tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80359148930371289732024-03-14T07:44:08.782-07:00Something from Nothing"The Desire to Create is one of the Deepest Yearnings of the Human Soul" Dieter F. UchtdorfAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-14564325934556666002015-06-12T13:18:00.000-07:002015-06-12T13:18:28.622-07:00No Loose Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 2011 my sister Kirsten and I went to Mexico to attend Abraham's sister's wedding. Abraham was in the middle of getting his Canadian residency, so he sadly couldn't come. I crocheted a green frog for his nephew. Four years later it is holding up really well, although it is a bit matted, but that just means that it is well loved :)<br />
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My mom taught me that it is important to sew in the loose ends of projects. I have found this to be true. Don't be tempted to just tie a really tight knot and trim off the ends. It is worth it to take the extra time to get out your darning needle, and finish your project properly. This way it will withstand all the love your loved ones will give it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxV-VJRvcyJqJAEFXI-raj8RO_9xlvfvpT51wM6nZ9pzelzi0NFF8axvnSCdvcGJByZM-LI5lNPa5fUyO_GtKPN-Lrgp4V0St0byr52F0v1CqOeNRiqGFavs4hsnpEb0LS3Lr8QOfn-d_/s1600/DSC07642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxV-VJRvcyJqJAEFXI-raj8RO_9xlvfvpT51wM6nZ9pzelzi0NFF8axvnSCdvcGJByZM-LI5lNPa5fUyO_GtKPN-Lrgp4V0St0byr52F0v1CqOeNRiqGFavs4hsnpEb0LS3Lr8QOfn-d_/s320/DSC07642.JPG" width="250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-FZXi9_Qu7-BlvdNGzFFk68Tqmo1LWU3cOLx6XTsa1N24-C46PHdqti19m3BqcCETscct9N1ryecgxXozSmlXpHsQHB5UtzOlm9j1NbpRBIwzF3YUMBod2oOhhJfSCHnh8BJnzWb0H5j/s1600/DSC01939+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-FZXi9_Qu7-BlvdNGzFFk68Tqmo1LWU3cOLx6XTsa1N24-C46PHdqti19m3BqcCETscct9N1ryecgxXozSmlXpHsQHB5UtzOlm9j1NbpRBIwzF3YUMBod2oOhhJfSCHnh8BJnzWb0H5j/s320/DSC01939+copy.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-40192066404636510312015-06-03T08:12:00.002-07:002015-06-03T08:12:25.522-07:00Pneumonia Vests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pneumonia vests keep children in hot climates warm at night when the temperature drops, reducing their risk of illness.</div>
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They are usually knitted, but I wanted to do a service project with the Young Women in my ward, using the new skill I taught them, crochet. I eventually found a crochet pattern online. This is a prototype. I think that I will use a larger sized crochet hook next time so that it won't be so tight. It is super easy, and only uses single crochet stitch. Perfect project for beginners.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6AbOsnYUPk6CCWHPXqYV3jras1C7US6SWcweztWXgRBmxtv53UF0s6nRISLL5ydoqYVzQjxS9oEfG-JzRL9tvdooScJrdzOobSb1nDhO22AYduXFkKinj3BZ2ARst-DGz4vHzBQKyK_3/s1600/20150520_160817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6AbOsnYUPk6CCWHPXqYV3jras1C7US6SWcweztWXgRBmxtv53UF0s6nRISLL5ydoqYVzQjxS9oEfG-JzRL9tvdooScJrdzOobSb1nDhO22AYduXFkKinj3BZ2ARst-DGz4vHzBQKyK_3/s320/20150520_160817.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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The lady who owns "The Knitting Room" (the yarn store I frequent), has a basket for people who want to donate pneumonia vests, and she mails them off to the organization that distributes them to where they need to go. </div>
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This was the first time I made something for someone I didn't know. It was interesting, because I usually picture the person I am making the project for while I am making it. I ended up picturing a little girl (because my vest is pink) sleeping all snug and warm. It was a fun service project.</div>
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<b>This is the pattern I used:</b><br />
4.50 mm hook / worsted weight yarn.<br />
I also used <b>72 </b>SC's for the <b>body</b>; <b>36</b> SC's for each the <b>front</b> and <b>back </b>pieces and <b>12 </b>SC's for <b>each shoulder</b> as well as for the <b>neck opening</b>. This is just a guide and actual numbers of stitches required may change depending on the yarn and hook you choose to use. This pattern is for a small vest and the finished size is: Length: 10 1/2 inches and Width: 9 inches.<br />
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<b>Ribbing:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Chain 10, SC in 2nd chain from hook, SC across rest of chain. (8 SC)</li>
<li>Working in FRONT LOOPS ONLY SC across, chain 1, turn (8 SC)</li>
<li>Repeat last row till piece measures 18 inches long.</li>
<li>Fold in half and place edges together, slip stitch together.</li>
</ul>
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DO NOT BREAK YARN…<br />
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<b>Body:</b>(worked in rounds till arm openings and the seam will be on the side)<br />
<ul>
<li>Turn, chain 1 and then working along side edge make an even number of SC's, join with slip stitch in the chain 1 stitch at beginning of row. Chain 1.</li>
<li>SC around, chain 1, join with slip stitch in chain 1 of previous round.</li>
<li>Repeat previous row till piece measures 6 inches (including RIBBING). The rest of the vest is worked in rows from this point to shape the arm and neck openings.</li>
</ul>
<b>Front:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>SC to the midpoint, chain 1 and turn, leaving the other half unworked.</li>
<li>SC back to beginning, chain 1 , turn.</li>
<li>SC to end of row, chain 1, turn.</li>
<li>Repeat last row till FRONT piece measures 9 inches (including RIBBING).</li>
</ul>
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<b>Shoulders:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Divide stitches into thirds for the two shoulders and for the neck opening. Place markers if desired.</li>
<li>Working only in the first third of the last row, SC across, chain 1 turn.</li>
<li>SC across, chain 1, turn.</li>
<li>Repeat last row till shoulder piece measures 1 1/2 inches, end on the neck side. </li>
<li>DO NOT BREAK YARN. </li>
<li>(vest measures 10 1/2 inches including RIBBING)</li>
<li>Slip stitch loosely down neck side of shoulder piece and along the neck edge to the beginning of the second shoulder side, chain 1 and SC across, chain 1, turn. Continue making the second shoulder piece to match the first. End on the arm opening side. BREAK YARN.</li>
</ul>
<b>Back:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Return to last round of the BODY and join yarn in first stitch of the unworked half. SC across, chain 1, turn. Work as for</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">FRONT. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Sew shoulder</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">seams.</span></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-13038471755274371492015-05-25T09:14:00.000-07:002015-05-25T09:14:46.952-07:00My Etsy Shop is Now Official!Okay so I am officially selling my creations. Check out my Etsy Shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/somethingsgalore" target="_blank">Something's Galore</a>. I don't have a ton of things for sale yet, but there will be more to come. Any suggestions for things I should make and sell? I can crochet or knit anything, it's just a matter of making things that people will want to buy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFvLvi1O8HVNFZEvuGf8ZgoSRpHa2LWfEgRDKoGqsqEOKBW4v3gOxrdp2f1M9OYiwqVgnm_K0N9JevKp8Vp6fAHz3LJzLXkvKPWMVxkEhh1CEOMq-jFbfb5pnj1jlgkArN40pIa_S8z_N/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-25+at+10.13.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFvLvi1O8HVNFZEvuGf8ZgoSRpHa2LWfEgRDKoGqsqEOKBW4v3gOxrdp2f1M9OYiwqVgnm_K0N9JevKp8Vp6fAHz3LJzLXkvKPWMVxkEhh1CEOMq-jFbfb5pnj1jlgkArN40pIa_S8z_N/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-05-25+at+10.13.01+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-53263501597704120122015-05-23T13:35:00.000-07:002015-05-23T13:35:25.229-07:00Felting - it's easier than you thinkAfter the surgery I couldn't do much, so knitting and crocheting became my main occupation. Because knitting was new to me, I decided that I would learn a new knitting technique with each project, so that my brain might not turn into mush.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E59Ll6ipqoM/U9ayIHwYpeI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/7sDv0NjORm8/s1600/DSC00856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E59Ll6ipqoM/U9ayIHwYpeI/AAAAAAAAJTQ/7sDv0NjORm8/s1600/DSC00856.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I made this purse for my mother-in-law. I wanted to learn how to felt. It was surprisingly easy. All you do is wash your real wool knitted project in the washing machine in the hottest water possible, throw in a towel, or jeans, or tennis balls (for friction). Let it do its thing, while occasionally lifting it out of the machine and rubbing it together if you feel it needs it. Mine did.<br />
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The heat and the friction cause the wool fibers to fuse together, which makes Felt. If done properly, the felt should act like a fabric which can be cut without unraveling. So cool!<br />
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Before it was washed, it could have been nice sized sack. It shrunk more then half the original size!<br />
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For this project, I also learned how to attach grommets/eyelets. This was the unforeseen trickiest part of the project. And scariest. I was super nervous about cutting the holes into my newly made felt. After carful measuring, and hammer strength from my husband, the grommets were completed.<br />
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<b>Felting Facts:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Felting makes a knit or crochet piece SHRINK</li>
<li>How much it will shrink depends on many factors (how hot the water is, how hard the water is, how much it is agitated, the amount & kind of soap used, the colour of yarn, etc.</li>
<li>The longer you leave it in the machines cycle the more it will be felted, which means that the stitch definition decreases.</li>
</ul>
<b>Felting Basic Steps:</b><br />
1) Wash in hot water with a bit of soap<br />
<ul>
<li>throw in a towel, an old pair of jeans, and/or some tenis balls. This increases the friction which helps the fibers fuse</li>
</ul>
2) Rinse in cool water<br />
<ul>
<li>rinsing in cool water causes the fibers to lock in place</li>
</ul>
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3) Air dry<br />
<ul>
<li>adjust the piece to the desired shape and place on a dry towel in a sunny place or near a heat vent.</li>
</ul>
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If you have any questions let me know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-544808704269703442015-05-20T14:55:00.000-07:002015-05-20T14:55:20.617-07:00Busy BusyWow, it has almost been a year. I guess I have been too busy making things ;)<br />
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I've been making little animals for my 20 nieces and nephews. It is lots of fun. I mostly got the patterns from library books. I did convert a few crochet patterns to knitted ones, so that they would be more uniform.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXCad-XLkE-P3_Isl9QN5UpyCBbxlxXjwhgVeQtagq4AepfE6PLgTdtqHDIIK5h7MTKPFu5eUKwoL7GP9-9ieLlRO0A4OSiA9X2pqIk__Z-PVnXSJ6PwZMpfV5yXPEALygddgSUXbx5cb/s1600/littleanimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXCad-XLkE-P3_Isl9QN5UpyCBbxlxXjwhgVeQtagq4AepfE6PLgTdtqHDIIK5h7MTKPFu5eUKwoL7GP9-9ieLlRO0A4OSiA9X2pqIk__Z-PVnXSJ6PwZMpfV5yXPEALygddgSUXbx5cb/s320/littleanimals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm thinking about opening up an Etsy shop and selling these little guys. My nieces and Nephews love them, maybe the Etsy world will love them too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-11883172473034797762014-07-28T14:11:00.001-07:002014-07-28T14:11:48.900-07:00My Fat Little Gnome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9d8Ze-VOWd0/U9ax9Uqa6hI/AAAAAAAAJSw/kwoemWu462c/s1600/DSC00345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9d8Ze-VOWd0/U9ax9Uqa6hI/AAAAAAAAJSw/kwoemWu462c/s1600/DSC00345.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnome-2" target="_blank">This is a link </a>to where I found the pattern.</div>
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I made this for my sister Jenny. She had pinned it with the exclamation "If only I knew how to knit." This was just after I learned how, so I thought, "I know how, I know how." and began making it in secret. I think I'm going to have to make one for myself one day.</div>
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I used black beans as filler, and a bit of stuffing for the hat, but I think that the beans made it look a bit fat. My original plan was to stuff the whole thing, then shove in some rocks in the middle/bottom, but we ended up having a surprise late snow fall the day I planned on finishing it. I think it still looks cute.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-53946306966548990912014-07-05T12:50:00.000-07:002014-07-05T12:50:10.536-07:00The Fine Art of Yarn Bombing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMBS-UmrgIk/U7gg0q6xpZI/AAAAAAAAI-s/fOt9HGPv_g8/s1600/DSC00603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMBS-UmrgIk/U7gg0q6xpZI/AAAAAAAAI-s/fOt9HGPv_g8/s1600/DSC00603.JPG" height="180" title="Peggy's Cove" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy's Cove</td></tr>
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Wow! Nova Scotia is absolutely gorgeous. My trip to visit my sister in Halifax enhanced my belief that we live in an outstandingly diverse and stunning country.<br />
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As I frolicked about Nova Scotia, I came upon some interesting crochet.<br />
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My sister gave me a tour of downtown Halifax on my first day, and I saw my first Yarn Bombing! I think that this is an adorably fun way of getting together to personalize your community. For those of you have not heard of Yarn Bombing <a href="http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2077071_2283023,00.html" target="_blank">this is a link of examples</a>. Keep your eye open for Yarn Bombing in your city. I would like to hear about them.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXt_7wzEKls/U7gcVa4b8EI/AAAAAAAAI-o/dokt-4TRzYw/s1600/DSC00421.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXt_7wzEKls/U7gcVa4b8EI/AAAAAAAAI-o/dokt-4TRzYw/s1600/DSC00421.JPG" height="180" title="Yarn bombing" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7qNQ9Ap7bk/U7gcUF08O8I/AAAAAAAAI-k/UG8_R4FevoQ/s1600/DSC00656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7qNQ9Ap7bk/U7gcUF08O8I/AAAAAAAAI-k/UG8_R4FevoQ/s1600/DSC00656.JPG" height="180" title="crochet cacti in lunenberg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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In Lunenburg we came across a store selling hand crocheted cacti. I saw patterns for these awhile ago, and thought that they were cute, but couldn't think of a practical use for them. I love that these ladies were making money from them. I guess they could be practical after all. Here is a <a href="http://www.littlethingsblogged.com/2013/03/crochet-cacti-pattern.html" target="_blank">free pattern for crocheted cacti</a> I found. Saweet!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-28899103672920119682014-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:002014-06-03T14:36:25.549-07:00Difference Between Crochet & Knitting (1) - Experiments My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 13. Instead of making a pot holder, I made a triangle. But I pressed on, and have been crocheting ever since.<br />
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I never really had any desire to learn how to knit, until I found a pattern for Fair Isle slippers which require two strand knitting. Crochet is wonderful, but changing colours is a pain. I finally was taught how to knit when I had some good one on one time with my mother during my recovery in the hospital this past winter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38CctiMJNgxNmojtn0LMsfLCPmL-mf2fgsvr1ItYvUNqGC1W9STn18m1G5HkXo54Awee0I36vquvTOxOXufpcLuvCZxd85ifb6vyd-Ru7GGy2xcY41RsPbooOMzocteLtbF5seOPlvHDg/s1600/10271235_10154028486245524_3967156835479659255_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38CctiMJNgxNmojtn0LMsfLCPmL-mf2fgsvr1ItYvUNqGC1W9STn18m1G5HkXo54Awee0I36vquvTOxOXufpcLuvCZxd85ifb6vyd-Ru7GGy2xcY41RsPbooOMzocteLtbF5seOPlvHDg/s1600/10271235_10154028486245524_3967156835479659255_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have been knitting up a storm for the past few months, and am in love with knitting...although it will never replace crochet in my heart.</div>
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EXPERIMENTATION:</div>
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Because I have had lots of time on my hands, I have been experimenting. After making a crochet unicorn for my niece, I decided to use that same pattern but convert it to knitting by replacing the 'sc' with 'k1', etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSC9bPAFb6axw7fdWTmp9_OOC1iaIH8bKxulrP1sS6HPEpCZDGzBt6Y1ZaVyIYSReabl48pPf9QIYpJH7VNcodJ4050RZsP7jXYjPsBYlOfmLC9baiWRkyDeVop3X9pYjMZof4-PGCcUn/s1600/20140603_151406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSC9bPAFb6axw7fdWTmp9_OOC1iaIH8bKxulrP1sS6HPEpCZDGzBt6Y1ZaVyIYSReabl48pPf9QIYpJH7VNcodJ4050RZsP7jXYjPsBYlOfmLC9baiWRkyDeVop3X9pYjMZof4-PGCcUn/s1600/20140603_151406.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This is what happened</span></td></tr>
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As you can see, the knitted unicorn is almost half the size. I also noticed that the crocheted unicorn holds its shape better. The knitted body parts bulged when stuffed and became more rounded.<br />
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Also, I had to crochet chains for the knitted unicorn's hair, because the only option for knitted hair I could find was using the i-cord, which is ridiculously time consuming and stiff compared to a simple crocheted chain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wHKgRWK1Rk3htTNoFaH99LtsIG9UUX8dCiBhR7jxe836-GHWhAV3VUDn4J8DB_PS56mfJVMt5EVcTWB4-v3Pql8JBhI2DTClKBJqJKdaBK5n4AVjgSFZZrdZBhz6LXa_i-CoK1IwPR3A/s1600/20140603_151337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wHKgRWK1Rk3htTNoFaH99LtsIG9UUX8dCiBhR7jxe836-GHWhAV3VUDn4J8DB_PS56mfJVMt5EVcTWB4-v3Pql8JBhI2DTClKBJqJKdaBK5n4AVjgSFZZrdZBhz6LXa_i-CoK1IwPR3A/s1600/20140603_151337.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6OfJnN1KHmoW2EyPPudXZeX4iHUxbPI9ggF9LrrZd4opSxsOhzd3WDAwCdZiOqFIUhfX-9Ug9ipDljl9uP8SIs0op-bxd6mpBrWGHzehhpKFgjH3g4MQt2StPADKD-qIZChniy03Yrny/s1600/20140603_151316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6OfJnN1KHmoW2EyPPudXZeX4iHUxbPI9ggF9LrrZd4opSxsOhzd3WDAwCdZiOqFIUhfX-9Ug9ipDljl9uP8SIs0op-bxd6mpBrWGHzehhpKFgjH3g4MQt2StPADKD-qIZChniy03Yrny/s1600/20140603_151316.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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More talk about the differences between Crochet & Knitting to come :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-14714583093771893712014-05-11T12:04:00.000-07:002014-05-11T12:04:13.402-07:00Thread and Nail Art<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPxWndaAObjlSVMSKnqop7ERdtwD3oT9FCtFQHIC004nCayLdbQx67z3IIxbxwXxN9C-1uuX8M_TK0wgazYgWn14vsgOT0BxpZ7l_QxKa7HIBJME4dHJPM43PgblvgBjVgQwIF-VzAr7I/s1600/DIY+Nail%2526Threadplaque1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPxWndaAObjlSVMSKnqop7ERdtwD3oT9FCtFQHIC004nCayLdbQx67z3IIxbxwXxN9C-1uuX8M_TK0wgazYgWn14vsgOT0BxpZ7l_QxKa7HIBJME4dHJPM43PgblvgBjVgQwIF-VzAr7I/s1600/DIY+Nail%2526Threadplaque1.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my absolute first Do It Yourself tutorial. How exciting! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNoRJfSmOCyqh32Tto59z2Kh38TNRkH5wX1TEeWNLGtgkNngqAqsQnbvfCrtDZtnlEm-lul87EytZ7DGtlXwW9OHLEohnmHzyeu18XilVJ-EVsBzQpcNLFY4AtTeCPrKPhXNBvFeM5HrU/s1600/20140503_103750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNoRJfSmOCyqh32Tto59z2Kh38TNRkH5wX1TEeWNLGtgkNngqAqsQnbvfCrtDZtnlEm-lul87EytZ7DGtlXwW9OHLEohnmHzyeu18XilVJ-EVsBzQpcNLFY4AtTeCPrKPhXNBvFeM5HrU/s1600/20140503_103750.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><b>FIRST:</b> Find some wood you think would fit your name. In my case I found the unused drawer divider from my ikea kitchen cabinet. Luckily I have a shortish last name, which fit perfectly.<br /><br /><b>SECOND:</b> Stain or paint the wood the colour of your choice. I painted mine with diluted grey acrylic.<br /><b><br />THIRD:</b> Print out the letters in a font of your choice, and tape them to your plaque. I made an illustrator file the exact dimensions of my plaque so that the letters would print out the perfect size. Us a ruler when taping the letters, to ensure that they are placed properly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo3vz9b-gNbVeDZnVmXsRa4pMxYQHsAPS2Vw1-0V-gGtAN502IOQF4y6uYikxaGShjBO8Df0XMpznHmnppaGT-amBg32cuWZn0IEKYbuLTw9y8J6kGVSfyMvI4LunAJPR6KlfZ_67iNJT/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo3vz9b-gNbVeDZnVmXsRa4pMxYQHsAPS2Vw1-0V-gGtAN502IOQF4y6uYikxaGShjBO8Df0XMpznHmnppaGT-amBg32cuWZn0IEKYbuLTw9y8J6kGVSfyMvI4LunAJPR6KlfZ_67iNJT/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">FOURTH:</b> Measure and draw dots where the nails will go. This helps prevent the creation of awkward gaps.<br /><br /><b>FIFTH:</b> Start hammering in your nails.<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdfjDBU9a41pm-t0qP9MO970LcqxIBM-X1C0YfCVIHKIQkuw_e0SGekkZX9t_0DJmVQ0ObpAr2WP0rDCaJ2TIhIAp6Trx1yCQFJBF6RD3Asg4AxTAVQ_E7T0gLzV5IA4OPS5OFyVDxAbO/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdfjDBU9a41pm-t0qP9MO970LcqxIBM-X1C0YfCVIHKIQkuw_e0SGekkZX9t_0DJmVQ0ObpAr2WP0rDCaJ2TIhIAp6Trx1yCQFJBF6RD3Asg4AxTAVQ_E7T0gLzV5IA4OPS5OFyVDxAbO/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" height="180" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b>SIXTH:</b> Rip off the paper, and remove bits of left behind paper. You might want to use pliers to remove a few nails to get rid of some stubborn pieces of paper. Just hammer them back in afterwards. Also try to ensure that all the nails are the same hight.<br /><br /><b>SEVENTH:</b> Choose your first letter, then create a slip knot and place around a nail. Wrap thread around each outer nail, then criss cross until you have an even density. Finish off at the nail you began with by tying a knot with both the ends. Trim thread, and kind of tuck the knot in so it's not as visible. It's okay if it is, it won't be noticed once your finish product is on display.<br /><b><br />EIGHTH:</b> Repeat the seventh step for all other letters, ensuring that you match the density of the first one you created.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO3K_MproiZYpasrHGNnG940n5-ZcQgnM1EGYJjgVSzFfqLgIPASbr1ieO9Or3CO7HsWHjNzejYN-Pu_XNdDizz1gCXXXnqXInUxB7kBdbXCA2NUT1L4ZdK4s-Oes57tCm7JzHgYX3ntk/s1600/DSC00167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO3K_MproiZYpasrHGNnG940n5-ZcQgnM1EGYJjgVSzFfqLgIPASbr1ieO9Or3CO7HsWHjNzejYN-Pu_XNdDizz1gCXXXnqXInUxB7kBdbXCA2NUT1L4ZdK4s-Oes57tCm7JzHgYX3ntk/s1600/DSC00167.JPG" height="180" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b><br />Wallah!</b> You have finished a beautiful name plaque.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO3K_MproiZYpasrHGNnG940n5-ZcQgnM1EGYJjgVSzFfqLgIPASbr1ieO9Or3CO7HsWHjNzejYN-Pu_XNdDizz1gCXXXnqXInUxB7kBdbXCA2NUT1L4ZdK4s-Oes57tCm7JzHgYX3ntk/s1600/DSC00167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
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Here is a wordless tutorial for you visual learners.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpqCCD3VFRwd1dRIlOrgsrDVCaP8oFqZ8mFG7I6v1yCOPzuP6ilrpDjWKF852Ho09k2gcannFeyGjOaYRorBDa7pL7ZssIyEbNswPBZUry5oqg8dHs6R3XQ_XFFdQ7xK7N8AOQDv7i9ye/s1600/DIY-Nail%2526Threadplaque.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpqCCD3VFRwd1dRIlOrgsrDVCaP8oFqZ8mFG7I6v1yCOPzuP6ilrpDjWKF852Ho09k2gcannFeyGjOaYRorBDa7pL7ZssIyEbNswPBZUry5oqg8dHs6R3XQ_XFFdQ7xK7N8AOQDv7i9ye/s1600/DIY-Nail%2526Threadplaque.png" height="640" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">I love the talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, called </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Happiness, Your Heritage</a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">. He reminds us that we all have the ability to create, even if we think we are not creative. Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by the talents of others, that we overlook the ones we have. 'Creation means bring into existence something that did not exist before.' You are creative when you make someone smile, take the time to teach a child, organize an event or activity... the list goes on. An example he used that I thought was interesting was 'harmonious homes.' This does not mean having a magazine picture perfect home! It is accomplished when we centre our homes around Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">When I was in the hospital recovering from my liver transplant, one of my friends sent me a link to a video that absolutely put a smile on my face, and helped me realize that people had not forgotten about me. She created happiness and comfort for me. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfjoQ4fUw78&feature=youtu.be">This is what she sent</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are my favourite parts of Elder Uchtorf's talk:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us.</span><sup class="noteMarker" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 1;"> <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng&clang=eng#5-PD00009501_000_039" style="font-size: 9px; text-decoration: none !important;">5</a> </sup><span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. </span><b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family</span><span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"> memories, flowing laughter.</span></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH7so6k0pLUIpEDhuCpiwEEvstXqJa2F5ybwOdeQusWBMyCM-BbUxls1iSlHJyz8dZwfsPy1y41gEy2h7Q256b62ylUHRGdUUxHc9dBCxcjMjz5-ehnjv7ZwHaFareikpb7yZRxnCxZ4R/s1600/creation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH7so6k0pLUIpEDhuCpiwEEvstXqJa2F5ybwOdeQusWBMyCM-BbUxls1iSlHJyz8dZwfsPy1y41gEy2h7Q256b62ylUHRGdUUxHc9dBCxcjMjz5-ehnjv7ZwHaFareikpb7yZRxnCxZ4R/s1600/creation.png" height="240" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mothers garden is much grander than mine, but I am just as proud :)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you create doesn’t have to be perfect... Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."</span></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035914893037128973.post-46657467217422416742014-05-05T18:17:00.000-07:002014-05-05T18:17:01.435-07:00New BeginningsThere is something magical about the end of a ball of yarn. It doesn't look like much, but once grasped in your hand with your hook or needle, it can be the beginning of a whole new creation. Something once ordinary is transformed into something spectacular right at your finger tips.<br />
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I love the idea of creating something from nothing. My mother told me that when when my grandmother was a little girl she needed to have new white socks for school, but her parents couldn't afford them. My great grandmother shaved their dog, spun the fur, and then knitted her a fresh pair of socks. This blows my mind!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11Swm4rf3wZ9mQm25jwl9U9H7OxrNU0A3XcwJCXTzkQKPGZIdpXqJHlVHUepw5GP_tPfZKvo9OBCauqilQaDvaBdLAFYQ8I4bo_hFzzuOtES_S4EQdcFPL69j8S7N1HRno2FOCnb6FnP_/s1600/shutterstock_21723889.jpg" height="132" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW7drE6LaJiBLnsU7g73r_zCT2q3mH4K7qfXzSmlcQAtI_urMy3plzhnqSvXj1luK-3qXHNZIdZ_GjsmjtaEiH4bbNPIOQBKqTJ4DwuQWu-XuBVnt1Y49T6Tyv7sxURlfIJaQRbegccP8/s1600/il_fullxfull.397184113_8zw4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW7drE6LaJiBLnsU7g73r_zCT2q3mH4K7qfXzSmlcQAtI_urMy3plzhnqSvXj1luK-3qXHNZIdZ_GjsmjtaEiH4bbNPIOQBKqTJ4DwuQWu-XuBVnt1Y49T6Tyv7sxURlfIJaQRbegccP8/s1600/il_fullxfull.397184113_8zw4.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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About this Blog:<br />
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You are probably wondering what this blog is all about. My goal is to write about anything that has to do with the process of creation, mingled with my own experiences. When first considering the theme of my blog, I leaned towards making it all about knitting and crocheting, but upon further reflection I decided that that was far to limiting. I want to write about my process to publish a book with my own knit & crochet patterns, the lessons I learned from needing a liver transplant, and anything else that tickles my fancy. It may not be spectacular, but it will be my own creation ;) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11Swm4rf3wZ9mQm25jwl9U9H7OxrNU0A3XcwJCXTzkQKPGZIdpXqJHlVHUepw5GP_tPfZKvo9OBCauqilQaDvaBdLAFYQ8I4bo_hFzzuOtES_S4EQdcFPL69j8S7N1HRno2FOCnb6FnP_/s1600/shutterstock_21723889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533880001213093675noreply@blogger.com1