tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493621746222242912024-03-19T04:46:38.049-04:00Thoughts on Sticks and StringMy musings on knitting, sewing, cooking, and any other hobby I can even remotely connect to 'Sticks and String'!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-14060679090181134182013-07-27T00:01:00.000-04:002013-07-27T00:01:00.547-04:00My Favorite Blogs - Food<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I have been playing with Feedly and Bloglovin, and trying to keep up with blogs I follow on a daily basis, it dawned on me that there are certain blogs that have become my favorites. Well, more than favorites. It's more like I have withdrawal symptoms if I stay away from them too long. These are the blogs that I anxiously await the next post and value the information shared. In the next few weeks I will be sharing the blogs I love, by category. First up - FOOD!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are other blogs pertaining to food that I follow, and I am sure there are other valuable blogs to follow as well, but there are two that never leave me disappointed: <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Pinch of Yum</span></b></a> and </span><a href="http://www.thecafesucrefarine.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>The Café Sucré Farine</b></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://pinchofyum.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Pinch of Yum</span></b></a> was discovered through a pin one of my daughters-in-law made on Pinterest: <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/butternut-squash-mac-n-cheese-with-caramelized-onions-apples-and-bacon" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Bacon, and Apple</span></b></a>. Oh my goodness!! <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/baked-gingerbread-mini-donuts" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Then there were the Baked Gingerbread Mini Donuts</span></b></a>. The recipes have never disappointed me and range from healthy to decadent, common to unique, and are always doable. Lindsay and Bjork not only share food, but how they have made income from their blog as well. They recently returned from spending a year volunteering at an orphanage in the Philippines. Believe it or not, Lindsay was still able to cook and bake, sharing food and life on the blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chris' <a href="http://www.thecafesucrefarine.com/2012/09/pumpkin-buttermilk-pound-cake-w-caramel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Pumpkin Buttermilk Pound Cake with Caramel Icing</b></span></a> was the first item made from <a href="http://www.thecafesucrefarine.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">The Café Sucré Farine</span></b></a> (sans walnuts). Do you sense a theme? Fall....baking....they get me every time! Chris is definitely a culinary expert, although I am sure she would humbly refute my use of the term expert. Her offerings range from simple, basic go-to recipes to more demanding gourmet dishes. But she makes everything attainable! You also get glimpses of her life and darling grandchildren. There are probably more of her recipes on my "I Must Make THIS" list than any other blog I follow. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like Lindsay, Chris' husband is part of the success; he does the photography.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a stroll through both of these blogs. I'm sure your mouth will be watering and your "I Must Make THIS" list will expand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more 'My Favorite Blogs' - next up Sewing.</span></div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-64987538097899763052013-07-22T00:30:00.000-04:002013-07-22T00:30:01.733-04:00And my blog-reader of choice is....In the past month I have been viewing the blogs I follow on both <a href="http://cloud.feedly.com/#welcome" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Feedly</b></span></a> and <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bloglovin</b></a> to make an informed decision as to the replacement I will choose for Google Reader. To be honest, I had found Feedly during the winter and had started using it, but so many blogs were promoting Bloglovin, I had to try it out.<br />
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Well, the verdict in is, at least for me. Feedly! While I really liked the appearance of the feeds on Bloglovin, it was the organization in Feedly which won me over. I really think it is a personal preference, so try them out for yourself and make your own decision.<br />
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I am still using Blogger for composing and hosting this blog, so I have to figure out how to link the blogs I follow. The list has grown and the entire list in only in my Feedly!<br />
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If you have difficulty following me on either site, please let me know.<br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-78498483121941046422013-07-18T00:30:00.000-04:002013-07-18T00:30:00.210-04:00Short-lived HiatusMy self-imposed hiatus is probably over. I have decided that for now I will continue to post a mix of things I love to do as I have time to post! With a full time job and other commitments and interests, this is what works at this period in my life.<br />
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Here are the in-progress photos of my most recent baking session. Totally forgot to grab a quick finished photo. Thanks to Food Network for this fabulous recipe: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/blueberry-buttermilk-bundt-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Blueberry Buttermilk Bundt Cake</span></a>. Because it was traveling to church to be eaten, I did not make the macerated berries; I just made the glaze. It was gone in a flash!!<br />
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Enjoy the day!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cathy<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-33302558838946311812013-07-15T08:55:00.000-04:002013-07-15T08:55:20.984-04:00My June Quick-sewMy great niece had a birthday in June - her sixth! She developed her own sense of style by age four, so it can be challenging to create for her. Her favorite thing to wear is dresses and she loves a lot of bright, vivid color. She does not like things scratchy against her skin. Enter <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/5/20/mollys-sketchbook-tiny-triangle-dress.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">this version</span></a> of the pillowcase dress from <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Purl Bee</span></a>. There are no raw seams; not even a surged seam. Here is the result in a wonderful seersucker fabric purchased at JoAnn's, on sale of course! I used only 3/4 of a yard of fabric and about 2 1/2 yards (or less) of ribbon.<br />
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The dress is a bit long right now, but a quick hand stitched hem that can be removed as she grows will fix it.<br />
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Now to find more time to sew!<br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-20912862661080378492013-07-04T09:12:00.000-04:002013-07-04T09:12:21.288-04:00Happy 4th of July!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Happy 4th of July everyone!
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Free printable available <a href="http://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/2011/06/fourth-of-july-printable.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-66252859873625963092013-06-20T19:32:00.001-04:002013-06-20T19:38:57.536-04:00Hiatus I am taking a hiatus from the blog as I decide the direction it will take. Also, I am playing around with Bloglovin and Feedly with the shutting down of Google Reader. Check back in late July!
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8539019/?claim=p7ngfp9n9kq">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-19810058065270197152013-04-26T09:18:00.000-04:002013-04-26T09:18:12.664-04:00We Interrupt This Program...In my <a href="http://thoughtsonsticksandstring.blogspot.com/2013/03/picking-up-speed.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I was enamored by my <i><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tuscany-4" target="_blank">Tuscany</a></i> socks. There was no stopping me...don't change the channel on me...I was going to finish them quickly. Then this happened.<div>
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Leftover fabric and a friend's stash of trims became a 'pillowcase dress'. (Please forgive the flat-on-the-table shot.)</div>
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We are the home church for a missionary who is part of TEAMS for Medical Missions in Jamaica. She came home from one of her regular trips last year and asked if we would consider making 'pillowcase dresses' for them to take along and give to the girls they see. Our Stitchin' Sisters group has taken up the task. Members of our church have been sewing at home and we held a special Saturday event where people could learn how to make them. For this group, each person started with an actual pillow case and turned it into a dress.</div>
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It has been fun to see the same basic pattern recreated by a number of different people into a variety of cute dresses which will serve a need in Jamaica. Some are using fabric in their stash, others are using pillowcases which are still in good condition. They have added ruffles, used appliques, add contrasting fabric for the bottom, and trimmed with everything from rick-rack to lace. Our bin has been filling quickly in time for the next trip to Jamaica in May.</div>
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There are plenty of YouTube videos and written tutorials on the internet which you can use if you need guidance. My one warning would be to make sure the armhole is not too small.</div>
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As for my socks, they have been patiently waiting for me to return. Soon - I hope!</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-78044672200161258722013-03-19T08:07:00.003-04:002013-03-19T08:08:52.534-04:00Picking Up SpeedImmediately after finishing my Simplicity Socks (read <a href="http://thoughtsonsticksandstring.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-light-at-end-of-tunnel.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thoughtsonsticksandstring.blogspot.com/2013/03/out-of-tunnel.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I started these:<br />
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And promptly didn't knit for a week! However, things are moving along at a much better pace now. This pair of socks is again from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Toe-Up-2-at---Time-Morgan-oakes-Melissa/dp/B0054D69EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363694055&sr=8-1&keywords=toe+up+2+at+a+time+socks" target="_blank">Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks</a> by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. The pattern is <i><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tuscany-4" target="_blank">Tuscany</a></i>; the yarn is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Stroll_Tonal_Sock_Yarn__D5420134.html" target="_blank">KnitPicks Stroll Tonal in Kindling</a>; and the needles are <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Options_Nickel_Plated_Fixed_Circular_Knitting_Needles__DKPFixedCables.html" target="_blank">KnitPicks Options Nickel Plated</a> Size 1 (2.25mm) 40" fixed circulars.</div>
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Why are things moving more rapidly? The needles!! I was using a different brand with thicker cables on the Simplicity socks. The KnitPicks cables are thinner and much more flexible. This means much less time is spent rearranging the stitches and the cables bend when and where you want them to bend. KnitPicks also offers these in <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Options_Harmony_Wood_Fixed_Circular_Knitting_Needles__DKPFixedCabWD.html" target="_blank">Harmony Wood</a> and <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Sunstruck_Fixed_Circular_Knitting_Needles__DKPFixedSunstruckNdls.html" target="_blank">Sunstruck Wood</a>. I enjoy using those as well, depending upon the yarn.</div>
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In the next post, I'll share another picture of my progress as well as information about some of the sock yarns I have tried.</div>
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P.S. I have not received any compensation for endorsing KnitPicks products. Having tried other brands (you should see my needle collection!) they are simply my favorites.</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-23549967936958193932013-03-10T21:20:00.000-04:002013-03-10T21:20:03.056-04:00Out of the TunnelI did it! I am out of the tunnel! The socks were finished this evening about 8:30 pm EDT. The best part is they fit. They are also very soft and will get their first wearing tomorrow. <span style="text-align: center;">I did have yarn leftover and had thought about making them longer, but I probably would have had to increase to go over my calves and that would have thrown off the pattern. The length is good as is.</span><br />
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Not sure I have ever been this thankful to finally finish a project. Now the debate begins...start another pair of socks or finish some of the many UFOs I have. I confess - I want more socks!<br />
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Oh, and I made it through a second tunnel this evening. The tunnel known as ironing my husband's long sleeve shirts. Any tunnels you are working through?Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-41707230351625508872013-03-04T21:00:00.000-05:002013-03-04T21:00:13.896-05:00The Light at the End of the TunnelThere is light at the end of the tunnel - the tunnel known as my socks.<div>
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A while back I had started a pair of socks in my attempt to improve my sock knitting skills, find the perfect fitting sock, and add to my lonely, <a href="http://thoughtsonsticksandstring.blogspot.com/2011/02/back-in-business.html" target="_blank">single pair of handmade socks</a> in my sock drawer. The pattern I chose was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simplicity-8" target="_blank">Simplicity socks</a> by Melissa Morgan-Oakes from her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/reader/ASIN/1603425330" target="_blank">"Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks"</a>. And by a while, I mean about a year. It's been a really long tunnel.<div>
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I started them sometime in the first three months of 2012. The sock pattern had directions for Small or Large; my foot fell somewhere in between. Attempting to get "the perfect fit" I went with 2.75 mm circulars (one long, magic loop method) and used my own calculations for the foot length. WRONG thing to do!! In late June, I was ready to increase for the gusset, so I tried them on. They were too long. If I had continued, the heel would have been at my knee. Not really, but they would have come close to fitting my older son's size 13 feet. No big deal, I'll run a lifeline through a safe spot closer to the toe, recalculate (using Melissa's directions this time!) and continue on my merry way. Mistake number two. I had messed up on the pattern often enough that I couldn't follow a single row to put in the lifeline. So, I ripped them out and started over.</div>
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Now, eight months later, I can see the light at the end of this tunnel. The only thing left to knit is the 2x2 ribbing at the cuffs. Maybe, just maybe, I will get them finished in time to wear them before it is sandals weather.</div>
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The bright side is there have been some really valuable lessons learned in this tunnel: </div>
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Lesson #1 - Trust Melissa Morgan-Oakes - she really knows her stuff. Use her calculations!</div>
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Lesson #2 - I have learned to read the knitting! This is very freeing. The pattern has a two row repeat. I knew which row I was on by looking at the wrong side of the sock. No more need to be keeping track of which row I was on by marking it down on a piece of paper which is what I was doing when I made all the mistakes!</div>
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Lesson #3 - It would have taken a lot less time if I didn't do <strike>a billion</strike> multiple projects for others which stopped the sock knitting for weeks at at time. (Let's see if I remember this lesson!)</div>
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Time to put the pedal to the metal and get out of this tunnel! Stay tuned for pics of the finished socks, on my feet, in the not-too-distance future - I hope.</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-86001656196593487222013-02-26T20:28:00.001-05:002013-02-26T20:28:19.085-05:00Catching Up #2I have been looking back over my knitting projects and have come to the realization I am not very good at remembering to document them. And when I do remember, it almost always appears as if I just took the photo to get it over with; no thought to presentation or aesthetic.<br />
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Case in point: great niece's scarf and hat set which I made for her Christmas gift. Here is the hat, made from <a href="http://www.bernat.com/product.php?LGC=pipsqueak" target="_blank">Bernat Pipsqueak</a> in the Candy Girl colorway using no written pattern, just cast on and knit, knit, knit until I decreased for the crown.<br />
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The hat is just plopped, I'm not sure where, and I didn't even stuff it to make it look like it would on a head. Where is the scarf you ask? I forgot!!! And my kitchen creations fare no better.<br />
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Guess I have two new goals: better document my creations with pictures, no matter what sticks and string I use, and display them in a more attractive way. Tips welcomed!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-28791235381182028802013-02-23T22:01:00.000-05:002013-02-24T14:03:09.624-05:00Baking and ChemistryI love to bake. Cookies, cakes, pies, breads, muffins - it doesn't matter - I'll make them. Part of my enjoyment comes from family legacy: my sister enjoys baking, my grandmothers were great bakers, and my great-grandmother baked pies well into her 80s. But the other enticement? It's chemistry. All baking relies on a chemical reaction between the ingredients. It is fascinating watching it happen. <br />
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Today I made <b>Shoo Fly Cake</b>, a sweet molasses cake that is a staple in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where I lived almost half of my life. This cake is truly a testimony to the marvelous reactions that occur when certain ingredients make contact. Here is the chemistry in action.</div>
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Dry ingredients: 4 cups flour, 2 cups light brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 cup shortening. Mix to make crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for later.</div>
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Next, some of the wet ingredients + the magic dry ingredient: 1 cup Grandma's Molasses (yellow label), 1 egg, 1 tablespoon baking soda.</div>
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Now for the catalyst: 2 cups boiling water. </div>
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And reaction! Love the foamy bubbles!</div>
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Add the dry ingredients to this mixture and pour into 9x13 pan, sprayed with cooking spray.</div>
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Top with the reserved dry mixture.</div>
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To complete the chemical reaction add heat! Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.</div>
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This cake is delicious served warm or cold. In fact, this is the cake my husband has requested I make for him to take to work on his birthday. One catch - I'll need to make two of them!</div>
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So today my <i>Sticks and String</i> were a wooden spoon and my apron. Hope you enjoy!</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-40701697017974099502013-02-18T11:06:00.000-05:002013-02-18T11:06:08.993-05:00Catching Up #1So...what have I been working on in these long breaks from blogging?? Well, I have a great niece who is part fashionista, part tomboy, part princess. She is fascinated by my knitting and has made some attempts at doing it herself, but usually can't sit still long enough for more than 5 stitches. Last fall I promised her a knitted scarf, so I found some pink and purple chunky yarn and made her this:<div>
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If you look closely, you will see some very sparkly beads at the top of each strand of fringe. After all, a princess needs here bling! My husband helped me find these wonderful baubles that picked up on the colors in the scarf. We had one very happy great niece!</div>
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Stay tuned for more catching up!</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-86409476412731464392013-02-08T19:13:00.000-05:002013-02-08T19:13:52.799-05:00Resuming blogging....I hopeI have decided that I will attempt to resume blogging in the spring, probably sometime in April due to my schedule. My goal is to post once a week with a wider range of 'sticks' and 'string' subjects. Because my hobby interests are not limited to knitting, by limiting my blogging to knitting I was frustrated with keeping it going. <div>
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What are the other 'sticks' in my hobby life? Sewing needles. Quilting pins. Wooden spoons and knives count too in my mind. So I will be sharing from all my hobbies when I resume. As glimpse into other things I enjoy, here is the picture of the stocking I made for one of my daughters-in-law in December. I knew she wanted a gingerbread man and my course was set when I found the gingerbread print fabric. The buttons came from my mother's button box, the shape of the gingerbread man from a free printable on the internet, and the rest was my own pattern.</div>
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See you in April!</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-90352692272148756992012-03-05T20:11:00.002-05:002012-03-05T20:11:16.185-05:00Debating...Hello. It has been a while. Much longer than I ever expected between posts. Life, work, choice of using time to knit or to blog, and, dare I say, forgetfulness have kept me away. Now I am wondering: have I chosen the wrong topic for my blog? Or is it that I need to schedule my blog writing and do a better job of keeping track of my projects and taking pictures??? Maybe I haven't really surfaced why I want to blog.<br />
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Why do you blog? How do you stay on top of the blog and post with the proper frequency and regularity?Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-93125229471710382011-07-04T11:14:00.000-04:002011-07-04T11:14:49.910-04:00It's Been a Long Time!Whew! Life and work are finally at a manageable pace - blogging should resume on a regular basis in another week. I have finished objects which need blocking and pictures taken. As soon as that is finished, posting will resume. And I finally finished my January socks!!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-88569163940447863012011-02-01T08:50:00.001-05:002011-02-01T08:54:18.926-05:00Back in Business!!!My new size 0 needles arrived yesterday, just in time for the double-whammy storms in Eastern PA! Here is a pic of my SIP (socks in progress).<br />
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So, while I was waiting, I went back to work on my Mobius Cowl.<br />
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And made another Encore Mega Headband!<br />
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While the winter weather continues, I can be snug and warm inside, knitting on the socks (a little behind on my January socks) or the mobius. OR I can plan more baby knitting projects for the little ones on the way for family and friends!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-47853932021108914412011-01-25T21:40:00.001-05:002011-01-25T21:41:06.818-05:00Best Laid Plans...I am now quite doubtful that my attempt to knit a pair of socks this month will come to fruition. Several things have contributed to the downfall of my plan. First was the charity knitting of 6 headbands (Plymouth Yarn Pattern 1958) in Encore Mega. Then there is the fact that some evenings I have simply been too tired to knit. (Husband has started a new job which has changed his getting up time and therefore affected mine.) To add to the delay, my size 0 circular needle has broken. I think it caught on something when I pulled it out of my basket in the dark. That will mean I will attempt to finish one pair of socks and knit a second pair in the shortest month of the year with a work schedule that is filled to the gills! And I was just asked to knit another item as a surprise for someone, but that doesn't need to be started until March. If only I could knit faster.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-90019411277722586872011-01-05T19:49:00.000-05:002011-01-05T19:49:04.505-05:00New Year...New Projects...New GoalsIn 2010 I discovered several knitting blogs (see my list) which I follow on a regular basis. Thanks to their inspiration I have set some goals for my knitting this year beyond baby gifts and the enticements of my favorite LYS <a href="http://www.theknittersedge.com/">"The Knitter's Edge"</a>. Inspired by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>, I have created my own personal sock-of-the-month club with sock yarn from my stash (I have this thing for sock yarn) and patterns from the following designers: <a href="http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/">Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a>, <a href="http://wendyknits.net/">Wendy Johnson</a>, and <a href="http://www.theknittingnest.com/">Antje Gillingham</a>. I am currently using Melissa's technique for toe-up socks, two at a time, on one long circular needle. Because I am trying to improve my skills knitting socks, I have started with a very basic sock pattern and a self-striping yarn: ONline Supersocke 6-ply Wellness II - Color in #1203. My goal is one pair of socks each month in addition to whatever other knitting I do. Two of the pairs will go to one of my sons, the other ten are for me. My hope is that I will have the know-how to knit myself a perfect fitting pair of socks out of any sock yarn I desire. So I will keep notes and measurements on each pair, and if they don't fit me, I will find them a home on someone else's feet.<br />
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I am still knitting on my mobius cowl which I ripped out after about 7 inches and started over. Somehow my first round of knitting had extremely uneven stitches which I had not noticed until 6 inches and thought I could adjust. But I soon realized I would not be satisfied unless I corrected the situation. The do-over has produced a much more even first round. This will be my mindless knitting for now: knit 3 rounds, purl 3 rounds.<br />
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Pictures next time!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-58983850847841985692010-12-22T21:39:00.000-05:002010-12-22T21:39:05.648-05:00Better Late Than NeverMy break at Thanksgiving zoomed by without having time to post pictures and update the blog. Then the next three weeks I was at the mercy of work. Finally, I have some quiet time to share the charity knitting update.<br />
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Thanks to some wonderful knitters and crocheters, from beginner to experienced, we have around 55 scarves to donate to a local women's shelter. Nine of the best were wrapped for special gifts, with the others available as the need arises this winter. This does not include the hats and mittens that were also made. And we had hoped for 20!<br />
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Here are pictures of some that I made.<br />
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#1 My first crocheted scarf - basic double crochet. Leftover yarn from a project my mother had made years ago. <br />
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#2 Stash yarn. Ravelry pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tiles-scarf">Tiles Scarf</a><br />
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#3 Basic garter stitch. One skein Encore Mega and some stash white.<br />
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#4 Basic garter stitch. Encore Boucle<br />
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#5 Leftover yarns from other projects. Basic ribbed hat.<br />
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#6 Leftover yarns from other projects. Basic stockinette hat - child size. <br />
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These have all been made since the beginning of November if I remember correctly. Now I need to take pictures of the headbands I have been churning out and the scarf that is waiting for binding off. Scarf was just started today while riding in the car. It will be finished before I go to bed tonight, so it will not wait long. I didn't realize I had been doing this much knitting or crocheting!<br />
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Until the next post, Merry CHRISTmas! Keep those hooks and needles moving!<br />
<span id="goog_1331280464"></span><span id="goog_1331280465"></span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-8868680965909690302010-11-22T15:33:00.001-05:002010-11-22T16:31:07.248-05:00Now I Understand!!I need to confess that I am saddened when the time between posts is longer than I would like on my favorite blogs. How could they keep me hanging?? What is the latest work-in-progress or finished object?? I definitely have more appreciation for the time and effort it takes to create meaningful posts, especially when the blog is not the person's main source of income! Work commitments and other responsibilities have hampered my time to post the past few weeks and I have made the conscious decision to knit with my few spare moments rather than blog. With a few days off from work, my goal is to take pictures and post about my recent encounters with sticks and string....stay tuned!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-29235900694126779012010-10-31T19:02:00.000-04:002010-10-31T19:02:57.987-04:00Too Many Projects???....Nah...I had a very brief moment of panic today - too many projects I thought! But that moment was very fleeting. It all started when I went to my stash for one last look at what might be used for hats and scarves and uncovered more than expected. The Stitchin' Sisters group at my church (which I help lead) was asked to make scarves for a local shelter. Another group in our church is already collecting toiletries and thought this might be a good addition to their gift bags at Christmas. The Stitchin' Sisters jumped at the opportunity - even the beginners! - and we thought hats might be a better option for the children at the shelter. Donations of yarn are coming in from members of the church and even those who do not attend the group are pitching in to help make items. I had already started on two or three items, but decided to look at my own stash one more time. There must be enough leftovers to make 8 or 10 additional items! Hence the moment of panic. But, if put my vest on hold for a bit and use simple patterns, I think I can use up most of the stash I pulled out today. Using my metal needles helps me knit faster too!!<br />
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Thanks to those who replied to my thoughts on needles. After the holidays I think I will have to pull out that lace yarn and try to make a scarf out of it again - this time on my metals needles. I'll use my bamboo needles again, but choose the project carefully!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-83454096923776038042010-10-24T18:53:00.000-04:002010-10-24T18:53:03.429-04:00Needle "issues"I am wondering if other knitters have found themselves having issues with their knitting needles, or more accurately, their choice of knitting needles. I first started knitting when I was a preteen, learning from my grandmother (more on that in a future post). Back then (way back then) the only needles I knew about were metal. I had no trouble learning to knit, but what I did have trouble with was my death grip and tight stitches that resulted because of the slippery needles. In fact, I didn't knit regularly for years because my tight stitches frustrated me so! When I did give knitting an honest try again about 8 years ago, bamboo needles became my tools of choice. In fact, I made it clear to anyone who was interested that I despised metal needles and would only knit with bamboo. Imagine my surprise in the past few months when I find myself preferring metal needles!!! For circulars I am mostly using addi Turbos, but for my straights I love the Susan Bates. I guess I am just surprised at the change. Is it because knitting is much easier for me now because I am knitting more? Am I just more relaxed in my knitting (because my stitches are definitely not as tight)? Or, as I mentioned to my knitterly friends, am I becoming a needle snob and can only knit with certain needles?Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849362174622224291.post-7865082854396224442010-10-21T05:31:00.000-04:002010-10-21T05:31:58.348-04:00First ThoughtsThis is exciting and scary, putting my thoughts out for the world to see. I've thought about blogging and wondered: 'What would I have to say?' 'Why would anyone want to read what I say?' and then...'What does it matter?' So, I am taking the plunge into the vast sea that is the blogging world.<br />
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Isn't it amazing what a person can do with two sticks and some string?? Whether knitting (or crocheting) for practicality or art, knitting for yourself or others, knitting for pleasure or purpose, sticks and string collaborate to form a playground for your senses of sight and touch. If you are like me, the fun starts even before the sticks and string begin their dance. My eyes rejoice at the vision before me when I enter a yarn shop, fibers luring me into their lair, and my hands cannot resist caressing the cascades of loveliness falling from the displays, tempting me even more. Occasionally I resist, but more often than not, I add equipment and toys to my own playground at home. If only I could stay and play all day with my friends at my playground, or play by myself at home. At least for the moment, playtime must end for the realities of life call.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00025042933309132755noreply@blogger.com0