tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32549295657554397322024-03-18T20:55:47.555-07:00Yarn FlooziesWe are two knitters. We love yarn, knitting with it, and fondling it.
We went to Sock Summit!!!!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.comBlogger700125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-90898771077276243322013-01-07T13:59:00.003-08:002013-01-07T14:00:15.999-08:00Knitting Time CalculatorIf you get a lot of requests from people who would like you to knit for them, here's a <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGw2di04am5ram1KajhmYW5kaWdZc1E6MQ#gid=0">knitting time calculator</a> that you can send to them, so that you can be recompensed adequately for your time.<br />
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(Preview below, click on the <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGw2di04am5ram1KajhmYW5kaWdZc1E6MQ#gid=0">knitting time calculator</a> to see the whole thing properly.)<br />
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<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dGw2di04am5ram1KajhmYW5kaWdZc1E6MQ" width="760" height="1348" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe>
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By the way, yes, this is a joke. However, if you want to see what people are submitting, <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ag0Bbfh-C3lXdGw2di04am5ram1KajhmYW5kaWdZc1E#gid=0">the form results are here</a>.wenathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487808951051912588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-62994947205363142552012-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:002012-01-29T16:46:17.091-08:00Spock hat (free knitting pattern)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6780757535_9b5ae68073_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6780757535_9b5ae68073_b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
A friend's teenage daughter has been asking for a "Spock Hat" for over a year. Since she asked (very nicely) again at Christmastime, I figured it wasn't a fad that was going to go away, so I thought I'd make one up for her. (It takes me back to being a huge Spock fan when I was her age.)<br />
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Note: If you want elf "hair" rather than a Vulcan hat, substitute any other colour for the black yarn.<br />
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Links to images for a look at the ear shaping.<br />
* <a href="http://geektyrant.com/storage/post-images/Spock%20Haircut.jpg">costuming</a><br />
* <a href="http://images.wikia.com/memoryalpha/en/images/1/17/Spock_wearing_neural_stimulator.jpg">neural stimulator</a><br />
* <a href="http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2008/10/zachary-quinto-spock-tacular.jpg">Quinto ears</a><br />
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________________<br />
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<b>The Hat</b> (Knit from top down)<br />
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Yarn: Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Superwash (worsted weight), Colour 30 (black)<br />
Needle: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle<br />
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Turkish cast-on two stitches on each needle. (Or use your favourite way to start a top down hat.)<br />
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<i>Note: Images of the cast-on below are with the yarn I used for the ears, as it's the same beginning, and it's much easier to see light-coloured yarn than black yarn in photos. </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1CA4kAZRd948S4QLOZe_XVutxEKaJXFCJiFtOd6fRDE1h0n-dw86LZlsB1H4MVYLC8FXk3fbTzHw5IE6TtOiBDjL6ZyNz-xpzgnauisofS64rsGomp4h63SDVNj096F89xMkiNdsuq2s/s1600/DSC00089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1CA4kAZRd948S4QLOZe_XVutxEKaJXFCJiFtOd6fRDE1h0n-dw86LZlsB1H4MVYLC8FXk3fbTzHw5IE6TtOiBDjL6ZyNz-xpzgnauisofS64rsGomp4h63SDVNj096F89xMkiNdsuq2s/s320/DSC00089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Create a magic loop, then, using both ends of the yarn, knit all 4 stitches. (4 stitches around)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3j8-7JgbtPGld0hnahih-hFZ6Ild3Erp6Vtxu7O4bJSfncbYj4ZiLu0TfnMVA2K_FMIm6Z6QByrWfSS2sTchbtwrljtMseqK4OH8odYweOvCIuC97CpyyC51tdo-3O0dKZ0UYPtpSox-/s1600/DSC00093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3j8-7JgbtPGld0hnahih-hFZ6Ild3Erp6Vtxu7O4bJSfncbYj4ZiLu0TfnMVA2K_FMIm6Z6QByrWfSS2sTchbtwrljtMseqK4OH8odYweOvCIuC97CpyyC51tdo-3O0dKZ0UYPtpSox-/s320/DSC00093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Because you used both ends of the yarn, you'll have 8 loops on the needle. Knit all loops as stitches (8 stitches around).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPfhVHkGWyU0w-Kf9r3y8ZvtOEcz44w2s5kbyPIP2y0HH9M3LlNmdMlfvaohWSzQlOo0N-o2IP6-KD7Jg_ohw4pJKm9tjGXcs7RceCTMQyzsZ1nJSgkHClY-im2JrV4h0vWHgK1AUpk12/s1600/DSC00096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPfhVHkGWyU0w-Kf9r3y8ZvtOEcz44w2s5kbyPIP2y0HH9M3LlNmdMlfvaohWSzQlOo0N-o2IP6-KD7Jg_ohw4pJKm9tjGXcs7RceCTMQyzsZ1nJSgkHClY-im2JrV4h0vWHgK1AUpk12/s320/DSC00096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Place a marker at start of round.<br />
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Knit 1, YO, all around (16 stitches around)<br />
Knit 1, KTBL the YO (16 stitches around)<br />
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(Note: KTBL the YO means <b>knit through back loop</b> of that <b>yarn-over</b> stitch)<br />
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K2, YO, all around (24 stitches around)<br />
K2, KTBL the YO (24 stitches around)<br />
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K3, YO all around (32 stitches around)<br />
K3, KTBL the YO (32 stitches around)<br />
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Continue increasing until you're at K10, KTBL the YO (88 stitches around)<br />
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Note: it's easy to manipulate the stitch count if you're using thinner or thicker yarn, or knitting for a child. Just increase to 64, 72, 80, or 96 stitches, instead of 88 stitches around.<br />
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Knit for 3 inches (2–2.5 inches if you're making this for a small head or a child)<br />
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___________________<br />
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<b>Ribbing the front of the hat for the "bangs"</b><br />
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Here's a side view of the bangs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefdHqkXOeI5sg4hU23lkUqzAI3BF9BIQu6OZ4p7u4SJmy7EcdG5qyFEuQe1zgGAooLdyxAIROIiHIrF_B95hcoLI6sk3Z7mrp8oC00Q9h4n15ENCyygQ6oJtHTJXe0wRKwTIuLaAaIXJv/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefdHqkXOeI5sg4hU23lkUqzAI3BF9BIQu6OZ4p7u4SJmy7EcdG5qyFEuQe1zgGAooLdyxAIROIiHIrF_B95hcoLI6sk3Z7mrp8oC00Q9h4n15ENCyygQ6oJtHTJXe0wRKwTIuLaAaIXJv/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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**<br />
Two stitches before marker, K1 P1<br />
From marker, K1 P1 for 25 stitches<br />
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Place second marker<br />
K1 P1, then knit rest of round to two stitches before first marker.<br />
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Repeat from ** for one inch<br />
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___________________<br />
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<b>Bind off the bangs (see note on experimental bindoff below)</b><br />
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After one inch of front ribbing:<br />
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Two stitches before marker, K1 P1<br />
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From marker, bind off 25 stitches, ending at second marker.<br />
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Remove both markers.<br />
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K1 P1, Knit to two stitches before end of the row, P1 K1.<br />
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From here, you'll work the back of the hat as a flat piece, not in the round.<br />
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___________________<br />
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<b>Knit the back of the hair</b><br />
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And here's a closeup of the back of the head, showing the shaping of the hairline.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB5A1eU9tudKLfKfmg4jUK6upybT-bdDydD21COmlKPxZWadbi9T0FUENYWOJRXqWM0ZBUX4x0CzVJSp0ahWe1FuMfD1AB3Rt-RbqgthzCpULyFvYHUo-5nsi7ZKeX7vFUIh27Wxl3RfO/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB5A1eU9tudKLfKfmg4jUK6upybT-bdDydD21COmlKPxZWadbi9T0FUENYWOJRXqWM0ZBUX4x0CzVJSp0ahWe1FuMfD1AB3Rt-RbqgthzCpULyFvYHUo-5nsi7ZKeX7vFUIh27Wxl3RfO/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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**<br />
P1 K1, Purl to last two stitches, K1, P1<br />
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K1, P1, SSK, knit to last four stitches, K2tog, P1, K1<br />
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(The "hair" angles backwards, with two stitches being decreased every other row.)<br />
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Repeat from ** for two inches. You will have 49 stitches on the needle.<br />
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<b>Begin ribbing for bottom of "hair", to reduce stockinette curling</b><br />
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K1, P1, SSK, ** P1 K1 ** (repeat between ** ) to last 4 stitches<br />
Last 4 stitches are K2tog, P1, K1<br />
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P1, K1, repeat to end<br />
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K1, P1, SSK ** K1 P1 ** (repeat between ** ) to last 4 stitches<br />
Last 4 stitches are K2tog, P1, K1<br />
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P1, K2 ** P1 K1 ** (repeat between ** ) to last 3 stitches<br />
Last 3 stitches are K2, P1<br />
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Repeat ribbing stitches for one inch (approx 6 rows)<br />
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Bind off.<br />
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One more side view photo of the hat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW856lXzZqdlUvfNm3PKspRhMpyUx7i9rKiprNeGWfHeYyGZkrC-dR4VhtCWaNYR4wvGHZ3Ui7JZ4S3oDUMpGYS-wKTptS8JC5cjz7MvKJ_0YUBmpp0FBnj4vKl_-JIR-R2sh_Gf3A6H-/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW856lXzZqdlUvfNm3PKspRhMpyUx7i9rKiprNeGWfHeYyGZkrC-dR4VhtCWaNYR4wvGHZ3Ui7JZ4S3oDUMpGYS-wKTptS8JC5cjz7MvKJ_0YUBmpp0FBnj4vKl_-JIR-R2sh_Gf3A6H-/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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___________________<br />
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<b>Stretchy bindoff</b><br />
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You can bind off normally, or if you'd like to try a stretchy bindoff, here's my experimental bindoff for this project. It's a combination of the regular bindoff and the lace bindoff.<br />
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1. Knit two, slip both stitches back to left needle, K2tog<br />
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2. Knit 1, Pass rightmost stitch on left needle over the first stitch<br />
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3. Knit one, slip both stitches back to left needle, K2tog<br />
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Repeat 2 and 3 above<br />
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___________________<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pointy Ears</span></b><br />
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Yarn is Purelife organic wool, in "onion", or equivalent feltable wool. This is a DK weight yarn as I wanted the ears to be a little lighter weight. You can substitute worsted weight yarn but the ears will be just a wee bit heavier on the hat. You may also have to fudge your row count by one or two rows, or felt the yarn a little bit more.<br />
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Needles I used: US 6 (4 mm)<br />
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**Pattern**<br />
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Using the Turkish cast-on, make 4 stitches, 2 on each side of your circular needles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1CA4kAZRd948S4QLOZe_XVutxEKaJXFCJiFtOd6fRDE1h0n-dw86LZlsB1H4MVYLC8FXk3fbTzHw5IE6TtOiBDjL6ZyNz-xpzgnauisofS64rsGomp4h63SDVNj096F89xMkiNdsuq2s/s1600/DSC00089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1CA4kAZRd948S4QLOZe_XVutxEKaJXFCJiFtOd6fRDE1h0n-dw86LZlsB1H4MVYLC8FXk3fbTzHw5IE6TtOiBDjL6ZyNz-xpzgnauisofS64rsGomp4h63SDVNj096F89xMkiNdsuq2s/s320/DSC00089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Basic principle: increase to 11 stitches on back of ear; increase to 20 stitches on front of ear<br />
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There are 32 rows from the bottom to the top tip of the ear.<br />
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It takes 12 rows to build from the bottom to the middle of the ear, then 12 rows to decrease for a regular human ear shape, then 8 rows to build the pointy tip.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVir1g4kfmmKXxh1krwrSps-OxbP-nVhAi9R7F8RxceWT4QnAc1Tamynw-IKDLV2W2J9TJgz9r-jB2YZwRTRbrJ2A02nBHODfqd2p6WRWilBwgdG_6LTNaSyy1rob-mQcpCAEB-9uG2dJ/s1600/Spock-Ear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVir1g4kfmmKXxh1krwrSps-OxbP-nVhAi9R7F8RxceWT4QnAc1Tamynw-IKDLV2W2J9TJgz9r-jB2YZwRTRbrJ2A02nBHODfqd2p6WRWilBwgdG_6LTNaSyy1rob-mQcpCAEB-9uG2dJ/s320/Spock-Ear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The extra stitches in the "front" of the ear are to create extra fabric for shaping into an ear whorl.<br />
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My increase chart (yours may vary depending on your row gauge. Remember, your goal is just to get a lot more fabric on the front of the ear, and let the back of the ear control the shape.)<br />
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<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td align="right"><strong>Row </strong></td><td align="right"><strong>Back # of stitches</strong></td><td align="right"><strong>Front # of stitches</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">2 </td><td align="right">4 </td><td align="right">6 </td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">4 </td><td align="right">5 </td><td align="right">8</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">6 </td><td align="right">6 </td><td align="right">11</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">8 </td><td align="right">8 </td><td align="right">14</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">10 </td><td align="right">9 </td><td align="right">17</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">12 </td><td align="right">11 </td><td align="right">20</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">14 </td><td align="right">10 </td><td align="right">18</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">16 </td><td align="right">9 </td><td align="right">16</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">18 </td><td align="right">8 </td><td align="right">14</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">20 </td><td align="right">7 </td><td align="right">12</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">22 </td><td align="right">6 </td><td align="right">9</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">24 </td><td align="right">5 </td><td align="right">6</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">26 </td><td align="right">4 </td><td align="right">4</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">28 </td><td align="right">3 </td><td align="right">3</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">30 </td><td align="right">2 </td><td align="right">2</td></tr>
<tr><td align="right">32 </td><td align="right">1 </td><td align="right">1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>RIGHT EAR</b><br />
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Increases on front are K to one stitch before end, M1, K1, on most rounds. You can also M1 in the middle of the ear after row 4.<br />
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Increases on back are K1, M1, K to end (no increases on alternate rows).<br />
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Here's the back of the year, at the midpoint.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovcq2A7fm_qoEyi_oR138gqk3phUjUxbtn9goQTGgqX-CJqVP7bZCx6V9ZsQp0SXP-ahKtsOIdgl7792xtb4IHKKBDTF2ggl8Uqrbjk6-fSW1YJyEfjf2mdhqoMTne602kCrrfJJojkG_/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovcq2A7fm_qoEyi_oR138gqk3phUjUxbtn9goQTGgqX-CJqVP7bZCx6V9ZsQp0SXP-ahKtsOIdgl7792xtb4IHKKBDTF2ggl8Uqrbjk6-fSW1YJyEfjf2mdhqoMTne602kCrrfJJojkG_/s320/DSC00097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's the front of the ear. You can see all the extra fabric bulging upwards.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAXHoE4BuUsv5lei5XgjJkpLu-_5SHrGd6J9xoXx_dp1WNM1TKkz8y_RGEL3x5Bvm9joxMSjN0TlF04RKFP8e5eBAyjDSE7MSpwz5V8FmwCU3eyfqvZEr_JhBASH11vrn2AxeEt9_71dG/s1600/DSC00099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAXHoE4BuUsv5lei5XgjJkpLu-_5SHrGd6J9xoXx_dp1WNM1TKkz8y_RGEL3x5Bvm9joxMSjN0TlF04RKFP8e5eBAyjDSE7MSpwz5V8FmwCU3eyfqvZEr_JhBASH11vrn2AxeEt9_71dG/s320/DSC00099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Decrease rows on front for rows 14-24 are:<br />
SSK, K to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K<br />
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Decrease rows on back for rows 14-24 are:<br />
K to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K<br />
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As you get past row 24, alternate k2tog or ssk to shape the final point.<br />
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Here's the back of the ear, so you can see the shape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZHGFbbSQFXeuCGoXy-xUWJFLAc49i4zYBctDNlXrpQANz9PSP6d473ae0MDcozFLqgrqPfDsX-hvdPab01sZVcWvvJOLbP1vIqM_CItMmJ65IWJfvCFw3x3ZuJD9YJ_71GMbunhA-Jl6/s1600/DSC00104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZHGFbbSQFXeuCGoXy-xUWJFLAc49i4zYBctDNlXrpQANz9PSP6d473ae0MDcozFLqgrqPfDsX-hvdPab01sZVcWvvJOLbP1vIqM_CItMmJ65IWJfvCFw3x3ZuJD9YJ_71GMbunhA-Jl6/s320/DSC00104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's the front of the ear, with a little shaping of the ear whorl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwThhh8FT4DPVfxsSSUV-xcSmHA2XftJp0WI0Pq9PxONBbULXKXzd6kox88PcX5V63vJYk9yW9GJyPeyf97nAX-piJ2wzhBSVkVuVjB7MeToZgP72upeczBp83lqmwPHEoTADlGICP9ZlW/s1600/DSC00106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwThhh8FT4DPVfxsSSUV-xcSmHA2XftJp0WI0Pq9PxONBbULXKXzd6kox88PcX5V63vJYk9yW9GJyPeyf97nAX-piJ2wzhBSVkVuVjB7MeToZgP72upeczBp83lqmwPHEoTADlGICP9ZlW/s320/DSC00106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>LEFT EAR</b><br />
Increases on front are K1, M1, K to end, on most rows. You can also M1 in the middle of the ear after row 4.<br />
<br />
Increases on back are K to one stitch before end, M1, K1 (no increases on alternate rows)<br />
<br />
Decrease rows on front for rows 14-24 are:<br />
SSK, K to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K<br />
<br />
Decrease rows on back for rows 14-24 are:<br />
K to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K<br />
<br />
As you get past row 24, alternate k2tog or ssk to shape the final point.<br />
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___________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>FINISHING</b><br />
After bindoff, baste the ear shaping into place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6783473439_70b1253e7a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6783473439_70b1253e7a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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With fingering or lace weight cotton or acrylic yarn (not sewing thread, which may cut the yarn, and not wool yarn, which may felt itself to the wool of the ear), sew the edges together to secure the ear shaping.<br />
<br />
Then manipulate the extra fabric in the front of the ear into a whorl that approximates the inner shape of an ear, and baste that shape into place with the cotton yarn. (See above photo. You only need to build up about 1/4 inch of ear whorl.)<br />
<br />
Make two ears, one which mirrors the other. Learn from my mistake and make them at the same time if at all possible, as it's much easier to remember your construction.<br />
<br />
Put into hot laundry wash and dry to felt the ears. Bonus points: Ask your husband to "find your ear" when he brings up the laundry basket.<br />
<br />
Here are two ears together, one pre-felting, and one that's been felted down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrlA0jGGLkKQ8CtbhOZ7d5YzqrLyKriZcj1fyaY0xH25e8hCe7tLrxCc5Pi8gRJxVWi0S3YHY15rTX9hItcRZKWelAemnec3nhazatGVueSqjokncJErdnag7cVxv8I791EA58Iw4CaQG/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrlA0jGGLkKQ8CtbhOZ7d5YzqrLyKriZcj1fyaY0xH25e8hCe7tLrxCc5Pi8gRJxVWi0S3YHY15rTX9hItcRZKWelAemnec3nhazatGVueSqjokncJErdnag7cVxv8I791EA58Iw4CaQG/s320/DSC00110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Put hat on, and then attach ears to hat in approximate location of your own ears.<br />
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Sew in ends.<br />
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Wear with geek pride.wenathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487808951051912588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-90980753566661588682011-08-05T14:02:00.001-07:002011-08-05T14:42:10.384-07:00hangoverYep, I am suffering from a Sock Summit hangover. I'm a little out of sorts. There's stuff all over the place and chores to be done but all I want to do is crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head.<br /><br />I made it home in one piece with Gladys' luggage and her shiny new shoes plus a stroller that got left behind in Portland. It was a leisurely drive home with a stop in Centralia for the outlet stores (didn't buy much), a brief stop in Marysville for a late lunch, and long break in Bellingham to pick up a spinning wheel, a split bearing for my Traveller (which I ended up swapping with the Traditional because the new one was a smidge too big), and a little Finn fiber.<br /><br />I'm sure you're dying to see what I bought.<br /><br />I shopped for other people and this is their loot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgoEoEwK610/Tjxekguc9DI/AAAAAAAAF2s/Or72bDAKvNs/s1600/DSCN3263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgoEoEwK610/Tjxekguc9DI/AAAAAAAAF2s/Or72bDAKvNs/s320/DSCN3263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637484814914090034" /></a><br />This is my yarn purchase plus a set of carbon fiber dpns:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCOUovfm3WE/Tjxeyd1ersI/AAAAAAAAF20/HCsaTAqLKsc/s1600/DSCN3264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCOUovfm3WE/Tjxeyd1ersI/AAAAAAAAF20/HCsaTAqLKsc/s320/DSCN3264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637485054656425666" /></a><br />And this is my fiber haul (approx. 3.5lbs):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A852hGi0vbQ/Tjxe_Zq0NhI/AAAAAAAAF28/5s6Y9cj0MYA/s1600/DSCN3270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A852hGi0vbQ/Tjxe_Zq0NhI/AAAAAAAAF28/5s6Y9cj0MYA/s320/DSCN3270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637485276876256786" /></a><br />Most of it is Polwarth except for the Sheep2Shoe kit which is superwash merino and the pencil roving. The white blob is the Finn. On the far left was my biggest splurge - 50% camel/50% silk. I couldn't resist - it's sooooo soft.<br /><br />My door prize:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viME2KlnrAs/TjxeUsHBGYI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Dvyp_sXhA0I/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viME2KlnrAs/TjxeUsHBGYI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Dvyp_sXhA0I/s320/DSCN3260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637484543092005250" /></a><br />And here's the spinning wheel that I picked up for my niece:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6PduUeuUb4/Tjxd0Fc1LoI/AAAAAAAAF2U/EZlh8WUTTEM/s1600/DSCN3249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6PduUeuUb4/Tjxd0Fc1LoI/AAAAAAAAF2U/EZlh8WUTTEM/s320/DSCN3249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637483982958702210" /></a><br />It's an Edammertje and a Dutch made wheel. From what I understand, it's a competitor to Louet. The company is no longer in business so if it ever needs repairs, etc., I will have to use parts from other spinning wheel makers. I've cleaned it up and oiled it. It treadles very smoothly but 4 out of the 6 bobbins are incredibly noisy.<br /><br />There are a few things missing from the pictures like my Sock Summit swag, a coupla t-shirts that I bought hubby from the Saturday market, See's candies, goodies from my Fabric Depot trip, and some clothes that I bought. I didn't exceed my duty free limit ($750) but I was pretty darned close. Phew!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-42666536976165778922011-07-30T21:57:00.000-07:002011-07-30T22:17:56.290-07:00Sock Summit Day 3Today was my last day of classes. I had sooooo much fun in my CSM (circular sock machine) class. We made straight tubes, short row heels/toes, and learned how to get the ribber working and switch the needles around. I did not end up with a wearable sock but I couldn't resist trying on my practice piece.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KALT4bSf_Ls/TjThML0iKsI/AAAAAAAAF1w/C2-O_fwX6t8/s1600/DSCN3211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KALT4bSf_Ls/TjThML0iKsI/AAAAAAAAF1w/C2-O_fwX6t8/s320/DSCN3211.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635376633195145922" /></a><br />As it happens, two of my practice heels are exactly the length of my foot so I may actually be able to salvage a sock out of my 5 ft long tube.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M40g1cqwUxY/TjThGq7pPfI/AAAAAAAAF1o/t_WMgcOTnkI/s1600/DSCN3214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M40g1cqwUxY/TjThGq7pPfI/AAAAAAAAF1o/t_WMgcOTnkI/s320/DSCN3214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635376538467253746" /></a><br />The CSM wasn't scary to use. A bit tricky at times but not unmanageable. By the end of the 3 hour class my hands were covered in black machine oil. My finger nails look like they belong to a grease monkey rather than a knitter.<br /><br />I realized this morning that I didn't have my picture taken with any knitting celebrities (aside from Gladys). So I tracked down someone famous and begged for a picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvjjwVyeW8Y/TjTg__NTOFI/AAAAAAAAF1g/IQmHpB-ZVa0/s1600/DSCN3215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvjjwVyeW8Y/TjTg__NTOFI/AAAAAAAAF1g/IQmHpB-ZVa0/s320/DSCN3215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635376423650932818" /></a><br />This is Caro from <a href="http://www.splityarn.com">splityarn</a>. She's an awesome crafter. I know Caro before she became famous. We used to work together back in the day when we both had desk jobs.<br /><br />In the afternoon, I showed up at Gladys' lecture with my cow bell and I'm still alive to tell you about it. The lecture was a lot of fun. Many people were inspired and I believe there was a mini stampede to several booths to stock up on pooling yarn. I might've been one of them even though I said I wouldn't do it again.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqcDMW4YOc/TjTg5A0EsAI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/1cTQFzO52yQ/s1600/DSCN3217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqcDMW4YOc/TjTg5A0EsAI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/1cTQFzO52yQ/s320/DSCN3217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635376303822909442" /></a><br />So that's it for classes. I'll head back to the convention center to pick up my spinning wheel and my door prize!!! Wonder what I won.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-29186022336031762072011-07-30T20:34:00.000-07:002011-07-30T22:18:15.373-07:00knitters are officially crazy... and not too bad at dancing!<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yOUL_S6tVr8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-76419473698753048502011-07-29T21:29:00.000-07:002011-07-29T21:42:58.197-07:00postcard from Sock Summit 2011We and IT are here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb5LbvbG5js/TjOJIb5o9LI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/N61gEsgQlrU/s1600/DSCN3199.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb5LbvbG5js/TjOJIb5o9LI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/N61gEsgQlrU/s320/DSCN3199.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634998336792097970" /></a><br />Sock Summit has officially started. Gladys is having a great time teaching and I'm having a great time learning. We definitely feel like we've been transported to another world:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4cAkhRMHIg/TjOI_DqkKrI/AAAAAAAAF1I/rOTIWFMaSPY/s1600/DSCN3203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4cAkhRMHIg/TjOI_DqkKrI/AAAAAAAAF1I/rOTIWFMaSPY/s320/DSCN3203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634998175667595954" /></a><br />If you don't get the reference, look it up! BTW, the show - in all it's incarnations is filmed just a few kms from where I live.<br /><br />We are both enjoying the shopping ;) I will take photographs of my stash when I get home but just trust me when I say, "WOW!". As you can probably guess, most of it is spinning fiber :) While I did bring my spinning wheel, I do not have it to try out my new fiber. It is with one of the Fleece to Foot teams and it was be participating in Sunday's competition.<br /><br />Tomorrow is my last class and Gladys' lecture. My supplies are packed for class and so is my cow bell for the lecture. She is going to KILL me.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-91118974351185992442011-07-24T11:25:00.001-07:002011-07-24T11:33:44.803-07:00finishedI've crossed the TdF finish line!!! A purple jersey (don't like yellow and I look horrible in it) for me :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoppFwEA4fQ/TixkJ-7CqDI/AAAAAAAAFzc/o16AGgzzO4M/s1600/DSCN3187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoppFwEA4fQ/TixkJ-7CqDI/AAAAAAAAFzc/o16AGgzzO4M/s320/DSCN3187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632987356605884466" /></a><br />This is a little skein of some mystery stuff that Gail gave me. I've only got 228 yds so I'm not sure what I'll make with it.<br /><br />After many weeks of wheel searching, I think I've found one for my little niece. Hopefully, it will still be avail on my way back from Sock Summit. Only 4 more sleeps!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCE71RSTox8/TixlROwhMzI/AAAAAAAAFzk/cHWHVsqqKzA/s1600/DSCN3192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCE71RSTox8/TixlROwhMzI/AAAAAAAAFzk/cHWHVsqqKzA/s320/DSCN3192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632988580627428146" /></a><br />Ricky sez, "zzzzzzzzz".Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-64454621399533293002011-07-22T18:29:00.000-07:002011-07-22T18:51:57.503-07:006 more sleeps... til Sock Summit 2011!!!<br /><br />So there's a flurry of activity here. I'm finishing up the Tour de Fleece. One of my goals was to spin thicker and fiddle with my wheel settings a bit more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWenPM6We58/TiokhxbKdHI/AAAAAAAAFy4/t6V3uDHf8wU/s1600/DSCN3168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWenPM6We58/TiokhxbKdHI/AAAAAAAAFy4/t6V3uDHf8wU/s320/DSCN3168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632354446601778290" /></a><br />This is 4ozs of Falkland spun up into 230yds of 2 ply. Very soft and skwishy.<br /><br />I've also been spinning on Marilyn, my vintage double drive wheel. Another one of my TdF goals was to make friends with her. I finished filling one bobbin and when I had to switch it out, I couldn't get the whorl off until I remembered that it's lefty tighty, righty loosey. I filled the second bobbin and plied it today. I need to wind it off before I take a beauty shot. The fiber is a mystery as it was a gift from my friend, Gail. So what to spin next? I don't want to start anything new on Clementine or Matilda because all 8 bobbins need to be empty for Sock Summit so that leaves Marilyn. Guess I'll have to toss the stash. <br /><br />What I really should be doing is getting all my Sock Summit bits together. It's supposed to be summer hot in Portland. None of my summer clothes are out because it's been so cold here. Really - I was wearing long pants last week. I had on wool socks the week before. What I have been doing is working on my shopping list and boy, is it looooooong! Must remember that my duty free limit is only $750 (and I already had stuff shipped to Portland so I have even less to spend at the marketplace). My list so far is a sweater's worth of Socks That Rock Heavyweight (leaning towards one of the Raven colourways). I want to make something like Cassis or Redhook. I might buy a little bit of sock yarn. I mostly want fiber for spinning and a few spinning accessories like a spinner's control card, and a split rear bearing to update Clementine a little. So little time/money, so much to buy.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-15559524202666846852011-07-14T08:09:00.001-07:002011-07-14T09:00:10.257-07:00two monthsIt's been pretty close to 2 months since I last wrote up a decent post. There is sooo much that I need to get caught up on that this'll be a quick & dirty update.<br /><br />FOs<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGJjikk7VDo/Th8G_qONzqI/AAAAAAAAFxs/6VCufQGewcs/s1600/cinnamon%2Bgrace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGJjikk7VDo/Th8G_qONzqI/AAAAAAAAFxs/6VCufQGewcs/s320/cinnamon%2Bgrace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629225749971848866" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnfloozy/cinnamon-grace">Cinnamon Grace</a> - totally ran out of yarn despite using an overweight skein. Ended up making a 2 hour round trip to buy a 27g leftover from a fellow Raveller. Still ran out of yarn. The lace edging should be wider and have a picot bind off.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEw0QwBkLyA/Th8G7rNCvqI/AAAAAAAAFxk/MS0dpfxQwB4/s1600/sweetgeorgia%2Bmonkey%2Bsocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEw0QwBkLyA/Th8G7rNCvqI/AAAAAAAAFxk/MS0dpfxQwB4/s320/sweetgeorgia%2Bmonkey%2Bsocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629225681515888290" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnfloozy/monkey-6">Another pair of Monkey socks</a> - my 60th pair of socks<br /><br />Currently knitting on this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkWenN5KPkY/Th8H1C0bbiI/AAAAAAAAFx0/xD8vbQHwOfg/s1600/swirly%2Bskirt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkWenN5KPkY/Th8H1C0bbiI/AAAAAAAAFx0/xD8vbQHwOfg/s320/swirly%2Bskirt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629226667107642914" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnfloozy/swirl-skirt">Swirl skirt</a> from the latest IK. Totally in love with this pattern.<br /><br />Spinning<br /><br />The Tour de Fleece is moving along. While the nieces were in town, they insisted on "helping" me so I ended up spinning a lot of junky fiber (included in the purchase of my wheels). But I've had the opportunity to spin some nice stuff, too. This is sample of what I've accomplished so far:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5OdbdoZKNE/Th8QjNLopqI/AAAAAAAAFyU/SwfguzysoTk/s1600/DSCN1803%2B%2528resized%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5OdbdoZKNE/Th8QjNLopqI/AAAAAAAAFyU/SwfguzysoTk/s320/DSCN1803%2B%2528resized%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629236256256337570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr4Jqy6yT64/Th8Qe-MFgzI/AAAAAAAAFyM/lKs2kFGt59c/s1600/mystery%2Bwool%2Bkool%2Baid%2Bdyed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr4Jqy6yT64/Th8Qe-MFgzI/AAAAAAAAFyM/lKs2kFGt59c/s320/mystery%2Bwool%2Bkool%2Baid%2Bdyed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629236183512220466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPQgvHyRmR0/Th8QZFKVRTI/AAAAAAAAFyE/FVl9GkrtVp8/s1600/jelly%2Bbean%2Bcorriedale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPQgvHyRmR0/Th8QZFKVRTI/AAAAAAAAFyE/FVl9GkrtVp8/s320/jelly%2Bbean%2Bcorriedale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629236082304697650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBWIe09hXW8/Th8QT8sJfPI/AAAAAAAAFx8/t43YjsTy97E/s1600/fiber%2BBirkeland%2Bbfl%2Bbi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBWIe09hXW8/Th8QT8sJfPI/AAAAAAAAFx8/t43YjsTy97E/s320/fiber%2BBirkeland%2Bbfl%2Bbi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629235994131266802" /></a><br /><br />We're leaving for Sock Summit in less than two weeks. I have so much to do to get ready. I'm excited!!!!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-47915070517903924872011-07-07T17:46:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:46:18.637-07:00Dear Canada CustomsDear Canada Customs,<br />
<br />
If the label on the package says "Wool Yarn" …<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5151/5913532041_ec9849d698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5151/5913532041_ec9849d698.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Do you really think that you should be charging customs on Women's Clothing?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5914105838_a754a831c9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5914105838_a754a831c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
On the bright side, the yarn (Wollmeise in Raku Regenbogen and 0-Rh-negativ) was gorgeous, and I've already filled in the refund form so hopefully I'll get it reclassified and refunded.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/5914095800_3486f43647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/5914095800_3486f43647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>wenathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487808951051912588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-82397314344613542512011-07-06T22:44:00.000-07:002011-07-06T22:49:52.843-07:00drive by postCrazy busy... The nieces are in town so I'm barely home. Still managing to spin a little each day for the Tour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YpC0SP2h6k/ThVICF5MsRI/AAAAAAAAFvs/8NnZ_gs8AM0/s1600/DSCN3053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YpC0SP2h6k/ThVICF5MsRI/AAAAAAAAFvs/8NnZ_gs8AM0/s320/DSCN3053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626482510248325394" /></a><br />I've been spinning this Corriedale. It's all done now - 8oz of 2 ply and I'm hoping it's fingering. I still need to wash & whack.<br /><br />My youngest niece is completely fascinated with my wheel(s) so I'm having to spin up a bunch of junk fiber to keep her happy so I'm spinning a lot but most of it is throw/give away.<br /><br />I am sad because I went out on Mon and planted a ton of pansies and then wham - heat wave. The poor plants are totally crispy fried. Not sure they'll survive.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-91875502096324068842011-07-02T20:58:00.000-07:002011-07-02T21:06:52.361-07:00the TourI'm participating in my first Tour de Fleece this year. Today is day 1 and my sister & nieces are in town so I was hauling my wheel around. My youngest niece (aka the knitter) was completely fascinated. She tried drafting but was content to work the treadle while I did the drafting.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MW8kSUT-N3S58i6rCD0PG6K0yDY4EcodLYfVIrZiRTE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oaGe-o3EAF4/Tg_l0gI4RiI/AAAAAAAAFu4/H1ScB4Cxf6U/s400/DSCN3035.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />We spun a bobbin full of mystery fiber and then plied it up.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AygWvQcejqA1Gj4qVPoP5KK0yDY4EcodLYfVIrZiRTE?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9qqp5RwhsYA/Tg_lwmM-NoI/AAAAAAAAFu0/zfMN3zGhmgc/s400/DSCN3040.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I've promised my oldest niece that I'll spin her some yarn, too. And then they're coming over for an afternoon of Kool Aid dyeing. It's either going to be a total disaster or a lot of fun.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-55565867048225914082011-07-01T21:25:00.000-07:002011-07-01T21:25:15.441-07:00O Canada!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xXaIAQjbD6I" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Well of course I had to answer Dotty's post with this one. It's pretty cool.<br />
<br />
The youtube description says,<br />
<blockquote>"I found the BEST rendition of O Canada - the True North Strong & Free's wonderful National Anthem on an old VHS tape in my basement. An initiative by broadcaster Ross Carlin of Orangeville, Ontario, this was apparently produced for distribution to over 14000 schools across Canada. Sung in both official languages, the clip features over 240 voices representing the musical & cultural diversity of Canada. Made over 15 yrs ago, you might recognize a few faces- like: Rita MacNeil, KD Lang, Murray MacGlaughlin(sp), Luba, Fresh Wes; Tommy Hunter, Gino Vanelli, etc."</blockquote>wenathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487808951051912588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-8990453811458755882011-07-01T20:56:00.000-07:002011-07-01T20:57:23.564-07:00Happy Birthday, Canada!<embed src="http://media1.nfb.ca/medias/flash/ONFflvplayer-gama.swf" width="400" height="261" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="mID=IDOBJ38751&bufferTime=10&width=400&height=261&image=http://media1.nfb.ca/medias/nfb_tube/thumbs_large/2011/William-Shatner-Sings-O-Canada_BIG.jpg&showWarningMessages=false&streamNotFoundDelay=15&lang=undefined&getPlaylistOnEnd=true&playlist_id=REL179&embeddedMode=true"></embed><br /><br />The funniest part is during the credits at the end. Enjoy!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-34561806481234679752011-06-22T17:01:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:11:47.428-07:00Markus: Kelowna to Merritt<span style="font-style:italic;">We interrupt this knitting blog for a quick trip into the world of a crazy cyclist. Comments in italics belong to me - wife of said crazy cyclist.<br /><br />ETA: All photographs courtesy of Jacek Kaim (official R2S photographer) except for the last one which is from Gladys' camera.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qz1AHIQJVGg/TgJJ3fwgRkI/AAAAAAAAFs0/aqU-kGhk1J4/s1600/valley%2Bsign%2Btruck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qz1AHIQJVGg/TgJJ3fwgRkI/AAAAAAAAFs0/aqU-kGhk1J4/s320/valley%2Bsign%2Btruck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621136502678373954" /></a><br />How did it go? It’s an easy question to ask, but there are so many ways to answer when “it” is a 23 hour day that started in Kelowna and ended in Delta and you spent most of the day on your bicycle. And this year, there’s a new way to answer, how it went compared to last year…<br /><br />I got up before my alarm went off. It was about 2:08am, I was in a room in the basement of a church which on most other days functions as a day care for small children, but currently served as a dorm for myself and about 5 others. I turned off the alarm, gathered my toiletries in the dark and headed off to see which of the washrooms was available. When I returned, it was still not the 2:30am I had set my alarm for, but the lights were on and everyone was up and preparing for the day.<br /><br />After breakfast, I brought my overnight bag upstairs and handed it off at the trailer. Then I went back down and brought up my day bag, the one which would be available at each rest stop which I had stocked with all the things I might need during the day. Then I went back to get all the items I was going to wear or carry to start the day and my bicycle. Its really strange to see a church with bicycles lining every possible wall. This is when I discovered that the two gloves I had set aside were in fact both right hand gloves. So out to the trailer and inquire of the volunteers as to whether I can get to my bag. Fortunately it was at the front only under a couple of bags, since they were attempting to pack the bags in the order they would be put out. Each rider has a number, your bag is tagged with your number, and at each rest stop the bags are set out in numerical order. While Tony took pictures and ribbed me about being “that guy” I was able to quickly locate the ziplock containing my gloves, and pull out a left.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XYhKD80vng/TgISfpErysI/AAAAAAAAFrc/RxsLtsY4qpo/s1600/5850585592_d126062bbb_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XYhKD80vng/TgISfpErysI/AAAAAAAAFrc/RxsLtsY4qpo/s320/5850585592_d126062bbb_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621075619722545858" /></a><br />After the mayor said some kind words and rang the bell, we were off. At 3:30am, we were leaving half an hour earlier than last year, and with a police escort right at the start, we headed straight for the highway, as compared to the previous year when we turned onto the highway shortly before the bridge over the lake. I was looking back for a nice sunrise, but it was a bit early, and the clouds were not cooperating. A quick spin, and we were already at the first break. Refill a bottle, a couple of things to eat, an “emergency” banana for my back pocket and I was ready to go on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgvv7CV4AJ0/TgIS9KjWsxI/AAAAAAAAFrk/eLm02XncNlA/s1600/kelowna%2Brec%2Bcenter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgvv7CV4AJ0/TgIS9KjWsxI/AAAAAAAAFrk/eLm02XncNlA/s320/kelowna%2Brec%2Bcenter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621076126925763346" /></a><br />The road to the next break, takes us a little further south along the lake, then we turn inland to the west. There is a gentle rise, then the road makes a dip across a small valley, and we start up the hill to the Pennask summit. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3ard2vk4Kg/TgITf-wQydI/AAAAAAAAFrs/2qNP1jkBsiY/s1600/mileage%2Bsign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3ard2vk4Kg/TgITf-wQydI/AAAAAAAAFrs/2qNP1jkBsiY/s320/mileage%2Bsign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621076725054097874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj2GgH1wtSg/TgIT41PBIEI/AAAAAAAAFr0/RY6jkU67DP0/s1600/hill%2B2%2Bpennask.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj2GgH1wtSg/TgIT41PBIEI/AAAAAAAAFr0/RY6jkU67DP0/s320/hill%2B2%2Bpennask.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621077151995469890" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The dirt road right behind the riders is a runaway lane for trucks going down the hill.</span><br /><br />The next break is a chain up area about half way to the summit. I was wearing the same as last year, jersey, vest, and arm warmers, but had decided over the last hour and a bit that wasn’t quite enough. So in my 10 minutes, I managed to strip all the way down, add a wool base layer, put everything back on top, fill my bottle, and eat a couple of things. One of my busier stops.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1PczFh3Gk/TgIUinde1fI/AAAAAAAAFr8/BtqviwXukhk/s1600/lending%2Ba%2Bhand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi1PczFh3Gk/TgIUinde1fI/AAAAAAAAFr8/BtqviwXukhk/s320/lending%2Ba%2Bhand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621077869852546546" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Markus is in the neon vest on the left pushing the rider in the middle.<br /></span><br />The next stop is just past top of the climb. I didn’t remember the road as well as I thought, so I was thinking, around this corner a bit of a straight stretch, and we’re there. And we weren’t. And the next half hour became a series of here? No. There? No. Shut up and spin. Are we there yet? Just spin, you’ll get there. So much of getting through the day, is keeping your head straight, and this was one of the times it got away from me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNMDU0gPQfE/TgIVPcjYuWI/AAAAAAAAFsM/5uCcThUBufQ/s1600/5859106562_42d18563a8_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNMDU0gPQfE/TgIVPcjYuWI/AAAAAAAAFsM/5uCcThUBufQ/s320/5859106562_42d18563a8_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621078640018635106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaApxeqd7VA/TgIV0M5c-0I/AAAAAAAAFsc/2t40cj1Is3U/s1600/5860335858_4ac78572a3_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaApxeqd7VA/TgIV0M5c-0I/AAAAAAAAFsc/2t40cj1Is3U/s320/5860335858_4ac78572a3_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621079271471381314" /></a><br />The stop at the summit is extremely short, essentially just water and gear. The pullout is too small to accommodate the whole encampment. I added a jacket, and tights. From here to the next break, its rolling terrain at altitude. The jacket is definitely zipped up for the downhills, and things start to unzip as we go up the hills. At the next stop, I don’t add any more clothes, but neither do I take any off. As always, get a couple things to eat, fill the water bottles. Still haven’t needed to use the washroom. Some people say if you don’t need the washroom at every stop, you’re not drinking enough!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8nNQ1nHALg/TgJJrAVLzGI/AAAAAAAAFss/PQMm_UdBNgc/s1600/drinking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8nNQ1nHALg/TgJJrAVLzGI/AAAAAAAAFss/PQMm_UdBNgc/s320/drinking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621136288083856482" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Caught drinking and cycling!!!<br /></span><br />The next stop is Merritt, our lunch break, even if its only 10am. More rolling terrain between here and there, but the last few km, our following vehicles block both lanes and we have the whole road for our descent to the Information Center. I’m reminded by a ride captain on the way down to keep right if I’m going slow. Perhaps he didn’t see me pass him a ways back… perhaps he doesn’t realize he has the whole lane to my left. Water under the bridge. I move to the right, finish my rest, and when I’m ready to pump down the hill again, move left again and practice my tuck. Two lanes, good pavement, dry roads, an absolute blast. At the information center a police officer and his motorbike have the intersection closed, he’s waving us in, and a cheering crowd!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAwlgER3u8/TgIWc9Y1-HI/AAAAAAAAFsk/SYBNYzsvOvU/s1600/merrittlunch2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAwlgER3u8/TgIWc9Y1-HI/AAAAAAAAFsk/SYBNYzsvOvU/s320/merrittlunch2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621079971682711666" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Markus is busy shovelling food into his face.</span>Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-33747494515577083772011-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:002011-06-20T14:41:50.892-07:00I liedI thought that I could get hubby to blog a little yesterday but I lied. He spent most of it "recovering" (i.e. sleeping, eating a little, and imitating a starchy tuber on the couch). So the gory ride details will have to wait until I can get him parked in front of a computer. I did snag his camera and uploaded all the pictures.<br /><br />Here is his sleeping pad the night before the ride - tucked behind the church's piano:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q--3skE_SeY/Tf99LqDRBhI/AAAAAAAAFq4/DS1vJ1Q_1yY/s1600/r2s%2Bsleeping%2Bpad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q--3skE_SeY/Tf99LqDRBhI/AAAAAAAAFq4/DS1vJ1Q_1yY/s320/r2s%2Bsleeping%2Bpad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620348499201689106" /></a><br />Hubby only managed about 2.5 hrs of sleep.<br /><br />And his legs full of names:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfTslH8TaOA/Tf99HLOGYjI/AAAAAAAAFqw/308Aqkvjioo/s1600/R2S%2Blegs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfTslH8TaOA/Tf99HLOGYjI/AAAAAAAAFqw/308Aqkvjioo/s320/R2S%2Blegs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620348422206153266" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/r2s_2011/">Photographs from the day of the ride</a> are slowly being added to Flickr. Please take a look. Hubby is rider #39. Here's one of him:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rE6m2WQ3aTg/Tf-A7rnkCoI/AAAAAAAAFrA/8f7FLGwOysQ/s1600/pushing%2BGraham.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rE6m2WQ3aTg/Tf-A7rnkCoI/AAAAAAAAFrA/8f7FLGwOysQ/s320/pushing%2BGraham.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620352622790969986" /></a><br />He's on the left in the neon yellow vest giving Graham a push towards the Pennask summit. It is a tough climb - 60kms (12.5mi) long with an elevation increase of about 1328m (4357 ft). And they're doing this climb from 4-7am. They're crazy but I love every one of them.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-84174423916472722582011-06-19T00:41:00.000-07:002011-06-19T00:48:56.766-07:00he's home!There he is rolling in (hubby's the big guy right in the middle):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAVKcBG5Krc/Tf2ojoOA_PI/AAAAAAAAFqU/hGtV6n6kr5g/s1600/DSCN1753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAVKcBG5Krc/Tf2ojoOA_PI/AAAAAAAAFqU/hGtV6n6kr5g/s320/DSCN1753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619833240073338098" /></a><br />It's 12:45am and we're home. Hubby is taking a much deserved (and necessary) shower and then I'm going to toss him into bed. Hopefully, the Advil will be kicking in soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6mSli-Lvtg/Tf2pCeVHurI/AAAAAAAAFqc/X_5xrscYfTU/s1600/one%2Btired%2Bhubby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6mSli-Lvtg/Tf2pCeVHurI/AAAAAAAAFqc/X_5xrscYfTU/s320/one%2Btired%2Bhubby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619833769994730162" /></a><br />More stories about the ride tomorrow whenever he wakes up.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-65608764408748856782011-06-18T19:02:00.001-07:002011-06-18T19:08:22.417-07:00almost homeThey're getting close. I can almost see them :) <br /><br />I'm all packed and heading off. I've got a change of clothes for hubby, fresh towels, a thermos of hot chocolate, a thermos of mushroom soup, a bottle of Advil, and a few chinese buns from his favourite bakery. For myself, I'm bringing Gortex, my big rubber boots, and my cow bell! Yahoo!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-47918708032443050312011-06-18T06:47:00.000-07:002011-06-18T06:59:00.783-07:00updatesGladys is <a href="http://ride2survive.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=99">liveblogging</a> over at the R2S homepage. <br /><br />Here's a picture of hubby (leftmost with Al & Rebecca) looking semi-awake at pre-dawn o'clock:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vonxdlPG8pU/TfyuPLuPNlI/AAAAAAAAFqE/MrgFdSpBQ3M/s1600/breakfast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vonxdlPG8pU/TfyuPLuPNlI/AAAAAAAAFqE/MrgFdSpBQ3M/s320/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619558010919532114" /></a><br />Gladys is also updating a <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Ride2Survive">Twitter feed</a>. The <a href="http://ride2survive.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100:live-gps-tracking-on-ride-day&catid=37:rider-information">GPS tracker</a> is up and running.<br /><br />It's pouring rain at home which is supposed to clear up by this afternoon. I hope that I don't get soaked setting up the welcome in party. Looks like today's WWKIP gathering might be a tad soggy.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-69462991940642742312011-06-17T17:52:00.001-07:002011-06-17T18:34:27.570-07:00and they're offI got woken up early (for me) this morning so that I could drop off hubby and all his gear. The things I do for his hobby ;)<br /><br />If you are in the mood to steal valuable cargo, this would be the semi-trailer to target today:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytBGlf6LKmQ/Tfv2-7LgevI/AAAAAAAAFpk/fVp4_kgw5jY/s1600/DSCN1692.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytBGlf6LKmQ/Tfv2-7LgevI/AAAAAAAAFpk/fVp4_kgw5jY/s320/DSCN1692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619356520973105906" /></a><br />It has approx. 80 bicycles with an average cost of around $2500 per bike for a total of $200,000! That's a lot of bike!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qce8Nr9sXeg/Tfv4U9EfIRI/AAAAAAAAFps/t7hgMEYBSrk/s1600/DSCN1694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qce8Nr9sXeg/Tfv4U9EfIRI/AAAAAAAAFps/t7hgMEYBSrk/s320/DSCN1694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619357998949277970" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.cancer.ca/British%20Columbia-Yukon/How%20you%20can%20help/BC-Fundraising%20events/BC-Cops%20for%20Cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en">Cops for Cancer</a> van was shuttling riders/volunteers & gear from the overnight parking lot to the bus pickup area in front of Cap's Bicycles.<br /><br />There was a lot of nervous energy as everyone checked and double checked their gear, bought last minute stuff from Cap's, picked up their rider/crew packages, and got their box lunches from Cactus Club (who kindly opened their kitchens at 9am and will stay open extra late tomorrow night and not mind when very dirty, sweaty riders troop through their nice restaurant in clompy cycling shoes to use their washrooms).<br /><br />There is some very precious cargo in this trailer:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBrRAsaPjQ8/Tfv6FWL8-RI/AAAAAAAAFp0/HGyEL1eczRI/s1600/DSCN1698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBrRAsaPjQ8/Tfv6FWL8-RI/AAAAAAAAFp0/HGyEL1eczRI/s320/DSCN1698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619359929836828946" /></a><br />Thousands of crepes, rice cakes (the wet kind), fruit, desserts, salami, soup, chocolate milk (!!!), and other valuables are in there. Each rider will be burning about a week's worth of calories tomorrow so a lot of food is required to keep them going.<br /><br />One last picture before Graham (rider & cancer survivor) and his daughter, Rebecca (her second time as crew) board the bus:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udRyjqt5sdU/Tfv7Ngs4QmI/AAAAAAAAFp8/xXJd6jtoods/s1600/DSCN1701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udRyjqt5sdU/Tfv7Ngs4QmI/AAAAAAAAFp8/xXJd6jtoods/s320/DSCN1701.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619361169609867874" /></a><br />Good luck to everyone! I will pray for dry weather, calm winds, and a speedy ride. See you at the welcome in party tomorrow night.<br /><br />Hey Gladys! Are the potties blue this year?<br /><br />PS. Love you, honey. Can't wait to kiss your salty face :*Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-78032733652130593272011-06-17T13:17:00.000-07:002011-06-17T13:17:52.147-07:00Liveblogging the Ride2SurviveWe'll be on the road to Kelowna in about 45 minutes. I've packed two pairs of socks and a sweater to work on for the drive there. Plus an extra two balls of sock yarn in case I run out of yarn. (Hmmm ... should I be packing more?)<br />
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If all goes well with my technology, I'll be liveblogging the ride starting tonight, <a href="http://ride2survive.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=47&Itemid=99">over on the Ride2Survive blog</a>.<br />
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Here's a quick video about the ride and what we'll be doing as of 2:30–3 am (yes, AM!!!) tomorrow morning. <br />
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<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zuwiPjbZIXs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>wenathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487808951051912588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-85645197726499822512011-06-14T13:46:00.000-07:002011-06-14T14:42:00.617-07:00you rock!Big thanks goes to the bidders and the winners of the scarf auction! Hubby is blown away by everyone's generosity.<br /><br />We're in the final countdown for the ride. I have to make hubby a portable changing room (aka a towel with ties to go around his waist) since I won't be there to hold his towel. Hubby's washed all his cycling gear and started a packing list. I am very jealous of Gladys who will be part of the crew. I was planning on joining her but I managed to double book myself. I can be so studip sometimes.<br /><br />Gladys will be live blogging on Sat and we'll post a link to the satellite tracker (updated every 10 mins) so that you can see where the riders are. If anyone is in town and free Sat night, we would love to have you join us at the welcome home party. We will be lining up along Scott Road in Delta between 72nd and 80th. Riders are expected to arrive around 10pm. Bring noise makers (I'll be the one with the obnoxious cow bell) and lots of energy.<br /><br />Two weeks ago, I teased you with a picture of some singles that I was spinning on my new-to-me wheel, Marilyn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcTG0x_kbRA/TffJLCcJ-GI/AAAAAAAAFpc/2vcck1eQIaA/s1600/Marilyn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcTG0x_kbRA/TffJLCcJ-GI/AAAAAAAAFpc/2vcck1eQIaA/s320/Marilyn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618180251638691938" /></a><br />Lookit what followed me home one day. A solid oak spinning wheel stamped "1978 W.J. Robidoux, Cornwall, Ont, Can". Isn't she pretty?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNYO8Ypddww/TffJIJ4eZ7I/AAAAAAAAFpU/PBg7tduuxTU/s1600/Marilyn%2Bfootman%2Bconnector.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNYO8Ypddww/TffJIJ4eZ7I/AAAAAAAAFpU/PBg7tduuxTU/s320/Marilyn%2Bfootman%2Bconnector.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618180202096912306" /></a><br />She has some amazing details. To keep the footman from falling off the crank, there is a small piece of leather held in place with a metal pin. Aside from some doggie teeth marks at the bottom of the footman and a speck of paint on the drive wheel that I can't scrape off, she's in pristine condition. She spins beautifully and I'll make nice yarn once I figure out the tension. Marilyn is my first double drive wheel so there's a bit of a learning curve for me. We're not very good friends at the moment but I'm sure things will work out once we understand each other.<br /><br />Did I mention that I have an addiction? BTW, the wheel came with a box of stuff that included of all things, a pair of real sheep shears!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7U0oMy0Uec/TffJA6KM45I/AAAAAAAAFpM/TYw0v-vtRg4/s1600/sheep%2Bshears.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7U0oMy0Uec/TffJA6KM45I/AAAAAAAAFpM/TYw0v-vtRg4/s320/sheep%2Bshears.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618180077617210258" /></a><br />Might have to try it out the next time a kitty needs a trim. Come here, Ricky!!!! He's in my bad books today. I was ummm occupied in the bathroom and he came in and put his paws on the plant stand (ignoring my yelling) and knocked the whole thing over. He ran out of there so fast that he smacked into the bathroom door which bounced off the door stop and smacked him in the butt once he rounded the corner. While I was cursing and cleaning up the mess (the plant survived), I heard the door move and Ricky stuck his face in, eyes as big as saucers, to see the aftermath. I have replaced the plant stand with a different one that has a bigger base so that he can't knock it over.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZjDAIcn3cY/TffI56hReiI/AAAAAAAAFpE/SasBHODUbJE/s1600/spinning%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpatio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZjDAIcn3cY/TffI56hReiI/AAAAAAAAFpE/SasBHODUbJE/s320/spinning%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpatio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618179957454895650" /></a><br />I've been doing lots of spinning. We had a glorious Sunday and after we put up the sun shelter, I sat outside all afternoon (with my lemonade and jelly beans) and spun up half a pound of merino. Don't I look comfy?Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-50954944358442385932011-06-13T10:21:00.000-07:002011-06-13T10:28:24.114-07:00your last chanceToday is your last chance <a href="http://yarnfloozies.blogspot.com/2011/06/power-of-yarn.html">to bid</a> on Gladys' woven scarves. There are currently <span style="font-style:italic;">no<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> bids.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKRJDJkVmh8/TfZHZzhciaI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/_0ahATFJI10/s1600/Phoebe%2Bmousie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKRJDJkVmh8/TfZHZzhciaI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/_0ahATFJI10/s320/Phoebe%2Bmousie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617756093844064674" /></a><br />Phoebe sez, "I bid one catnip mousie!"<br /><br />Sorry, Phoebe but the Canadian Cancer Society needs people money to find a cure for cancer. But if they ever decide that catnip works/helps, I will gladly mail them one of your (unused) mousies.Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-59098897890095970742011-06-06T07:56:00.000-07:002011-06-06T08:45:50.797-07:00the power of yarnA very big thank you to everyone who donated!!!! Hubby is completely blown away by the power of yarn. With the funds raised from the WM auction ($175!!!), the current total is $1000! That is awesome! I am sure you are anxiously awaiting the draw results. Here are the winners (in no particular order): Katie H, Linda R, Debra H, Gail D, Hilary G, Phyllis C, Lynne R, Cynthia L, and Alice C. Congratulations! I will be contacting you via email over the next few days so keep your eyes peeled. You might also want to check your spam folder in case your spam filter snags my email.<br /><br />There is less than 2 weeks til the big day (Sat Jun 18th) and the riders have completed their last big training ride last Sat (almost 200km). The final push is on to get ready. Bikes are being tuned, riders are making last minute gear purchases, food is being prepared, etc. And fundraising is no exception. We have one last thing to auction (technically, there's 2) to help raise just a little bit more money. The famous I-am-teaching-at-Sock-Summit Gladys and her loom have been busy making two scarves which she has donated. I am auctioning both of them this week.<br /><br />The first scarf is woven from Noro Kureyon Sock (warp) and a merino/angora blend (weft).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAdrXKx8R8M/TezyER3XUdI/AAAAAAAAFnw/lm1zH_BhWEA/s1600/noro%2Bkureyon%2Bscarf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAdrXKx8R8M/TezyER3XUdI/AAAAAAAAFnw/lm1zH_BhWEA/s320/noro%2Bkureyon%2Bscarf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615128990753182162" /></a><br />The second scarf is woven from the oh-so-soft Knit Picks Chroma.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoGzV9EqRY/TezxZZov57I/AAAAAAAAFno/aSvKcjCRY38/s1600/kp%2Bchroma%2Bscarf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoGzV9EqRY/TezxZZov57I/AAAAAAAAFno/aSvKcjCRY38/s320/kp%2Bchroma%2Bscarf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615128254104987570" /></a><br />These scarves are the perfect little something for yourself or a loved one (it's not too early to start Christmas shopping). Or maybe you just want to own something hand made by a knitting/pooling celebrity ;)<br /><br />To bid, leave a comment on this post with the amount, some method of contacting you (Rav name or email address), and the name of the scarf you are bidding on.<br /><br />Don't forget that all donations $25 or over will receive a tax receipt that is valid in Canada and the US.<br /><br />I'll close the auction at 8pm PDT Mon June 13th.<br /><br />Thank you again for your generosity. One of these days, a cure for cancer will be found! I am sure of it. Have a good week and happy bidding!Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254929565755439732.post-48069093973977744752011-06-03T20:24:00.000-07:002011-06-03T21:25:07.828-07:00reminderJust a quick reminder that the WM auction ends tomorrow at 8pm PDT. The current high bid is $125. And the raffle also ends tomorrow at midnight PDT. The current fundraising total is $750. Hubby is going on his last big training ride tomorrow - 160km/100mi and it's supposed to get pretty hot. I hope he doesn't melt. Only 2 weeks left before the big day!!!<br /><br />Today, I hung out with my spinning friend, Vicki and we spun a little. This is what I did:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ofES2y1Bs/TemwASjQtKI/AAAAAAAAFng/FuDaSLTeyV0/s1600/Marilyn%2Bflyer%2Bbobbin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9ofES2y1Bs/TemwASjQtKI/AAAAAAAAFng/FuDaSLTeyV0/s320/Marilyn%2Bflyer%2Bbobbin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614211929520256162" /></a><br />The spinners who read this blog will notice that this flyer is not an Ashford one. More details in an upcoming post...Dottyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16525856640548305865noreply@blogger.com1