tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51118284842035397842024-03-13T10:41:17.080-05:00RainyDayArtRainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-68486837388889621642015-06-10T11:39:00.000-05:002015-06-10T11:39:14.543-05:00I Ran A Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgin2bYn5Cg/VXhnJvRXoLI/AAAAAAAABLY/h9id4KvSpq4/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgin2bYn5Cg/VXhnJvRXoLI/AAAAAAAABLY/h9id4KvSpq4/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I ran the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City on May 23rd, 2015!<br />
It's been a journey. I remember thinking that running a marathon was something I just couldn't do. When I started running, I couldn't make it to the end of the block. Each time I ran I tried to go a little bit further, one more house. Once you get to two miles adding more distance becomes easier.<br />
Yes, this marathon was hard, and I have room for improvement, but that first 5k is still the hardest race I've done.<br />
Why do they start races so early? With a 7:15 start time, getting the kiddo up and out wasn't the most fun, but we did it. She and my husband saw me off at the start. I tried to keep an even pace around 10:30 min per mile. Things started off great. It was a beautiful day, sunny and chillier than I liked, but it warmed up. I snacked on dates that I brought and a few chews they handed out. I avoided the caramel GU as that did NOT agree with me in my half marathon. Maybe I ate too much of their handouts. I felt like I had plenty of energy the whole race, even a bit of a sugar high.<br />
Things were going well, I chatted with a few people as I went. I looked for friends as I approached the half way turn around. It is such a great feeling when people cheer you on specifically! Thank you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbqRD455eis/VXhnv8GdFfI/AAAAAAAABLg/wcT38SQSzXQ/s1600/DSC_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbqRD455eis/VXhnv8GdFfI/AAAAAAAABLg/wcT38SQSzXQ/s320/DSC_0607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here I am somewhere around mile 9, before I saw the camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Around mile 20 I really started feeling it in my legs and feet. After another mile I had to take more walk breaks. That last 6 miles was really hard.<br />
I have to say, the other runners were great. I love how people encourage each other and look out for each other. I must have looked pretty beat up. People offered me extra water. The people around me that went ahead when I slowed way down cheered as I approached the finish line. I had a lot of fun even though I could barely walk afterward. Now I have a new PR that I look forward to crushing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It9KmuuzEQM/VXhnwvun_PI/AAAAAAAABLo/yUuTTB7UsOw/s1600/DSC_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It9KmuuzEQM/VXhnwvun_PI/AAAAAAAABLo/yUuTTB7UsOw/s320/DSC_0621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-78269619587738466632015-06-09T23:03:00.000-05:002015-06-09T23:03:26.408-05:00Men's Sock Toe Up With GussetI made a Men's sock similar to the <a href="http://rainydayart.blogspot.com/2012/03/toe-up-socks-with-gusset-and-heel-flaps.html" target="_blank">pair I made for myself</a>. It is toe up again, yay, and I adjusted the heel with for a better fit. They are knit in a very comfortable alpaca, superwash wool, and nylon sock yarn. This pattern is available for free at <a href="http://www.rainydayartshop.com/?p=1229" target="_blank">RainyDayArtShop</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YcMmaEKAVo/U_wKGG0oA-I/AAAAAAAABKE/DU22C0QSRhE/s1600/DSC_0543c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YcMmaEKAVo/U_wKGG0oA-I/AAAAAAAABKE/DU22C0QSRhE/s1600/DSC_0543c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-33152327545006004342014-08-24T19:39:00.000-05:002014-08-24T19:39:06.321-05:00Short Rows Videos<br />
<br />
Sometimes watching something in action makes it so much easier to understand than trying to figure it out from still pictures, or better yet, trying it out while watching the video.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This video demonstrates how to do the gusset, and wrap & turn.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCpbnJBP2mE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one shows how to pick up the wraps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vA0n86t9RgE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
There are a few different ways to do these, so I'm showing what has worked for me. RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-49972059832736420022014-04-09T23:06:00.000-05:002014-04-09T23:06:14.254-05:00Introducing Knitting How to VideosI'm starting a collection of <a href="http://www.rainydayartshop.com/?page_id=1218" target="_blank">how to videos on my website</a> and I'm excited to announce that I have two videos up! Do you have a favorite cast on or bind off for socks? These are my favorites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Judy's Magic Cast On</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zQXIvDkhMw4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cnn7pGMkb04?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In these videos I'm making a basic men's sock. I will be posting the pattern soon!</div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-54993300480244432592014-01-31T14:24:00.004-06:002014-04-09T23:07:47.124-05:00Finished Object: A Sweater<br />
As I was finishing this sweater, my kiddo kept saying "I like your sweater Mom". She was so happy when I gave it to her! It's a little big on her, but this way it will last a while. This sweater pattern lets you make it almost any size, you just have to do some math. The pattern has you measure a sweater that fits and you fill out a chart that guides you through the math to get to how many stitches to cast on, how to place the center pattern, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNO46ps_OOo/UuwE9rV6wEI/AAAAAAAABGc/LtCbiX8cb-Q/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNO46ps_OOo/UuwE9rV6wEI/AAAAAAAABGc/LtCbiX8cb-Q/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-91988964154935153182014-01-30T22:49:00.001-06:002014-01-30T22:49:38.489-06:00Braving Steeks This sweater project is the first time I have done steeks. Steeks are scary. Who would want to cut their knitting!? There are some lovely patterns that use steeks though, so I think they are worth it to overcome that fear. Plus you can check that box on your knitting accomplishments list!<br />
<br />
This sweater has steeks at the armholes and in the front for the neckline. The most important thing is preparation. After you have your pieces knit, block them. You want the fibers to relax and stick to each other a little.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4v12WcRI7I/Uusk2rsZeuI/AAAAAAAABF0/G8eWt0uocjU/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4v12WcRI7I/Uusk2rsZeuI/AAAAAAAABF0/G8eWt0uocjU/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
Use a contrasting color to out line the steek, pierce the stitches as you go (like a split stitch) to lock them in place. The outline will not show, use any color you like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_6OvoSHe70/UusmltdKY0I/AAAAAAAABF8/dUY8MpXl0t0/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_6OvoSHe70/UusmltdKY0I/AAAAAAAABF8/dUY8MpXl0t0/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Use a sewing maching to trace over your outlined steek. The pattern didn't call for this so when I started picking up stitches for the sleeve, I had a few threads coming loose and immediately got out the sewing machine. Go over your outline several times. In this picture you can see the sewing stitches and that I've cut the neckline steek!<br />
<br />
After that it's not that bad. Pick up stitches for the arms, and you're on to the next step in the pattern.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ0OBNdZCo8/UuspKs44i4I/AAAAAAAABGE/uc0Po-G1e0s/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ0OBNdZCo8/UuspKs44i4I/AAAAAAAABGE/uc0Po-G1e0s/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
Here I've cut the arm hole steek, and am ready to pick up stitches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDaTkEp5Es8/UuspUtPrZOI/AAAAAAAABGM/_XerjWNlh9o/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDaTkEp5Es8/UuspUtPrZOI/AAAAAAAABGM/_XerjWNlh9o/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
Here the sweaters right arm is complete, on to the left.<br />
<br />
I don't love steeks, but they aren't something to be dreaded either. For writing a pattern I think I would make arm holes in the pattern, but steeks would not stop me from knitting a pattern I liked.RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-90364435086245426742014-01-01T17:22:00.000-06:002014-01-01T17:22:30.365-06:00Large Gauge Cowl<br />
My sister asked me to knit her a cowl/scarf. You know people take your knitting skillz seriously when they ask you to make things they want to wear, you know, in public. The cowl/scarf she had in mind was very large gauge, and long, long enough to be wrapped around three or four times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KTi9qWE44Q/UsSFfk51yeI/AAAAAAAABFc/Y-B2_EHNi4g/s1600/Val+red+scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3KTi9qWE44Q/UsSFfk51yeI/AAAAAAAABFc/Y-B2_EHNi4g/s320/Val+red+scarf+2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
We picked out yarn together and I was left to figure out how to make it. The gauge is big, bigger than any of my needles. My first thought was to use my biggest needles and an elongated stitch. That would have worked, but I knew there was an easier way. Her friend said she used her arms to make a similar scarf. It sounded easy enough. The tricky part is that you can't turn your "needle" when you get to the end of the row. You have to knit backwards, mirroring what you normally do. This scarf is 12 stitches wide and uses 2 skeins of Knit Picks Swish Bulky, with 2 strands held together. To finish it off, I first tried a giant Kitchener stitch, which did not turn out that even, so I crocheted the ends together. Before being looped, this scarf is about 8 feet long, but was a fun and very quick knit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDtI7BIZNvo/UsSFf7scg-I/AAAAAAAABFg/4G-zh7T_evs/s1600/val+red+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDtI7BIZNvo/UsSFf7scg-I/AAAAAAAABFg/4G-zh7T_evs/s320/val+red+scarf.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-39248676382909629012013-11-29T11:30:00.000-06:002013-11-29T11:30:00.776-06:00A reversible hooded fleece poncho<br />
On the way home today I thought I'd stop at the fabric store and buy some cute fleece to make a poncho for my kiddo. It's getting cold here and we were running errands, and in and out the car a bunch. Well, carseats and big fluffy coats don't play nice with each other. (Seriously, you don't want your kiddo wearing a fluffy coat in their carseat. Not just because it is difficult to buckle, but not wearing the coat is safer if there were an accident.) So, I bought a yard each of some cute fabric, thinking I'd make a <a href="http://magiccityslingers.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/no-sew-babywearing-fleece-poncho-with-fringe-revised/" target="_blank">no sew one like I made for myself last year</a>. Last night I added a seam and snaps to the neck hole for the baby, since I'd like to be able to wear it and not have my back get cold if I'm not wearing a baby. I was thinking about that poncho and that it is made with 2 big rectangles. Surfing on my phone for patterns in the parking lot didn't work, so I just bought the yard of each and called it good.<br />
<br />
Then I found this <a href="http://patternshmattern.blogspot.com/2010/12/reversible-car-seat-poncho-tutorial.html" target="_blank">reversible hooded poncho</a>, which is super adorable! The only problem was that I didn't have enough fabric to make that big, 23 inch radius, circle. So I made 2, 19 by 30 inch rectangles in each fabric.<br />
<br />
I folded my fleece long ways, not the usual way, and that gave me enough space to cut out the hood pieces. I followed the hood directions as is, including making sure my bird pattern was upright on the hood.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9pleyB4TTs/UpWU0RhWbTI/AAAAAAAABE4/0fU1o_uNjIs/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9pleyB4TTs/UpWU0RhWbTI/AAAAAAAABE4/0fU1o_uNjIs/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sew the short end of one rectangle to the long end of the other.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, with right sides together, I sewed the short end of one rectangle to the long end of the other, and repeated for the other side of the neck hole. I did it again for the second layer. You have to do them separately. Then I put the rights sides of both body pieces together. The seams of the rectangles will not line up, but the whole pieces will. Line up the two corners. I decided I didn't want fringe, so I sewed the two sides of the bottom edge together, turned it right side out through the neck hole and stitched around the edge again, just like on the hood.<br />
<br />
Then I jumped to step 5 and put the hood between the body pieces.<br />
<br />
My finished measurements are neck to point: 25 inches, neck to side (along short edge seam) 18 inches.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ssQY6MVQQ/UpWUzxaDERI/AAAAAAAABE0/MyinPqUmLhg/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7ssQY6MVQQ/UpWUzxaDERI/AAAAAAAABE0/MyinPqUmLhg/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs_lznh1spg/UpWU0bEp6vI/AAAAAAAABE8/qP0KKf-T7Kw/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs_lznh1spg/UpWU0bEp6vI/AAAAAAAABE8/qP0KKf-T7Kw/s320/DSC_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puO6kSZZUiI/UpWU1XIz_6I/AAAAAAAABFI/O_w5TFRaLyM/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puO6kSZZUiI/UpWU1XIz_6I/AAAAAAAABFI/O_w5TFRaLyM/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-27506351486327471792013-11-26T23:24:00.000-06:002013-11-26T23:24:28.474-06:00Yep, still knitting, a sweater this time.I've been doing some larger projects lately. My latest project is a stranded colorwork sweater. It is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Kelleys_Ski_Sweater_Pattern__D41093220.html" target="_blank">Kelly's Ski Sweater</a> from Knit Picks. In this picture you can see the detailed pattern on the chest of the sweater. It looks funny with live stitches sitting on that cable needle, because that is a steek. I will (gulp) cut that open and pick up stitches for the collar. This is my first project with steeks so I'm nervously looking forward to that part.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8hB1Xn1BVI/UpV-LJfb2rI/AAAAAAAABEY/OQfFVKvLmi0/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8hB1Xn1BVI/UpV-LJfb2rI/AAAAAAAABEY/OQfFVKvLmi0/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the whole body of the sweater. It doesn't have arm holes. More steeks, I will cut those open and attach the sleeves. It looks like a lot of the same pattern on the body, but it is a simple pattern and went pretty quick. After the first repeat I didn't need to look at the pattern except to check how many inches further I was supposed to knit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIJWtSipPxI/UpV-KmVddBI/AAAAAAAABEU/p8qJ_OAmc2o/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIJWtSipPxI/UpV-KmVddBI/AAAAAAAABEU/p8qJ_OAmc2o/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the three needle I-cord bind off on the shoulders. The patterns says to knit the sleeves before joining the shoulders, but it also says to join the shoulders before cutting the steeks, so it doesn't matter if I switch that up. I figured with the toddler and cat around, the fewer live stitches just chilling, waiting for me, the better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9JyVQ2suvc/UpV-LQc_x_I/AAAAAAAABEc/Ln3NuobgPsw/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9JyVQ2suvc/UpV-LQc_x_I/AAAAAAAABEc/Ln3NuobgPsw/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-19399719093982329932013-11-14T15:06:00.003-06:002013-11-14T15:06:53.836-06:00Movement Double Knit Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjbjJ_muF-k/UoU5J_zBeDI/AAAAAAAABEE/vAUlAMqh-lQ/s1600/DSC_0178c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjbjJ_muF-k/UoU5J_zBeDI/AAAAAAAABEE/vAUlAMqh-lQ/s400/DSC_0178c.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
This is something that has been in the works for a while. A few of you may have seen me carrying it around and knitting it. Well, exciting news is here. Knit Picks published my pattern on their website today, and it is available for purchase and download!<br />
<br />
Here it is, my <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Movement_Double_Knit_Scarf__D12643220.html" target="_blank">Movement Double Knit Scarf</a>.<br />
<br />
It is a fun cozy project to work on this fall/winter. I've only worn it for the pictures so far, but I'm looking forward to wearing it more as it gets cold.<br />
<br />
The double knitting was fun, and I already have a few more double knitting ideas to work on.RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-42941464045656469032013-11-07T23:39:00.003-06:002013-11-07T23:39:42.669-06:00Beneath The Tree Starts tomorrow!You don't want to miss this! And check out <a href="http://www.beneaththetree.info/">http://www.beneaththetree.info/</a> for more information and a map. It's such a fun event and so many people worked very hard. I'm at house #6. I'm working there Friday afternoon and then I'll be touring the other houses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgszszRG_3Y/Unx3piqOzcI/AAAAAAAABD0/3HV8H9s2c-g/s640/beneaththetree2013.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-72770902403685460032013-11-05T00:19:00.000-06:002013-11-05T00:19:18.784-06:00Beneath The Tree Setup 2013<br />
<br />
<br />
I am happy to be selling at Beneath The Tree again this year. Look for my vanilla extract, liquid soap, and bar soap in the kitchen, and a selection of my fiber art in the dining room.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Setup went smoothly and it was great to chat with the designer and hostess.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are only 3 more days to the big event! I am volunteering at house #6 as well, so I hope to see you on Friday!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6l6sVZXVoU/UniLXzjK-7I/AAAAAAAABDk/oBlTVyj4yp0/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6l6sVZXVoU/UniLXzjK-7I/AAAAAAAABDk/oBlTVyj4yp0/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-68703865871328815312013-09-11T22:59:00.002-05:002013-09-11T23:00:36.415-05:00I Am A Triathlete<br />
I completed my first triathlon on September 7th, 2013, and I'm excited to do more!<br />
<br />
Let me tell you how I got here. After my daughter was born things took a while to go back into place. I had to hold my belly when I walked for about a week. I wish someone had told me about some kind of belly support back then. There are bands sold for just that purpose or a sheet or a wrap baby carrier would work too.<br />
<br />
A while later, I was looking for something to do for exercise that I could do with a baby. I wasn't into running and I wasn't good at running before. Running sounded like something I could do without too much trouble or added expense: put baby in stroller and go. I quickly discovered that I needed a jogging stroller as regular strollers have crappy plastic wheels.<br />
<br />
When I first started running, I couldn't run to the end of the block. I set small goals, each time I ran I'd try to run farther than the last, even it was just one driveway farther. It felt like a long time while I was doing it, but soon I could run a half mile and then a mile. My brothers in law and husband were talking about a 5K race. That sounded like something I could do. I trained for it and felt ready, but that race was hard! I had horrible blisters on my feet. I got new shoes right after that, and running socks not long after that.<br />
<br />
The next spring I was still running and picked a longer race, a 10K. I did it and felt better afterwards than after my first 5K. I signed up for that same 5K again, and beat my time by 2 minutes! <br />
<br />
I was looking for more races and saw a triathlon mixed in with the runs. The distances didn't sound that bad. Swim .5 miles, I'd swam farther than that before, although not this decade. Bike 17.2, I'd biked 70 miles in a day before, but again not in a long time, and run 4.9, that was less than the 10K (6.2 miles) I'd done that spring. I added biking and attempted swimming workouts. I got one really good swim in. A boater freaked me out by heading straight for me, turns out, he thought I was drowning. I know I was going slow, but I'm just going to go with he doesn't see people training for triathlons that often.<br />
<br />
Race day: I got up at 5:30 in the morning! Who schedules races where you have to have your stuff there by 6:30!? All the athletes were ready, but then there was lightning, so we had to wait an hour. Then it was time to go. I was in the second heat (by age group). I really didn't want to get run over so I started towards the back and outside of my group. It was great swimming with the women there, they seemed more aware of their surroundings. Three minutes later the next heat started. Soon men were passing me. I did get bumped into and kicked a few times, but it wasn't like I had feared. My swim time was 24:37!<br />
<br />
I had trouble tying my shoes, but soon was on my bike. People passed me constantly and many said stuff like "keep it up", "nice job on the mountain bike", "last big hill", etc. My chain fell off 3 times. Ugh. I had taken the bike in to get that fixed, but nope, the chain fell off during the race, repeatedly. My bike time was 1:17:28, which is about what I was doing in practice. I was starting to think everyone had passed me, and was happy to get to the run.<br />
<br />
I got to transition and the people around me had put their bikes too close together. It took me a long time to get my bike on the rack.<br />
<br />
Then I was running. I was a bit tired and still damp. My shoes were still damp from the rain. I was glad I thought ahead to put anti-chafe stuff on my feet, sooo worth the 5 seconds it took. I actually passed some people in the run! I averaged just under an 11 minute mile with a time of 53:32. That was faster running than my 10K earlier that year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA3p2Pla640/UjE792eiHyI/AAAAAAAABCw/yNEbPn_NzDk/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA3p2Pla640/UjE792eiHyI/AAAAAAAABCw/yNEbPn_NzDk/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My final time was 2:41:12! Now to pick out my next race...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-84289372996648777382013-08-05T15:56:00.001-05:002013-08-05T15:56:58.540-05:00Infinity Scarf Fresh Off The Needles<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cjZAdUTFOI/UgAMoHk1LUI/AAAAAAAABCg/ywf-AC4CG7M/s1600/DSCN6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cjZAdUTFOI/UgAMoHk1LUI/AAAAAAAABCg/ywf-AC4CG7M/s320/DSCN6467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
That's me, as artist, model, and photographer. One has to be a jack of all trades on this budget.<br />
<br />
This is a really long garter stitch scarf, using a provisional cast on. Knit till its about 70 in long, twist one end and then Kitchener stitch the ends together.<br />
<br />
It can loop around my neck 2 or 3 times.<br />
<br />
Yarn: Knit Picks Suri Dream in Tiramisu<br />
Needles: US 15<br />
<br />
Yes, its another <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B6bius_strip" target="_blank">mobius</a>. I think its so cool that they only have one side! <br />
<br />
<br />
Want to buy this scarf? <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158785173/soft-chocolate-brown-alpaca-infinity?ref=shop_home_active">https://www.etsy.com/listing/158785173/soft-chocolate-brown-alpaca-infinity?ref=shop_home_active</a>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-52115057698023397302013-05-14T22:30:00.000-05:002013-05-14T22:30:00.571-05:00Burnside Tunic is Finished<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvpaeL3OrZU/UZL5_YYqz_I/AAAAAAAABCI/xoHPVhTekO0/s1600/DSC_0061%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvpaeL3OrZU/UZL5_YYqz_I/AAAAAAAABCI/xoHPVhTekO0/s320/DSC_0061%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Detailed cable patterns are not the thing to knit when you have a toddler around, which is why this took me about a year to knit. It was a fun project to work on, and I definitely enjoy the finished sweater. More pictures to come!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/view-all-patterns/burnside-tunic.html" target="_blank">Want to knit this?</a>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-7028783772633321832013-04-13T14:54:00.001-05:002013-04-13T14:54:08.932-05:00Avocado Doubled Eggs<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-u0MwDFYRQ/UWmyFlyH9OI/AAAAAAAABBk/5yvqpPrSZI4/s1600/DSCN6350%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-u0MwDFYRQ/UWmyFlyH9OI/AAAAAAAABBk/5yvqpPrSZI4/s320/DSCN6350%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These are delicious!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
8 eggs, boiled<br />
1 avocado<br />
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) lemon juice<br />
salt to taste<br />
paprika for garnish<br />
<br />
1. Peel the eggs, cut in half, and scoop the yolks into a bowl.<br />
2. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and salt to the yolks, and mash it until smooth.<br />
3. Spoon the mixture into the egg whites.<br />
4. Sprinkle the paprika on top.<br />
<br />
and enjoy!<br />
<br />
This makes a lot of filling, there would probably be enough filling to use 12 eggs with the one avocado.<br />
<br />
<i>I know many people call them "deviled eggs". I don't care. "Doubled" is better, because it refers to what you are doing, cutting the eggs in half to make twice as many. Plus, my family has always called them "doubled" eggs.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is not normally a cooking blog, but I've been looking for healthier foods and thought I'd share some.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-6274955191516653532013-01-29T15:41:00.001-06:002013-02-01T18:09:19.089-06:00Adventures in Baking: Gluten Free EditionI don't usually do much baking but when it comes to birthdays, I think they deserve more than a store bought sheet cake. I also like to make things that all my guests can eat which lead me to look for a gluten free cake recipe.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This <span style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e4f; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gluten-Free-Chocolate-Cake-with-Semi-Sweet-Chocolate-Icing/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Semi-Sweet Chocolate Icing</a> looked like a good place to start. I work with what I have on hand unless I just have to run to the store for something; I don't like to put so much sugar in my food; and I tend to be adventurous with straying from the recipe so this is what I ended up with. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e4f; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e4f; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gluten Free Chocolate Cake</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a 9x13 in pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
1/2 cup coconut flour <br />
1/2 cup tapioca flour<br />
1/2 cup rice flour<br />
1 cup cocoa powder<br />
1 1/2 tablespoons agar powder<br />
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
3/4 cup butter (I didn't set it out ahead of time, I just melted it)<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar (lessened the sugar here)<br />
1/4 cup white sugar (and here)<br />
1/2 cup stevia powder (I was concerned that guests/husband might want things sweeter than I do)<br />
That's a half cup less sweetener than originally called for, plus not all of it is sugar now.<br />
4 eggs (I had 4 eggs left, not five)<br />
2 tablespoon vanilla extract (I like vanilla)<br />
1 1/2 cups whole milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice added, let set for 5 min and then add to the other ingredients (I didn't have buttermilk, so used this common substitute.) <br />
<span class="ingredient-name" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't have sorghum flour or xanthan gum, but I did have coconut flour and agar powder from previous adventures in gluten free and vegan baking.</span></span><br />
<span class="ingredient-name" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions</b></span><br />
<ol><span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the brown and white sugars and stevia; whip until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla. Add the milk and dry ingredients. Pour batter into prepared pan. I don't have a stand mixer so just mixed things in with a fork.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan.</span></li>
</span></ol>
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17px;">
</span><span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b></b></span></span>
<div>
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b><span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b>
Frosting</b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I was inspired by the<a href="http://paleospirit.com/2012/paleo-chocolate-birthday-cake-coconut-honey-frosting/" target="_blank"> Coconut Honey Frosting found here.</a> I did not have palm shortening and wanted it to be strawberry, so I did this:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #4e4e4f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">1 cup butter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">1 can full fat coconut milk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">2 tablespoons honey (I was running out, plus less sweetener)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">1 tablespoon vanilla extract (yum again)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">8 oz frozen strawberries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">2. Pour the frosting on the cake and put in </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">refrigerator</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"> to cool and set the frosting. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">If I made this again I would probably put some agar powder in my frosting to help it set better.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">It turned out delicious and way better than store bought. If I had more time I would have done another frosting in a different color to add "Happy Birthday" to the cake.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INif_2wYoHA/UQxZINdhyJI/AAAAAAAABBA/bpCyeWeFj6A/s1600/Birthdaycake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-INif_2wYoHA/UQxZINdhyJI/AAAAAAAABBA/bpCyeWeFj6A/s640/Birthdaycake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="directLeft" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; float: left; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 478px;">
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="color: #4e4e4f;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-45394763319484710452012-12-16T18:44:00.002-06:002012-12-16T18:44:48.587-06:00Homemade Playdough<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever wanted to make your own playdough? It's pretty quick</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(about 10 minutes from start to playing with it).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebChddgQQVc/UM5mhQJYb_I/AAAAAAAAA_8/o-I_5-BaiXc/s1600/IMG_20121211_195629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebChddgQQVc/UM5mhQJYb_I/AAAAAAAAA_8/o-I_5-BaiXc/s320/IMG_20121211_195629.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Homemade Playdough Recipe</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">3 cups flour</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 cups salt </div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
6 tsp. cream of tarter </div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
3 tbsp. olive oil </div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
3 cups water </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
food coloring or koolaid</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Mix all the ingredients in a large pot. This makes a lot of playdough. You may want to start with a half batch.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Stir over medium heat until the dough sticks together. The dough on the bottom of the pot cooks first so keeps stirring and pull the bottom dough up so it can cook evenly. It will only take a few minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">For even color, add the food coloring or koolaid in your pot before the dough starts to stick together.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">For swirly colors, add the food coloring after the dough is formed. I made indents with my finger, put a few drops of coloring in and then squished the dough around it. Then I kneaded it to mix in the color.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I added the yellow color in the pot and mixed the blue and green in after the dough was formed.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Store in an air tight container.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">You don't have to be exact on the salt. I ran out on my second batch and only put in half a cup. It was a little stickier mixing, but the finished dough was just like the first batch.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrlAEnso3C4/UM5qgS8LTWI/AAAAAAAABAM/Sg1fMeF5KTE/s1600/IMG_20121211_193719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrlAEnso3C4/UM5qgS8LTWI/AAAAAAAABAM/Sg1fMeF5KTE/s320/IMG_20121211_193719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Kiddo decided to mix all the colors together.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-52959696568273783222012-10-12T15:10:00.000-05:002012-10-12T15:14:52.837-05:00Announcing Beneath The Tree<div style="text-align: center;">
Beneath The Tree is a holiday home tour and art sale and I'm very excited to be a part of it this year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beneaththetree.info/map/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-DhE8F-JUU/UHh2b-heA-I/AAAAAAAAA_k/RQis1H6uHe0/s640/emailBLAST_BeneaththeTree2012_Page_1.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you'll be in the Grand Rapids, MI area November 9th or 10th check it out! This is really different than any shows I've done before. The art is set up in people's homes and there is one checkout per house!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been working hard to get my stuff made and tagged. I have scarves, hats, bar soap, foaming soap, vanilla extract, toothpaste, and braided roving rugs!<br />
<br />
Look for RainyDayArt and Mel's Naturals at house #1!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They're still looking for<a href="http://beneaththetree.info/volunteer/"> volunteers</a> if you'd like to work a shift or bring a meal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-85045458460736972912012-03-02T23:46:00.002-06:002012-03-03T00:00:41.239-06:00Wool Dryer Ball ReportThanks for the comments, its so nice to know that someone reads my blog!<div><br /></div><div>These dryer balls are awesome! Seriously!</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't checking constantly; I just set the dryer for less time than usual, but a big load of diapers dried in 40 minutes less (at least) than usual AND the thick BumGenius AIOs that take FOREVER to dry were completely dry. Next time I'll try setting it for a little less time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's some how to info that I found.</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4M2LEhZbQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4M2LEhZbQ</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/how-to-make-felted-wool-dryer-balls">http://www.crunchybetty.com/how-to-make-felted-wool-dryer-balls</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're making a bunch that is probably the way to go. I made 3 and they're about 3 inches across. I just felted them at my sink, it went pretty quick. I wrapped the wool into balls like shown in those links, put hot water and soap on them, and rubbed them in my hands, then did a second layer. With how well they work, I should make some more. I don't have any old pantyhose, because I wear them almost never, maybe I'll try a sock.</div>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-30603075945515035812012-03-01T22:19:00.007-06:002012-10-12T15:13:12.093-05:00Toe Up Socks with Gusset and Heel Flaps<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_GMj6jPP-E/T1GbeArq0aI/AAAAAAAAA_A/Fw4UFzBNq7U/s1600/DSCN6039.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715520341991412130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_GMj6jPP-E/T1GbeArq0aI/AAAAAAAAA_A/Fw4UFzBNq7U/s320/DSCN6039.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
I really like knitting socks toe up, but I also wanted to try for a better fit by adding a gusset, and I wanted to knit it with magic loop instead of double points. I searched and searched and didn't find a pattern that had what I was looking for. So I examined heels and gussets in several different patterns and of course my gauge was different, and this is what I came up with.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">I knit from both ends of the yarn, which is why the stripes progress in </span>opposite<span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span>directions<span style="font-size: 100%;">.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">This is a basic sock formula which can be adjusted. The numbers in my example fit a size 6 US shoe size (9 inches toe to heel, and 7.75inches around the ball of the foot).</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Gauge: 6.25 st/in<br />
<div>
Needle size: 4</div>
<div>
Yarn: Indulgence 6 Ply Distrato (at 426 yards, it looks like I have enough for another pair)</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Use a cast on appropriate for magic loop knitting, such as this</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html">http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Cast on 16 stitches per sock (8 each for the top and bottom). If you want a wider toe, cast on more to start.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Toe increases:</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row 1: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1; K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row 2: K around</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Continue increasing until there are 48 stitches per sock. (or more for a wider sock)</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Knit around until you have 6 inches or about 2/3 of the total foot length. This can be adjusted depending on how big of a gusset you want. On this sock I did 3 rounds of increasing for the gusset, if you want more start that many rows earlier.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
The first half of the sock is the top.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row 1: Knit across the top. K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1,</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
K1 (2 stitches increased)</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row 2: K around</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Repeat until you have the desired number of gusset increases.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Turn Heel</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
How wide or narrow the heel is can be adjusted by how man<span style="font-size: 100%;">y stitches are in the middle of the heel. This gives a fairly wide heel.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row1: K 23, M1, K1, wrap and turn</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row2: P18, M1, P1, W&T</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row3: K16, M1, K1, W&T</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div>
Row4: P14, M1, P1, W&T</div>
<div>
Row5: K12, M1, K1, W&T</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div>
Row6: P10, M1, P1, W&T</div>
<div>
Row7: K8, M1, K1, W&T</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
Row8: P6, M1, P1, W&T</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Knit around picking up and K2TOG the wraps as you go. (Pick up the wrap, put it on the left needle, and knit it together with the stitch it was wrapped around)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Heel Flap</div>
<div>
K till 8 stitches left, SSK, turn</div>
<div>
Sl 1, P20, P2TOG</div>
<div>
Sl 1, K20, SSK</div>
<div>
Continue decreasing until you are back to 48 stitches per sock (so 24 on the heel side).</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Leg</div>
<div>
Knit around until a little less (1 1/4 inches) than desired length</div>
<div>
Switch to K2, P2 rib for 1 1/4 inches.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Use a stretchy bind off such as a K2TOG (through the back loop to make it look like a regular bind off) bind off <a href="http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/07/30/a-stretchier-bind-off.aspx">http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/07/30/a-stretchier-bind-off.aspx</a> or Jenny's surprisingly stretchy bind off<a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/FEATjssbo.php">http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/FEATjssbo.php</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715520353316165202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztn9kS9CWSk/T1Gbeq3s1lI/AAAAAAAAA_M/PE_7E02h5QY/s320/DSCN6041.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">
</div>
</div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-45669047403534159052012-02-28T17:04:00.002-06:002012-02-28T20:42:02.107-06:00Wool Dryer Balls<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsJ1ZwSEUc4/T01eAvZZCFI/AAAAAAAAA-0/iU-f6ZeKLG0/s1600/DSCN6025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsJ1ZwSEUc4/T01eAvZZCFI/AAAAAAAAA-0/iU-f6ZeKLG0/s320/DSCN6025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714326869019002962" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I've seen wool dryer balls on several different websites. They are supposed to shorten drying time and so use less energy. That sounds pretty cool. I had some wool leftover from a spinning project so I made some. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-58074330306259474062012-02-27T18:05:00.003-06:002012-02-28T08:17:48.219-06:00Scrappy the Fabric Block<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESlupd4DDm0/T0waxBf3WFI/AAAAAAAAA-o/V4qSZgERxu4/s1600/DSCN6021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESlupd4DDm0/T0waxBf3WFI/AAAAAAAAA-o/V4qSZgERxu4/s320/DSCN6021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713971456744314962" /></a><br />I'm gradually getting a bit more time for making things here and there. I was fixing a shirt the other night and decided to make this fabric block while I had the sewing machine out.<div><br /></div><div>You may recognize one of the fabrics from the pajamas I made. I had scraps from different polar fleece fabrics. I cut 6 squares. Sewed four of them together in a line, then sewed one on the top edge, matching each edge of the square with an edge from the other 4 squares, and one on the bottom edge, leaving a space to stuff it. I turned it right side out, stuffed it with more fabric scraps, and sewed up the small remaining hole.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ta Da, a nifty soft block made from scraps! :)<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-80365221922752297802012-01-19T14:40:00.004-06:002012-01-19T15:10:08.901-06:00Pajamas!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imnP4IL6VWA/TxiAFr1q7jI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/-EsJYal1qSw/s1600/DSCN5927.JPG"><span><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imnP4IL6VWA/TxiAFr1q7jI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/-EsJYal1qSw/s320/DSCN5927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699446163592900146" /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div></a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Look at me making stuff again! This is pajamas that I sewed for my daughter. It was fun to work on a different sort of project and this was my first zipper installation. I learned some things along the way and it turned out pretty good too! </span></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>The sleeve cuffs where too tight so I just left them off and did a simple hem.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I got so tired of the pajamas in the store having toxic flame retardants on them, so I did a few things about it. I bought some super spiffy wool pajamas from England, I bought some of those tight organic cotton pajamas with the silly warning tags, and then I picked out some fabric and a pattern and made my own. Mine look super cute on her and so cozy and warm!</span></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Its<a href="http://kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3527&Cat=Children&Level=Toddlers&QL=Toddlers#"> pattern 3527</a>, in case you want to make your own.<br /><div><a href="http://kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3527&Cat=Children&Level=Toddlers&QL=Toddlers#"><br /></a></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTX3aQI4ggA/TxiCiT1fX6I/AAAAAAAAA-c/ZmAC85PX-5s/s320/pajamas3527.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699448854389153698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111828484203539784.post-25348100328898959642011-09-17T12:19:00.002-05:002011-09-17T12:40:53.141-05:00Knitting Again!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp3h-Jx4R8U/TnTXETiV4SI/AAAAAAAAA-I/s4O8WdqoGjo/s1600/DSCN5612.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp3h-Jx4R8U/TnTXETiV4SI/AAAAAAAAA-I/s4O8WdqoGjo/s320/DSCN5612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653379901220577570" /></a>Yes, I've picked up my much missed needles again! For this project, I am designing and knitting a hat for my daughter. The yarn is handspun by me alpaca yarn. The original idea was to spin and knit a blanket for her, but then I got a bunch of blankets at a shower (some really nice handmade ones too). I started spinning it before she was born but am just now getting to knitting it. The idea has morphed into a hat, knit from the top down. I like that for the same reason I like toe up socks, you can try it on as you go. I'm thinking an I-cord edge will finish this hat off nicely. I hope I can find time to finish it before it gets cold!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RainyDayArthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119982342483653489noreply@blogger.com0