I ordered it after-hours on Wednesday evening) I'm SO impressed - quick service and VERY attractive prices, too! I don't normally like ordering yarn without seeing it, but I can happily say the Wool Warehouse is now my online shop of choice! :-)<br />
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Just looking at it all is making me lick my lips in anticipation :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU254MQMq7ZH3iHcnUQXYDqsfnpjrmaY52KVa72dT3SQMmW1M9TxiE4jp1mlG8V6WxgogKL66A11_z1dTS-iEm_bxi_gQirV4WgfLnpFzIxfexq8XCl9HU3VkZiDHKrK44QuIH3HKUkwg/s1600/20140627_125630_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU254MQMq7ZH3iHcnUQXYDqsfnpjrmaY52KVa72dT3SQMmW1M9TxiE4jp1mlG8V6WxgogKL66A11_z1dTS-iEm_bxi_gQirV4WgfLnpFzIxfexq8XCl9HU3VkZiDHKrK44QuIH3HKUkwg/s1600/20140627_125630_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've also been experimenting a lot more with crochet, which is becoming ever more addictive.<br />
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I'd heard about the 'African Flower' motif and decided to have a go. (There's a great tutorial <a href="http://made-in-k-town.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/african-flower-square-tutorial.html">here</a> ) Well, I was very soon hooked (excuse the pun!) and now I'm happily creating blocks (....a cushion cover? .....a blanket? ....who knows!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0iOtvyyf84FfAM4i_Cy4kqCIPlQ-zqGAWvxUSBfl33mDHDQeH1l2uEuBRCNCpaN_PDJCyoK-WfcWT5Cyl56sSW5FvFh1GJjw9g-Vahr9445ZjcWGUOwogKq8DjjXaNXwFIVQNlwtzhI/s1600/20140625_195440_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0iOtvyyf84FfAM4i_Cy4kqCIPlQ-zqGAWvxUSBfl33mDHDQeH1l2uEuBRCNCpaN_PDJCyoK-WfcWT5Cyl56sSW5FvFh1GJjw9g-Vahr9445ZjcWGUOwogKq8DjjXaNXwFIVQNlwtzhI/s1600/20140625_195440_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
....and you all know how I HATE seaming things together, so I've taught myself to 'join-as-I-go' (I sort of made it up, don't think it's a 'proper' method, but it works for me) - on the final round, I hook the yarn through a trb on a finished side and then trb on the new square, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uPDgSqTwTnECAmtLq8Xuvlpx9MAw3XFh0pdpAYOXiRiq_hlVQAB0rvxPqCOjIbNmfxgNskg9pnhgE8O_y7tJ9zuJdmerFeVnaBiMDfIuu2JBFfyewf3WwU8oQz7LuE547R-JwBCsPIY/s1600/20140625_222816_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uPDgSqTwTnECAmtLq8Xuvlpx9MAw3XFh0pdpAYOXiRiq_hlVQAB0rvxPqCOjIbNmfxgNskg9pnhgE8O_y7tJ9zuJdmerFeVnaBiMDfIuu2JBFfyewf3WwU8oQz7LuE547R-JwBCsPIY/s1600/20140625_222816_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here's a finished seam:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWopwe807SxUfJu0m2apZnU-hd9wfMV0yyqGObCQVQe6xzBXZm9vUIFMPYkotzyQpraI8CrUX5LHGbHBcICVn_4epYScSzeX-VwixLvivF6IhMq0_s7uCOd7rodUO4Ddfa_5TNeiBm9Qs/s1600/join+as+you+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWopwe807SxUfJu0m2apZnU-hd9wfMV0yyqGObCQVQe6xzBXZm9vUIFMPYkotzyQpraI8CrUX5LHGbHBcICVn_4epYScSzeX-VwixLvivF6IhMq0_s7uCOd7rodUO4Ddfa_5TNeiBm9Qs/s1600/join+as+you+go.jpg" height="163" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm really loving using cotton and cotton-mix yarns, too. I recently made a loose cover for a footstool:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVweu7ESS0D3KnyDPe0Eh0Ny8zhxpBzghVi3iepDsc1BXtvIeOWvg39LsPrarH117KvmZOtVSyF7ht9TT6O8aie9AdYh3_VVMTRswZRC_KdA5GqxBYE1eUjPSXZ3fgYpwale1jv2cZAVg/s1600/20140625_195306_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVweu7ESS0D3KnyDPe0Eh0Ny8zhxpBzghVi3iepDsc1BXtvIeOWvg39LsPrarH117KvmZOtVSyF7ht9TT6O8aie9AdYh3_VVMTRswZRC_KdA5GqxBYE1eUjPSXZ3fgYpwale1jv2cZAVg/s1600/20140625_195306_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
We've just inherited the footstool, which has an embroidered cover created by hubby's Grandmother many years ago:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1F9dqTLXIszESV7yAWexyAx-oT79m-AYMzgnr8k_gbt_OZOWPRFiMn_9HE8ggQTp2y6qXXJ8b3whL7MsH1oSsh93AWvcYLfDDSa0BDg3j351A9Qs6CshBzxAVwnaHWTrXN6s0OfV4qg/s1600/20140625_195330_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1F9dqTLXIszESV7yAWexyAx-oT79m-AYMzgnr8k_gbt_OZOWPRFiMn_9HE8ggQTp2y6qXXJ8b3whL7MsH1oSsh93AWvcYLfDDSa0BDg3j351A9Qs6CshBzxAVwnaHWTrXN6s0OfV4qg/s1600/20140625_195330_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
It's beautiful, but to preserve the colours it had spent a lot of it's life with a cloth over it. Being re-housed in our conservatory we didn't want to risk the sun bleaching the colours, so a loose cover was the order of the day.<br />
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Now....back to the newly-arrived stash......where's that crochet hook......? :-)SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-23874573821745720022014-05-18T14:16:00.000+01:002016-03-24T13:33:31.268+00:00Almost 'un'seamly......!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5nqrlZ1S8OOo7l7_FEGi8fXYbm8Wg5671hzfwO54Gy7gHYxMJzKZZgibsSXCpwMD_c9VqoEvge7DRCb1mc6DH5Fm_nxahPXNQL3NNOcsyzEqVMgdi6IFlGJKUozDN-OBda5RXvitfPs/s1600/small+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5nqrlZ1S8OOo7l7_FEGi8fXYbm8Wg5671hzfwO54Gy7gHYxMJzKZZgibsSXCpwMD_c9VqoEvge7DRCb1mc6DH5Fm_nxahPXNQL3NNOcsyzEqVMgdi6IFlGJKUozDN-OBda5RXvitfPs/s1600/small+corner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Any regular reader of this blog will know I try to avoid seams in knitting where possible - so I was intrigued when I was handed a pattern for a baby jacket that is knit all in one piece!<br />
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I quickly got to work and followed the pattern religiously, all the while secretly thinking it couldn't be that easy (could it...?) and wondering what I'd end up with.<br />
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Well, what I ended up with was this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO8Bt2-uij27cacUNyoRxGVswiN4X5mM0IW0c95540csUtAVN6AI2pRf8e9JN14VL8CE_-WDPjn3x4tvWSUrks0dur6JyhcBbbmbibX2UKMq38_CBFAUZhRouMbeDRhxLiMWVUKPu_Pg/s1600/20140518_133714_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO8Bt2-uij27cacUNyoRxGVswiN4X5mM0IW0c95540csUtAVN6AI2pRf8e9JN14VL8CE_-WDPjn3x4tvWSUrks0dur6JyhcBbbmbibX2UKMq38_CBFAUZhRouMbeDRhxLiMWVUKPu_Pg/s1600/20140518_133714_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hmmmm......?<br />
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I sat and 'played' around with it, turning it first this way and then that - the pattern 'helpfully' just said fold it into shape....?! :-/<br />
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Hmmmm.......?<br />
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Then I turned it upside down:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY8tVNL-KGSe-mBqNwEYmRMqHqAcbcOPZ8yktQQK7zpYBv5jELzbBbcG9YodhWDOozWAAz-5q_h3An2sd6_k3ucQIRZPfCp4sbo-pB85jnvoZveAZaclAoKDvpVET3XZlCGJbLTDUjqg/s1600/20140518_133505_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY8tVNL-KGSe-mBqNwEYmRMqHqAcbcOPZ8yktQQK7zpYBv5jELzbBbcG9YodhWDOozWAAz-5q_h3An2sd6_k3ucQIRZPfCp4sbo-pB85jnvoZveAZaclAoKDvpVET3XZlCGJbLTDUjqg/s1600/20140518_133505_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Realising the button holes (can you see them on BOTH sides?) must need to run up the centre front, I folded one side to the middle:<br />
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....aha, I think I see where we're going with this....</div>
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...and the other side to match!</div>
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All that's left is to sew the top of the sleeves - just two small seams!</div>
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(even I can cope with that! ;-p)</div>
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The other nifty thing is working two sets of button holes - you can decide which gender you're knitting for at the last minute - and the 'unused' buttonholes are the ideal indicators of where to sew the buttons for a perfect match!</div>
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This is dangerously easy.....I could be making more! ;-)</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-8902310919029108892014-04-22T19:27:00.003+01:002014-04-22T19:27:57.709+01:00Busy, busy, busy.....<br />
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I used to laugh when I heard people say that after they retired they were were busier than ever before - now my hollow laughter has caught up with me, but in a good way!<br />
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I don't seem to get around to blogging much these days, partly due to a sudden flurry of family activity with folks moving house, and also the fact that I have got quite a lot of projects on the go all at once!<br />
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I've been tidying up my son's old bedroom (the one I've commandeered as my craft space!) and now he's at last moved into his new house I can start boxing up the last of his stuff to pass on. So this morning was partly about 'zoning' the place and deciding which crafty items to stack in boxes or display on shelves.<br />
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(still a few crates and boxes to move - but look! You can actually see the carpet!)</div>
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A good use for old coffee jars!</div>
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A couple of them house some of my small oddments of wool, balled up for one of my on-going projects:</div>
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Crocheting scraps of wool to create a new ball of 'yarn'!</div>
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Eventually I shall probably crochet this into some kind of fabric.</div>
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In fact, as I was wandering about the house trying to gather up all my arty-crafty bits to</div>
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relocate them into my new purposed location I realised there are little</div>
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baskets and bags of projects scattered about all over the place!</div>
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A mitred-square blanket 'growing' in a basket in the corner of the lounge</div>
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(excellent accompaniment for watching TV!)</div>
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A jacket, sprawled over the arm of the couch in the conservatory - I'm just finishing the collar - from a very old knitting pattern (the price on it is pre-decimal currency!)</div>
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Lovely muted shades of DK cotton, 'nesting' in a basket by the window - I've just started a <a href="http://exchangingfire.wordpress.com/knitting-patterns/mini-mania-scarf/">'Mini-mania scarf'</a>. I bought it on a recent trip to Barrow-in-Furness (because hubby wanted to watch football and I went along for the ride and instead found a wool shop!) only to discover afterwards that the yarn is now being discontinued, but I think there'll be enough here anyway.<br />
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Another 'ripple' creation, spilling out of a bag - no idea what it will be!</div>
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(probably another blanket!)</div>
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A recent acquisition was this magnifying lamp - maybe it will encourage me</div>
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to get on with the cross-stitch pattern I bought in America last year.....I do keep myself rather busy!</div>
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Aside from all this crafty stuff my other passion is Genealogy - and look what I've</div>
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just been given to look through:</div>
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This is one of the boxes of old family photographs that my husband's elderly aunt has loaned me. Somehow I have to carve out some quality time to sort them out and scan them for posterity.</div>
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I've already digitised seven of her old albums - gorgeous old sepia-tinted pictures of the family in India in the early days of the 1900's, right though to nostalgic black and white snaps from the 1930's. The fashions and glamour are right out of an episode of 'Poirot'!</div>
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So, if you don't see me blogging - this is what I'll be up to!</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-72080489232336237102014-03-14T19:07:00.001+00:002014-03-14T20:37:07.886+00:00A good dose of rustic charm!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/04/ba/8c/67/welcome.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></div>
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This morning, <a href="http://www.goplacidly.com/">DD</a> and I took ourselves off to the <a href="http://gardenbarn.co.uk/about.htm">Garden Barn</a> - a couple of miles down the road, but across the county border, to have a good look round at all their amazing wares.<br />
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There are lots of little nooks and crannies in which to consume coffee and cake (in this case - Marzipan and cherry cake, to be precise! Yum!) Replete from caffeine and calories, we ventured down from the loft into the wondrous emporium below.....<br />
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....it meanders round the old farm buildings, leading outside to more garden furniture and 'objets d'art'!</div>
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It's about 18 months since our last visit so of course we had to take our time admiring all the displays - and getting a few ideas! (<span style="text-align: center;">Picture quality is not as good as I'd have liked, but I managed to snap off a few images on my phone as we went round.)</span><br />
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(Can you believe it - this was once a milking parlour !)</div>
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An amazing bow made out of wood veneer adorned the doorway to the ladies' toilets!</div>
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So many quirky items, lots of wood and vintage stuff - we both just wanted to</div>
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BUY IT ALL!!</div>
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However, I restrained myself to just one purchase - I love the tactile nature of carved wood, so I indulged in this intricate carving, to sit on my mantelpiece :</div>
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I'd better start saving my pennies for the next visit - I don't think we'll be waiting another 18 months! ;-)</div>
<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-75738927344826308772014-02-27T18:03:00.002+00:002014-03-01T12:44:04.231+00:00'Stained Glass Window' - in Yarn!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1796544_618260768245269_327245495_n.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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A few days ago I uploaded this picture to a crochet-themed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StartingChain/photos/a.141869425884408.34142.141862885885062/618260768245269/?type=1&theater">page</a> on a social media site. I didn't realise just how popular this would prove to be - up to the time of creating this blog post it's had 5,969 'likes', 1,049 'shares' and 287 'comments' - the latter often being "where can I get this pattern?" !<br />
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Well, this 'Stained Glass' crochet blanket was just something I'd cobbled together after coming across the concept of hexagonal crochet pieces (or I suppose with a stretch of the imagination you could refer to them as 'six-sided' Granny squares!) so there wasn't a pattern I could pass on or link to. I know there MUST be lots of similar patterns out there .....but here's how<i> I</i> did it:<br />
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First, I'm using English crochet terms - so anyone reading this from across the 'pond' will need to convert the instructions, but they are very easy anyway:<br />
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<table bgcolor="#8FCC56" border="2"><tbody>
<tr><th>US</th><th>UK</th></tr>
<tr><td>chain(ch)</td><td>chain(ch)</td></tr>
<tr><td>single crochet (sc)</td><td>double crochet (dc)</td></tr>
<tr><td>double crochet (dc)</td><td>treble (tr)</td></tr>
<tr><td>half double crochet (hdc)</td><td>half treble (htr)</td></tr>
<tr><td>triple crochet (trc)</td><td>double treble (dtr)</td></tr>
<tr><td>slip stitch (sl st)</td><td>slip stitch (sl st)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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</center>
<center style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">
Using a 5mm crochet hook (US H/8) and DK yarn (US worsted) make 4 chain and draw into a loop with a slipstitch. </center>
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1st round: Work 3ch, followed by 11 tr into the ring and join with a slip stitch to the top of the 3ch at the start of the round:</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK41zkm714cYYgDkenwVMT3fUzyzyC1DyIxqt0KjqC4ERXxVsItwJZ4qCw4Eh9_fowlqyEDJQZpc7BHKCQrh8T73XoshGnNGhuCYO5vaDaWHi4LZTtlFD4Tmt-fNhmHJ2a7KWRU8uZuQ/s1600/20140227_112715_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcK41zkm714cYYgDkenwVMT3fUzyzyC1DyIxqt0KjqC4ERXxVsItwJZ4qCw4Eh9_fowlqyEDJQZpc7BHKCQrh8T73XoshGnNGhuCYO5vaDaWHi4LZTtlFD4Tmt-fNhmHJ2a7KWRU8uZuQ/s1600/20140227_112715_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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2nd round: Join in a new colour, work 3ch then (2tr, 1 ch, 2tr) in between alternate trs on previous row, thus:</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQD3FcWdT2PLfuNuBU_wlkFsc9ItyMZPkLksbdhx22L-Buz1kp9W8JZcfKi14FrhC7Gllf7xvYka1ay4Q7geOsPbeieWFVNQWsdHDzjYYz_6XkfgfCa-Bs7PfLqzKaUyzIJcANU7orRE/s1600/20140227_113123_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQD3FcWdT2PLfuNuBU_wlkFsc9ItyMZPkLksbdhx22L-Buz1kp9W8JZcfKi14FrhC7Gllf7xvYka1ay4Q7geOsPbeieWFVNQWsdHDzjYYz_6XkfgfCa-Bs7PfLqzKaUyzIJcANU7orRE/s1600/20140227_113123_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Continue until you have 6 groups of (2tr, 1 ch, 2tr) and join with a slip stitch into 3ch at start of the round:</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWTlYtLF3Op_yCWGkSeyiguCKlsSLIS7aaOdeUQ8b7RLaqkrWuNXtqX3ROgmn9I07yu8ZZAuaOeSRHRI8g2f1aFTh_UmCjzQhlldvc-A6aAKDEGcwFYmAUFK-YUMepa6rGfpwg2-OunE/s1600/20140227_113341_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWTlYtLF3Op_yCWGkSeyiguCKlsSLIS7aaOdeUQ8b7RLaqkrWuNXtqX3ROgmn9I07yu8ZZAuaOeSRHRI8g2f1aFTh_UmCjzQhlldvc-A6aAKDEGcwFYmAUFK-YUMepa6rGfpwg2-OunE/s1600/20140227_113341_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the hexagon sides and it's six angled 'corners'.</center>
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3rd round: Join in another new colour, work 3ch then 1 tr into the gap between treble cluster on previous round; then work (2tr, 1 ch, 2tr) into the 'corner'. Repeat this all around the edge of the hexagon (2tr on straight edges and the 2tr/1ch/2tr at 'corner' angles) and slip stitch to join the 3ch at start of the round:</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjGLhWwYKsN8BwyGXFAJ15EcEOfA2QEQnvE7xro2-TLJJtHZ5wUgwQhkmYjvd9YzhnQbPI1lvjlQdIpU2jb_gBHn3TjCYBr6t1QJ2vNxaYHF_jqhSFrMNOWJ8Up3Nf7qQAwZ8ClGuTtw/s1600/20140227_113844_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjGLhWwYKsN8BwyGXFAJ15EcEOfA2QEQnvE7xro2-TLJJtHZ5wUgwQhkmYjvd9YzhnQbPI1lvjlQdIpU2jb_gBHn3TjCYBr6t1QJ2vNxaYHF_jqhSFrMNOWJ8Up3Nf7qQAwZ8ClGuTtw/s1600/20140227_113844_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Subsequent rounds: as before, use 2tr into each gap of previous round on the straight sides and 2tr/1ch/2tr at the 'corner' angles</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAipvITMINxOGYM4pPQGaHJCNvjp5W_btqZgD3eI-l8QV4bM7AikFex-dQ5GOysKuQkw7A0eGJQHZ_7PGYby3K0xYTrC75ahUg-sa8HWHQV-47YyLC0CV_WgJh1jDzN8Zc3kePwOQHgL8/s1600/20140227_114317_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAipvITMINxOGYM4pPQGaHJCNvjp5W_btqZgD3eI-l8QV4bM7AikFex-dQ5GOysKuQkw7A0eGJQHZ_7PGYby3K0xYTrC75ahUg-sa8HWHQV-47YyLC0CV_WgJh1jDzN8Zc3kePwOQHgL8/s1600/20140227_114317_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can use as many rounds as you like, to make the hexagon whatever size you want.</div>
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For the final round, I worked 1tr into each gap on the previous round on the straight edges and then at the 'corner' angles I used 1tr/1ch/1tr :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObHxNrqLwTIqV6lgKu1TNB5ySJddZKlHDTvig4iSUkpWBHV3ohgcfMmOo5fz-fXU_WpazLS_Nudcb84Aopvq7QzAsjaxmTMKV5YvtylG0kdw295KkWwkZJrY6g4DY4V8-4IQzOwoknLw/s1600/20140227_120441_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObHxNrqLwTIqV6lgKu1TNB5ySJddZKlHDTvig4iSUkpWBHV3ohgcfMmOo5fz-fXU_WpazLS_Nudcb84Aopvq7QzAsjaxmTMKV5YvtylG0kdw295KkWwkZJrY6g4DY4V8-4IQzOwoknLw/s1600/20140227_120441_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This gives a neat edge for joining the hexagons together. (I crocheted mine together, which gave a raised and textured edge, or you could piece them together by sewing)</div>
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You could do the hexagons in whatever colour pattern you choose (or solid blocks of one colour) but to get the 'stained glass window effect, I always started with white and then several shades of one colour working light to dark and finishing in black. Here's one in several shades of green:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNZ_kgCxZiNZ7cVs6meWiObhOCRTNj-uKTP0alXmZUnT6MamndnFgFGkQCUqhgwT54BZj5NQGeZ8_jZNMbMlyfh22eBpymbKAV8OCRDuJX9P1Q813P2Y3dTk2Ny3k4r4QcYwtdDeJf8w/s1600/20140227_112057_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNZ_kgCxZiNZ7cVs6meWiObhOCRTNj-uKTP0alXmZUnT6MamndnFgFGkQCUqhgwT54BZj5NQGeZ8_jZNMbMlyfh22eBpymbKAV8OCRDuJX9P1Q813P2Y3dTk2Ny3k4r4QcYwtdDeJf8w/s1600/20140227_112057_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope that explains things - really, you can let your imagination run riot with the colour combinations.</div>
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Let me know how you get on!</div>
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<br /></div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-14426586808223568042014-02-02T16:45:00.000+00:002014-11-19T20:56:30.346+00:00The mighty 'mitred' square!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwzyL8xwQRf5z5c1SQp0U0YbQNqMIgT3bEhPFFvQyZUHXuk_MnpAR9hq19xoWYRfZT30QQ7ZJEPTThP7AIMBPArtuRDFUMmtiAooMk8_w9G_VgdnrPQ2V-IGTUOmzzWgMME-InVOk43g/s1600/20140202_161729_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwzyL8xwQRf5z5c1SQp0U0YbQNqMIgT3bEhPFFvQyZUHXuk_MnpAR9hq19xoWYRfZT30QQ7ZJEPTThP7AIMBPArtuRDFUMmtiAooMk8_w9G_VgdnrPQ2V-IGTUOmzzWgMME-InVOk43g/s1600/20140202_161729_resized.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I first came across 'constructional' knitting in a magazine a couple of years ago; learning to make and join 'mitred' squares opened up a whole new world for me and I was quickly addicted! One of the chief bonuses is there are NO seams to sew up! :-)<br />
<br />
I've included some of my square blankets in previous posts ( <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/taddah-blanket-finished.html">here</a> and <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wip-progress-all-nicely-wrapped-up.html">there</a> for example ) but when I was asked by some members of our embryonic church crafting group to explain the technique I decided I needed to do something easy for people to follow! One of the activities we take part in is making blankets for charities worldwide; some of our more 'senior' knitters can only manage to knit the individual squares - these are then sewn up by those of us with more nimble fingers, as we'd like EVERYONE to be able to take part even if they're not able to cope with the growing weight of a blanket. Meanwhile, to save sewing-up, the more 'adventurous' amongst us asked me how to do the construction method.<br />
<br />
So, without wishing to teach any of you experienced knitters out there how to 'suck eggs' (and I know there are other examples out there on the 'web) - here's my first attempt at a tutorial!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-oOo-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
to knit a mitred square<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mitred
squares require an odd number of stitches. For the pictures in this example I used 33 stitches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>(Edited 19/11/14). I've been asked about altering the sizes - the basic rule of thumb is: always cast on an odd number of stitches and always decrease over the central 3 stitches. Using DK yarn, 4mm needles and casting on 55 stitches will yield a 6" square, approx., following the instructions below but using the stitch counts in brackets.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cast on 33 (<b>55</b>) stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1<sup>st</sup> row. K to last st; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2<sup>nd</sup> row. Sl 1, K to last st; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3<sup>rd</sup> row. Sl 1, K to middle 3 sts; (sl 1,
K2tog, PSSO); K to last st; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4<sup>th</sup> row. Sl 1, K to last st; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZhXB4dv5hc_Nln8du2tWI8fWxULnBrHi6gmHA2dpiakKA7ztV9y2x5JaxaazLKzGtlFQDlRypTdMC6x6faNKteFuKt62i16lZWaBkAVE7DZLsdObx3LRSACG5fr3Rs3kvHE3fLF3dSc/s1600/20140127_164120_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZhXB4dv5hc_Nln8du2tWI8fWxULnBrHi6gmHA2dpiakKA7ztV9y2x5JaxaazLKzGtlFQDlRypTdMC6x6faNKteFuKt62i16lZWaBkAVE7DZLsdObx3LRSACG5fr3Rs3kvHE3fLF3dSc/s1600/20140127_164120_resized.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
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</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1038" style="height: 114.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 153pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg_vl6qRKT0Fdg69sO0ZKtw6kEgvOvyI7x4eokbiQ3A5G6ANZ2T09H2zfsDIe5b57vrEb0FqvpRgJe1RIu4LD1AKZoYD2Upfy9O6YdKZ7BbNnmBDRstOnbXFqW6lnsxyVy7-r-O-UF9E/s1600/20140127_192022_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg_vl6qRKT0Fdg69sO0ZKtw6kEgvOvyI7x4eokbiQ3A5G6ANZ2T09H2zfsDIe5b57vrEb0FqvpRgJe1RIu4LD1AKZoYD2Upfy9O6YdKZ7BbNnmBDRstOnbXFqW6lnsxyVy7-r-O-UF9E/s1600/20140127_192022_resized.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Repeat 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> rows until
3 sts remain; after final 4<sup>th</sup> row K remaining 3 sts tog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1036" style="height: 297pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 222.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now you have completed the first square. Well done!
Draw yarn through loop and cut end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBWeji0_HIhX45oFnv9SfLcHKSvrtXukUV3drwUQtBOxHHhuFEw0aakeCJoMBerKXmW27zrHaGiPzfHQh3mvtPjwFz5LYidca82KNj9thIY8kO7BbBzWEMOtCg6c90Vdh4q9hWyYpaIw/s1600/20140127_192436_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBWeji0_HIhX45oFnv9SfLcHKSvrtXukUV3drwUQtBOxHHhuFEw0aakeCJoMBerKXmW27zrHaGiPzfHQh3mvtPjwFz5LYidca82KNj9thIY8kO7BbBzWEMOtCg6c90Vdh4q9hWyYpaIw/s1600/20140127_192436_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To start the 2<sup>nd</sup> square, pick up and knit
17 (<b>28</b>) sts down one side of 1<sup>st</sup> square:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_3qjQDTdNx96JrhwuGgX4D0imW29r1BBCgjctt_67XlHUQ-TWZYNpEfYgg1DI4ROAjEel9-0TYjJw2e5xc-WN6PCxpjopdIkc5XMBKdw8mh2tRI_dVcWgQi-y3Woz8-ylhmeQgZQAU4/s1600/20140127_192710_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_3qjQDTdNx96JrhwuGgX4D0imW29r1BBCgjctt_67XlHUQ-TWZYNpEfYgg1DI4ROAjEel9-0TYjJw2e5xc-WN6PCxpjopdIkc5XMBKdw8mh2tRI_dVcWgQi-y3Woz8-ylhmeQgZQAU4/s1600/20140127_192710_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1035" style="height: 241.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 180.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then continue and cast on 16 (<b>27</b>) more sts. You should
now have 33 (<b>55</b>) sts on needle:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" style="height: 171pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 227.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLZVCH07FJNFKJEgfQJiv-RT6KSbkM7yS5YRveu-YQlA8NNz_p1afUztpYhrtks5OP0UpVLGAc8rI8QWrAxngK8weXOdxN4NOfPNsb2_KWxN-PvWYoySxf_x0SH0oDye0UjJ4kPRqCdg/s1600/20140127_193101_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLZVCH07FJNFKJEgfQJiv-RT6KSbkM7yS5YRveu-YQlA8NNz_p1afUztpYhrtks5OP0UpVLGAc8rI8QWrAxngK8weXOdxN4NOfPNsb2_KWxN-PvWYoySxf_x0SH0oDye0UjJ4kPRqCdg/s1600/20140127_193101_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next row: K to last st.; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now continue to rep 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup>
rows as on previous square until completed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2bKuGluGnLnnSMQ7sHt-FZj6H97g7TuhwTCe1KhLMvVswP7bdDz9K7wv-_lBCMQ7Z3ujqwMQbcSAmMWZuz9y9z2fluo7l1A6VeZPSWoXt9lFoZanBjdBCOT0SsrjLUtFYt0rjw7sg8s/s1600/20140127_194733_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2bKuGluGnLnnSMQ7sHt-FZj6H97g7TuhwTCe1KhLMvVswP7bdDz9K7wv-_lBCMQ7Z3ujqwMQbcSAmMWZuz9y9z2fluo7l1A6VeZPSWoXt9lFoZanBjdBCOT0SsrjLUtFYt0rjw7sg8s/s1600/20140127_194733_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Continue
to add squares until desired width is achieved. You will see that the mid-row
decreases create a diagonal ‘line’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now to create a new row of squares on top!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cast on 16 (<b>27</b>) sts, then pick up 17 (<b>28</b>) sts along edge of
block, like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" style="height: 219.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 293.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image008.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Again, you’ll have 33(<b>55</b>) sts on needle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next row: K to last st.; P1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Continue 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> row
repeats as before and complete the square:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3VB0Ec8OZcB96g7ASNTwU7jP8BoipwZ6BVzNmrhyphenhyphen_0vJ-4Go7-Ff-EsFSj0kERmlKItQf4fQhbn513GRWTo6I-i4ZtMVRbbPmG2IVdhBvlbolpnHO_vyn8gY1SUL6q77NIsQXkevciI/s1600/20140127_201152_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3VB0Ec8OZcB96g7ASNTwU7jP8BoipwZ6BVzNmrhyphenhyphen_0vJ-4Go7-Ff-EsFSj0kERmlKItQf4fQhbn513GRWTo6I-i4ZtMVRbbPmG2IVdhBvlbolpnHO_vyn8gY1SUL6q77NIsQXkevciI/s1600/20140127_201152_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" style="height: 275.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 207pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, 1<sup>st</sup> square was Blue; 2<sup>nd</sup> square was Pink; 3<sup>rd</sup>
square was Green. To make the 4<sup>th</sup> square, this time you’ll be
picking ALL your stitches like this:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From the top left hand side of the green square,
pick up 16 (<b>27</b>) sts; pick up 1 st at the corner of the blue square:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" style="height: 240pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 320.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image010.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">then continue to pick up a further 16 (<b>27</b>) sts along the
adjacent side of the pink square.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK-Pilb-Ujk0-lITTxnvvFrgjWfFeJw61skY9HbRhTmbPPmjemez-4eKRt0bwmN4Ys6Zv6fSPBKdEk7Ti0CBiQPLdmzKW-f4-3Jjl5Z7daETdnKl875dsWAGYaCeOvS1juBsjROHSJms/s1600/20140127_201435_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK-Pilb-Ujk0-lITTxnvvFrgjWfFeJw61skY9HbRhTmbPPmjemez-4eKRt0bwmN4Ys6Zv6fSPBKdEk7Ti0CBiQPLdmzKW-f4-3Jjl5Z7daETdnKl875dsWAGYaCeOvS1juBsjROHSJms/s1600/20140127_201435_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You should now have 33 (<b>55</b>) sts on needle. K to last st;
P1. Continue as before, repeating the original 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup>
row:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_11" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 161.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 215.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 161.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 215.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnarlc5_Om8-nj6JMQ-iq_FEbwsZGs7n27VljHMfAThv7tUpIhtmr8DyTo3rrAcAzEOyx3DDueH_jB0butanfDucAirXsUWqYFXQY4glC_GX2b0Hqq8SVzj7WTZ3DVUF4jR5Q2K6YeAY/s1600/20140127_202258_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnarlc5_Om8-nj6JMQ-iq_FEbwsZGs7n27VljHMfAThv7tUpIhtmr8DyTo3rrAcAzEOyx3DDueH_jB0butanfDucAirXsUWqYFXQY4glC_GX2b0Hqq8SVzj7WTZ3DVUF4jR5Q2K6YeAY/s1600/20140127_202258_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l2BRt-iw4peP70LA1re0m_BJwhiEiFn_wCKA3cZUCWj2eBydst9EfJzxdWVHSWCEWrtf3HmZDLBO4rwytrODXHXd1GhcKqzpw2yHwcvGfio3QoXiq58rNpwYE8sCDnuX7-sej-XN6x0/s1600/20140127_203229_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l2BRt-iw4peP70LA1re0m_BJwhiEiFn_wCKA3cZUCWj2eBydst9EfJzxdWVHSWCEWrtf3HmZDLBO4rwytrODXHXd1GhcKqzpw2yHwcvGfio3QoXiq58rNpwYE8sCDnuX7-sej-XN6x0/s1600/20140127_203229_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you continue in this manner, always adding
squares right to left, you will see that the diagonal ‘lines’ run all in the
same direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to create a diagonal zig-zag with each
new row of squares you just need to alter the direction you add the squares:<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd70LhLzEqekRij8rVaIYfvyru2ta0lExAaRTUJcwE92FLXBbG3YLxob8t6O0BsJv7-RKqkx2e2oKrHSu2fMBgOlBSWNOn7qcaSSJ558H3e8NmLsRtIWeXfvI193tRz-szFFgaGKbHOuE/s1600/20140127_205809_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd70LhLzEqekRij8rVaIYfvyru2ta0lExAaRTUJcwE92FLXBbG3YLxob8t6O0BsJv7-RKqkx2e2oKrHSu2fMBgOlBSWNOn7qcaSSJ558H3e8NmLsRtIWeXfvI193tRz-szFFgaGKbHOuE/s1600/20140127_205809_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 174.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 233.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image013.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This time you’ll be placing your squares left to
right. See pic. above.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start picking up stitches from the right hand side of
the square below (purple) and pick up 17 (28) sts, then cast on a further 16 (<b>27</b>). Now
you have your 33 (<b>55</b>) sts in total, carry on and complete the square. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Repeat the process to add a new square:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Start from
the top right of the green square and pick up 17 (<b>28</b>) sts. Note: the 17<sup>th (<b>28</b>th)</sup> stitch will be picked up from the corner of the square below (purple, in this
case), then continue to pick up a further 16 (<b>27</b>), making 33 (<b>55</b>) sts. in total.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1eBDxR64pSCjfNj4J45tALW0Dy56UcDkLdpD2DPVlxuWyq6e953uB6zbWPPojIcKX0RE2S1haeCrNNyJs_03pnOwhpMioS7jv7Yl-cugSOWvHTiys8P15HDcTAIolOg8haZ1gme0SVk/s1600/20140127_211119_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1eBDxR64pSCjfNj4J45tALW0Dy56UcDkLdpD2DPVlxuWyq6e953uB6zbWPPojIcKX0RE2S1haeCrNNyJs_03pnOwhpMioS7jv7Yl-cugSOWvHTiys8P15HDcTAIolOg8haZ1gme0SVk/s1600/20140127_211119_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 274.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 366pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\Harding\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image014.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you see the change of diagonal direction? Just
alternate between these two methods for each row of squares and you’ll see the
zigzag appear!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-oOo-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There - I hope this explains the technique easily! Picking up and knitting stitches for each new square saves the laborious procedure of sewing the squares together - and if you turn your work over you'll see it also gives a nice smooth finish!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4gwL_Y8wZV4glnCeF5qm5ezlIt-MeXaAJyZeDJGyEd8hXpTBQfvTA18wR66YtxR75nwK5W0LqrZ5ZhsfrPW_P5nGVBbUKfGnPaYtFhYTV3MmxXBs7kyH1olB5eiv5j4yiDf94LSGnw0/s1600/20140202_161836_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4gwL_Y8wZV4glnCeF5qm5ezlIt-MeXaAJyZeDJGyEd8hXpTBQfvTA18wR66YtxR75nwK5W0LqrZ5ZhsfrPW_P5nGVBbUKfGnPaYtFhYTV3MmxXBs7kyH1olB5eiv5j4yiDf94LSGnw0/s1600/20140202_161836_resized.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
The only dilemma with creating blankets in this way is - which colour shall I use next.....! ;-)<br />
<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-22812134199185461292014-01-05T15:52:00.000+00:002014-01-05T15:52:09.275+00:00Fit for a 'princess' !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoL_2wPnl8Sehn-wUpXFdNJXPReDXYijF8q3QHjlpd0lcAdXkuMKzI7rv1jxsjSXabz1Iaq2Ps0FXGxdxBTiKqciUky1iXdKULnrPNzOaS8MjocUNcwPHxeTla-DXSki8SFx3iGSx0Y/s1600/20140104_170652_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoL_2wPnl8Sehn-wUpXFdNJXPReDXYijF8q3QHjlpd0lcAdXkuMKzI7rv1jxsjSXabz1Iaq2Ps0FXGxdxBTiKqciUky1iXdKULnrPNzOaS8MjocUNcwPHxeTla-DXSki8SFx3iGSx0Y/s320/20140104_170652_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I planned a number of projects for the New Year - then another one appeared out of the blue!<br />
<br />
A new baby girl arrived on Jan 2nd for two of my sons friends; he'd tried to buy a few things for the new infant but couldn't find a 'newborn-size' hat.<br />
<br />
So, out came the needles and a ball of appropriate yarn and I quickly set to creating something for a little 'princess' - complete with 'crown'! ;-p<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwnE98qg4Oqi5KPVSjmol9JIiFAVI4WMcNj6BfAdQIOWkcbJNilKI60wdKpoMkA5HvImphcuDbcN3j5cQq2YUAEg6cAkyJIwL7i9hk0iirr-TNjWSTCsm05NSG0E57-Loz4SEkm3X2vU/s1600/20140104_182321_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwnE98qg4Oqi5KPVSjmol9JIiFAVI4WMcNj6BfAdQIOWkcbJNilKI60wdKpoMkA5HvImphcuDbcN3j5cQq2YUAEg6cAkyJIwL7i9hk0iirr-TNjWSTCsm05NSG0E57-Loz4SEkm3X2vU/s320/20140104_182321_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-37856354993605378412014-01-02T19:33:00.000+00:002014-01-02T19:33:27.317+00:00A New Year - and new beginnings!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://susieddesigns.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/rotary-cutter-mat-ruler-large.jpg" width="302" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know the title of this blog refers to 'Knitting' but there are other 'crafty' things I'm interested in. So, I'm looking forward to embarking on new projects in patchwork and quilting (see previous blog-post) and I'm delighted with the tools 'Santa' delivered for me at Christmas! I now have a cutting mat, quilter's ruler and a rotary cutter! :-)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm hoping to pick the brains of some friends at our soon-to-be-formed crafting group at church, plus the 'quiltery people' whose blogs I follow here; hopefully I'll be able to get some pics posted to show progress.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, through this new crafting group, I'll be continuing to knit blankets to be sent out to various charities. Apparently, some of the other knitters haven't come across 'mitred-square' knitting, so I have to give them a demonstration - it's much easier than sitting sewing lots of sqaures together, in my opinion!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other craft things I've been up to recently:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a new kitchen fitted shortly before Christmas (....I've only waited through 33 years of marriage to get to having my FIRST fitted kitchen to MY design rather than making-do with whatever we've inherited in our various house-moves!) </div>
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This, of course meant that all our white-goods/appliances are hidden behind wooden doors - so what to do with our collection of fridge-magnets........?</div>
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Well, I got inventive with punching a couple of holes in the rim of a baking sheet and slotting some wire through by way of hanging up, and voila......</div>
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Another thing I managed to do before Christmas, was to make up a kit I bought at the 'Sewing For Pleasure' show at Birmingham's NEC last Autumn:</div>
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I'd often wondered how these 'pinecones' were made - and now I know! So, I made a few and strung them from a garland:</div>
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I expect we may be making these up for fundraising at our new church craft group.....!<br />
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And back to the kitchen - someone in the family presented us with a new clock for Christmas:<br />
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Rather apt, I say!<br />
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In the meantime - I have 4 more squares to complete on the current blanket, so it's time to get back to the needles!</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-13961244349237823802013-12-12T13:26:00.000+00:002013-12-12T13:26:41.787+00:00A new craft...more ways to spend money!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bramblepatchonline.com/?doing_wp_cron=1386853955.4949550628662109375000">(source)</a></div>
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In the past I've had a go at many different crafts and quilting is no exception! I've done the basic 'block-patchwork' for simple cushion covers and somewhere I have an unfinished attempt at a hexagon-patchwork piece.....!<br />
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However, some friends (I shall call them 'friends', anyway, despite the fact that are leading me astray!) took me to a local <a href="https://thebramblepatch.co.uk/">'quiltery' place</a> this morning and now I am well and truly smitten! I foresee many hours drooling over fat-quarters and much parting with money......<br />
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I will try to curtail any over-ambitious projects, and maybe post a few 'results' here in the coming months. In the meantime, here are a few photos of some of the quilts on show, a special exhibition of work by 'students' from classes at this shop and other entrants.<br />
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(with apologies, I do not have the names to credit the creators; also the photo-quality is not great - lighting conditions and being snapped by phone is not ideal! )<br />
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I saved my favourite until last - it got my 'vote'!</div>
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<br />SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-55975822686814084552013-10-19T13:46:00.000+01:002013-10-19T13:46:21.984+01:00More socks - and shawls!<div>
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After commenting about the luxurious feel of hand-knitted socks, while on holiday in New England, I offered to create some for coz and his wife. So, one of my first projects when I got home was to hunt out the dpns and get on...<div>
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<img alt="Photo: Ha-ha! The socks actually match! (2 rows to go ;-p)" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/p480x480/1382263_610541362321837_1406387661_n.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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(and they actually match!)</div>
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Next, the shawl - coz's wife selected the yarn and I agreed to knit it for her (she's more into crochet!). Here it is, blocking out:</div>
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<img alt="Photo: Shawl blocking - has to be done - will it look this good when the pins come out.....?" height="300" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/p480x480/1392479_610307015678605_217432304_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I was so impressed with the pattern - I grabbed a hank of yarn I picked up while 'across the pond' and set to, creating my own version:</div>
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....Indeed I do love this yarn!</div>
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It's absolutely wonderful to work with - but I can't seem to buy it here in the UK :-( </div>
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-oOo-</div>
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I spent some time yesterday trying to re-organise my 'craft-space' (ie. the reclaimed bedroom from my son!) It has become somewhat a dumping ground - one day it will be wonderful - but for now I have my own little place to play! </div>
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A relative gave me a bag of 'treasure' when I visited recently - now decanted into two glass jars:</div>
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They must be quite old, as they are solid wood bobbins! I wonder what I can use them on......</div>
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.....and in the midst of tidying up and allocating space for things I pressed</div>
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a recent 'regal' souvenir into service, too!</div>
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SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545339912951168553.post-31520298521599136222013-09-14T13:49:00.000+01:002013-09-14T13:49:10.529+01:00Back from the 'colonies' - with a big bag of booty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lKEq0YMr2JZtBLzJ241Vz-NijlB4PDsASDfWuvEko53xCZz_ZQkVmaMu88eOLUT236ikGSJoNYFmaLKafQRCFk6c8aWKN8OQ4khJkgb1FiS_cjb2X0UCO_hwwo853G6E6_qGKkbyrls/s1600/20130912_141542_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lKEq0YMr2JZtBLzJ241Vz-NijlB4PDsASDfWuvEko53xCZz_ZQkVmaMu88eOLUT236ikGSJoNYFmaLKafQRCFk6c8aWKN8OQ4khJkgb1FiS_cjb2X0UCO_hwwo853G6E6_qGKkbyrls/s320/20130912_141542_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Earlier this week <a href="http://www.goplacidly.com/">DD</a> and I got back from our trip to New England - <a href="http://irefusetogoquietly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/from-old-to-new-england-that-is.html">see my other blog</a>. As I mentioned previously, I'd been clearing projects out of the way in readiness for utilising all the the things I planned to purchase! We went with half-empty cases in anticipation of bringing back a few bits and pieces - and boy, did we!<br />
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High on the list of priorities was a trip to <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a> - which we'd discovered for the first time on our last visit to the cousins in New Hampshire. As my cousin's wife is keen on crafting it didn't take much arm-twisting to get her to take us to the nearest store.<br />
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Only half-way round the shop!</div>
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There was just so much on offer we trundled up and down the aisles gawping at everything - there was much 'ooooh-ing' and 'aaahhhh-ing' I can tell you! Back here in the UK we don't have stores on this scale; <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/">Hobbycraft</a> , bless it, is teeny compared to Michaels.</div>
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But even better was yet to come - when we were told about <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/home.cfm">Hobby Lobby</a> ! This out-did even Michaels - a quick visit 'just to look' turned into several hours and parting with many $$$$$s!</div>
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Inspecting some of our bounty!</div>
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Getting all the bags and packages out of our luggage was fun, reliving the joy all over again. :-)</div>
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The range of yarn on offer was gobsmacking! These I bought a with no particular</div>
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projects in mind - just loved the colours:</div>
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There are patterns printed on the inside of the ball bands so I may try out anything suitable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI4vQpkZ7rE93udlPhf2y7nfYAJqHgCRrB1tC1mzwQsv6510iu4t85owAHit-p_3-nZbl1gKDToiIzO4nwz9YEM2hg7y-cY1KweuA9X-gDADwdRD8V9E2xFzsv48bvnfexMFaMLIzE3o/s1600/20130914_130641_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI4vQpkZ7rE93udlPhf2y7nfYAJqHgCRrB1tC1mzwQsv6510iu4t85owAHit-p_3-nZbl1gKDToiIzO4nwz9YEM2hg7y-cY1KweuA9X-gDADwdRD8V9E2xFzsv48bvnfexMFaMLIzE3o/s320/20130914_130641_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coz's wife is more into crochet, so I volunteered to knit her a scarf/shawl</div>
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as per the pattern on these two balls</div>
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A couple of patterns in this book caught my attention - the yarn is a mohair/wool/acrylic mix</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmWPogR4W9dCuHiU3pfCgMdQxcqotEX4PZkspbLET0NOmkFNMZwfP1A5JMnT7CUsH6kS2GELZeHJaXiGRQKHDOJxwmvlgot0zXnEXlJzCiMr_tnBMdhniykM5DNPtQYYfwgmlt6-pxF8/s1600/20130914_130808_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmWPogR4W9dCuHiU3pfCgMdQxcqotEX4PZkspbLET0NOmkFNMZwfP1A5JMnT7CUsH6kS2GELZeHJaXiGRQKHDOJxwmvlgot0zXnEXlJzCiMr_tnBMdhniykM5DNPtQYYfwgmlt6-pxF8/s320/20130914_130808_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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There was a request for socks from coz and wife - but this particular yarn is just for me! ;-)</div>
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A selection of pattern books - Bavarian Crochet is new to me,</div>
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so I'm looking forward to seeing what that entails!</div>
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Couldn't resist this cross-stitch kit of a typical New England lighthouse. Although, I don't know when I shall get around to starting it - given the <a href="http://knittingassassin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/mustnt-get-cross-about-cross-stitch.html">other</a> cross-stitch project already sitting in the queue!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghto62l8GBNwMLRO7GxOu8jSq4U16hM9mMuqZqEEVyzecdn29IZmnexOPhbaSsoVHGM0C8BwrcnBmgPpQoQTUnfVQrRRPyroiA6oQS4JsMC605GSMeGPYkfcCHSylJp4gx0QEY9JKYk6k/s1600/20130914_131026_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghto62l8GBNwMLRO7GxOu8jSq4U16hM9mMuqZqEEVyzecdn29IZmnexOPhbaSsoVHGM0C8BwrcnBmgPpQoQTUnfVQrRRPyroiA6oQS4JsMC605GSMeGPYkfcCHSylJp4gx0QEY9JKYk6k/s320/20130914_131026_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Couldn't turn my back on this little trio of miniature birdhouses, either! I have plans to paint them up in contrasting shades of the colours of my new kitchen (coming soon!)</div>
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Last, but not least - I bought this in a Christmas decoration store. Can you believe it - whole stores selling just Christmas decorations - all year round!</div>
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(....should I change my blog-name, I wonder......?)</div>
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So many projects, so many possibilities - where shall I begin.....</div>
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:-)</div>
SueHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11394307650434614637noreply@blogger.com4