tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295412792024-03-13T23:26:07.563-07:00Keep On Knitting In The Free WorldA place for knitting and spinning and some other things too! Be sure to visit my website: http://starathena.comStarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.comBlogger578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-12336384407894981662013-06-28T16:53:00.001-07:002013-06-28T16:53:54.904-07:00Favorite Things 14Hiya! Releasing two patterns and moving won't stop me from sharing with you two new favorite things. I suppose you'll understand if I keep it brief?<br />
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<b>1. Favorite shade of blue:</b> I guess this top row covers it pretty well. Think of the stormy Oregon coast and you've got it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS1uUxsvx-y9E9NeU5N5Tv_8pj7QB8XCWt1QIb6ubKLmEN38EnaExYn7rg0lILLg3y5oTBbSxfw9NX5YBDJ7GuEbcMVNNKybvURbwQvXz6BR_DEN9E9ZEBLzR3vFoupXG_IZW/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS1uUxsvx-y9E9NeU5N5Tv_8pj7QB8XCWt1QIb6ubKLmEN38EnaExYn7rg0lILLg3y5oTBbSxfw9NX5YBDJ7GuEbcMVNNKybvURbwQvXz6BR_DEN9E9ZEBLzR3vFoupXG_IZW/s320/IMG_5337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Picture found <a href="http://andrewbarneslifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/red-revival.html" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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<b>2. Favorite genre (of any type of storytelling, movie, book, etc.):</b></div>
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I love mystery, documentary, and stuff that makes me laugh. And other things too.<div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Vivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-89195181747236991912013-06-15T19:26:00.001-07:002013-06-15T19:26:16.687-07:00Favorite Things 11, 12, 13<br />
Hi friends!<br />
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It's been a while. I got stuck three weeks ago when it was <i>Favorite Things Eleven</i> time. I've been avoiding the blog ever since. I am not proud of this at all so I am coming forward to say Favorite Things Eleven is "favorite book" and that just isn't fair. I could do it, but it will cause me tremendous agony and lengthy explanations.<br />
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<b>1. Favorite Book:</b> This actually sums it up pretty well, even though it is concerning 5 books:<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/192x/a9/ee/32/a9ee32184becb92a06df6bf50bafc548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/192x/a9/ee/32/a9ee32184becb92a06df6bf50bafc548.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Favorite Author:</b> See above. Also Mark Twain.<br />
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<i>Favorite Things Twelve:</i><br />
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<b>1. Favorite recipe:</b> This changes from time to time but I'm going to go with chocolate chip cookies. <a href="http://keeponknittinginthefreeworld.blogspot.com/2006/06/cliffs-moms-chocolate-chip-cookie.html" target="_blank">This one</a> is special to me because the recipe was given to me by a friend's mom before he died and they remind me of him. The sweet, young him who was excited to get his mom's cookies in the mail. Also they are the big chewy kind, very nice.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/4568440316/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cookies by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Cookies" height="320" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4068/4568440316_a7b12e3d74.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cliff's mom's cookies</i></td></tr>
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<b>2. Favorite brand of toothpaste:</b> I have a toothpaste quirk. I like to have two different kinds around. I don't see why we have to use the same toothpaste every time. You never can tell what kind of toothpaste mood you'll be in, and if you have two or three you're covered.<br />
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<i>Favorite Things Thirteen:</i><br />
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<b>1. Language:</b> I'm going with sign language. Any of them. I love non-verbal forms of communication.<br />
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<b>2. Cuisine:</b> Local, fresh, seasonal, healthy, plant-based food is my favorite... Also, pizza.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/763977549/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pizza in Eugene by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pizza in Eugene" height="240" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1168/763977549_7585520388.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pizza in Eugene, during the Black Sheep Festival</i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; line-height: 18px; white-space: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></b></span></span></div>
Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-47219747486562244982013-05-30T18:45:00.004-07:002013-05-30T18:45:53.313-07:00Rest in Peace, Clarence Burke Jr.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yrotsEzgEpg?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-38688357603331636682013-05-17T15:37:00.001-07:002013-05-17T15:37:24.425-07:00Favorite Things, TenHi friends! This week I get to share with you two more favorites. This won't take long, and the pictures might make you smile. They did that for me at least.<br />
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<b>1. Favorite Fiber: Wool</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/794884746/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Canterbury by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Canterbury" height="363" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1333/794884746_741845b4ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yarn I spun from a blend of merino, targhee and rambouillet (All breeds of sheep)</i></td></tr>
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I have worked with many fibers as a spinner and knitter and wool is always the mainstay. Sure cashmere has charm (goat, not sheep) and silk is luxurious (worm, what?) but wool is the most versatile. There are so many breeds of sheep that produce wool. Shorter fibers like merino are soft and the longer staples (non-fiber people say "scratchy") are long wearing. Wool is warm, even when wet. So yes, I have to go with the obvious answer here.<br />
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<b>2. Favorite blogs: My friends are my favorites. Then people I know. Then random things. Okay, I used to really love <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/" target="_blank">Cake Wrecks</a>. I don't really look at it much anymore. I'm sure it's still good though...</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/storage/Anonymous.ow.literal%20instructions.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1368655306643" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cakewrecks.com/storage/Anonymous.ow.literal%20instructions.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1368655306643" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>my favorite category - literal interpretation of the instructions</i></td></tr>
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I also used to spend time on <a href="http://cuteoverload.com/" target="_blank">Cute Overload</a>. I don't know if these are blogs. I don't really know what blogs are anymore. How about a cute pic now? See you soon, I hope!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljvxtfBsXu1qgoiq8o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljvxtfBsXu1qgoiq8o1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This image is burning into your heart right this minute</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></i></span></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></b></span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-69280044831989159132013-05-15T13:27:00.003-07:002013-05-15T13:27:50.170-07:00Favorite Things NineWhoops, it isn't Friday anymore. Better late than never, I suppose. Anyway... welcome back, you! This week was kind of silly for me. You'll see.<br />
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<b>1. Favorite Animal to Have as a Pet: None</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.savagechickens.com/images/chickenrock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://www.savagechickens.com/images/chickenrock2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mostly this is because I'm allergic to cats and dogs. I love animals very much though. I'm not crazy about the part where they become part of your family and if everything goes right you outlive them. I'm still sad about all of the animals I have known who died. In short, I'm not great at pets.<br />
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<b>2. Favorite Physical Activity: Cycling</b><br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhmzjbSxm51qgvgppo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhmzjbSxm51qgvgppo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd love to make a joke about "Favorite Physical Activity" but this blog is intended for everyone and that includes people at work and kids and such. So you'll have to make a joke in your head for me.<br />
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Cycling is as close to flying like a superhero as I'm going to get. It's also practical and gets you here-to-there faster than walking and more thoughtfully than driving.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></b></span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-91055465771189371162013-05-03T16:36:00.001-07:002013-05-03T16:36:55.524-07:00Favorite Things EightHi pals! Hope your week is going well. I am going to take a moment to check in with a new post about favorite things. Surprise, surprise, hard questions again.<br />
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<b>1. Favorite Tree: Pseudotsuga (aka Douglas Fir)</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bilge-water/499758000/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Douglas Fir by bilge-water, on Flickr"><img alt="Douglas Fir" height="334" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/208/499758000_f54a5faaae.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo by bilge-water via flickr</i></td></tr>
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I love trees and I don't really trust anyone who doesn't. Redwoods! Fruit trees! Pretty trees! Angry trees! I love them all. Today I choose the Doug Fir for many reasons... It's a symbol of the Pacific Northwest, and the official state tree of Oregon, where I call home. Evergreen trees provide hope during the long winter with their fresh color and pine-y fragrance. You may have had this one in your house if you do Christmas. You certainly have written on paper made from it. The Doug Fir grows quite tall and has funny petals (3-pointed bracts) within the cones. Love it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6942009861/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cones by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Cones" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6942009861_691a3b797b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>see the center cone? photo by Vivian Aubrey</i></td></tr>
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I even made a sock pattern with a lace cuff inspired by this special cone:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6795895862/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Laurelhurst Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Laurelhurst Socks" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6795895862_ef6f42491f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Laurelhurst Socks, photo by Vivian Aubrey</i></td></tr>
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<b>2. Favorite Woodland Creature: Three-way tie for first!</b><br />
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<a href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130325184855/animalcrossing/images/8/83/Sika_deer_japanese_deer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130325184855/animalcrossing/images/8/83/Sika_deer_japanese_deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://robmckayphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/great-horned-owl-portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://robmckayphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/great-horned-owl-portrait.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZLJ4rhqcF03_G27JD-_eEarDKL5n2oVO6AszhaBm6G14TRQkSSnbW6Bdv9KVyY3jDynyn2WxxBAg5meoJEb6rNrMGffBf_j7_2OX53s7r10tGHPe9KLp6m5DrGBtZN3Dg0zWXg/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZLJ4rhqcF03_G27JD-_eEarDKL5n2oVO6AszhaBm6G14TRQkSSnbW6Bdv9KVyY3jDynyn2WxxBAg5meoJEb6rNrMGffBf_j7_2OX53s7r10tGHPe9KLp6m5DrGBtZN3Dg0zWXg/s320/bunny.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></b></span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-77927162431186229812013-04-26T11:59:00.000-07:002013-04-26T11:59:19.244-07:00Favorite Things SevenHello to the handful of you that visit my blog! I appreciate each and every one of you for stopping by. I'm going to attempt to address this week's theme carefully, since one is easy and the other is not.<br /><br /><b>1. ecological sin (being things that are deleterious to our planet’s resources but that you enjoy anyway): Pass. Or electricity. Or pass. No wait, LIVING!</b><br />
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Do I get to have a favorite of this one? Having a car is nice. Computers are useful. I enjoy electricity. A lot of my clothes are produced unethically. If I ate meat I would probably go with that, but I don't. Does my mere existence count? Then I choose being alive. It's really unlikely that any of us are, and yet here we go, depleting the planet. I choose being alive as my favorite ecological sin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.afr.com/rw/2009-2014/AFR/2012/07/18/Photos/d51e516c-d09a-11e1-9008-ec80a3d53711_RTXRRZM--646x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://www.afr.com/rw/2009-2014/AFR/2012/07/18/Photos/d51e516c-d09a-11e1-9008-ec80a3d53711_RTXRRZM--646x420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2. bogus swear word (when in mixed company)</b>: <b>Bonkers/Bananas/Loony Tunes</b><br />
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I use these three a lot to suggest something here is crazy. I love all three and they can be used interchangeably.<br />
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<a href="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/194/e/8/going_bananas_by_patricia31-d3nzb1q.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/194/e/8/going_bananas_by_patricia31-d3nzb1q.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Runner ups</u>:<br />
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Rats! (self explanatory)<br />
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Jack Monkey Doodle - as in, "I don't know jack monkey doodle about pleasurable ecological sins!"<br />
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Dog Business - as in, "I feel like dog business today." I love this one because my business is knitwear and dog business is you know what.<br />
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(I also like "You Know What")<br />
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<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-28a79a77-479c-a99a-47f2-3697092d4c01" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; white-space: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></span></b></div>
Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-50961623492183803792013-04-22T15:34:00.002-07:002013-04-22T15:34:46.193-07:00Favorite Things SixHi blog readers! This week we have two difficult themes again. I finally got it all sorted and my computer crashed, saving nothing. I can't help but feel this version will not be quite as good as the last one but please bear with me... Let's jump in!<br />
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<b>1. Favorite Movie Pre-1965</b>: I considered the Marx Brothers, Screwball Comedies, and Historical Dramas. I then narrowed it down to The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz. Today's choice: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1939_film)" target="_blank">Wizard of Oz</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shame-full.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/the_ruby_slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://shame-full.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/the_ruby_slippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It was in you all along</i></td></tr>
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The movie made me want to read the book, which made me want to read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Oz_books" target="_blank">all 14 official books</a>. Despite outdated cultural insensitivities, there is also a great deal of magic and imagination created generations before Harry Potter hit the scene. My favorite thing about the film is the underlying message that if you want to improve yourself, you can. A wizard can't fix you, only you can do that. You'll probably have to walk through some scary places to get there, but if you are willing to face your demons, you'll be rewarded with great power. It's a great message and just rings true.<br />
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<b>2. Favorite Children's Book</b>: This time I have to mention a few faves, but will ultimately settle on one. Probably.<br />
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First runner up - any of the soothing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant_%26_Bee" target="_blank">Ant and Bee</a> books by Angela Banner. I used to get these at the library when I was little and studied them very carefully. As an adult I tried to hunt them down, only to discover they are considered "collectible" and go for hundreds of dollars apiece. Oh well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ant-and-bee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://thelongthread.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ant-and-bee2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ant and Bee and the Rainbow... A Story About Colours by Angela Banner</i></td></tr>
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I also loved <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_Tollbooth" target="_blank">The Phantom Tollbooth</a> by Norton Juster. Oh what a crazy story, full of puns, which seemed meaningful to my young mind. Reading this book as a child was like an acid trip, in the good way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calsidyrose/5518938882/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Map from The Phantom Tollbooth by Calsidyrose, on Flickr"><img alt="Map from The Phantom Tollbooth" height="377" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5133/5518938882_9820b6d20a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map illustration by Jules Feiffer</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
...and let us not forget <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_the_Mixed-Up_Files_of_Mrs._Basil_E._Frankweiler" target="_blank">From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</a> by E. L. Konigsburg. In short, what kid doesn't want to live in a museum, collect coins out of the fountain and sleep in important beds? I did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2727/4332738983_b511d90192_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2727/4332738983_b511d90192_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't know what this picture is</i></td></tr>
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Okay, enough honorable mentions. It's time to make a real choice here. Favorite book? The Best Story Book Ever by Richard Scarry. Also the Best Word Book Ever. Pick one? Why?! Richard Scarry is the best. That is the point.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/richard_scarry_pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/richard_scarry_pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>don't you want to play with paint now?</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKQbgXgZB8wCI18wmL5AfaiG_6FvvypeAxvFYvjUscdRU2mmtV-rprOIDe9wkt9c7F3nRavizAUXk6kkU1aK5V7CvBrejrOnYnKhaDrn_zuFPOS4bxFZhx8OTgqDN5DcediYnaQ/s400/P1040338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKQbgXgZB8wCI18wmL5AfaiG_6FvvypeAxvFYvjUscdRU2mmtV-rprOIDe9wkt9c7F3nRavizAUXk6kkU1aK5V7CvBrejrOnYnKhaDrn_zuFPOS4bxFZhx8OTgqDN5DcediYnaQ/s320/P1040338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>He doesn't eat the toaster</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I used to think a lot about Kenny's Breakfast and how huge it was. Anyone else?<div>
<br /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span></div>
Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-31756582614749957012013-04-13T16:16:00.000-07:002013-04-13T16:16:00.205-07:00Favorite Things Friday Five<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Hi Friday Friends! Perhaps you have noticed that it is Saturday? More importantly, so what? This week we have two new favorites to explore: school subject and board games. I'm going to jump in with the easy one first...</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>1. Favorite Subject in School: Art</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldberg/244126029/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""Christina's World" by Andrew Wyeth by goldberg, on Flickr"><img alt=""Christina's World" by Andrew Wyeth" height="266" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/79/244126029_30ea688067.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth - photo by goldberg via flickr</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For a long time not much else mattered to me. What can I say about art in a brief yet meaningful way? I dunno. I'll turn to Picasso:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ubersuper.com/uploads/yapb_cache/471513954602fa6505ca9a38c0e4b42d.831f090gkio08c4wck000o0cs.cfgi4gyt1wgggc04kksk0kgog.th.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ubersuper.com/uploads/yapb_cache/471513954602fa6505ca9a38c0e4b42d.831f090gkio08c4wck000o0cs.cfgi4gyt1wgggc04kksk0kgog.th.jpeg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Everything you can imagine is real</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">OR maybe Nietzsche?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/543921_466707210032150_834393576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/543921_466707210032150_834393576_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>That kinda sums it up succinctly I think.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>2. Board Game: Arkham Horror</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xF_oM9tjQD7oT6ti7GakXaqrK1xEsgfs6K98-9M2_2wHgiV7WRcMJC2UDRU8l7MhUO4T2Fo0Q7_oeKApWGJYL3W7Ai60nJ7wFgijknfpAybOhIKxCFE8QoQe5d0CH4a48IiQ/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xF_oM9tjQD7oT6ti7GakXaqrK1xEsgfs6K98-9M2_2wHgiV7WRcMJC2UDRU8l7MhUO4T2Fo0Q7_oeKApWGJYL3W7Ai60nJ7wFgijknfpAybOhIKxCFE8QoQe5d0CH4a48IiQ/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Believe it or not this one is way harder for me. I am a total board game nerd and do not wish to commit myself to one game. That said, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkham_Horror" target="_blank">Arkham Horror</a> is amazing. This is the game that got me into complicated, cooperative games. This means players work together and you either all win or you all lose. In this case, that could mean a gruesome, gory, Lovecraft-inspired demise. Yes, the board is ridiculously huge and you need a big table to play it. Set-up is long, as is putting it away. I once spent six hours playing this game. You can feel sorry for me if you want but I loved it. I don't play it much anymore but it will always hold a dear place in my heart.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Thanks for stopping by, pals!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="color: #cab024; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-1924185424527122162013-04-09T20:40:00.000-07:002013-04-09T20:40:26.496-07:00Pollination Collection<br />
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Hello fiber friends! Check it out - I have some patterns to show you. <i>The Pollination Collection</i> is a Malabrigo ebook of four accessories. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8610050087/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Plum Creek Mitts and Honey Orchard Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Plum Creek Mitts and Honey Orchard Shawl" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8610050087_ee6c604295.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plum Creek Mitts and Honey Orchard Shawl</i></td></tr>
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First up, a nice little shawl... <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honey-orchard" target="_blank">Honey Orchard</a> is a made-up place with dancing lambs and bees with no stingers. The sunlight tastes sweet and always comes paired with a gentle breeze. This asymmetrical shawl pattern is inspired by a dreamy little fictitious place like Honey Orchard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8610049777/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Honey Orchard Shawl (large) by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Honey Orchard Shawl (large)" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8610049777_9ae19120ab.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lee rocks the large Honey Orchard shawl</i></td></tr>
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<b>Details</b>:</div>
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<u>Finished Measurements</u>: (blocked): 58 (72)” 147 (183) cm wingspan, 21 (27)” 53 (69) cm deep</div>
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<u>Gauge</u>: 22 sts/28 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch (Not blocked) 18 sts/22 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch (Blocked) Exact gauge is not critical</div>
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<u>Yarn</u>: Any dk-weight yarn. Samples shown: Malabrigo Silky Merino [51% Silk, 49% merino wool; 150yd per 50g skein]; colors: Cape Cod Gray (small - 2 skeins) and Sand (large - 3 skeins)</div>
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<u>Needles</u>: 1 set of US 8 (5 mm) 24” or desired length circular needles or size to get gauge.</div>
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Pattern is $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/149698"><b>buy now</b></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8610050169/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Conestoga Bonnets and Honey Orchard Shawls by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Conestoga Bonnets and Honey Orchard Shawls" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8610050169_d16ddc4c0a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Conestoga Bonnets and Honey Orchard Shawls</i></td></tr>
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Next up, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/conestoga-bonnet" target="_blank">Conestoga Bonnet</a>. Before the development of the railroad, people relied on covered wagons like the Conestoga to travel the Appalachian Valley. The Conestoga Bonnet revives old time carriage dress into the modern era.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155722/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Conestoga Bonnet by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Conestoga Bonnet" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8611155722_b1138a0284.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lee is so cute in the Conestoga Bonnet</i></td></tr>
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<b>Details</b>:</div>
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<u>Bonnet Sizes</u>: (3) Child [Adult Small, Adult Medium] <br />
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<u>Bonnet Measurements</u>: 18” [20,” 22”] OR 46 [51, 56] cm</div>
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<u>Gauge</u>: 13 sts/18 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch</div>
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<u>Yarn</u>: Chunky-weight yarn. Samples shown: Malabrigo Chunky [100% Merino wool; 100yd per 3.5oz skein]; color: Pearl (child), Pink Frost (small) Geranio (medium): 1 skein.</div>
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<u>Needles</u>: 1 set US #10/6mm 16” or larger circular needle and double pointed needles OR size needed to obtain gauge.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8610050309/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Conestoga Bonnet by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Conestoga Bonnet" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8610050309_53f9bfacaf.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anaiah is oh so adorable in her Conestoga Bonnet</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Pattern is $4.99</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/149697"><b>buy now</b></a><br />
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Next up, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plum-creek-mitts" target="_blank">Plum Creek Mitts</a>. On the banks of Plum Creek, “She heard pa shouting,’Jiminy crickets! It's raining fish- hooks and hammer handles!’” (Laura Ingalls Wilder) Plum Creek is a place where country gals ride horses and picnic in the grass. It is the inspiration for a set of armwarmers that integrate delicate lace onto a sturdy structure. These mitts are a little feminine and a little bit practical too, right at home in Plum Creek.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155854/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Plum Creek Mitts by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Plum Creek Mitts" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8611155854_fa4d2c1cf6.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>all three sizes of Plum Creek Mitts</i></td></tr>
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<b>Details</b>:</div>
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<u>Sizes</u>: (3) Adult Small [Adult Medium, Adult Large]<br />
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<u>Measurements</u>: Wrist Circumference: 6 [7, 8]” OR 15 [18, 20] cm. Mid-Arm Circumference: 8 <br />
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[9, 10]” OR 20 [23, 25.5] cm. Length: 7.5” [19] cm.</div>
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<u>Gauge</u>: 16 sts/28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch using Worsted-weight yarn and larger needle.</div>
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<u>Yarn</u>: Worsted-weight yarn AND Lace-weight yarn. Samples shown: Malabrigo Worsted [100% Merino wool; 210yd (192m) per 3.5oz (100g) skein]; color: Sealing Wax (small), Pearl Ten (medium), Pearl Ten (large): 1 skein. Malabrigo Lace [100% Merino wool; 470yd (430m) per 1.75oz (50g) skein]; color: Pink Frost (small), SimplyTaupe (medium), Dusty (large): 1skein.</div>
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<u>Needles</u>: Cuff: 1 set US #9/5.5mm 32” or longer circular needle (magic loop method) OR 2 sets of 24” or longer (2 circular method), OR double pointed needles OR size needed to obtain gauge. Lace Panel: 1 set US #3/3.25mm straight or circular needles.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155906/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Plum Creek Mitts by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Plum Creek Mitts" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8611155906_ec734bded3.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plum Creek Mitts</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Pattern is $4.99</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/149699"><b>buy now</b></a><br />
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Finally, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tree-rings" target="_blank">Tree Rings</a>. Every tree has a secret inner life. You can guess the age by the height but the real data is locked within the core -- growth rings. Tree Ring Socks show your knitting growth on the outside. This project is an easy way to use two colors in your knitting without having to carry more than one strand at a time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155282/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tree Rings Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Tree Rings Socks" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8611155282_0b420e02df.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tree Rings Socks</i></td></tr>
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<b>Details</b>:</div>
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<u>Sizes</u>: This pattern is written for 5 sizes: XS (Small, Medium, Large, XL)<br />
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<u>Foot Circumference</u>: 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches 17.5 (19, 20, 21.5, 23 cm) unstretched.</div>
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<u>Gauge</u>: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch.</div>
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<u>Yarn</u>: Fingering-weight sock yarn in two colors that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 400 yards; Sample Shown: Malabrigo Sock [100% SUPERWASH Merino; 440yd per 100 gram skein]; colors: Natural [MC] , Alcaucil [CC]: less than 1 skein each.</div>
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<u>Needles</u>: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles OR size to get gauge.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155220/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tree Rings Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Tree Rings Socks" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8611155220_5a0374a0b7.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Details, details</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Pattern is $4.99</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/149700"><b>buy now</b></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8611155560/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Polination Collection by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Polination Collection" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8611155560_1a1ba64b6b.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bonnet, shawl, mitts, daydreaming</i></td></tr>
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Like them all? You can get the ebook for only $14.99 - all four patterns at a great price.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/149702"><b>buy now</b></a><br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://vivianaubrey.com/" target="_blank">Vivian Aubrey</a> for the photos and <a href="http://leethal.net/" target="_blank">Lee Meredith</a> and Anaiah Aubrey for modeling. Thanks to Laurelhurst Park for being such a lovely place to do things like this. Thanks to you for stopping by and looking at the collection.</div>
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Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-45257847850631878192013-04-09T19:32:00.001-07:002013-04-09T19:32:12.824-07:00Favorite Things FourI didn't post my favorite things last Friday because the topic was favorite food and drink. Let's just say I'm in a phase where food is kind of gross right now.<br />
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Please forgive me. I will update this Friday, as scheduled.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-21448189245859784692013-03-29T12:10:00.003-07:002013-03-29T12:10:49.827-07:00Favorite Things: ThreeHello Friday Friends!<br />
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I am still here doing this, which surprises no one more than me. Thanks for stopping by and proving that blogs are still a THING. </div>
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Today is Friday which means it's a Favorite Things Day. What is that? Look at this lovely little set-up written by Vivian which I <i>stole</i> from her blog this morning:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">{Part of a Friday series with </span><a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Alex</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">, </span><a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span">V</span>ivian</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> and </span><a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lee</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> that celebrates our power to discern, discriminate, decide and declare. Please join us in the comments or on your own site if you have a few favorites, too.}</span></i></span><br />
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These are almost always very hard. I am not so very decisive and some topics matter too much or perhaps too little for me to make the definitive choice. What I do is pick the first one that comes to me, and so far that has worked. Enough ado, let us get to it already!</div>
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<b>1. Favorite Animated Movie</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiki%27s_Delivery_Service" target="_blank">Kiki's Delivery Service</a><br />
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I have only seen it once, and it was while I was recovering from something, but this movie really touched me. It's about a girl coming into her power and learning to rely on her own magic to make her way in the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/Kiki's_Delivery_Service_Screenshot_01_Kiki_and_Jiji_flying_by_clocktower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/Kiki's_Delivery_Service_Screenshot_01_Kiki_and_Jiji_flying_by_clocktower.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>13 year old witch Kiki and her black cat Jiji</i></td></tr>
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Also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayao_Miyazaki" target="_blank">Hayao Miyazaki</a> is a genius and I love all of his films that I've seen.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enjoy this nice, humungous picture of Miyazaki</i></td></tr>
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<b>2. Favorite Love Story: </b>Okay, wow. I am torn all over the place for this one. I want to half put down some kind of anti-love story and half some real, touching one. I am generally more moved by LOVE than I am by mushy, fused, icky romantic love between two people that is ultimately unsustainable. Bear in mind I am not bitter, despite how this sounds.</div>
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So, I turn to music. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girlfriend_in_a_Coma_(song)" target="_blank">Girlfriend in a Coma</a>? Perhaps not... I got it! John Lennon wrote fabulous love songs all over the place. So, here it is: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_My_Life" target="_blank">In My Life</a>. This is a beautiful song (in my top five all time favorite Beatle songs) that feels like a meditation on his past and an expanding sense of love in his present and future.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lennon's Original Lyrics</i></td></tr>
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I have always felt that the people and places I have ever loved I still love. The people and places I liked I still like. Nothing changed. This song echoes that warm feeling for me and I maintain that it is quite a Love Story indeed.</div>
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The song is great too. I just read that the solo isn't a harpsichord, it's a sped-up piano. How cool! Anyway, enjoy this weird <i>weird</i> youtube video of In My Life if you'd like and have a great week, Friday Friends!</div>
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Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-5751965524565522662013-03-22T15:05:00.002-07:002013-04-13T18:11:31.007-07:00Favorite Things Friday part 2Hi again! This week we have the following questions: What is your favorite historical discovery? What is your favorite modern convenience? Again, not easy questions.<br />
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I'm going with the first things that popped into my head. It's preferable to over-thinking and agonizing and ultimately not coming up with anything better...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/92932675@N05/8513643666/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="chauvet-grande-fresque by felinschauvet, on Flickr"><img alt="chauvet-grande-fresque" height="234" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8513643666_e060345f90.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><i>Une photo générale de la grande fresque de la salle du fond de la grotte Chauvet, le groupe des félins se trouvant à droite. © Jean Clottes - Ministère de la Culture</i></span></td></tr>
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<b>Historical Discovery</b>: <i>Really</i> old cave paintings! They make me feel connected to all people everywhere forever. I like this feeling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/etraveler48/4421194441/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lascaux Great Hall of the Bulls by Emily Whale, on Flickr"><img alt="lascaux Great Hall of the Bulls" height="318" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4054/4421194441_565ed90bd5.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Lascaux Great Hall of the Bulls by Emily Whale</i></td></tr>
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<b>Modern Convenience:</b> Hot running water. Hot showers are a luxury many of us never think about. The month I spent in India without running hot water taught me (among other things) to not take this for granted. When I came home I took a very very long very very hot shower (first one in a month) and felt so grateful. I have felt that way ever since, and its been many showers in 12 years! Also hot baths are magical too. I have to add that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Shower fixture in Cabin 6 at the the Overlook Motel in Lincoln City, OR. by PhotoAtelier</i></td></tr>
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What are your favorites?Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-75062126162934930382013-03-15T20:53:00.000-07:002013-03-15T20:54:27.939-07:00Favorite things Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to the first edition of a collection of little tiny blog posts about some favorite things. First up... Favorite animal:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desdemona, the cookie thief</td></tr>
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I don't actually have a favorite animal but this picture captures something I love. Look at her neck roll. Look at her nose. Look at how she just takes that cookie.<br />
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Next up, favorite super hero. This is impossible. I would like to fly or freeze time as super powers. I'd love to shop in stores with no one in them and try on things in the middle of the floor. Then fly away over the city and the sea like a bird. I don't need to be invisible as a super power because I already have that one. We all do if you think about it.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. This project was created by my pal <a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vivian</a>. Her faves are pretty cool. Also on board are <a href="http://www.dull-roar.com/" target="_blank">Alex</a> and <a href="http://leemeredith.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Lee</a>. Stop on by and say HI.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-29204548440104508422013-02-08T14:11:00.001-08:002013-02-08T14:11:57.108-08:00Phantom ManorNew pattern time!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8457184604/" title="Phantom Manor by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Phantom Manor" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8457184604_27d84e671b.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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The Phantom Manor shawl is inspired by the gothic style of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The body of the shawl has a simple lace motif reminiscent of eyes peeping out, like in the corridor’s wallpaper. The shawl is finished with a feminine gothic-style lace edging and is just the thing to wear to your next spooky shin-dig. Don’t be scared, this one is pure fun!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arvo; font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8457183764/" title="Phantom Manor by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Phantom Manor" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8457183764_0cdbeeeebf.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<b>Details</b>:<br /><br /><u>Finished Measurements</u>: 50” wingspan, 18” deep <br /><br /> <u>Gauge</u>: 22 sts/32 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch (Not critical) <br /><br /> <u>Yarn</u>: 400 yards of any fingering-weight yarn. Sample shown: Hazel Knits Entice MCN [70% merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400yd per 115g skein]; color: Spooky Hue, 1 skein. <br /><br /> <u>Notions</u>: 8 Stitch markers, tapestry needle. <br /><br /> <u>Needles</u>: 1 set of US 5 (3.75 mm) AND 1 set of US 6 (4.25 mm) 24” or larger circular needles or size to get gauge. <br /><br /><div style="font: 10.0px Arvo; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
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Pattern is $4.99<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/139241">buy now</a><br /><div style="font: 10.0px Arvo; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
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Thanks for stopping by today! Have a good one :)<div style="font: 10.0px Arvo; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
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Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-6385180569212008942013-01-04T13:34:00.004-08:002013-01-04T13:34:48.636-08:00Happy New Year!Hello January people!<br />
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I hope you made it through the holiday madness well. I am here, doing my best. I have a few bits of information to share with you on this fine cold afternoon. Pour yourself some hot tea or something and take a gander, won't you?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8225236142/" title="Sartorial Cowl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Sartorial Cowl" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8225236142_e239a7702c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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1. New pattern alert! The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sartorial-cowl" target="_blank">Sartorial Cowl</a> is now available. The mystery has been solved. The cowl pattern comes in three sizes and costs $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/123716">buy now</a><br />
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2. I have an actual website now:<br />
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<a href="http://starathena.com/">http://starathena.com</a><br />
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From now on, this here, where you are right now, is considered to be my blog. The other thing is my website. Feel free to check it out and share any feedback you want. I plan on adding a FAQ to it as well.<br />
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3. I am teaching in New York at <a href="https://www.vogueknittinglive.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=45793&" target="_blank">Vogue Knitting Live</a> in two weeks! Are you going? I am! Oh wait, I keep saying that. Please say hi to me if you see me. I am kind of shy around strangers but I'd just as soon be friends with you. So yeah, say hi! Also, sign up for my classes, please. I will teach you how to design your own socks and/or how to use wild, hand painted variegated yarns well.<br />
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4. Rockin' Sock Club time! Sign-ups just went live and I'm happy to say I am a part of this one! Head over to <a href="https://sockclub.bluemoonfiberarts.com/" target="_blank">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> to see for yourself. The only clue I can give you is that my pattern is for socks and it is the sort that works well with variegated yarns.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7369604750/" title="Camptown Races Cowl - Chevron Version by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Camptown Races Cowl - Chevron Version" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7369604750_1a45b07c28.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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5. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/camptown-races" target="_blank">Camptown Races Pattern</a> now available! Originally released as a kit from the Plucky Knitter, this cowl pattern is finally available for download for $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/124601">buy now</a><br />
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That's enough for now, I suppose. Photos as usual by <a href="http://vivianaubrey.com/" target="_blank">Vivian Aubrey</a>.<br />
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May your January be inspiring and bright!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-84661121319552743122012-10-30T12:01:00.001-07:002012-11-09T10:34:04.015-08:00Mystery Cowl Knit-along!Yes, yes, yes! This is going to be so great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/8136086488/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="De-Vine by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="De-Vine" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8136086488_6c551cd96e.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tina's Silver Lining</i></td></tr>
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I have teamed up with the talented Tina at <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/" target="_blank">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> to bring you a fast and fabulous knit-along.<br />
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I can't actually show you anything but I am telling you this pattern is cool. It works with variegated yarns. You read that right. I have knit three of them so far and I am going to make more. Perhaps you don't know me very well but this never ever happens. Ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIxd2B2Ha3C96vG-9ONXY-ia_XpP31Af1DEiNkSeeetdrCcw17WOkQ0j018GMZ4LMnsVapqTTx3HIsL4IAUFVC4Aca378x9UtyapR191HSnjOqjpGpOH1wphXFrioRQ-rK6cx/s1600/cowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIxd2B2Ha3C96vG-9ONXY-ia_XpP31Af1DEiNkSeeetdrCcw17WOkQ0j018GMZ4LMnsVapqTTx3HIsL4IAUFVC4Aca378x9UtyapR191HSnjOqjpGpOH1wphXFrioRQ-rK6cx/s320/cowl.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tina took this picture, obviously</i></td></tr>
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<b><u>Details</u></b>:<br />
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The pattern is divided into three clues to be released on three consecutive Tuesdays:</div>
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Clue 1: November 13</div>
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Clue 2: November 20</div>
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Clue 3: November 27</div>
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<b><u>Materials</u></b>:</div>
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<b>Yarn</b>: Bulky-weight yarn. Suggested yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts De-Vine [100% Wool; 225yd per 200 gram skein]; 1 skein for small or medium size, 2 skeins for large size. <br />
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Edited to add: The large will wrap around the neck twice easily, the medium will do so snugly, and the small not at all.<br />
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<b>Needles</b>: 1 set US #10/6mm, 1 set US #13/9mm, AND 1 set US #15/10 mm 24” or longer circular needles, or size to get gauge. <br />
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<b>Notions</b>: tapestry needle, five 3/4”/2cm or 1”/2.5cm buttons <br />
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<b>Gauge</b>: 14 sts/20 rows = 4" in stockinette st using smallest needles. NOTE: Gauge is not critical.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jIod9ZS0mGxcKLoWVCAmV1g2S91I0pYF_tNc2oyqgUDW_72zyVv826L1SwbLzVBrbM_-c3BXHadwPsZVg5nh05pSw92rTowAhndT6Ee663nOessXUxh8hgSAmqfC8POS73G/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jIod9ZS0mGxcKLoWVCAmV1g2S91I0pYF_tNc2oyqgUDW_72zyVv826L1SwbLzVBrbM_-c3BXHadwPsZVg5nh05pSw92rTowAhndT6Ee663nOessXUxh8hgSAmqfC8POS73G/s320/yarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>De-Vine is luxuriously squishy in the best way</i></td></tr>
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GOOD NEWS: <br />
You get a discount code to use to purchase the suggested yarn at a 10% discount. <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_387" target="_blank">De-Vine</a> has already been discounted online around 10% which gives you nearly 20% off of the original price. </div>
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MORE GOOD NEWS: </div>
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Tina and I have picked out ten great colors that we know will look beautiful in this pattern. They are being dyed up right now, so that when you order them, they will ship FAST. You are free to use any yarn you like, just keep your eye on the calendar and secure yours soon.</div>
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COLORS:</div>
Tina's Silver Lining<br />
Currier and Ives<br />
Frosty<br />
Hawthorne<br />
Just Jack<br />
A Very Scummy Christmas<br />
Dreidel<br />
Winterberries<br />
Hobbit Garden<br />
Carbon<br />
The Kracken</div>
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Only $4.99 to join!</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/123716"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">buy now</span></a><br />
<br />
Want more? Join my Ravelry group for the chatter and knit-a-longs <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/keep-on-knitting-in-the-free-world">here</a>.</div>
</div>
Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-3231744537754026482012-10-25T11:38:00.000-07:002012-10-25T11:38:34.732-07:00October the what?Hi friends,<br />
<br />
Where have I been all summer? I have no idea. But here it is, drizzling, snappy October once more.<br />
<br /><i>Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause<br />between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. - Carol Bishop Hipps</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span>
I always reflect when the seasons change and especially so when the chill hits. I am watching the birds in their V-formations leave the Pacific Northwest. I am drinking hot tea just about every day now. There is no denying it. It's knitting weather, people.<br />
<br />
I have a few exciting knitting things to share with you soon (Mystery Knit-along!) But first, may I tell you about a pair of socks that are associated with this season of change?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 22px;">Día de los Muertos</span><br />
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5136449482/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Day of the Dead Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Day of the Dead Socks" height="154" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/5136449482_75e1c15d2f_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a><br /><br />These socks here are in honor of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). It's a holiday to be spent gathered with family and friends to remember loved ones who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).<br /><br />We can gather online if we can't gather in person. This year I am remembering some people who have come and gone in my life. I am struck by the fact that if I loved you once, I love you still. <br /><br />Also, life goes on.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5136449548/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Day of the Dead Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Day of the Dead Socks" height="239" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5136449548_e43a2d92b6_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br />Traditions connected with the Day of the Dead include building altars honoring the deceased using decorated sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. The Day of the Dead is not necessarily a time for mourning, so knit and decorate these socks using bright, festive colors and wear them to party!<br /><br />This here pattern is written for multiple gauges and you can knit the sock as they are, or add embroidery when done! What a great use for bright scraps of sock yarn leftover from other projects.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5136449440/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Paper Craft Skull by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Paper Craft Skull" height="240" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1321/5136449440_b4eb40fa83_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a><br /><br />At the end of the pattern you will find a sugar skull paper craft pattern. Decorate that too! These socks give the knitter options. A simple sock can be decorated by embroidering marigolds along the eyelets. A skeleton can be embroidered along the side if desired.<br /><br /><b>Sizes</b>: This pattern is written for four sizes: (See foot circumference chart to determine appropriate size) 1. Women’s Small (2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. Women’s X-L/Men’s Large)<br /><br /><b>Foot circumference</b>: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).<br /><br /><b>Yarn</b>: This pattern is written for four gauges: (See yardage requirement chart to determine yarn selection) Sample shown: sport-weight: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 380yd per 155 gram skein]; color: Pallas Athena: 1 skein.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5135848997/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Day of the Dead Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Day of the Dead Socks" height="240" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/5135848997_618d163d74_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a><br /><br /><b>Needles</b>: 1 set of 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.<br /><br /><b>Notions</b>: Stitch markers, scrap yarn or embroidery floss, tapestry needle.<br /><br />Because of the large file size, this time the "extra" is in a separate pdf file. Both the pattern and paper craft are available to you through the link.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5136449864/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Day of the Dead Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Day of the Dead Socks" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/5136449864_88d394e3f7_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arvo; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">The pattern is $4.99</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/48953" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">buy now</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5135848923/" style="color: #cab024; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;" title="Day of the Dead Socks by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Day of the Dead Socks" height="240" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/5135848923_56c97cee79_m.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a></div>
Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-6245012957376806942012-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:002012-09-22T01:00:08.207-07:00Happy Hobbit Day!<br />
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Welcome to second annual Hobbit Day sale! In honor of Frodo's birthday <i>and</i> Bilbo's birthday, I've got a one-day only sale happening...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6081038388/" title="Mithril Cowl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Mithril Cowl" height="240" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6081038388_dfe79ea2d4_m.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="160" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mithril-cowl" target="_blank">Mithril Cowl</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/5313343723/" title="Hobbit Cakes by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Hobbit Cakes" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5313343723_14848a2052_m.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hobbit-cakes" target="_blank">Hobbit Cakes</a></div>
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I've got two patterns that are nerdy enough to honor hobbit-y things so I think they should go on sale today. That's right, better hurry!</div>
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The Hobbit Cakes Sock pattern is usually $4.99 - Today only it's $2.50</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/54025"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/54025">buy now</a></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mithril Cowl is usually $4.99 - Today only it's $2.50</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/74567"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/74567">buy now</a></a></div>
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Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-26147094010874212332012-07-04T18:56:00.000-07:002012-07-04T18:57:07.898-07:00TumblrHi there,<br />
<br />
I thought I should let you know I also have a tumblr blog where I post pictures and words that inspire me. It's not strictly knitting related, just so you know. If you're curious about that sort of thing, check it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://starathena.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Little Tiny Things</a> by Star AthenaStarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-22817411299231949932012-06-21T14:55:00.002-07:002012-08-23T11:23:05.882-07:00Ravelry and the Olympics and the Tour de FleeceGreetings fiber people! Do you have a minute to look at a post without pictures? I decided to share a little bit about the cease and desist letter that spawned a huge explosion of hurt feelings in the fiber community.<br />
<br />
Most of you reading this are fiber people, meaning you know all about it already. Most likely you know more about than I do. What excites me is that this is my blog and I get to write my opinions in it freely.<br />
<br />
So, there's this worldwide sporting event called the Olympics, perhaps you've heard of it. A few years ago knitters and crocheters wanted to watch the Olympics while challenging themselves to create something during the span of the games. There are several variations on this, but the one I am going to mention is the event that happened on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, called the Ravelympics.<br />
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[unlicensed image of Olympic Rings not available]<br />
<br />
Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/for-the-love-of-ravelry/2189293/1-25" target="_blank">received a C&D letter</a>. There are trademark issues. There are also judgements, the highlight being this passage: <i>"We believe using the name “Ravelympics” for a competition that involves an afghan marathon, scarf hockey and sweater triathlon, among others, tends to denigrate the true nature of the Olympic Games. In a sense, it is disrespectful to our country’s finest athletes and fails to recognize or appreciate their hard work."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Okay, I think most people are okay with the idea that trademark infringement is serious and changing the name of Ravelympics isn't really a big deal. The problem lies in saying what we do denigrates the Olympics. Maybe it's because I've been knitting longer than many of the athletes have been alive, or maybe it's because I think fast food and soda companies sponsoring the Olympics is denigrating, but that part of the letter ruffled my feathers.<br />
<br />
I know what I do is not the same thing as what they do. It does not follow that what I do denigrates what they do.<br />
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It turns out thousands of people feel this way too. The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) was bombarded with tweets, letters, calls, emails, and more. <a href="http://gawker.com/5920036/us-olympics-committee-is-mad-at-knitting-olympics-for-denigrating-real-athletes" target="_blank">Gawker</a> picked up an the story, as did the <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/knitting/2012/06/us_olympic_committee_lacks_sen.html" target="_blank">Oregonian</a>. It's still expanding and the ripples are headed to who-knows-where.<br />
<br />
There has since been an <a href="http://www.teamusa.org/News/2012/June/21/statement-from-usoc-spokesperson-patrick-sandusky.aspx" target="_blank">apology</a>, though it hasn't been well-received.<br />
<br />
I am talking about this today because I keep getting asked about the Tour de Fleece. I started the Tour de Fleece in 2006 in the spirit of spinning yarn along with the Tour de France. It's a crazy concept and with extremely limited appeal (people who spin their own yarn AND like cycling?)<br />
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I have not been contacted by anyone associated with the Tour de France to cease and desist the Tour de Fleece. I will let you know if that changes. So far, we are safe. I don't think anyone would accidentally confuse us with the Tour de France, but to be very clear... the Tour de France and the Tour de Fleece are two different events. One does not denigrate the other, except for performance-enhancing doping, which denigrates us all. Maybe it is I who should send the cease and desist letter?<br />
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The Tour de Fleece starts on June 30th. It's not too late to join!<br />
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Thanks for reading this. I like you.<br />
<br />
<br />Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-57662840197923035652012-06-01T16:34:00.000-07:002012-06-01T16:34:31.956-07:00Powell's City of Books Shawl<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226720/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7316226720_fe8d84f386.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>City of Books Shawl</i></td></tr>
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Welcome to June! This is the very last pattern in the Stumptown collection. Of course, I’m already hatching ideas for my next club, and I’ll let you know about it as soon as I can. Also, I really appreciate your support this year. It means a lot to me that you took a leap of faith and I am grateful for that! Now, let’s talk about the pattern...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226366/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7316226366_1753cc3400.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Madeline Tosh Merino Light in Earl Grey</i></td></tr>
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Inspiration: Powell’s is a Portland institution. From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell's Books has grown into one of the world's great bookstores, with five locations in the Portland metropolitan area. This shawlette pattern pays tribute to the “world’s biggest bookstore” with textures resembling stacks and aisles. It’s the perfect project to wear on your next book browsing outing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226806/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7316226806_e988c0e94f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Malabrigo Sock in Turner</i></td></tr>
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There are two samples this month. The bright lime colored yarn is Malabrigo Sock in Turner. The brown version is made out of Merino Light from Madleine Tosh. Bother are soft and fun to work with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226668/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7316226668_fe96063315.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Try it with a shawl pin</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226422/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7316226422_1c485e9d6e.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>stacks and aisles</i></td></tr>
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Photography as usual by the oh-so-talented and beautiful <a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/">Vivian Aubrey</a>. Many thanks!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7316226886/" title="Powell's City of Books Shawl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Powell's City of Books Shawl" height="342" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7316226886_834fbb5b8e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Dearest knitters, thank you so much for joining me on this tour of the places I love. I hope you are enjoying the patterns, and even perhaps finding your own renewed interest in your places too.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
Powell's City of Books shawl pattern is $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/105370"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Want more? This pattern is part of the Stumptown Knits Collection: a monthly pattern club featuring 6 accessory patterns inspired by the place you live and the place you love. For me, it's Portland, Oregon. This is the final pattern in the collection, but it's not too late to join!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Benefits for joining the club</b>:</span></div>
</div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join. I'm working on this now.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes! See my group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/keep-on-knitting-in-the-free-world">here</a> for info.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>20% off discount codes to use at <a href="http://www.twistedpdx.com/">Twisted</a>. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!</li>
</span></ul>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Join now!</b> Only $15.99</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/83364">buy now</a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">What are you waiting for?!</span></span><br />
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</div>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-36038865171389368932012-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:002012-05-01T16:11:45.930-07:00Pix<div style="font: 12.0px Arvo; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Dearest Blog Readers,</span></div>
<br />
It's new pattern time! Welcome to May, welcome to Pix! This is the penultimate pattern in the Stumptown collection. Next month we have a shawlette and then we are done on our journey around Portland... for now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6987424476/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Armwarmers by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Armwarmers" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/6987424476_00c429b6ce.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lee Meredith and a rose scented macaron</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have been busy on other sorts of patterns as well and will share them with you soon enough. For today, I hope you'll check out these here Pix Armwarmers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pix Patisserie is a beloved little spot to enjoy hot tea and sweet treats. I like to gather here with friends and knit, play cards, and indulge. I designed these mitts to wear while enjoying a fleur de sel macaron, thick hot chocolate, and good company at Pix in Portland. Join me, won’t you?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6987424608/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Armwarmers by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Armwarmers" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6987424608_15612fc45f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in Sweet Pea</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This advanced beginner level pattern includes instructions to make a pair of lace wrist warmers. You’ll need to know how to read a pattern, cast on, knit, purl, slip stitches, increase, decrease, pick up stitches, read a chart, and work in the round.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6987425310/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Armwarmers by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Armwarmers" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/6987425310_35d35f45dc.jpg" width="421" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yarn: Hazel Knits Entice MCN in Chocoberry</i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are two samples this month. The berry colored yarn is Hazel Knits Entice in Chocoberry - a lovely cashmere blend that is so incredibly luscious. The white pair is made out of Socks that Rock Sweet Pea from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. Bother are springy and cheerful!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7133508739/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Armwarmers by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Armwarmers" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7133508739_c33b0d0d57.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I will share some macarons with you</i></td></tr>
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Modeled by Star Athena (who else?) and <a href="http:// www.leethal.net/">Lee Meredith</a>. Photography by <a href="http://spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/">Vivian Aubrey</a>. Many thanks!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6987424558/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Armwarmers by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Armwarmers" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/6987424558_60cd04bf91.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>They call one that the Royale</i></td></tr>
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As usual, thank you so much for joining me on this tour of the places I love. I hope you are enjoying the patterns, and even perhaps finding your own renewed interest in your places too.<br />
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Warm Regards,<br />
Star<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
Pix Armwarmers pattern is $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/101729"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6987424070/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pix Patisserie by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pix Patisserie" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/6987424070_aaf89ac8b7.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pretty lanterns hang above the outside seating at Pix</i></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Want more? This pattern is part of the Stumptown Knits Collection: a monthly pattern club featuring 6 accessory patterns inspired by the place you live and the place you love. For me, it's Portland, Oregon.</span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Benefits for joining the club</b>:</span></div>
</div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
</span><br />
<ul><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<li>Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<ul>
<li>Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes! See my group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/keep-on-knitting-in-the-free-world">here</a> for info.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>20% off discount codes to use at <a href="http://www.twistedpdx.com/">Twisted</a>. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!</li>
</ul>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Join now!</b> Only $15.99</div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/83364">buy now</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">What are you waiting for?!</span><br />
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</div>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-85390892409167380362012-04-02T17:05:00.001-07:002012-04-02T17:05:45.503-07:00The Waste Land<center><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000020;"><img height="91" src="http://www.bartleby.com/201/wl3.jpg" width="460" /></span></center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000020;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000020;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/realsmiley/5552754412/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lilac by Matthias Rhomberg, on Flickr"><img alt="lilac" height="313" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5309/5552754412_902007a0e5.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lilac | Matthias Rhomberg</i></td></tr>
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I. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD</div>
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APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding</td><td align="right" valign="top"></td></tr>
<tr><td>Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing</td><td align="right" valign="top"></td></tr>
<tr><td>Memory and desire, stirring</td><td align="right" valign="top"></td></tr>
<tr><td>Dull roots with spring rain.<br />
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T.S. Eliot (1888–1965). The Waste Land. 1922.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">It's been a while since I shared a poem here. The turning of the seasons seems to inspire something I suppose. Today I bring you a wee tiny taste of the Waste Land by T. S. Eliot. I hope you liked it.</span><br />
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</tbody></table>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29541279.post-4437764558309434912012-04-01T11:49:00.000-07:002012-04-01T11:49:00.585-07:00Pendleton CowlGood Day to you!<br />
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Welcome to April! This month brings us to a pattern that is perhaps a bit controversial. Let me start by saying that I love it. I especially love wearing it. That said, you should probably sit down and pour yourself a drink before reading the next part.<br />
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The Pendleton Cowl is a fair isle style stranded knitted cowl worked in laceweight yarn. Now just breathe... It is actually not hard at all to do. I found it pretty fun even!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/6889693486/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pendleton Cowl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendleton Cowl" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/6889693486_251bea3966.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Admiring the lovely blankets at Pendleton Woolen Mills</i></td></tr>
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<b>Inspiration</b>: An Oregon institution since 1863, Pendleton Woolen Mills sets THE standard for fine wool blankets and clothing. This cowl is a tribute to the designs and patterns found in classic Pendleton blankets. Make it traditional and knit it in vintage-inspired colors as I did, or make it modern with a contemporary palette. The Pendleton style is timeless!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7035788151/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pendleton Cowl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendleton Cowl" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/7035788151_b100261050.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Motifs in the cowl mimic Pendleton blankets</i></td></tr>
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This medium-level pattern is worked in the round with four colors. It includes stripes and charted stranded Fair Isle-style colorwork. The cowl starts with a provisional cast on, is a knit in the round as a tube, then grafted together at the end. <br />
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The yarn in the sample is Malabrigo Lace - a lovely baby merino wool that is so incredibly soft. You’ll need four different colors to follow the pattern as written. I chose a light, a dark, a bright and a neutral. Feel free to play with your own ideas!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/starathena/7035788079/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pendleton Cowl by starathena, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendleton Cowl" height="378" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/7035788079_cb2884288a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cozy and soft!</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photography by </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http:// spindleshanksknits.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vivian Aubrey</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. (Thank you Vivian!) We had so much fun when we went to the Pendleton shop to take these pictures. Vivian even picked up 8 pounds of fine wool scraps in a lovely soft blue and tan plaid pattern to make a braided rug. I can't wait to see that! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I hope you like the cowl - I am really happy with the design and feel. Thanks for spending some time with me today.</span></span></div>
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Pendleton Cowl Pattern is $4.99<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/98403"><img border="0" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" /></a>
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Want more? This pattern is part of the Stumptown Knits Collection: a monthly pattern club featuring 6 accessory patterns inspired by the place you live and the place you love. For me, it's Portland, Oregon.<br />
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<b>Benefits for joining the club</b>:</div>
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<li>When finished, the club will be compiled into an e-book. The e-book will be included in the cost of the club for those who join.</li>
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<li>Half the cost of buying the individual patterns.</li>
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<li>Individual patterns as well as finished e-book (at the end of the club) can be stored in your Ravelry library.</li>
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<li>Knit-a-longs! This time we will have official knit-a-longs each month with prizes! See my group <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/keep-on-knitting-in-the-free-world">here</a> for info.</li>
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<li>20% off discount codes to use at <a href="http://www.twistedpdx.com/">Twisted</a>. All of the yarns used in this club are available for purchase there and if you want to match the yarns I’m using, you can!</li>
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<b>Join now!</b> Only $15.99</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/star-athena-designs/83364">buy now</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">What are you waiting for?!</span></div>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333637412849896461noreply@blogger.com2