tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27280400655593253562023-12-29T13:33:47.205-06:00Unconventional KatieUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-74912445962012676942013-09-02T14:35:00.001-05:002013-09-02T14:35:50.702-05:00Projects Goals: SeptemberI'm a day late posting this and have an overnight guest coming shortly, so this will be quick and to the point.<br />
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To start off, I want to recap how I did with my goals for August. For sure, I am still trying to do to much, but this really doesn't bother me as I just keep creating. That's really what matters.<br />
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<b>Goals Met:</b><br />
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1. Alluvia - finished within a week. I will be posting about my Camp Loopy projects this month as a recap.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9658332786/" title="Alluvia Tote by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Alluvia Tote" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/9658332786_277256625e.jpg" width="375" /></a></center>
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2. Altocumulus - I did finished the knitting but still have to block it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9658337344/" title="Knitting to Block by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Knitting to Block" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/9658337344_eaa2ae1d13.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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3. Dessert of the Month - I easily got through June and am starting on August.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9658338336/" title="Dessert of the Month WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Dessert of the Month WIP" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9658338336_7ca8e887a4.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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4. Garden Tote - it's actually embarrassing how little time it took to finish the embroidery on this. I was pretty mad at myself the day I finished it because I was letting a little thing stall this project. In addition to finishing the stitching, I also have cut out all the tote bag pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9655097839/" title="Garden Tote WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Tote WIP" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/9655097839_08a8367313.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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5. East Gable Shawl - finished but not blocked yet.<br />
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<b>Goals Not Met:</b><br />
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1. Irene Adler - I didn't start and am probably going to put this one off for awhile. I have another large lace weight shawl on my needles and can't work on two at the same time.<br />
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2. Ennoble - I didn't start it.<br />
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3. Allis - another I didn't start.<br />
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4. Moulin Rouge - ditto.<br />
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5. Ranrike - no progress.<br />
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6. Driftwood - no progress.<br />
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7. Sugar Block Club - no progress.<br />
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8. Forest QAL - I didn't make anything for the link up as I couldn't decide on a small project. I really just have my heart set on my original quilt and will be working on that.<br />
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9. Road to Round Rock quilt - no progress.<br />
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10. Handstitched Mini - no progress.<br />
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11. Art quilt - no progress.<br />
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12. Dog dish mat - I decided that this project is just not going to happen. It's one of those things that sounds good in theory, but I don't love the idea of it in my reality.<br />
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13. Honeycomb mini - no progress.<br />
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Now onto my goals for September. <br />
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1. Dreambird - get through four of the six skeins of the gradient.<br />
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2. Southern Skies - this is a three skein shawl that I want to finish by the end of October. This month, I would like to finish one skein.<br />
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3. Camptown Races - I want to start and finish this cowl.<br />
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4. Allis - I want to start and finish.<br />
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5. Ranrike - finish edging.<br />
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6. Driftwood - finish one of two skeins.<br />
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7. Ennoble - start and finish.<br />
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8. Sugar Block Club - catch up.<br />
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9. Road to Round Rock - finish top.<br />
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10. Handstitched mini - finish two blocks.<br />
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11. Garden Tote - finish.<br />
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12. Forest Quilt - finish four blocks.<br />
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13. Art Quilt - start.<br />
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14. Woodland Sampler - finish frames.<br />
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15. Christmas Ornaments - finish one.<br />
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16. Dessert of the Month - finish.<br />
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What do you have planned for September?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-52335079053683116962013-08-30T12:39:00.000-05:002013-08-30T12:39:07.745-05:00Dreambird ProgressI was planning on starting this knit next week, but couldn't resist the pull of the yarn anymore. The fact that so many find this pattern to be troublesome was also making me curious to start. I'm off and running and finished these two feathers between last night and this morning. Very easy, breezy, I think. I love creating items that look challenging but really aren't.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9628364271/" title="Dreambird WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Dreambird WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9628364271_e7b1baa9f1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I'm on the first day of my four day weekend and looking forward to getting lots done around the house. Happy Labor Day weekend to my fellow Americans!<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/">Patchwork Times</a> for her On the Needles linky.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-5983225937861344542013-08-27T08:37:00.000-05:002013-08-30T12:39:22.938-05:00Drunkard's Path Quilt TopSo, I finished this top last December. Yep, I am so terribly behind in sharing the projects I have been working on and have a huge pile of others to come.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9605079171/" title="DP Top by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="DP Top" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9605079171_4ea21e1bb3.jpg" width="375" /></a></center>
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This quilt was started as a part of a QAL last year (I think?). I wanted to create something to celebrate my favorite season: fall. I used an old charm pack in typical fall colors and paired it with a bold purple, which is another color present in fall where I live.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9605082089/" title="DP Top by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="DP Top" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9605082089_743cb20dbd.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9605083539/" title="DP Top by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="DP Top" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9605083539_ed0b3fa064.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Chad also loves this top but doesn't like the backing fabric I bought for it. I picked it out a year ago and don't feel as strongly about using it, so I've been looking for another option. In addition to that, I'm still not sure how I want to quilt it, so finishing this will wait until I decide on that. I am content just being a 'topper' this year and will hit it hard quilting the tops I'm accumulating in the new year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9608317894/" title="Possible DP Backing? by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Possible DP Backing?" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9608317894_234d265c19.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://quiltstory.blogspot.com/">Quilt Story</a> for Fabric Tuesday and will be back soon with more projects to share.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-45319094849404227482013-08-25T21:50:00.000-05:002013-08-25T21:50:15.584-05:00Two Upcoming ProjectsI do have more that two new projects planned to start soon, but want to share some yarn and a prepared background for some art.<br />
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I'm using this yarn to knit a Dreambird shawl. The yarn is from <a href="http://www.theuniquesheep.com/">The Unique Sheep</a>. I picked a base with some silk for the feathers and 100% wool for the background. I'm hoping this brings out the feathers from the background.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9596881320/" title="Yarn for Dreambird by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for Dreambird" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9596881320_3e9bbe6480.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Here's an example of this shawl. I've had this in my queue to knit since it came out, but it took me a long time to decide on colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/nadita/140028117/Hauptbild_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="http://images4-b.ravelrycache.com/uploads/nadita/140028117/Hauptbild_medium2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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There is a KAL going on for this pattern at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/">Patchwork Times</a>, if you are interested in joining in.<br />
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My other project is of the mixed media persuasion. I prepped a background intending to create a specific piece of art, but after I saw how the tissue paper went down, I changed my mind. I've been working on it and have a little more tweaking to do before I will share the finished piece. I've missed getting messy in this way and will be spending more time making art.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9594105721/" title="Background by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Background" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9594105721_34b85fe3a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Short and sweet today. I did take some photos of a quilt top I finished back in December and will be sharing that this week. Hope you have a great week!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-40078349992199567912013-08-17T22:52:00.001-05:002013-08-17T22:52:32.634-05:00Project SetbacksWhile it happens from time to time, I don't usually post about project failures. This one is a bit different for me because of all the time I have spend working on it so far. Many projects that I have to start over or readjust are in early stages.<br />
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If you have been following my (few, lately) posts, you may have noticed I have switched cross stitch projects. I'm now working on the Dessert of the Month pattern instead of the Woodland Sampler. I wasn't planning on this but got to a point where I have to start over with the Woodland Sampler.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9533044175/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9533044175_056bd30329.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Yep. Completely fresh. That means many stitches to cut out if I want to reuse the linen I have been stitching on, or just start fresh with a different base fabric. The latter option came to light when I realized how much I will have left of the base fabric I'm using for the Desserts. If it works, I will just stitch Woodland on new fabric and probably throw the other away. That's how pissed I am about it (no fault of the pattern designers though!).<br />
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Ok, so now that I have rambled on, shall I show you why this project has to be started over? <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9533046525/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9533046525_2bd2ebe61d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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You can see where my stitches will end up; right at the edge of the linen. It's a little close for comfort, but could have worked if it wasn't for the fabric being cut at an angle. This is sort of visible on the righthand side of the photo, but it gets worse. The top line of green thread is where I feel comfortable with the margins.<br />
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I spent time marking out the space the design would take and it would be tight if I still used this linen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9535834012/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/9535834012_726147ca58.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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How about some beauty shots of my progress on it?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9535835766/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9535835766_e8646cc847.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9535840430/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9535840430_7c286b2696.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9535837316/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/9535837316_73b0250cbd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9533054835/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9533054835_20bfc01f11.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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On a positive note, I am happily stitching away on the Desserts. I am glad to have a different project to work on so I can have some time away from my frustation. I'm hoping to pick the Woodland Sampler up again in September, fresh and ready to finish before the end of the year!<br />
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Have you ever needed some time away from a frustrating project?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-71654924675129359912013-08-01T21:33:00.000-05:002013-08-01T21:33:15.675-05:00To Do First: AugustAfter taking a couple months off of posting a to-do list, I am back with a more defined version. July was a very introspective month for me, and one of the things I determined was that I needed concrete goals. It's all good that I list projects to focus on, but it can be a bit overwhelming if I go into the month with the mindset to finish all of them. It's obvious by now that I don't make short lists. <br />
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I do have a bit to catch up on with posting. Once the routine is gone, it's hard for me to get back. But I have photos that need words and drafts written that need photos. Of course, those items don't align with each other. I also have enough FOs to last me at least a month, if I posted one a day. I haven't decided how to tackle them as far as sharing, but by the end of the year I will be current. <br />
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So without further rambling, I present my goals for this month. <br />
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1. Alluvia - this is a felted tote that I'm knitting for the last project of Camp Loopy. This is the only <b>must</b> finish this month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9420329778/" title="Alluvia WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Alluvia WIP" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9420329778_91e6264787.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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2. Irene Adler - a large lace-weight shawl that I just want to start.<br />
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3. Altocumulus - a worsted-weight shawl that I would like to finish. I have a good start already.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9420331588/" title="Altocumulus WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Altocumulus WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/9420331588_65ee86b5ae.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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4. Ennoble - a beaded scarf that I would like to start and finish.<br />
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5. Allis - another shawl that I want to start. It's for a KAL that doesn't start until mid-month.<br />
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6. Moulin Rouge - a single skein shawl that I want to start and finish.<br />
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7. Ranrike - a shawl I started last year. I want to get about halfway, which would be finishing the border.<br />
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8. Driftwood - another shawl that I started last year. I would also like to get halfway with this one, which means finishing up one of two skeins.<br />
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9. Sugar Block Club - I have blocks done through March and would like to catch up.<br />
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10. Forest QAL - my original plan for the link up will not get finished. I will still be sewing it up, but want to finish a smaller project to submit.<br />
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11. Road to Round Rock - I have some of the blocks done on this one. I would like to finish them.<br />
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12. Handstitched mini - another project from last year. I have one block done and want to finish two more.<br />
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13. Art quilt - I just want to start so I can see my vision come to life.<br />
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14. Dog dish mat - a short project that I just keep putting off. I want to start and finish it this month.<br />
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15. Honeycomb mini - I would like to finish the top and transfer the embroidery design.<br />
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16. Dessert of the Month - this is my new lunchtime project. I finished January over a few days in July and would like to get through June.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9420333566/" title="DotM WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="DotM WIP" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9420333566_acaefeca12.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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17. Garden tote - I want to finally finish the embroidery.<br />
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18. East Gable Shawl - I'm about halfway and would like to finish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9420332738/" title="East Gable Shawl WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="East Gable Shawl WIP" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/9420332738_d0633300fc.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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What do you have planned for the month of August?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-62545138184746414482013-07-24T08:22:00.002-05:002013-07-24T08:22:56.439-05:00WIP WednesdayI'm hitting it hard on my WIPs, either by trying to finish or scrapping them altogether. More will come on the latter soon, but for today I have some progress to share on two projects.<br />
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First, I'm in the home stretch on my second sock. It's hard to want to knit this now with how warm it is outside, but I'm determined to get this off the needles. This will hopefully be finished by the end of the month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9356168407/" title="Love Letters WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Letters WIP" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/9356168407_19bb071093.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I have come to a setback with this mitt, however. I was knitting the large size, based on the measurements in the pattern, and it is too big. I was so close to getting this one finished but instead, ripped it out this morning. I will start over with the small size and even if it's a little tight, I know when I wash them they will grow a bit. The yarn I'm using is known for that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9358939820/" title="Sourwood Mountain WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sourwood Mountain WIP" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9358939820_61c66ee686.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Despite having to start over, I'm going to try to finish these this month too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-54132481056394818662013-07-05T09:30:00.000-05:002013-07-05T09:30:01.614-05:00Knitting WIPsOne week I will actually post this on Wednesday, like I used to. Since I'm still on a making bender, my blogging schedule was thrown out the window. As such, I decided to do away with my monthly to-do list for the time being. I just keep adding projects and not really sharing progress. I am working on getting my in-progress projects finished before starting new things (with a few exceptions) and really need to get FO photos taken. It's been so hot and humid lately that the throught of modeling wool items is not at the top of my list, however.<br />
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Anyway.<br />
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Camp Loopy is on it's second month. I'm knitting a cute little cardigan called Hey, Teach! out of Madelinetosh Vintage. The colorway is called Badlands and I picked it as an homage to western North Dakota. So far, I have finished the back and one sleeve (not pictured) I have the other sleeve on the needles and am hoping to finish it and the two fronts over the weekend. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9210733205/" title="Hey, Teach! WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Hey, Teach! WIP" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9210733205_a2228f87e5.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I also started a laceweight shawl for a KAL on Ravelry. This is a pattern called Tiong Bahru and is knit with Sundara Silk Lace. It's an intermediate pattern and I'm not sure how fast it will progress.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9210733939/" title="Tiong Bahru WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiong Bahru WIP" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/9210733939_80196ed9b2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Lastly, I've been chipping away at this sock. With the heat, I hate the idea of socks in general, but really want this off the needles. The pair will just have to get tucked away until fall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9210731513/" title="Sock WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sock WIP" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/9210731513_aab279daff.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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What are you working on?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-34712055316196757632013-07-04T21:18:00.001-05:002013-07-04T21:18:52.058-05:00Summer of Color: Week FourThe colors for this week are charcoal gray and pale pink. Perfect for my obsession with working with charcoal, and made for an obvious approach for me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9213510474/" title="Summer of Color: Week 4 by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer of Color: Week 4" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/9213510474_59dd7fbdf9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I started out this one by toning my paper with a pink watercolor wash. Like last week, I smeared vine charcoal over it to give it a little depth. Then I drew the portrait on top. I debated adding more to this but decided to stop here. It's simple and gave me hope that I can still draw people, even if there is room to improve.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9210730483/" title="Warm washes by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Warm washes" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9210730483_d4840b1ddb.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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And because I had my watercolors out, I played a little bit more. I was going to draw on top of them but didn't like what I was doing. After taking off my drawing, I am going to leave this until I know what it will become. I may end up using it as a background for something else, or I might cut it up to use in some other manner. It was fun to just lay color down with no purpose.<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://twinkletwinklelikeastar.blogspot.ch/">Twinkle, Twinkle</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-51788105717256085562013-06-30T01:46:00.004-05:002013-06-30T01:46:37.865-05:00Summer of Color: Week 3Once the colors were annouced for this week I knew exactly what I wanted to create. Purple and green just brought to mind eggplant and so all I needed was the time to bring my vision to life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9173023250/" title="Summer of Color: Week 3 by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer of Color: Week 3" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9173023250_6486b908e8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Charcoal is my favorite drawing material and had to make an appearance. I also used watercolor, water soluble crayons, and colored pencils. This week was a lot of fun and I'm eager to see what the colors will be for next week!<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://twinkletwinklelikeastar.blogspot.ch/">Twinkle, Twinkle</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-2283083553969425522013-06-23T00:02:00.002-05:002013-06-23T00:02:47.392-05:00The Summer of Color: Week 2Sorry for the radio silence this week. I am working very hard to finish my June project for Camp Loopy and nearly all of my free time is devoted to it. I'm still not certain I will finish by the end of the month as the rows are veeeery long now.<br />
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I did take a break during the week to play with the colors for this week. The winning combo was orange and hot pink. Totally not anything I would normally pair together, but since that is the idea here, I ran with it. Again, going in without a plan seems to have worked. I gathered up all of my orange and pink art supplies and just played. The hot pink paint was mixed by me as I don't keep anything like that around. I did happen to have some washi tape though, so of course I had to throw it in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9113654600/" title="Summer of Color: Week 2 by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer of Color: Week 2" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9113654600_d86effe069.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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As an aside, I am only allowing myself the addition of any of anything on the gray scale (that would be white to black, and anything in between).<br />
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This little bit of play has a very graffiti-like quality to it. Again, not a style that I like to produce, though I do admire it when others do it.<br />
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Not sure if I could do this all the time, but I did have similar results in a play piece I did for an art class. I don't think I have shared that one here.<br />
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Linking up at <a href="http://twinkletwinklelikeastar.blogspot.ch/">Twinkle, Twinkle</a>. I'm going back to knitting and should find some time before the end of the month to take photos of my Finish-a-Long FOs...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-87148675946376719642013-06-16T00:23:00.002-05:002013-06-16T00:23:44.671-05:00The Summer of Color: Week 1I stumbled upon <a href="http://twinkletwinklelikeastar.blogspot.ch/">The Summer of Color</a> a little over a week ago. I intended to share about it here, just in case there were others who didn't know, but time got away from me. In the link up this week, it seems to be paint heavy, but a person could link up a fiber related project that uses the colors for that week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9055952888/" title="Summer of Color: Week 1 by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer of Color: Week 1" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/9055952888_1efdfef0c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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The timing of finding this was perfect. It's been too long since I have sat down with my art supplies and I will be using this link up as a push to get back to them. The colors this week were cirton green and turquoise. I grabbed my favorite watercolor set and some paper and just put color down. I didn't have a plan and in the end, decided to journal a bit over it. I'm not entirely happy with it but it's a start. <br />
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In other news, my new obsession is to perfect the art of taking photographs in that glow that comes with sunset. My model wasn't very cooperative today so I only managed the one. He was more interested in getting Angus to chase him around the yard.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/9053725519/" title="Jay at Sunset by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jay at Sunset" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9053725519_fa778ef5dd.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I still have so much to share with you and will have more after next weekend. I will be going on a bit of a road trip to Chad's hometown and my trusty camera will be coming along for the ride.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-63987138042503578212013-06-02T14:00:00.000-05:002013-06-02T14:00:00.867-05:00Mad May RecapIf someone had told me I could finish 16 knits in one month, I would have laughed hysterically. Granted, one was nearly finished already (and was the only non-Tosh project) but that is still a lot for me.<br />
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I will be sharing more about these as I take modeled FO photos but here is a photograph of the Madelinetosh projects piled up. In this pile are seven hats, five cowls, one shawl, one pair of mittens, and a pair of boot cuffs. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8917428684/" title="Mad May FOs by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad May FOs" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/8917428684_91c76fcf08.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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The other project I finished is the Canyonlands shawl. I still need to block it and then I will do my FO post. This was on my FAL list and felt really good to get off the needles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8916815881/" title="Canyonlands FO by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Canyonlands FO" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/8916815881_90c0fef337.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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In addition to the projects I finished, I did also add five projects to my WIP pile. There is the start of two sweaters, two cowls, and a shawl here. I'm hoping to finish some of them this month as my yarn WIPs has grown to 18 now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8916808835/" title="New WIPs from May by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="New WIPs from May" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/8916808835_494af719d7.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Now hopefully the rain will subside so I can take FO photos and share them with you. My pile is turning into a leaning tower and really needs to be addressed post haste.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-39934293516643500842013-06-01T18:55:00.000-05:002013-06-01T18:57:36.754-05:00Some Business and Some Cuteness<a href="<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3526695/?claim=pzqvk2tr4db">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3526695/?claim=pzqvk2tr4db">Follow</a> my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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While I finally get around to exploring other blog reader options, I'm starting with claiming my blog on Bloglovin. Have you settled on a new reader?<br />
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I also realized it's been a very long time since I've shared a photo of the cutest dogs in my neighborhood (not that I'm biased or anything). Angus has since been groomed so please excuse his shagginess here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8916802033/" title="My Boys <3 by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="My Boys <3" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/8916802033_59fe9223a5.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-46141966704708719332013-06-01T17:57:00.000-05:002013-06-01T17:59:16.581-05:00To Do First: JuneI'm back! Now that my obsession that is Mad May is over, I want to spend more time in this space. Not only do I have lots of projects to blog about, I have even more planned for the future. To start off, I'm going to share my list for this month. June is going to be mostly about finishing up WIPs and to make this short, I will only list those projects that I'm going to concentrate on the most.<br />
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<u>Knitting:</u><br />
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1. Language of Roses - Camp Loopy has started as of today and this going to be my first project. We are to make a single skein (lace or fingering weight) project that has to be at least 375 yards. The only catch is the yarn base has to be one you've never used. I'm knitting this with Madelinetosh Prairie in the Afternoon colorway. I've already completed the first chart and hope to make it through the second over the weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8917426372/" title="Language of Roses WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Language of Roses WIP" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/8917426372_3a877b1a59.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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2. Pull Me Over - a sweater I started in May. I didn't make much progress but this one should be a quick finish once I get back to it.<br />
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3. Love Letters - this is my first pair of socks. I have one done and have the cuff of the second done. Another one that should fly once I start it again.<br />
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4. Temptress - a laceweight shawl with beads that was a mystery KAL from earlier this year.<br />
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5. Sourwood Mountain - mitts that I started last year (!) and really want to crank out. This is on my FAL list for this quarter as well.<br />
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6. Ranrike - my oldest knit WIP and one that I would love to get off the books.<br />
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7. Gemini - another sweater, this one started in April. I'm almost to the sleeve split and I think this should be quick to finish as well.<br />
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8. Driftwood - a shawl from last year that is also on my FAL list.<br />
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9. Hitchhiker - another WIP from Mad May. This was my project for lunch breaks at work and may continue to be so.<br />
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<u>Sewing:</u><br />
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1. Road to Round Rock quilt - my goal is to finish the top this month. It will be wonderful to get back to sewing this month.<br />
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2. Art quilt - this one has been in my sketchbook from the beginning of the year. I want to keep it under wraps until I start experimenting but will share my progress as I go along.<br />
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3. Handstitched mini - another FAL project.<br />
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4. Sugar Block Club - I'm behind on the monthly blocks but should be able to crank these out quickly.<br />
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5. Forest QAL - I really want to submit my intended project to the link up. Sewing one or two of these blocks a week should get me there.<br />
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6. Notebook cover - this involves turning a piece of embroidery into a sewn item.<br />
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<u>Embroidery:</u><br />
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1. Woodland Sampler - I have April to finish as well as May and June to start.<br />
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2. Garden Tote - once I finish the embroidery this can move to the sewing list.<br />
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3. Nesting Place - an old WIP that deserves to be finished (also a FAL project).<br />
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4. Dessert of the Month - last's years monthly cross stitch from The Frosted Pumpkin that I haven't started yet.<br />
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I also need to organize my studio space this month and have some other art ideas that are screaming to become reality. <br />
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Tomorrow I will share a little bit about the craziness that was Mad May for me. See you then!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-49595787996873491912013-05-18T11:47:00.001-05:002013-05-18T11:47:07.506-05:00What's Going OnI've been largely absent here lately. My shift change has taken longer to get used to than I thought but I think I'm starting to get into a routine I can thrive in. My free time has been spent knitting. <a href="http://unconventionalkatie.blogspot.com/2013/04/upcoming-knit-longs.html">Last time</a> I shared the projects I have planned for Mad May and I'm working on checking off that list. As a bonus, there is a contest to go along with the KALs for the most FOs. So far, I have finished nine things and am in various stages of more. I started the month with a goal of finishing ten knits, which will be easily met. Now I'm shooting for fifteen. FO posts will have to wait until June for these, and the ever-growing stack of knits that have been waiting all year.<br />
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In addition to my knitting, spring has finally came to the Red River Valley. Getting off work while the sun is still up makes it hard to want to be inside. Of course we are on a rush into summer, where everyone here will soon be complaining about the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes (versus snow, bitter cold, and wind).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8750038203/" title="May FOs so far by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="May FOs so far" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/8750038203_dde5f2c401.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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This month will also bring a bit of travel. I have to go to Minneapolis for a few days for work again and this time I will be going alone. I need to drive down on a Sunday so I will have an extra day to visit old and new places in the area. For all the time I have spent in the Twin Cities, there are still things I haven't seen, so I'm taking advantage of this. I'm staying by the Mall of America and will be skipping going there (for the millionth time) though. Rain is in the forecast the entire time I will be visiting, but I still hope to get some photographs to share.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8751163508/" title="Waiting to be blocked by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Waiting to be blocked" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/8751163508_d9bf7bd02f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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The other trip I have planned is to head into Canada to visit Winnipeg, Manitoba. Again, this is a city I have visited many times in my lifetime, but it has been awhile since my last visit. In addition to seeing the city, I have some side trips in mind that are off the interstate. <br />
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To be honest, I have plans for many exploratory trips this summer. It seems my over-planning has moved from projects to travel. I do still have many projects in the great queue in my head and can't wait to get to them starting in June. As much as I love to knit, I miss creating in other ways. <br />
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Another post may come in May, but more likely won't be until June. See you soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-80764416356542235482013-04-24T07:14:00.000-05:002013-04-24T07:14:15.084-05:00Upcoming Knit-a-longsThe next month or so is going to be knitting heavy in my world. There are two KALs I am participating in and some double dipping between the two. <br />
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This comes along with a change in the shift I'm working, so who knows how my productivity will be. Back when I was going to school, the early morning hours were ideal for getting things done. <br />
I thought I would share my goals for knitting through the end of may and tell you about the KALs in case you want to join in.<br />
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The first is the Spring Tanks, Tops, and Tees KAL hosted by Shannon of <a href="http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/">luvinthemommyhood</a>. Basically any top without long sleeves. I have three (!) projects planned. Don't worry too much about my sanity. Two of them qualify for the other KAL as well. <br />
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The KAL runs from April 24th to May 22nd. The project I am casting on first, and hope to finish in a week, is the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss12/PATTgemini.php">Gemini</a> tee. I am knitting it out of a single ply made from merino wool, alpaca, and silk from The Woolen Rabbit. It feels like heaven to touch. The colorway is called Plum Island.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8676559675/" title="Yarn for Gemini by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for Gemini" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8676559675_ff0f20acde.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Before talking about the other garments, I will tell you about the madness that is Mad May. This is a KAL that runs in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/madelinetosh-lovers/">MadelineTosh Lovers</a> group on Ravelry. It runs for all of May and projects have to use MadelineTosh yarn. <br />
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I have ten projects planned, with another possible one. Those ten would be two garments, four (maybe five) hats, three cowls, and a pair of fingerless gloves. Completely nuts? Yes... but I'm going for it. I will probably have to not knit for a few days after the madness is over.<br />
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This winey purple will be a cardigan called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/low-tide-cardigan">Low Tide</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8676560341/" title="Yarn for Low Tide by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for Low Tide" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8676560341_6617395370.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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This brown/blue/black combo is going to be a sweater called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/window-to-my-soul">Window to My Soul</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8676581633/" title="Yarn for Window for My Soul by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for Window for My Soul" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8676581633_00a96e5028.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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The next photo has the yarn for the hats I have planned. From left to right they will become <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/drizzle-5">Drizzle</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/for-good-hat">For Good Hat</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chelsea-market-hat">Chelsea Market Hat</a>, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rosebud-17">Rosebud</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8677687720/" title="Yarn for hats by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for hats" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8677687720_482f76ea3e.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Finally, this photograph shows the yarn for the cowls and mittens. From left to right they wll become a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honey-cowl">Honey Cowl</a> (pink and green), <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heart-on-a-string-2">Heart on a String</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cowboy-cowl">Cowboy Cowl</a>, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/goldilocks-mittens">Goldilocks Mittens</a> (two on the right, held together as one).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8676582947/" title="Yarn for cowls and mittens by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn for cowls and mittens" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8676582947_35ecea1e40.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I don't have the yarn yet for the other hat I'm considering knitting. I traded the second skein of the bright blue above for an iris (blue-violet) skein and it's currently on its way to me.<br />
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Care to join in? No need to go as crazy as I am. There are seperate categories for whatever you would want to knit or crochet for Mad May.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-5880501408107926902013-04-18T04:27:00.002-05:002013-04-18T04:27:56.889-05:00WIP Wednesday and a UFO PlanI realized it's been a few weeks since I posted about my WIPs. I only have a couple to share as the other things I've been working on are finished. However, it is still snowing here so FO photos are going to be delayed. <br />
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I've made a little progress on my Woodland Sampler. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8660260804/" title="April WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="April WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8660260804_75b342dd66.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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My most exciting WIP is this sock. It's my first ever and was easier than I thought it would be. Just a lesson in following the pattern and working each stitch as I come to them. I'm taking a hiatis from casting on the second sock to finish up a couple other things but should have it done by the end of the month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8659159069/" title="One Finished Sock by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="One Finished Sock" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8659159069_2bcaf40b09.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Over this upcoming weekend my goal is to catalog all of my UFOs (WIPs are included). Judy of <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/">Patchwork Times</a> is hosting a UFO Parade through the end of the year. It's a goal of mine (and many others it seems) to cut down on the number of projects in limbo. I've been setting rules for myself, like having to finish two projects in order to start a new one. That hasn't worked longer than the first finish.<br />
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So I've been wondering to myself why I don't finish everything I start. And how can I change that? I spent some time at the end of last year throwing some UFOs into my scrap bin for use in other projects. With those fabric based projects, it was simply that I fell out of love with the idea. It was easy to move on. The ones I have more trouble with is my knitting projects. I still love all of the unfinished projects. I just only have the two hands so I can only work on one at a time.<br />
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All of this boils down to my ideas. When I am on a roll with ideas, it just spurts out, usually to the point of being out of control. I also think I have more time to do things than I actually do, so there is that factor of not taking into account reality. I desperately need a plan. Some way to have my cake and eat it too. My life is full with work, Chad, friends, my dogs, taking care of a home, and the other activities I enjoy outside of creating with fabric and yarn. Sometimes there is a lack of balance.<br />
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While I don't have a complete plan, I know I need to focus, find balance, and follow through. An ambitious goal would be to end 2013 with no unfinished projects. I'm not sticking to that (yet). We'll see once I list all of those lingering items.<br />
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How about you? Do you have a plan to finish your UFOs? Or, do you not have any at all? (If so, please share your tips for keeping them under control.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-33393617349738216132013-04-15T13:35:00.000-05:002013-04-15T13:35:04.310-05:00Finish-a-Long Quarter TwoQuarter one was a complete failure as far as finishing any of my goals went. I've been trying to be conservative with the projects I pick for this and think I need to widen my scope of what I include. This might not work as May is looking to be full of new starts, but I'm always game to take a stab at something.<br />
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Without further adieu, here are my goals (and current state of said projects) for this quarter.<br />
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1. Handstitched mini<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/6848325864/" title="Hand Pieced QAL by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Hand Pieced QAL" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6848325864_3f575581ce.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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2. Sourwood Mountain<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8053587956/" title="Sourwood Mountain WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sourwood Mountain WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8053587956_3948df5f88.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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3. Cora<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8653129394/" title="Cora WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cora WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8653129394_b21951a666.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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4. Driftwood<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8028932915/" title="Driftwood WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Driftwood WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8028932915_dcc2a98581.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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5. Nesting Place<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/6883246123/" title="Nesting Place by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Nesting Place" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6883246123_6a847e0bd9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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6. Temptress<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8652031739/" title="Temptress WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Temptress WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8652031739_c4d26cf755.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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7. Hand quilting practice mini<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/7456729390/" title="Ready to Hand Quilt by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ready to Hand Quilt" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7456729390_965aed937b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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8. Notebook cover<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8186766159/" title="Embroidery WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Embroidery WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8186766159_358c460897.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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9. Ranrike<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/7185820993/" title="Shawl in Progress by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Shawl in Progress" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7185820993_cb4a06c491.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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10. Canyonlands<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8652032785/" title="Canyonlands WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Canyonlands WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8652032785_fbbfbfe1fe.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I decided this quarter to leave off the quilt tops that need to be quilted and bound. I have so much fabric set aside for different quilts that I would rather accumulate tops to clear some of the clutter. Another rule I have set for myself is to not have any knitting WIPs older than a year. Eventually, I would like that to be six months.<br />
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Linking up <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.com/">Leanne</a> for the FAL goals linky party.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-45091207595302360872013-04-07T23:54:00.002-05:002013-04-07T23:54:56.870-05:00A Year of Lovely Finishes: AprilLet's try this again, shall we? I didn't get very far in my March goal. In fact, my fabric is still intact and I haven't settled on a design. YES, I realize this is an item for my dogs. That it will get wet and dirty, but that doesn't mean I can't have something appealing, right? Can you tell I've been tossing all of this back and forth in my head?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8518426669/" title="Fabrics for a dog dish mat by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Fabrics for a dog dish mat" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8518426669_43a429feee.jpg" width="500" /></a> </center>
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As a refresher, here is my stack of dog fabrics. Since this is a project that I've been meaning to get to for awhile, I really want to finish it this month.<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/">Sew BitterSweet Designs</a> and <a href="http://fiberofallsorts.blogspot.com/">Fiber of All Sorts</a> (just under the wire too). Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-52706774633206305302013-04-01T14:04:00.000-05:002013-04-01T14:13:49.247-05:00To Do First: AprilSeriously, how is it April already? On one hand, time is moving way too fast and on the other, I am happy to see March gone. It's my least favorite month and historically a difficult one for me.<br />
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Before getting to my lists, I have to admit my goal of fitting sewing in every day wasn't met. I started experiencing severe back pain a little over a week ago and with no cause or solution for it, kneeling on the floor to cut or lay out fabrics isn't in the cards. Hopefully this will pass and I can get back to working on all of my projects.<br />
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First, my March recap.<br />
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<div class="widget-content">
<strong><u>Knitting:</u></strong> <br />
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1. Joji Mystery - still haven't started.</div>
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2. The Sermon - didn't touch.<br />
3. New Beginnings - didn't touch.<br />
4. Cora - stuck on the damn sleeves. <br />
5. Itasca - didn't touch.<br />
6. Mystery Sock - didn't start.<br />
7. Driftwood - didn't touch.<br />
8. May Day Shawl - finished. Will post more about it in April.<br />
9. Madison - finished. Another one I will post about in April.<br />
10. Boo Knits Mystery - didn't touch.<br />
11. Sourwood Mountain - didn't touch.<br />
12. Olympic National Park - finished. Yet another post to come.<br />
13. Canyonlands - started on Saturday and have the rest of the edging to finish.<br />
14. Cowboy Cowl - didn't start.<br />
15. Abalone - didn't start.<br />
16. Age of Brass and Steam - didn't start.<br />
17. 28's Big Sister 77 - didn't start.<br />
18. Business Casual - didn't start.<br />
19. Tank top test - I have started and have to finish by April 15th. I can't share any photos until after then either.<br />
20. East Gable Shawl - started.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8611210122/" title="March Knitting FOs by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="March Knitting FOs" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8611210122_c5c50b9be5.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<strong><u>Sewing:</u></strong> <br />
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1. Project Quilting - well, I skipped one challenge because I didn't feel it posed a challenge and didn't get back into the rest. The season is over so this will come off my list.<br />
2. Row QAL - didn't start.<br />
3. Handstitched mini - haven't touched.<br />
4. Kaleidoscope back - didn't start.<br />
5. Baste and quilt Drunkard's Path - didn't do. Will explain more in my FAL post.<br />
6. Emerald Challenge - started but didn't finish in time for the challenge deadline. In other words, it still isn't done.<br />
7. Sugar Block Club - caught up.<br />
8. Weekender - didn't start.<br />
9. Low Volume top - didn't start.<br />
10. Dogwood Blossom - didn't start.<br />
11. Honeycomb SAL - I changed my mind on fabrics and haven't started.<br />
12. Road to Round Rock QAL - I've started but my back issues have stalled me.<br />
13. Dog dish mat - didn't start.<br />
14. Curved tree mini - didn't start.<br />
15. Zig Zag top - didn't start.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543949196/" title="Sugar Block Club: January-March by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sugar Block Club: January-March" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8543949196_909708b726.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<strong><u>Embroidery:</u></strong> <br />
<br />
1. Nesting Place - didn't touch.<br />
2. Garden Tote - didn't touch.<br />
3. Dessert of the Month - didn't start.<br />
4. Gorey SAL - the SAL for this one is over so I'm taking it off. I do like the idea of stitching one of Gorey's illustrations so it may make its way back here.<br />
5. White on White - didn't start.<br />
6. Woodland Sampler - caught up.<br />
7. Reindeer banner - didn't start.<br />
8. Sampler from school - didn't touch.<br />
9. Cloth from EEC class - didn't touch. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8611204670/" title="Woodland Sampler WIP by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler WIP" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8611204670_8327cf6415.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Now for April. I'm not adding too many new things as I'm really trying to finish up WIPs first. <strong><u></u></strong><br />
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<strong><u>Knitting:</u></strong> <br />
<br />
1. Patina socks - the March club package from Tanis Fiber Arts <br />
2. Juego - a MKAL on Ravelry. <br />
3. Love Letters socks - another KAL on Ravelry. <br />
4. <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2013/03/18/pooling-sock-yarn-challenge/">Pooling Socks Challenge</a> - hosted by Judy. <br />
5. Second Quarter Challenge - for The Loopy Ewe. It hasn't been announced as of yet so I'm not sure what I will be knitting up. <br />
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<strong><u>Sewing:</u></strong> <br />
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1. Forest QAL - I posted about this earlier this month. <br />
2. Quilted Block Holder - as seen <a href="http://jenniesthreads.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/just-in-time-emerald.html">here</a>. I love the idea of having something pretty to rangle those rouge blocks. <br />
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Nothing new in the embroidery category. <br />
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What do you have on your to do list for April?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-3288555192104973172013-03-21T14:31:00.001-05:002013-03-21T14:31:29.706-05:00WIP Update I hear it's spring but you wouldn't know it looking outside. To top it off, there was an announcement today that we should expect major flooding once the snow melts and the ground thaws. Oy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8577398719/" title="Spring? by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring?" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8577398719_a52eb2cbd7.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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As for my update, I really only have one project with any significant progress. That would be my Woodland Sampler. This past week I have found myself wanting to work on at home instead of solely at work. I should be all caught up come April 1st.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8578501372/" title="Woodland Sampler Progress by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodland Sampler Progress" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8578501372_ce9f66473d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I hope spring is treating you nicely so far. See you soon! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-53041724857206203882013-03-17T14:56:00.000-05:002013-03-17T14:56:48.580-05:00Giving Paper Piecing a Second ThoughtI'm about to eat my words today. When I posted my Sugar Block Club <a href="http://unconventionalkatie.blogspot.com/2013/03/sugar-block-club.html">blocks</a>, I mentioned how I didn't care for the paper piecing in the February block. My reasons? It was tedious, wasteful, and I didn't find that particular block challenging at all.<br />
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That was all before I stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2147488@N24/">Forest QAL</a> that is going on right now. I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but I just can't resist. And even the prospect of paper piecing isn't enough to change that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapemoth/8528991358/" title="Woodpecker {Forest QAL} (1) by ShapeMoth, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodpecker {Forest QAL} (1)" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8528991358_ec9313f185.jpg" width="404" /></a> </center>
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Image from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shapemoth/">Shape Moth</a>.</center>
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I won't be starting it right away but am thinking I will start on them in April. Blocks are posted until June and then there is a link up of finished projects through August. These blocks should be challenging enough, and if I still don't care for paper piecing, then I don't have to continue.<br />
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What about you? Do you find yourself creating a quilt with an undesirable technique in order to get a desired outcome?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-4915958966812053252013-03-16T23:01:00.001-05:002013-03-16T23:01:19.667-05:00On Free Time and a Little StashingI briefly mentioned in my last post that I've made some changes to how my free time is spent. I'm going to share that but first show some of my recent stash acquisitions. Don't let the lack of yarn fool you; I have welcomed more skeins into my life than I would rather publicly admit.<br />
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I got my fabrics for the Road to Round Rock QAL. I don't care for the polka dot print with the others, which was not my first choice anyway. I got notification that the print I wanted is back in stock, so it's on its way to me now. The QAL just started today so there is time to join in if you want. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543948930/" title="Road to Round Rock Fabrics by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Road to Round Rock Fabrics" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8543948930_8e0fa8a752.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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A few other fabrics snuck along for a ride. I love everything that Lizzy House comes up with, so of course I had to get some of her Constellations prints.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543949010/" title="Some New Fabrics by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Some New Fabrics" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8543949010_9e80332e3f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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I also bought some new books. I have only paged through these but hope to dig in soon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543949118/" title="New Books by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="New Books" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8543949118_10d31284f2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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As for my free time, or should I say time I am not at work/sleeping/taking care of the house, I'm taking a different approach. The way things have been going, I have only been knitting, which is fine, but it means I don't work on any of the (many!) sewing projects I have on deck. After brainstorming over why this is, I decided that I waste the free time I have before going to work each day. I don't spend that time knitting since I like to knit in large chunks of time so instead, I just relax and really, waste a couple hours each weekday.<br />
<br />
Knowing this, I decided to try sewing in the time before work. With sewing, I find I am satisfied with a shorter time window. In an hour or two, I can sew enough seams without ironing, and then the next session I can iron them out. Cutting is also something that I can only do for so long, so doing that before work has been great.<br />
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I don't have any fruits of my labor to show really, other than the Sugar Block Club blocks I shared last time, but I can say the past couple weeks have been very productive for sewing projects. This way, I also get to spend a couple hours after work knitting without guilt. (Guilt over not sewing, that is.) <br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543948846/" title="Embracing New Technology by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Embracing New Technology" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8543948846_c6647a71aa.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
Another new thing is an updated smart phone. My old one (the smaller one with the cracked screen) wasn't useful for doing much online. With my new one, it's easier for me to type on the screen so I have been working into the habit of using it to answer emails and read blogs. Some days this has been useful, but it all depends on the time I have to check up on things. Most of that time is at work, so if the office is not busy, I am able to be on my phone.<br />
<br />
And you know what else a new phone means, right? I new phone case. As you can tell, my old one won't quite work any more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728040065559325356.post-78999544590533199622013-03-09T23:55:00.000-06:002013-03-09T23:55:17.284-06:00Sugar Block ClubI am so excited to share with you my progress on these blocks! I joined in with <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/">Amy's</a> club back in January and really did nothing to play along until this past week. Well, I guess I have been collecting fabrics to use, but that is all. The only reason these happened is due to the change in my mindset towards my free time. I will talk more about that next week, but I have found a way for myself to be more productive.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543949196/" title="Sugar Block Club: January-March by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sugar Block Club: January-March" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8543949196_909708b726.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
Let's get on with the blocks. First up is January. Because the block looks like tulips to me, I decided to pick fabrics that would convey tulips in the (dirty) snow. Let's face it, snow is only white for a short time once people/animals/vehicles get involved.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8543949258/" title="Sugar Block Club: January by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sugar Block Club: January" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8543949258_ba2ecf05ac.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Next is February. This was the first time I have ever paper pieced by machine. I just never have had the inclination to do so and really am not impressed enough to seek it out. It was easy for me to grasp, but so wasteful and tedious. That being said, I do have a project waiting that involves a bit of paper piecing.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8542859649/" title="Sugar Block Club: February by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sugar Block Club: February" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8542859649_72a941f634.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Lastly, is March. This block is my favorite pairing of background and batiks. The penguin peeking in the center kills me (and was completely unintentional).<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57771480@N04/8542859545/" title="Sugar Block Club: March by unconventionalkatie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sugar Block Club: March" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8542859545_c7d95db420.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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It feels so good to be caught up with these. I can't wait to see what the rest of the blocks will look like. There is a growing pile of text fabrics and batiks waiting to join these.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0