Tonia's Frog Pond

Pretty, pretty Lace

2011-02-12T19:47:00.001-05:00

Criminal Minds Mystery KAL Nov2010 finished, originally uploaded by tagin.

So, I am a bit behind with posting and my knitting/weaving. Friday night was a bust as I was sick with a sinus cold. I am working on the latest Criminal Minds mystery knit called Theodora. This is a group on Ravelry that are fans of the show and follow along with mystery knitting projects. It's fun and I love the moderator's designs. This photo is of the first mystery (untitled). I love the pattern and the shawl has a lot of texture. The current mystery is a neck thing...maybe I will get a picture tomorrow. Next up for March is color work...yep, color work (almost as scary as one of those Criminal Minds serial killers...)

twill towels...back on line

2011-02-05T07:35:00.002-05:00

twill towels, originally uploaded by tagin.

So I'm trying to get this back up from the iPad. Lots going on...I have 3 mystery KAL going and started weaving again. Recovering from surgery was a bear, but the nerve is healing. One project I am excited about is the Cotlin towels. This is a pattern from WEBS called 4-Shaft Twill Towels by Leslie Ann Bestor and uses 8/2 natural cotton for warp and 8/2 Cotton-linin (here in willow green) for weft. I still am having warping issues and, compounded by the sticky cotton, setting this up was a pain. But I am very happy with the weaving...my beating is more even and the shed is clean. I love this pattern and it is fairly easy to memorize. So i am off to do some knitting and watch a DVR episode of Criminal Minds. Here is a picture of the towels in progress. (at least I hope...trying this from flickr)

The gadget queen

2010-05-01T20:49:00.002-04:00

Testing this using my brand-new iPad! I have been busy, busy, busy...took a class today on indigo dying and also a weaving class. Loads of fun! On the fiber front, socks are on the needles as well as a shawl knit-along. I am really behind with the shawl. More later. For the socks, the color is Mad Scientist and the yarn 8 Bells by Studio June...I think this is my new "go to" sock yarn!

Well...it look like I need to have my photos on the iPad to load, this must be a flickr issue.

So, here is Mad Scientist..

"And Now for Something Completly Different..."

2010-03-08T21:49:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been a while and I am not starting up with knitting or weaving. Needless to say, there is some of that going on... the shibori scarf is not yet finished, but socks are and I have started a lace kimono. When I get around to extracting photos from my camera I will post. So, in place of knitting et al, I will briefly discuss Alice in Wonderland... what you say-- yes it is movie critic time! First off, let me start out by stating how much I LOVE Time Burton and Johnny Depp-- these two can do no wrong in my book. TB's latest is no exception. Alice is fantastic... and very different from the other 3D phenom "Avatar". I have read a few blogs trashing one or the other-- people, you can like both movies- it is really ok. They are movies, not hockey teams (not like a replay of USA vs Canada!). I loved both movies - they are very different and that is ok too.

So back to Alice- The movie takes place ~15 years after Alice was originally in Wonderland (or as it was pointed out, the real name is Underland. When we meet "teen Alice" we get the sense she is a bit stubborn and independent, but faces difficult decision to do what is expected (marry the local Lord and secure her family's position lost with her father's death) or not. At the engagement party, Alice sees the White Rabbit and sets off... well, we know what happens next (down the rabbit hole). I won't give up much more, but all of the wonderful characters are back. Unfortunately, in the years since Alice left the Red Queen has laid waste to Underland and rules through terror and fear. The White Rabbit was dispatched to bring Alice back to save them- as predicted in the compendium scroll and explained by the Caterpillar (can't remember his name). Alice has other ideas, she is not to be bossed and selects her own path- exactly what was needed in the end. It is a case of "doing what is right over doing what is expected". I look at this movie as a story on Girl Power- Alice bucks the system and does things on her own terms (not the norm for the time) and becomes a strong and independent woman in the process. I found it interesting that Alice and her world is very pale (whites and very pale colors) while Underland is vibrant (the pale Upperland sets this up perfectly)- even Alice looks pale and washed out until she is in Underland and returns.

Depp is wonderful - but sometimes his manic Hatter is hard to follow (on purpose)- I noticed he used different voices depending on the mood he is trying to convey (lispy at the tea party and converting to a thick Scottish accent like the March Hare when he is serious). The March Hare is a hoot, and the Red Queen (Helena B. Carter) almost steals the show. My favorite is the Cat- some of the best CGI in the film. Although it is intense in some parts, for young'un raised on Harry Potter, this is tame (the fight with the Jabberwoky may be a bit frightening).

I recommend this movie (3.5 out of 4 stars)- I did see this in 3D but I think 2D would be fine. I think I may have to read the original - I am surprised this was one of the books missed in my childhood.

New Toy, New Toy, New Toy!

2009-12-31T08:42:00.008-05:00

Back again! Christmas was really busy, with work to finish and presents to buy and traveling to visit with family and friends. This year was pretty crazy, so I decided to treat myself with a new toy. I love knitting and spinning, but I also find weaving quite beautiful, especially after purchasing a beautiful silk wrap at the local weaver's guild show. So, I decided that Santa (me) could get me a loom for Christmas. After some searching, I decided on a Ashford Knitters Loom (20 inch). This is a "portable" loom, but I am not sure how easy is is to weave without a table! I decided on the larger loom to add the flexibility of doing wraps, table runners, etc. The first attempt at warping (the yarn that runs lengh-wise) was a disaster- it took 3 tries to get it set up, but I was done in under 1 hr. For my first project, I decide to try a simple scarf in Ohio State colors- partly because I had planned to give this as a gift and the yarn is easy to work with (plus I am a Buckeye fan, even though they will likely get stomped on in the Rose Bowl!). Anyway, the warp in is Cascade Wool 220 in Grey, and the weft is in Cascade Wool 220 Red. The dent (reed) used in 7.5, which comes with the loom. I finished this in under 3 hrs, and decided I hate doing fringe! I did have issues with the edges, too tight and sloppy, but overall not bad for my first. I think my beating is also a bit uneven, but I am sure it will be better. The final scarf is 5 1/2 by 64 (with fringe). I really enjoyed working on this, and it was a nice change to have a finished product in a few hours. Maybe I will try cotton next. I have it up on Ravelry if interested: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/tagin/ohio-state-scarf-1st-weaving-project-12-09 state-scarf-1st-weaving-project-12-09

Yuck

2009-11-21T08:15:00.005-05:00

Another dreary day in Kalamazoo- it is foggy and overcast today, but at least it is not snowing. I heard a rumor there is a possibility of snow next week. So, on that note, here a a picture of my tulips from last spring. At least spring will eventually get here.

I got a new camera last week and need to get everything set up do download pictures. I want to set the library up on an external drive to save memory, so it will take some time to get things in order between the two computers. On the knitting front, the Colonnade from Fall '09 Knitty (knitty.com) is coming along, I am about 1/2 done. More on that project next time. I will try to get pictures with the new camera this weekend. The Entwined shawl is further than this, but this is all that I have for now. I am using Moochi Plus from Crystal Palace. I want to love this yarn, but at times it is frustrating. This yarn is a single ply, so you expect there to be think and thin parts due to the twist. but there are stretches of this yarn that is just too thin followed by un-twisted areas... in addition, the green dye comes off in my hands. It wouldn't be so bad if the thin was a bit "less thin". Also, some of the color runs are inconsistent in length. Again, I don't hate the yarn but it was not a good pick for this project. I am ready to get this projects off the needle and start a lace project. I also need to select a mindless project for travel and meetings. maybe I should try to finish my Mini Moochi socks!

Happy November

2009-11-15T15:53:00.006-05:00

So, I have been getting a lot of ribbing because the blog has not been updated in a while. Well. life, computers, camera issues and such was just getting in the way. I will try to be better! It is overcast today... I ventured out to town to run a few errands- I have to remember not to go to Toys R Us on a Sunday ever again! It amazes me how ill-behaved most kids are (my mom is convinced it is because parents don't spank any more-- I remember smack to the rear got my attention!). Anyway, I thought I would share a beautiful photo of a couple of angels...This is a photo of my friend Traci's beautiful kids, Addy and Kaden. What does this have to do with knitting you say? Well, Kaden is wearing a sweater made my me! This was the second baby item that I made- not too bad. The pattern is "Baby Blueberry Cardigan" by Elizabeth Smith (Free on Ravelry, Blogger link http://thebrownstitch.com/2009/02/baby-blueberry-cardigan.html). I made it as the pattern except I used Cascade 220 in brown. This was a wonderful yarn to work with.

As for other projects, there are many WIPS: Entwined Shawl, Wrap-me-up wrap and Colonnade. More on these later. Oh, and if I was not busy enough, I have started to Spin!

2009-03-08T19:17:00.004-04:00

Rainy Sunday...

Back again, sorry I have not been on for a while, but work has been killing me. Hardly any time for fun. But I have managed to get a few items done. I finally finished the Tiramisu blanket for Amy (good thing too, since she is due at the end of March!). The pattern was pretty easy, but I had to increase the size (as mentioned in the last post). Here is the finished blanket, with a blue satin trim. I had to use a 5/8-inch ribbon for the trim, it is a bit too large but will have to do. The pattern called for 1/2-inch, but I think after washing even that would be a tad-bit too small.

I also finished a hat and kimono set. I started with a skein of Yarn Bee Baby Delight (Sage) and finished the hat first. The hat is a leaf hat (there is a leaf on the top) and I thought it was nice for a baby boy. Faced with a lot of left-over yarn, I searched Ravelry and found this Seamless Baby Kimono-- perfect since I am a bit "seamed-challenged". I thought the gage was a bit big after finishing the body, I am not really a loose knitter, so that was a bit strange. I then realized I pick-up the wrong needles, they should have been 7 and I used 8. Oh well, that happens and I am not frogging it! Not too bad for my first real garment!

Mailboxes, snow and other problems

2009-01-29T19:00:00.005-05:00

This has been some week so far. The winter is never ending-- and so far it is winning. The current count is Snow plow-4, Tonia-0. To date, I have lost 4 mailboxes/posts to the plow. I am sure there is no reason the plow driver could be mad at me (unless he is also the manager at Best Buy), so I am assuming is new/inexperienced-- because it is now 4 boxes in ~ 1 month. I called the county road crew to plead for mercy and surprisingly the person on the phone was very sympathetic. I was assured the Supervisor would be informed and somebody would be contacting me to arrange compensation-- can you believe it!

So, in addition to the plow issue, I have been wildly working on the project from the last post. Because I am pretty sure Amy does not venture to the blog-- I can reveal this is a blanket for her new baby boy due in March (if Amy does check in-- SURPRISE!). Anyway, I was following the pattern and quite proud of the progress and the stitch (very pretty and quite good for me crocheting, even if I do say so myself...). Needing positive comments and ohhs and awwwws (yes, I am sometimes needy), I proudly showed the progress to a very experienced (in needle arts you pervert!) friend Karen-- she commented that in fact the stitches were done well and it was pretty, but awful small. WHAT! Well, that is the pattern and there is edging I explain-- still small she countered. Not to be deterred, I stumbled off for another opinion-- after all, I have 2 skeins invested and it is PRETTY! (and the baby is due in a month!)... same comment from Janet. Well, this was late in the day and it was knit nite, so I am sure the other knitting crew (minus Amy of course) would provide support-- after all, it is PRETTY and 2 skeins worth done! Needless to say, same comment. So, I am resigned to frog the "dishcloth-sized" blanket and start again. I know, it is better to do it now than when the blanket was finished-- but it was pretty and 2 skeins worth! I have to say, I am still loving the Cotton tots yarn! Next time, socks and chemo hats!

Anime Sunday!

2009-01-25T17:17:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is another week gone. Work was a bit last week-- lots of stuff going on, some late nights, working from home and sleepless nights. It has been a bit much lately, and I still have not recovered from this cold. I had an interesting thing happen last week. So I was getting over this cold, and I thought that I was getting a bit better. I started working on another knitting project-- using yarn purchased from Ollies (sort of like Big Lots), it was a good deal on Lion Brand... anyway, I had a relapse of cold symptoms-- but this time watering eyes, sneezing, etc. It took a couple of days to start to feel better, it was so bad that I couldn't even knit. After a couple of days, I picked up the project again, and what do you know the sneezing and eye leaking started again! It seems that there is something on the yarn causing a reaction-- this is a first (and it is synthetic, so it should not be the yarn!). So the stuff is sitting in a bag (8 balls of the stuff) until I can decide what to do.

In the meantime, I started another project-- this time with good old cotton. It is a crochet project and the stitch is pretty easy. The easy part is really important since, other than to do some edging or pick up stitched, I have not seriously crocheted since high school (and no, that was not the dark ages or by candle light!). Here is a couple of pictures-- not too bad if I do say so myself. And I suppose you are also asking why the title? Well, since today has been devoted to making a dent in the project, I have been in front of the TV all day-- which makes it perfect for catching up on movies and such. Luckily for me, Comcast On Demand has a pretty good Anime selection and today was catch up on ongoing series (GTO, Tsubasa, Beck, etc.)

2009-01-14T18:35:00.005-05:00

Winter, YUCK!

Another day, another snow. I can't say how much I am over winter right now. Every day-- something white or frozen is falling. I am done, done I say! Anyway, I had to stay home today from work, sick with a sore throat and fever. You would think that I could bash out a lot of knitting in that time, but I could not even lift the needles for more than a bit. I did get through a couple of Netflixs (2 discs of Code Geass (anime- love it!) and "An American Carol" (right-wing satire, but not as funny as I thought it would be). I also had a chance to watch a couple of On Demand movies-- The Namesake, Definitely Maybe, and Reservation Road.

I did get a little knitting done. I started to work on another scarf-- this is a replacement scarf for my mom. During Christmas, I finished this one for her while at home-- it uses JoAnn Sensations Angel Hair yarn-- extremely soft. Well, I was knitting away and finished the thing in two days! Yay for me! However, when mom tried it on, the bloody thing was hanging down to her knees! I promised to make another (about 6 inches shorter) and mail it. This pattern is perfect when you need to stretch your yarn amount or if you want to show off a hand-spun. It uses a double drop stitch, is reversable, and uses only kint stitch (the key is how you wrap the yarn around the needles)-- perfect for a beginner. Here is a picture of the "long" scarf.

Even more exciting (at least for me!), I was reading the Yarn Harlot's blog and she showed a beautiful cashmere cowl she designed-- I have been looking for just such a pattern for myself. (blog entry here: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/01/09/pretty_thing.html). I even had a dream that I ran into the YH at a fiber show and convinced her to give me the pattern (sick, I know). So you know it was a fantastic day when I checked on the Ravelry YH forum and after all of the pleading from admirers of said cowl, she is working on getting the pattern for us-- SCORE!

Back in Action!

2009-01-04T13:54:00.005-05:00

Hello All!

Contrary to popular belief, I am still here. After a few crazy months dealing with yard work, family visits, computer issues, a new camera and holidays, I plan to be back on track. I did accomplish a few projects-- I will post some of these pictures in the interim. I am currently working on two projects--

Project #1: Ear warmer/Neck warmer (pattern in Drops). This project is going well-- the yarn is a Angora-Merino wool mix by Garnstudio. It is very nice to work with, but is prone to breaking is pulled too hard. I have yet to do the edge work (need to get a larger crochet needle)-- which should be interesting since I have done crochet in years. The scarf is also coming along...

The second pattern is a Snow Drop lace shawl published by Stephanie McPhee (The Yarn Harlot). This project takes all of my concentration-- and is my first time using charts. After a number of froggings, it is finally taking shape. For you lace knitters-- learn to use lifelines, it has already saved me once. (If you look at the picture, you can see the lifeline is purple). This project is for my friend Jill (yarn hand-dyed by Jill) to show a completed project at Michigan Fiber Festival this summer. Well, that is all for now. I have to go work on my projects since work starts anew on Monday (yuck!)...

Yes, I am still here!

2008-09-14T18:32:00.005-04:00

Wow, it has been a while. I really don't have a good excuse-- just life getting busy. I did manage to finish the mohair wrap Labor Day weekend. I am pretty happy with it... although I think that if I use this pattern next time I will cast on more to make it a bit longer. Here is a picture of the blocked wrap. I will try to get a picture of the finished piece on a model-- maybe from knit night. I did manage to watch a few movies this week-- "Martian Child" is a wonderful little movie staring John Cusack as a recently widowed sci-fi writer considering adopting a hyper-imaginative 6-year old boy who believes he is from Mars. (BTW, Joan Cusack plays the sister and just about steals the movie!) Another movie is "Penelope" staring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy about a young aristocrat cursed with the face of a pig-- which can only be broken when she finds true love. There is a big lesson in acceptance and loving one's self in this one (perfect for those mother-daughter movies). Finally, there is "No Country for Old Men" staring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem-- another Oscar winning Cohen Brothers movie. This is just one more example why I don't like the Oscars-- I tend not to like the movies the critics lavish praise on. Don't get me wrong-- the acting is fantastic in this movie, but it was extremely violent and a bit weird (a Cohen Brother movie trait) with none of the quirkiness of their other movies. It certainly does not rank up there with Fargo (yes, violent but with some of the best one-liners, and O' Brother...).

Back to knitting-- I did start a new pattern, this is for another shawl, both pattern and yarn is Lion Brand Homespun. This is a really soft and think yarn-- I think it will be very warm. I am a bit concerned it will not be large enough when finished (it is bigger than it looks in the picture), but we shall see. This may be a present, so I will not go into much more about it just yet...

Oh well, off to catch up on Prison Break and Frantic (New season of TV-- and I am sure a few new projects to work on!)

September 5th

2008-09-05T18:14:00.005-04:00

Boy, it has been a while since I did a post. This week was quite hectic. I had a lovely dinner with friends on Monday. Tuesday at work was pretty busy (after the long weekend) and Tues night I had the joy of sitting in the dentist chair for 3 fillings-- not fun at all. My jaw was sore for 2 days! At times, I can be a news hound-- and this week with the convention and hurricanes, there was a lot going on. Wed night was Knit Night with the ladies. I really need to take the camera next time to get a picture. We spent time eating peach tart (made by me) and admiring each others projects (and some knitting!). Jill brought her recent experiments in hand-dyed yarn-- she is starting a web-based business selling hand-dyed yarns and I must say the colors were wonderful (yes, I know, a picture would be nice)-- so there was much fondling going on(of the yarn mom, the yarn!). I will have a link when it is all up a going. Paula shared her purchases from the LYS in Mackinaw -- she had a wonderful blue angora that really wanted to go home with me!

The recent WIP is going well-- here are the most recent pictures. I have decided not to make a poncho, but go with a shawl/wrap. The pattern calls for 4-5 balls of mohair-- but I am on #3 and that may be it-- we will see. The first picture shows the work, the second a close-up of the pattern. I really need to work on my staging-- I know!

I have noticed a couple of things with this pattern: 1) double check the stitches used in the pattern, this one was short a few stitches after I calculated the repeats (this is why math is your friend --you youngsters out there!)-- or it was right and I will have a loopy pattern when all is done!; 2) don't try to rip or frog mohair-- shoot, even resist un-knitting unless absolutely necessary; and 3) because #2 is an issue, just accept the mistakes and go ahead an knit those extra stitches together.

Happy Weekend!

2008-08-30T10:44:00.003-04:00

It is the weekend, finally. The last few days has been busy-- but I did get a little knitting done. I took the afternoon off on Thurs to get the car fixed (new struts, tires, etc). What turned out to be an estimated 3 hour job took 5 hrs! Needless to say, I did get a bit of knitting done-- but I really did not want to see that shawl again for a few days... Friday I got up early (the dogs don't seem to understand the concept of vacation day and sleep in!) and set out to get a lot accomplished. I wanted to knit a bit this morning (watching tv waiting for the McCain VP announcement), but really did not want to face that dropped shawl again. Sometimes I swear I can hear the yarn calling me-- usually it is the natural fibers that call the loudest. During a LYS visit, I purchased a pattern and yarn for a wonderful mohair shawl/poncho by Kristen (Waves of Mohair #P05105). I figured this would be fairly easy, just knit, purls and a few yo/ktogs. Working with Mohair alone is a bit interesting-- I have to remind myself not to grip to tightly. So, here is a picture of the started project. The yarn is Artful Yarns Portrait (color 202)-- it does not show up well in the photo, but is a wonderful blend of different shads of purples, blues, greens and golds. If you are interested, the pattern by Kristen can be found on line at http://www.styledbykristin.com/

Peaches are in right now and I have a wonderful farmer stand not too far away. I decided to try a little canning this year (it has been a few years-- mainly pickles then). I set off to the stand to get the peaches on Friday-- I also need to get a few bags for friends to be delivered on Saturday. Canning went well, I put down 12 pints and 2 quarts of sliced peaches (in apple juice) and 12 jelly jars of peach preserves (sugar free), but boy was it tiring-- not enough burners on the stove to keep everything going. I hope they all seal! I will be hitting the tomato sauce on Sunday!

It's almost the weekend (for me at least!)

2008-08-28T06:38:00.004-04:00

Goodness, already a couple of days between posts, not a good start is it? But I have a good excuse-- really. OK, not really-- I fell asleep early after a couple of really sleepless nights. We have a couple of projects at work that I am trying to get done so that I can finally take a long weekend. I hate it when those little things invade your thoughts at 2AM! Luckily, I stopped at the local book store to pick up a pattern book (more on that one later!), and picked up Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's book "Cast Off: The Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting". What a hoot! I would recommend this little darling if: 1) you are a knitter, 2) you live with/are close friends with a knitter and/or 3) you need a gift for a knitter. She is hilarious-- approaching the subject of knitting and knitters as your tour guide though the wonderful and quirky land of fiber (the people, the customs and the culture). I think the dogs think I am crazy after the many LOL moments (at 3AM). (Needless to say, such fits a laughter with said dogs is not a good idea since they think it must be time to get up and play!).

So if you are looking for a good read or a really nice present (gift basket with the book and your knitters favorite yarn & notions or a gift card to the Local Yarn Shop (LYS) would be a suggestion), check out the book. I also enjoy reading SPM's blog- check out at http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/. I will link her blog to my favorites (maybe with a button when I figure out how to do that!) later one. [Oh, another funny thing happened as I was getting the YH link: I stopped to read her entry on an encounter with the subway mother-- what a riot. Oh, look free patterns-- oooooh, pretty lace Snowdrop Shaw-- must download now!-- I think it is a disease!).

The First Post!

2008-08-25T21:52:00.003-04:00

Well, here we go. My first blog and first post (yay for me!). I am sure that I will violate all kinds of blogging rules, so please be kind. I have been knitting on-and-off for a couple of years (more off than on), mainly just knit scarves. About this time last year I decided to pick up the needles again and have not looked back.

To start things off, here my first attempt at a non-scarf. I am a fan of Vickie Howell's Knitty Gritty (DIY and HGTV). (BTW: DIY, could you please sacrifice one of the million home improvement/sale/gardening shows for one craft show-- even if it is back on a 5AM-- I won't complain, I promise!). On one particular show, Vickie had members of the Souza Family show a really cool Camo Hat-- I thought, yes, I can make that! What I didn't realize it used both dpns and circular needles-- boy, for my first non-scarf I really went for the tools! Well, after panic subsided, I started right in. I will admit, I had to frog a few times, but over all, the hat came out OK-- but the ear flaps could use some work. I changed the color from camouflage to a dark gray with light gray trim. I can't remember the brand of yarn-- maybe Lion Brand? Not too bad for my first round thing! And yes, I am using a planter to model the hat!

If you like this hat, you can get the pattern from the book "Knitty Gritty Knits" by Vickie Howell or at DIY web site (http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dkng).