tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77945654120870242812024-03-08T03:34:09.700-08:00Everything OldKnitting, spinning, sewing, and creative recycling tutorials, patterns, links and inspiration. Also, the face behind the Everything Old brand of hand dyed, hand spun, and hand made knitting and fashion products.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-77716524186803922212014-03-14T12:37:00.001-07:002014-03-14T12:37:01.315-07:00Sewing in Spring<p>Go go <a href="http://www.emmaknits.net" target="_self" title="">the new blog</a>! This one is leaving! You only have a few weeks before I stop posting here! Exclamation!!</p><p>We've been treated to an amazing week. Blue skies. Open windows. Blooming flowers. Singing birds. Yellow sunsets. Early bumblebees.</p><p>Inspired by spring's arrival, I pondered nature's awakening, revelled in the beauty of change, and marvelled at the freshness of seasonal renewal. Then I promptly moved on to more important things, like my spring/summer wardrobe. Sundresses! Floral cottons! Nautical! Folk prints! Colourblocking! YAY! Am I shallow? A bit, yeah. Bite me.</p><p>I hit a snag, however, in the form of my budget. I am trying to be fairly strict with myself these days, and giant sunshine-induced clothing splurges don't really appeal to my inner miser. "It'll be cheaper if I sew!" I thought to myself. Not cheap enough though. Desperate for some pretty new things, I did the unthinkable. I tackled my fabric stash.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQRTp7ZHGJM/UyNaRshZx-I/AAAAAAAAC-k/GHqx-jVQ8yM/s1024/Photo%25252020140314123631.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQRTp7ZHGJM/UyNaRshZx-I/AAAAAAAAC-k/GHqx-jVQ8yM/s500/Photo%25252020140314123631.jpg" id="blogsy-1394825823927.9043" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="671"></a></div><p>First, I thought about what I wanted to wear, and spent some quality time staring at my current wardrobe. Then I went through the stash, pulling out suitable quantities of fabric and matching them with patterns.</p><p>I discovered fabric for four dresses, six tops, and two pairs of scrappy pj shorts. I bagged each item with the corresponding pattern (if I already owned it), labelled the bags, filed them, and mentally prepared myself for my least favourite sewing task - cutting.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2U5MTOE0n-E/UyNaWQ6dc4I/AAAAAAAAC-s/abNVZSC-v8Q/s1024/Photo%25252020140314123631.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2U5MTOE0n-E/UyNaWQ6dc4I/AAAAAAAAC-s/abNVZSC-v8Q/s500/Photo%25252020140314123631.jpg" id="blogsy-1394825823935.884" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="400" alt=""></a></div><p>I've cut for four garments so far, and will continue to chip away at it. With any luck I'll get some quality time with the sewing machine soon, and then I'll have pretty things to show you!</p><p>Are you doing any spring sewing? Tell me all about it!</p><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-49541679649255231012014-03-11T20:53:00.001-07:002014-03-11T20:53:53.961-07:00Behind the Scenes<p> A friendly reminder - this blog's days are numbered! Head over to www.EmmaKnits.net for the new blog.</p><p>I've been hard at work in lots of stealthy ways these days. I've been updating the pattern listings on the website - hopefully you will find them more informative now. I may tweak them further still to add more info. I have also rebranded all my patterns so they have updated contact info and are all stored in the same program. They look so matchy now! If you've purchased a pattern of mine you should have received an email informing you of the updated files.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MZ5jACB_8B0/Ux_aPRSf_hI/AAAAAAAAC-M/qks4_gY9VD4/s1024/Photo%25252020140311205318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MZ5jACB_8B0/Ux_aPRSf_hI/AAAAAAAAC-M/qks4_gY9VD4/s500/Photo%25252020140311205318.jpg" id="blogsy-1394596435315.5022" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="625"></a></div><p>And because I can't only do clerical work, I've also been spinning and dyeing like a madwoman so that there will be all sorts of wonderful offerings available at Fibres West. I think you'll like what I've been up to!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDL94bojez0/Ux_aToSNOPI/AAAAAAAAC-U/NqPh1KG8xMc/s1024/Photo%25252020140311205318.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDL94bojez0/Ux_aToSNOPI/AAAAAAAAC-U/NqPh1KG8xMc/s500/Photo%25252020140311205318.jpg" id="blogsy-1394596435283.9797" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">That's some gorgeous Moon Snail in the pots, soaking up a last layer of dye. Love it! That giant yarn there is a fantastic handspun that I have 7 whole skeins of. If I can bear to share it with you, that is. Hmm.</span></p><p>I promise I'll be able to focus on projects and fun blogging again soon! </p><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-60855686641311154642014-03-07T15:58:00.001-08:002014-03-07T15:59:54.206-08:00My New Website is Live!<p>First of all, let me say how grateful I am to have made such amazing friends in the fibre arts world. You have all been so supportive since I went public with the news that I would be closing down Everything Old. It's been bittersweet, actually. I don't want to leave you guys! Will you come with me?</p><p>"Where are we going?" <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">you ask.</span></p><p>"<a href="http://www.emmaknits.net/">EmmaKnits.net!</a>" I reply with the slightly manic enthusiasm of a woman consumed for two weeks with the creation of a new, shiny website. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP-cdKEUo2U/UxpdGqYuSUI/AAAAAAAAC98/SZoO_-2taFo/s800/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CP-cdKEUo2U/UxpdGqYuSUI/AAAAAAAAC98/SZoO_-2taFo/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252024%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1394236724521.072" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="274"></a></div><p>That's right kids - you can now find me, my patterns, and all the cool things I have to say at <a href="http://www.emmaknits.net/">www.EmmaKnits.net</a>. My entire blog has been moved over there (although there were some formatting errors in the transfer of my blogger posts, please forgive me for not going through hundreds of posts to tidy them up) so you won't miss anything. This blog will stay here as long as blogger hosts defunct free blogs, but all new content will be created at the new site.</p><p>I'll be cross posting everything both here and on the new site for the next month or so, but I'd love if you could bookmark, follow, or whatever you like to do at the new blog location. It's so much prettier and clearer to read. And there's going to be a podcast, guys!</p><p>I'm excited. Are you excited? I'm excited. </p><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-83655139893147940592014-03-03T10:47:00.000-08:002014-03-03T11:31:30.452-08:00The End of Everything Old<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey guys, I'm closing the shop.</div>
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Not today though. About a month from now.</div>
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This is a hard post to write. I don't like disappointing people, and I'd much rather be telling you about some really awesome new things on the horizon that I'd love you to be a part of! I'll get to that, and to reasons and such, but first I wanted to share a shutdown timeline, for those of you who need the quick and dirty.</div>
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<b><u>Timeline</u></b></div>
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<b>Right now: No worries!</b> The etsy shop is still open. I won't be adding any more items, but even were the shutdown not happening that would be the case because Fibres West is coming and I have to reserve stock.</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">If you have been craving a sweater lot of one of my colourways, now is the time to see if it's in the budget and make a custom order. I will be taking custom orders up until <b>Saturday, March 22</b>. The next day I'll order the yarn, and dye it up as soon as it arrives.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Custom order rules, limits, etc</b>: Must be for three or more skeins of the same base, though they don't have to be the same colour. If you want less than that, try getting together with a knitterly friend to make your order! There is no extra charge for custom orders. I will be keeping the order options to a few select bases: Paragon, Kashmir, Lively, Sublime, and Squish. I might be convinced on others if folks can get together orders for 6 or more skeins.</li>
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<b>March 21 and 22: <a href="http://www.fibreswest.com/" target="_blank">Fibres West</a>!</b> This is my very favourite show, and I didn't want to miss out on vending one last time. I'll be bringing my entire stock, which includes some surprises, some awesome new colourways, sweater lots, and more! I'll be taking custom orders (same rules apply) there too. Please come see me!</div>
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<b>March 23: Last yarn order.</b> I'll be getting ready to fill all of your lovely custom orders. I'll keep you updated as they progress and ship them asap.</div>
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<b>March 26 (ish): THE SALE BEGINS.</b> Everything still in stock will go on sale, with the discount percentage going up as time goes on. It's gonna be madness! If there's something you love, buy it now, at Fibres West, or early in the sale because once things are gone there's no turning back.</div>
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Now that's out of the way, my reasons for quitting. In short, it's best for me, and for my family. The indie yarn market is full of wonderful dyers who can pick up the slack, and I need to seek out the more consistent paycheque of traditional employment. My kiddo would love preschool and I need to get my butt in gear so I can reliably pay for it. I've been a great boss (and so modest!) and I love working for myself, but I am also looking forward to the stress reduction and defined work hours. Dyeing is a creative process, and it needs to be filled with inspiration and love. I've been having a harder time dredging those up, and so it's time to pass the torch to people who are feeling it as strongly as I was when I started.</div>
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Things I <i>am </i>feeling inspired by, however, are pattern design and podcasting! I'll be introducing you to a new website very soon, and (yay!) I plan to have my first podcast episode out sometime shortly after Fibres West. I'm super excited! I'll post more on that later.</div>
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Thanks for bearing with me, my dear friends. </div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-58192793176738824472014-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:002014-02-21T09:00:07.260-08:00An FO: Veera's Here and There Hat<p>I love Veera Valimaki's patterns. Her focus on shape, line, and colour creates a clean, simple aesthetic that really lets knitted fabric shine. If my body shape suited them, I'd make every single one of her sweater designs. Hats however, don't require a willowy figure! Yay!</p><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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Oo46QJT8u_o/Uv6nfjAo_NI/AAAAAAAAC6w/ID2PC3Z_lDQ/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Oo46QJT8u_o/Uv6nfjAo_NI/AAAAAAAAC6w/ID2PC3Z_lDQ/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A03%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392942963010.6086" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primary colours FTW</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>Veera's Here and There hat is a gorgeous slouch toque that manages to be both practical and fashionable. I am pretty fussy when I pick hat patterns, as my short hair can get swallowed up in many styles. Also, hats without any volume tend to make my head (which is LARGE) look teeny tiny in comparison to my body. It's a proportion thing. </p><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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jycnDLMM3D4/Uv6njSdKF4I/AAAAAAAAC64/Zvlkv8s56lM/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jycnDLMM3D4/Uv6njSdKF4I/AAAAAAAAC64/Zvlkv8s56lM/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392942963055.8376" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird painting by UnitedThread, lighthouse by EveSand, both on Etsy.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The thick, squishy garter stitch fabric gives the hat body, while the stripes and cable make a cute statement. Love it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yMUGCkO_oq4/Uv6nnToKHPI/AAAAAAAAC7A/BpBRWf2vCms/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yMUGCkO_oq4/Uv6nnToKHPI/AAAAAAAAC7A/BpBRWf2vCms/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392942963034.7402" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p>I used my own Everything Old Squish BFL Aran in November and Crabapple Jelly. I always feel uncomfortable raving about my own products, but I love this yarn you guys. It's soft, smooshy, and luxurious feeling, yet easy to work with and care for. I used a US size 7 needle, which created a stretchy, malleable fabric with lots of body.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ws9iKY2BWO4/Uv6nr3eO4SI/AAAAAAAAC7I/-BDb90RhHXk/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ws9iKY2BWO4/Uv6nr3eO4SI/AAAAAAAAC7I/-BDb90RhHXk/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A04%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392942963093.35" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div><p>I've already got lots of wear out of this cozy hat, and I know I'll get plenty more before the warm weather comes. </p><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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BZmwVmgavNs/Uv6nxWQa98I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/RtQG0rvRuZ0/s960/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BZmwVmgavNs/Uv6nxWQa98I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/RtQG0rvRuZ0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392942963069.116" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-19621667729982213092014-02-18T09:04:00.000-08:002014-02-18T09:04:49.375-08:00The Amazing Bi-Directional Striped Tube CowlMy parents gave me a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/schoppel-wolle-crazy-zauberball">Crazy Zauberball</a> for Christmas. For the uninitiated, that's a yarn brand, not a German sex toy. I've long coveted a Zauberball, but once I had it in my hands, I had no idea what to do with it. I didn't need another stripy shawl right now, it seemed a shame to put the pretty colours on my feet, I wasn't feeling mitts. Then I remembered the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevroid">Chevroid</a> I made my sister for Christmas. I hated making the chevrons, but the essence of the project was a quick, easy knit.<br />
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Without much consideration for the final product, I provisionally cast on enough stitches to go around my 17" circular US size 5 needle, joined in the round, and started striping from both ends of the ball. Four rounds from the inside, four from the outside, repeat until yarn is gone, graft ends together. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the stripes are 3 and 5 rounds, because the colours synced up and had to be chastised.</td></tr>
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It's a seamless bi-directional tube, like a donut but less delicious. Simple as that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l-w4UQmlOgdeVkPrRR2xRfsrE1P7a8-F_2nEqxJn2e2b49JfaT8IpVNgkDM_W_xJsAnkNZ2XfHgHtuEwodG6KixJNSUfBD9Mf213C3ayRV5c8I2Lv-QbcvHt12puOm2Pc1v8kN9Xfh5B/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="666" id="blogsy-1392342976926.1902" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l-w4UQmlOgdeVkPrRR2xRfsrE1P7a8-F_2nEqxJn2e2b49JfaT8IpVNgkDM_W_xJsAnkNZ2XfHgHtuEwodG6KixJNSUfBD9Mf213C3ayRV5c8I2Lv-QbcvHt12puOm2Pc1v8kN9Xfh5B/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took these pictures while waiting (forever) for the dog to pee. This is exactly how amused I am by his absurdly specific needs for location, noise level, and wind direction.</td></tr>
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<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-85498780787884932692014-02-16T10:31:00.000-08:002014-02-16T10:31:00.768-08:00Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins<p>We suck at mornings, chez Em. None of the household humans are keen to be up before 9, while both pets are predawn level morning people. I'm the most AM-averse, so to mitigate the ill-effects of my suckitude, I try to <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">streamline</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> our morning routines.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlwnuk094oM/Uv1kkHGsinI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/oPf9ZYKM2Jc/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252031%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlwnuk094oM/Uv1kkHGsinI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/oPf9ZYKM2Jc/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252031%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392338099845.7607" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Simplifying breakfast is a good start. It makes Jake's day easier, and I know he's not leaving for work on an empty stomach. This muffin recipe makes a tasty breakfast treat, stuffed with lots of fibre to leave you feeling full for hours. T<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">hey taste good on the go, or warmed up and paired with a cup of strong coffee and a proliferation of groggy swear-words. They're simple and unassuming looking, but well worth a try. If you're a multi-batch baker, they freeze nicely.</span></p><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://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Vx-4Zj5ZT-Y/Uv1ko6BvNqI/AAAAAAAAC5g/_1G1dQGS0yw/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252031%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Vx-4Zj5ZT-Y/Uv1ko6BvNqI/AAAAAAAAC5g/_1G1dQGS0yw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252031%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252012%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392338099794.1821" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: twice as much muffin as you will likely need to eat. These little hockey pucks are filling.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A note on apples: conventional wisdom suggests Granny Smiths for baking, and conventional wisdom knows what it's talking about. However, I made these with Red Delicious apples, and the extra sweetness was lovely. I suggest leaving the peels on for extra fibre and nutrition. Also, if you have access, when grating apples a food processor is your best friend. It's totally possible with a cheese grater (use the largest grating option), but it's a messy business.</p><p><strong>Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins</strong></p><p>Makes 12 - 24, depending on size.</p><p><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</p><ul> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 cup milk</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 cup quick oats</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">2 medium sized apples, cored and grated</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 egg</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 cup flour</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/4 cup white sugar</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1 tbsp baking powder</span></li> <li>1 tbsp cinnamon, or more to taste</li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1/2 to 2/3 tsp salt</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Brown sugar, for topping</span></li></ul><p><strong>Directions</strong>:</p><ul> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Preheat oven to 400°. Grease muffin pan, or use paper liners.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Mix milk, oats, and apples, let sit for 15 minutes.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Whisk together egg and oil, then mix in with oat mixture.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add slowly to wet ingredients, stirring until mixed.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Spoon mixture into muffin pan, and sprinkle the top of each muffin with brown sugar.</span></li> <li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Bake 25 minutes, or until muffins are golden and springy to touch. Err on the side of baking too long, as the oats hold a lot of moisture and you don't want the centres to be soggy.</span></li></ul><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Optional</strong>:</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Experiment with adding dried fruits or nuts, or skip the apples and try peaches or another tasty fruit. These muffins are like little handheld bowls of oatmeal, so experiment with the same types of ingredients!</span></p><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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LujfRyf9q9E/Uv1ksXFjvdI/AAAAAAAAC5o/szrkzVKRBUI/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LujfRyf9q9E/Uv1ksXFjvdI/AAAAAAAAC5o/szrkzVKRBUI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525201%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392338099763.744" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all that cheery sunshine. When this happens I feel like the morning is taunting me.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">My favourite way to serve these is cut in half and warmed up for 20 seconds in the microwave, then topped with butter and honey ...aaaand now I'm hungry.</span></p><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-65532493463414602672014-02-14T11:48:00.002-08:002014-02-14T11:48:47.693-08:00Shop Update: and Valentines SnarkToday's Update courtesy of my cheerful disdain for Valentines Day.<br />
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But seriously - there's yarn too! You can see all the new pretties in the etsy window at the top of this page! Aren't they nice? I even included some bright pink in honour of the holiday :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadPKlAxZSMoAL4Jkd5lGc_qO7qksinkXxdQDNKsUn-h8lgeKNckvTdyl38xLEGpacQfPLIaPvSwQudG0S5nOj4q1JW2Svqk0ebEd-u5g09b3_uR5McINIYHVxVxn0gv-uBElIGcNOLu24/s1600/DSCF8019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadPKlAxZSMoAL4Jkd5lGc_qO7qksinkXxdQDNKsUn-h8lgeKNckvTdyl38xLEGpacQfPLIaPvSwQudG0S5nOj4q1JW2Svqk0ebEd-u5g09b3_uR5McINIYHVxVxn0gv-uBElIGcNOLu24/s1600/DSCF8019.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-26689830910309193062014-02-13T13:29:00.001-08:002014-02-13T13:29:03.067-08:00Katniss Everdeen Has The Best Clothes<p>One of my besties has a <em>serious</em> thing for the Hunger Games movies (and fair enough, they're awesome) so she naturally fell in love with the asymmetrical cowl-sweater that Katniss wears in Catching Fire. It's a beautiful piece - clearly handmade, in the couture sense of things.</p><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://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g14MyajK4O8/Uv04zXD1AxI/AAAAAAAAC4g/k7T1rRdvB2s/s550/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A54%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g14MyajK4O8/Uv04zXD1AxI/AAAAAAAAC4g/k7T1rRdvB2s/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252013%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A54%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942392.8967" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="405" height="550"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also it has Jennifer Lawrence in it, which would make anything look fabulous.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Now this friend of mine is most exceedingly knitworthy, as she appreciates both the process required and the finished product. She also lives in one of Canada's winteriest cities, so when she asked me to make Katniss' cowl for her I jumped at the chance to send a warm wooly hug in sweater form. We discussed some of the pre-existing patterns available on Ravelry, but in the end we decided that none of them (at the time, more have come out since) were really accurate to the piece in the movie. Being an experienced knitter, I decided I could easily do it freeform. My only intentional deviation from the film version was to reduce the bulk somewhat, for a more figure-flattering garment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eP37G10-ODk/Uv043DloE_I/AAAAAAAAC4o/wS807SBvQXQ/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eP37G10-ODk/Uv043DloE_I/AAAAAAAAC4o/wS807SBvQXQ/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942388.1755" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="960"></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="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7ahdH9rCA8/Uv046niLwkI/AAAAAAAAC4w/XhSv7PbMsBE/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7ahdH9rCA8/Uv046niLwkI/AAAAAAAAC4w/XhSv7PbMsBE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A47%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942456.252" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="454"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore this photo. It really captures the rustic halo of the yarn.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The yarn is <a href="http://www.istex.is/islenska/vorur/prjonaband/bulkylopi/">Istex Bulkylopi</a>. At 60 metres to 100 grams, it is, in fact, very bulky. I feel like the Icelandic breed, being a hardy sort with many primitive characteristics, would be far more likely than the Merino to survive in a post apocalyptic future. </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I used a size 13 needle and varied my gauge as needed using my tension rather than needle size. The neck loops are made from braided strips of recycled sari silk from a woven rug my bastard dog attacked, crocheted over with wool. The silk adds tiny pops of colour that I really enjoy, and because it's very lightweight and flexible it makes the cowl more wearable than the rope versions I had seen other knitters make. I also felt like brightly coloured silk, recycled twice over, added a bit of the feel of the Capitol and its relationship with the districts.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--ThpcLsD_Ss/Uv04-o1ia3I/AAAAAAAAC44/lV4Mr4PdD7s/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--ThpcLsD_Ss/Uv04-o1ia3I/AAAAAAAAC44/lV4Mr4PdD7s/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A49%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942414.318" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="589"></a></div><p>The cowl is predominantly herringbone stitch, knit flat and seamed, with lots of crocheted bits and bobs. I used stockinette to create shaping and textural variety in an attempt to simulate the amazing fabric in the original piece (which I really don't think is knitted or crocheted).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6TbuJDgdso/Uv05ChxLpYI/AAAAAAAAC5A/c00AZUe-axQ/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6TbuJDgdso/Uv05ChxLpYI/AAAAAAAAC5A/c00AZUe-axQ/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A50%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942484.06" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="808"></a></div><p>With the leftover yarn I also whipped up some over-the-elbow armwarmers fit for a winter revolutionary. I may put together a pattern for these at some point, but y'all are out of luck on the cowl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T6PXzBr_DSg/Uv05GyrbQHI/AAAAAAAAC5I/R9rUzYClqCY/s1024/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T6PXzBr_DSg/Uv05GyrbQHI/AAAAAAAAC5I/R9rUzYClqCY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525203%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392326942454.9604" class="aligncenter" width="640" height="507" alt=""></a></div><p>All the photos (except the promo photo of J-Law, of course) are courtesy of <a href="http://simianuprising.com/">Jeremy Clarke</a>, who can be internet-found at <a href="http://simianuprising.com/">jeremyclarke.org</a>. I love the light and the texture and the snow! Some people just <em>get</em> how to photograph knits. Also my friend is a total fox and that always helps.</p><p>This project also helped me with my ongoing goal to read more, as until I made this thing I had never read the Hunger Games books. They took me just over a week, and only because I rationed them out so I could savour the story. The books were very powerful and evoked strong emotions, just like the best young-adult fiction should. Teenagers are overpowering emotion and revolution made flesh - they need books like this to fuel their fire.</p><p>What do you think of the cowl, dear readers? Would you make a freeform sweater thing? Would you wear this awesome asymmetrical piece of wearable art? What are your feels on Lopi yarn? Most importantly, on a scale of very good to completely amazing, where do you rank the Hunger Games trilogy?</p><p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-40446991401330787022014-01-31T10:57:00.001-08:002014-01-31T10:57:19.369-08:00Clown Socks and Hanspun!<p>Hello my dears. First thing - I am switching to bi-weekly shop updates. I put lots of lovelies in the shop last Friday, so keep an eye out next week! I need to dedicate more work time to preparing for my favourite show of the year, <a href="http://www.fibreswest.com/">Fibres West</a>.</p>
<p>Wanna see some things I finished? I am madly head over heels in love with these socks:</p>
<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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N4YAlYmKbHE/Uuvxo91jazI/AAAAAAAAC3c/QdQKihIrPPQ/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N4YAlYmKbHE/Uuvxo91jazI/AAAAAAAAC3c/QdQKihIrPPQ/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391194639384.6707" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have crazy clown socks and you are totally jealous.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>They were knit toe up, two at a time, with a Fleegle Heel. I love knitting toe up socks, even if cuff down heel flap socks fit me best. I find the extra structure and density of the heel flap keeps the socks from sliding around.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m7mlROjigaQ/UuvxtshkBbI/AAAAAAAAC3k/I43NF_T-WJE/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m7mlROjigaQ/UuvxtshkBbI/AAAAAAAAC3k/I43NF_T-WJE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391194639398.8943" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p>I knit these two at a time because they were dyed in a very particular yarn prep: the sock blank. I got mine from <a href="http://stores.fatcatknits.com/">Fat Cat Knits</a> in her Child's Play colourway, but there are other sources if she isn't able to make you one. A sock blank is two strands of yarn held together and knit (generally on a machine) into a rectangle. The dyer then can do all sorts of fun things, creating gradients, stripes, or fascinating variegated colours. The knitter unravels the blank to knit it. I wanted to have seriously matchy crazy socks, so I did some googling and figured out how to work socks two at a time. Honestly, I deeply disliked the method and won't do it again except to knit up my other sock blank. It would be great for those of you who suffer from debilitating second sock syndrome, but that's thankfully not an issue for me.</p>
<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AZjjGk-UgKI/Uuvx0P85x9I/AAAAAAAAC3s/yL0PE3D_qgU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252015%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AZjjGk-UgKI/Uuvx0P85x9I/AAAAAAAAC3s/yL0PE3D_qgU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252015%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391194639371.5579" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action shot! Not pictured: my seething irritation at all the tangling and yarn management.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaT_pCrEtgOssy8uZn7QmLAQ37m6kWS-V4NFYMEwXVTjGn01MKuZlP00OPjgUVAz32ZeR-ZgEr6HlptFTPetrcnH2CXCqwnEzQPxKZC_QqJn0fyV-P93OAb65TgEgl7_n-zPczj8h3l9r/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaT_pCrEtgOssy8uZn7QmLAQ37m6kWS-V4NFYMEwXVTjGn01MKuZlP00OPjgUVAz32ZeR-ZgEr6HlptFTPetrcnH2CXCqwnEzQPxKZC_QqJn0fyV-P93OAb65TgEgl7_n-zPczj8h3l9r/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252022%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391194639378.182" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p>Another fun project was this handspun:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XJanHI2IOxc/Uuvx8CltRPI/AAAAAAAAC38/OGysasrLmtY/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XJanHI2IOxc/Uuvx8CltRPI/AAAAAAAAC38/OGysasrLmtY/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252014%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A28%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1391194639393.9368" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p>I spun this yarn from matching gradient batts that I carded on my <a href="http://www.fancykitty.com/">Fancy Kitty</a> Kitten (if ever a giant spiky wool tool sounded like a sex toy, it's <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">that one). They were a blend of superwash merino wool, sparkly trilobal nylon (also known as firestar), and recycled sari silk in my My Little Pony inspired Luna colourway. The yarn blends smoothly from grey to turquoise, marine blue, navy, and black. I think it'll make an amazing shawl.</span></p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It's a simple semi-woolen 2-ply, spun for softness and bounce. I gave it to my mum for her birthday so I can't remember the exact yardage, but I'm thinking about 400 yards of fingering weight. So pretty! Sari silk makes all the difference, adding a textured tweedy look that makes me grateful I am a spinner.</span></p>
<p>That's all for now! I'll have more fun things to share soon.</p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-44635042136446623382014-01-24T12:14:00.001-08:002014-01-24T12:14:20.232-08:00Shop Update: Bright Sunshiny DayI know lots of you are trapped in some sort of polar vortex madness. That sucks. It's sunny (if a bit nippy) here and I thought I'd do a nice bright update to send some sunshine out into the yarny world.<br />
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<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-6814456613952706392014-01-23T09:52:00.000-08:002014-01-23T09:52:00.223-08:00The Magic of Meal Planning<p>Two of my goals for this year were to make more food from scratch and to save money. <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I've had encouraging success with both goals over the past two months, and I owe it all to meal planning. I've read so many blog posts about wonderful stay-at-home-mums who save a bajillion dollars by making month long meal plans and hoarding coupons and grinding their own flour, all while homeschooling and bicycling and gardening and sewing all their clothes from upcycled organic cotton. Honestly, I feel defeated in the face of these women's incredible efforts. As much as I'd like to emulate the enthusiasm and discipline of the hippie super mamas, I know my limits. I had to come up with a method that worked for my family and allowed considerably more lazy internet browsing time.</span></p>
<p>Here are my basics. I hope they help you find realistic inspiration!</p>
<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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sjGT8H23nNk/Ut3TCAzQSnI/AAAAAAAAC3A/cnPxQCYmjZM/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252019%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sjGT8H23nNk/Ut3TCAzQSnI/AAAAAAAAC3A/cnPxQCYmjZM/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252019%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525209%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1390269196723.268" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The notions bag I got at our knitting group's holiday party has already come in handy! I knew it would!</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>I plan our meals weekly. Every Friday I sit down for 20-40 minutes with the grocery flyer and the contents of my fridge, pantry, and freezers to come up with seven days worth of lunches and dinners. I make sure easy meals are planned for busy nights and Jake-friendly cooking is planned on nights I'll be out. I ask if there's anything the family hopes to see on the schedule and include requests if at all possible. My main goals are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Use all perishables before they go bad so no food is wasted.</li>
<li>Plan purchases around the meat and produce that is on sale or earns extra loyalty points. This cuts the food budget down considerably and encourages creativity.</li>
<li>Make sure our diet is varied, healthy, and delicious, with lots of fresh veggies and as few processed or ready-made foods as possible.</li>
<li>Try new recipes and flavours. I knew I was pinning tasty things on Pinterest for a reason!</li>
</ul>
<p>Because I know what's for dinner ahead of time, the rush and stress is gone from cooking. I am much less likely to make "put all the things in the fridge in a sauce over pasta or rice" on tired nights when inspiration refuses to strike. We order less takeout. Produce doesn't rot. Cooking is fun again. Jake's lunches are planned ahead of time (and are usually based around the previous night's dinner) so I can pack them up at night, saving money that he would otherwise spend on fast food. <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Knowing what's for dinner ahead of time also allows me to make things from scratch - If I know I need tortillas I can allot an extra half hour to roll and cook them.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It's amazing.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br>
</span></p>
<p>I use a few tools to keep track of things and I thought they might help you too:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pepperplate.com/">Pepperplate app</a>: this awesome free app stores recipes and has a monthly calendar for meal planning. The in-app shopping list allows you to move easily between your calendar and recipes for efficient grocery planning. It has timers you can use while cooking, and can multiply your recipes for you (so you never double the baking soda but not the flour ever again. Yuck). The interface is sleek and intuitive, and the same account can be synced to multiple devices so you can send your partner to shop, or plan on your PC but use your phone as a shopping list. Love it.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mint.com/how-it-works/anywhere/">Mint.com app</a>: I use this free budgeting app to track all my finances. I just checked now - before meal planning we spent $550-$725 monthly on food to feed a family of three (including restaurants, fast food, coffee shops, alcohol, everything). This month we have eaten better food and will be spending less than $400. I think we'll continue to spend even less as I gain more experience and self control. I'd love to get it to $300.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pcplus.ca/loyalty_become_member_app.jsp">PC Plus app</a>: this is only relevant to you if you do your groceries at a President's Choice affiliated store (we go to Real Canadian Superstore). Their points program follows what you regularly buy and offers you points based on those items. It's a little hit and miss (no, Superstore, I will never buy crackers stop trying to make me) but still useful. If you're going to buy potatoes anyway, and they want to give you extra points, plan two meals with them instead of one and save a little money!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>: I know, Pinterest is a giant time suck full of ridiculous, impractical hot glue projects, Taylor Swift quotes, wedding dresses, and obnoxious thinspo photos. It's also a Mecca of craft inspiration and delicious recipes, depending on who you follow. I follow some amazing boards and I've tried several delicious recipes. Check the blog sidebar if you want to follow me or check out my friends. I haven't seen a thinspo image or a popsicle stick craft on Pinterest for months, all because I carefully curate the boards I follow. Don't knock it unless you've really tried it.</li>
<li>Costco: if you stay away from name brands, don't overbuy, and watch for sales, Costco is an amazing resource. I pay $13 for 20 kg of flour and store it carefully in sealed buckets at home. Suddenly, baking bread is actually cheap. Large cuts of meat (I'm looking at you, 4kg pork loin) that you can cut and freeze can be a great deal too. My amazing local fair trade coffee company costs less than half the grocery store price, making it actually reasonable. Grain free cat food with an excellent ingredient list costs barely more than WalMart Purina and might save you a fortune in vet bills. As always, beware good deals on things you don't need. The membership costs money, but you can split it with a friend or family member and shop together.</li>
</ul>
<p>Well, that's all I can think of today - I'd love to hear from you! Do you plan meals? What are your favourite recipe sites? Are you an amazing couponing flourgrinding home sewing organic super mama with the secret to how you can do all the things in only 24 hours a day? (Is it amphetamines?) Tell me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-28150656075245892682014-01-22T09:24:00.000-08:002014-01-22T09:24:00.340-08:00Rainbow Dash Hat - Twenty Percent Cooler<p>If you've spent much time with me in person, you probably know that I am a big fan of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. It helps that I have a nearly four-year-old daughter (holy crap!) but honestly, I'd watch it even if she wasn't around. It's adorable,<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> hilarious, and completely without cynicism. There are very few shows aimed at little girls that don't make me grind my feminist teeth, and while MLP isn't perfect, it's pretty close.</span></p>
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<p>For Christmas I made my daughter a pony hat. Not just any pony hat, either. A Rainbow Dash hat. Because clearly she needed one. Sorry the photos are a little sloppy - it's not easy to keep a child still on Christmas morning.</p>
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<p>While I improvised the entire project (I have been doing that a lot lately) you could easily modify any hat pattern to be a super awesome pony hat. I made the mane by finding the centre line of the hat and tying small bundles of yarn every few stitches.</p>
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<p>For the ears I made simple single crochet triangles, picked up along the crown of the hat. You could also knit them and sew them on, or make them from felt.</p>
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<p>The pompoms were the perfect touch. Both the mane and the pompoms were made from Knitpicks Felici self striping yarn. It was much cheaper to buy one ball with all the colours I needed than shell out for all six colours separately. The body of the hat is Knitpicks Brava Sport. It's a fairly pleasant acrylic to work with, though I did find it squeaky. Can't beat the price though!</p>
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<p>Isn't it cute? I made it big enough that it almost fits me, so she'll be able to wear it for as long as she's interested in ponies!</p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-88825427319535751232014-01-20T10:27:00.001-08:002014-01-20T10:27:12.073-08:00FO - Handspun Arbutus
<p> I don't often spin yarn for a specific project. Sometimes I look at fibre and think "this should be a cowl" or "downs wool means socks!" But beyond that... Meh. This fibre, however, knew was going to be <a href="http://www.janerichmond.com/">Jane Richmond's</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arbutus">Arbutus</a> cowl right away.</p>
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<p>It's "twinklebunny" by <a href="http://www.ixchelbunny.blogspot.ca/">Ixchelbunny</a> - a blend of merino, tencel, and angora rabbit. It's lusciously soft and the colours look just like a lavender farm in summer. </p>
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<p>I made the cowl a repeat larger than the pattern, mostly because I had lots of yarn left. It's unbelievably cozy and warm, so much so that unless we have a serious cold snap I'll barely be able to wear it. </p>
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<p>I'm so happy with this project. It's great when something comes together exactly as planned, right from the fibre. Go me!</p>
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<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-73687226705119332182014-01-10T12:18:00.001-08:002014-01-10T12:18:43.905-08:00Shop Update: The Blues (and greens)<p>I've got a pretty little update for you guys today! It features three of my favourite colours to dye - Deep Space, Supergreen, and Kozmic Blues. I took the photos with my ipod today to see how it worked out. I think next week I'll be going back to the regular camera. The colours are fairly accurate but the background isn't as bright as I would like. Ah well, I tried.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t1ugmUIyAic/UtBVnyH0_vI/AAAAAAAAC1M/lKg7IXMelfE/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t1ugmUIyAic/UtBVnyH0_vI/AAAAAAAAC1M/lKg7IXMelfE/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%25252011%25253A56%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389385124437.8499" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div>
<p>Thanks for looking guys!</p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-76340375373785706602014-01-09T17:10:00.001-08:002014-01-09T17:10:10.847-08:00Doing Inventory is Bad for the Stash<p>I had originally planned to do my shop inventory on January first, prior to re-opening for the new year. That plan was thrown off by the death plague (better now, thanks for asking!) and I didn't get to it until yesterday. By that point I was feeling pretty nonplussed by the whole process, which may have affected my grabby hands, because I kept moving things across the room to my stash instead of counting them.</p>
<p>Oops.</p>
<p>These pretties (Squish in Crabapple Jelly and November) will likely become Veera's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/here-and-there">Here and There</a> hat:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2pC4a_1mt9M/Us9IJjMrTjI/AAAAAAAAC0c/PEU184McWWU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2pC4a_1mt9M/Us9IJjMrTjI/AAAAAAAAC0c/PEU184McWWU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389316210236.0886" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p>A skein of Squish in Diva will morph into something lovely for a March girlbaby:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQs9AoIbBtc/Us9IOXTewGI/AAAAAAAAC0k/vTfZgOpnlcU/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQs9AoIbBtc/Us9IOXTewGI/AAAAAAAAC0k/vTfZgOpnlcU/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A32%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389316210195.0981" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p>I will finally create the perfect <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-affection">Colour Affection</a> using Kashmir in Havana Club, Pinkle, and Sweet Spot:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eqAWlbtVvng/Us9ITq8y3ZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/9-MUGy-fVqk/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eqAWlbtVvng/Us9ITq8y3ZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/9-MUGy-fVqk/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389316210269.91" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p>And this batt was just too perfect to let go (sorry guys, but you can hardly blame me):</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsZ8NPcvHAU/Us9IWznQdBI/AAAAAAAAC00/sHxyq4FyvqA/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsZ8NPcvHAU/Us9IWznQdBI/AAAAAAAAC00/sHxyq4FyvqA/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389316210231.5527" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="666"></a></div>
<p>Also detrimental to the stash - my holy grail in sock yarn form. I've been on the hunt for Trekking XXL in colour 550 (a better name would have been "giveittomerightthefucknowi'mgonnadiefromlackofrainbows”) for about a year now, and my awesome sister-in-law gave it to me this Christmas! I'm a lucky girl.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxNVvVZYZ1bz_jN4rqc2muHY7eQA5WErA576M-cWlFXI1YEMZcL3ojlkY0dDUbN6VzutljqxkGCQWm5LXDdncMujxnoZ1m7W4byt0ZNPS4GXmTwl2aLGO5qq0sfFLBa5HwdQ1esvcOD3/s1024/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQxNVvVZYZ1bz_jN4rqc2muHY7eQA5WErA576M-cWlFXI1YEMZcL3ojlkY0dDUbN6VzutljqxkGCQWm5LXDdncMujxnoZ1m7W4byt0ZNPS4GXmTwl2aLGO5qq0sfFLBa5HwdQ1esvcOD3/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525204%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1389316210258.3706" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div>
<p>LOOK AT IT! Amazing. Have a peek at the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/search#colorway=550&photo=yes&view=cards&yarn-link=zitron-trekking-xxl">projects using it</a> on Rav. You're jealous now right? She got it at <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.com/?gclid=CKSRyLiz8rsCFQuUfgodsRAAIQ">Paradise Fibers</a>, if you're interested.</p>
<p>There are also undyed sweater lots set aside for me (yay! I'm thinking red for one!). I don't really know what happened - I've been so good in previous years. I am going to have to work so hard to decrease stash volume this year. Wish me better luck!</p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-52580127306737427142014-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:002014-01-03T13:07:59.679-08:00In 2014 I Plan To Be Awesome (AKA The Goals)Welcome! It is time for my yearly resolutions/goals/intentions/shit I hope to do or not do as the case may be.<br />
<br />
I am always flabbergasted when January rolls around. For twelve months I think "OMG this year is flying by so fast and I never get anything done!" and then, when I take time to revisit my last goals, I realize how much has happened, how much I have changed, and how far life has taken me. I've noticed that the older I get the faster time flies, so it's nice to experience this grounding sensation. <i>A year is a long time, full of possibility. Breathe and remember how far you've come</i>. Okay, apparently the older I get the more willing I am to write new-agey affirmation shit on my blog. Oh the shame.<br />
<br />
<b>2014 Life Goals:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Take my road test.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
I got my drivers licence in 2013. It's a <a href="http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/get-l">learner's licence</a>, and, among other things, it doesn't allow me to drive by myself. I need to get in lots of practice, learn how to do the fiddly stuff (parallel parking, I'm looking at you), and gain the confidence I need to take a road test without suffering attacks of nervous diarrhea. </div>
<ul>
<li><i>Be me.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
You may have raised an eyebrow at that diarrhea comment. Well, <i>too bad</i>. I am going to stop censoring myself this year. I'm awkward, outspoken, and prone to fits of profanity (I'm basically a fat Jennifer Lawrence without the charisma and money and pretty wardrobe). I'm an atheist. I'm a feminist. I have questionable mental health and hilariously irritating physical health (see: nervous diarrhea). I'm angry about some things, foolishly passionate about others, and wildly in love with the world. Sometimes I'll have opinions or say fuck. You'll be ok. I'm still pretty nice and I love otters so we still have something in common.</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://picpetz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nutriabebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://picpetz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nutriabebe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's weapons grade cute, right there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><i>Pursue personal fashion.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
I want to dress up, wear makeup, and feel awesome. I have spent my entire life feeling too fat to be noticed and too awkward to live fully because someone might <i>see me</i>. That is no way to live. I love fashion - hell, I spent several years and a fair bit of money pursuing a career in it - and I want to play too.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Pay off all debt and begin to rebuild savings.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Our only debt, thankfully, is our car. I want those payments gone, and the interest they carry gone with them. Paying it in full will eat a huge chunk of our savings, which I would like to rebuild with the money going to car payments, and anything else I can shuffle in that direction.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Implement a family chore schedule.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
My house isn't a pit of filth, but it could use work. I want to make a weekly cleaning schedule so things like "grody bathroom corners" and "dust behind the TV so thick that the dog can't eat it even though he regularly tries" and "what exactly is that musty smell?" aren't part of our life.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Put child in preschool and use time gained productively.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Rei will be four at the end of this month. She can read single words, she is starting to get basic addition, and she has an imagination that puts Anne Shirley to shame. She <i>needs </i>preschool. Staying at home with her has taken her this far, but I've hit my limit. I'd like to have her enrolled by September and to use the time I gain away from her to find paying work, or, failing that, do what I can at home to significantly reduce our cost of living.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Build strength and stamina</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I have a cranky knee and I get winded too easily. The fat is obviously an issue in both cases, but weight loss isn't specifically the goal, because thus far it's been a miserable impossibility. More exercise is a must, though I will have to work around said knee. Increased dog walking, maybe swimming... who knows?</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Make more food from scratch</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I have this hippie dream of eliminating all processed food from my family's diet. I also dream of eating Kraft Dinner every day, but some dreams are too good to come true. I'm pretty good about baking all our bread and making all our soups, but I'd like to extend that to things like tortillas, all sauces and curries, and other baked goods. I think it should save money and improve our health.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Read.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
All the things.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Blog more.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Lucky you! I'm not likely to write the next great Canadian novel if I can't even keep a blog going. I want to expand beyond pathetic weekly shop update posts. That's not a blog, it's a poorly received e-billboard. I hope that more blogging will also help me improve my writing skills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2014 Crafty Goals:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Finish a stocking</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Har de fucking har har. You will see this goal every year until they are ALL done. I have one cross stitched stocking about half done. Life shouldn't be this hard.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>More garment sewing for myself and Rei</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I love sewing clothes. I've had some setbacks and learning experiences over the past year, but I would like to move beyond them. I need to improve my finishing techniques and choose patterns and fabrics that will integrate into my wardrobe.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Knit and spin down the yarn stash</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I've been suffering stash guilt. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/EverythingOldEm/stash">It is too large</a>, with too many single skeins. This is entirely because I insist on buying yarn with no project in mind. I have no desire to go cold sheep or count yardage-in vs. yardage-out, but I want to work from what I have as much as I can, for an overall volume reduction.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Spin for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evenstar-shawl">Evenstar</a>, then knit it.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
The Evenstar Shawl is my Holy Grail project. It was a failed goal last year, and I'd like to try again. I have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/EverythingOldEm/fiber/sweet-georgia-yarns-merino-yak">eight ounces</a> of amazing Merino/Yak blend from Sweet Georgia that I'd like to spin into a gradient for it.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Spin for a sweater from raw fleece</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I've done this before and I adore the sweater. I'd like to do it again, using a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/EverythingOldEm/fiber/texel-east-frisian-finn-fleece">Texel/Finn/East Frisian fleece</a> I bought in 2012. This means lots of quality time with the drum carder, but that's OK. If I was very ambitious I would also hope to spin a sweater's worth from the Rambouillet cross fleece I have. I don't think I'm that ambitious. That seems crazy.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Make a quilt for us.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Now that I've made one quilt, I feel the need to do it again! I'd love to make one to cuddle under on the couch, as well as maybe a decorative quilt to hang on the wall. I don't know if I'm ready to do one for our bed yet. We shall see.</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Weave more</i>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Pretty self explanatory. I want to expand my repertoire, I have some projects in mind, and I need to get over my irritation with warping my little rigid heddle loom. It's time to suck it up and do it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, there you have it. Many goals, all of them realistic (if I can keep myself under a reasonable amount of control). We shall see how I do! If you are setting goals I'd love to hear about them. We can all be accountable together!</div>
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-31853414238058258432014-01-02T09:50:00.000-08:002014-01-02T10:09:55.585-08:00Accountability 2014: Last Year's Goals and My General Awesomeness RatingIt is the first day of January, and I am in a blanket fort on the couch desperately trying to forget how sick I've been over the past week. You know that epic stomach bug that's been terrorizing North America? It. Is. Really. Awful. Lots of handwashing ok guys? I'm fine now, but super tired. Luckily, I can blog from my blankets!<br />
I take a perverse enjoyment in rehashing the last year's goals to see how I measured up. Come join me as I crow about my successes, wallow in my failures, and spew word vomit onto the screen. Be grateful that's the only kind of vomit I'm producing now. Stupid Norovirus. <br />
<strong>2013's Crafty Goals:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Knit 15km.</span></li>
</ul>
Oh hell yes. 16.1km. That is so much knitting I can't even contain my smugness.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Spin 9km.</span></li>
</ul>
I lost my spinning mojo towards the end of the year, which is unfortunate as I really could have made this goal. I clocked in at 7.6km, which is not too shabby. In other news I'm going to be doing away with my knitmeter widget in favour of a spreadsheet that doesn't get all cranky with me. Maybe a more pleasant inputting experience would make this meterage measuring less of a chore.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Finish one of the three cross stitched Christmas stockings.</span></li>
</ul>
Yeah, no. Stupid fucking stockings. They are going to be worth it. They are going to be beautiful. I bought a snap frame to replace my traditional embroidery hoop and the stitching has picked up again over the past few months.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Make a patchwork quilt.</span></li>
</ul>
I did! It's beautiful! I made my parents a nautical themed quilt for Christmas, and I loved the whole experience. I am planning future quilts as I type.<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://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_fkIF2ISOM/UsUoc0PPpGI/AAAAAAAAC0E/8JOLe-LKaCM/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="669" id="blogsy-1388652686019.2358" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_fkIF2ISOM/UsUoc0PPpGI/AAAAAAAAC0E/8JOLe-LKaCM/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back is simple unbleached cotton flannel. Isn't it cute?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Knit the Evenstar Shawl.</span></li>
</ul>
I tried. I really did. I got out the yarn and pattern and needles, went to swatch, and then realized I'd done something I have never done before. I bought the wrong amount of yarn. I was short by nearly 200 yards. I knit a sweater with it instead, and I have some fibre to spin for the next attempt at the shawl of my dreams.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Release at least four patterns.</span></li>
</ul>
Almost! 3 patterns in a year is a lot less than I'd ideally like, but still. They're good patterns.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Slightly reduce yarn and fibre stash volumes.</span></li>
</ul>
Yarn: yes. Fibre: look I'm sure you have faults too. Why are we only talking about mine? It isn't all about me here.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Don't buy more raw fibre, and work with what I have.</span></li>
</ul>
I didn't find myself even tempted to buy more, but I didn't use the fleeces nearly as much as I had hoped.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Weave.</span></li>
</ul>
I am disappointed to say I failed this goal miserably. I'm feeling a bit stumped by my lack of weaving progress actually - I want to weave, I want woven things, but I just don't do it. I'll try harder this year.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Knit sweaters.</span></li>
</ul>
Like a boss. I knit five in 2013, all of them for me. Sweaters for a lady of my signficance are no small commitment, so I am pleased with this.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Knit selfishly and pursue other crafts if I prefer them over knitting at that moment.</span></li>
</ul>
I did! I got a little carried away with the Christmas crafting this year (OK, brag time. 4 pairs of socks, 3 of which were for man feet, 2 pairs of fingering weight mitts, a laceweight cowl, a hat, a cross stitched sampler, two handsewn neckties, and oh, just an entire quilt. Bask in my awesomeness, go on) but I did what made me happy, embraced crafts as they appealed to me, and was happily productive.<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--y_j24dlwfw/UsUoiZaKMcI/AAAAAAAAC0M/sSRWNDqBE50/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252023%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="374" id="blogsy-1388652686068.91" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--y_j24dlwfw/UsUoiZaKMcI/AAAAAAAAC0M/sSRWNDqBE50/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252023%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aforementioned sampler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>2013's Life Goals:</strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Read.</span></li>
</ul>
While I am miles away from my pre-parenthood book-a-week status, I read almost a book a month this year (for comparison, last year I read <u>a</u> book. Like, one). I got a Kindle for Christmas, which has made reading while knitting possible by fixing the whole "paperbacks don't stay open if you're not actively holding them" problem. Also, I can read racy novels and nobody will ever know.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Train the dog.</span></li>
</ul>
Loki has improved, for sure. Part of it comes down to the fact that he's (FINALLY) maturing. His leash manners are great, and he is extremely obedient if treats are involved. I taught him to roll over the other day, just for fun. He's a pest, but boy is he clever.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Get my driver's licence.</span></li>
</ul>
I DID IT. My learner's licence has irritating restrictions aimed at a sixteen year old, but I'm working on getting ready for my first road test. I haven't even tried parallel parking yet.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Improve my mental and physical health.</span></li>
</ul>
I was well on track with both, but a month of near inactivity due to bronchitis this fall has really set me back. I'm still very happy with my efforts, if not always with their results.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Put more money in savings.</span></li>
</ul>
We moved into a bigger, more expensive home this year, and faced a number of unexpected expenses. Did you know that if your puppy's balls don't drop, a simple neuter turns into a $900 operation? Turns out the testicles had never worked after all, but hey. They're out now. No use crying over spilt testicles, amirite? <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I'm happy that we came out ahead, but I didn't meet my goal of saving 10% of our incomes.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Better outward self care.</span></li>
</ul>
This goal was all about presentation - hair, makeup, clothes, cleanliness etc. I think I did a great job. I discovered the miracle of dresses, learned loads of new makeup techniques, and successfully transitioned my hair from black to platinum blonde without looking like a skunk in the meantime. Go me.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Continue to grow my business.</span></li>
</ul>
Yes! I worked harder, sold more things, had more fun, got more exposure, and made more friends.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Do fun things with family.</span></li>
</ul>
Not in the way I had originally planned, with camping trips and adorable Kodak moments, but we found a very pleasant groove in our family time.<br />
When I do the (very official and quantitative) math, I earned a 61% in crafty goals, and a solid 81% in life goals. I'm pleased with me! Every time I feel like a failure in 2014 I'll remind myself that I'm more of a solid B minus. Yay?<br />
I'll ponder and post this year's goals soon. Until then, dear readers, avoid touching strangers and sanitize everything!<br />
Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-17931022448519050562013-12-20T15:28:00.001-08:002013-12-20T15:28:18.652-08:00Shop Vacation AlertI'm travelling and just generally frazzled for the holidays (and I have to do inventory), so the shop will be closed until January 2. Thanks for your understanding, and have a happy new year!!<br />
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I'll still be attached at the hip with my iPad, so I am, as ever, just an email away :)Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-4158775251275268542013-12-17T13:17:00.001-08:002013-12-17T13:17:53.478-08:00Holiday Madness<p>The Christmas crafting got away from me. Again. As it always does. I don't learn (well, I sort of do - I started knitting in July this year) I've got the knitting almost done, but the sewing, oh the sewing. I'm so busy with gift crafting, real life obligations, and holiday fun that I'm probably going to be away from the blog until after Christmas. In the meantime, I thought I'd share some of the festive photos I've taken this month! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen most of them already. You should follow me on Instagram by the way, it's my fave social network.</p>
<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9j9owl5Brt0/UrC_FJSEC7I/AAAAAAAACzI/DjKSO5qzAtM/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9j9owl5Brt0/UrC_FJSEC7I/AAAAAAAACzI/DjKSO5qzAtM/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073580.2507" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put up absurd amounts of lights</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbMOyhFCKKWATmJ4Pp5hGjg11p32D08br6yVdt_S5lzSePMWoqj4c8ImGw0qrtGnflkAL6IhGP3Hlz2HWs9CRykrV-nYkuf8aZd6Jczy2tbRhKgjoZFLhuB0txv8AqDmZjhpahJxXuJ7t/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbMOyhFCKKWATmJ4Pp5hGjg11p32D08br6yVdt_S5lzSePMWoqj4c8ImGw0qrtGnflkAL6IhGP3Hlz2HWs9CRykrV-nYkuf8aZd6Jczy2tbRhKgjoZFLhuB0txv8AqDmZjhpahJxXuJ7t/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073574.0864" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree looks fab, even if it doesn't stand completely straight</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="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IL0vnozNJe0/UrC_OGcou_I/AAAAAAAACzY/JwJvttOqSuQ/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IL0vnozNJe0/UrC_OGcou_I/AAAAAAAACzY/JwJvttOqSuQ/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073576.0342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas knitting yarn! All fingering and lace weight, of course. I need to get with the bulky yarns next year</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="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ctli0kUuw2Q/UrC_UbadWVI/AAAAAAAACzg/TBogFakRvdk/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ctli0kUuw2Q/UrC_UbadWVI/AAAAAAAACzg/TBogFakRvdk/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073600.026" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It snowed! All of a centimetre, but still.</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="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-va-3d9VUpDQ/UrC_aKJiVII/AAAAAAAACzo/uh0ZVLpBIb4/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-va-3d9VUpDQ/UrC_aKJiVII/AAAAAAAACzo/uh0ZVLpBIb4/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073622.08" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow necessitates hot chocolate</td></tr></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BdJp59U5wUnlUzs5-VvrcLCkng018okVNSN_xSBAn_u2zYdjSPa52hGIk5RGSEIVp7guRywP3jA2W8i6E9oBNQQ_bXso0tkoFtCy2tp8jruk9jEzEjA4oxZaVqtz-1rjELShI2-SYjgR/s1024/Photo%252520Dec%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BdJp59U5wUnlUzs5-VvrcLCkng018okVNSN_xSBAn_u2zYdjSPa52hGIk5RGSEIVp7guRywP3jA2W8i6E9oBNQQ_bXso0tkoFtCy2tp8jruk9jEzEjA4oxZaVqtz-1rjELShI2-SYjgR/s500/Photo%252520Dec%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A36%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1387315073534.2598" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt="Rei and I made cookies! She has odd ideas about decorating gingerbread, but they taste good."></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-38789921212227804082013-12-06T14:01:00.001-08:002013-12-06T14:01:13.079-08:00Shop Update!Two listings went up today - it's a small update but a good one. Possessed Printer on Kashmir:<br />
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And luscious Havana Club on Sublime DK:<br />
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Yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1QQUs5Ge_i0C-mNeptVMKBuEfrlS7BVXDZtQnfB52-sh9p_h74JO_xUM-g14pPsW3P6xlq3ZOtGxltmEz8tVDW2D4ZF1DNaegnIPDjUhr__R7RqdLxkLOkOxNJgCvrZuIzMQwCWsGroy/s1600/DSCF7722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1QQUs5Ge_i0C-mNeptVMKBuEfrlS7BVXDZtQnfB52-sh9p_h74JO_xUM-g14pPsW3P6xlq3ZOtGxltmEz8tVDW2D4ZF1DNaegnIPDjUhr__R7RqdLxkLOkOxNJgCvrZuIzMQwCWsGroy/s640/DSCF7722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been rocking a pretty bare-bones system for getting listing photos lately (I think the highest tech bit I've got right now is a bit of Scotch tape covered in pet hair), but lots of natural light means nice accurate colours! My only problem is purples - my camera hates them. Would you all mind terribly if I just started using my iPod camera for the purple yarns? I'm getting tired of the epic photo editing sessions.Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-67393779422312810652013-12-03T12:01:00.002-08:002013-12-03T12:01:31.090-08:00Time for a winner!Thanks for all your support over the weekend my dears!<br />
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I tallied up the purchases, with number one being the oldest, and drew a random number!<br />
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Lucky number 9! Who are you... let's see.....<br />
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Jennifer G!!<br />
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YOU WIN!<br />
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I'll email you so you can pick something awesome :D<br />
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Thanks for playing, everybody!Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-46205006547507141982013-11-29T12:31:00.001-08:002013-11-29T12:31:07.170-08:00BLACK FRIDAY - CYBER MONDAY SALE OF AWESOMENESS!It's that time again! The super duper sale is on, the update is up, let the chaos commence!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhdnzDOJiGYuPOLIitLw8DXNtS7gFPVX7EHSi4PGH9CTThmuYlBOBHED-rVNdt4qRWiKXngxXuY3mMNYp6xmRzlQJkP729wYAg8msmAEs4sprw8HVMh2bSry0lA1MurWNLkf56_B-jQFw/s1600/Advertising1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhdnzDOJiGYuPOLIitLw8DXNtS7gFPVX7EHSi4PGH9CTThmuYlBOBHED-rVNdt4qRWiKXngxXuY3mMNYp6xmRzlQJkP729wYAg8msmAEs4sprw8HVMh2bSry0lA1MurWNLkf56_B-jQFw/s640/Advertising1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything in the shop (even the previously marked down sale section) has been marked down by 20%. Each item you purchase is an entry into a super fantastic prize draw - the winner of which will receive an in-stock item of their choice from my shop!<br />
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The sale will run until 11pm on Monday, and if things get sparse I may stealth another update. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for instant notification! Help me cull the inventory a bit ;)Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-47175746827288943432013-11-22T11:45:00.003-08:002013-11-22T11:45:36.688-08:00Shop Update: Colours to Fend Off the FrostIT IS SO COLD OUT YOU GUYS. Ok the real problem is it's cold <i>in</i>. I'm trying to save my pennies and that means minimal use of heat in the house, and I'm wavering in my convictions. It was easy, right up until it hit freezing temps outside.<br />
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To help us all with warm thoughts, bright colour are live in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/EverythingOldCrafts">shop</a> today! Also a skein of "November," because it is.<br />
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<br />Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7794565412087024281.post-38522100652140985802013-11-21T09:33:00.000-08:002013-11-21T09:33:00.764-08:00So Much for Selfish Knitting<p>I was having some stash anxiety the other day (I really want to knit it down a bit but the Christmas knitting doesn't count as real stash) so I pulled out a giant skein of bulky BFL goodness. This pretty thing is handspun singles from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HannahminsFibre?ref=stream&filter=1">Hannahmin's Fibre</a> - my booth neighbour from Fibres West last March.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ofLBPvByNwo/UV8gGSvHe8I/AAAAAAAACRo/-6SpEgj_S4o/s640/Photo%2525202013-03-25%25252011%25253A59%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ofLBPvByNwo/UV8gGSvHe8I/AAAAAAAACRo/-6SpEgj_S4o/s640/Photo%2525202013-03-25%25252011%25253A59%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384994150870.6423" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="640" height="481"></a></div>
<p>At first, I knit myself a sideways triangular shawl thing in cushy garter stitch; the goal of which was to achieve maximum winter cuteness by putting giant ass pompoms on the ends. However, the yarn is hand spun and was not of the same grist throuhgout (It was intentionally thick and thin, but one end of the skein averaged a super bulky weight, the other an Aran). I thought I factored the grist change in when I was weighing the skein to find the mid point, but I failed somewhere and ran out of yarn. I began to rip it out and cast on a big squishy cowl for myself, but Rei wandered up and squeaked "Are you knitting a scarf for me!!!?"</p>
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<p>So I did. It's a big stockinette tube with ribbing at the ends and a line of eyelets to hold a drawstring near the top. It intentionally appears to have shaping, but it is due to the gauge change in the size of the yarn. I made a drawstring for it by using a spindle to add twist to a stretch of the singles, then chain ply it, then chain ply <em>that</em>, creating a cabled 9ply (so much faster than an i-cord). Two enormous pompoms later and we were done!</p>
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<p>It looks adorable on her, and the colours are much more suited to a three year old than a grown woman. </p>
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<p>Oh, and just so you don't get the impression that she is all cute, all the time, these photos happned when I told her to look adorable. She seriously thinks this is what adorable feels like. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FP6ApoV7Wrk/Uo1VZCYUABI/AAAAAAAACxU/fgzraPJkTtU/s1024/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FP6ApoV7Wrk/Uo1VZCYUABI/AAAAAAAACxU/fgzraPJkTtU/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1384994150911.3447" class="aligncenter" width="640" height="480" alt=""></a></div>
<p>I just don't know...</p>
<p> </p>Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04419289182525246537noreply@blogger.com5