tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64263243288657218992024-02-07T19:04:06.580-08:00Storied YarnsWelcome to the home of Storied Yarns: Fiber Arts with Character! This blog is the place where I will share updates about my fiber arts pursuits and tell the stories of my creative journeys in life. I hope you'll share your stories with me, too!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-16914694074559303962015-06-03T13:14:00.000-07:002015-06-03T13:14:01.486-07:00Information about me for Swap SpoilersHello, future swap spoiler! I thought it'd be handy if I posted a bunch of information about me all in one spot, so here you go!<br />
<br />
This information might apply to Instagram or Ravelry swaps, I'll try to make it wide enough in scope to work for both.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgvngQ9FgfjhwGV2H7IYBQNHuv2s4nCMswWCOQJwDJ1Pp2JbF8RrFLh6GuCJiwqpmKxfxC11ToVmCQOSnDgR6zrSqLcESm9xaLmm1H3IzoYA-vqDnT8r6QNNn888S9qLzeDKFb8IcKb0/s1600/Swap+Spoiler+info.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgvngQ9FgfjhwGV2H7IYBQNHuv2s4nCMswWCOQJwDJ1Pp2JbF8RrFLh6GuCJiwqpmKxfxC11ToVmCQOSnDgR6zrSqLcESm9xaLmm1H3IzoYA-vqDnT8r6QNNn888S9qLzeDKFb8IcKb0/s320/Swap+Spoiler+info.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Basic information - how to stalk me online:</b><br />
- I'm blogging here right NOW, but I almost never do, so just really read this post and then ignore the rest of the blog (unless you're interested in seeing the yarn I used to dye).<br />
- On Ravelry I'm <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/StoriedYarns" target="_blank">StoriedYarns</a>.<br />
- I'm <a href="https://instagram.com/storiedyarns/" target="_blank">@StoriedYarns</a> on Instagram<br />
- I'm <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jessecreations/" target="_blank">jessecreations </a>on Pinterest<br />
- I've got an <a href="http://amzn.com/w/12O2A3B60F5NR" target="_blank">Amazon wish list here</a>.<br />
And, that's pretty much it. I don't really spend any quality time on any other social media sites, so it's best to stalk me in one of those places.<br />
<br />
<b>Handmade Items I'd Like to Receive:</b><br />
First of all, let me just say that I love handmade as a general rule, so go for it if you've got an idea that's not on this list! I'm just trying to give you some ideas so you have a ballpark if you're looking for one. Here are some handmade items I'd love to get:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Wallet - I keep meaning to make myself one and I never have gotten around to it. I like the longer/bigger style, with plenty of room for cards and a zipper pouch for coins, if possible.</li>
<li>Sewing machine cover - I've got a standard-issue Brother machine, and a cover for it is one of those other things I never get around to making.</li>
<li>Wall art - I have a home office/studio area where I love to display things that inspire me - embroidery, cross stitch, art prints, mini quilts, you name it.</li>
<li>Bags - I love bags and frequently switch them out. Totes, purses, zipper pouches, knitting project bags, whatever. My preference would be for a large-ish purse or tote size, or a clutch for more "fancy" times.</li>
<li>Shoes - I seriously love those customized Toms style shoes; doesn't matter to me if they're actual Toms or they came from Wal-Mart. I wear a US 8.5 ladies' shoe size.</li>
<li>Jewelry - I don't have pierced ears, so please avoid earrings, but necklaces and rings are all good. I tend not to wear a lot of bracelets, but I do like them. Anklets would also be cool for the warmer months.</li>
<li>Pottery - I love coffee mugs, and pretty much anything else pottery-related. Usable, decorative, whatever!</li>
<li>Smelly-good stuff - candles, soaps, lotion, lotion bars, lip balm, wax melts. </li>
<li>Neck accessories - scarves, shawls, shawlettes.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>My Preferences:</b></div>
<div>
Here are some additional things about me that you might find helpful -</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Scent/fragrance: I prefer "clean" scents, woodsy scents, spicy scents, and florals. Not a big fan of fruity or sugary sweet stuff.</li>
<li>Colors: Right now I'm loving grey and navy, plus coral, light lemony/butter yellow, mint. I have long been a fan of orange, purple, and teal. My wardrobe also consists of a lot of black.</li>
<li>Home decor: My house is an eclectic mix, so I don't have much of a theme. Living room is tan/brown, slate blue, mulberry, and I'm trying to incorporate some butter yellow in there. Ditto with dining room. Kitchen is burgundy, olive, mustard, and cream. My bedroom is cream, orange, burgundy and teal. In my home office, anything goes - I'm going with inspirational/rainbow/colorful in there. </li>
<li>I drink both coffee and tea, though coffee is usually just once a day and tea might be more than that. I like black teas, with or without spices (like chai). Not a big fan of fruit in my tea.</li>
<li>I also love chocolate, any shade except for the super-dark stuff. I don't like raisins or fruit in my chocolate, but any of the following are okay: nuts, caramel, sea salt, pretzels, mint.</li>
<li>I don't collect things. I have a small shelf in my home office, but it's pretty well full, and so I prefer not to have a lot of stuff that just kind of sits around without a purpose.</li>
<li>Favorite types of yarn: fingering weight to worsted, wool or wool blends or other natural fibers. I prefer to steer clear of acrylic both for wearing and for knitting.</li>
<li>Fabric: I love fabric of pretty much any kind. If it's apparel fabric I'd like at least 2-yard cuts just so I can make something decent with it, but for quilting cotton anything from fat quarter on up is great, or a bundle/collection of precuts.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Things that Make me Go Geek (in no particular order):</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Young adult literature</li>
<li>Board games, both played with other adults and with my kids/family</li>
<li>South Park</li>
<li>The Muppets</li>
<li>musicals</li>
<li>Supernatural</li>
<li>Sherlock</li>
<li>Downton Abbey</li>
<li>Other British period dramas (Call the Midwife, for instance)</li>
<li>The West Wing and pretty much anything else those actors do</li>
<li>Doctor Who</li>
<li>Firefly</li>
<li>Star Trek</li>
<li>fabric, especially if it's bookishly themed or goes with any of the above-named fandoms or just has a cool, graphic print to it</li>
<li>yarn</li>
<li>spinning fiber</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Let's see ... what else?</b></div>
</div>
<div>
My word for 2015 is Captain - I'm trying to incorporate that into my life. Being the Captain of my own ship, so to speak, taking control of my life and what happens in it, what I do with it. Being cool under pressure and acting, not just reacting. Realizing that I'm responsible for my own life & happiness, and it's a good thing to put on my Big Girl Pants and get stuff done. I've got a Pinterest board for it you can find in my account there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I often self-identify as a Vulcan, and I really think I could dig living there and being part of a society like that. It's not that I don't have emotions, but I don't like being ruled by them, and I often have a hard time relating to other humans. I'm kinda like Spock, I guess - human heart, Vulcan soul? (Also I seriously <3 div="" especially="" in="" quinto="" role.="" spock="" that="" zachary=""><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Crafts I enjoy, in no particular order: sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting (sometimes), cross stitching (sometimes), spinning yarn.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope that helps!! Remember, whatever you make, I just really appreciate that you put together a swap package just for me!!!</div>
</3></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-41113366442605448712015-01-25T12:04:00.000-08:002015-01-25T12:04:01.962-08:00Nerds Craft it Better - An Open Letter to my Swap Spoiler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIrgyijS4Xx8KvlPn_nVXEv2op8w4YNyfZc63aRA5TgKY9HfdwohluCDhGWuhQfth3nuTLcxFSASZGGygiCt2Ybr2ZoCu1DKHfpV-AHLuL8_FuqeHlvCEvBSVK45VjiBAIzGLtBoqKGb_/s1600/091.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIrgyijS4Xx8KvlPn_nVXEv2op8w4YNyfZc63aRA5TgKY9HfdwohluCDhGWuhQfth3nuTLcxFSASZGGygiCt2Ybr2ZoCu1DKHfpV-AHLuL8_FuqeHlvCEvBSVK45VjiBAIzGLtBoqKGb_/s1600/091.PNG" height="320" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm participating in the #NerdsCraftItBetter swap on Instagram right now, and I wanted to write a letter to the person who's sending me a package, to hopefully help with the inspiration side of things. So if you're not that person, you may as well just ignore this post. Rest assured, I'll go back to not-blogging right after this is done. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Swap Spoiler,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First of all, THANK YOU! I'm so excited you're going to be making something for me, and I'm telling you right now that I will love it no matter what! I just thought I'd put together a post that would help you stalk me online and learn a little bit more about me, because I know that as I look at my own swap recipient's profile I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, first of all, you can find me online:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/storiedyarns" target="_blank">@StoriedYarns</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jessecreations/" target="_blank">jessecreations</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ravelry: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/StoriedYarns" target="_blank">StoriedYarns</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/storiedyarns?ref=pr_profile" target="_blank">StoriedYarns</a> (Please note that a lot of the ITEMS in my favorites are mostly for other people or things I'd want to show my clients, but you'd be mostly safe in my favorite SHOPS.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anywhere else, I really don't spend any quality time and anything I post there wouldn't be too helpful for you, I'm thinking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Pinterest you'll see I have a TON of boards that I share with other pinners - those are work-related and you can mostly ignore them. The ones you'll really want to pay attention to are the ones for previous swaps I did, the one about colors I love, and the one called "This is me, geeking out."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am a fan of so many things it'd be impossible to name them all! For examples you can actually see <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my former Etsy shop</a>, where I dyed yarn inspired by characters from my favorite stories (books, movies, TV, etc.). In general, I love:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Star Trek (all variations, but particularly the newest reboot, TNG, DS9, Voyager). I self-identify the most with Spock (esp. Zachary Quinto's version) and I love the Vulcans in general. I also really dig Tuvok, the Vulcan who is ALL about the mind melding and is kinda spiritual and cool.</li>
<li>Doctor Who. I love the newest ones, not the classic episodes/doctors. I think my favorite doctor is Eleven, and Donna's my favorite companion. I also really love the Ponds and River Song. I don't have cable so I only catch up with the good Doctor when he's streaming on Netflix, etc. so I'm a season or so behind.</li>
<li>Supernatural. Again, I'm a little behind. I was caught up before last year's season came to Netflix, but now I'm re-watching it with my husband so I haven't seen season 8 yet. Everything before that is all good. I can't decide on a favorite Winchester but I heart Castiel in a big way, and also Crowley. </li>
<li>Sherlock. LOVE him. I also love Mycroft, and the relationship between the brothers (especially the way their lips curl up on one side when they talk about "other children").</li>
<li>I used to be a high school English teacher (and before that, an English major). So I love classic literature and young adult literature pretty much equally. Also a big fan of The Dresden Files series.</li>
<li>The Muppets. I grew up on The Muppet Show, my favorite Christmas movie is A Muppet Christmas Carol, and Gonzo is my favorite Muppet. Also love other Henson creations like The Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.</li>
<li>Downton Abbey. Violet is my favorite character. I watch a lot of other British period dramas, too - I think my favorite of those is Call the Midwife. </li>
<li>Britcoms. I especially love Gavin & Stacey, the Catherine Tate Show, and The Miranda Show.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I tend to prefer slightly-more-subtle references. For instance, I won't wear a T-shirt with Daniel Radcliffe's face on it but I will wear one that says "Hogwarts Alumni" or something like that. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some general types of handmade things I would enjoy receiving - I'm trying to incorporate a variety because I'm not sure what crafts you're into, but in general I'm into HANDMADE as a concept so I will love whatever you make me!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Wall art - I work from home so my home office is prime real estate for displaying my freak flag on the wall. Currently displayed in that space: pictures my kids have drawn, profane signs and postcards, motivational quotes, book page quotes/art from some of my favorite nerd-doms, a poster of Wednesday Addams, a papercraft TARDIS, some zombies an Internet friend made me, a needle felted owl another friend made me, and a Lego Hamlet minifigure (I'm super bummed I never got Shakespeare to join him). Art prints or small sewn/quilted pieces, embroidery, cross stitch, etc. all welcome here.</li>
<li>Bags - I love bags and purses. For an everyday purse I need something large enough to hold my wallet and keys plus a small makeup bag and a small knitting project bag. I also use larger tote style bags for other things, and I really like smaller messenger-style or cross body bags. I could SERIOUSLY use a new wallet, one with lots of card pockets and some sort of zipper compartment for coins. Knitting project bags or zipper pouches are also welcome.</li>
<li>Spiral-bound notebooks, journals, etc. I'm kind of a "paper nerd" and I also love fun pens.</li>
<li>Pottery - coffee mugs, bowls, containers for other things, yarn bowls, whatever. I love the stuff. I also love any other type of coffee mug, like if you wanted to decorate one for me.</li>
<li>Yarn! If you're a knitter then you might want to send me handspun yarn, hand dyed yarn, or maybe even just yarn from your stash for my extra item. I'm a fan of any wool or wool-blend yarns, fingering weight on up to bulky. I'm also a spinner so I'd also love wool/fiber. If you're not a knitter then don't worry about this one. :)</li>
<li>Wearables: I prefer girly-cut T-shirts or other clothing types of items (I'll list my sizes below). I also love jewelry, especially necklaces or rings. I do NOT have pierced ears and I only wear bracelets if they're super lightweight/delicate because I type all day so it's annoying to me to have something clunking against the keyboard. I love scarves, especially infinity style or square/kerchief style. </li>
<li>Bath and body stuff - soaps, lotions, lip balms, salves, creams, or even candles. I love scented stuff, particularly spicy/woodsy or fresh. Not a fan of fruity.</li>
<li>If you're super gung-ho I'd love a quilt, but that's definitely not what I'd call "medium" so please don't worry about it.</li>
<li>I'd love to add another apron or two to my collection - preferably a more "full coverage" or full apron style, not a half-apron. I don't LOVE to cook but I do enjoy baking and I'm messy when I do it.</li>
<li>I love stuff with quotes on it, either inspirational quotes, funny quotes, or quotes from any of my favorite nerderies.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Other Stuff I enjoy:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Tea and Coffee. I usually drink one cup of coffee every morning, and then a cup of tea in the evenings. My favorite tea is Stash Chai, but I like other black teas (regular or with spices). Not a fan of fruity teas. </li>
<li>Chocolate. I love everything from white to dark. I don't like fruit or raisins in my chocolate, but I like it plain or with caramel, peanut butter, peppermint, sea salt, almonds, peanuts, pecans, pretzels, etc. Not a fan of spicy stuff, bacon, weird fruits, etc. in my chocolate.</li>
<li>Lotions, lip balms, soaps, candles, wax melt cubes.</li>
<li>Nail polish. I'm in an ongoing battle with myself to permanently stop biting my nails, and nail polish helps with that. I prefer darker colors (purple, burgundy/black cherry, dark blues, greys, brown, black). If you've got a good topcoat recommendation I'd love to know about it, too! </li>
<li>British crafty magazines, sewing magazines.</li>
<li>Notebooks and pens, mechanical pencils.</li>
<li>I might enjoy small-ish hair accessories like bobbi pins or hair elastics with stuff on them. Not a big fan of headbands or other hair stuff.</li>
<li>I've thought for a while it might be fun to have an ear cuff (especially since I don't have pierced ears) but I haven't ever tried one.</li>
<li>Fabric! I'm a sewer and a quilter, I love it all from apparel to quilting cottons.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>My Sizes:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I wear a ladies' US 14 in most clothing. I've got a 40.5" bust if that helps. I tend to wear a L or XL in girly-fit t-shirts. I don't usually wear unisex style tees but if you send me one that's L or XL I can probably sew/tailor it to fit me better.</li>
<li>Shoe size is US 8.5; my foot is about 10" long. Normal width.</li>
<li>My wrist measures 6.5" around.</li>
<li>My ring finger is 5.4cm around and my middle finger is 6cm.</li>
<li>My head measures 23" but I don't usually wear hats (I'm forever on a quest to find one that fits me and looks good but so far no luck).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
Ok, I hope that's all been helpful and not too overwhelming! Again, I will love WHATEVER you send, and I'm so happy to get to know you once the swap is over!!!<br />
<br />
Jess<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-72048318059245616322014-04-05T13:13:00.001-07:002014-04-05T13:13:42.188-07:00Lumberjack Attack QuiltI finished a quilt this week! This marks the third finished quilt for the year, so I guess I'm on a roll! I figure it's best to ride this wave of enthusiasm before it's gone.<br />
<br />
Here's my finished quilt top - it measures somewhere in the 65x75-inch range, a perfect size for me to snuggle up on the couch or take it with me on a picnic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWLU8bWeDqzorbUq9ZRV8gB96qck9aT3hfT9ZnzdHn79pfYOFVpa-7R-kHHuvkkGL-QhS1QUL5O8ElbTqR9OgRMj1XIPL9h63MZwsjkMFKvNn953u9TH4VlBugsRfrjho8wGhHVa_mHA/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWLU8bWeDqzorbUq9ZRV8gB96qck9aT3hfT9ZnzdHn79pfYOFVpa-7R-kHHuvkkGL-QhS1QUL5O8ElbTqR9OgRMj1XIPL9h63MZwsjkMFKvNn953u9TH4VlBugsRfrjho8wGhHVa_mHA/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At times like these, it's handy to have a husband who's 6'3", because he can hold up my quilts for me. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, for the quilt I made up my own pattern because I wanted something to highlight the main fabrics - four awesome<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162949125/lumberjack-fabric-fat-quarter-bundle?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank"> Lumberjack Attack fat quarters</a> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/joyfulroots" target="_blank">Joyful Roots</a> (note: my set of FQs was a special introductory bundle, but the set in the link is pretty similar).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTg89HDqEO5GLVPao-60ufbMu-OM3UlZXBDu_9Fob9JmYK_bT8A5OWcSmoU3ioQAkU1psBDnc9hfcK_po9Wpe3-KWTWeVZ-zl6wbTbHB40zu4UzmunllCbWjcZTe6ki5KUaTmNn2aBW4/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTg89HDqEO5GLVPao-60ufbMu-OM3UlZXBDu_9Fob9JmYK_bT8A5OWcSmoU3ioQAkU1psBDnc9hfcK_po9Wpe3-KWTWeVZ-zl6wbTbHB40zu4UzmunllCbWjcZTe6ki5KUaTmNn2aBW4/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cut each fat quarter into 5-inch squares and then framed them in coordinating semi-solids from JoAnn's. The background is a charcoal grey Kona cotton, and the back is an all-over orange print (with a strip of grey to make it big enough). I hand quilted it using a 10wt hand quilting thread for a simple, bold look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HqOaVP28LhImRWucbE-CyocT_bxvvr9rPVNDyM8x0oLD4-J3OWzCUuZnNV5NzpFiB_3W8wZ1-EOOQTWheZiUuDQpvhluGXRRAwQWMe6B232XWQjvEDYVRk9g91DT4tgUeDMVrK08Pw/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HqOaVP28LhImRWucbE-CyocT_bxvvr9rPVNDyM8x0oLD4-J3OWzCUuZnNV5NzpFiB_3W8wZ1-EOOQTWheZiUuDQpvhluGXRRAwQWMe6B232XWQjvEDYVRk9g91DT4tgUeDMVrK08Pw/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bound it in the same orange from the back. It's full of orangey goodness, and I love it!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Up next ... a triangle quilt for my grandmother's 96th birthday. Stay tuned!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-24436240312820637502014-01-31T13:05:00.002-08:002014-01-31T13:05:27.796-08:00Fiber Friday: Getting Ready for Nerd Wars and Ravellenics!Hello! I actually have fibery things to share on a Friday - imagine that!<br />
<br />
First up, I finished the pair of socks I've been working on since before Christmas (they got pushed aside several times to work on gifts for other people):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNrvWrK2WsgO0GhvT4cuKoYg_EbbUe7DZekvUffaw1gHcEvbXBzDZw9RxtlxO99-STfbTZLQ2qQ0YAWzvrgQoSCRw0FTJoBpyS93_1sGAY5WtvZRdB29B1RKM2Og1TXCEOneFe7dKoZU/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNrvWrK2WsgO0GhvT4cuKoYg_EbbUe7DZekvUffaw1gHcEvbXBzDZw9RxtlxO99-STfbTZLQ2qQ0YAWzvrgQoSCRw0FTJoBpyS93_1sGAY5WtvZRdB29B1RKM2Og1TXCEOneFe7dKoZU/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fruit-stripe-gum-socks" target="_blank">Fruit Stripe Gum Socks</a>, which is fun and easy to follow (and also free!). You may be able to see, but the pattern calls for making a ribbed ankle portion of the sock to help it fit better, and also a slip stitch section just after the heel on the sole of the foot. I'm interested to see how these make a difference (if any) in the fit of these socks vs. any other pair I've made. I also used the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fish-lips-kiss-heel" target="_blank">Fish Lips Kiss heel</a> for the first time. I enjoyed knitting it, so we'll see how it wears! The yarn is a custom Christmas colorway I had commissioned from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105674103/custom-self-striping-sock-yarn?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Sunset Stitches</a> - a festive but not too obviously "Christmas" combination of bright red, lime green, turquoise and pink. I love it! And I'm glad it isn't TOO Christmas or else I probably would have waited until next November to finish these socks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I learned while making these socks, though, that I will NOT be doing top-down socks again for a while. I really just prefer toe-up, and there's not much reason for me to ignore that preference!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In other news, tomorrow is the start of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/nerd-wars" target="_blank">Nerd Wars Tournament 10</a>, and I'm on the High Council of Time Lords for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/team-tardis" target="_blank">Team TARDIS</a> so I guess I'd better finish some projects, eh? (It sounds much more impressive than it actually is, I just help out here and there with mod duties on the team.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've got my yarns all ready to go for February's casting on - some of them will be started as soon as this weekend, for Nerd Wars and general knitted fun, while others will have to wait until next week (ack!) for the start of the 2014 Ravellenic Games. Here's the whole bundle:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgtjtax-oo_L6Xq1tRMXdtVyni_mHyynNunEYWiO5y-fNn-fmcPqOF8mWe2aH3SQGFUw5wRdsdeeR7Zbdqf_ZGsN8OnpKp_4bMLwAsSTBtKq9ACuLoBirEBOatOdrOqnnb410xrDUIk4/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgtjtax-oo_L6Xq1tRMXdtVyni_mHyynNunEYWiO5y-fNn-fmcPqOF8mWe2aH3SQGFUw5wRdsdeeR7Zbdqf_ZGsN8OnpKp_4bMLwAsSTBtKq9ACuLoBirEBOatOdrOqnnb410xrDUIk4/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From left to right I plan to knit: socks I'll be designing (in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/StoriedYarns/stash/sparkle-sock-4" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Sparkle Sock</a>), the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shattered-stars" target="_blank">Shattered Stars shawl</a> (in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/StoriedYarns/stash/superwash-sock-8" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Superwash Sock</a>), a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/avery-slouch-hat-osfa" target="_blank">funky and basic slouch hat</a> (using my handspun) and the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slouchy-shortrow" target="_blank">Slouchy Shortrow hat</a> (using Bohoknitterchic's Superwash Merino DK in her Ravellenics colorway). The socks and handspun hat will get started this weekend while the others will wait for Opening Ceremonies (I plan to focus on the shawl first and then the hat after that).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What about you - are you preparing for your new projects to go with a new month? What will they be?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-5314746657004969952014-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:002014-01-27T06:30:02.934-08:00Meet my Colorway: Jordan BakerHello, friends and fangirls! I've got a new colorway to introduce to you today - Jordan Baker, from my <i>Great Gatsby</i> series!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.style.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/jordan-baker-hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.style.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/jordan-baker-hat.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the book, we learn that Jordan is a professional golfer; she's a fairly liberated woman, especially compared to the others in the book, and she's got lots of style. Also, an air of mystery; after all, "she had begun dealing in subterfugest when she was very young."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVI73NUN-AdfLpMQCTKMgboAXe8CDAfWKMRnMDYoKNmqQ6-G4oX72w8Bj_YXid9qlr9jjW6EunhIIBu_LaKETPjYkXwy_fuOrPCEVW3ofUCZC-tZlJC8twSq8bc212vAIBWe4wgoDzpxs/s1600/Elizabeth-Debicki-as-Jordan-Baker-for-Baz+Luhrmann%E2%80%99s-The-Great-Gatsby-photo-by-Hugh-Stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVI73NUN-AdfLpMQCTKMgboAXe8CDAfWKMRnMDYoKNmqQ6-G4oX72w8Bj_YXid9qlr9jjW6EunhIIBu_LaKETPjYkXwy_fuOrPCEVW3ofUCZC-tZlJC8twSq8bc212vAIBWe4wgoDzpxs/s1600/Elizabeth-Debicki-as-Jordan-Baker-for-Baz+Luhrmann%E2%80%99s-The-Great-Gatsby-photo-by-Hugh-Stewart.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For Jordan's character I wanted something feminine but not girly, bold and attention-getting. I pulled together bright blues and greens and anchored them with deeper tones of violet, teal, and black.<br />
<br />
Here's the colorway on my Sparkle Sock base, perfect for a Flapper:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx5gsIbc7Ivm0Opzd12oS07sX0a9b0h8qVhrMRGGb_n0RS5BuA6W6ce2y92h_X_4qUbwv-3GLt-eVCFI9s1CFwSWHPH5wHX0hVw-I2HYuOwAgXxx76tjjW-dYjY2AmvQcz5pHz3orVno/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx5gsIbc7Ivm0Opzd12oS07sX0a9b0h8qVhrMRGGb_n0RS5BuA6W6ce2y92h_X_4qUbwv-3GLt-eVCFI9s1CFwSWHPH5wHX0hVw-I2HYuOwAgXxx76tjjW-dYjY2AmvQcz5pHz3orVno/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A yarn like this needs a pattern that's worthy of it, right? After all, Jordan Baker is famous and doesn't like to be ignored! Here are a few suggestions for you:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, how could I resist an adorable hat with ruching that's actually called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gatsbys-girl" target="_blank">Gatsby's Girl</a>? </div>
<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://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kalurah/128129310/DSC_0051_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/kalurah/128129310/DSC_0051_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Kalurah on Ravelry<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
\And as soon as I saw <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/glitz-at-the-ritz" target="_blank">Glitz at the Ritz</a> on Ravelry I knew it would be perfect for one of my <i>Gatsby </i>colorways. Jordan could ROCK a shawl like this!<div>
<br /></div>
<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://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/HellsBells/168129606/glitzBEAUTY_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/HellsBells/168129606/glitzBEAUTY_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Helen Stewart on Ravelry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />And of course, what evening ensemble would be complete without an elegant pair of long gloves or mitts? How about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lacy-mitts" target="_blank">Lacy Mitts</a>!<div>
<br /></div>
<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://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2839069414_aae2a1c982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2839069414_aae2a1c982_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Roko on Ravelry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176976059/sparkle-sock-yarn-100g-jordan-baker?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Jordan Baker skeins</a> are available in the<a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank"> Storied Yarns Shop</a> right now, along with several others that arrived in my Roaring 20s shop update last week. Remember, now that I'm having monthly themed updates, the colorways I add to the shop won't come back around for quite a long time. So grab 'em while you can!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy stitching, flapper-inspired fangirls!<br /><div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-63115777397212725802014-01-06T14:23:00.002-08:002014-01-06T14:23:39.747-08:00Pardon my Fangirl Moment<i>If you'll pardon my moment of Fangirl Geek-Out, I've got a bit of a shop update preview for you, kinda. You know what? It's Monday, and my children are off for two more days from school even though they've already been home for two WEEKS, so you know, this is what happens. I hope you enjoy. ;)</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Adventures in the Dye Pots: January Edition</h3>
<br />
So last week, I was dyeing up yarn for my January <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns</a> update. <b>The theme is "Roaring 20s," which has me all excited.</b> When I finished my dyeing for the day, I started imagining a sort of fanfiction played out in yarn form. Indulge with me, won't you?<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be cool if ... the girls of <i>Downton Abbey</i> made a trip to America, and wound up <strike>hooking up</strike> hanging out with the boys of <i>Boardwalk Empire</i>?!? Maybe it would go a little something like this:<br />
<br />
Mary would probably consider herself way too proper for any of it, so I imagine she'd stay mostly indoors, hanging out with Margaret or something. <br />
<br />
<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://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCy7CqKjUJwLTHVYvQtI3-85HUPq5Ada7yyNFSkbmOOZ6_TKKDxA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCy7CqKjUJwLTHVYvQtI3-85HUPq5Ada7yyNFSkbmOOZ6_TKKDxA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ho hum, this is dull. It almost makes me miss my kid, that's how bored I am."<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130207142311/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/8/8a/Margaret-Schroeder-brooding.jpg/250px-Margaret-Schroeder-brooding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130207142311/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/8/8a/Margaret-Schroeder-brooding.jpg/250px-Margaret-Schroeder-brooding.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<i>Sigh</i>, I know. I'm so glad I finally got rich enough to have a nanny for mine, but it is pretty boring when you decide you're too good for the gangsters around here."<br /><div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Then the good stuff happens. Of course, Nucky has to have someone to cheat on his wife with, and who better than Aunt Rosamund? You know she's got a wild child inside her, right? She has to! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120914221128/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/7/78/Nucky_season-1.jpg/250px-Nucky_season-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120914221128/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/7/78/Nucky_season-1.jpg/250px-Nucky_season-1.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a> <a href="http://i.imgur.com/OMcOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/OMcOA.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> "I heard you like rich guys." "You heard right."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And of course Edith, she needs to have a little fun. I'm tired of her always getting shafted. I want her to have a new partner - in life and in crime - and for this little foray into the world of fanfiction I'm resurrecting Jimmy. Right?!? I know. So awesome.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/12/article-0-1BC343E0000005DC-656_306x474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/12/article-0-1BC343E0000005DC-656_306x474.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a> <a href="http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120904142505/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/0/08/Jimmy_squared_suit.png/250px-Jimmy_squared_suit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120904142505/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/0/08/Jimmy_squared_suit.png/250px-Jimmy_squared_suit.png" height="320" width="201" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> "Hmm, this could be fun." "Eh, she'll do."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And finally, Owen. He's one of my favorites! Since he's not technically a full-on gangster or a leader in the show, let's pair him with one of my favorite Downstairs Downton ladies - Daisy. She's looking for direction in life, and he's got it. Plus, he's hot, and she deserves a hottie.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111101155324/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/3/3f/Sleater_infobox.jpg/250px-Sleater_infobox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111101155324/boardwalkempire/images/thumb/3/3f/Sleater_infobox.jpg/250px-Sleater_infobox.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://downtonabbeycooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/daisy3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://downtonabbeycooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/daisy3.png" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"I totally get that whole repressed-servant-class thing." "I'm totally freaked out right now!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, thanks for hanging out with me and indulging in my dye pot fantasies! Maybe it's the dye fumes, but these are the things I think about when I'm working. Stay tuned for the January update, coming later this month and featuring several of the characters I've been waxing on about today! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-73850008025070253172013-12-20T12:12:00.003-08:002013-12-20T12:12:35.729-08:00Sport Weight Pattern Suggestions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Howdy! Today I'm happy to introduce the newest base to the Storied Yarns lineup: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/storied-yarns-bfl-sport" target="_blank">Storied Yarns BFL Sport</a>! It's a 100% Superwash BFL skein and it comes in at 100g and 278 yards for $25.<br />
<br />
Here's a picture of this base, all dyed up and ready to ship <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">in the shop</a>, in my "Ron Weasley" colorway:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizl5M4-Fr11cJRF7lIsH0-S7bsfKsLULK3NEjbToaKEDNChBmMjJQdm2q2ZKUuR52O1aefsKPjCitDO5LVbuRM11haG7xzDYztEgVuGJXBTGVMz6aQxRk43aKaup32iR-nClsR0xrNZyI/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizl5M4-Fr11cJRF7lIsH0-S7bsfKsLULK3NEjbToaKEDNChBmMjJQdm2q2ZKUuR52O1aefsKPjCitDO5LVbuRM11haG7xzDYztEgVuGJXBTGVMz6aQxRk43aKaup32iR-nClsR0xrNZyI/s320/IMG_1933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've got a few pattern recommendations for this yarn, so sit back and get ready to browse!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First up, socks! Sport weight yarn is slightly thicker than traditional sock yarns, making it great for warm, thicker socks or for gift-sock knitting (because it goes faster, ha!). Here are a few great sock patterns for sport weight yarns:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><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://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/christinacoty/140780641/image_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/christinacoty/140780641/image_medium2.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boot Socks - Find on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boot-socks-10" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<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://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Tiiina/16721471/sukka5_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Tiiina/16721471/sukka5_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalajoki - find it on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kalajoki" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />If socks aren't your thing, 'tis the season for hats, to be sure! Here are some adorable hat patterns (I think that first one is especially fitting for the colorway that's in stock right now!):<div>
<br /></div>
<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://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knitmetogether/11973140/One_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/knitmetogether/11973140/One_medium2.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermione Hearts Ron - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hermione-hearts-ron" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<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://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MSkiKnits/154981396/DSC04790_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/MSkiKnits/154981396/DSC04790_medium.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mel Ski's Drizzle - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drizzle-5" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<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://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/AliciaPlum/118227844/IMG_0714_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/AliciaPlum/118227844/IMG_0714_small.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple - but lovely! - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-2" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I'm a sucker for fingerless mitts any time of the year, so here are some of my favorite mitt patterns that I think would work out really well in this yarn:<div>
<br /></div>
<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://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/bohoknits/9865570/IMG_0148_medium_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/bohoknits/9865570/IMG_0148_medium_small2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siren Sleeves - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/siren-sleeves" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<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://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5462677363_1f57f4b2b3_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5462677363_1f57f4b2b3_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallberry Mitts - free on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fallberry-mitts" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />And last but not least, a few more patterns just for fun:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ffrench/93016528/elktooth6_small2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/ffrench/93016528/elktooth6_small2" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk Tooth Shawl - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elk-tooth" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Anadiomena/79084229/IMG_7256_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Anadiomena/79084229/IMG_7256_small2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Days - on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-days" target="_blank">Ravelry</a><br /><br /><br />Well, that's it from me! Be sure you check out the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">shop </a>- I've done the final update of 2013 so there are lovely new skeins in store for you:</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgThKVuG-xRKZajZH2z2yWkWkuEO8j_PySeMSNlVnMv6sZCAIes0P3yD7ZVyuQdIZwCBiSZntNwF02djoww-dcZX-iHUv4Ob3PbLKZjWMMKM8nSVXQQokKBKb5zClnMCbdq4LYBFrKAU/s1600/IMG_1938-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgThKVuG-xRKZajZH2z2yWkWkuEO8j_PySeMSNlVnMv6sZCAIes0P3yD7ZVyuQdIZwCBiSZntNwF02djoww-dcZX-iHUv4Ob3PbLKZjWMMKM8nSVXQQokKBKb5zClnMCbdq4LYBFrKAU/s320/IMG_1938-tile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks so much for a fabulous year! I'll see you back here soon with previews of the first update of 2014!</div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-90273486083109171092013-12-08T07:15:00.001-08:002013-12-08T07:15:54.905-08:00Get Away with MeHold onto your hats, I'm actually blogging! I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I've got some exciting new things planned for Storied Yarns in 2014, but before I get to all that I've got an exciting announcement!<br />
<br />
I'm having a retreat again this year, yay!!!! This time I've teamed up with two ahh-mazing ladies: Dana & Brittany of the <a href="http://justonemorerowpodcast.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Just One More Row podcast</a>. The three of us are planning and plotting to bring you a retreat that's full of awesome!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjqQjSAirbpZk_6e5X1HMWo75ldDV2uSuCa7oha9P5fBPlJ9U60_XR_2xKdwqzEIZyY1TQ83ecrA9HbCPQg4sLAhCqdw0PWfYYKV1kmcjB8rKXaQebeqMZhF3OUzXOM0bCbQJtqRJmyy-8/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQjSAirbpZk_6e5X1HMWo75ldDV2uSuCa7oha9P5fBPlJ9U60_XR_2xKdwqzEIZyY1TQ83ecrA9HbCPQg4sLAhCqdw0PWfYYKV1kmcjB8rKXaQebeqMZhF3OUzXOM0bCbQJtqRJmyy-8/s320/IMG_1628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the gorgeous Lake Frances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Here are the details:</b><br />
<b>Where:</b> This year the retreat will be at the gorgeous <a href="http://lakefrancesretreats.com/" target="_blank">Lake Frances Retreat Center in Crossville, TN</a>. We'll be staying in awesome cabins so you won't have to share a bathroom with more than 4 people (unless you're part of a large group and you request that arrangement). The retreat center boasts a gorgeous lake, a peaceful setting and so many fun activities! We'll have nightly campfires, beach volleyball, corn hole, nature walks, a ropes course for anyone who's interested, karaoke and - of course - plenty of time for knitting, spinning, chatting and eating! The meals will be fully catered this time and we'll have snacks on hand for in between meals.<br />
<b>When:</b> The retreat will happen May 16-18, 2014.<br />
<b>Cost:</b> The cost is $170 which covers all your food, lodging, activities and goodies for the entire weekend (dinner Friday through breakfast Sunday).<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhQwls7b6kPBdW_meljrX5n0kw9pBp8B9UT0Qmt91UnHT8XT_t1h-0oYU98B-ubOfdoo20NhutSlKXQW1If2aWGRk8xJ2cYji6_SjW5zc8xM5iC1waDhyphenhyphen68nnwaDNKuMUXMBG67A6y8RtM/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwls7b6kPBdW_meljrX5n0kw9pBp8B9UT0Qmt91UnHT8XT_t1h-0oYU98B-ubOfdoo20NhutSlKXQW1If2aWGRk8xJ2cYji6_SjW5zc8xM5iC1waDhyphenhyphen68nnwaDNKuMUXMBG67A6y8RtM/s320/IMG_1631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The open-air building where we'll spend our time spinning and knitting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're planning to have informal mini-lessons in topics you'll love, so there will be time to learn new things without the pressure and structure of formal classes. We're also going to have a vendor marketplace and we've lined up some FABULOUS vendors for you - you're going to squeee!!! with delight when I'm able to announce them, I promise! We're also working to contract with two massage therapists to give massages by appointment over the weekend. It'll be like going to a spa with yarn!<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEiDscELkQcGTiVKzKyFSvMRIx5Nri0OZCb0sP8g-1PyXWMiuzEs_Cn29yfUKcQiGaD_F8P04pFs7kwXMdEQqxkT9U26utyPLn2KXHHCpa4yLUokorKv5TC6diLay-Kd8P1hD5v58sIWJJM/s1600/IMG_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDscELkQcGTiVKzKyFSvMRIx5Nri0OZCb0sP8g-1PyXWMiuzEs_Cn29yfUKcQiGaD_F8P04pFs7kwXMdEQqxkT9U26utyPLn2KXHHCpa4yLUokorKv5TC6diLay-Kd8P1hD5v58sIWJJM/s320/IMG_1629.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path to the cabins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I hope you'll join us for a wonderful weekend of relaxing and fibery fun! Check out our <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/into-the-wool-fiber-retreat" target="_blank">Into the Wool Ravelry group</a> for all the details, including a link to the sign-up form and a list of FAQs.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-76901316316733723232013-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:002013-11-01T15:24:00.450-07:00My Freak FlagAs some of you may know, I've recently started working as a <a href="http://your-gal-monday.com/" target="_blank">Virtual Assistant</a> to a variety of awesome and talented creative business owners. One of the tasks I'm taking on in this Gal Friday role is to write posts for <a href="http://blog.patternedapp.com/" target="_blank">the blog at Patterned</a>. Every Friday, we're doing something a little different - we're setting aside time to get creative, think about life and business, and step outside the box. We'd love for you to join us!<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://wp.me/p2FJyP-fr" target="_blank">this week's #ThinkCreateReflect post</a>, we're making our own Freak Flags!<br />
<br />
In case you're not sure, a Freak Flag is basically an outward expression of whatever makes you a unique, wacky, freaky individual.<br />
<br />
One day I might make a giant Freak Flag banner for my Ready Room (aka my craft/sewing/home office room), but in the meantime I think this giant crocheted shawl of mine probably counts as a Freak Flag -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9N7UaO12aZq-LNEVlm_mmwcOgTuHD7va8aFcNlwUheot6BT_Ln3WVTQfoxfyoU3IRXPMBv44kkK1eqTmkvqd4WgVJdlHkGsqyVHCpYRDO6DUR5_Be1H04Ma1lfrj6NJrSWWhOlf6CZ0/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9N7UaO12aZq-LNEVlm_mmwcOgTuHD7va8aFcNlwUheot6BT_Ln3WVTQfoxfyoU3IRXPMBv44kkK1eqTmkvqd4WgVJdlHkGsqyVHCpYRDO6DUR5_Be1H04Ma1lfrj6NJrSWWhOlf6CZ0/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's crocheted out of several different wild and wacky skeins of handspun. Some I spun myself, and others I got from very wonderful friends. I cherish this shawl not only because it keeps me SUPER warm in the cooler months but because it's like a Freak Flag I can wear - it's thick and thin and slightly garish and definitely weird, just like me at times. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLYC4abQY0FyT73kAGORWrecXUi_oO4_Wj2eOgHnDq2WkakmjoGqiYZKLq4h7O4hs0V01zV_3dIJCa4O6qtReUWk8ijDPphcl05TavEtrlIUvA-yfJZhTX3gitCM6P_2kUT8GFZTeC2s/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLYC4abQY0FyT73kAGORWrecXUi_oO4_Wj2eOgHnDq2WkakmjoGqiYZKLq4h7O4hs0V01zV_3dIJCa4O6qtReUWk8ijDPphcl05TavEtrlIUvA-yfJZhTX3gitCM6P_2kUT8GFZTeC2s/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What's YOUR Freak Flag? Head on over to Patterned and share it with us, or take a picture and tag it #ThinkCreateReflect on Twitter or Instagram!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-76936217480224799742013-08-13T15:15:00.000-07:002013-08-13T15:28:03.584-07:00How I Fell off the Face of the PlanetLooking for the candle giveaway?<a href="http://storiedyarns.blogspot.com/2013/08/diamond-candles-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank"> It's over here.</a><br />
<br />
Howdy!
Today I want to share a little bit about what's been happening around here the past few months (aka, How I Fell Off the Face of the Planet), as well as how I found my way back down to Earth. Please pardon the temporary interruption to the usual yarn-infused posts. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://taraswiger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/exploration-party-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://taraswiger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/exploration-party-banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Story time!<br />
<br />
A few months ago, summer had just started, and I was facing the prospect of having three rowdy kids home all summer while I attempted to work my regular part-time day job AND run <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns</a>. Every day was chock FULL of To Dos, and plenty of stress.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">For my kids, the #1 thing they heard from me earlier this summer was, "Not right now - Mommy's working."</span><br />
<br />
UGH! This was NOT how I wanted things to turn out.<br />
<br />
When you run your own business, the To Do list is really never-ending. I struggled to find the time to work on the day job tasks, work on Storied Yarns tasks, and take care of my kids and my household. I was a hot mess; <b>s</b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>o much so that <i>nothing </i>worked out well, and <i>everything </i>felt like it was falling apart.</b></span><br />
<br />
Lucky for me, a few months before summer started I made the decision to join <a href="http://taraswiger.com/help/starship-adventure/" target="_blank">Tara Swiger's Starship</a>. In the Starship I've had access to classes and counsel from other creative business owners like me, and I've learned that I can change my business (and really, my LIFE) if I just sit down and take the time to explore what's working - and what isn't working - and map out the steps to make the changes I need in order to get back on track with where I want to be.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>So let's go back to earlier this summer. My path from stress to peace basically went something like this:</b></span><br />
1. Freak Out.<br />
2. Break down, cry, talk to a very understanding and sympathetic husband.<br />
3. Put 2 + 2 together to figure out that I'm working 40 hours a week to earn about 20 hours' worth of pay.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">In case you were wondering, working full-time hours for part-time pay was NOT my idea of a good life. </span><br />
<br />
4. Explore what's working, and what isn't.<br />
5. Change schedule to focus on day job primarily, with Storied Yarns worked in around the edges.<br />
6. YAY! Peace, yo!<br />
<br />
Now, summer is over, and I follow a schedule that works for me: I spend certain hours of the day focused on the kids and the house, and other hours are reserved for work. I haven't turned into June Cleaver overnight, but most of the time I've got clean laundry, clean dishes, and clean floors - which is a lot more than I had back in June. I even get time for a break every day!<br />
<br />
I'm not exactly happy that I had to get to such a stressed-out place to make these changes, but I'm glad for the changes nonetheless. That experience has helped me learn that I can handle anything that comes my way. I'm not 100% there yet (I'm still working to transition my existing day job, which is ending soon, to <a href="http://yourgalmonday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">running my own business of a different kind</a> for a day job income - more on that later), but <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>I'm on the path to living the life I want - the life I choose for myself</b></span>.<br />
<br />
I'm still going with <a href="http://storiedyarns.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns</a>, and I'm hoping that this new schedule will even give me more time to share my adventures here on the blog. I've already found that by not trying to make my business into a full-time job, I have a lot more fun working on it and it helps me feel more creative and inspired. I hope you'll continue to join me in my adventures, and to share with me through the comments!<br />
<br />
Thanks for letting me share a little of my behind-the-scenes today! I'll be back later this week to show you what I'm knitting and what I've been cooking up in the dye pots.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;">NOTE: </span></b>This blog post has been part of <a href="http://taraswiger.com/exploration-party/">Tara Swiger's Exploration Party</a> - a celebration of inner explorers, led by Tara Swiger of<a href="http://taraswiger.com/explore-you/" target="_blank"> Explore You</a>. <a href="http://taraswiger.com/exploration-party-invite/" target="_blank">You're invited to share your own explorations with us, too</a>! And if you're thinking that there's an area of your business OR your life that could use a little exploration, <a href="http://taraswiger.com/explore-you" target="_blank">Tara's new class</a> could be just the thing you need. (Seriously, I don't normally recommend stuff like this, but the Starship has helped me SO much, and this class is like a mini-Starship experience. Also? She makes a lot of Star Trek references, has pink hair, and she's a knitter. She totally gets us.)<br />
<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-61815079073086636862013-08-13T05:09:00.000-07:002013-08-22T06:29:46.797-07:00Diamond Candles Review & Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Update: We have a winner! Congratulations to Cheryl-Anne!</b></div>
<br />
Hello! Guess what? I'm back! I'm going to try to blog more often, though I make no promises about HOW often because I don't want to disappoint you. :)<br />
<br />
I thought it might be nice to bring you a present as a welcome-back kind of a gift, so I got you a candle! Well, really I got you a coupon code for a free candle, but that's actually better because now you get to choose your favorite fragrance!<br />
<br />
A little while back, <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/" target="_blank">Diamond Candles</a> contacted me and asked if I'd like to do a give-away on my blog, and review a candle for myself. I jumped at the chance, because I love to burn candles to make my house smell warm and inviting any day of the week. Plus, Diamond Candles uses 100% soy in their candles so they're all natural, which is a definite bonus. I'll be the first to admit that I don't live a totally environmentally-friendly lifestyle, but I like to do what I can so I like that the (all-American!) soy beans used in Diamond Candles make them a sustainable, earth-friendly product.<br />
<br />
I got to choose the fragrance I wanted for my review candle, and it was a tough one! I was tempted by so many - <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/rosewood" target="_blank">Rosewood</a>, <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/gingerbread-latte" target="_blank">Gingerbread Latte</a>, and <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/ocean-mist" target="_blank">Ocean Mist</a>, to name a few - but in the end, I went with a fragrance inspired by one of my favorite indulgences: <a href="http://www.diamondcandles.com/products/cinnamon-tea" target="_blank">Cinnamon Tea</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3oWejIkB9TZZM__t9zeUlTpk4EovQqCp7caeUUwit3esG_qAk_z0nPThzCtNBNAbW8IIA9RpQNi3AhregyEXkNb6QDaTLLvxPCuSJ7lJEyggokJ0yL6dao-3O4zkrY0m9VqKGcM0JWg/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3oWejIkB9TZZM__t9zeUlTpk4EovQqCp7caeUUwit3esG_qAk_z0nPThzCtNBNAbW8IIA9RpQNi3AhregyEXkNb6QDaTLLvxPCuSJ7lJEyggokJ0yL6dao-3O4zkrY0m9VqKGcM0JWg/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At the end of a long, tiring day, all I want is to relax with a spiced cup of chai or cinnamon tea. I knew that burning that candle would help me relax all throughout my day, and I was right! The fragrance is nicely strong without being overpowering, and the candle smells really good even when it isn't lit!<br />
<br />
Of course, the best part about Diamond Candles is that they put an actual RING inside each candle! Since they want the fun of burning a candle to be even more exciting than usual, Diamond Candles hides a ring worth anywhere from $10 to $5,000 inside each candle. When you burn the candle, you can see the ring inside it and after the wax burns down enough you can fish it out!<br />
<br />
They take care to protect the rings; they're carefully wrapped in gold foil. After just a few hours of burning time, I was able to use a fork to pull this out of my candle:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34lSPasYJ_S026cneu-JyxVMLJ85CtHVdzjSTTsrKrov8P2Y6rI8eu7FHDjM1zm_nuZKSpmKcfm0FooL6DXC0uO2awp66KDPjhbNqN7CMJQCo-xOXK4DJwAKNN_QHY3oNlnGNHx13IVA/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34lSPasYJ_S026cneu-JyxVMLJ85CtHVdzjSTTsrKrov8P2Y6rI8eu7FHDjM1zm_nuZKSpmKcfm0FooL6DXC0uO2awp66KDPjhbNqN7CMJQCo-xOXK4DJwAKNN_QHY3oNlnGNHx13IVA/s320/IMG_1254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I let it cool off for a minute or two, and then I unwrapped it to find this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJOxEQfcXB5YmTTBB0GVcaOO6802njhL_urPtisFIr21pbfrSM5-dldRzVTlOAUlb0wl5hzg8eo_JBzeKBLd0XUjF8Phb-vId7W0yujshfogGcZa1NPHIMrD11lypGkZYs_uAW7OQAns/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJOxEQfcXB5YmTTBB0GVcaOO6802njhL_urPtisFIr21pbfrSM5-dldRzVTlOAUlb0wl5hzg8eo_JBzeKBLd0XUjF8Phb-vId7W0yujshfogGcZa1NPHIMrD11lypGkZYs_uAW7OQAns/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you find "14K" written inside your ring, take it to a jeweler and have it appraised! My ring wasn't a "big winner," but it's still really lovely! I gave it to my daughter, who was just as excited about this whole process as I was. I definitely see more Diamond Candles in our future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz3f2gIe0D3BLMzlDw1zfJF84UnuWyYN6whUeijjVaE01AClbMvVZ2RNaSMZVzvohIwH7lp40wnFnw8CBhPumUV6rAbZkHkqt0KFM0rqS_GSbyFwhiaXfCQ3NedEi1g10QRarxRz8QtM/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz3f2gIe0D3BLMzlDw1zfJF84UnuWyYN6whUeijjVaE01AClbMvVZ2RNaSMZVzvohIwH7lp40wnFnw8CBhPumUV6rAbZkHkqt0KFM0rqS_GSbyFwhiaXfCQ3NedEi1g10QRarxRz8QtM/s320/IMG_1258.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How about you? Do you want a Diamond Candle of your very own? Just enter below! I'll leave the contest up for one week, so it will end Monday, August 19, 2013. The winner will receive a coupon code for the free Diamond Candle of your choosing! This contest is open only to residents of the United States.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/70076f108/" id="rc-70076f108" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Disclaimer</i>: I participated in this review and give-away because I got a free candle for myself and a code for a free one to give away. Diamond Candles sent me my candle for free, but I gave an honest review and the opinions stated in this Diamond Candles review are all mine. </div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-41746538080805805232013-06-08T12:25:00.002-07:002013-06-08T12:25:58.540-07:00The Companion Bag: Your New Best Friend<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Hello, lovelies! Today I am very excited to introduce you to a new product here at Storied Yarns Central: the Companion bag! Yay (insert Muppet-esqe flail here)!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lwqWhxpxuqTDua5r194J_8e4-fWFgFHd1i2E1GoqUFD1HAUpEchzaB1RKgw-L93H7RHx7zdm9m6rHUQbHB4-YvW8n6HcfR4lobAJchhnCi83ktCvuSiI5CKPCkDAOvHZQ_L1U0X74OE/s1600/IMG_0623-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lwqWhxpxuqTDua5r194J_8e4-fWFgFHd1i2E1GoqUFD1HAUpEchzaB1RKgw-L93H7RHx7zdm9m6rHUQbHB4-YvW8n6HcfR4lobAJchhnCi83ktCvuSiI5CKPCkDAOvHZQ_L1U0X74OE/s320/IMG_0623-tile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
This one is made using TARDIS print fabric but I'll be making this same bag in a variety of awesome, nerd-tastic prints!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
When I decided to start making project bags on a regular basis, I decided that I wanted to make bigger (on the inside? ha!) bags than most of the ones I own. This bag is large enough to hold a few different skeins of yarn at once or to hold a single-skein project with plenty of room to spare for things like an e-reader, a printed pattern or book, pens, notions, etc.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
The Companion bag features double-sewn seams for extra sturdiness as well as interfacing to help the bag stand on its own. It won't let you down with a lot of sagging and slumping while you're trying to knit, that's for sure! It has a wristlet handle, zipper closure and a zipper pull for easy opening and closing.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9FTFM5C-kLWec5GGlQujsOZGWf8boGIcti-skyiygA1I0x-A7a6GC9ECqhM-IEjmL2ebXFv-ifOh9aOVfBr2WzqyLP2FqytRPhEhzvOPLfuAtEryT3Nn6vK3U2AssIyCrJyPf4wJpBQ/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9FTFM5C-kLWec5GGlQujsOZGWf8boGIcti-skyiygA1I0x-A7a6GC9ECqhM-IEjmL2ebXFv-ifOh9aOVfBr2WzqyLP2FqytRPhEhzvOPLfuAtEryT3Nn6vK3U2AssIyCrJyPf4wJpBQ/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Inside the bag you will find two snap-open (and closed) yarn guides; this is great for knitting two-at-a-time socks or alternating skeins while you work without tangles. When I knit my socks 2-at-a-time with these bags, I simply turn the bag when I turn my work and it keeps those strands in line.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-tYp8bu15G54QEE8BLHvNsSh6o0Ag9s_S5Aevtz6am4VXRIgv-KcTHqJ9rZ1HbP-hc60GQ2xpkjEFcKMSRaAh9bCH8c6bpIHKT_st00dK47ZIJlEhz_PZgsDlMo6ICYF3ksELCjmqYg/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-tYp8bu15G54QEE8BLHvNsSh6o0Ag9s_S5Aevtz6am4VXRIgv-KcTHqJ9rZ1HbP-hc60GQ2xpkjEFcKMSRaAh9bCH8c6bpIHKT_st00dK47ZIJlEhz_PZgsDlMo6ICYF3ksELCjmqYg/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Here you can see the yarn guides "in action" with two separate yarn cakes. (By the way, that's 8oz of worsted weight yarn in there with plenty of extra room!)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnBCTZKTLiVMBkEpN9UWwr14bugsprj42Sq8JBZ7PEYBIOr1gPCv1F0_W1AK4U5f5Gwx_DTrJ24PYE_j4myuAtwfSV84dhxT6oFE6_Gt_4Df-1sMvVG3ahL7MWqPkj9oed8vqDWmHO6k/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnBCTZKTLiVMBkEpN9UWwr14bugsprj42Sq8JBZ7PEYBIOr1gPCv1F0_W1AK4U5f5Gwx_DTrJ24PYE_j4myuAtwfSV84dhxT6oFE6_Gt_4Df-1sMvVG3ahL7MWqPkj9oed8vqDWmHO6k/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Here's a shot of the bag holding one of my sweater lots - this is over 1300 yards of DK weight yarn!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMizgfxtWS6ep1QlI65azr09G9pOWN2by4icTmbQGRkSUvWJgQaPCsfNR8t-84ksUTzg_EWuKd3NuUfHUf476YgnrV7ShAiMBkrorKQsItvnompOgzh1ivEqN0VjGvny8FfBL_dch0eiY/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMizgfxtWS6ep1QlI65azr09G9pOWN2by4icTmbQGRkSUvWJgQaPCsfNR8t-84ksUTzg_EWuKd3NuUfHUf476YgnrV7ShAiMBkrorKQsItvnompOgzh1ivEqN0VjGvny8FfBL_dch0eiY/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Here's a front view so you can see how easily it holds that much yarn:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchUVTD7a8mMub9fdytCIGLPEfrTUrxK4N9OSUHwflag8X5VsJBwtgMrK-kRXZN-uaAF8_uGJBxRp1JjxAtNqWKm3xlEKriXBRqZuJzZMvHF9JgOr68xFeOOb13Lc6qHbiqBVLjWJ3xxU/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchUVTD7a8mMub9fdytCIGLPEfrTUrxK4N9OSUHwflag8X5VsJBwtgMrK-kRXZN-uaAF8_uGJBxRp1JjxAtNqWKm3xlEKriXBRqZuJzZMvHF9JgOr68xFeOOb13Lc6qHbiqBVLjWJ3xxU/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span>
<div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">This is obviously just one of my bags, but I make them all using the same Secret Formula so any Companion bag you buy will have all these awesome features.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">Here are the details:<br />- Dimensions: The Companion is approximately 13 in. wide, 9 in. high, 9 in. across at the base and 4 in. deep (that's approx. 33 cm wide, 24 cm high, 24 cm across at the base and 10.5 cm deep).<br />- Materials: I use high quality cotton fabrics for the inner and outer portions of the bags. The shell is also lined with heavy interfacing and the bag features a zipper closure. You can machine wash these bags on a cold cycle and tumble dry low if needed, or simply spot clean here and there.<br />- The bags will all be somewhat limited edition; due to the time consuming nature of creating them, I will not be taking custom orders. I also will not be likely to repeat my fabric choices very often (if at all), so once a particular print sells out then it may never come back. If you see a bag and you want it for <em>your </em>new Companion, you'd better grab it up quickly.<br />- Each Companion bag sells for $30.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">I hope you enjoy my new bags, and that they bring an element of Nerdy Awesomeness to your next WIP! You can find the Companion bags at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://storiedyarns.com" href="http://storiedyarns.com/" style="color: #0782c1;">Storied Yarns</a> and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com" href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" style="color: #0782c1;">Storied Yarns on Etsy</a>. If you want to see sneak previews of the bags as I create them, follow me on <a data-cke-saved-href="http://instagram.com/storiedyarns" href="http://instagram.com/storiedyarns" style="color: #0782c1;">Instagram </a>or <a data-cke-saved-href="https://twitter.com/StoriedYarns" href="https://twitter.com/StoriedYarns" style="color: #0782c1;">Twitter</a>.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf0u1w42pzBddbs5OVbVeu_uBzD0MCFhBdF4yChlgxcpMzrrH0kNH9Od5WFjgJgG0EuOc9knke-PdWGsUsEQPIEbF5JvzcxSYGm7Zr8TxNj12Jad5_nZaCuDvaXblmMQHVx0EvoGZeT0/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf0u1w42pzBddbs5OVbVeu_uBzD0MCFhBdF4yChlgxcpMzrrH0kNH9Od5WFjgJgG0EuOc9knke-PdWGsUsEQPIEbF5JvzcxSYGm7Zr8TxNj12Jad5_nZaCuDvaXblmMQHVx0EvoGZeT0/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-56845736639101168972013-06-08T12:16:00.003-07:002013-06-08T12:16:49.230-07:00She's Baaa-aaack!I'm back! After a brief experiment posting blogs at another site, I'm back to good ol' Blogger. I hope you didn't miss me too badly! I'm about to re-post a few things from the other site to this one, just to keep everything where it belongs, and then I'll be back to regularly scheduled blogging very soon.<br />
<br />
Thanks, everyone!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-22291963030348848752013-02-14T10:22:00.001-08:002013-02-14T10:22:39.108-08:00Knitting a Hand Dyed or Hand Spun SweaterHello, everyone! Today I listed some exciting new packages in the Storied Yarns Shop - the Ultimate Fangirl Sweater Kits! These kits will give you plenty of hand dyed yarn (in the colorway and base of your choosing) to knit a sweater, and they're available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123614120/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32oz-dk" target="_blank">DK </a>and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123613859/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32oz?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">Worsted </a>weight yarn options as well as a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123614350/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32oz?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Combed Top option</a> for you spinners out there. For every kit you get two full pounds of yarn or fiber!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/016/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.427526943_24pw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/016/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.427526943_24pw.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, how about some suggestions of what to knit with these lovely kits?<br />
<br />
<b>First up: the Ultimate Sweater Kits (2 pounds of yarn or fiber) ...</b><br />
<br />
For the<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123614120/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32oz-dk?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"> DK weight option</a>, you will have 2000 or 2650 yards of DK weight yarn, depending on the base you choose. What sweaters can you knit with that? Quite a few, I should say!<br />
<br />
How about a simple cardigan with a pop of textured detail at the collar and sleeves?<span id="goog_1517905187"></span><span id="goog_1517905188"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/roheline" target="_blank">Roheline</a> should do the trick! This one would look really great in a semi-solid OR a variegated colorway, I think. For something with a little more detail (that would probably work best in a semi-solid "Stock Character" colorway), how about<span id="goog_1517905176"></span><span id="goog_1517905177"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-archer" target="_blank">The Archer,</a> a hooded pullover with cable details, or a cabled cardigan - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/locke-st-cardigan" target="_blank">Locke Street Cardigan</a>?<br />
<br />
For the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123631451/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32-oz" target="_blank">worsted weight option</a>, you will get 1696 or 2480 yards. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/emilien" target="_blank">Emilien</a> is a great, basic hoodie pattern that would look awesome striped with two colorways or in one semi-solid or variegated color. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girl-friday" target="_blank">Girl Friday</a> has been a favorite pattern of mine for quite some time, and I also really love <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dark-and-stormy" target="_blank">Dark and Stormy</a>. I think either of those would work best in a semi-solid, stock character shade.<br />
<br />
If you're going to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123614350/ultimate-fangirl-sweater-package-32oz?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">buy the fiber option</a>, of course your yardage will vary depending on the weight you spin and the yardage you are able to make. However, a few suggestions might help you narrow down the sweater patterns that would work especially well for handspun yarns. My friend Brittany recently published <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/libretto-2" target="_blank">Libretto</a>, which has a really fun shape and structure that lends itself well to textural yarns. I also really like<span id="goog_1517905206"></span><span id="goog_1517905207"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/idlewood" target="_blank">Idlewood</a>, which would be super cozy in handspun. The clean lines and stockinette body of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/effortless-cardigan" target="_blank">Effortless Cardigan</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/atelier" target="_blank">Atelier </a>would also work really well in handspun, colorful yarns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img3.etsystatic.com/012/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.427532247_40jl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://img3.etsystatic.com/012/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.427532247_40jl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Next up: The Major Fangirl packages (24oz of yarn or fiber) ...</b><br />
<br />
For the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123630024/major-fangirl-sweater-package-24-oz-dk?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">DK weight Major Fangirl sweater kit</a>, you will receive 1500 or 1980 yards. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-solstice-2" target="_blank">Summer Solstice</a> is a cardigan that would look fantastic in a boldly variegated yarn or a tonal one. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vodka-lemonade" target="_blank">Vodka Lemonade</a> is an adorable cropped cardi that would be really nice in almost any color. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnarled-oak-cardigan" target="_blank">Gnarled Oak Cardigan</a> has beautiful details which would stand out really well in a semi-solid stock character colorway, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/calligraphy-cardigan" target="_blank">Calligraphy Cardigan</a>, which I totally lust over, would be fantastic in a variegated colorway (note: for the largest sizes you may need to upgrade to Ultimate Fangirl for that one).<br />
<br />
For <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123613859/major-fangirl-sweater-package-24-oz" target="_blank">worsted weight</a>, try these on for size: you're going to have either 1272 or 1860 yards to play around with. I love the interesting structure of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/levenwick" target="_blank">Levenwick</a> cardigan. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brownstone" target="_blank">Brownstone pullover</a> has a male model but I think works really well for either gender, no matter who that sweater will be for! Don't forget <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/francis-revisited" target="_blank">Francis Revisited</a>; that one would be great for a colorful worsted weight yarn OR handspun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123629858/major-fangirl-sweater-package-24-oz-wool?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">For handspun</a>, any of the above suggestions would probably work, too, as would <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/abalone-4" target="_blank">Abalone</a> - it only needs 500 yards! :)<br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Storied-Yarns/224755280907065?sk=photos_albums" target="_blank">album of available colorways</a>, including the milder Stock Character semi-solids in addition to all the bold, variegated options. If you're interested in a sweater package but not sure which one is right for you, just contact me on Etsy! Together we can make you the fangirl sweater of your dreams. :)<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-52010372952790375792013-02-08T07:03:00.000-08:002013-02-08T07:03:45.912-08:00Fiber Friday: Wandering in WIP-Land<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">psst - Are you looking for information about the Fiber Arts Retreat in April? Read <a href="http://storiedyarns.blogspot.com/2013/01/stitched-together-2013-fiber-retreat.html" target="_blank">THIS</a>! </span></i><br />
<br />
Hello, and Happy Fiber Friday!<br />
<br />
This week here at Storied Yarns Central, I feel like I may be slightly drowning in WIPs. I recently cleaned out my personal fiber bin (more on that next week), and inside I found a handful of project bags full of knitting WIPs. Now my WIP bin is overflowing instead of my fiber bin! ACK.<br />
<br />
The only WIPs that I'm actually working on at the moment are a crocheted handspun shawl and a hat for my husband.<br />
<br />
First up, the shawl - I'm using the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rippled-wrap" target="_blank">Rippled Wrap</a> pattern by Cheri McEwan, and I really like it because once you get past the setup rows, each subsequent row is basically the same as the last so it makes for nice TV crocheting. I also like that it's crochet and I'm using a really big (size US P) hook with super bulky handspun so in theory it will be a fast project (if I ever get the time to work on it, that is!). I'm using a variety of handspun skeins that are all hot pink but each one is unique; originally I made these into a bolero but I didn't like the way it fit, so instead they're going to make me a super cozy shawl for those cold winter nights.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Let's just not talk about the fact that it might be spring before I finish it, okay? </span></i><br />
<br />
Here is that lovely shawl in progress:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDtIXcHpgN-GtAeAQCH91BnXJ48iTMniKpIXNFwVCeOKmLk0ryl8x74UvcwXGiTdW6atpm8nl3jtZiudJeUSCDkaxSyGvsiLIGMjEv_NzmgY8aaaOaCCyLg0I_fMRB2VBvEQTITIZa-U/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDtIXcHpgN-GtAeAQCH91BnXJ48iTMniKpIXNFwVCeOKmLk0ryl8x74UvcwXGiTdW6atpm8nl3jtZiudJeUSCDkaxSyGvsiLIGMjEv_NzmgY8aaaOaCCyLg0I_fMRB2VBvEQTITIZa-U/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The hat I'm knitting for my husband was a special request from him. He wanted a "Ron Weasley hat," which to him means a hat with ear flaps and ties. Of course, being ME, I had to dye up a Ron Weasley colorway for his Ron Weasley hat, and then I had to use handspun for the hat instead of regular yarn, because that makes it <strike>more complicated</strike> more cozy.<br />
<br />
Here's a picture of the hat along with the rest of the yarn I have in order to finish it - the yarn is a 2ply of my Ron Weasley colorway on SW BFL with a ply of natural oatmeal colored Icelandic wool. I love how the natural wool kind of mellows out the Ron a little bit, making this hat JUST wild enough for my husband to still wear it (I hope!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeKyh6nVjKVwlFx7H6JUMuvuOg8XKITNU72MNaM6CJg6KVtWwZHGeTITx5bGRCqGDoupNMIu-pYg1x0Lab_yBeWGg71lnT7MnZmwZg49I6GxxTEXvAbAjp3efi_uG-RFezWgJnjafCN4/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeKyh6nVjKVwlFx7H6JUMuvuOg8XKITNU72MNaM6CJg6KVtWwZHGeTITx5bGRCqGDoupNMIu-pYg1x0Lab_yBeWGg71lnT7MnZmwZg49I6GxxTEXvAbAjp3efi_uG-RFezWgJnjafCN4/s320/IMG_2005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm using the basic idea of the pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-practical-animal-cracker-hat" target="_blank">A Practical Animal Cracker Hat</a>, by Becca Evans. This hat was inspired by the actual Ron Weasley hat from the third movie (the one my husband is referring to when he tells me the kind of hat he wants), so it's what I'm modeling my hat after. I had to frog the first one, though, as it turned out several inches too big circumference-wise, so I'm continuing on with my own method of decreasing since my numbers will be off from hers. For that I'm using <a href="http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/archives/2006/03/decreasing_1.php" target="_blank">Crazy Aunt Purl's guide to decreasing the crown of a hat</a>.<br />
<br />
The down side of this "quick hat" project is that I'm going to have to line it, because the Icelandic makes this handspun a little scratchy and I don't want the hubster NOT to wear it because it's too scratchy. So I'm going to use a SW Merino/Bamboo blend yarn to line it so it will be nice and soft and double cozy that way, but essentially that means I have to knit two hats. Oh well, at least it's going to be a fun one when it's finished!<br />
<br />
The reason for all my rushing on these WIPs is that I'm DYING to cast on for the gorgeous pair of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saffron-hill-mitts" target="_blank">fingerless mitts</a> that my friend <a href="http://whoneedsgauge.com/" target="_blank">Steph </a>designed for quarter one of my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/storied-yarns/2377014/176-200#197" target="_blank">A Yarn and a Tale book club</a>. I'm making myself finish at least one of the above projects first, though, preferably the hat. So, there's that.<br />
<br />
I did manage to squeeze in a little spinning this week - I spun this corespun yarn from a pair of batts by Ever Improving Me. I plan to knit it into a corespun crown for a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/funhouse-fibers/2419175/151-175#154" target="_blank">KAL in the Funhouse Fibers Ravelry group</a>. Wahoo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBhHUgz8n2n52Z-v1BbfwhdPVEZC7F39IRSXLjmRZ8VlJx_RYfy76acM01WlvmpUwzM-B7Vqh3YHme1S1z40wPWCnEYVTwWtAQ4u9NZfBdhVJqarHfKfWq9E5675VpT5ZWX-kTKwQtl8/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBhHUgz8n2n52Z-v1BbfwhdPVEZC7F39IRSXLjmRZ8VlJx_RYfy76acM01WlvmpUwzM-B7Vqh3YHme1S1z40wPWCnEYVTwWtAQ4u9NZfBdhVJqarHfKfWq9E5675VpT5ZWX-kTKwQtl8/s320/IMG_1997.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
And don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you, Fiber Fangirl. I also added some new goodies to the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a> this week:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiDRaIHGM50N9wDFvwn_70zmR9TB6kriYDH8dC2fWQ7vpEklgAortp0TktF9dxmnshOH5GVa-r23hpAon5Y13-aTfC9Gx7RywrERomuQg9zkiNlfyyBltinCt78JHiOB7YAVExE1ECqA/s1600/IMG_1954-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiDRaIHGM50N9wDFvwn_70zmR9TB6kriYDH8dC2fWQ7vpEklgAortp0TktF9dxmnshOH5GVa-r23hpAon5Y13-aTfC9Gx7RywrERomuQg9zkiNlfyyBltinCt78JHiOB7YAVExE1ECqA/s320/IMG_1954-tile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I guess that's it for me! Watch for an announcement next week about Quarter 2 of A Yarn and a Tale, and to stay the most up to date, hang out in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/storied-yarns" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Ravelry group</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy Stitching!<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br />
JessJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-71720723044361398812013-01-23T14:51:00.001-08:002013-01-23T14:51:12.377-08:00Meet a Colorway: TesseractHello, and welcome! Are you looking for information on the Fiber Arts Retreat in April? <a href="http://storiedyarns.blogspot.com/2013/01/stitched-together-2013-fiber-retreat.html" target="_blank">Here you go</a>!<br />
<br />
Today we're up for another rendition of "Let's Meet a Colorway!" If you've been here before, you know that all of my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Storied-Yarns/224755280907065?sk=photos_albums" target="_blank">gorgeous colorways for yarn and fiber</a> are inspired by characters and stories. When I meet a new story, I tend to obsess over it; I dream about it, I think about it, I find myself quoting it in my head. All of this tends to continue until I make a colorway inspired by it. Then I can finally move on and think about other things, ha!<br />
<br />
Anyway, today's spotlight colorway was inspired by a story that I first read a long time ago: <i>A Wrinkle in Time</i> by Madeline L'Engle.<br />
<br />
This colorway is called "Tesseract," and it's inspired by the wrinkles in space/time that Meg and her siblings use to time-travel in the books. It's a fun and funky blend of white, grey, charcoal, midnight blue, violet purple and burnt orange:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoq5B7wCYC6PmBg3UdeyO7SwmgLQdSCuRQbXTLEViw-5DJ5tV5c9rXvm1LoXpbAnXoBTcYJjqI9Psl_ysr_8BBKwmtb64YY4mwnoowePAz6ZWjVzSpsTKhnikfnk6rB0Yr6mvkB4tUM/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoq5B7wCYC6PmBg3UdeyO7SwmgLQdSCuRQbXTLEViw-5DJ5tV5c9rXvm1LoXpbAnXoBTcYJjqI9Psl_ysr_8BBKwmtb64YY4mwnoowePAz6ZWjVzSpsTKhnikfnk6rB0Yr6mvkB4tUM/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When I look at this colorway on the skein, I'm reminded of those awesome photos they take with satellites in outer space, where all you see is a blanket of stars against a dark sky and then there are these mysterious, colorful, glorious clouds:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.space.com/images/i/000/024/284/iFF/andromeda-galaxy-mosaic.jpg?1354916529" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i.space.com/images/i/000/024/284/iFF/andromeda-galaxy-mosaic.jpg?1354916529" width="320" /></a><br />Andromeda Galaxy from Space.Com</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This colorway is one of my all-time favorites, and it was inspired by a book that I truly loved as a child. Need some ideas for what to knit with it? How about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/time-traveler-socks" target="_blank">Time Traveler Socks</a>? Ha! Or maybe a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wrinkled-scarf" target="_blank">Wrinkled Scarf</a>? I also think this yarn would be ahhh-mazing as an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-the-pink-2" target="_blank">In the Pink Shawl</a>. I mean, <b>wow</b>. It would look just like a galaxy on your shoulders!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Buy this yarn for yourself when you want to escape to another place or time. Buy it for someone else who encourages you to try new things, see new places, or is always there for you when you get lost and need to find your way home. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can find Tesseract in the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns shop</a>. And hey, I just updated it today, so there are a few other new lovelies in stock as well! If your favorite colorway happens to be sold out, just use the custom order <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98717480/custom-order-for-hand-dyed-yarn-100g" target="_blank">yarn </a>or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81187956/custom-order-for-hand-dyed-combed" target="_blank">roving </a>listing and I'll dye it up for you. It's okay, fangirl - I've got your back. ;)</div>
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-58488605206441644092013-01-11T06:49:00.003-08:002013-01-11T09:37:11.374-08:00Stitched Together 2013: A Fiber Retreat from Storied YarnsI am SO excited to make this announcement! A dream I have had for a long time is finally going to come true, and the best part is that I get to share it with my fibery friends!!! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This year I will be hosting a Fiber Arts Retreat - YAY!!!! (Enter Muppet Flail Here.)</span></strong></div>
<br />
Do you want to join me?!? Of course you do! Here are the details:<br />
<br />
<strong>What</strong>: Stitched Together 2013: A Retreat for All Things Yarny<br />
<br />
<strong>When</strong>: April 26-28, 2013<br />
<br />
<strong>Where</strong>: <a href="http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/" target="_blank">Fall Creek Falls State Park</a> in Pikeville, TN<br />
<br />
<strong>Cost</strong>: $100 per person to include food, lodging and extra goodies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/images/fcf_2falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/images/fcf_2falls.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Come join us in a mountain retreat for the weekend! We'll surround ourselves with all the natural beauty Tennessee has to offer. Fall Creek Falls has six waterfalls, including the one called Fall Creek Falls which is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States! There are nature trails to explore and other activities including golf, horseback riding, and sports fields.<br />
<br />
The theme I've chosen for this year's retreat is "Circle of Friends." Last year was a very challenging one for me in a lot of ways, and I felt that I got bogged down in the negativity. This year I'm trying my best to elevate myself, my circumstances and my surroundings. One way for me to do that is to gather together a circle of friends for a weekend of fellowship and fiber! Though we may not all know each other before the weekend begins, I'm sure that through the magic of yarn we will leave as a circle of friends. :)<br />
<br />
The main thing I want to do this weekend is relax and play with yarn! I'm sure most of you feel the same way, so that will be our main event. I will bring as much of my fibery equipment as I can pack, so you can try out something new. We won't have any structured classes, per se, but it's my intention to form smaller, impromptu group lessons and demonstrations so we can all learn or see something new. On Saturday I will invite fiber artists to showcase their wares in a mini marketplace, so come ready to shop! We'll also weave a group banner and take at least one nature walk together. Options will be available for you to add on other activities on an individual basis as well, if that's what you prefer.<br />
<br />
I will be providing the food for the weekend; we'll eat together in the dining room of our group lodge, with a casual and relaxed, home-cooked atmosphere. I will do my best to accommodate any dietary needs you may have as well. We'll eat three meals a day and indulge in plenty of snacking. ;)<br />
<br />
Please note that this is a retreat for YOU, not your family. Please leave your children at home for this and come and enjoy a weekend with the girls! Special exceptions may be made if you have a child who is an infant/nursing. :)<br />
<br />
The spaces are limited as the lodge only holds about 30 people, so sign up now if you are interested! The cost is $100 for the weekend, but I can set up a payment plan if you need one; just let me know. <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGN4UGdBNV9xU1B3eFpzS214RWMwcWc6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">The registration form is here</a>; get your name in now and then you can pay via PayPal or check/money order after that.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in vending at the retreat, please use <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHpVLWVtMVUtQWZpMTN3N0hVS1kwM2c6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">this form here</a>. I will give preference to the vendors who are also going to attend the retreat for the weekend, and the vending spots are limited as well.<br />
<br />
I really hope to see you there! If you have any questions at all about the retreat, you can visit this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/storied-yarns/2422411/151-175#170" target="_blank">thread on Ravelry</a>, contact me on Ravelry (I'm Jessecreations) or e-mail me at <a href="mailto:jess@storiedyarns.com">jess@storiedyarns.com</a>. <br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-18695195665845027632012-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:002012-11-30T12:45:05.866-08:00Knits for MenHello, and welcome back for another edition of "Jess's Holiday Knit Suggestions" here at Storied Yarns Central! <br />
<br />
This week I've been thinking about what I want to make for the men in my life this year for the holidays, and I confess I've been a bit stuck at times. Most of the women in my life are happy to own a variety of scarves, hats, mittens and gloves. My husband, on the other hand, has only ever let me knit him ONE scarf and he only ever wears that ONE scarf and he doesn't see the point of owning two (or, heaven forbid, several). Ugh, what's a knitter to do?<br />
<br />
In case you're in my boat, here are some pattern suggestions for the men on your knitted gift list. These patterns are all free, and they all work with 150 yards (or less than that) of worsted or bulky weight yarn. Maybe, just maybe, your guys will love these so much they won't mind finding room for them in their wardrobes! ;)<br />
<br />
The scarf my husband let me knit for him was solid black, and very basic; it was, essentially, the same as this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basket-weave-scarf" target="_blank">Basket Weave Scarf pattern</a>. It wasn't the world's most exciting knit, but it was fairly simple to follow the pattern without having to refer back to it all the time, and if my picky husband likes it then I'm fairly sure yours will, too! Here's a picture of the one I made:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/51612148/IMG_1220_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/51612148/IMG_1220_medium.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This year, the husband says he wants a hat. I'll have to get the yarn for it (I know; weird, right? I'm an indie dyer who has to buy yarn to make her husband a hat, but he only wants solid black and it's easier for me to buy plain black yarn as it is to dye it), but I'm already perusing the patterns. I really love this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/antler-hat" target="_blank">Antler Hat</a>; it's got nice cables (which I've never quite tackled but I'm willing to try) and it's part of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/pacific-knits" target="_blank">Pacific Knits</a> collection which I LOVE. (Please note: the hat pattern is free, the whole collection is not.) I also like that the Antler hat comes with a fold-up brim so in case it's not quite the right length when I finish it, it will still probably work out. <br />
<br />
I might also just go with the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brother-in-law-basket-weave-hat" target="_blank">Brother-in-Law Basketweave Hat</a> so it will match his scarf. :)<br />
<br />
If you prefer to warm their hands (you know, warm hands = warm heart, right?), fingerless gloves are always a nice gift. I made a fairly boring pair for my dad a few holidays back when I was still a newbie knitter, see? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4cf.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/46163608/IMG_0988_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images4cf.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/46163608/IMG_0988_medium.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He likes them because he can wear them when he goes shooting. If I were to make them over again I'd probably go with these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/manly-mitts-2" target="_blank">Manly Mitts</a>, because they have a little bit more style while still being understated. I really like them, actually - I wonder if I can get hubby to wear them? ;) If you're looking for a nice, basic pattern, it seems like the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fingerless-mittens-with-a-flap" target="_blank">Fingerless Mittens with a Flap</a> would be great for shoveling snow, driving around town or whatever else your man of choice might be doing outside at this time of the year<br />
<br />
This year, I'm giving my dad a cowl, which should also come in handy while he's shooting. I just finished spinning a luxury merino/yak/silk blend for him - it's still hanging to dry on my yarn shelf:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfeCbRBw2QivSYdduLBKDtJXR06rsGu-Ey15-6_Em5jECX1HXSWn5xCduPvjunSq2Hnwo_kEJlwV6OKV-3AFB21OR_MHjwWYIVxcmFrT1fysKg82p1r9w9rYX_8vJv77w3kNW1ceaLGE/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfeCbRBw2QivSYdduLBKDtJXR06rsGu-Ey15-6_Em5jECX1HXSWn5xCduPvjunSq2Hnwo_kEJlwV6OKV-3AFB21OR_MHjwWYIVxcmFrT1fysKg82p1r9w9rYX_8vJv77w3kNW1ceaLGE/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When it's totally dry I'm going to knit it into the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wonky" target="_blank">Wonky Cowl</a> pattern, designed by my friend Brittany. My dad doesn't mind a little color in his knitwear so I think he will really like it. <br />
<br />
In case you've been wanting to tackle your first pair of socks, this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-socks-for-first-timers" target="_blank">Easy Peasy Socks for First-Timers</a> pattern works up quickly in worsted weight yarn to help you understand the basics of sock construction. Worsted weight socks might be a bit thick but they'd be great under a pair of boots this winter!<br />
<br />
In case you have a man who's a little more adventurous and whimsical than my darling hubster, how about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/invading-your-earspace" target="_blank">Invading Your Earspace</a>? You can't go wrong with a hat full of space invaders, right? My husband has been joking around for years that he wants me to knit him a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mountain-man-bearded-hat" target="_blank">Beard Hat</a>, and I'm telling you he'd better be careful what he wishes for because this might just be the year for it! ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed my list of manly knitted gift ideas. In case you need some yarn, the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a> is fully stocked and ready to serve. ;)<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays!!<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br />
Jess<br />
<br />
. <br />
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-11890163286524807782012-11-13T09:49:00.001-08:002012-11-13T09:49:52.994-08:00Quick Gifts to Knit or CrochetHowdy! Long time, no post! Sorry about that. Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled programming ...<br />
<br />
This is the time of the year when I mentally start to whittle down my Handmade Holiday List. You know, all those grand plans I had back in August seem maybe just a little <em>too</em> grand by November, so it's time to really figure out what I can and can<strong>not</strong> accomplish between now and December 25th.<br />
<br />
If you're feeling the holiday crunch like I am, I've put together a little list of gift knits (and crochet projects, too!) that seem like they wouldn't take too long to complete. They all use about a skein (or less than one skein) of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/storiedyarns?section_id=6809203" target="_blank">worsted weight yarn</a>. This way you get to make something special for a special recipient <em>and</em> keep your sanity: win-win!<br />
<br />
Let's get started, shall we?<br />
<br />
I love a good gender-neutral project; knit it up and keep it in your drawer so when you need a last-minute gift you've already got one! I think the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knotty-but-nice" target="_blank">Knotty but Nice</a> hat pattern falls well into that category. Its all-over cable pattern adds interest whether you use a solid colored or variegated yarn and it would look equally snazzy on a man's head or a woman's. If you used a colorway like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114536844/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g" target="_blank">Walkers</a>, this hat could easily go for either gender, too. After all, zombies are equal-opportunity killers. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<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://ny-image3.etsy.com/006/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.393610375_ngl9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/006/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.393610375_ngl9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Walkers" on SW Merino Worsted<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mustard-scarf" target="_blank">Mustard Scarf by Jane Richmond</a> is a pattern I've actually made myself. It looks particularly awesome in handspun, because the simple stitch pattern lets the yarn take center stage and the open, meshy style allows for differences in thickness without making the pattern seem off. This one's more for the women on your list than the men, but it's such a quick knit it'd be great for your kids' teachers! Here's a photo of mine:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4cf.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/41524689/IMG_0685_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images4cf.ravelrycache.com/uploads/jessecreations/41524689/IMG_0685_medium.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this scarf would be gorgeous in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113260112/handspun-2ply-yarn-set-goddess-in-the" target="_blank">Goddess in the Storm</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113261329/handspun-corespun-yarn-all-things-nice" target="_blank">All Things Nice</a> handspun; if that's not your thing, stay tuned as I've got several more skeins to add in this week! <br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but when it starts to get chilly outside I grab a pair of fingerless gloves for use indoors and out! These <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-thermal-mitts" target="_blank">Cozy Thermal Mitts</a> do a fairly good job of straddling the gender gap, and at 110 yards for the small size you could actually get two of them out of a single skein of worsted weight yarn! Personally, a pair made in my new "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114907226/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g" target="_blank">Garden State</a>" colorway would match almost anything I wear this winter (grey is definitely a staple color in my wardrobe), and it's a nicely neutral color palette to give as a gift to someone if you don't know all about their favorite colors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/005/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.394978996_oq0t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/005/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.394978996_oq0t.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you have any babies on your gift list, these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ruths-perfect-baby-booties" target="_blank">Ruth's Perfect Baby Booties</a> would be an adorable and useful gift. Knit up a pair in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114536373/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g-josh" target="_blank">superwash worsted weight yarn</a> so Mom and Dad don't have to worry about hand washing on top of all the other Baby-induced chaos! :) Today I'm actually dyeing up several skeins of a brand new worsted weight (all-American, 100% merino, SUPER soft) yarn in my Nursery Rhymes colorways, too! That particular base won't be superwash but the hand washing is worth it to get yarn like this! Watch for news on that later in the week. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/007/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.393608793_gy4z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/007/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.393608793_gy4z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This "Josh Lyman" colorway would be perfect for a baby boy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Sometimes you may not know accurate sizing for a recipient on your list, so this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-ipad-sleeve" target="_blank">Cabled iPad cozy</a> or these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leg-warmers-21" target="_blank">Leg Warmers</a> come to the rescue! Both of these gifts also come with the added bonus of being useful for any teens or tweens you might be making gifts for this year. Try a cozy in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114536162/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g-mr" target="_blank">Mr. President</a> for the guys on your list or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111953158/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g-lady" target="_blank">Lady Bianca</a> leg warmers for the girls!<br />
<br />
If you're attending a holiday party, you might want to bring along a Hostess gift. How about a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winecozy" target="_blank">wine bottle cozy</a>? If you use my <a href="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/007/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.394979684_iflf.jpg" target="_blank">Grapes of Wrath</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114907901/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g-mr-d?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Mr. D </a>yarns you can incorporate the theme right into the yarn! Another hostess gift could be a pair of handmade slippers! I'm hoping to crochet up three pairs of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/not-so-ruby-slippers" target="_blank">this pattern</a> this weekend; am I nuts?!? I hope not! If you don't own the DeFarge book, this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lizzie-4" target="_blank">pattern</a> would be an adequate substitute! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/007/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.394979684_iflf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/007/0/5513866/il_fullxfull.394979684_iflf.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Grapes of Wrath for the wine-lovers on your list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whatever you make this holiday season, the point is to put love in every stitch! I hope you enjoy your holiday crafting and have a wonderful Winter!!</div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-59332496544637400912012-08-28T07:57:00.001-07:002012-08-28T07:58:38.039-07:00Mystery KnitsHello there! <br />
<br />
It seems like mystery KALs (knit-alongs) are all the rage these days, aren't they? For those of you not familiar with them, the basic concept is that you start to knit something without knowing exactly what it is that you're knitting! You might know as much as what type of garment/accessory it is and how much yarn it will take, but beyond that the actual design and construction are a mystery. The designer reveals the patterns via a series of clues or sections and at the end you have a fun new item you never knew you were going to knit!<br />
<br />
In case you've been bitten by the mystery bug, I thought I'd showcase some of the yarns available in the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns shop</a> that will fulfill the yardage requirements for a few of the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#page=1&view=captioned_thumbs&query=mystery%20KAL&sort=recently-popular" target="_blank">mystery KALs that are "hot right now" on Ravelry</a>.<br />
<br />
First up, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mystery-shawl-2012-rockefeller" target="_blank">WestKnits KAL</a>; this was a KAL for a shawl and the final clue was revealed earlier this month, so you have the advantage that you can peek in the projects if you want to see the finished shawl before you cast on! For this one you need 460 yards of a main color and 410 yards of a secondary color. Might I recommend the combination of Grandma Redbird and The Handmaiden?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs_eu9VZ0PnTw8cTk4qAM0a9cBhgSwPO_HUH1ab1poQyF6bLRJ1_U97VjL1H85heQ5f5UUoThSyuoyRRxvZVepm1YgG6aSiDHQ_F6btNvr86mddEN4RKRaEMm8xOdQnGeLPboSFYPbzU/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs_eu9VZ0PnTw8cTk4qAM0a9cBhgSwPO_HUH1ab1poQyF6bLRJ1_U97VjL1H85heQ5f5UUoThSyuoyRRxvZVepm1YgG6aSiDHQ_F6btNvr86mddEN4RKRaEMm8xOdQnGeLPboSFYPbzU/s320/IMG_0579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another option is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dandelion-on-a-meadow-mystery-kal" target="_blank">Dandelion on a Meadow KAL</a>; this one uses one or two skeins. For a single-skein shawl, I think Night at the Fair would be a gorgeous choice; if you'd like to add yardage then why not pair it with Hot Shot?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoDP0oQFc2kHCMNZx2hRLzBda2cUT34cDMlNbqHZoYYuK6fLLBwh_72rEgafi4BXaAJqterS8_BgOq1zy0GdsZTvJKaQiLlXRqixuYxgcMwg94MFSmCevCrMINi5GOzK9l1ryChi2VGg/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoDP0oQFc2kHCMNZx2hRLzBda2cUT34cDMlNbqHZoYYuK6fLLBwh_72rEgafi4BXaAJqterS8_BgOq1zy0GdsZTvJKaQiLlXRqixuYxgcMwg94MFSmCevCrMINi5GOzK9l1ryChi2VGg/s320/IMG_0605.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
Designer Laura Nelkin has a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trapeze-mystery-kal" target="_blank">new KAL</a> as well; it's called Trapeze and it's for a shawl that will work with a single skein of fingering weight yarn. She recommends a yarn that is semi-solid or slightly variegated/tonal; I think anything in this palette would work really well:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HeiDYqtlq0Kno9stS6pl4UxDcjJ1frma_-G1Cioqnw1Fi_59LuGaHmK6BmmE135Y4_Au_JUTa09r2zY4l1YDz2mH1CbOw-S7sOk_CYaUF4f6GHpG_gVdqazFA8AtsDbvdh-XwOzKFpU/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HeiDYqtlq0Kno9stS6pl4UxDcjJ1frma_-G1Cioqnw1Fi_59LuGaHmK6BmmE135Y4_Au_JUTa09r2zY4l1YDz2mH1CbOw-S7sOk_CYaUF4f6GHpG_gVdqazFA8AtsDbvdh-XwOzKFpU/s320/IMG_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
From left to right that's The Princess, The Farmer's Daughter, Arabian Days, The HotShot and The Handmaiden.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-solstice-mystery-shawl-kal-2012" target="_blank">Wendy Knits Summer Mystery KAL</a> also recommends using a yarn that is subtly variegated or semi-solid. How about one of these?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmfIY6jYZylHj_dRqm3QDT5D4uZBtM7-Vtbl96h9h6qXZKlJbNqJaxfeCmJI7Hplb8Off9bgpUpZsTbKwXnvGlKNovd-95whReJxOq_ViexILjji2ymZK3sxXpAp4SSS8zUYg_6fgWmA/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmfIY6jYZylHj_dRqm3QDT5D4uZBtM7-Vtbl96h9h6qXZKlJbNqJaxfeCmJI7Hplb8Off9bgpUpZsTbKwXnvGlKNovd-95whReJxOq_ViexILjji2ymZK3sxXpAp4SSS8zUYg_6fgWmA/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
Left to right that's The Ingenue, Arabian Nights and The Crone.<br />
<br />
I keep going back and forth about the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leethal-mystery-shawl-2012" target="_blank">Leethal Knits KAL</a> myself; I'd love to join but I'm worried about having the time! Maybe one of you can just sign up and do it instead and I can watch and live vicariously for a while. ;) This pattern is easy to customize to different yarn weights and yardages, but the designer recommends anywhere from one or two colors for the main and up to several options for contrasting details. I personally think it would be awesome to knit a shawl in this combo:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7bfzLfO8DHKzQREb-3JsCqSQqJ91f65NBO9pv1JpEbXx34Gy0wbw0tCk5hUwrObiydJrKu35yWec1uHNpAb1_vvZ7P6Ni8_SsoWUWChrIMw70aJhMQsP3_6zCp0mUf0q400tI4Ktyys/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7bfzLfO8DHKzQREb-3JsCqSQqJ91f65NBO9pv1JpEbXx34Gy0wbw0tCk5hUwrObiydJrKu35yWec1uHNpAb1_vvZ7P6Ni8_SsoWUWChrIMw70aJhMQsP3_6zCp0mUf0q400tI4Ktyys/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's The Ingenue, Arabian Nights and The Handmaiden. Can't you just see how awesome the three of these yarns would work together in a shawl?!?<br />
<br />
For something that takes a little bit less commitment, why not a skein of Daisy combined with The Princess for contrast?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3z2cmCIQs9A6INh5psvzgC4uqKACdyEvfSHx6mGZ39ek55dKSPnvwikRUrNwxhyphenhyphenxx8awH8xbm4coPQXCcWmdmP60Xyy6qWJK_6uSeJlwZnvWtyKVSNjNXsAEiKfIo-MHMc5xf06pgVw/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3z2cmCIQs9A6INh5psvzgC4uqKACdyEvfSHx6mGZ39ek55dKSPnvwikRUrNwxhyphenhyphenxx8awH8xbm4coPQXCcWmdmP60Xyy6qWJK_6uSeJlwZnvWtyKVSNjNXsAEiKfIo-MHMc5xf06pgVw/s320/IMG_0600.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Even if you're not into mystery knitting, any of these color combinations would make an awesome project! I myself am planning to knit a top out of a color palette very similar to this one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjZKqXiIgZGSWjnTmG7y7vCjICcMrz3KPGxvZzWj30fMt3MGMDlX4EeICXfASk8YnAS3O2dTxLakgRDsEd1SvzI2kS_FSDZue3lnuCtDbe9hRfc9tT-EoM5HEK5ZlalHc79ZSviTo_SQ/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjZKqXiIgZGSWjnTmG7y7vCjICcMrz3KPGxvZzWj30fMt3MGMDlX4EeICXfASk8YnAS3O2dTxLakgRDsEd1SvzI2kS_FSDZue3lnuCtDbe9hRfc9tT-EoM5HEK5ZlalHc79ZSviTo_SQ/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's The Crone, The Ingenue and The Handmaiden for those of you keeping track. ;) Whatever you knit, stitch yourself a story worth telling with yarns that are worthy of your project! Visit the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns shop</a> today for these beauties and several others. I just updated today! ;)<br />
<br />
Thanks, everyone, and happy stitching!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-54001408183714687342012-08-24T05:19:00.000-07:002012-08-24T05:19:21.572-07:00Meet a New Colorway: DonnaHello, and welcome!<br />
<br />
Today I'm introducing a fabulous new colorway, inspired by Donna Noble (so far my favorite companion of the one and only Doctor Who). Do you want to see it? Of course you do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJXtEX5z6NgBGa_gkGKn2b3PRY98qLUZo4bkSXrBO2yFYSXk3e8zJNFWVYvJHAN9WqBuqMK3lWM8eVRfm-fPcRFZ4pIzE1yNDuwtTYQpzXJ1mve0vBRdT_pr36eE59PSDDwjFI_6fX2w/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJXtEX5z6NgBGa_gkGKn2b3PRY98qLUZo4bkSXrBO2yFYSXk3e8zJNFWVYvJHAN9WqBuqMK3lWM8eVRfm-fPcRFZ4pIzE1yNDuwtTYQpzXJ1mve0vBRdT_pr36eE59PSDDwjFI_6fX2w/s320/IMG_0535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ahh, Donna. Throughout her time on the show, she's forever yelling at people, the Doctor included ("Oy, Space-Man!"). Though it seems like she's mad at the world, we know she's got a heart of gold underneath; after all, it was Donna who saved that family in Pompeii and wept with the Ood when she heard their song of captivity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPeHBUfqxtvMvzESYt7zhMe4aPjM6my44QW8exuvfYj7Pvak6zszQtWKtNrcluk2TuXRdU3JvJKk4n8RW7rMDbOhrXSXD1Cg60ikpCuV32cXF9D-KWhHsP8RMM1kjYaKMQQB_y6lPK9E/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPeHBUfqxtvMvzESYt7zhMe4aPjM6my44QW8exuvfYj7Pvak6zszQtWKtNrcluk2TuXRdU3JvJKk4n8RW7rMDbOhrXSXD1Cg60ikpCuV32cXF9D-KWhHsP8RMM1kjYaKMQQB_y6lPK9E/s320/IMG_0537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Toward the last few episodes of series 4, the Doctor figures out that Donna doesn't really value herself. She's always yelling at people because she thinks nobody would listen to her otherwise. She doesn't realize how special she is. Then, for one bright, shining moment, she gets to be the most important woman in the universe. The Doctor-Donna is born and she is <em>fabulous</em>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgtBf3HVnFlfgdEYOMTEG0U-WyqH0nBV6wb9dBlDnPmwMgrBeFujEGK4rxR7Olm0sFl7n-HSbNuN7NT7VlNw7vXGC5Js0gYKeN-3KnAd8nnnzh1P3V7ZA5TfoanDhS1PtIjK9NEJkDmo/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgtBf3HVnFlfgdEYOMTEG0U-WyqH0nBV6wb9dBlDnPmwMgrBeFujEGK4rxR7Olm0sFl7n-HSbNuN7NT7VlNw7vXGC5Js0gYKeN-3KnAd8nnnzh1P3V7ZA5TfoanDhS1PtIjK9NEJkDmo/s320/IMG_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I created this colorway in honor of that bold, sassy redhead. It's a combination of deep red, fiery orange, rich gold, time-traveling peacock blue, purple and teal. This is a kettle dyed colorway, so each skein will come out slightly different from the last and I never quite know what I'm going to get from the dye pots (a lot like Donna herself, don't you think?). You can see in the following photo that these two skeins are a little bit different from one another, even though I dyed them in the same pot:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaM2uWDw0qzub-aLLAhFDlBr18ySTZae24RpmLYSdR6Akx0X0BxHK9mIQqkz_fU-LRk-1BK2gnRMtI2gFDpwt8HJ4g9gPG49TIszQM_wjMyw1iwYK7tlnJMAs6bakQW9SjThRNjbte2U/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaM2uWDw0qzub-aLLAhFDlBr18ySTZae24RpmLYSdR6Akx0X0BxHK9mIQqkz_fU-LRk-1BK2gnRMtI2gFDpwt8HJ4g9gPG49TIszQM_wjMyw1iwYK7tlnJMAs6bakQW9SjThRNjbte2U/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I believe that character-inspired colorways add depth to your knitted and crocheted items, I'd like to offer some suggestions for these skeins, if I may. I think a skein of this Donna colorway would make a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gail-aka-nightsongs" target="_blank">gorgeous lace shawl</a> for a time when you just need that little extra "pow" in your outfit. It might also create a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reverie" target="_blank">fabulous hat</a> to transform your outlook on life or the most <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waterfall-socks-2" target="_blank">amazing pair of socks</a> to lift your spirits from head to toe.<br />
<br />
Knit with Donna to make something for a woman who needs to be reminded how wonderful she is; maybe that woman is YOU, so knit something pretty for yourself! I think we all have a little bit of Donna inside of us - we all have the capacity for her boldness and bravery as well as her self-doubt. Let your inner Donna come out to play when you need a fiery redhead on your side, and use this yarn to remind you that sometimes YOU'RE the most important woman in the universe, too! ;)<br />
<br />
In case you're wondering, these skeins are available right now in the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns shop</a> and Donna is a repeatable colorway available for custom order on any yarn or fiber base. <br />
<br />
Thanks, everyone!!<br />
<br />
XOXO,<br />
JessJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-76690895241689819722012-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:002012-08-16T10:30:53.722-07:00Put on Your Party HatHowdy! <br />
<br />
I'm sorry I haven't been good at blogging regularly. Life is insane here, with school just starting and lots of goings-on at Storied Yarns Central that I'm not quite yet ready to reveal.<br />
<br />
I have been plenty busy playing with yarn, though, so don't worry about that! I've got a Hunger Games themed update planned for Saturday in the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a>. To keep you busy until then, today and tomorrow you can save 16% using code BigTen in honor of my 10th wedding anniversary on August 16th!<br />
<br />
Most of the knitting I've done lately is still in top-secret stages of development. However, there is one project I recently started and finished that I'm ready to share!<br />
<br />
I should preface this with a brief apology. The only other person home right now is 3 years old and not so great with a camera, so I had to take some not-so-fantastic self portraits in my bathroom today, ha! I'll try to get better pictures later, and I might even weave in the ends first! ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's my recent FO - a slouchy hat:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d1p03PZjEOOEvcVEtapbh3QszUmt9sLvU_5Ju7ZWp_4u40ptTUmoGC1afJnaSR3BlHy96PHdxneR1bYO-uP_U9d-pRN3zGXU3OyUa8MYGb2_F06NFk6YjRHeeg2A5UtaE75O7OEpkHo/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d1p03PZjEOOEvcVEtapbh3QszUmt9sLvU_5Ju7ZWp_4u40ptTUmoGC1afJnaSR3BlHy96PHdxneR1bYO-uP_U9d-pRN3zGXU3OyUa8MYGb2_F06NFk6YjRHeeg2A5UtaE75O7OEpkHo/s320/IMG_0474.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I hear a LOT in the knitting community is that nobody knows what to do with 4 ounces of handspun yarn. They take one look at the uneven gauge or the low yardage and they run for the hills. I think this is a real crying shame, because one of the greatest joys of my life is knitting with handspun yarn (oh yeah, and motherhood and all that stuff, lol)!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh0R5X_SfysOjuV3TrcfTnWvzMN7YBNOkmz5h7DGlCV-HFju9qkNL_d4aK6iUTl-yxXrRYIute7JeRWh5PRuFczWeHos3pmPoPzaZoKPfWHx4vzd1QbVjpbfUztCugYNlPYzBExW2uMg/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh0R5X_SfysOjuV3TrcfTnWvzMN7YBNOkmz5h7DGlCV-HFju9qkNL_d4aK6iUTl-yxXrRYIute7JeRWh5PRuFczWeHos3pmPoPzaZoKPfWHx4vzd1QbVjpbfUztCugYNlPYzBExW2uMg/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It IS the uneven gauge that I find so interesting about handspun. You can take a basic stitch pattern and instantly transform it into something magical and awesome with the use of a fabuous yarn like the one pictured above. The fiber I used to make this handspun was from the Fiesta Spin-Along from <a href="http://craftypuppylover.etsy.com/" target="_blank">CraftyPuppyLover's shop</a>, and this yarn was definitely a party to spin. Just look at the way the texture worked up in the stockinette fabric of the hat:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYj-5cs9OmFSBdG6jqbsOSxZqzwKg9hgMqJ7GIy-7q3mXx6mKY2c8fNMlR60PfiBiOqqocojkrNLz40crV4sRIZmFUqnozt6E7DbFUG5VxVSpv-Ckbu6B-eH9rn6L-AIC0z3nhhZx9zQ/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYj-5cs9OmFSBdG6jqbsOSxZqzwKg9hgMqJ7GIy-7q3mXx6mKY2c8fNMlR60PfiBiOqqocojkrNLz40crV4sRIZmFUqnozt6E7DbFUG5VxVSpv-Ckbu6B-eH9rn6L-AIC0z3nhhZx9zQ/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were only 68 yards in this skein of handspun, and it weighed in at 3 oz. I added just .6 oz of a 2ply superwash merino handspun to make the brim, so overall the hat still weighs under 4 oz. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #351c75;">Here are some tips I've learned about knitting with handspun yarns. These are tips that apply specifically to knitting a hat like this one:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Use needles that are bigger than you might think you need based on the yarn's weight. This yarn was a pretty standard bulky weight, but I used size 15 needles. This gave the thicker parts of the yarn room to spread out in the stitching and also helped only 68 yards of yarn go a lot further.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Knit hats from the top down. This helps with customizing the size as you can just stop increasing when your hat is wide enough (or too wide, if you want it to be slouchy like mine). Also, if you happen to run out of yarn then you can use a contrast yarn for the brim and not the top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Don't be afraid of the yarn! Embrace it for all its beautiful and unique properties. Put it together with a simple stitch and a basic pattern and watch it become something extraordinary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hopefully by now you're all fired up to work with some awesome handspun, too! I challenge you to put some handspun on your needles this weekend. I promise you, it'll be an instant mood lifter (trust me, this week I know a mood lifter when I see one!). If you don't have a big drawer full of handspun like I do, I happen to have a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/storiedyarns?section_id=7211640" target="_blank">shop full of yarn</a> that can help you out with that. (Don't forget the coupon code, and remember I offer spinning service if you buy my fiber!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're not sure what to make, PLEASE feel free to ask! I'm happy to help you pair up a gorgeous skein of yarn with just the right project. Just leave me a comment here or on Ravelry or Etsy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
I'll leave you with one more photo of me posing like a nerd. HA! Happy stitching, everyone!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx8zOu8XcZe-sry2t1e7QNIfYcfJ4NE7kZJ2H6xQOLpwlSDrTpzP3LDX4C2TxoVs3cnSPBJucx8EkE2UM9ChA5vvzGtLrGPfyrbPscVQI1xDJtzDhVdvh3Fi964b5FwqZ_sDZ-_Ol0YE/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx8zOu8XcZe-sry2t1e7QNIfYcfJ4NE7kZJ2H6xQOLpwlSDrTpzP3LDX4C2TxoVs3cnSPBJucx8EkE2UM9ChA5vvzGtLrGPfyrbPscVQI1xDJtzDhVdvh3Fi964b5FwqZ_sDZ-_Ol0YE/s320/IMG_0473.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-27848406591355735642012-08-02T10:06:00.003-07:002012-08-02T10:06:47.934-07:00Meet a New Colorway: SeverusHello, and welcome to the Storied Yarns blog! Today I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to one of my new colorways: Severus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3z8Oc50GJQ9sVqp0HVtTMcZm3MVaXJpdKDvkRn9yO6PhWEEzys5fcTO8NR4JDnsfAEk7HJ1_CXDVKhnRIlgfWKu8dJWxkGKtwPfUvaWzmdt0J6FexBcl1wuhAsfLX78cUK9Al0v9snc/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3z8Oc50GJQ9sVqp0HVtTMcZm3MVaXJpdKDvkRn9yO6PhWEEzys5fcTO8NR4JDnsfAEk7HJ1_CXDVKhnRIlgfWKu8dJWxkGKtwPfUvaWzmdt0J6FexBcl1wuhAsfLX78cUK9Al0v9snc/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Severus is inspired by Severus Snape, the character from the <em>Harry Potter</em> series. I created this colorway as a custom order request from one of my customers, so the skein above will be going to live with her tomorrow. Don't despair, though, because this skein down here is going to go into the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VGFDR4ZsSgaUvvcK7bmGcBYi3sR_UM2Vjaof9pM86mHwqVz11Bd95Qsoiyt4edbW5E2fAAk8dG6fvvm812HT_0dGHm3rMcnPliQ9_Mcr1l3LewvXGMFZn-YCpMhI67uUfSof5DESo1I/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VGFDR4ZsSgaUvvcK7bmGcBYi3sR_UM2Vjaof9pM86mHwqVz11Bd95Qsoiyt4edbW5E2fAAk8dG6fvvm812HT_0dGHm3rMcnPliQ9_Mcr1l3LewvXGMFZn-YCpMhI67uUfSof5DESo1I/s320/IMG_0334.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Severus is a combination of <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>mulberry purple</strong></span>, <span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>emerald</strong></span> and <span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>spring greens</strong></span>, <span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>mysterious midnight blue</strong></span> and <strong>black</strong>. <br />
<br />
Here are some of the things I thought about when I created this colorway:<br />
- "One of them was a <span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Slytherin</strong></span> and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew."<br />
- <span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Lily's eyes</strong></span>. "After all this time, Severus?" "Always."<br />
- The jealousy felt by a <strong>little goth wizard</strong>, bullied by the cool kids.<br />
- The <span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>mystery of a mind closed off</strong></span> to the Dark Lord, a double agent to the bitter end.<br />
- The <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>final gift of memories</strong></span> and truth at last.<br />
<br />
Ok, here I go getting all teary-eyed over a skein of yarn. This is why they pay me the big bucks, folks; I geek out over these colorways in a big way. ;)<br />
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed meeting Severus and that you'll give him a proper greeting in tomorrow's <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a> update!Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-29789677282137676992012-07-20T10:17:00.000-07:002012-07-20T10:17:08.418-07:00Tour de Fleece and Ravellenic Games: Fuel UpHello all, and Happy Friday!!<br />
<br />
So, the end of the Tour de Fleece is in sight; just 7 more days of spinning. I don't know about you, but I haven't quite met all of my goals yet for this TdF, so I'm hoping to spin like a maniac in the coming week, ha ha!<br />
<br />
Right on the heels of Tour de Fleece, we'll be gearing up for The Ravellenic Games. Wahoo! I'm planning to knit myself a sweater this year, and that's going to be the main project I focus on along with a few little designs if I can get to them. I'm planning to knit the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rivel-cardigan" target="_blank">Rivel Cardigan</a> using yarn that I bought on clearance at MDSW about 5 years ago! It's about time, right?<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a team, feel free to pop on over to the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/storied-yarns/2114522/176-200#186" target="_blank">Storied Yarns group</a>. We'd love to have you! And even if you don't join our team officially, I'm still going to be offering prizes for anyone who uses Storied Yarns yarn, fiber or patterns during the Games. So make sure you post photos in our <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/storied-yarns/2114522/176-200#186" target="_blank">official thread</a> (that goes for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/storied-yarns/2116407/226-250#229" target="_blank">Tour de Fleece</a>, too)!<br />
<br />
Anyway, for today's post I thought I'd do something a little different. In our BohoCrafty TdF team, we've been sharing recipes. I shared one of my own recipes, too, which I call Jess's Jumping Beans and Rice! I suppose I should technically call them Mike's Mexi-Melts since the recipe was my husband's invention, but he's not on Ravelry so I took the credit, HA!<br />
<br />
Anyway, if you're going to be participating in some marathon crafting you'll need the fuel to keep you going, right? This dish is filling, delicious and vegetarian (with an easy vegan alternative). The meat-free ingredients are pretty cheap, so it's perfect for cooking dinner on a budget, too. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">Jess's Jumping Beans and Rice (aka Mike's Mexi-Melts)</span></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61OePAdRoR8KFi2dG7Jr-RT0byMRbhQ2WvK2bn4q1Wdghsx_9PKTAxQP8VdoiLSmoRK4CgYKFWeCzhDcePqs52HRhjoxikHN53Ungi4sncC6xT8OhGvjPT5u22sTBGLvdlYOHWWLb43I/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61OePAdRoR8KFi2dG7Jr-RT0byMRbhQ2WvK2bn4q1Wdghsx_9PKTAxQP8VdoiLSmoRK4CgYKFWeCzhDcePqs52HRhjoxikHN53Ungi4sncC6xT8OhGvjPT5u22sTBGLvdlYOHWWLb43I/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Ingredients:</span></h4>
- 1 small to medium onion<br />
- 1 green pepper (or the color of your choice)<br />
- 1 can black beans<br />
- approx. 1/2 can corn<br />
- taco sauce (can substitute salsa/picante sauce)<br />
- 1 cup dry rice<br />
- shredded taco/cheddar cheese (vegan alternative: soy cheez)<br />
- 1 tomato (optional)<br />
- 1 hot pepper (optional)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Directions:</span></h4>
- Chop up your onion and green pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them together in a skillet over medium high heet until the onions start to get translucent and the peppers start to brown.<br />
- Add one can of drained/rinsed black beans and 1/2 can of corn. Mix together.<br />
- Pour in a heavy tablespoon of taco sauce OR approx. 1/4 cup salsa. Mix some more.<br />
- Optional: Some like it hot, so if you're one of those, add a chopped up spicy pepper.<br />
- Simmer over medium-low heat to allow the flavors to blend.<br />
- Meanwhile, cook 1 cup of dry rice according to package directions. I use brown rice but white is also fine.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Serving Options:</span></h4>
- Option 1: Spread the rice onto a plate. Add the skillet contents and sprinkle with cheese (or alternative) on top, then add a diced tomato (also optional). Season with additional salsa or taco sauce as needed. Eat with a fork.<br />
- Option 2: Follow directions for Option 1, but eat with tortilla chips.<br />
- Option 3: Put a flour tortilla on the plate first, then stuff it with the ingredients from Option 1 and eat it like a burrito.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed my little off-the-beaten-path post today! Also, if you happen to need more fuel for your spinning and knitting, there's plenty of fiber in the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop</a>. (Ha ha, I couldn't resist!)Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426324328865721899.post-28977828860248260282012-07-18T11:46:00.002-07:002012-07-18T11:46:10.569-07:00Semi-Solid StitchingHello, and welcome!<br />
<br />
Today I updated the <a href="http://storiedyarns.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Storied Yarns Shop </a>with this lovely selection of my "Stock Characters" (semi-solid) colorways on my Storied Yarns Bamboo Sock base:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguicJqi4yJqnjggxhwSoSckNJze_Cuf-l3mortsogvxvpcMyhn5rvSIBbskelFxYSW5IZ2dZFGkZC32-BTSngL9B_hH7JfbjAjPvhCuVMokpaXo6h0es1zA2DQf5fZg6vamtaYJTxvsYM/s1600/2012_7_181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguicJqi4yJqnjggxhwSoSckNJze_Cuf-l3mortsogvxvpcMyhn5rvSIBbskelFxYSW5IZ2dZFGkZC32-BTSngL9B_hH7JfbjAjPvhCuVMokpaXo6h0es1zA2DQf5fZg6vamtaYJTxvsYM/s320/2012_7_181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Every time I dye up my Stock Characters, I think of all the gorgeous hand-knits they could create. These colorways are all semi-solid or tonal, so they'd make ideal choices for things like lace work or color work where you really want your stitches to stand out and show off.<br />
<br />
I also love to imagine the gorgeous combinations you might create by pairing these colors together in groups of two or three. How about these combinations?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pwc-0G7ZRsRAAEtXAxU1MJFzKhFiwjIoWws10EVaBUdLyOdkkU8MJZ5nxxxwKbVQq3ACjlmmjnDoL_A8nUS0cw-a1kh2jUjuQgTHimYi87eAFhu1TSWry5JurlsDud5SRGUuOtHLT5k/s1600/2012_7_182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pwc-0G7ZRsRAAEtXAxU1MJFzKhFiwjIoWws10EVaBUdLyOdkkU8MJZ5nxxxwKbVQq3ACjlmmjnDoL_A8nUS0cw-a1kh2jUjuQgTHimYi87eAFhu1TSWry5JurlsDud5SRGUuOtHLT5k/s320/2012_7_182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my kind of color palette. Deep blues and purples, burgundy wines and a pop of bright red-orange just for fun.<br />
<br />
I've come up with a few other combinations, too:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUu8NNC0forn1pLBnjbs3TiJuRn-Ryn6fM3SH56F8K6vOKndZsk75XoJz9rvIOOJBX-1PGc4KM_qf8kKGJIOHRnuPViDpbGNLG5bFHNfUvl5Z_-3UZRUl6M7sSHct0iTyDQGLP2nZiqE/s1600/2012_7_183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUu8NNC0forn1pLBnjbs3TiJuRn-Ryn6fM3SH56F8K6vOKndZsk75XoJz9rvIOOJBX-1PGc4KM_qf8kKGJIOHRnuPViDpbGNLG5bFHNfUvl5Z_-3UZRUl6M7sSHct0iTyDQGLP2nZiqE/s320/2012_7_183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pinks and purples to show off your feminine side, moody blues for subtle contrast or bright, summer fun in pink and orange!<br />
<br />
I've been browsing Ravelry for some two- and three-color pattern ideas. How about this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/two-color-crescent-shawl" target="_blank">Two Color Crescent Shawl</a> in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699011/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-unicorn" target="_blank">Unicorn </a>and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699236/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-evil-queen?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Evil Queen</a>? I've always loved <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spectra" target="_blank">Stephen West's Spectra Shawl</a>, which I think would be ahh-mazing in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699534/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-hot-shot" target="_blank">Hot Shot</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104700645/bamboo-sock-yarn-27-oz-the-princess" target="_blank">Princess </a>or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699534/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-hot-shot" target="_blank">Hot Shot</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699792/bamboo-sock-yarn-395-oz-the-crone?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Crone</a>. The colorful pattern of the Ulmus shawl would be good for showing off a bit of contrast, like with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104698663/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-time-traveler" target="_blank">Time Traveler</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699011/bamboo-sock-yarn-4-oz-the-unicorn?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Unicorn</a>.<br />
<br />
You could make two contrasting pairs of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vagabond-fingerless-mitts" target="_blank">Vagabond Mitts</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cordelia-fingerless-gloves" target="_blank">Cordelia Fingerless Gloves</a> using any two of the yarns in today's update - how about <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104700062/bamboo-sock-yarn-33-oz-the-vampire" target="_blank">The Vampire</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104699792/bamboo-sock-yarn-395-oz-the-crone?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">The Crone</a>? <br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope you'll find as much inspiration in these colors as I do! As always, feel free to send me a message if you're looking for a specific color that isn't currently in stock. Thanks!!<br />
<br />Jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16439164494079001218noreply@blogger.com0