Happy New Year 2009........

wishing all my readers their deepest desires found in the NEW YEAR.....and piles of UFO knitting projects becoming FO garments and accessories!

This was a tough year, and unusual year for most if NOT ALL.......the market crashing, jobs lost, sky high gasoline prices to low gasoline prices.....lifestyles changed......and although difficult to fathom and even harder to come to grips with on a short term basis....I can't help but, believe with UPHEAVAL, comes CHANGE for the better. Trust in this....warm your hearts with what TRULY matters this New YEAR......LOVE. Love of family, LOVE of friends, Love just for Love sake!!!

Give a smile to that stranger in the street, they may need it more than you could ever know....it could be the best part of their day....and it will cost you nothing but, to exercise those sagging facial muscles. It is the gift, that can warm the world.........A SMILE!

Help someone that is struggling with their arms full, open a door for someone, thank the cashier clerk that has been on his/ her feet all day........give the bank teller a thank you........remember those that pass through your day, unknown. Shake their hand....wish them well.....make their day special....because they are there to make yours special.

Wishing all my readers a very special New Years Eve filled with the stuff dreams are made of, wrapped up in a silver ribbon.......JUST FOR YOU....

Goodbye 2008, I am so happy to see you go..........and looking forward to what the new year will bring........and hopefully it will have more SMILES THAN TEARS.....for me.

Smiles to you,
DC

Xmas Decorations/ Ornaments on EBAY.....

I have been non stop ebaying for this entire month, unloading my aunt's collection of christmas ornaments, decorations, etc. She was a worse packrat than I was, because many of the ornaments and decorations were never opened.

So please visit my store and check out her Christmas stash and take it off my hands.......and to a new home that will love it as she did.

http://stores.ebay.com/konoponopdesigns

She even had these darling crocheted angels...

still in their original gift box. Check out the vintage angel with a handpainted wooden face.

On the subject of knitting, nothing new completed or really worked on because of the ebay sales....sorry to say.........I MISS MY KNITTING TIME......and can not wait for the holidays

to be over.....so I can be one with my sticks and string....

Not even a knitted gift for anyone this year.........Oh well, this too shall pass.

Wishing you a wonderful fiber day.......

SMILES TO YOU,

DC

New way to make cash.....and find out about NEW PRODUCTS

I just found this great website that pays you to try out new products, services, and websites. You can make $5 to $75 per survey, and you even get to keep the products you review! The surveys are really easy, and the membership is ABSOLUTELY FREE, so there is NOTHING to lose!

Check it out by clicking HERE!

This appears to be a bonafide site...they do not sell your information.

They actually pay you for each and every survey that you complete. It is not one of those sites that you are entered into a sweepstakes to get paid. Each survey pays you cash, which can go directly into your paypal account. I signed up, because it has a payout per survey completed....without leaving your home.

So far they sent me 5 surveys: $5, $8, $5, $5, $5 = $28 in the last 24 hours...and I just started and that was before I filled out my complete profile, which they paid me an additional $2 for doing.

I need to earn money anyway that I can these days..... I know that with all the financial mess these days, I am not alone in needing to find alternate means of support.

I hope this helps others as well. If you know someone out of work that needs some real income without having to shell out money, in order to obtain the online info....send them this link or direct them to my blog. Most online make money deals, cost money upfront....and I have learned that they DO NOT WORK.....by actually signing up for a few of them. If someone is really employing you, they will not ask you to be paid to be employed!

It makes me crazy that people are using others misfortunes to get rich, by making them pay upfront fees to join these money making sites. They get paid by their clients and by the people they get to do the work for them. They take from both sides. This is PURE GREED!!!

All the mystery shopping sites are like that. You can not make a dime doing mystery shopping unless you own the company. It is only beneficial if you actually need those services, like an oil change or something that they reimburse you for purchasing. Or you were on your way to that location anyway. Otherwise, you will not make a profit. I know I tried.

It just is not right. I am not saying you can pay the mortgage with this deal, but, this will help with the groceries or perhaps give you money to buy some gifts...or you can use this money to make charity gifts that help others eat and give those that are homeless shelter, with NO COST OF MEMBERSHIP or to You, that I have personally seen yet.

Let me know if you try it out....and do not agree with my assessment so far.

Wishing you all a wonderful day,
SMILES TO YOU,
DC

IT'S FINISHED..................

the lace wrap cardigan from HELL! Which I renamed the UNWRAPPED lace cardigan, since I modified it majorly!!!

I was not happy with the fit, as a wrap cardigan...my boobs were too exposed, plus it was too long waisted for me. So it is now a lace up v-neck sweater that has a loose empire waist baby doll look in the front and fitted in the back.

I had it on today and actually DO like it now. I used a crocheted scallop edging on the neck edge and larger treble stitch crocheted scallop edging on the bottom.

I wove the silk binding ribbon through the bottom edging and through the neck edge scallops. I found the ribbon in my stash which, matched perfectly!!!


Other modifications include, only two stitches used on the body, instead of three. I changed pattern E because I did not like the purl background with all the other knit background stitches. I used the pattern stitch for the middle part of the sleeves for a longer row repeat than suggested and reordered the patterns selected for each sleeve.

I am so happy that this turned into a wearable garment, with all the angst I went through knitting it. Someone did finally post a finished garment on ravelry...and it looks great. She knitted a small and did not have all the problems with the pattern that I did. On the other hand it could have been all the errata I worked out with LISA from vogue before hand. Thank you lisa, for your assistance.
I started the #14 Hooded Pullover in Vogue Winter 2008/2007 by deborah newtown, which is turning out great. No problems so far. Thank you DEBORAH NEWTON for writing a great pattern.

I am using this fabulous yarn Silwood Sensations 50% superfine kid, 25% alpaca, 25 % wool from new zealand. I adore this yarn. If you can find it, buy it!!! Knitting with it is like heaven!!!!

I have about 9 inches done on the body now. I made a stitch pattern chart on excel for the body stitch pattern changes.

If you would like a copy, leave me a message in my blog comments with your email and I will be happy to send it to you. It helps tremendously.

I modified the pattern for a smaller size. I cast on only 118 stitches and hoping to get a 39" bust. The small was incredibly large. I am also using # 8 needles throughout the project....which is working well. I can't wait to finish this one up, it is a real pleasure to knit.

I also finally finished the knitting on the lace cable cardigan from 2004...a former UFO, that is actually near completion. Just need to sew it up and knit the button band and it will be officially removed from the UFO heap. I made a chart for the sleeves which, really helps. If interested...leave comment on my blog.

wishing you all a happy week......
Smiles to YOU,
DC

Part #5 - #17 Vogue Knitting Holiday 2008 - Lace Cardigan

Yesterday morning, following the first Snow storm to hit Pennsylvania, I was greeted by this view from my deck.

Two huge limbs literally were almost sliced off my Bradford Pear tree. Ugggh! I turned around and went back for another bolt of Java.

and decided, that it was best to walk the dogs in the front yard. I had things to do...and just could not face the mess in the backyard.

And that was just the beginning. I want to say here, the coffee was one of the highlights of my day.


I decided to trade some stock, got stuck in a position, and literally willed it to finally go back up........and just as I hit my profit point, and go to click the sell button..........my computer seems to have no internet connection....

I turned it off and on, but, no help. I am freaking. go to call the broker, and NO PHONE either...LOL! It is 3:30p and the market is closing....and I WANT OUT OF MY POSITION BEFORE it is closed.

I finally get a broker on the phone that wants to lecture me......while he does the stock plummets 35 cents.......yes, out of the profit, I sell and wake up this morning...to find the stock opened at ...15.50 about $2. 35 higher than what I sold at......Was fate trying to tell me something ....?

With the tree, I knew what to do.....go out the front door....and forget about it, enjoy the morning...with the stock I forced the issue........and lost out big time......$2, 350. to be exact.

Money I could have used....big time! Lessons surround us every day...if we learn to accept ....as opposed to forcing our will over our world.

In any case, next was comcast.........to reset the cable modem.......move the table to stand on a chair.........and what is there? A DEAD BABY MOUSEY!....too frazzled by that time to scream..and hey who was gonna hear me........the cable tech guy in DELAWARE...LOL! Grabbed the pooper scooper...great tip....and got rid of the mouse....

fixed phone and internet. It is now 5:30p, should be in the shower getting ready for the knitting guild meeting........outside, trying to figure out how to make a pathway through the giant limbs for the dogs and I to walk in the back yard....till 7:30P. No guild meeting....worked on the nemisis, left sleeve..........half way done after frogging the entire sleeve. Have the fronts and backs sewed together and the right sleeve is sewn together. I am nearing completion of this
Lace Cardigan from HELL! Hopefully, by tonight....it will be off the needles and awaiting finishing touches.

I am thinking of using a crochet lace border for the front edges and bottom edges. I am also seriously contemplating using satin ribbon.......for the ties. I do not like the I-cord ties....just not pretty enough for the sweater. If I finish the sleeve this evening. I will post the photos in a separate blog post.

Anyway, my day today was much better, made a nice profit in the market, and knit when I grew tense. Now just have to figure what to do with the mess outside.......

Here is a great Xmas gift to buy for family and friends......I found this today when I was shopping around. What a fabulous idea.....with the high cost of razor blades today......



wishing you a fabulously warm evening.......filled with the clicking sound of your needles.....
SMILES to YOU,
DC

Part#5 - #17 Vogue Knitting Holiday 2008- Lace Cardigan

First, this is how the correct Chart C pattern looks when knit properly. It is nice.

This is a photo of my right sleeve after

blocking. I used Charts A, C and B.

I used Charts E, D and A for the left

sleeve below......

sorry about the photos...

they reflect my mood,

depressed!

Here is the left sleeve blocking in all its mistaken glory!

Uggggh....there is a mistake in this sleeve, that I just noticed while blocking it........

DO you see it? The Line in thelower third of Chart D of the sleeve...which, is most of the knitting that I did on the sleeve TODAYYYYYYY!

Do I hear FROGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG?

This sweater is my nemesis, it has a life of its own........it hates me, it is torturing me.....LOL! I actually looked at it...for 10 minutes, then got a glass of scotch...I figured I needed something extra strong to take this in...hoping that a couple of sips, might make it look better. It did not work.

This means the Lace Cardigan from Hell, is going to have to be ripped back and instead of doing ebay this evening, I intend on finishing this sleeve, if I have to stay up all night to finish this up. UGGGGGGGH!

Here's hoping your knitting went better than mine this weekend,
Smiles to you,
DC

Part #4 - #17 Vogue Knitting Holiday 2008 - Lace Cardigan

Well....I am just finishing the last Sleeve. The left sleeve. I got to the cap and there were more errors in the instructions. I am finished writing Vogue. They should pay me for tech editing this pattern. Someone should.

Here goes.

The right sleeve says Bind off 4 or 5 stitches twice, then dec 1 st each side on next row, **then every other row 5 times.** 30 sts left size small

the left sleeve says the same.........except ....from ** then every other row 4 times." 28 sts size small. ( my math gets me to 32 sts left size small.....but, hey what do I know, I am unemployed....)

Don't even ask me who does their math for them........they are hopeless. I would think that after I wrote so many comments to Vogue, someone would have gone through the entire pattern with a fine tooth comb. Obviously, NOT!!!

and I decided I am not working for them for free. So this error notice is only found here.

I am going to use the right sleeve decreases as written for the left sleeve. It looks good and like it will fit. The right sleeve is blocked and looks good. I am praying to the knitting gods, that this sews up with my adjustments and is wearable after all this angst.

The funny part about this project, is I started it as the stock market began crashing, for some stress relief and none was to be found. This project has been sheer hell!!! Just hope it was worth it. I do like the yarn, it is fabulous and highly recommend it.

Wishing you a wonderful sunday evening,
Smiles to you,
DC

Konoponop Designs Jewelry Is NOW on Sale.......

Announcing for the first time ever, Konoponop Designs Original Handcrafted Jewelry is available for purchase on the worldwide web.

Please visit my ebay store to see my Handmade Original Designed Jewelry. It is all sterling silver .925 except, for the cast items which, are over .950. This higher fine silver content makes the silver less prone to tarnish. The fishbone earrings are an example of a cast piece with the higher silver content.

This is the first time I am selling my jewelry on the net, so it is a new experience for me. I have always done the juried fine arts and crafts fairs, in the past, but it is such unbelievably hard work to set up the booth and set up and take down the jewelry every night, I decided to try this in its place.

Sorry about the photos, this is not my art medium and jewelry is one of the most difficult things to photograph. Forgive me, I have!!! LOL!

I will eventually take custom made orders from my blog, after the holidays are past. So if you are interested email me at konoponopdesigns@comcast.net or feel free to leave me a comment in the comments section, I will respond the first chance I get.

If you click here you will land in my ebay store. I only have a few pieces up at the moment but, more will be going up throughout the weekend and next week.

Please do not hesitate to make a best offer, if you are interested in something.

On knitting news, I am half way done the left sleeve of the Lace Cardigan from HELL! I will be happy to get this off the needles and sewn up....and listed as a finished object. I am getting near the end of my patience with this garment....which, should be no secret if you have read the previous posts.

Happy friday to all....and wishes for a weekend of knitting bliss.......

Smiles to You,

DC

The POOL IS CLOSED............

one day later. What a mess, the wind was blowing crazy today. It was cold and damp. The pool was covered in leaves, it took an hour to remove them and just as I finished, the guys arrived and more wind did too. It took three hours to finish it up and get it covered.

YIPPEE!!!

No more pulling leaves out of the pool for the rest of 2008!

Summer is officially over, everything has been put away for next year....it always leaves me a bit sad....as I know, it is also means we are now heading into the final days of the downward spiral into darkness. The toughest time of year for me getting through the shorter days with short sunlight hours.

Until the 21st of December, the next 60 or so days are brutal.....til Winter Solstice begins....because from there, each and every day we are one day closer to springtime....and knowing that gets me through the cold but, ever lighter days of the winter months.

Time to light the fires in the fireplaces and sit down and knit, knit and knit some more......

Wishing you all a wonderful fall........evening!
Smiles to you,
DC

Part #3- # 17 Vogue Holiday 2008 - Lace Wrap Cardigan

The leaves are falling more heavily in Bucks County now...and it is growing too cold in the evenings for open windows. Saturday I actually used my electric blanket and got out the winter PJ's. It is coming.

Friday I spent the day one with my leave vaccuum. I can not say enough...about this tool. It is my favorite. Of course, just my luck as I got the backyard finally leave free...and bit of a storm blew in. One hour later, it looked as if I had not done anything.

Okay the water is a bit green....Okay very green...It needed chemicals.....it got them. In fact going out now to put more in there. It is very important to close the pool with NO ALGAE evidence or you will have a scummy pond next spring.

The pool is closing tomorrow......can't wait till they arrive....pulling the leaves out every morning is becoming a major chore as well. One more morning left. Yippee!

I love to keep it open as long as possible, for the waterfall. It is way too cold to swim now....and budget can not afford to heat the pool during these very, very cool fall evenings. So I don't.

Made some progress on the Lace Wrap Cardigan from Hell.....I finished the right sleeve and it is blocking. Sorry no photos yet. Started the left sleeve today. I changed the patterns used on the right sleeve to…. A, C, B.

I heard from lisa at vogue….here is another change they made from my reported errors:

The right front says use patterns D, B and E. The photo shows Patterns D, A and E were used.

While completing the right sleeve, I found another re my earlier comments about chart C, being wrong, and now understand why I read Chart C wrong....again consistency, magazine editors, PLEASE:

Chart B says "SK2P"- BUT MEANS = you pass over a k2tog.

and Chart C says "sl1 knitwise, k2, psso the k2 " = in this chart, you pass over a K2.

Personally, I do not see in the info provided, the difference lisa claims I should have seen. DO YOU?

The meanings look the same to me, albeit Chart C's is written out….BUT ARE DIFFERENT. So i will write to her tonite…to ask her to note this somewhere on the vogue errata pages…I think Chart B should say: SK2togP to make this difference CLEAR!!!

She did Not agree…but asked her to write to teva about, my belief the shaping on the front decreases for the small should be modified like the extra small…….otherwise the bottom weight throws off the top and causes too much stretching in the front part of the armhole after blocking. The weight is just too much for the 12 stitches remaining. I have not heard back yet.

Here is what I wrote to Vogue:

Since, I last wrote.... I pulled the fronts and back off the blocking pins and pinned the seams...

First off my blocked pieces measured correctly. My gauge was PERFECT! It fits well if about 1 1/2 inches are taken off the two fronts.

If I shorten the front arm holes then the bust measurements work. This is lace, so it grows when it is weighted and it just so happens these particular stitches grow long more than wide, when they are weighted...

I hope you are following me.... we are now going from a garment lying flat to one that IS HANGING ON A BODY.....it's principles will change.

The interesting thing is that the bottom below the narrow twelve stitch top part........keeps perfect gauge after pinning and so did the back... and when hanging on my body or a hangar.

What I think is going on with this design:

Is when it is assembled...NOT LYING FLAT...but on a body..... the weight of the front bottoms are too heavy for that twelve stitch wide upper armhole fabric section and because these particular stitch patterns have a propensity to elongated with weight....and this would happen more with narrow fabric than wider fabric....hope you are following me.

IN THIS SIZE ( small )...this PATTERN does NOT execute well from drawingboard to actual functioning hanging on a body garment.

....The front bottom pulls too heavily on the front armholes elongating them more than the back does to that part of the armhole.....capische?

So to be a good design....it either needs wider fabric in that upper armhole area...to prevent the more intensive stretching ( which will result if the front neck decreases are less steep, ie. not every other row )....or the armhole rise needs to have less height for the fronts...to compensate.

I just ripped out an 1 1/2" of both fronts....and it works...plus I hung it on hangar to and with the adjustment...it creates the perfect measurements.

I have been knitting since I was 4 years old......incessantly...for 47 1/2 years...at a certain point
you can tell when a pattern will not execute well, as you knit it. I knew there was going to be a problem with the front armholes....due to those 12 stitches from 63 stitches.

From 12 stitches at the bottom to 63 at the top...NO PROBLEM, weight is not an issue....but reversed..it is too much weight hanging from those 12 stitches...IN ANY WOOL YARN, which will stretch. That is why I suggested the decreases were too steep for the small and should be changed as teva, did do, with the extra small size. talk to teva....

You won't have a problem with the larger sizes....the weight is more evenly distributed....because
there are more width stitches left on the upper armhole........in proportion to the weight at the bottom.

Note this is without the sleeves attached and IT IS POSSIBLE that the sleeve seam might compensate and stabilize the armhole stretching but, probably NOT ENOUGH and WILL still result in a problem on the outer bottom.

I started left sleeve tonight and modified pattern Chart E, as follows:

I just did not like the pattern, which is the only purl pattern, in the group.

I reversed it…so I knit where you are supposed purl and my bobbles are purled instead knitted.
(p1, yo p1, next row K3, next row p3 tog : to make bobble on knitted background.)

I like it much better with the rest of the sweater. I am hoping to finish this sweater by the end of the week. I am also thinking of adding a crochet border to the bottom and neck edges....rather than leaving it plain. But, will decide this after I sew it together.

I can not wait to finish this project....because, it has been so frustrating... it is my sheer willpower that is keeping it off the UFO heap.... I am totally focused and praying to the knitting gods, for no life interruptions before the knitting is complete........or else...I just know it will be a UFO for life!!! LOL!

No ebay additions so far this week, because of this Cardigan. Hopefully, I will have the chance to post some later.

Wishing you all a Happy Monday........and the powers that be on Wall Street too. Lighten up guys, just a bit!!!

Smiles to You,
DC

Part 2 - Vogue Holiday 2008 - #17 Lace Wrap Cardigan

Okay, I'll admit it.......I have some humble pie to eat....from yesterday's post. The good news is I was not entirely wrong. I got a response from vogue knitting today. Here it is from Lisa Buccellao @ Vogue Knitting:
"There is an error in the RS/WS instructions, beginning with Chart B on the Back. The corrections are copied below:

Vogue Knitting

Holiday '08
#17 Lace Wrap Cardigan
photo on pg 79, instrux beg on pg 113

BACK
Beg chart A

…K 3 rows, ending with a WS row.

Beg chart B

Row 1 (RS) P1, work 5-st rep 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) times……..

Armhole Shaping
…K 3 rows, ending with a WS row.

Beg chart C

Delete P 1 row, beg with Row 1 of Chart C.

RIGHT SLEEVE

Beg chart B
Row 1 (RS) P1 (1, 1, 0), work 5-st rep 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) times, end p1 (1, 0, 0, 0)……

The symbol in Chart C is not a double decrease but a single decrease, as the sl st

goes over the 2 knit sts, and these 2 sts are not a k2tog. ----Lisa B"

OOOPS.....and big double OOOPSSSSSSSSS...

I stand corrected. While that symbol looks like a k3 together symbol........IT IS NOT! When I went back to look at it and carefully read it, IT DID SAY, Knit 2.....NOT KNIT TWO TOGETHER.

Turns out I was right about the WS/ RS problem ......even though I finally decided that was my error not Vogue's.... and was wrong about the Chart C error. LOL!!!

I am blaming it all on the banking crisis....and the fact my 2007 tax return is due tomorrow and I have not started to fill out the form! I ran out of extension time! LOL!!! I do this every year...my inner child does not like to do taxes....and there is just no reasoning with her.

I also wrote to Lisa, about the following other questionable issues with this pattern:

1. The right front says use patterns D, B and E. The photo shows Patterns D, A and E were used.

2. The armhole decreases for the fronts....and the back are different. Is this intentional or an error?

For the small size, I did 7 additional decreases to end up with the 12 stitches. 8 times would give me 11 stitches.

3. I also questioned the decreases at the neck edge, which I am concerned are too steep. In the extra small they suggest the last 8 decreases should be done every 4th row instead of every row.

I will await Lisa's response before, I post the solution here.

I did finish the back and the two fronts and decided to block the pieces. I am concerned that the decreases on the front neck edges are so steep they will not even cover my boobs and I would hardly say I am overly endowed!

I am fairly certain both back and front will need to be frogged and started over. Do you believe with all this, I had the guts to start a sleeve, without lisa's further response?I am definitely frogging my Chart C, it is too lacey against the other stitches used.

And another piece of good news out of all this mess.......is that I do like the lace pattern created with my corrected Chart C as described in the October 13th post.......I think I will use it to design a scarf or sweater. It really looks great blocked. very interesting. I wonder if I created a new stitch pattern....is that possible? Or does this have a name?

Here are my further modifications for the sleeves. I just do not like them as they are shown in the photo....so I am using these patterns. For the right sleeve, I am using Chart A first, then C, which I do not have a photo...because I did not read the chart properly, and panicked prematurely. Did I mention that I hate knitting charts? LOL!

and then possibly Chart B.

For the left sleeve, either Chart D or C, then E, A. It differs slightly from their photo. I just think pattern stitch E is too solid next to pattern stitch D. I do not like the look.

Sorry, about the not too good photos, but the best I can do in my blocking room which, does not have good lighting. Also please excuse my foot....I should have at least been wearing a nice pair of handknit socks......LOL!!!

I am determined to finish this sweater, for some reason unbeknowst to me....even though it is a prime candidate for the UFO heap! Wish me luck. Only the left front is dry, the other two parts are still damp. I am sure the armholes are way to deep on the fronts and are going to require frogging. And I am definitely going to frog My Chart C and Do Chart C correctly, now that Lisa, was kind enough to point out my inability to read knitting charts correctly.

Oh and that is another point. These charts are read all rows, left to right. Not left to right, right to left as knitting for dummies suggests. Honestly, there needs to be some standardization of symbols used and method for reading these knitting charts if they are to be useful.

I am going to rename this pattern on ravelry Lace Wrap Cardigan from Hell!

Wishing you a great evening....

Smiles to You,

DC

Vogue Knitting Holiday 2008- #17 Lace Wrap Cardigan

I could not resist, casting on for the Lace Wrap Cardigan from the new Vogue Knitting Magazine, Holiday 2008, #17 Lace Wrap Cardigan by Teva Durham.

The photo is of the back in progress. It is now finished. Not without problems.

First I made a mistake, which is NOW A MODIFICATION, because I like it better. I have only one garter rib between pattern changes instead of the two ribs.

Between Chart A and B: the pattern says end at row 11 of Chart A, then K 3 rows. I ended with row 12 and knit 2 rows, then started with row 2 of Chart B as instructed.

Because of the error above, when I got to the transition between Chart B and C, I also knit 2 rows instead of the three required. I like the one garter rib instead of the two shown in the pattern.

The Chart C in the magazine appears to be wrong, there is an error. If you follow it you will get a triangle instead of the correct back shaping. It also does not look like the photo which, is a cable pattern instead of a lace pattern.

Here is my fix, that I used to keep from decreasing the stitches....and it gives you a nice lace pattern:

It should be row 2: YO, k, YO, k3
and Row 4 should be: K3, YO, k, YO.

I still have not heard back from vogue as to what the correct chart should read. I am the first doing this pattern on ravelry so there is no other place to find this errata at the present time. I did post to ravelry in the editors notes.

Or it is possible that the Chart symbols are not correct. If you want the cable pattern, then you could do this:

Row 1: 3 stitch cable ( put one stitch on cable needle hold to front, knit 2, then knit the stitch off cable holder repeat around
Rows 2-4 knit the knits and purl the purls.
Repeat for pattern.

I have not tried this, but my guess is this was the designers intention looking at the photo. LOL!

I finished the back and started the left front and used my chart C. Sorry no photo yet. I see that the pattern ALSO, differs from the photo for both the left front and the right front. Does anyone edit these patterns? Of course, the back is not shown, or I might have used my second choice for correcting Chart C. LOL!

This is the first Teva Durham pattern I am knitting and so far, way too many errors for my liking. Not sure if this is the norm with her patterns, is it????? When I use a pattern, I do not want to think so hard....otherwise, I would design my own sweater.

Anyway, I knit the left front like the pattern, which instructs you to use the same patterns as you used on the back, which includes my first corrected Chart C. However the photo shows the last pattern on the left front is from a Chart that is NOT INCLUDED IN THE MAGAZINE!!!! LOL! It is also used on both sleeves. Have not decided on how to handle this.

Their Chart C, does not include anything replicating a Cable pattern, it has a K3 together decrease on Rows 1 and 3....NOT EVEN CLOSE VOGUE MAGAZINE! ....not even close to the photo.

You might remember that this is the same issue from the other lace cardigan I started in 2004 which rendered it to my UFO pile....and I am just resurrecting. sleeves are almost done. Painful to follow the chart with the cap decreases. ......both cardigans instructions and photos differ!!!

Finished the left side yesterday and cast on the right front. Here I am having problems and have frogged twice already because no row counts are given for the sections.

So here goes, to match the left front, I used 36 rows or 9 pattern repeats of Chart D. It worked. If you measure like I did, plan on frogging....your stitch count after the armhole decrease will not be correct.

Then the pattern tells you the next section should be Chart B...but the photograph uses Chart A.

I am using Chart A. So after the 2nd frog to rip out the bottom...I am close to the armhole bind off. Yippee! Hopefully my stitch count will now work. What a mess.

The worst part, is this is a fast knit. I started friday afternoon about 3pm and went out that evening. I would be done the right front if the directions were better and possibly done one sleeve.

I am using cynthia helene superwash merino, which is very nice yarn. I am happy with it as a replacement yarn. gauge is good.

Lesson learned, let someone else knit the patterns first and find their corrections on ravelry. I have no idea what a mess that debbie bliss cable jacket, silver belle would have been without the help I got from ravelry.

Want to finish this, so I am going back to knitting....and figuring out the pattern as I go along. Just hope it fits after all this. I think this pattern runs small, so consider that also if you decide to knit it.

Wishing you a great fall day,
Smiles to you,
DC

Yarn gauge, Wraps per Inch, Yarn substitution, etc...

always make for a hot topic. Especially when you enjoy spinning your own yarns, which I do enjoy when time allows me. So do you spin your yarn for the pattern or adapt a pattern to the yarn you spun? Decisions, decisions....

If you have spun yarn without a project in mind, then the best way to find a project is to determine the wraps per inch. You do this by carefully wrapping the yarn around a ruler making sure the yarn does not overlap and counting the number of wraps that make up an inch.

It is important not to wrap the yarn to tightly or too losely. You can also buy a "Wraps per inch tool" or Yarn Gauge Tool , almost any spinning wheel manufacturer sells them. Mine is from schacht or it was, since I have no idea where is disappeared to...or my spinning hook.....

I found this guide to yarn classifications while reading knitting daily today (if you are not already a subscriber this is a great free newsletter - join up! ), which they credit from their great magazine spin off........you can order a subscription to this magazine if you have interest from the knitting daily site. Liz Gipson wrote a great article about this subject in todays edition to knitting daily. She also mentioned that is a gauge....and is not standard, which I have found to be true. You can find info like this all over the net and in the back of your knitting or crochet magazines....or books....and in a spinning book that you own or buy.


Yarn Style / Wraps per Inch / Gauge stitches/inch / Needle size US / Needle size Metric

Lace / 10plus / 8+ / 00–2 / 2–3 mm

Fingering / 16 / 6–8 / 2–4 / 2.75–3.5mm


Sport / 14 / 5–6 1/2 / 4–6 / 3.5-4.5mm


Worsted / 12 / 4–5 / 7–9 / 4.5–6mm


Bulky / 10 / 3–4 / 10–11 / 6–7.5mm

Very Bulky / 8 or fewer / 2–3 / 13–15 / 8–9mm



So after you use the table above, to select your needles....knit a gauge swatch and choose the needle that gives you the drape of knitted fabric that feels best for the project you have in mind.

You can also use the table to figure out what type of project your yarn would be best suited.

Lately when I am spinning a plain yarn, I tend to make fine singles. I make up the skeins....and if I want a thicker yarn later I can always go back and ply the singles together.

Spinning your own yarn seems to be really becoming more popular, which I think is great. It is one of the most relaxing activities to participate in....and if you have never tried it, think about buying one of the many spindles out there to try your hand at this art. It is not a big investment and even if you do not want to do it ever again.....it will change the way you look at yarn, when you know how it is made.

Shameless Advertising Deal of this Post.....

For all you dog/ cat owners that use front line....for ticks and fleas...and want a great deal. I found this website where you can order it at a deep discount and they ship for free! You may want to check it out. For my two small pups, I am saving 9.99 per three packs....which is a great deal. If you buy a 12pk you save $36 over the retail price....and FREE SHIPPING!



I use front line....and it works. I wish it was cheaper, so I am always looking for deals on the net.
This is a good one.

Back to ebaying....which, is my life these days. I am obsessed with getting rid of all this stuff....it has been a long time coming.....and has to get done! Please check out my auctions and store by clicking here.

It is getting so cold.....I am freezing sitting at my desk....today. Time to get out the sweaters....
Wishing you a great day,
Smiles to you,
DC

Wisdom and creativity..........

The general population's belief on how to gain wisdom...and mine may differ.

Here are my thoughts on signs of wisdom:

- knowing you don't know.......and finding your balance anyway... Is an absolute sign of wisdom!

- realizing you are standing in front of a billboard...and are not reading the sign.

- life is like water.........it flows, when it meets resistance...it dances, spins and swirls...those are the whirlpools and eddys of our lives....a time to seize for reflection, time to comtemplate, instead of feeling trapped and rebellious,...a time to change patterns, move to a different rhythm.......until we move on....for we have no choice eventually, except to move with the current.

It is in those eddys and whirlpools that our creativity originates..........and wisdom can be found. Though those struggles may seem mighty....they are the silver linings....that make our clouds cool!

Rushing past them quickly, is a mistake!!!!! Though that opportunity may seem as a gift.

Tutorial for I-Cord Bind-OFF with PHOTOS...

This is my version of the easy way to do an I-Cord Bind OFF edging as illustrated from the felted bag I just completed see this post. You will need a gauge swatch to work this tutorial and 2 additional DP(Double Point) needles in the same size as your working needles for your gauge swatch. In the pocket below, my live stitches are on a circular needle.

I am using a very bulky yarn and large needles size 13, which makes this tutorial really easy to follow, but YOU can use any size needles and yarn that you prefer.

TUTORIAL- I- CORD BINDOFF

STEP 1: With your regular needles prepare a swatch. You can use any size needles and yarn that you wish. Make sure you have two DP needles to match your pocket or swatch needle.

I would cast on 15 to 20 stitches and then work an equal number of rows. You are now ready to begin this tutorial

STEP 2: Cast on three additional stitches for the I-Cord Bind off. Note: you may cast on any amount of stitches you desire, the more stitches the larger/ thicker the I-Cord will be.

Insert right needle, through last two stitches on left needle.........wrap yarn around right needle and....















STEP 3: Pull up stitch (loop) with right needle as shown in the photo below.


















STEP 4: Twist the stitch (loop) you just pulled through and transfer it from your right needle to the left needle. One cast on stitch made.
















STEP 5: Insert your right needle Front to Back between stitch just made and last stitch on left needle. Pull the loop up through the original two stitches.

Twist right needle clockwise and place new stitch on left needle. It will look like the photograph in step 6 below, after you have cast on the 3 required stitches. Note: your I-cord can be as big as you choose, add as many stitches as you require.














STEP 6: Repeat this procedure until there are three new stitches on the left needle...as shown in the photo to the below.

STEP 7: Pick up and put these last three stitches and put them on your DP needle.

STEP 8: Knit the first two stitches on your DP needle using the other DP needle

as your right hand needle.

STEP 9: Insert DP needle through BACK loop of last Stitch on DP needle and through the BACK loop of the first stitch on Pocket needle - Knit these two stitches together.

Slide pocket stitch carefully off its needle then the other stitch off its needle. You should have 3 stitches on your right DP needle. You have created one bound off I- cord pocket stitch.

STEP 10: You have 3 stitches on the DP needle now and one less on the pocket needle. See photo below.

STEP 11: Now pull working yarn behind the stitches as shown below......and then.....

STEP 12: Slide Stitches from one end of the DP needle (top photo) to the other end of the needle, as shown in the bottom photo. Begin knitting next round.

STEP 13: Repeat step 8-12 until all pocket stitches are bound off.

STEP 14: To bind off last stitches, when the last stitch from pocket needle is bound off. Pull working yarn behind these stitches. Slide these stitches to the opposite end of the DP needle, now bind off each stitch. Secure the end thread but, sewing it through the stitches and then pull it through I-cord cylinder to hide the end. You are finished. See photo below of finished pocket with completed I-Cord edging.

I hope this tutorial helps you with your next I-Cord bind off.

It was a total techno nightmare preparing this. Gottal run I am 30 minutes late to my stitch n'bitch meeting....

wishing you a great evening,

smiles to you,

DC

They're backkkkkkkk!!!! Fallen LEAVES!

With a vengeance. Where have I been?....ONE WITH MY LEAF VACUUM!!!

How do I love that lawn and garden tool....It is my best pal! I pray for him every day....that he does not die on me, before the end of November....I love him....I even decided to name him. VIRGIL...the leaf vacuum...I would kiss him but, absolutely positively...YUCKKKKKK!

He is one of the best men that I have known.

Without him, I would never have time to knit in the fall....all I would be doing is raking and raking and more raking. The best part is he makes mulch to put around my trees. Leave mulch, is one of the best mulches to use in your garden.

Every morning,I have to remove leaves from the pool, leaves from the pool deck and leaves from the wooden deck. UGGGGGGHHHHH! All I have to say, is if you do not have one get one! Now!

Okay, and then there is my new best find.

...life without UFO boyfriend, DOES HAVE its benefits and may I emphasize.....PLENTY of benefits....but, I have to admit, he was great at trimming high bushes which, I just can't reach. Well today, while I was searching for solutions....since, I am deathly afraid of ladders and heights.I found this....YIPPEE!!!

Guess who ordered one, pronto!today...? MOI!!! how great is this...? You may want one too...what a great invention...and it is cordless. I guess, I just have to admit I am a girl that LOVESSSSSSSS, power tools! No more shredding the power cord with my hedge trimmer...which is a yearly occurence! Just burnt up another one last week.



Now that we got the lawn work out of the way let's talk about knitting. Finished the felted tote bag, finally. It is off the needles and just have to felt it. Made progress on the clapotis scarf, but not real happy with the yarn selection. Oh well, some poor soul will get it for a holiday gift. My sleeves for the cable and lace cardigan are still going, albeit slow. Hopefully, I will have time to focus this weekend, am binding off for the sleeve caps, finally. Then just have to sew it up.

and surprise, surprise, while finishing up the tote bag, I suddenly realized that I was knitting with big yarn and big needles and could take photos while I did it. So I did...and coming soon will be a pictutorial of an I-Cord bind-off. I hope to post that later this week.

Between the leaves and the ebay store decluttering project....I am strapped for time these days! Please check out my ebay store...besides the cool antiques, I am putting up some yarn kits, a swift, a needlepoint kit, caligraphy kit unused and there will be knitting books as well.......so keep checking...my store or sign up for my newsletter there.

gotta run and do ebay postings....

wishing you a great day,
smiles to you,
DC

I oughta have something relevant to say......BUT, ....

sometimes in life it is best to shut your yapper! Silence is golden....blah, blah, blah!

Here are my thoughts of late, the less said the better. Summer is almost gone...and did I find the man of my dreams????....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Did I finish up my UFO's? NOOOOOOOOO!

So where did summer go? who knows, but it might be the last at my home. The last time I spend at my pool. So I am enjoying it like it will be my last time.

UFO has done himself in...FINALLY! I don't think he will ever be able to resurrect himself from this one.........all I will said in this regard is...what webs we create, when we first choose to deceive....will eventually bite us in the BUTT!

I am at work on two UFO's....a felted knitting tote and the cables and lace cardigan. I must admit the cables and lace cardigan got to me again, the pattern is intense...I am 3/4 of the way done the sleeves and just finishing to be done.

The good news, is I have not cast on any new projects...the Bad news, is not much knitting news to report.

I got bored and started to work on the felted tote bag. I finished the tote bag today and just started on the first of two I-Cords for the straps. This one should be done this week. It is a two-for...because, I am unloading a yarn that I bought in the late 80's in the midwest, which color was not becoming to me as a sweater...and I will be finishing one of my UFO's. Will post photos before I felt this baby.

Meanwhile, I am focused on unloading STUFF, on ebay...please visit my store. I will have many craft items up for sale....eventually and equally interesting paraphenalia, vintage stuff and antiques. I am doing this one box at a time. It is tedious...but, it feels good to get this STUFF to homes that will love it!!!!

wishing you a wonderful day,
SMILES TO YOU,
DC

NAIL TRIMMER FOR PETS........

Has trimming your pets nails, got you down. It has me. I was watching tv...the
other morning and saw this infomercial...and decided to try it out. It is great.

I go nuts trimming the dogs nails, I think I am more freaked out than them. I always worry about hitting the quick...when the blood spurts out. Especially with beluga because she has black nails and it is so hard to see the quick.

With vet costs as high as they are for dog or cat nail trimming...it is far too expensive to pay them to cut nails monthly.

I highly recommend this product after trying it.....this is a BIG tip for pet owners. It is such a great idea, I wish I thought of it.......



Let me know what you think if you get one.

wishing you a great day,
smiles to you,
deborah

Ding, Dong.....the CRAZED WOODPECKER is.......

DEAD!!!!

and I did not do it, I swear. You might remember me discussing my issues with this woodpecker that decided my cedar siding was more delectable than the many trees on my property.......read post here, last October 2007 when it was attacking my home mercilessly, each and every morning.

Of course not being a birdwatcher, I did not know what kind of woodpecker it was until, I was curious about the bird found dead under my Japanese fir tree last evening. I went out this morning, with my trusty pooper scooper, to remove the dead bird and noticed the long bill, red tipped head admidst black and white feathers and beautiful yellow feathers under the black wings. I thought this is an unusual bird, the coloring was so beautiful...

of course, I thought to myself, this would make a great dye combination, bright red, bright yellow, off white and black. I started to envision hand dyed yarns named after birds....LOL!!!

So, I came in, and decided to see if I could identify the bird. I googled birds and found a site called WhatBird.com....which makes it very easy to identify birds, for people like me that do not have a clue.

I had no idea it was my nemisis, THE WOODPECKER, until their search came up with a
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, Family: PICIDAE otherwise known as Woodpecker. There she was Dead as a Door Nail. I can't say I am sorry.

Rather, I think, it is a sign that some of the pests that have been plaguing my daily existence, The RABBIT, last week....THE WOODPECKER, this week...are on their way out of my life. I now can only hope that this progress will include the algae that has formed in my pool from the thunderstorms this past weekend....the Exs, that seem to have all showed up in my life this summer, the old anger related to said Exs, and that my UFO pile dissipates, eventually.

and then there is my STUFF, that I need to let go. The clutter, things, and effects of my past. I am determined to get rid of all this STUFF. I have opened an ebay store....please take a look at what I am putting up for sale....If you like it please buy it....give it a good home...YOURS!!!!

If you collect anything special, post cards, china, stamps, silver, coins, antiques of any type.... write me in my comments or direct, because trust me, there is something here, that you might have interest. I am attempting to put up at least 50items or more per week. It is slow going because ebay does not make it easy. An auction site should be easy or easier. Too many bells and whistles, I like simple.

Eventually fiber related stuff will go up, a spinning wheel that I have been wanting to sell....a swift, fiber for spinning, and lastly yarn from the way to big stash. I have to clear out this house, in preparation for its going up for sale sometime in February 2009.

wishing you a fabulous summer day......
smiles to you,
DC

Homeopathic Mosquito Bite Aid.........

I have been spraying my backyard with mosquito spray every other day, but,for some reason the bugs this year, just keep coming back. It is tough being outside either in the mornings or evenings, without getting at least a few bites. Its annoying... and most of the antihistamine meds, lotions or sprays offer little in the way of comfort. You wake up in the middle of the night, finally subcumbing to the itch.... and it swells and then it itches more. Such is part of those hazy hot summer days.

Not to mention, certain of us, seem to attract the most mosquito bites. Ever been at an outdoor barbeque, you are smacking your legs like a fool and look around and no one else is squirming the way you are........I am one of those people. Mosquitos have a preference for my blood, if they can get it. I have tried everything I ever read about how to persuade the little creeps to nibble on others legs. Sprays, skin so soft, natural concoctions, taking extra B vitamins, etc. Nothing works.

Until a few years ago, I read that the best way to deal with mosquito bites, was an application of heat, immediately or as soon as possible after you have been biten. A washcloth dipped in hot as you can stand it water, applied until the swelling goes down works. No waking up in the middle of the night, no need to fight the urge to scratch that bite. It works. Something about the heat dissipates the venom in the bite.

I have also steamed wet wash cloths in my microwave, used my morning cup of coffee, a hot stone by the pool put directly on the bite, will dissipate the venom, too.

It is always good to disinfect the bites after this with hydrogen peroxide and then an application of neosporin or some other similar product.

Try this method, it works, amazing well and you will save a fortune, not buying all those antihistamine products that don't work.

As for knitting or fiber content, I have nothing to report, I have been too busy, enjoying the summer, working outdoors chipping branches...and sitting by the pool without the needles. I was almost done the cables and lace sleeves...and just got tired of it. Will pick it up again soon. It is close to be finished.

I read through every message on the mystery shawl, through all the mistakes and frustrations....most members are now done, with lovely shawls to show for their efforts over 5 weeks. I have not started mine, and not sure that I ever will. I do see why these shawls are so popular, a comaraderie is built that keeps everyone working through those last very long rows....to completion. This shawl was a pi shawl and to be honest, I am just not sure that I am interested in making one. It is difficult and worn doubled....It seems like double knitting....to me.

wishing you a wonderful summer sunday,
smiles to you,
DC

Brand Name Discount Kidswear

Well it is almost time for BACK TO SCHOOL shopping that every parent must do, with growing kids. This year it will be even tougher to do with the increased gasoline prices that are weighing so heavily on everyone's budget this year.

But, for the reader's of my blog...and for all their friends and family...I have good news, today I just became a distributor for Magic Kids & Co.,Inc. This is company that is owned by famed designer Issac Mizrahi, so you know they have some really great stuff at bargain basement prices, with his connections.

Yes, it is about time I found a JOB...LOL! In any case, this will be an especially pleasant job, because it has to do with clothing and fashion, which I love.

Basically, I will be marketing to retailers and wholesalers, but they gave me authorization as a New Distributor to offer a deep discount to my friends and family....and as my readers, you fall under friends and family so here goes:

Brand Name Discount Kidswear
50% off Store Prices!

Through this exclusive offer for my blog readers and their friends and family. Click here to go to the website and go to the top of the home page and click log in and to create a your new account.

Fill out the form and where it asks for a discount code enter the following information for extra savings!.......

DISCOUNT CODE: MK69213-B1-000

Once you use this discount code you can access the site anytime after that as my special guest and receive this special discount I am offering direct to you. Feel free to give the discount code to any of your friends. I have received some samples of their products and they are really nice quality for the price.

Go on a shopping spree and save BIG BUCKS with giant closeout, liquidation and bankruptcy offers. Log onto http://www.magickidsusa.com/ and check it out, you will not be disappointed.

This is their corporate basic mantra : " You will not find higher quality kidwear at lower prices in any department store or wholesale outlet. We have expertly tailored designer fashions, sassy new looks, everything from basic to casual. Our website gives you a priviledged glimpse of children's trends that are as dazzling as they are appealing. AT PRICES YOU WON'T BELIEVE! Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to cash in on these terrific values."


The prices are so great, you can buy extra and wholesale them yourselves for some extra pocket money...or buy them and sell them on ebay....

They do take returns and will ship internationally. The discount code above will sign you on as a retail customer so you do not have to buy large quanities of any particular item.

If you are a retailer or wholesaler...or have a charity group....I can offer you an even greater savings if you contact me by email at dogbearplanet@comcast.net or you leave your contact information in the comments section of my blog.

Anyway, I was not sure they would let me pass it along to my blog readers, but they said yes....so consider this my way of thanking you for reading my blog....and a little bit of help that all parents with kids really can use. It is so expensive raising kids today.....my friend was saying you can not do it today, without a two person income stream. So I hope this helps....save you some money for STASH ENHANCEMENT....

Wishing you a fabulous day, and please feel free to ask any questions about this opportunity directly to me or post after you have received anything that you have ordered.

Smiles to you,
DC

More NEW JERSEY BALLOON FEST PHOTOS

Surely the most spectacular Balloon at the 2008
Readington, NJ balloon festival was the Society
for Breast Cancer Reasearch. Two bees holding
hands. Just getting them to stand upright to
let the pilots and passengers into the balloon
baskets was something amazing to witness.

And, they are off....helium pumping through the centers

of their bellies and flames hissing upward....LIFT OFF!

They rise into the sky....but, look at those baskets,

swaying in the wind....glad it wasn't me up there!

Look at them dance so proudly in the sky.......

holding hands in the sky....pink breast cancer ribbons.

What a site to behold........the things the human mind can conceive and bring to fruition....is astonishing........ I hope these photos....give hope to Breast Cancer Patients everywhere! I wish all of you wellness of being........and if these bees can soar....so can you!

Smiles to you,

DC