tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21719565067488790632011-04-21T11:07:47.180-07:00A gem of a knitting blogJeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-4641904649558136412008-11-04T13:08:00.000-08:002008-11-04T13:48:00.340-08:00

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-9753309779425506772008-09-01T11:30:00.000-07:002008-09-01T15:08:08.189-07:00

What do you do when the Shout Gel (a nursery necessity) tends to live, unsafely, on the edge of the crib because it's close to the hamper there?You knit it a little hammock, of course!Problem solved.Okay, well that's a fairly lame FO, but its creation was something of a revelation because I knit about half of it while nursing the baby.It helped me realize that given the right type of project (

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-85712586864809006892008-06-24T13:45:00.000-07:002008-06-24T14:41:59.316-07:00

Just a quick post to say I'm still here and we're doing great. Minnie Purl is an angel. She's taking it really easy on her poor parents. Maybe she knows how terrified I was of this whole parenting thing and has taken it upon herself to show me just how much fun it can be.We have a great time hanging out together, smiling, talking, playing games. I have so much fun with her that I haven't done

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-21891615560751744662008-04-22T14:24:00.001-07:002008-04-22T14:39:56.642-07:00

Born Saturday April 19th at 7:12am Pacific time. 7lbs, 12 oz and 21". We're back home now and everyone is doing great!Just minutes old.Just after first bath at the hospital.Sooo tired, but very happy.Happy to be home.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-2387344167829449042008-04-15T17:42:00.000-07:002008-04-15T18:28:26.384-07:00

Today is my due date. It's also tax day. We sent our taxes last week, but our little deduction has yet to make an appearance. Saw the doctor today and he says everything looks good and it won't be much longer now. God love him, he also said he thinks it'll be a pretty fast birth. Even if he's just saying that to make me feel better, I don't care, it was nice to hear.Meanwhile, some

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-57897395743745886122008-04-08T18:22:00.001-07:002008-04-08T20:03:03.754-07:00

My official due date is one week from today.I suspect this baby will come sometime after her due date, but the reality that it could actually happen at any moment is starting to sink in. I have such a weird mixture of feelings. I'm getting pretty uncomfortable and I'm tired darn near all the time. So in that respect, I'm really looking forward to once again being the sole occupant of this body

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-75775323204995726432008-04-06T13:36:00.000-07:002008-04-06T17:40:45.298-07:00

As a thank you for using him on the sale and purchase of our houses, our real estate agent gave us a two night stay at the Montage in Laguna Beach. Holy crap, you guys, this place was sa-weeet!Our balconyThe view from our balconyWe went down on Thursday and came back Saturday. It was a heavenly little getaway for Chris and me. We soaked up enjoying a last vacation as just a twosome.It's

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-89847429351576276692008-03-26T17:45:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:23:38.334-07:00

Man, I'm feeling inarticulate. I've just typed, like, seven different starts to this post - each one less sensible than the last. I think the solution is to fall back on some good ol' photos. Let's go with my Hemlock Ring Blanket, shall we?Despite having received a funny and sweet comment on Ravelry from someone begging me not to block it - I did block it. Well, I already had blocked it by the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-16719914044383573192008-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:002008-03-22T12:11:37.312-07:00

Sock Madness 2 has started and it's just as much fun as last year! The first pattern, Zombie Socks, was released Thursday 3/13 and the race was on.I had told myself that I would not knit at the same all-out frantic pace of last year and I stuck to that - a bit. I allowed myself plenty of breaks but they wound up being only for the essentials (eating, showering, sleeping, walks, watching Lost on

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-12446037731503282192008-03-12T20:14:00.001-07:002008-03-12T20:36:02.521-07:00

My baby shower was this weekend. It was wonderful! I think it's safe to say that Minnie Purl now has more clothes than I do. Anyway, all the excitement and having family in town for five days has left me kind of exhausted. Sock Madness 2 starts tomorrow and I need to conserve energy. Therefore, I'm going to rely pretty exclusively on pictures for this post. I did get some buttons sewn on my

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-88187432048233648502008-03-05T07:56:00.001-08:002008-03-05T08:30:40.602-08:00

So here's a scenario which has played out numerous times over the last few months at Casa de Golden Purl:Interior - Chris and I sit side by side at our respective computers.Chris: (Pauses typing to blow on his hands and rub them briskly together. Glances over at me. Resumes typing.)Me: (Obliviously, continues blog surfing.)Chris: (blows on hands.) Are you cold?Me: Huh? Cold? Nah...I'm

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-66158064695921087512008-02-23T17:01:00.001-08:002008-02-23T20:03:27.612-08:00

The Hemlock Ring baby blanket came off the needles yesterday and I finished weaving in the ends today. It just needs a really good, severe blocking.This blanket could have been finished a lot faster but with all the craziness of the move, I didn't get to work on it as often as I normally would have. Also, I had a bit of a situation deciding when to bind off.I had worked through row 65 of

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-73975437694505996412008-02-21T08:54:00.000-08:002008-02-23T17:06:04.691-08:00

One of the greatest blessings in my life is that I had a very happy, secure childhood. My parents were happily married and worked hard to provide a loving, nurturing environment for my brother and me. In my heart and memory that warm, stable environment is inextricably linked to the house we lived in when I was young. I lived in the same house from birth until I left for college. It was my

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-90066229144084301092008-01-25T10:34:00.000-08:002008-01-25T15:08:22.074-08:00

Oblique needs buttons.I still wear it often, though.It sure is cozy.Hemlock Ring Blanket,Bigger on the circulars,Looks like a white blob.Rain is pouring down.Futile or optimisticTo blow dry my hair?We move in one week!Too busy for a "real" post.Be back soon, I hope.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-27033758368759404172008-01-16T07:24:00.000-08:002008-01-16T17:21:28.127-08:00

My Oblique is all done except for buttons! Even without the buttons, I love it and wear it all the time. As soon as I make a run to my favorite button place and get those suckers attached, I'll take and post pictures.In the meantime, I've started a Hemlock Ring Blanket in some white Cashsoft DK to use as a baby blanket for Minnie Purl.Doesn't look like much right now, but it'll get there.I also

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-72427297682414892382008-01-08T09:50:00.000-08:002008-01-08T10:37:35.715-08:00

All major Oblique pieces have been blocked.I picked up and knit the button bands for the fronts before blocking the pieces.I modified the sleeves to omit the folded back cuff. Instead I just did the twisted ribbing for the same length as the hems. It looks like this:I had two big reasons for changing the cuff this way. The first was that I don't particularly want the extra bulk of a folded

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-30849556204323714342008-01-03T09:36:00.001-08:002008-01-03T11:13:47.146-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!For my first post of 2008, I'm going to talk about some 2007 knitting I somehow failed to blog until now.Over the summer, I became quite enchanted with Valerie's wonderful Presto Chango pattern. I went on something of a jag, actually.The top left one was knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton in Nut. The middle right one was knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Stone. The

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-38857661247644473362007-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:002007-12-23T06:45:48.394-08:00

These are not sleeves.These are three pairs of Fetching mitts.Posed by the chimney with care.I know I said I wasn't going to do any Christmas knitting (other than one, single sock for my Mom, which I did finish, by the way.) But sleeve procrastination, remembering three people on my gift list, finding the perfect yarn in my stash, and an unwillingness to battle the mall led me to knit

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-40299275895585172502007-12-19T15:51:00.000-08:002007-12-19T16:40:51.994-08:00

I was e mailing with Margaret (who is making fabulous mittens - go check 'em out) a few days ago and told her I feared I would get distracted from knitting the sleeves for my Oblique by a pair of stranded mittens.While I can honestly say I have not cast on a pair of mittens, I must admit to succumbing to the distraction.I remembered some yarn in my stash which might just be perfect for something

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-48372601036719365182007-12-13T09:20:00.001-08:002007-12-13T13:20:21.193-08:00

Still chugging along on Oblique, despite some setbacks.Setback the first happened at the raglan shaping on the back. The pattern tells you where to put the decreases at the edges but simply tells you to "work in pattern" to the next edge. It pretty much figures you're smart enough to handle working raglan decreases across the slanting lace stitches. Evidently, I'm not. Or at least I wasn't

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-21309463940613847902007-12-07T10:40:00.000-08:002007-12-07T15:25:05.523-08:00

Due to my first trimester blog hiatus, I never told you guys that I went to England. In October, my grandmother (who lives in Bournemouth) had her 90th birthday. My mom threw a big party and the whole family gathered from far and wide to celebrate.Gaggy, as I call my grandma, said she didn't want any presents. She's 90. She lives in a fairly small flat. She pretty much has all the stuff she

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-51459713778237831232007-12-04T16:31:00.000-08:002007-12-04T18:05:50.928-08:00

Normally, I'm a very diligent second sock knitter. However a recent confluence of events has me knitting only single socks. I gotta say, I rather enjoy it.About a month ago, the talented and generous Whitney sent me this adorable project bag.Inside was one Tabi Sock from Knitting Classic Style as well as the pattern and enough yarn so that I could knit the second sock to complete the pair.I was

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-87997019246571887762007-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:002007-11-30T09:05:21.175-08:00

It's been a long time since I did one of these.Here are pictures from our recent trip to Hawaii featuring three things for which I am a sucker: palm trees, the ocean and sailboats.Have a great weekend everyone!

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-51716508523477151742007-11-27T11:22:00.000-08:002007-11-27T15:02:56.611-08:00

Well, Thanksgiving is over and we're back home from a wonderful vacation. We went to Hawaii where we met up with some of Chris' family and had an amazing time together. It wasn't my idea of a traditional Thanksgiving, but I loved every second of it and could definitely see doing it again.The view from our hotel room. There was a park, then the beach and ocean.The day before we left, we had

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-68815152045078362272007-11-15T10:00:00.001-08:002007-11-15T15:02:24.335-08:00

As promised, I will now explain why I fell off the face of the blogosphere back in August: Chris and I are expecting our first child in April.A picture of the "seed purl" taken at 11 weeks, 3 days.On the right side of the picture is the head and face in profile. The brightish blob on the top-leftish side is a hand.We found out I'm pregnant on August 9th, our fourth wedding anniversary. There I

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-16298492262097935032007-11-13T16:58:00.001-08:002007-11-13T20:23:04.874-08:00

Hi there. Remember me? No? I totally forgive you. I hardly remember myself, I've been gone for so long. In my next post (which hopefully won't be, like, months from now) I'll tell you all about why I disappeared from blogland and why it's taken me so long to get back.But first things first.Right before pulling my little disappearing act, I ran a blog contest. I asked to hear about dates

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-63127595675215565792007-09-16T13:18:00.000-07:002007-09-16T14:59:04.124-07:00

Yeesh, I haven't posted in a month. Bad blogger! I don't especially feel like making excuses for my bloggy failings, so I'll just say I've been trapped under something heavy this whole time.I haven't forgotten about my contest. I am thrilled to pieces over how many responses I got. Thank you all so much for participating! And super big thanks to those who linked to my contest on their blogs.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-8441178747457191222007-08-13T09:47:00.001-07:002007-08-13T11:44:23.512-07:00

...And if you want to enhance your stash, be sure to check out my contest.Before I get into this (and "this" is a lot to get into), I forgot something yesterday. I meant to mention my (very minor) modifications to the Loksins! pattern. I did a 2 x 2 ribbed cuff and I grafted the last 12 stitches on the toe, instead of gathering up and cinching the last 8 stitches.I feel better now. Moving

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-87111437787313327542007-08-12T17:41:00.000-07:002007-08-12T19:04:00.230-07:00

...And if you like socks, remember I'm giving away lots of sock yarn in my contest. If sock yarn ain't your thang, there's some cashmere to be won, too.Finished Zarina n0-pattern socks. The last time these socks were seen here was what? Like a month ago? And all that needed to be done was for me to graft the second toe. Well, if you can believe it, I only grafted those stitches yesterday.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-52121162839134894642007-08-10T14:22:00.000-07:002007-08-10T19:46:34.439-07:00

I'm loving the contest entries. There are some really beautiful stories in there. Keep 'em coming. The contest is open all month.The other day, my Bee Fields Shawl kit arrived from Wooly Wonka Fibers. I ordered the Tupelo Gold colorway. I gotta say, the gorgeousness of this colorway is very high on the list of reasons I'm attracted to this shawl.I was so enthralled with the beauty and

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-18029195238634028862007-08-04T15:13:00.000-07:002007-09-04T10:31:06.666-07:00

Forgive me friends, for I have been slacking off. It's been three weeks since my last post. But I'm about to make it up to you with a contest. Prizes and all.Today is my six month blogiversary. Later this month, Chris and I celebrate our four year wedding anniversary. These two dates are the inspiration for my contest.I want to hear what dates are important to YOU.But before I get into the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-4920358745917382732007-07-14T11:12:00.001-07:002007-07-14T14:17:36.823-07:00

So, my Mom is visiting for a month. She'll be here through the end of July. It's wonderful that she's here for a good long visit, but I feel discombobulated, thrown off my regular knitting slash blogging activities.Instead of my usual, quiet knitting time, my mom and I have been chatting, shopping, watching movies, eating out. Now, I can (and do) knit through such activities but I can only

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-46774854967260215252007-07-13T08:28:00.001-07:002007-07-13T08:37:50.196-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!I'm going to try for an actual, knitting-related post over the weekend. See you then, I hope.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-47322443085111802322007-07-06T09:46:00.001-07:002007-07-06T10:19:49.952-07:00

The Pacific. As seen from The Cliff House in San Francisco.Have a great weekend.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-80993957693131749352007-07-05T11:49:00.001-07:002007-07-06T10:23:44.425-07:00

Hey look. A sock!Did it work? Did I distract you from elaborating on my title?Oh, fine. I'll fess up.Since finishing Mom's Shawl, I seem to be only starting projects. Not so much finishing.There are the two Presto Chango's which are only a little bit further along then when last seen. I'm only on the foot of the first Loksins! (the one that toured San Francisco with me). I cast on for

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-64684317223812921172007-06-30T16:25:00.000-07:002007-07-06T10:22:45.870-07:00

Hiya! Sorry for the long blog silence.Well, let's dive right into getting (more or less) caught up. I've been silent lately because I had a while of very busy work. Thankfully, everything went smoothly and pleasantly. It was just very, very busy, leaving no time for blogging. Immediately after that, Chris and I went on a five day trip to San Francisco. (More on that later.) I don't own a

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-47216412173610358352007-06-11T10:02:00.001-07:002007-07-06T10:21:31.502-07:00

I started one of Valerie's Presto Changos.I was having so much fun, I started another one.The lace panel on the left is Blue Sky Organic Cotton in Nut. The panel on the right is Blue Sky Dyed Cotton but I don't know which color because Sadie ate the ball band.I am loving this pattern. The Blue Sky Cotton is as wonderful as it always is. This is such a fun, satisfying knit that I can envision

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-12637621836299304792007-06-09T08:33:00.001-07:002007-06-09T11:27:49.094-07:00

The Diamond Fantasy Shawl for my Mom is finished.See the beads on the tip of the shawl?Here's a better look.I wanted just a tiny, little touch of something extra. I'm shooting for the four beads to echo the diamond motif.Before I forget, Margaret requested blocking pictures. And, well, I aim to please.This next picture is for Christene, the charming, goof-enabler at SheepsPyjamas.Pattern:

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-75060293055385463612007-06-05T14:53:00.001-07:002007-06-05T15:12:38.308-07:00

Mom's shawl is off the needles and blocking. It should be dry in time to overnight for a punctual arrival. Woo Hoo!Thanks for all the encouragement and cheering! It really helped. Eight and a half repeats was the final score.Whatevs shall I cast on now? This Koigu (color P508, I think) seems quite tempting. I think it wants to be the Spiral Boot Socks from Summer '07 IK. 'Course, I gotta

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-86053745045341214092007-06-03T10:23:00.000-07:002007-06-03T11:35:23.118-07:00

Dudes. This shawl is messing with my head.On Friday, I finished the seventh pattern repeat and was feeling confident that eight repeats would give me a healthy size. But, thought I, what if blocking the shawl makes it grow more than I anticipate? Maybe, just maybe, I'll get lucky and seven repeats will be enough.So, before proceeding to the top finishing, I slipped it off the needles and onto

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-87408271281666620652007-06-01T08:56:00.001-07:002007-06-01T09:09:58.248-07:00

I'm craving red.I adore how sunlight on a Japanese Maple illuminates the underside of the leaves so they shine bright red.Ahhh...now I can go back to the blue shawl.(I'm feeling optimistic about finishing on time, btw.)Have a great weekend everyone!

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-35258546162390457232007-05-31T11:00:00.000-07:002007-05-31T11:46:27.081-07:00

It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: Knitters are some of the most warm-hearted and generous people around.In that spirit, I would like to bring your attention to some fundraising Valerie is doing.Please go look at this post on her blog.Valerie’s daughter is a cancer survivor. I’m not a parent so I can only imagine the terror and heartbreak of watching your darling baby fight cancer.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-63601869103910168842007-05-29T13:28:00.000-07:002007-05-29T14:20:39.499-07:00

Deadline knitting. I'm making a Diamond Fantasy Shawl for my Mom's birthday. Her birthday is coming up right quick, but that's not the only reason I feel like I need to buckle down and get this thing finished ASAP. Other contributing factors to my growing panic are my desire to make this rather large, along with my not knowing how many pattern repeats it's going to take to reach this

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-74521357648984392762007-05-24T10:45:00.000-07:002007-05-24T13:48:17.433-07:00

Let me take you back to Spring '06, to my pre-blogging days...The Knitting Olympics had recently wrapped up. Crash had just won the Oscar for best picture of the year. When you turned on the radio, you heard "You're Beautiful" by James Blunt or "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter. Early footage of Snakes on a Plane was hitting the internet. Speculation over the veracity of Suri Cruise's birth was

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-55431086419979619592007-05-22T15:14:00.000-07:002007-05-23T13:34:45.831-07:00

Pattern: Mad for Fair Isle, Batik StyleDesigner: Tina LorinYarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Spanish Moss and NaturalNeedles: US 1 (2.25mm) DPN'sMods: None, really. I shortened the toe a bit but that hardly counts as a mod.(Edited To Add: The pattern calls for a row of purl stitches down each side of the foot. I knit those stitches thereby eliminating the column of purls.)New Techniques

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-80616972906732935732007-05-18T08:28:00.001-07:002007-05-18T16:55:10.661-07:00

I had the idea for these dewdrop pictures last week, but didn't have the camera handy at the time. So I have to credit Ruth with beating me to it.I thought about not posting these at all because I don't want to seem like a copy cat. But then I remembered we all enjoy looking at pictures of the same knitting pattern knit by different people. We each bring a piece of our own personality to

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-20553521738702834712007-05-16T14:25:00.000-07:002007-05-16T14:49:23.572-07:00

I’ve been tagged by Rosemary.Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write on their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog.My 7 Random Facts:1. I was

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-24602723599071990792007-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:002007-05-14T16:25:20.702-07:00

Ali is having a fun contest. Ali is a knitting dynamo, an incredibly talented knitwear designer, mother of six and all-around sweetheart. Those reasons alone should have you interested in her blog, her contest is the proverbial icing.She's giving away copies of this pattern, which she designed. The first place winner will also receive 4 hanks of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton, in any color

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-27947379619791700882007-05-10T15:28:00.000-07:002007-05-10T17:39:33.589-07:00

I had a little on-line yarn buying incident a few days ago. Punching in my info, I say, "Mailman, bring it!" A few days later, mailman says, "Oh, it is so broughten!"All of the following goodies are from Fearless Fibers. This is my first time buying from Fearless Fibers and I have to say it was a wonderful experience with very thorough, friendly and quick service. They have beautiful, well

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-41853137940047968242007-05-08T14:45:00.000-07:002007-05-08T17:46:35.496-07:00

Have you seen the latest Sock Madness Pattern? Go on, click this link, you gotta check it out! It's another pattern from sock designer extraodinaire Tina. The same Tina who designed the Mad Color Weave socks.This anklet sock is knit using the Fair Isle technique of stranding yarn. But the pattern itself is not a traditional Fair Isle. Instead, it was inspired by Batik fabric from Indonesia.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-64705789802672941752007-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:002007-05-06T12:17:22.910-07:00

Alternate Title: Hurts So GoodI did it. I finished the Mad To Dance socks before the round six pattern was released. Whew!We went to a morning showing of Spiderman 3 on Friday. (Yes, we are geeky enough to go to a morning show.) I knew the new pattern would land in my inbox while we were out, so I really wanted to finish the socks before leaving for the theater.I sneaked in just under the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-29888485887151196092007-05-04T15:52:00.000-07:002007-05-04T15:58:18.037-07:00

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-46354559962020702472007-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:002007-05-03T13:47:08.748-07:00

The next Sock Madness pattern (round six) comes out tomorrow. I'd like to finish the round five pattern first. They're called "Mad to Dance". Here's my progress as of about five minutes ago:Actually, I'm further behind than it looks because as I was slipping these on, I notice the need for some major tinking. It won't be the first major tinking episode I've had with these socks.These are

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-82702724332396351062007-04-27T10:54:00.000-07:002007-04-27T11:08:30.221-07:00

I can't promise Eye Candy Friday every week, but if I've got something I deem worthy, I'll share.Like this picture I took a few days ago, outside my house, around 4pm. That white spot in the sky is, indeed, the moon.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-64156658757373765182007-04-25T16:32:00.000-07:002007-04-25T19:54:11.446-07:00

Thank you guys for all the encouragement to press on with my cable cardi. I've been working on it a little bit and have made some progress on those pesky sleeves. My biggest concern/problem/hinderance was fear of mangling the shaping of the sleeve cap. Ali very kindly pointed me to this cool knitty article. And Margaret had a brilliant suggestion to put in a lifeline right before starting

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-66365363426304726792007-04-23T11:35:00.000-07:002007-04-23T13:00:20.004-07:00

Pattern: Mad Color Weave, Round Four of Sock MadnessDesigner: Tina LorinYarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cabin Fever ColorwayNeedles: US 1 (2.25mm) Aluminum DPN'sMods: Made smaller by using 66 stitches instead of the 74 called for by the pattern. Using the lower stitch count got me a little confused at the heel turn. I just kind of "winged it" while trying to maintain the spirit of the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-43029301938099568142007-04-19T13:47:00.000-07:002007-04-19T14:15:11.356-07:00

I've finished the first of the Mad Color Weave socks. It's posing here with my new knitting mascot. This frog was a gift selected for me by my four year old nephew. He's four. He has no idea how perfect it is to give a knitter a frog. But he's clearly got some serious gift picking mojo developing.I'm hoping by making this frog the mascot of my knitting (live with the stash, hang out with me

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-39002431413866553392007-04-16T11:25:00.000-07:002007-04-16T13:35:32.035-07:00

Round Four of Sock Madness has been a great spectator's race. Lots of excitement, drama, amazing gallantry, thrilling highs, crushing lows and creamy middles.I've been slowly knitting along on the sidelines. I'm currently creeping my way through the first heel flap.Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cabin Fever Colorway. I'm lovin' this colorway. I think I'll be keeping these socks for me.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-1127778597266740132007-04-15T12:36:00.000-07:002007-04-15T13:02:52.921-07:00

I finally finished the Painted Madness socks (round three pattern from Sock Madness)Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Tuscany colorwayNeedles: US 1 (2.25mm) aluminum DPN'sDesigner: Tricia WeatherstonMods: Made 'em smaller. I started with 11 garter stitch points for 66 stitches on the cuff, decreased down to 60 stitches for the ribbing and decreased further down to 56 stitches for the foot.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-55626926545766263492007-04-12T13:53:00.000-07:002007-04-12T18:22:23.548-07:00

Living in Los Angeles, where we just barely have seasons, I sometimes say that one can lose track of the time of year, the way you lose track of the days of the week when you're on vacation.Recently, I've had cause to believe the (almost) lack of seasons has possibly encouraged my internal, passage-of-time clock to become actually more sensitive.The sweater I'm about to show-and-tell is a case in

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-41133658534627899132007-04-11T17:47:00.000-07:002007-04-11T17:55:13.166-07:00

I'm back home, alive and in one piece.I'll have a proper post tomorrow. But I've been in front of the computer all day and now I think it's time to grab some knitting and get in front of the TV.(All this sitting and snacking...how am I not 700lbs?)

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-59471411731565892542007-04-03T11:33:00.000-07:002007-04-03T16:59:19.192-07:00

I've come down with a cold and my head is fuzzier than a mohair angora blend. Given this state, I'm afraid the best I can do today is a random, list-style post.A) Thank you so much for all of the wonderful tips, suggestions, and advise about pattern writing. I really appreciate the input. All of it was very helpful. You people are smart! B) I finished the item necessitating the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-21650243027365966422007-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:002007-03-28T20:04:39.945-07:00

Continuing yesterday's list of reasons to keep knitting the Sock Madness sock patterns, here is...6. (Final reason) I'm afraid that without the Mad socks, this blog might get a little boring for a while. Hopefully, Sock Madness socks will provide blog fodder through what otherwise threatens to be a dry spell. I do have two other projects right now but after this post, it might be a while

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-80715247128540162007-03-27T09:06:00.000-07:002007-03-27T14:21:43.895-07:00

Eventually, I finished the Madtini socks.Before Sock Madness started, I wondered if I would keep knitting the sock patterns after being eliminated from the competition.At this point (post-elimination), I'm leaning towards YES, I will keep knitting the patterns.Here are the reasons why:1. I have plenty of sock yarn. In addition to the yarn I purchased in preparation for Sock Madness, I might

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-43633422148119657162007-03-24T12:17:00.000-07:002007-03-24T21:47:25.255-07:00

I'm out of Sock Madness.Before I tell you more, you must go check out the poem Cindy wrote for Round Two Eve. Hilarious!I was up against the formidable Jo for round 2 and she has won the race. There is a beautiful symmetry to this. Jo was the one who got me into Sock Madness so there's no one I'd rather have take me out.I'll also mention that Jo was first to finish in our division and in the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-47625535330961126592007-03-21T19:27:00.000-07:002007-03-21T21:15:17.578-07:00

There's been a lively discussion today at And She Knits Too! and January One about the relationship between blogging and comments. It was interesting for me to examine my own feelings on the subject as well as to hear what other people had to say. I may write more about that later, but that's not really the point of this post.The point of this post is that since the very first comment I

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-91117487470347409092007-03-21T14:57:00.000-07:002007-03-21T17:06:20.222-07:00

Sock Madness Round 2 starts tomorrow.I'm competing against Jo. She and I have decided to just have fun with round 2 and be happy no matter what the result.I was surprised by how competitive I got in round 1. But it's hard to muster up a desire to crush your opponent when you really like her. When she's someone as charming as Jo. When she was the one who tipped you off to Sock Madness in the

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-48915803140692843822007-03-18T13:51:00.000-07:002007-03-18T14:14:35.921-07:00

I hope you had a happy St. Patrick's Day!Even my yarn wanted to be Irish.Happy knitting, everyone.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-79916541771737698332007-03-15T13:08:00.000-07:002007-03-15T16:30:38.879-07:00

For some time now, I've been meaning to knit a sweater for my wonderful husband, Chris. It hasn't been going very well.I bought the yarn nearly a year ago. I got Rowan Calmer in black. I chose this yarn because:A) It's mostly cotton (75% cotton, 25% microfiber, to be precise). While I love working with a buttery smooth merino as much as the next knitter, we live in LA where there is very

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-60863896140190620802007-03-13T15:58:00.000-07:002007-07-08T10:44:52.498-07:00

Mayrav has very generously agreed to take the Mad Cow socks.I knit these socks for speed, not for quality and boy howdy does it show. So what to do with socks which do not represent my best work?If I keep them for myself, their suckiness will perpetually taunt me. But how can I give away something which displeases me? Here. Have some hand-made crap.I have before been happy, even proud, to

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-60720560809799829292007-03-12T10:31:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:58:26.184-07:00

Sock Madness has begun!I went to bed Friday night more excited than I really wanted to admit to myself. I did not set the alarm, but couldn't help waking up at 5:45am Saturday morning, anyway. I went straight to the computer. The e mailed pattern was in my inbox. I began casting on immediately.The first socks are called Mad Cow Socks, because the designer, Jennifer Young, made them to look

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-74449858149495210242007-03-09T14:49:00.000-08:002007-03-09T18:22:47.662-08:00

A few days ago, we received in the mail the MRE's we ordered for our disaster preparedness kit. It's important to be prepared. You know, for when the zombies come.Thinking about busting open those MRE's during a zombie attack is scary. But thinking about Sock Madness is fun. So we'll just focus on Sock Madness for now.The madness starts tomorrow and I find myself questioning my mental

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-90365948496255370452007-03-08T16:28:00.000-08:002007-03-08T19:30:19.870-08:00

I have two FO's to share with you today.First, the Blue Pea Pod Baby Set. It took me longer than I anticipated to get here. The knitting went by in a flash. Then the finishing and getting photos dragged out. I better deliver this gift tout de suite, before the little guy out-grows it!Lace and button detail:Yarn: Patons Supersoft, cotton blendNeedles: US 4The next FO is the Ruffle Scarf!

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-75380618949299635512007-03-07T10:03:00.000-08:002007-03-07T11:40:55.940-08:00

It's been a whole week since I last posted. I was out of town visiting family for most of that week. I chose to hang with the fam. instead of hijack my Mom's computer for blogging.While away, I gave the dragon scarf to my nephew. I think he liked it? He instantly knew it was a scarf and he called it a "dragon snake". He wouldn't wear it, but he did play with it. And he enjoyed watching

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-83581280011424604722007-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:002007-02-28T13:30:34.446-08:00

I've finished the Dragon Scarf for my 3 year old nephew. I bought this kit online from Morehouse Farm.This was a really fun knit. It's worth buying this kit and making the scarf just to see how those spikes along the dragon's back are made. I found it cool every single time I made one. I am easily amused, but I swear it's a nifty technique. The Morehouse Merino yarn was nice to work with.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-43832622912597998562007-02-27T17:19:00.000-08:002007-02-27T17:20:30.057-08:00

I finally bit the bullet and went to Toys R Us to look for a nerf ball to use as a round, hat-blocking surface. I felt a bit like Goldilocks. This ball is too big, this one is too small... Unlike Goldilocks, I didn't find one that was just right. But the too small one is working nonetheless and I didn't get chased by bears, so all is well.I've got the ball resting in a large, green, plastic,

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-86562708869968041442007-02-24T09:29:00.000-08:002007-02-24T18:11:12.833-08:00

I love my Forest Canopy Shawl.Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa, Trilly. 50% Cashmere, 50% Silk. Sadly Discontinued.Needles: 36" Circular US 5Gauge: Approx. 5 stitches per inch.Mods: Continued working pattern repeat until there were 323 stitches on the needle to make shawl biggerFinished Measurements: 62" across wingspan. 29" down back.This may just be my favorite thing I've ever knitted.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-47185580369187827752007-02-23T13:05:00.000-08:002007-02-23T17:28:25.922-08:00

As promised, here's what I'm working on now:You don't know what that is? Here's another picture:Still seems weird? Well check this out:So cool, right?This is Morehouse Farm's Dragon Scarf. I'm making it for my 3 year old nephew. He loves all things dinosaur, dragon, monster, etc. I'm going to see him next weekend. I should have it finished by then.

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-10219591331126899502007-02-22T09:55:00.000-08:002007-02-24T18:14:24.297-08:00

Sock Madness begins March 10th.This fast-approaching date is turning out to be a powerful motivator. I want to finish as many projects as possible before I throw myself into the sock competition.I have more or less finished the Pea Pod set in Blue. The sweater is done, done. (I'll have pictures soon.) But I still need to block the hat. I've gotten fixated on my idea of using a nerf ball as a

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-54419142612064065532007-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:002007-02-17T16:04:43.330-08:00

I'll tell you what I've done. I've sent in my e mail application to play SOCK MADNESS!I think I must be crazy. If my application is accepted, I'll be in a speed knitting competition to knit seven (7!) pairs of socks. And here's the kicker, none of them will fit me. To keep the competition fair, all players will be knitting the same patterns to the same specs (number of stitches and repeats).

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-28429399279194144712007-02-16T16:35:00.000-08:002007-02-16T18:03:35.489-08:00

I've been clicking along on my Pea Pod set. Here's my current status:Body and sleeves have been blocking. They're dry and ready to be un-pinned I just haven't done it yet. I left the shoulder stitches live on holders so I can graft the shoulders instead of seaming them. I don't think it makes a great deal of difference on this sweater, but I'm trying to be a more diligent finisher in general

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-53290328626999743062007-02-13T20:12:00.000-08:002007-02-14T17:17:19.990-08:00

I packaged up hats to be sent out into the world today. I wish them godspeed. May they bring a smile to someone's face.First up are these which I made for a pair of twins. Because even twins can be like apples and oranges.The red and orange MC is Blue Sky Cotton. All I can tell you about the green and brown CC is that it was random stash yarn. I didn't follow any pattern for these. I once

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-40567608608099983312007-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:002007-02-11T21:50:16.280-08:00

I've cast on for the Pea Pod Baby Set using the light blue Paton's Supersoft.Here's my progress so far:See my cutie little red car buttons? I'm attatching them as I go to save sewing them on later.I saw this tip on Knitty Gritty not too long ago. I thought it was a great idea and was really excited to give it a try. This technique can be used for incorporating beads into knitting. But it also

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-464555750792993622007-02-09T18:12:00.000-08:002007-02-09T18:21:21.477-08:00

Mel Clark, owner of Wildfiber, and author of Knit 2 Together has sold the store and is relocating to New Zealand. She bought wildfiber six years ago. It was a fiber arts studio back then, mostly focusing on weaving and dyeing. She turned it into the warm, friendly, classy and very well-stocked LYS it is today.We're going to miss you, Mel!The silver lining is that Wildfiber has been bought by

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-88188020686064987302007-02-07T11:51:00.000-08:002007-02-18T11:30:37.535-08:00

Until very recently, I had never knit a single pair of socks. In the Muggle vs. Knitter debate on whether knitting socks is a worthwhile endeavor, I must say, I agreed with the Muggles. I just did not see the point. In fairness, I live in a warm climate where you don't necessarily need wool socks, hand knit or other, but I digress.However, the more I saw, read, thought about knitting socks, a

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-32732993691105479492007-02-05T16:43:00.000-08:002007-02-05T17:42:59.107-08:00

It's the yarn that's blue. Not me. I feel great today, why thank you.I'm about to start my next project. I'm going to make the Pea Pod Baby Set again. I made it last month in green with pink heart buttons for a brand new baby girl (see yesterday's post for picture). I used Classic Elite Inspiration which is 50% Cotton, 50% Cashmere. It's spectacular yarn, especially for a baby because it's

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2171956506748879063.post-78605518850402961262007-02-04T17:05:00.000-08:002007-02-04T17:56:29.997-08:00

Well helloooo there blogosphere. Yes, yes this is yet another knitting blog. There are tons of them, right? I mean, really, you simply can't keep up with all of them. So why am I starting one? 'Cause I wanna, that's why. Well, that, and also it seems to me like the internet knitting community is one of the nicest places to be. Everybody is so friendly and supportive and helpful. Knitters

Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08167974715652209632noreply@blogger.com0