tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39157883733794356452024-02-07T22:27:35.620-08:00Musings of a Textile FanaticYavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-82328749337934451562016-05-01T09:33:00.000-07:002016-05-01T09:33:53.044-07:00Me Made May 2016!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fbgXLGwGVVYnEiRPRd-AEyBo1cf_bSea9MW3oSFJ4pv2Eq-_hViQ0VhDr4JL9f1g3TSwGXJz6CxhwF4peHblJRYsrJbzkgqeS1oJUDmLzHoiRDSKRpwKRledoFKOJtGjRFkPxSABB5vN/s1600/12928315_10208149974322385_4141896463323860458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fbgXLGwGVVYnEiRPRd-AEyBo1cf_bSea9MW3oSFJ4pv2Eq-_hViQ0VhDr4JL9f1g3TSwGXJz6CxhwF4peHblJRYsrJbzkgqeS1oJUDmLzHoiRDSKRpwKRledoFKOJtGjRFkPxSABB5vN/s320/12928315_10208149974322385_4141896463323860458_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ESP dress by DECADES EVERYDAY collection. </td></tr>
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<b>WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN???</b><br />
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You might (or might not) be wondering what has happened to me this last year.<br />
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Yes, I'm still knitting, and designing. I've also been going back to school and I have started a new career as a teacher.<br />
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I still run, although not as much.<br />
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I still bake. Again, not as much.<br />
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And I still chase after my two beautiful kids.<br />
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When I'm not doing all this I try to sleep. Sometimes I sew.<br />
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This month, I'm participating in ME MADE MAY 2016. Every year I say I'm going to do this, but this year, I actually think I might be able to pull it off. I do not think I CAN wear something homemade or hand stitched EVERY SINGLE DAY this month...I just don't have enough. But I can swear to wear what I do have on hand: my knitwear (whatever the moths haven't eaten...sigh) my clothing and new crafted items I create during the month.<br />
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<b>MY ME MADE PLEDGE: </b><br />
I pledge that during the month of May I will strive to wear a homemade item at least 3 days a week. I do not quite have enough items to wear everyday, but I will strive to have more days than not.<br />
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I also pledge to create at least one new dress or tunic to wear during the month.<br />
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I also pledge that time permitting, I will create more things for both myself and my family to wear during the month. I do not want to pledge more, because I want to make sure I can actually complete this challenge.<br />
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<a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2016/04/me-made-may-16-sign-up-here.html" target="_blank"><img alt="me-made-may'16" src="http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab120/zozowahine/mmmay16finalsmall_zps1vpgllbm.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-41279025962595705352015-09-06T19:28:00.001-07:002015-09-06T21:15:43.133-07:00I'm back....Knitty Deep Fall 2015, a KAL, and a new mitt pattern.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqniM1sqiXvNemBPHM7egVzJ8t_hu2f33EVu1PCYhQlo2f1TWtkLco7nHloViUrSRbYIQlqUKaShDln4zvUDZ3Tf0bvgCftd8AWD9aRKKjZI5X7m0hkWljgb12Ufp9CiKoo2bjIgI_WSj/s1600/headshot02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqniM1sqiXvNemBPHM7egVzJ8t_hu2f33EVu1PCYhQlo2f1TWtkLco7nHloViUrSRbYIQlqUKaShDln4zvUDZ3Tf0bvgCftd8AWD9aRKKjZI5X7m0hkWljgb12Ufp9CiKoo2bjIgI_WSj/s640/headshot02.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEdf15/PATTfloki.php">You may have noticed a familiar face in Knitty when it went live on Tuesday. </a>Well, I'm back. This is my third time being featured in this online magazine as a designer for Deep Fall. I also appeared in 2012 for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/you-can-call-me-al">You Can Call Me Al</a> and then later in 2013 for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ridley-2">Ridley</a>.<br />
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These are a great, fast, fun knit done in thick yarn with large needles. Warm enough for Winter, lacy enough for Fall, named for a crazy Viking...really, its all win! And its free. You really can't go wrong with free.<br />
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I thought it might be fun to share some of the photos that didn't make it into the article. You see, I took the ones in the jeans first and was asked to reshoot....and maybe put on a dress this time. I figured if a dress would be good, a corset would be better...In the end the used the jeans photos, but here's an assortment of some of my favorites over the three days and 2 outfits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM-1c5xDqTALrtD6rmhfGOjbPk0zBBEX4ANnfeS_qjNi42evJ_-W3y0IpY4H2N4Sm8sTIAstcbFvf1UIAL1b2EZcEgDptvmsM8aE6GoY3XIB-UQfI6dqZMXXma26wWn8joaSTl27Ty5Oh/s1600/frontflowerlong01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM-1c5xDqTALrtD6rmhfGOjbPk0zBBEX4ANnfeS_qjNi42evJ_-W3y0IpY4H2N4Sm8sTIAstcbFvf1UIAL1b2EZcEgDptvmsM8aE6GoY3XIB-UQfI6dqZMXXma26wWn8joaSTl27Ty5Oh/s640/frontflowerlong01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really loved the green of the fennel behind me. Very "fall in Berkeley" I thought.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg-aqvGNoDYgayGD5rYd-eC1fH5GtrpIZD3Xl_sAhPBleCJpbJ_9JW5SiWS6KUv8WI4P3rGxOPy_j-fqaExW4zGqQItJ7SNrAiOd-Fn4Pw-gELywkYIiTI2h7yXuTERJI2QAM7bo_DTfO/s1600/full+side01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicg-aqvGNoDYgayGD5rYd-eC1fH5GtrpIZD3Xl_sAhPBleCJpbJ_9JW5SiWS6KUv8WI4P3rGxOPy_j-fqaExW4zGqQItJ7SNrAiOd-Fn4Pw-gELywkYIiTI2h7yXuTERJI2QAM7bo_DTfO/s640/full+side01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these old stone banisters. They lead up to the circle on Marin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xh2LHEHKPnpKe47MMzwC5HxIOpd2GxKN3tXknOM7aJONzJR9wCiJUNuKyqcW2dg4CDKPlNHA_bwc43R14LkR5Clyt0IubRfXD9gkx2gg4BYnCnn_DcnLB761VZitP3bMVxdLHDrViYH_/s1600/peekaboo02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xh2LHEHKPnpKe47MMzwC5HxIOpd2GxKN3tXknOM7aJONzJR9wCiJUNuKyqcW2dg4CDKPlNHA_bwc43R14LkR5Clyt0IubRfXD9gkx2gg4BYnCnn_DcnLB761VZitP3bMVxdLHDrViYH_/s640/peekaboo02.jpg" width="356" /></a>I thought a lot of these pictures were really fun, but maybe too much cleavage? Not enough sock showing?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jhHJhhEJDlJMjQm9-n-E5ayhIUmm3sxXWj3BAQnE7hSSMXJ0sshVAPRUwZlHom3i-4mWtH4YwaBbD19om7YE8SKxnX_Xeqaquu4TYubNFHpN8FSpPoRXWpYtq0KJ_EHMWBjowbHm3stg/s1600/peekaboo01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jhHJhhEJDlJMjQm9-n-E5ayhIUmm3sxXWj3BAQnE7hSSMXJ0sshVAPRUwZlHom3i-4mWtH4YwaBbD19om7YE8SKxnX_Xeqaquu4TYubNFHpN8FSpPoRXWpYtq0KJ_EHMWBjowbHm3stg/s640/peekaboo01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXIUey8UixBbZu99PqYn6NFjC8mnMxUth0eimVMdoq9YcFnSrhqiieF_ibL-oGzsmCC0bDCa5TL_mpHmZZVDHqjJAEq9QnrU50Ljp4KiUG-8qVOlaySp2DC0w0MydAEtdQl7GJK7ct_Y6/s1600/goofyside01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXIUey8UixBbZu99PqYn6NFjC8mnMxUth0eimVMdoq9YcFnSrhqiieF_ibL-oGzsmCC0bDCa5TL_mpHmZZVDHqjJAEq9QnrU50Ljp4KiUG-8qVOlaySp2DC0w0MydAEtdQl7GJK7ct_Y6/s400/goofyside01.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
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Here we are at the end of the last day. Hawke kept trying to photo bomb. Good thing he's cute.<br />
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These socks are almost knee high. They stretch vertically and horizontally and are tapered throughout the leg for a snug fit. All the decreases are also on the top of the foot, so you don't have to worry about any uncomfortable seams.<br />
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If you feel like giving them a try, I'm having a KAL in my Ravelry group. Feel free to include these along with all the fun October Daye Socks that are being posted.<br />
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Speaking of which, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/october-daye-socks">have you all seen my latest sock pattern??</a><br />
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<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/october-daye-socks"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLBxjfYhEFX4JK4for64yBNRRvZE5B-k2FZWyDnrT3Xdo8PbfW1TOQCb3xHINoI5CiIZAY1yGkDl8Cl7MRoXOTdIVRJ_sWnIOPMT1LAGzxl7Un43C_6nL-4zAyuOU34hoKhLZ4Dd0Ia_C/s640/toe.jpg" width="504" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi14dz6mrbr7ezm9u-kgnIJmpo19WRyAGDTUGeZl_Pp7vpSKATbpd9tDih2oU78yiwjjQc4_oDRXBmxEg8Ly1wQlvayI74DT1zvBASc3NHMeCuqY6PnSzUxu8Z0mFKKFGFXfHqlR_wxHUn/s1600/sideview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi14dz6mrbr7ezm9u-kgnIJmpo19WRyAGDTUGeZl_Pp7vpSKATbpd9tDih2oU78yiwjjQc4_oDRXBmxEg8Ly1wQlvayI74DT1zvBASc3NHMeCuqY6PnSzUxu8Z0mFKKFGFXfHqlR_wxHUn/s320/sideview.jpg" width="320" /></a>Right now, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/InvictusYarns">Invictus Yarns</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/watch-datenshi-design/3240398/">I am running a KAL for my October Day(e) Socks.</a> They are an addictive, quick knit. Finish a pair before October 31st can qualify you for prizes.<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/invictus-yarns/3242481/"> If you join in the KAL with Invictus</a>, they'll accept any design knit up in their yarn, so you could even make a pair of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf15/PATTfloki.php">Floki Socks</a> if it suits you. I'll also honor any of my own patterns knit up in ANY yarn. Feel free to double dip and join both KALs. Come join the fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dAhebZsKhb1peRD3SeD_K95nyDlM_yFyHvUOt0T99eHtytNYrSIUwtZC36YRXQcaZYRNt0soOaGIaY8_wbAwb7g1rQuDqOZf_Nlx1Va4nCjSf5rVxa9-ybV127YPVp-axFwZi3IuZs5z/s1600/thumbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dAhebZsKhb1peRD3SeD_K95nyDlM_yFyHvUOt0T99eHtytNYrSIUwtZC36YRXQcaZYRNt0soOaGIaY8_wbAwb7g1rQuDqOZf_Nlx1Va4nCjSf5rVxa9-ybV127YPVp-axFwZi3IuZs5z/s320/thumbs.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3SIh8L-pxdMhvtRojS2SgyMX8Kq-0ewO1qW5Ka6TGdB2ktdtH4ezplNCjewOUbfpprIbX864JOFlRolx9WoZrRONyXVGqWTdswXAjskSXI4GILmaza5JTS5IcGTjyg3KXzYKOR_tysCh/s1600/without+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3SIh8L-pxdMhvtRojS2SgyMX8Kq-0ewO1qW5Ka6TGdB2ktdtH4ezplNCjewOUbfpprIbX864JOFlRolx9WoZrRONyXVGqWTdswXAjskSXI4GILmaza5JTS5IcGTjyg3KXzYKOR_tysCh/s320/without+hands.jpg" width="180" /></a>Also new this month, my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/love-is-a-battlefield-mitts">Love is a Battlefield fingerless mitts</a>. Enter the code "battlefield" at checkout on Ravelry, and get a free pattern! </div>
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More coming soon, I have some great new ideas coming in the next couple of months. I'm also hoping to update my blog a bit more frequently.</div>
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<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-65546403407750904872015-04-12T11:43:00.000-07:002015-04-12T11:43:20.146-07:00Spring in Berkeley: Running, Knitting, and Sunshine.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Its been ages since I've written, and so much has changed in my life with so many changes on the horizon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a_2DofqWSN_Q7_rqYACxNFG50Vzc8eE5dgp8iy7ZfbBICcom4XEDLHfmvIBI-FE5knRiFRV7gUbAvcyw1D97-54qAqF1q8vzYX49WEeQD4mrfD-YVJ3WWMv0S1nFGGTIx9v6xE2EPSKi/s1600/CAM01637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a_2DofqWSN_Q7_rqYACxNFG50Vzc8eE5dgp8iy7ZfbBICcom4XEDLHfmvIBI-FE5knRiFRV7gUbAvcyw1D97-54qAqF1q8vzYX49WEeQD4mrfD-YVJ3WWMv0S1nFGGTIx9v6xE2EPSKi/s1600/CAM01637.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite my best efforts, my children keep growing faster than I can keep pace with. It is a pleasure and a joy to watch them grow and change day by day. My son, Little Hawke, is now 18.5 months old with a headful of floppy dirty blond curls and a taste for mischief and adventure. One of his favorite games is</div>
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"Chasing Sister." Here he is wandering into some one else's yard to smell their amazing roses. Some of the blooms were as large as his head, hair included!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHqf41NNW60VrHA2p8bNx7aMKW3dfVf9Zxvw92sTrOvckZ8sRGkjZZYIcjUnaOcxUMBhbRXNgyMh4cDFXOohkFNR5olFp-8C4yH4P8HV8ptzjXWF8f-ry0T9n6kc9MLoaoi9m_x8tXAG9/s1600/CAM01650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHqf41NNW60VrHA2p8bNx7aMKW3dfVf9Zxvw92sTrOvckZ8sRGkjZZYIcjUnaOcxUMBhbRXNgyMh4cDFXOohkFNR5olFp-8C4yH4P8HV8ptzjXWF8f-ry0T9n6kc9MLoaoi9m_x8tXAG9/s1600/CAM01650.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My DD, Roo, is also continuing to blossom and change day by day. She's now 4 and 3/4 as she'll tell anyone will listen, and is getting ready to start Kindergarten this August! I've had her mostly to myself now for almost 5 years, and I'm already fearfully anticipating the loss of my little adventure companion. Here she is at Aquatic Park, showing me how she was able to remove some of the pavement with her awesome strength. She was rather impressed with how strong she is...I didn't have the heart to tell her it was crumbling away without her best efforts. We had a great afternoon of duck watching, walking, and hot chocolate. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTwLdImSvJMwcPKYLhXr0NSw_FrUlnoK4xbW-VYh1_3brspGM66g9RMaLmvOvMTMF2dsaZ2r-WDJ6hjcIzsvNRscDBFf50CXe1IJ_z9IhNAhzgjC2DpbapZBi6troVInwkhnAKcxGHZS6/s1600/CAM01689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTwLdImSvJMwcPKYLhXr0NSw_FrUlnoK4xbW-VYh1_3brspGM66g9RMaLmvOvMTMF2dsaZ2r-WDJ6hjcIzsvNRscDBFf50CXe1IJ_z9IhNAhzgjC2DpbapZBi6troVInwkhnAKcxGHZS6/s1600/CAM01689.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>In other news, I'm still running and designing new things all the time. This morning I woke up extra early to go out and tackle a half marathon's distance before the family was up and about. I actually successfully managed to sneak out before the sun was fully up and the kids were awake. :D I left the house at 6:27 and began my run at around 6:40-6:50. I was home by around 9:15. Two hours out on the trail. It was a beautiful morning for a run. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWFwL_CGZZfu0yjSSd5Qd4FgtabhSU70YYuIgS0vZ8nEWJcBqUwjfR2jWcuzyll3uMHCgG6IA3rXZ-X7ekoSiUoN5Dri44mQW4D0tQW9N8YuHDd4bZyan4d3kxZ91VVKWAmr7pv7A8EW1/s1600/CAM01688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWFwL_CGZZfu0yjSSd5Qd4FgtabhSU70YYuIgS0vZ8nEWJcBqUwjfR2jWcuzyll3uMHCgG6IA3rXZ-X7ekoSiUoN5Dri44mQW4D0tQW9N8YuHDd4bZyan4d3kxZ91VVKWAmr7pv7A8EW1/s1600/CAM01688.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I am before the run started, at the Emeryville Marina. My destination, the end of the Bay Bridge.<br />
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About 1/4 of the way through...This sign warns me that if I chicken out on the running thing and decide to walk, it'll be 3.5 hours to the end of the bridge back to this sign...Good thing I was running!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFfk_W4HCv_2aKHfcmrhDknau3hPOGvN_TnwjNn8izyG6emEJTC7JzRQcjf-8bW081PpFHqLSjLCoWp2lUeDD4ASAByzUOLS-2SGZm-MWx2qs2wKIWx-IMSEwmUCg9v2yHuKlLT5zh3N/s1600/CAM01694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBFfk_W4HCv_2aKHfcmrhDknau3hPOGvN_TnwjNn8izyG6emEJTC7JzRQcjf-8bW081PpFHqLSjLCoWp2lUeDD4ASAByzUOLS-2SGZm-MWx2qs2wKIWx-IMSEwmUCg9v2yHuKlLT5zh3N/s1600/CAM01694.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwTM1aDn1eDLXSH8jLCQ-6fHlGF4dyB17CM-goRZfux3DI6_Tf1_TBgpqirWVc5_SLxlvcEt8RAWcFLy3ol4_i2ENSO3r-2oc1TYKLb9LcDROLcRbANAVt5ByDIEKhNlo8vUn5ANkSC_H/s1600/CAM01695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwTM1aDn1eDLXSH8jLCQ-6fHlGF4dyB17CM-goRZfux3DI6_Tf1_TBgpqirWVc5_SLxlvcEt8RAWcFLy3ol4_i2ENSO3r-2oc1TYKLb9LcDROLcRbANAVt5ByDIEKhNlo8vUn5ANkSC_H/s1600/CAM01695.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I made it to the halfway point with no problems. I was running a bit slower than I had hoped, but I at this point I figured I could make up some time on the downhill back to the car. The view was amazing from out there. I wish I had a better camera.<br />
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Here I am at the turnaround point. I didn't have quite the milage I needed for a half, so I did a few back and forths at this point followed by some loops of the parking lot at the end to make up distance.<br />
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On the way back to the car, I played a few speed games on the trail. I hadn't brought any music, and I was running solo, so I needed something to keep my mind occupied for the hour run back to the car.<br />
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I made it back a bit slower than I wanted, but with a negative split. All in all a good run!<br />
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I've got a marathon coming up in August, so I'm trying to stay active this summer. Hopefully this run will be the first of many great runs on my journey back to Marathon fitness. I haven't run a marathon since before the birth of my son, the last one being almost 3 years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ETqwRz-cIPu2QmcDSLmdNJH2iKDB41xd1G4M8Ka_FjbSBOOYh9OW1t2dQjOTleuGQD7AabmzMWIsGmA70vQvyirpQ0dis6Qs6HZXXJVfWMKI9MHGsu8hhA87p_jHT6HtxB1onRIuxUfO/s1600/CAM01705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ETqwRz-cIPu2QmcDSLmdNJH2iKDB41xd1G4M8Ka_FjbSBOOYh9OW1t2dQjOTleuGQD7AabmzMWIsGmA70vQvyirpQ0dis6Qs6HZXXJVfWMKI9MHGsu8hhA87p_jHT6HtxB1onRIuxUfO/s1600/CAM01705.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> In knitting news, I'm also designing lots. Here's a glimpse at one of my current projects, a set of fingerless mittens for a swap. It worked really hard on making a fun heart-shaped lace and cable motif. I'll post more when I'm ready to design these into socks!<br />
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I'm planning to have a really busy summer. I hope to blog again soon...I miss writing sometimes.<br />
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Until next time~!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bloom-15"><img alt=" Bloom! Official MKAL pattern page!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbc_s4SemrGn5O84C93mznmrkLMrOvWQvmeyLq2RDIt0zy1pifmTTjzBbAxQMp0tlyiV7LWjCayQo6oitznJZLbuweB8NgDQ5mZshWrQ08Ca9UT4I_D4kAYbz5DC2tCV6PsatPr0QJNtH/s640/bloom.jpg" /></a><br />
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The sock design will be released in 4 parts, 4 "clues" with one new clue a week. Those who joined the group and posted a picture of their intended yarn will receive the pattern for free. Those who want to wait and see if this pattern is for them, can still receive the pattern at a great discount. It's only $1 for the first week, $2 for the second week, $3 dollars for the third week and finally full price after the last clue is released.<br />
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The inspiration for this MOCK (Mystery Sock) is blooming Hyacinths. Hyacinth Jane was one of the names on my short list had Hawthorne been born a girl. I love nature names, and I'm often inspired by nature for my designs (or geek literature, or both..<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peeta-socks">Peeta Socks</a> were designed to look like wheat, but were inspired by the Peeta character from The Hunger Games).<br />
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Each week, I'll post some tricks and tips and advice here on my blog to go with the MKAL. I hope you can all play along. I'm really excited about this.<br />
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Oh, and there will be prizes. I plan on giving out mini prizes each week with a grand prize drawing to happen at the end of the KAL. I will be offering up YARN, and COFFEE or TEA and CHOCOLATE! as well as free prize sets of patterns, including copies of my new<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/tribute-series-everdeen-mini-book"> Everdeen ebook,</a> which is about to be updated with a new mitt pattern to fill out the set and a plus size for the cowl!<br />
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So get your yarn ready, free up your needles, and help me welcome Spring as we transition into summer and knit up a fun pair of socks! Yay socks!Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-81419752301689847552014-03-24T20:58:00.002-07:002014-03-24T21:01:59.778-07:00ORF, KAL, OMG and other acronyms <div style="text-align: justify;">
Greetings all!</div>
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Sorry for the taking so long to update with a new post. </div>
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So its that time of year again. The Oakland Running Festival just finished this weekend for the 5 time on Sunday. It was my 4th time running it, but my first time running it as a pacer. Here I am with my co-Pacer Amy. We headed up the 2:20 min pace group.<a href="http://textilefanatic.blogspot.com/2013_03_01_archive.html"> Last year </a>I ran this event 4 months pregnant and finished around 2:04. I wanted to take it easy this year, and since I was still recovering when I started the training program, I decided to pace the 11 min mile group. I was lucky in that I had a great, fun group of people to pace. Many of the people I helped train decided to run with me on race day too as their pacer. I felt so honored that they trusted me to help them achieve their race day goals. I really enjoyed participating in an event as a volunteer in this way. I've always raced my half marathons to see how fast I can go. I've never run one with the goal of helping others first, and thinking of myself last. It gives me a whole new perspective to the sport. </div>
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Charlotte also participated this year in the kids run for her second year in a row. She really enjoys these runs, and I think I may start taking her to the kids runs during the 4th Sunday runs at Lake Merritt put on my my running club LMJS. I never get to see her run, because the half marathon starts RIGHT BEFORE the kids race :(.</div>
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According to Daddy, she ran the little kids run (for the under 7 crowd) and then asked him "so when do I get to run?" apparently she didn't realize the race was over and she had completed it. I think maybe she might need to do the big kids race (1/4 mile instead of 150 meters) next year. In a couple of years, maybe we'll run the 5K together. My crazy speedy girl...</div>
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This year she took a picture with a mermaid. I think this is an improvement over last year's Raiderette...</div>
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OKAY, enough with running, onto knitting! So I have a lot going on right now in my knitiverse. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/tribute-series-everdeen-mini-book"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Shxf8EUaenyh0jbgJdfOmoU-UztjIFxuEMzmzVgWUGzNAjX8iL2SAf3hSmmfyz-yb6EHZDhY69XuLxkt6Q94t5gpJkrZLKM3LYnwpLr9iyT1-QEOQM8ExogdYY2IwoBYGuGE7Oc4QZU/s1600/everdeensetbook-1.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/tribute-series-everdeen-mini-book">Buy both Everdeen patterns in the EBOOK for a huge discount!</a></td></tr>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX31rr97RItPKf1zet007WJ5uQzDMdOFBoz5Q-xRFj5LuLdKgsqVwCjtRYEItYAGfnq-iFXglVsfEh9lMvsr5lntl0Ptzrsqaj3YGOedHaJBbZwyxRs053nVMAt1qvN-6z0Bkk9z2QTfH4/s1600/everdeenfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX31rr97RItPKf1zet007WJ5uQzDMdOFBoz5Q-xRFj5LuLdKgsqVwCjtRYEItYAGfnq-iFXglVsfEh9lMvsr5lntl0Ptzrsqaj3YGOedHaJBbZwyxRs053nVMAt1qvN-6z0Bkk9z2QTfH4/s1600/everdeenfront.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Firstly! </b>I am having a huge sale in my Ravelry shop on all of my patterns until the end of the month. So you have until MONDAY to get 25% off of everything.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Secondly</b>! I am having a KAL (knit-a-long) over in my Ravelry Group, Watch Datenshi Design. I'm even giving away prizes to finishers! Come on and knit with me. The KAL is for my two new patterns, Everdeen Cowl and Everdeen Socks. Currently we have few enough participants that pretty much anyone who signs up is guaranteed a prize. That's pretty good odds! <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/watch-datenshi-design/2874572/">For the duration of the KAL, the two KAL patterns are on sale for KAL participants! You can buy them separately, or as part of a set at 50% (or more) off of the original sale price!</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Thirdly!</b> I have two new patterns! They can be purchased separately, or as part of an ebook for a nice discount. Both utilize an original lace and cable motif designed by me to resemble arrows in a quiver. The inspiration is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. The socks are one of my last Hunger Games inspired sock patterns in a long series of patterns that I have now been working on for 2 years! It has many very nice details, including two toe finishes, and design motifs that continue into the heels of the sock. Every aspect of this sock is fully designed. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL0G4_cN7sPFuPazB3pGT3inq-Jjcw1QVkEO1IUPfKuRqa4j-_DDpmJhxZjd_bMjpo3HJYpegg52Qxz0yXyDMAoQrSXFYlZOX6JZeaSWWrCQrr_JQ0dF3VrHZdxuYpB7Lx3atTmIw4Blz/s1600/everdeencowl-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL0G4_cN7sPFuPazB3pGT3inq-Jjcw1QVkEO1IUPfKuRqa4j-_DDpmJhxZjd_bMjpo3HJYpegg52Qxz0yXyDMAoQrSXFYlZOX6JZeaSWWrCQrr_JQ0dF3VrHZdxuYpB7Lx3atTmIw4Blz/s1600/everdeencowl-2.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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The cowl is my first ever cowl pattern...ever! It was such a pleasure to design...maybe you'll see me trying other silhouettes in the near future. Sweaters? Shawls? Gloves? The list of possibilities is almost endless. So many shapes to play with! It was nice working with DK weight yarn instead of my usual fingering weight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnXHYJLrLf1P0BQzByhwh3E3Wiv4tPUvgey60wd-H1dsGNiF5f_95cqQglYVRNfMezZ61RSvJpz7cFQEvS2BRCs8XatgNnnu9r5WG-RDGpBghyphenhyphen-SmhHAYAQIegbIGE9jQDn-qDgGfsAzu/s1600/hawkbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnXHYJLrLf1P0BQzByhwh3E3Wiv4tPUvgey60wd-H1dsGNiF5f_95cqQglYVRNfMezZ61RSvJpz7cFQEvS2BRCs8XatgNnnu9r5WG-RDGpBghyphenhyphen-SmhHAYAQIegbIGE9jQDn-qDgGfsAzu/s1600/hawkbaby.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">In completely other news, my newest little photo editor is about to turn 6 months old. Wow! How time flies!</span><br />
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Baby Hawke says: knit more, cuddle more!</div>
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Until next time~!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gVUAnelLYXeEiNWLyBHaim6KOl78PDoPbBDxcDVzfVN0FQv6NKbwi1dFfw2TvFUf4wMvREc47Keb_Ny0OKDOBgB_g2sqFJyR4jGE-7waPqEqA8nqOBHZJd67GbVNB4GvYblA3zMr2tOu/s1600/DSC04279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gVUAnelLYXeEiNWLyBHaim6KOl78PDoPbBDxcDVzfVN0FQv6NKbwi1dFfw2TvFUf4wMvREc47Keb_Ny0OKDOBgB_g2sqFJyR4jGE-7waPqEqA8nqOBHZJd67GbVNB4GvYblA3zMr2tOu/s640/DSC04279.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> HAWTHORNE Sebastian Reynolds was born on September 25th, at 9:18pm during a successful, speedy homebirth. 8lbs 2oz, 20 inches long. We are all very happy to welcome him into our family. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We love you little Hawk!</span></td></tr>
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Those who have been following my adventures in family, cooking, and knitwear may know that my first child, most commonly called Roo, was an attempted natural birth center birth that went a bit wonky and ended up being a very not-natural hospital birth. Pretty much everything I didn't want happened. I ended up at the hospital, attached to machines, with an epidural, pitocin, and almost had a c-section. Luckily she decided to make a move on and I was in transition when they checked me before wheeling me off to get cut. Sigh. In the end I had a healthy baby, which is the most important thing, but it was a 4 day nightmare full of disappointment, failure, and general fear.<br />
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This time, I decided I'd try something different. Different birth team, different location, different end goal. I chose a new team of midwives, decided to have a home birth (a home water birth if I could manage it) and to keep myself healthy, strong, and low stress enough so that I didn't have to worry about going to the hospital.<br />
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For the most part it seemed to be working. I was staying trim, healthy, strong. I gained almost half as much weight as last time (35 lbs instead of the whopping 65lbs of last time) was swimming regularly, and at the very end, taking very long walks. I ran all the way through my 7th month of pregnancy, racing my last races at 5-6 months pregnant (I did my last 10 miler at 4 months, my last 5k race at almost 6 months).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFC6K42LszGbV7NNLHz5lQbJG3eAZtnQMjPepT1WIfI1cshl0qsfq6NrDl_1iJQh4ZgF4VBnFbREXzW28P4hkyhg6DaCg3BKpBbAijLfrzy12szlgfeErobLmEkx9vGbV2Dhx19LJVGJu/s1600/DSC04198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFC6K42LszGbV7NNLHz5lQbJG3eAZtnQMjPepT1WIfI1cshl0qsfq6NrDl_1iJQh4ZgF4VBnFbREXzW28P4hkyhg6DaCg3BKpBbAijLfrzy12szlgfeErobLmEkx9vGbV2Dhx19LJVGJu/s400/DSC04198.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am at the beginning of my 9th month after a successful 1/2 mile swim, <br />
the standard distance for me during this pregnancy for a morning swim. </td></tr>
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Our life got a bit stressful as my ninth month loomed closer. Money became very tight, with not enough work coming in to keep us on top of our bills. Then, as I got closer to my due date, work came in overtime, with me stuck at home caring for our 3 year old with no help. I was worried the baby would come early, just because of all the stress.<br />
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This idea would later seem very very silly. Apparently, this little guy wasn't going to be moved so easily.<br />
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As my due date approached and then passed, I started to get worried. Baby had been head down in the final birthing position for what seemed like months, but was definitely WEEKS and WEEKS. I had constant pressure on my pelvis when I walked or tried to move around. I was sure the baby was coming soon. Braxton Hicks contractions were blending into real contractions that would taper off (false labor) on an almost daily basis. In addition to that, my midwives finally got around to sharing my GBS results...the week I was due! I had taken the test back at 36wks, but didn't find out the results until 39wks. I was GBS positive, which means that if my water broke early again, like it did with Roo, I'd be at risk for passing the strep culture to my child, endangering its life if I tried for a homebirth. If my water was broken for more than 12 hours, I'd have to go to the hospital. As it is, if I had been doing concurrent care as I had been with my daughter, they'd recommend IV antibiotics...which I really didn't want. IV's mean you can't move during the birth in the ways that you may need to in order to deliver without interventions. Antibiotics kill all the GOOD bacteria as well as the BAD. I had IV antibiotics with Roo and <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_thrush-in-babies_92.bc">suffered with the worst case of thrush</a> that took weeks to clear up holistically. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxGdzPa3zqFQOeRdyT6jQzBAxwFBiJdgJn4jXDKBMaG7agvy4r0d8nI4s2CWru6lQxAAR21G0o7cmNzIs68aJUYGTaU92x_3n62NsUbx-tWk3NmF6wvg_v35vM1xDDNxP8jP4QHbOoUSv/s1600/DSC04250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxGdzPa3zqFQOeRdyT6jQzBAxwFBiJdgJn4jXDKBMaG7agvy4r0d8nI4s2CWru6lQxAAR21G0o7cmNzIs68aJUYGTaU92x_3n62NsUbx-tWk3NmF6wvg_v35vM1xDDNxP8jP4QHbOoUSv/s400/DSC04250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am the day before Hawthorne's birth, <br />
celebrating my 33rd birthday with a "sugar free" cake made out of paper. <br />
My GBS standing had me on a NO sugar diet...a difficulty for a hobby baker!</td></tr>
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But you don't wanna mess around with GBS. Its a bad mamajama that can lead to dead babies...if what you read on the internet is half true. So I didn't mess around with the treatment. In order to alleviate my risk, I doubled my dosage of vitamin C to strengthen my bag of waters. I eliminated sugar from my diet, including all simple carbs (no white bread or cereal). I upped my intake of green leafies and began eating sauerkraut and plain kefir with almost all of my meals (yum!...not so much). This was all in addition to the naturopathic remedies they had me taking [raw garlic with apple cider vinegar anyone?! How about some Olive Leaf extract. Then there's this fun douche...TMI I know, it was no fun T_T ]. I was pretty miserable those last 3 wks of my pregnancy.<br />
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Yes, 3 wks. Little Hawk didn't want to be born until I was almost a complete 42 wks baked. He decided to best his sister for how long he could stay inside mama and was born 12 days after his due date.<br />
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Based on all the myths of second babies I had been hearing, along with my body seeming to get ready to birth sooner, the baby dropping "lightening" early etc etc I was expecting this one to be born early. Or at least earlier that big sister, preferably before my birthday, September 24th, which happened 11 days after my due date. Well, the New Moon a week before my due date didn't move him, neither did the full moon at exactly 41wks. I cried that day. I cried all day. I was actually starting to worry that my worst fears would come true AGAIN. Because if I couldn't birth this baby by 42 wks, I was prepared to take myself to the hospital and ask for induction. I know you can go beyond 42 wks and still have a healthy baby, but the risk factors increase astronomically after 42wks, each subsequent week making the risk factor for a stillbirth much much higher. Personally, I'd rather risk a failed hospital induction and C-Section to get a healthy baby out of me than risk baby not being healthy.<br />
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So what's a mama to do? Well, my next step was acupuncture.<br />
I went to 3 sessions to "center" myself, which left me feeling very heavy, low, and after one appt, pretty depressed. But I think I needed to work through some emotional baggage I had been carrying around since Roo's birth--about myself, my last birthing, our family, our finances, our life in general--before I could birth this baby. These sessions were followed by 3 session for "induction" purposes, to stimulate the uterus.<br />
While all these were going on, I was having "practice" sessions every other night. These went on for 2 weeks. I hear this isn't uncommon for multips (second or subsequent pregnancies) but I wasn't expecting them to be as uncomfortable. Some of these sessions lasted hours, were in the middle of the day, and were as painful as early labor contractions. I guess in a way they were early early early labor. They also proved to be a good sign as to what time of day I'd end up going into labor, as I will explain in a moment.<br />
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My last three acupuncture appts were scheduled leading up to the day I'd finally start the herbal inductions set aside by my midwives, followed by the dreaded castor oil if needed, one day before I hit 42 wks. This was so that if it didn't work, we had enough time to try again before the situation became more dire. On the last day of treatment, the day after my 33rd birthday, we decided to give it one last good try. I ate spicy food, drank red raspberry leaf tea like it was water, went for a long walk around the Berkeley Marina, drove down the bumpiest road we could find (3 times) and had some "alone" time with the hubby...All before lunchtime.<br />
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And then things actually started to move. At 1pm I began having contractions strong enough that I had to stop and pause. We began timing them. They were about 1 minute long and 12-15 minutes apart...not really much more than what I had been experiencing the days and weeks before, just a little bit stronger in intensity. I was expected at the acupuncturist at 2:15, just in time to start my herbs after the appt at around 4pm. First I cancelled my appt, then I rescheduled when Jeffrey convinced me it wouldn't hurt to go in, even if I though I might be in early labor, if only to help avoid the dreaded castor oil (I really hate the castor oil) later in the evening by getting my contractions really going.<br />
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So I went to my final acupuncture appt. I started having contractions as she put in the last of my needles along my spine. I continued to have pretty strong contractions throughout the session as I waited, 5 or 6 good ones during the hour I was on the table. Once the needles were out and we were driving home, they were coming strong enough that I had to hum through the pain, about 10 minutes apart.<br />
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Once we got home, I started up the herbs. I'm not sure what is in their herbal mix, but they call it "bring the baby" and I am assuming it was the same mix of herbs I took last time, just in a different configuration and delivery system. It tasted pretty awful, even chased down with honeyed tea. I was to take this mix every half hour. My records show I took my last dose at 5:30...It seems I didn't need it after that.<br />
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The hubby wanted to go out to dinner, and had gotten our nook all set up to record my contractions with a portable energy source. I'm glad I decided to stay home and had the food brought to me, because I don't think I would have really been safe to go out. Real labor started shortly after they got home.<br />
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They returned at 6pm. As I got up from my birth ball to say "hi" my water broke. I thought I had wet myself, I wasn't sure at first, so I took care of the mess and then went to dinner. As I sat down, more water...and I was pretty sure it was my water breaking, not just a low baby head making me lose control. So we called the doula. My contractions were starting to get stronger, but again, nothing to really report to anyone. They were only 1-1.5 minutes long and 7 minutes apart. I figured I still had HOURS before anything would start happening (remember, last time I had broken waters for 4 days). I also wasn't 100% sure it had been my water. I think I was in a bit of denial that anything was actually happening, after weeks of thinking I was going to start up and having nothing come of it. My contractions were all strong enough for me to want to hum through them, but not so bad that I really felt anything more than pressure. They weren't really painful at all at this stage.<br />
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After dinner I went back into my room and got back on the birth ball, put my ipod on some relaxing music, and tried to work on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/westknits-mystery-shawl-kal-2013-color-craving">Stephen West Mystery Shawl</a>. Roo hadn't had a nap, and the idea was that we'd get her down for an early bedtime while I went into labor, so that maybe she'd wake up and find a new little brother or sister. So Daddy was working on getting Roo-bug into the bath and clean for bed and story time when everything changed. It was maybe 6:45 when I suddenly dropped my knitting, jumped off my ball and changed positions to a standing bent forward position, hands on the bed, as I began to SCREAM through my contraction.<br />
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Jeff had just spoken to the doula and she was on her way, but she talked to him before this change had occurred. So she was going to run an errand before heading over to our place. She lives 30-45 minutes away in Concord. But the change, it was so quick it was like a switch was flicked inside my body, and everything went from mellow, pressure, not so bad to "HOLY F#$! THIS HURTS!!" There was now a chance the doula might not make it in time.<br />
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I had always though my epidural hadn't really worked last time, because I still felt pain. I now knew that it had been working just fine. I was beginning to experience what a true natural birth felt like.<br />
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So after a couple of these crazy screaming contractions Jeff comes in and says "should I call the midwives."<br />
My best answer..."um I guess??"<br />
"Regular number or emergency line..."<br />
"IDK...what do you AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"<br />
"I'm calling the emergency line!"<br />
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Which turned out to be a good call. In minutes I was in the birth pool. The water helped with the pain and it felt good-ish at first. I don't know how long I was in there, but it was long enough for the first of the midwives, junior midwife Esther to arrive. Juli, the main midwife on duty that week, was stuck in the city. Team Oracle had just won the America's Cup, and the party was big in the city to celebrate...which meant big traffic. Apparently the noises I was making in the tub were enough to scare the midwife...she called in a back up midwife. She also had Jeff call the doula up and tell her that she needed to be there 10 minutes ago. If she didn't hurry, she was going to miss the birth.<br />
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I was told I was at -3 station. I was in a lot of pain, and hearing that didn't help.. <a href="http://ebsco.smartimagebase.com/fetal-descent-stations-birth-presentation/view-item?ItemID=8741">I knew what that meant</a>, It meant baby wasn't nearly as low as I was hoping it would be. It meant I still had a lot of pain until this baby was birthed...oh damn! But then in one of next comments to me she asked if "I wanted to catch my baby"...I guess they could hear the baby moving down my body in my voice.<br />
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I'm sure it must have been an hour or so later, but time was pretty twisted for me, I'm not sure, but soon the house was full of midwives. The main midwife and the other main midwife in the practice who was off duty, both showed up at the same time as the doula. The back up doula and the back up midwife had showed up maybe 20 minutes earlier and were playing with Roo. I had 4 midwives, 2 doulas, a hubby, and a preschooler all in and out of the birth room at this time and all I could think was "I'm getting hot" and "If I try to change positions in this birth tub I might drown."<br />
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So as people were leaving, setting things up, etc, I was trying to get out of the tub. All while having contractions so strong I was trying not to sing opera during them (I actually started singing my scales from Women's Ensemble choir in high school during one. It's amazing where your body goes when you're in pain and trying to cope). I somehow managed to get out of the extremely deep birth pool and onto the bed. I had already started pushing. With the birth ball on top of the bed and me on top of it, I continued to push.<br />
At some point the midwives could hear something was up and they asked me to change positions so they could check the baby. Apparently in an early check in the pool, Esther had noticed baby's head was tilted in my pelvis and set at an angle. So I got on my back, and then kinda on my left side with my right leg at an angle and something moved. I hear "this position is going to bring baby. You need to push through this next contraction, curl yourself into a "C" and push your energy down rather than vocalizing out."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVulopKyXFIEGSa6tdR7z8P5SWAPfpVCamakUrV26phD30baYwuZyL6G3udqyAla4qLAjbd3raDSiph9LlfhAxFWFwIh9GaSay7B0-Lx8pXutz-B9dCJiPDNgxgq0Uo_k4s6xiwPzc3sb5/s1600/DSC04265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVulopKyXFIEGSa6tdR7z8P5SWAPfpVCamakUrV26phD30baYwuZyL6G3udqyAla4qLAjbd3raDSiph9LlfhAxFWFwIh9GaSay7B0-Lx8pXutz-B9dCJiPDNgxgq0Uo_k4s6xiwPzc3sb5/s400/DSC04265.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama, Roo, and Hawthorne the day after his birth.</td></tr>
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And less than a half hour later, little Hawthorne was born. His head moved to just the right space and then his shoulder got a bit caught, but he managed to come out gently, whole, and without leaving any lasting marks on poor mama. I had very minimal tearing (no need for stitches) and a healthy baby boy who scared us a bit when he didn't start up breathing right away, but after a bit of oxygen and help from the midwives, he was fine. He didn't start nursing successfully until after his cord was cut, 2 almost 3 hours later, but other than those small things, he's been perfectly health, happy, and strong. He didn't have a name until the following morning, and we decided to give him our two favorite names from our list. We thought both had the gentle, romantic feeling that suited our baby boy with the gentle soul.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_uPQRhrIJGAeRBg5toypDh7kwJRokqxcWw52wwoW3VTMdxdyH361Kp11ZY6JuzC2LFyEqc-nxTKX1ghNwd6S46dm8NMFHtpXMSuUGvwNCtSEK-CgNN9O2O3eWswy546FZW637CmEsJRu/s1600/1381587_10201971573988325_1666785314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_uPQRhrIJGAeRBg5toypDh7kwJRokqxcWw52wwoW3VTMdxdyH361Kp11ZY6JuzC2LFyEqc-nxTKX1ghNwd6S46dm8NMFHtpXMSuUGvwNCtSEK-CgNN9O2O3eWswy546FZW637CmEsJRu/s400/1381587_10201971573988325_1666785314_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Little Hawk at 10 days old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even almost two weeks later I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I have a son. He's growing bigger and stronger everyday, getting wonderfully chubby and round. I will enjoy watching him grow and change as I get to learn more about him and the person he will become.<br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #9fc5e8;">Labor breakdown: approx 8 hours, start to finish. Baby born less than 3.5 hours after water breaking. < 3 hours of "active" labor with approx 30 min of pushing..easy peasy. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #d5a6bd;">Roo's labor by comparison: 4 days start to finish, with broken waters as first sign of labor. Failed midwife led herbal induction and caster oil. 17 hrs on pitocin in hospital followed by 2.5 hours of pushing...Ouch!</span><br />
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<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-60852016783192371792013-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:002013-09-11T12:17:30.155-07:00Oops, I did it again...Yes, I'm in Knitty Deep Fall 2013!<br />YES, I did it again! Exactly 1 year after my Knitty debut, <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEdf13/PATTridley.php">I'm back in Knitty for their 2013 Deep Fall Issue.</a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VwmVzpNrjZxTzGciGG6G8GyyTKjQQ8XV6LERgRkK4qG30LL4nGr3Syxb8z0gNh2Qkpem7x7DNNq5Bv5V8k8TW9Ox1NEFraTcBVfXJRu6HZixjJqc84kQEFQjXeTk2VY3nhsBLgXW1JEK/s1600/designer+headshoot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VwmVzpNrjZxTzGciGG6G8GyyTKjQQ8XV6LERgRkK4qG30LL4nGr3Syxb8z0gNh2Qkpem7x7DNNq5Bv5V8k8TW9Ox1NEFraTcBVfXJRu6HZixjJqc84kQEFQjXeTk2VY3nhsBLgXW1JEK/s640/designer+headshoot+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my oldest, Roo, during our Knitty photoshoot. She was Snow White. I was a lolita. It was like Halloween in May!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4BtV3A14QmCywv9X4nllLVCdB0PM3IVSsgtuEJTd6I4gH_eQUwSOP3hLTXjRIrMiE1EkZyFpFfQxbvpG6RtzDygtjXRT24wn5oQfA2chCl8cTaePWlhWQjDfjhcr5VEZoz7y02EDfhao/s1600/ridleylegfrontfull02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4BtV3A14QmCywv9X4nllLVCdB0PM3IVSsgtuEJTd6I4gH_eQUwSOP3hLTXjRIrMiE1EkZyFpFfQxbvpG6RtzDygtjXRT24wn5oQfA2chCl8cTaePWlhWQjDfjhcr5VEZoz7y02EDfhao/s640/ridleylegfrontfull02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN8r2NZTuXGiz0HyrlfQO1qcXoE52cB0TI2LkxBU1TzPvdyB8GimcvGmt009763oXnW_8cKsdJklkrmIUoqbmZxvtkVQKRKTRXTraZXwPI8EEsZlMtTO7oymuOCzqBjR_FixxKYEnAmY-/s1600/full+body+shot+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN8r2NZTuXGiz0HyrlfQO1qcXoE52cB0TI2LkxBU1TzPvdyB8GimcvGmt009763oXnW_8cKsdJklkrmIUoqbmZxvtkVQKRKTRXTraZXwPI8EEsZlMtTO7oymuOCzqBjR_FixxKYEnAmY-/s400/full+body+shot+01.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me tell you all, it is hard keeping a secret. I started designing these lovelies this spring, I finished them in May, took photos, submitted the pattern to Knitty, and had to keep a lid on its acceptance all summer. Not easy, especially when you want to show off the really fun photos you took during the photo shoot :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just before anyone gets the wrong idea, no I'm not really a naughty Catholic High School student...I'm a married mama of 2 in her thirties. I did get some strange looks when I was taking these photos, however, because I was 7 months pregnant at the time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was tricky taking these photos and getting the right attitude while hiding my belly. Not even the editors at Knitty knew I was pregnant in this shoot until I told them that was why there was no full body shots!<br />But enough about me, lets talk socks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ridley Socks were inspired by the character Ridley Duchannes from the Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures). She is a 16 year old siren chosen for the dark side, a misunderstood character who is not really completely dark or light in her actions or nature.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHkXBPlO7BRI56q7VzhLz8W6VyQz6hBuWMFTd5e33UGyoxf86d33ES-2j-3Km9o3994dxJk3hhNFIaVz_1ZO7h7uMP0rb1B7OUhvQpqmz_tx027ApSIuqpKD8R47zp46rqto_t3m4WNPx/s1600/ridleylegsidefull03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHkXBPlO7BRI56q7VzhLz8W6VyQz6hBuWMFTd5e33UGyoxf86d33ES-2j-3Km9o3994dxJk3hhNFIaVz_1ZO7h7uMP0rb1B7OUhvQpqmz_tx027ApSIuqpKD8R47zp46rqto_t3m4WNPx/s400/ridleylegsidefull03.jpg" width="275" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was reading the books, for some reason, I was imagining the combination of a Japanese schoolgirl/lolita and an All-American Cheerleader type. I tried to reflect this idea in the design of the sock. Straight forward and demure in the front, sex kitten naughty girl in the back. Its like the mullet of knee socks. School girl stripes were a MUST, and of course, I couldn't resist making them in bright pink and gray!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fLUXsCjntleb64fwnZIbx7HHSrbgZAgd20NHnl4oDqecVtXkHrgY_4-R2JSIB8-JsbIDp106BiE3CfdCmOeg_VtX3xJ91TFg9Ybm27SKUEE2WulOHhUjubuh2mX97XDPpXQeXKt7xIN-/s1600/ridleylegsidefull01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fLUXsCjntleb64fwnZIbx7HHSrbgZAgd20NHnl4oDqecVtXkHrgY_4-R2JSIB8-JsbIDp106BiE3CfdCmOeg_VtX3xJ91TFg9Ybm27SKUEE2WulOHhUjubuh2mX97XDPpXQeXKt7xIN-/s400/ridleylegsidefull01.jpg" width="288" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: magenta; font-size: large;">I also designed two other lengths for these lovelies which I will have available for you all to download sometime later this week. Check back here for the specifics. </span>Originally it was designed in two yarn weights, 4 sizes, and 3 lengths. I will re-release the full pattern next Spring after the rights revert back to me as a "for purchase" pattern (because that's a lot of extra work people, I need a little compensation). In the meantime, I plan on having available the Over-The-Knee and Mid-Calf versions of this sport weight stocking available as a FREE Ravelry download for the duration of this pattern's appearance in Knitty, a special "yay!" and "thank you!" for all of you out there who want to give this sock a go. This will be a limited time deal, so I recommend you download it while you're able (it will most likely be disappearing as I get ready to release the FULL Ridley pattern for sale.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI6mCbJUqamgMpqmHNjVJPJlGASX_Ic4pdNC1iCuPNAHtNkmYOHfxeIorOER94D1l5d1bZW2faml-NFZVWd-wt0voC0ZJZJDcj94-abPEzwuGCUdHOzUhp5jNzUnMxH_IzHutXZZGFZjt/s1600/ridleylegfrontfull01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI6mCbJUqamgMpqmHNjVJPJlGASX_Ic4pdNC1iCuPNAHtNkmYOHfxeIorOER94D1l5d1bZW2faml-NFZVWd-wt0voC0ZJZJDcj94-abPEzwuGCUdHOzUhp5jNzUnMxH_IzHutXZZGFZjt/s640/ridleylegfrontfull01.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
In the meantime, enjoy the new pattern. Oh! and don't forget to visit my friends at <a href="http://www.candyskein.com/">Candy Skein</a> to get some yummy sport weight yarn to knit these beauties up!<br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Some Ridley specifics:</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">SIZE<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fLUXsCjntleb64fwnZIbx7HHSrbgZAgd20NHnl4oDqecVtXkHrgY_4-R2JSIB8-JsbIDp106BiE3CfdCmOeg_VtX3xJ91TFg9Ybm27SKUEE2WulOHhUjubuh2mX97XDPpXQeXKt7xIN-/s1600/ridleylegsidefull01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">S [M, L] in three possible lengths: mid-calf and knee-high and over-the-knee (Knitty's instructions are for the knee high version) go download my PDF for special mid-calf and over-the-knee instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">FINISHED MEASUREMENTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cuff
Circumference: 5.75 [6.5, 7.25] inches relaxed and 13 [15, 17] inches at
maximum stretch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Foot
Circumference: approximately 6.5[7.5, 8.5] inches when relaxed 8.75[10, 11.25]
inches at maximum stretch<br />
Leg Length: 7 inches for above the heel for calf-length and 15 inches above the heel for knee high. Length is
adjustable for fit and desired style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Foot Length:
adjustable to fit. Minimum length is 7.5 inches (US children’s size 13, Euro
size 31)</span></div>
<h1>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">MATERIALS<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">[MC] Candy Skein
Juicy Sport [100% Merino; 274 yds/251 m per 100g
skein]; color: Foil Wrapper; 1 [1, 1.25] skein(s) for mid-calf length or
2[2, 2] skeins for knee-high and over-the-knee.<br />
[CC] Candy Skein Juicy Sport [100% Merino; 274 yds/251
m per 100g skein]; color: Watermelon; 1[1, 1] skein for all lengths and
sizes.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">US #2/2.75 needles
for working in the round. If using circular needles, you will want DPNs for
working the gusset and heel.</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">GAUGE<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">28 sts/37 rows =
4" in stockinette stitch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">46 sts/37 rows =
4" in [K2, P2] rib (relaxed)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-1074141952092968642013-09-01T10:33:00.001-07:002013-09-01T10:33:37.982-07:00September is for New Socks!Greetings everyone! Its been a while since I've written, but I've been super busy and I have lots of great new things to share with you.<br />
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Firstly, I am having a sale on Ravelry for the month of September. Two sales actually. The first sale is on my new Cinna Socks, just released last month:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF97HJiMlTGn9lvBfhihqf_sePU1vEIXfQ0aZaEb64CfGLs1RNKtnj82X65EzBfOvO1ducDbFH7i_HI7x3r7RhqtfLDG9vmAlsGgk63S57RxaPGQxznjO_azCZv3FgTG0UnsOfo9-Yoi5/s1600/IMG_1806_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF97HJiMlTGn9lvBfhihqf_sePU1vEIXfQ0aZaEb64CfGLs1RNKtnj82X65EzBfOvO1ducDbFH7i_HI7x3r7RhqtfLDG9vmAlsGgk63S57RxaPGQxznjO_azCZv3FgTG0UnsOfo9-Yoi5/s640/IMG_1806_medium2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cinna-socks">Grab these lovelies at 25% off on Ravelry.</a> Discount taken automatically at checkout. I'm calling it my Scintillating September Cinna Sale.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/belledame-knits">I'm also having a store wide sale on Ravelry. 25% off the purchase of any 2 or more patterns when you use the promo code <b>SeptemberSale13 </b>at checkout using your Ravelry cart.</a> You will need to type in this code at checkout in Ravelry before paying. NOTE: You will need a Ravelry account to view these sales and any other promotions.<br />
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I have lots of exciting news to share this month. I have another pattern about to go live on a CERTAIN site (I may share my own modifications to the pattern on this blog), and I also hope to have an Ebook ready for purchase by the end of next month! I'm currently working on a new pattern to add to that book right now, so I hope to have good pictures to share soon. <br />
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Also, I'm having a BABY. At some point. This month. Ideally. My due date is in less than 2 wks. So soon I'l l have exciting new little person news to share. We don't know the gender, and we're trying for a homebirth this time. We also haven't decided on a name yet, so be prepared for a BIG reveal.<br />
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Until then, knit on, be happy!<br />
<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-54013383320238393172013-03-24T17:01:00.001-07:002013-03-24T17:01:40.290-07:00Oakland Running Festival, 2013! <br />
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I had a great time with my family today at the <a href="http://www.oaklandmarathon.com/site10.aspx">Oakland Running Festival</a>. Not only did I run my first (and probably last) half marathon pregnant (finishing time of 2:01:05!) but my daughter, Charlotte, also ran her first Kids Fun Run. She’s only 2.75yrs old, but tall and athletic like her mama.</div>
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Here we are at home before the start of the race:<br />
<img alt="startminipic.jpg" src="http://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/datenshi/gwch-oel3qq" style="border: none; max-width: 670px;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
Here I am still running strong at around mile 10:<br />
<img alt="runningmini.jpg" src="http://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/datenshi/gwck-tmsuk0" style="border: none; max-width: 670px;" /></div>
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And here is my daughter at the end of her race:<br />
<img alt="IMAG2511.jpg" src="http://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/datenshi/gwcw-shlxyv" style="border: none; max-width: 670px;" /></div>
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And here is my daughter chatting up a Raiderette (Oakland Raider’s football team cheerleader) getting a picture at the finish line:<br />
<img alt="IMAG2501.jpg" src="http://www.ravelry.com/forum-images/datenshi/gwd3-2lmg39" style="border: none; max-width: 670px;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">
Overall it was a great day for a race, if a bit hot. I was very surprised by my finishing time, as I assumed at 15 1/2wks pregnant, I would be closer to my 10:30 LSR pace. I wasn’t expecting to almost break 2hrs! I kept myself super well hydrated and fueled throughout, and was actually able to speed up during the last 3 miles, truly racing the last mile. I didn’t PR, I wasn’t expecting to--last year I ran this same event in 1hr 42min.</div>
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I love running this race because the people in Oakland are so friendly and so full of town pride and spirit. The mostly flat half marathon runs through some of the less picturesque neighborhoods in the city, but the people on the streets cheering us on more than make up for it. Overall, I think everyone in the family had a good time :)</div>
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I hope we can do it again next year. It might be challenging, however, as my belly dweller will only be 6 months old. Might be too hard on Daddy.</div>
Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-78969621343179558172012-12-06T16:41:00.001-08:002012-12-06T16:41:11.300-08:00Wanna know what I'm up to...go join my group!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/watch-datenshi-design"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke0zWTAhXmKwBW0JkIFzrUz-SrtTvOAaQYkg3GbG2hih_vcF9T2byBRcb0q711oquGN0sux0j6zy8wRiuk6r1t9haT9lg8FurCvIAkfuohQHUB5GP96WK722G5AvYha-TkYvOFWUq0FkE/s640/WatchDatenshiDesignbig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know it's been a while since I've had any kind of update, and I promise to try to be good in the New Year, but for now, here is a mini update.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbzAhaBcxr11-UyFtfVIiQ6_tQUIJRKXXtYNkuEDpomsHMKPWcvpBx1thHKU4o6yEd-jGnTeFyWl7NaEB4GFPfpj5jVp21wuunv0c-cTSL73zQe2mLsZ-rHCsF41pa0GNGRnNWWir-Nru/s1600/WatchDatenshiDesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbzAhaBcxr11-UyFtfVIiQ6_tQUIJRKXXtYNkuEDpomsHMKPWcvpBx1thHKU4o6yEd-jGnTeFyWl7NaEB4GFPfpj5jVp21wuunv0c-cTSL73zQe2mLsZ-rHCsF41pa0GNGRnNWWir-Nru/s1600/WatchDatenshiDesign.jpg" /></a>I just started a new <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> group to track my exploits in yarn and knitting mayhem: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/watch-datenshi-design">Watch Datenshi Design</a>. It'll be the place to go if you want to ask me questions about any of my designs, get assistance from others who've worked on one of my patterns, find out about what I'm planning next, find out about testing one of my patterns, etc etc. It'll also just be a place to chat about our favorite books and movies and other items of high geekery. Anyone is welcome to join, you just need a Ravelry account. I'm more likely to post an update on Ravelry than I am to go through the process of making a new blog post, so if you are looking for a quick way to connect with me, I recommend joining the group. I promise, I don't bite :). I look forward to seeing you all soon.Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-62918834496342286502012-10-26T17:24:00.001-07:002012-10-26T17:26:31.788-07:00Happy Halloween! A Tiger in Autumn~a new pattern for you!In honor of all things pumpkin-y and good, I send out this tribute to my all time favorite holiday, and gift you all with a new sock pattern celebrating the season!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxCijW4FqufaPvauexoAU5jdnPLhD12cCFlAEdAU9TRk7LBq5fL-wjL4f_K-c2DVBSnWnnY2Nhd6Dm_6cLnoUyX1KaTYOJ82sBGDzaqpFaUahpF4hrLmE6OE4wkLvl09gZ-U5MpHaQyVh/s1600/tigerfullfoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxCijW4FqufaPvauexoAU5jdnPLhD12cCFlAEdAU9TRk7LBq5fL-wjL4f_K-c2DVBSnWnnY2Nhd6Dm_6cLnoUyX1KaTYOJ82sBGDzaqpFaUahpF4hrLmE6OE4wkLvl09gZ-U5MpHaQyVh/s640/tigerfullfoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Presenting <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-tiger-in-autumn">"A Tiger in Autumn"</a> socks. I designed them for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-knitters-anonymous">Sock Knitter's Anonymous Ravelry Group</a> October Self-Striping Yarn challenge. My goal was to create a fun, easy to work, fast knit that I could then give away as a free pattern to give more people a chance to try out my designs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVnYnzSHKKi5pm9J6LKSRqJ4iJCUA3jTTOBZrznnTxpoPYKdld8j-vOBDo8IEExyyyQEpakUdoa8IZOZxtXzSWkK4NWvU9YS8G0KuWNM1eFLgL7IaKkteQl2KW6IwACbeBW3SPfWg7DDC/s1600/heeldetailtiger01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVnYnzSHKKi5pm9J6LKSRqJ4iJCUA3jTTOBZrznnTxpoPYKdld8j-vOBDo8IEExyyyQEpakUdoa8IZOZxtXzSWkK4NWvU9YS8G0KuWNM1eFLgL7IaKkteQl2KW6IwACbeBW3SPfWg7DDC/s320/heeldetailtiger01.jpg" width="320" /></a>The idea of "A Tiger in Autumn" came from researching the term "Indian Summer". We were having a bit of a hot spell at the time, and I thought a lace chevron sock would be perfect for this short, unique season. Unfortunately, the term "Indian Summer" has negative historical cultural connotations that I wasn't very comfortable with. I didn't want such a negative term attached to one of my creations...that, and it had already been used on 3 other pairs of socks (at least) on Ravelry. "ATiger in Autumn" is a direct translation of the Chinese term for the season. I loved the visual such a title created in my mind. I adopted it immediately.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the fun features of this sock include:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7pTmr0ipoPvZvpjhxCKdFK6DBhGROzPeLGtUJRcDCVmQtsvaEvCzM8r33DIG0Si_Xo8BkT-wK9eTNsjFiKSJXe4DyALG66lIsbCKwiKQymB3KkwGQ-LnriwWBfV4EaeIx_f02OFEcpRO/s1600/tigerbottomfootdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7pTmr0ipoPvZvpjhxCKdFK6DBhGROzPeLGtUJRcDCVmQtsvaEvCzM8r33DIG0Si_Xo8BkT-wK9eTNsjFiKSJXe4DyALG66lIsbCKwiKQymB3KkwGQ-LnriwWBfV4EaeIx_f02OFEcpRO/s400/tigerbottomfootdetail.jpg" width="400" /></a>--Afterthought heels to maintain an unbroken stripe pattern on your sock (instructions for a basic slip stitch flap style heel are also included)<br />
--A super spiffy chevron patterned sole<br />
--Instructions for making just about any modification you could think of and...<br />
--Instructions for modifying it to toddler size!<br />
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That's a whole lot of extra love in one free sock pattern. I hope you all enjoy.<br />
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Oh and <span style="background-color: orange; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween~!</span><br />
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<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-73152818550071719872012-09-18T14:53:00.001-07:002012-09-18T14:54:02.857-07:00You Can Call Me Al...Yes I'm in Knitty!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZEJfPJVDzse9O7G9QGcdiU8GS-uUoOskGJDh6DuYgNhRHZfGoVviK46HTOQCp6ZWD02M1VIFpgD0_4h9ItxEoAYRUb35ROUSWYFDLNGRbr_Hnz9Xna2_UZltHwxsIysk6_TpYi4cqo2B/s1600/bothsocksfront01a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZEJfPJVDzse9O7G9QGcdiU8GS-uUoOskGJDh6DuYgNhRHZfGoVviK46HTOQCp6ZWD02M1VIFpgD0_4h9ItxEoAYRUb35ROUSWYFDLNGRbr_Hnz9Xna2_UZltHwxsIysk6_TpYi4cqo2B/s640/bothsocksfront01a.jpg" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, its official! I'm in Knitty Deep Fall 2012!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkRNlsBCmMLjBGEHYG49wgQB4SQd66BVN0Xkokvqo_-phXnCUwtZ3ZUaWBU9VMiOKaejQa_BsCcEw0kRGAzXlwp8C6g7IA7fvi0AROX5DYSckvrr1-L-TJ2wT96qnjjAdIYf5v_lpX99S/s1600/coverimage02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkRNlsBCmMLjBGEHYG49wgQB4SQd66BVN0Xkokvqo_-phXnCUwtZ3ZUaWBU9VMiOKaejQa_BsCcEw0kRGAzXlwp8C6g7IA7fvi0AROX5DYSckvrr1-L-TJ2wT96qnjjAdIYf5v_lpX99S/s320/coverimage02.jpg" width="240" /></a>I've been sitting on this secret for months now. I couldn't tell anyone about it when I was designing the sock. I couldn't tell anyone about it after it had been accepted. I had to wait until this moment, today, to finally tell everyone that I had finally made my major online knitting debut...as one of the many to be published in <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty</a> as part of their <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf12/patterns.php">10th Anniversary Issue for Deep Fall 2012</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzhkoxinD6amaYa2ohKJLk46T-5JU3aLHrd7kdTpnVMFaYv6jmv02lladknoDdyb3eQ2EUvrwnpYITPz1ESTRFkwPG4PHrk_Pw1ZJtLqblA8uQKoljmeTLqxNOkaARC_pqPxT8PWuheMn/s1600/footshapingdetail01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzhkoxinD6amaYa2ohKJLk46T-5JU3aLHrd7kdTpnVMFaYv6jmv02lladknoDdyb3eQ2EUvrwnpYITPz1ESTRFkwPG4PHrk_Pw1ZJtLqblA8uQKoljmeTLqxNOkaARC_pqPxT8PWuheMn/s320/footshapingdetail01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Why is this such a big deal...well some of my favorite designers got their start from a well placed pattern or two in the archives of this great knitting e-zine, including one of my knitting idols, <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A</a>. Essentially, you sell this pattern to Knitty for a small fee, and they in turn provide it for free download for the masses. If I'm lucky, people will then see my other patterns and I can gain popularity and see my other knitting pattern sales grow.<br />
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I'm still new to the whole pattern design world, and so I hope this little offering will help launch my stay-at-home mom career of knitwear designer extraordinaire. Or at least help me support my hobby.<br />
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This little beauty, <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf12/PATTal.php">You Can Call Me Al </a> is named for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agaliarept">the demon Algalirept</a> from <a href="http://www.kimharrison.net/">Kim Harrison's Hallows Series. </a> I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Harrison's work and wanted to create a sock to represent one of my favorite characters from her series. Designed to be worked in either fingering or sport weight yarn, I created this bad boy in 4 sizes. I created a unique stitch designed to resemble flames. The shaping of the foot and heel is also pretty unique to this sock and took alot of work and effort. It has a ribbed gusset as well for added comfort and a snug fit. I hope you all try it out and enjoy knitting it up in a range of yarns and colors. I can't wait to see all the projects.<br />
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That's it for this post. Come check out all my other designs over at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/yavanna-reynolds">RAVELRY</a>. Hopefully I'll have more to post soon about this and other projects. :) I'm so glad I can finally share this with you all<br />
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<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-54626884385377415232012-09-10T10:59:00.001-07:002012-09-10T13:13:57.865-07:00The Power of 3<h3>
An explanation of my design process<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3f8PsZSfHszAErw09sY5Kj4WjBPxtuxYUba35EdDmGiX7BRJufKMFC5CO1Ep8cdRM-cEfCfkfjS8qvhxIm99A8lmAQVma3BjXm23xiiEBXOuUfEpTqAferf-z8P2ozmlFx0VKn71fji5/s1600/primphoto03web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3f8PsZSfHszAErw09sY5Kj4WjBPxtuxYUba35EdDmGiX7BRJufKMFC5CO1Ep8cdRM-cEfCfkfjS8qvhxIm99A8lmAQVma3BjXm23xiiEBXOuUfEpTqAferf-z8P2ozmlFx0VKn71fji5/s400/primphoto03web.jpg" width="400" /></a></h3>
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For some, my reasoning may seem a bit illogical. Why produce 3 different patterns from one initial idea? To explain my reasoning a bit better, I want to discuss my design process and vision and how one idea can evolve over the course of 4 months...from initial design to final product.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DN2jEYCutpFBGxfgAovEPohUlqSMdj095dlSy-bs-9ExfphKtLW9JkdbAyKj2VmHjVZLpRC6De1S4IlGTRCLIy2t1ab-Bs-gNhYcfLPyNan6WpchsNtX3MfsVq4tQ-1FHSpobcaAZLsX/s1600/ground0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DN2jEYCutpFBGxfgAovEPohUlqSMdj095dlSy-bs-9ExfphKtLW9JkdbAyKj2VmHjVZLpRC6De1S4IlGTRCLIy2t1ab-Bs-gNhYcfLPyNan6WpchsNtX3MfsVq4tQ-1FHSpobcaAZLsX/s400/ground0.jpg" width="341" /></a>It all started with an idea and a sketch.<br />
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For me, any kind of design starts with my initial concept, then moves quickly to paper. In ink or pencil I sketch my concept, write notes, and try to figure out how I want to actualize this vision. I then try to decide what fiber/yarn would be the best choice, the color, and also the design elements I want to incorporate. <br />
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In the case of Primrose, I wanted to play on both the nature of a fictional character from a piece of literature as well as incorporate aspects of her name, its literal meaning. For every sock in my Hunger Games inspired "Tribute Series," I have tried to incorporate both aspects, the actual definitions of the characters names or some other element of their personalities as tied to nature or some other obvious design element. For Peeta, the boy with the bread, it was wheat. With Katniss, it will be the katniss flower, and with Gale it was a storm.<br />
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I wanted these socks to have a simplicity and strength and childlike innocence to them to reflect Prim's character. But I also wanted it to be a pretty, delicate sock, something a young woman might covet. Not too fancy, but just fancy enough. I tried to work elements of the Evening Primrose Flower into the sock design as well. It has large, delicate, petals with a heart shape to them. I tried to add this shaping into the toe, and cuff. I also added optional floral details. If you look at my original sketch, you can see I was trying for a delicate feminine silhouette, a sock that seemed almost ribbed but also lacy (I wanted to have a wide range of comfortable fits) and has a pretty, curved cuff.</div>
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As I continued to develop the pattern, I realized that in order to create the sock of my initial vision, I'd have to make a pattern that might be to complex or intimidating for a lot of knitters. It was also harder to get a really wide range of sizes as the cuff shaping really limited how many sizes I could do. I didn't want to compromise on any of the design elements, I wanted to give people options. As I started to put together the options, I realized I really had designed two different socks, possibly 3, to accommodate both my needs and desires for this design. </div>
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So, should I compromise design for simplicity, or compromise simplicity for design? I then end, I decided to treat this like any design project and consider my audience. Who was I designing for? Did I want to alienate anyone with this pattern? </div>
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Instead of making one massive sock pattern with so many options it would confuse all but the most advanced knitter, I decided to break this pattern into three--three different customers, three different markets, three different products spawned from an original idea. </div>
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We do this in apparel design all the time. Lets say that for Fall what's really hot beaded leather miniskirts over tights. For the designer/couture market that would be a real leather skirt with hand embroidered and or beaded elements and a very limited size range (think Neiman Marcus). The mass market/contemporary version might have a small bit of machine embroidered elements, the skirt may be smaller and have less involved in the overall construction. It might have also have larger range of sizes and cost significantly less. (Think Banana Republic or J.Crew). The budget version would be made of imitation leather, come in a huge range of sizes and colors, and of course the cost would be significantly less (think Target). In some rare instances, you might have one designer working for a company that has 3 or more distinct markets designing in this manner. A company like GAP Inc, that has a Bridge, Contemporary and Budget market might have a lead designer start with a concept or sketch and then turn that concept into three different garments at three different price points. That's why you can find similar items at Banana Republic, GAP and Old Navy...they are essentially the same original idea, reinterpreted for the needs of that company's three distinct markets. Its more than just the price that is different. Its also the materials, the care, the construction....</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/primrose-socks">PRIMROSE</a> is my designer sock. It is a narrower sock with fewer sizes. It has a fancy floral motif and a more complex heel and arch and foot. The $6 price point reflects the extra work that went into the pattern drafting and development of this sock. On a difficulty scale of 1-5, I'd say this sock is a 3.5-4</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/prim-socks">PRIM</a> is my mid-range contemporary sock. Its got a lot of sizes, two different options for foot and toe, no fancy floral motifs. A basic sole and heel and foot. In general, this sock is fancy, but not as fancy as Primrose. It is also much more versatile than the other two patterns with mix-and-match options. It has a clear, easily understood description and a pattern that was written with a more beginner knitter in mind. The $4 price point reflects the level of difficulty for design, as well as the amount of charting created etc. On a difficulty scale of 1-5, I'd say this sock is a 2.5-3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8rhvnSX3qPAb6KKt__LpwSOhnHcUdkqf4i9I0j6xpD_eraHv4hQrsDTT-SyO7xthWG4iLxUpKK-X1ko4DSiiN-eF57cfdLZjEOx-qUvl_PWWGlqUwcaCho5Slj7lprjouOTul5P8rdkq/s1600/DSC01634_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8rhvnSX3qPAb6KKt__LpwSOhnHcUdkqf4i9I0j6xpD_eraHv4hQrsDTT-SyO7xthWG4iLxUpKK-X1ko4DSiiN-eF57cfdLZjEOx-qUvl_PWWGlqUwcaCho5Slj7lprjouOTul5P8rdkq/s200/DSC01634_medium2.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-prim">SIMPLE PRIM</a> is my budget version. No fancy toe. No fancy heel. But almost unlimited sizes for width and length. Its more of a "preview pattern" than a full pattern. You can knit a complete pair of socks, but it is a very basic sock. Probably the most plain vanilla sock I've created so far. A great, no commitment, first lace sock project with a lace chart that is super easy to memorize and a sock pattern that doesn't require much as far as technique and skill. On a difficulty scale of 1-5, this is easily a 1.5-2. And its free. </div>
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Because in the end, I wanted to create a sock that everyone might knit. I just realized that not everyone would want to pay the designer premium for the designer sock. </div>
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Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-60428365718678344182012-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:002012-08-27T10:54:51.014-07:00The 3 faces of Primrose..3 socks and other inspirations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZt2UWt-hwlk26JgeSzHijQlniCDu8VMGVA64xU0bPe_F8uiLRBz1ENDdkjtYYWXP2SikiIZKt600sewpMTqYJDn0Hd1_ykKDb0GJn6JmY2POqvewaU5YBjBo_8dniKx76lcmFc4ZnXlE/s1600/primphoto01fullweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZt2UWt-hwlk26JgeSzHijQlniCDu8VMGVA64xU0bPe_F8uiLRBz1ENDdkjtYYWXP2SikiIZKt600sewpMTqYJDn0Hd1_ykKDb0GJn6JmY2POqvewaU5YBjBo_8dniKx76lcmFc4ZnXlE/s1600/primphoto01fullweb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">The designer, Yavanna, modeling the Primrose Socks at a local war memorial. A fitting location for a design inspired by a child of District 12.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/primrose"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #741b47;"> SOCK #1: PRIMROSE</span> </a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe9qCSHNrT3_Yc0-fIch1wFKGGesBiUAxKDqeDpbyS-dB3-G1TszpFYZgcwCu6L4xa0ISVcyNwmbZugWQdPn7m4z5GCZbOEwBeOAXz8ceQb8u30xzxe4DgKW9KcEZruW7kHMQgwFV11f_/s1600/primphoto02web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe9qCSHNrT3_Yc0-fIch1wFKGGesBiUAxKDqeDpbyS-dB3-G1TszpFYZgcwCu6L4xa0ISVcyNwmbZugWQdPn7m4z5GCZbOEwBeOAXz8ceQb8u30xzxe4DgKW9KcEZruW7kHMQgwFV11f_/s400/primphoto02web.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view of socks with primrose flower motif </td></tr>
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Primrose Everdeen, Katniss Everdeen's baby sister, was the inspiration for these three pairs of socks. Originally one sock idea, it spawned into 2 other pairs as I made changes for fit and simplicity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe-Ks1050MMAnp4RCvBuY9AnDzJWWxx5AjJ8NMMcTTwNhKcyoIrnsFknwAdSIHKJ1TBgXB_Ayz-Rybi1BDOnLVYGaPRnF61GESsAdupLh2GifcMDZKaWxzHZQmPfQOnZJXQVJOhatObZc/s1600/Pink+Evening+Primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe-Ks1050MMAnp4RCvBuY9AnDzJWWxx5AjJ8NMMcTTwNhKcyoIrnsFknwAdSIHKJ1TBgXB_Ayz-Rybi1BDOnLVYGaPRnF61GESsAdupLh2GifcMDZKaWxzHZQmPfQOnZJXQVJOhatObZc/s200/Pink+Evening+Primrose.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Primrose Flower</td></tr>
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My original concept was for a pair of sleek slim knee-high socks that had a very simple but "prim" all over lace that was both easy to execute and lovely on the eyes. I also wanted to incorporate as many elements of the evening primrose flower (the inspiration for Primrose's name) into the overall shaping of the sock and also into some fancy motifs on the sock itself as well as some unique shaping techniques for improved fit in this sock.<br />
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I love playing with gussets and shaping and ribbing. So I put all of the gusset decreases along the bottom center of the heel and made the gusset ribbed through the arch of the sock. The toe and the heel are also ribbed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzTE0CBKunHCzxM0ycXVuc2cvjXEarkCZsXcqH_BERdVx7KIf-bfAnM2PRNR1AmDAIa3xUUiqLaFG8lSXGEj7F22fyRn16G_RsL-WwvEzwEZyYIa0RcHmssRCh2TavkXGFX_Qqu9nEC3I/s1600/primphoto04web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzTE0CBKunHCzxM0ycXVuc2cvjXEarkCZsXcqH_BERdVx7KIf-bfAnM2PRNR1AmDAIa3xUUiqLaFG8lSXGEj7F22fyRn16G_RsL-WwvEzwEZyYIa0RcHmssRCh2TavkXGFX_Qqu9nEC3I/s400/primphoto04web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of foot</td></tr>
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I also really love the delicate heart-shaped petals of the primrose flower, and so I designed the cuff to have heart shaped arches created by where the ribbing ends and the lace motif begins. I also created a primrose petal shape that grows along the back of the leg and sprouts from the toe.<br />
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<a href="http://cephalopodyarns.com/products/little-skinny-bugga">Skinny Bugga from Cephalopod Yarns</a> is one of my all time favorite yarn bases, and luckily they had the PERFECT color for these socks, Other Mother, the palest pink with a touch of bluish gray. I wanted something delicate, feminine, and innocent to reflect Primrose's personality. The wool/cashmere/nylon blend is a wonderful combination of delicate strength and warmth. These should be long lasting socks that keep their beauty for a long time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSYLl7_mV6ijMfp7saPqVa5PlTg0zM_7l95dds4h6YRaGRDEoOG_HrYL6l3AyRDj8FSk4b7W3pu-B9Xh8LicfoNTLidbfjKKx81UcqWgQcbN5LwF0Z8DykMcSk86XBJ53sgQ9fRNqJjC1/s1600/primphoto03web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSYLl7_mV6ijMfp7saPqVa5PlTg0zM_7l95dds4h6YRaGRDEoOG_HrYL6l3AyRDj8FSk4b7W3pu-B9Xh8LicfoNTLidbfjKKx81UcqWgQcbN5LwF0Z8DykMcSk86XBJ53sgQ9fRNqJjC1/s320/primphoto03web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front and side of socks showing ribbed gusset</td></tr>
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This sock comes in two versions, full knee-high and mid-calf. The mid calf version omits the motif on the back of the leg and has a shorter cuff.<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"> There are three sizes--64, 72, and 80 CO sts.</span> The lace is pretty stretchy, but those with larger calves may want to knit the shorter version, or omit some of the leg repeats and shorten the cuff of the knee highs so that the sock ends just below the thickest part of your calf. Unfortunately, the arched cuff only works with certain number combinations, and so it doesn't really work for a 88 cuff. I might either try to work out this larger size, or give instructions for placing the fancy back panel into the 88 size for the following sock, Prim. <span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: magenta;">I will be selling this sock on Ravelry for $6.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/fancy-prim">SOCK #2 PRIM</a></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTMu4GZhYrPhkaedd4Zc6RrkVs8SliINADOoceEXYmL8Dd6kZb27mGXTfnQp8z7t7yPJRcseqhyacNQN-DR_T8xgC601IJ0jO5GwrhzyWtznPJa5LcPJLLmfhaPsV3Y2VSyUhtT8Yx-T4/s1600/primphoto05web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTMu4GZhYrPhkaedd4Zc6RrkVs8SliINADOoceEXYmL8Dd6kZb27mGXTfnQp8z7t7yPJRcseqhyacNQN-DR_T8xgC601IJ0jO5GwrhzyWtznPJa5LcPJLLmfhaPsV3Y2VSyUhtT8Yx-T4/s320/primphoto05web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side of foot</td></tr>
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The second pair of socks that developed from this original concept was Prim, or "Fancy Prim" as I am starting to call them.
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They are essentially a super short version of Primrose Socks without the fancy flower motifs and with a traditional gusset (not ribbed and not center bottom). It is more of a beginner sock for those a little bit intimidated by all of the bells and whistles of the Primrose Socks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qvjavXVbNYwE2QuVf06m-NB-PYeN0oksAyOLuJf_SIgdb6a2kaA0mlvVVMYM3HlOBBeQEmUMgLfMDedKZKXLZUjU-qqvcG_wbUdIeKG2qA1ras4q774SJyRtZlV7-Uzn_Fzwuv_s4G7G/s1600/primphoto06web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qvjavXVbNYwE2QuVf06m-NB-PYeN0oksAyOLuJf_SIgdb6a2kaA0mlvVVMYM3HlOBBeQEmUMgLfMDedKZKXLZUjU-qqvcG_wbUdIeKG2qA1ras4q774SJyRtZlV7-Uzn_Fzwuv_s4G7G/s320/primphoto06web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fancy teardrop heel</td></tr>
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It still has the lovely teardrop heel show in my as well as the ribbed toe, but the instructions are much more simple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlppIya_mg4-yha9_a4AV_ZE6IyJWDMFZDcvK8f_pK4nD7rcrPq_jUFs7foErKSZXH9LvsakfTfyq4elgu4hX3JE6RrNFxpkzAaUemECgM006DkkFnAmOFL5PyjV1tKV7_bgxPJaq6p27/s1600/primphoto07web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlppIya_mg4-yha9_a4AV_ZE6IyJWDMFZDcvK8f_pK4nD7rcrPq_jUFs7foErKSZXH9LvsakfTfyq4elgu4hX3JE6RrNFxpkzAaUemECgM006DkkFnAmOFL5PyjV1tKV7_bgxPJaq6p27/s320/primphoto07web.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of foot</td></tr>
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This sock can also be knit up in pretty much any 8 st combination, and the pattern includes instructions for sizes 56, 64, 72, 80, and 88 with full charts for the toes and heels. The lace is stretchier without the flower motifs on the back and front, so each size fits a wider range.<br />
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You could essentially make these into knee-highs or over the knee socks if you wanted, or make them as short as ankle socks depending. I will be selling this pattern as an upgrade to a free version of this sock, including all the charts and instructions for changing the basic sock<u style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> for just $2.50.</u><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #741b47;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-prim">SOCK #3 SIMPLE PRIM</a></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8rhvnSX3qPAb6KKt__LpwSOhnHcUdkqf4i9I0j6xpD_eraHv4hQrsDTT-SyO7xthWG4iLxUpKK-X1ko4DSiiN-eF57cfdLZjEOx-qUvl_PWWGlqUwcaCho5Slj7lprjouOTul5P8rdkq/s1600/DSC01634_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #ead1dc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8rhvnSX3qPAb6KKt__LpwSOhnHcUdkqf4i9I0j6xpD_eraHv4hQrsDTT-SyO7xthWG4iLxUpKK-X1ko4DSiiN-eF57cfdLZjEOx-qUvl_PWWGlqUwcaCho5Slj7lprjouOTul5P8rdkq/s320/DSC01634_medium2.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Picture courtesy of Pebblescruz, one of my testers</span></td></tr>
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This is the most basic version. A plain ribbed heel, a simple ribbed toe. No twisted stitches, no fancy lace motifs. No charts, except for a very small chart for the basic all over lace. Again, you can make these any length or width you want. I wanted to have a free version, because while I do need to make money (all this knitwear design is currently my Work-At-Home-Mama gig), I thought it might be nice to have a really basic version that I can give away and let people try out one of my patterns. </div>
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I hope to have all three patterns available for download in the next week. My goal is to have Primrose up in time for Labor Day weekend knitting (so in the next day or so). Depending on how much work I can get done, I might have all three up. But just to keep expectations realistic, expect to see all three some time during the 1st week in September! Happy knitting!</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also on the horizon, my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/katniss">Katniss Socks </a>(which I am thinking of calling Everdeen), some fun cycling inspired socks, and also PRIMROSE GLOVES and FINGERLESS Mitts. :). Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about my Mockingjay Socks, Cinna, or Rue...they're still on their way. I hope to be done with my first Hunger Games Tribute Series by the end of the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have some fun Fifty Shades of Grey inspired knitwear in my mind (because I can't always design socks, and Mrs Grey has quite the wardrobe to inspire me inside and outside of the boudoir) as well as some fun socks inspired by <a href="http://www.galenorn.com/Otherworld/index.php?body=ow-welcome.htm">Yasmine Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon series</a>...because seriously, how cool would a Morio or Trillian sock be? Super geeky cool. And could you imagine how sexy a Camille thigh-high stocking...wow! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have so much more sock news to share, but its going to have to wait until September. Trust me, when you see what I have to share, it will make a lot more sense :)
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Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-67215041540063859862012-06-01T16:13:00.001-07:002012-06-01T16:13:02.603-07:00New Adventures...more info soonToday, for the first time in a long time, I actually repaired something rather than just throw it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFySl-4h0jXoK-4LFZ3oiZ-bJhZbWOY2jJ5Yo5rvull2_NEqt4jGQ7knO3DIWIIMpxUqtDj1CipWXTXRrCvEVVECuiAmuREm2iYglc7mreMGcVcEs1MlwW2wqMQZ0fAfmX839DJBsoTKNE/s1600/DSC02015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFySl-4h0jXoK-4LFZ3oiZ-bJhZbWOY2jJ5Yo5rvull2_NEqt4jGQ7knO3DIWIIMpxUqtDj1CipWXTXRrCvEVVECuiAmuREm2iYglc7mreMGcVcEs1MlwW2wqMQZ0fAfmX839DJBsoTKNE/s320/DSC02015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was the rear seam of my daughter's pants. I purchased them on sale at target for $4, and they aren't likely to fit her for much longer. But I took the time to pull out the needle and thread and repair them...BY HAND.<br />
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Sometimes I forget that I can sew, but I've been reminded of that simple truth more and more lately.<br />
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So I've decided to join a special little challenge this month, and I'll probably start a new blog for it... I'm hoping to call it Project Charlotte.<br />
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<a href="http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com/collections/seam-allowance/products/seam-allowance">The official challenge set to me by AVFKW in Oakland is for me to pledge to make 25% of my clothes</a>, either through sewing or knitting or crochet. This challenge, called Seam Allowance, will hopefully be the catalysis I will need to reignite my faded design career. My personal goal will be for me to make 90-100% of Charlotte's new clothing as she outgrows her old clothing, and even some new pieces for me in a very modern Mommy and Me kind of way. And of that 90%, I hope to design most of them myself, adding my own special touches that I will share with you all.<br />
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For those of you following my knitwear adventures...don't worry, I have lots of new knitting adventures to share in the coming months. I hope to "finish" my Hunger Games socks by this fall, Christmas time at the latest.<br />
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I will also have cooking adventures too. In fact, I am baking my first bread pudding right now. Here is the recipie I made using <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/articles/cyor/bread-pudding.aspx">Fine Cooking's Bread Pudding Creator</a><br />
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Rum Raisin Bread Pudding</h2>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Yields one 9x13-inch bread pudding; serves twelve.</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #f07802; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 5px 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: lowercase;">
ingredients</h3>
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7 large egg yolks</div>
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3 large eggs</div>
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1-1/4 cup granulated sugar</div>
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1 tsp. table salt</div>
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6 cups half-and-half</div>
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1/3 cup dark rum</div>
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1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract</div>
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10 cups 1-inch cubes day-old white artisan-style bread (like Tuscan or French)</div>
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1-1/2 cups toasted sweetened shredded coconut</div>
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3 ripe bananas, thinly sliced</div>
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1 cup golden raisins, soaked in very hot water for 30 minutes and drained thoroughly</div>
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instructions</h3>
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In a large heatproof bowl, whisk the yolks and eggs. Slowly whisk in the sugar and salt until thoroughly combined. Pour the half-and-half into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until steaming but not bubbling. Slowly whisk the half-and-half into the egg mixture until thoroughly combined. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large Pyrex measuring cup or heatproof bowl. Whisk in the rum and vanilla extract.</div>
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Put the bread cubes in a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the custard on top. Make sure the bread is as submerged in the custard as possible and let cool at room temperature for about an hour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 and up to 24 hours.</div>
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Heat the oven to 325° F.</div>
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Transfer the bread mixture to a large mixing bowl and gently fold in the coconut, bananas, and raisins. Return the mixture to the baking dish.</div>
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Cover the pudding loosely with foil and bake at 325° F for 70 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until no liquid custard is visible when you poke a small hole in the center with a paring knife, 20 to 40 minutes more.</div>
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Let the pudding cool on a rack. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.</div>
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</div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-26367952952495765192012-05-03T19:21:00.002-07:002012-05-03T19:21:33.948-07:00Updates! Gale, Effie, and other new friends!<div style="text-align: left;">
I know its been a while since I've posted anything. That's because I've been stuck under a pile of yarn and behind a computer desk.<br />
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So since I last wrote, I've completed two more patterns in my Hunger Games Tribute Series.<br />
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After a month of collaboration with Tami of Candy Skein <a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/">(check out her blog here)</a>, we developed <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/effie-sock">Effie Sock</a>, inspired by Effie Trinket, the effervescent, bubbly liaison between District 12 and the CAPITOL.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1_BOf3y2-Vaqh_06vqB5GbuU8-Ldqn68O4L6sQJNKhDE7wUBu4k_WTIZwovalb7rPoGhw0s71kwkULI5sCwH76Jb0h_qEbAWkgYsiRVLSTH6R0ll6xwVWZEJNHCSP2tsU_wCIwsH1XbY/s1600/SMALLfullsiden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1_BOf3y2-Vaqh_06vqB5GbuU8-Ldqn68O4L6sQJNKhDE7wUBu4k_WTIZwovalb7rPoGhw0s71kwkULI5sCwH76Jb0h_qEbAWkgYsiRVLSTH6R0ll6xwVWZEJNHCSP2tsU_wCIwsH1XbY/s320/SMALLfullsiden1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/candy-skein-addicts/2104171/1-25#24">We are having a KAL in the Candy Skein Addicts Raverly group</a> from May until July, so please, if you like my pretty ruffled sock, come play with us!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYD1Exue0zTHb99LlrYCXhhrFsgsRIzOduOJKbypS850MSygKe8zCyOueb9W-xXD-xNAS3KNb-5O6WPssXaY7ZRNgnPXJf7n6VJyeJCZr0EyxmTXzHvKo9C6jjiwafw9PAHp0H0Jx17zg/s1600/gfp05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYD1Exue0zTHb99LlrYCXhhrFsgsRIzOduOJKbypS850MSygKe8zCyOueb9W-xXD-xNAS3KNb-5O6WPssXaY7ZRNgnPXJf7n6VJyeJCZr0EyxmTXzHvKo9C6jjiwafw9PAHp0H0Jx17zg/s320/gfp05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I've also been testing another of my Hunger Games socks, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gale-socks">Gale Sock</a>. It just went live today after a month of vigorous testing, planning, editing, and headaches. Finally it is ready for the public. We had a little photo shoot for it today.<br />
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Here is the sock on the rocks at the Berkeley Marina....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xyMUgCPQiVlA5jO-bJROWmHPooI8T3udeVCmwPM5c0x7_zIcfen-2WWuDD_PPYeEyzyPJFJWXC_QoYdU2ch-JcBYMBYy0XKORIuY7rgomM_Kk5wq912SRRTot6ThRNTCcZURw3co4smM/s1600/aboutme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xyMUgCPQiVlA5jO-bJROWmHPooI8T3udeVCmwPM5c0x7_zIcfen-2WWuDD_PPYeEyzyPJFJWXC_QoYdU2ch-JcBYMBYy0XKORIuY7rgomM_Kk5wq912SRRTot6ThRNTCcZURw3co4smM/s320/aboutme.jpg" width="152" /></a><br />
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...here I am looking coy for my "about the designer shot....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5N2g8JOIMqNYAdeOsm7yIBhRe-6jJXDCUQtatFYFoltmwNYWpXX8VZ1g-MIMng5w8B6Msa2x214qaTlDjRgA-yqjaSjHicfVgqFLrRxV6wpVApBjt4kj0DSoj3_vwT9XRfqpaAVhDzY-/s1600/charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5N2g8JOIMqNYAdeOsm7yIBhRe-6jJXDCUQtatFYFoltmwNYWpXX8VZ1g-MIMng5w8B6Msa2x214qaTlDjRgA-yqjaSjHicfVgqFLrRxV6wpVApBjt4kj0DSoj3_vwT9XRfqpaAVhDzY-/s320/charlotte.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and here is Charlotte Rose, hiding in the rocks. She really really liked the rocks and didn't want to come home for her nap....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1AbgV-EyZby14184CruwzbIMY53CY7phguIh105Ni2fy_oe71BWiob6R7MAXVUZJqM6ETxO9xjkrHGmMmVBZjWikxLQF9Q4E4o2Y-cAPsm1GB6gS4sJha15ik9GcKANi7OBC4BdnqCVY/s1600/gfp02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1AbgV-EyZby14184CruwzbIMY53CY7phguIh105Ni2fy_oe71BWiob6R7MAXVUZJqM6ETxO9xjkrHGmMmVBZjWikxLQF9Q4E4o2Y-cAPsm1GB6gS4sJha15ik9GcKANi7OBC4BdnqCVY/s320/gfp02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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....and here are the socks again, enjoying the spring poppies...<br />
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This is a fun, addictive knit. It includes 18 pages of thorough charts and descriptions. And only $3 for the month of May. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gale-socks">Come on....you know you wanna knit some socks!</a></div>
<br />Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-53368137712487783142012-03-08T10:12:00.013-08:002012-06-01T15:42:51.469-07:00New Socks, Old Socks, updates!NEW MONTH...new sock pictures~!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmLfNXvUuR8TqUdco-6MuX15xbwtPJVJTdOzO_n4Mprrn8o1Pf__81-mBMkB2dsrFp0NKaDBhxTZRqKLWW1ar6T1lYEDJYAd7QfuOCfxz3hWs1_ENCibLU6IbDO_srHI6xIjvusNZxgAx/s1600/fullsock02.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717593103332549778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmLfNXvUuR8TqUdco-6MuX15xbwtPJVJTdOzO_n4Mprrn8o1Pf__81-mBMkB2dsrFp0NKaDBhxTZRqKLWW1ar6T1lYEDJYAd7QfuOCfxz3hWs1_ENCibLU6IbDO_srHI6xIjvusNZxgAx/s320/fullsock02.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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Here are my finished Peeta's enjoying some California sunshine in my front yard yesterday<br /><br /><br />
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Now its on to my next project:</div>
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Another Hunger Ga<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">mes sock, this one inspired by </span>Gale Hawthorne, the third leg in the love triangle between Peeta, Katniss, and Gale. It will incorporate cables and A LOT of traveling stitches. Basically, expe<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">ct a cyclone to wind its way around the leg. For this sock, I'll be using some very lovely Socks that Rock Medium Weight that I purchased at Stitches West. I plan to start swatching the wind pattern sometime in the next week.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">In the meantime, I will continue working on my Mockingjay (Rebel 13) Socks</span></div>
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It took me a few weeks t<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">o really nail down the mosaic pattern in a way that I am satisfied with. Even now, as I knit up the first sock, I am finding ways to improve this chart, and the overall layout. I guess I'm not able to leave good enough alone.</span></div>
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I just ordered some more lovely <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4_64">Socks That Rock, this time in Lightweight</a>. I've never knit with their Lightweight before...so this will be interesting. I'm planning on knitting a lace sock inspired by roses in literature--<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_White">Snow White</a> (whose name was inspired by a drop of blood on white snow), <a href="http://thehungergames.wikia.com/wiki/President_Coriolanus_Snow">President Snow</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games_trilogy">Hunger Games</a> (who carries a genetically modified rose on his lapel in a pure white to hide the blood smell on his breath) and lastly, but not least, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_Hearts_(Alice's_Adventures_in_Wonderland)">Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland</a>. I was going to title them "Roses for Snow," but instead I think it will be better titled "Painting the Roses Red." The colorway I purchased benefits <a href="https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/?source=AZD0900H1001&gclid=CMamqcKF2K4CFWsaQgodrzo2bw">Doctors Without Borders </a>and can be viewed here on the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_234">Blue Moon fiber Arts Website</a>. I am excited to star these socks next month for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-knitters-anonymous">Socks Knitters Anonymous</a> "Literature" challenge.</div>
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April promises to be an interesting and prolific month :)</div>
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Until my next update!</div>
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</div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-38807115045712464342012-02-21T18:32:00.005-08:002012-02-21T19:33:57.467-08:00Spring and Mockingjays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5uqTgf2gVI_PPPCISDuJGv8rgxZFb3mdIxoR4mfTy9SyCCt3NYJo1bmBhOhYvzE1ihxumt5q1Tpg39F5_cIzIuq7Eucvb-Z2W3NxHxR6-HgyCwtD9AdBDiPf0Rwc9YlYEF4X5qKcPnMc/s1600/spring01.jpg" style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></span><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5uqTgf2gVI_PPPCISDuJGv8rgxZFb3mdIxoR4mfTy9SyCCt3NYJo1bmBhOhYvzE1ihxumt5q1Tpg39F5_cIzIuq7Eucvb-Z2W3NxHxR6-HgyCwtD9AdBDiPf0Rwc9YlYEF4X5qKcPnMc/s400/spring01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711782714147430178" /></a><div><span><u><br /></u></span><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><u><br /></u>This is the view from my kitchen window. I love the almond tree in my back yard neighbor's back yard. It only looks like this for a couple of days before it becomes a riot of blossoms. I prefer the green buds with only a couple of flowers--its so very striking against the red of their house. </span><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div><span>My yarn arrived this afternoon for my<b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/mockingjay-socks">Mockingjay Socks</a></b>. I'm not quite ready to start them...I need to finish my <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/peeta-socks">Peeta Socks</a></b> and get the pattern to my testers, hopefully by tomorrow. Otherwise, I may not have the pattern published soon enough for the fans who want to knit them for the movie premiere next month. </span></div><div><span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5uqTgf2gVI_PPPCISDuJGv8rgxZFb3mdIxoR4mfTy9SyCCt3NYJo1bmBhOhYvzE1ihxumt5q1Tpg39F5_cIzIuq7Eucvb-Z2W3NxHxR6-HgyCwtD9AdBDiPf0Rwc9YlYEF4X5qKcPnMc/s1600/spring01.jpg"></a></span></div><div><span>But here is my lovely package from <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a>. It was packaged so nicely~</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5uqTgf2gVI_PPPCISDuJGv8rgxZFb3mdIxoR4mfTy9SyCCt3NYJo1bmBhOhYvzE1ihxumt5q1Tpg39F5_cIzIuq7Eucvb-Z2W3NxHxR6-HgyCwtD9AdBDiPf0Rwc9YlYEF4X5qKcPnMc/s1600/spring01.jpg"><span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXC43oncTGNPKPA0BfG-qC0QHME1P-4Qo_HVv3lOuiSy55noFO8hMGFnC-OUp66fy8sDbIOemo6HfXvag4bEK0Y4Ku8XMtgPm7wN3TXIuOKWhak82yBLGV5sieMMYxZPrpoBgjkqEjxOl_/s320/yarnygoodness01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711796800744575346" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></a></div></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "> </div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">This was my first order with this company and I am happy to say I will </span>definitely<span style="font-size: 100%;"> order from them again in the future. They have an amazing selection of sock yarn, and the yarn arrived so fast! It shipped the same day I ordered it, and even with the post office being as slow as it is around here, I got it on </span>Tuesday<span style="font-size: 100%;">, after ordering it late </span>Friday<span style="font-size: 100%;"> afternoon!</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span><br /></span></div><div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span><br /></span></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtFVmvvXynC70ZcBI8p8ConxOnAEK2jfl-hDFXndYfYjXyGF6Z215tFt8NMND87ZyRIPdWKp4EOcAhJLVUZ2AiLb1UwfHg6bzHIs_WPqK2SH5vjyl3GCMWNNRJH28g4_icc8akXAaOwqX/s320/mockingjaydesignimage01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711797550514173682" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">The inside of the package was just as fun.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span> I think my Mockingjay socks will look amazing. Here is a photo of the yarns and my most up to date design idea. As soon as I'm done with Peeta, these are going on the needles!</span></span></div></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span>Tomorrow I will go over my next planned designs, I have so many things running through my head right now....I could spend several months just designing socks!</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span>Until next time.</span></span></div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-78385740960393566412012-02-17T14:03:00.002-08:002012-02-17T14:08:43.985-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KekhaafgCTUYvME_Tm_B-LSt8S1g0gytuNzviFpHm0-AqwYC5U3fQL0gnutY86fPT93oIol9Z6pg-lDAlOkyRYjjoi8DM_ShIqLSyHyRK667l0YM38o6C5PLFij4nPH5kDdCkPJ2nupL/s1600/mockingjaycollage.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KekhaafgCTUYvME_Tm_B-LSt8S1g0gytuNzviFpHm0-AqwYC5U3fQL0gnutY86fPT93oIol9Z6pg-lDAlOkyRYjjoi8DM_ShIqLSyHyRK667l0YM38o6C5PLFij4nPH5kDdCkPJ2nupL/s400/mockingjaycollage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710228841382326770" /></a><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Today, I announced my next sock design, a mosaic knit color work stocking inspired by </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Katniss Everdeen's Alter Ego--<b><span >The Mockingjay</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><b><span ><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-weight: bold; ">So now...</span><span>I'm just waiting for my yarn to arrive. This sock will be knit in three colors--Black and White to represent the Mockingjay, and a rich blood red. The yarn I'll be using is Shibui Sock in colors Abyss, Cranberry, and Ivory ordered today from <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a>. I chose Shibui Sock due to the wide range of available colors (I wanted a yarn with a white, red, and black in the same base) and the affordability. You can make this whole pair of socks for less than alot of artisan skeins cost, and you'll probably have some yarn left over.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Concept sketches and swatches to be posted soon.</div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-24300851253752968582012-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:002012-02-17T08:55:27.371-08:00Sock Design...and other obsessions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3BH4EyUcXoPv38lFjcbPHxXe0hnzYLpCL1KNpXNLvG2u5m6FFcaDwAiLACy_9Fy5r3sn1frhx5RYRMU8FF2WfZRCEjR4Wa4K6yox-Ka545EFdG50yDarMH_SQL29C5h-8x3XwB59QOuo/s1600/designcollage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3BH4EyUcXoPv38lFjcbPHxXe0hnzYLpCL1KNpXNLvG2u5m6FFcaDwAiLACy_9Fy5r3sn1frhx5RYRMU8FF2WfZRCEjR4Wa4K6yox-Ka545EFdG50yDarMH_SQL29C5h-8x3XwB59QOuo/s400/designcollage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710148234231337170" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: left; "><span>May the odds ever be in your favor....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">SO I guess its good I don't have a lot of followers, as they would probably think I fell off the edge of the world. Its been a pretty busy year, adjusting to having an increasingly mobile toddler (who is sitting in my lap "helping" as I type this...)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><span>So if you ARE reading this you might be wondering, what have I been up</span><span> to lately? Well the easy answer is lots of knitting and lots of running.</span></span></div><div><div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Recently a friend suggested I read the Hunger Games. I wasn't familiar with the series at all, but </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">she gave it a pretty good review and so I thought, why not? Well I read the entire series in less than a week (took me about 4 days). It was a good and memorable read. Inspirational enough to get my designer juices flowing in my brain again. And so, I began designing. Since my latest obsession has been knitting socks, I am designing socks for some of the characters from the Hunger Games.</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIOXxaC9eKx9jo1-P8Bha695nx1WkVeXI-IpsQ59Xnm4HBaXO_GqLf0HdeumLBgLhxaKy6tA-lOcHeilvZgFE1anz_iTPXJGfIr6S6e3HKkjdC5u6zKrSrERRm_BymkhII3sXZO1mGTiG/s320/gussetupdateinstep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710144387536794162" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >If you're on Ravelry, you can go check out my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/peeta-socks">Peeta Socks</a>. They are the first socks in what I</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span > hope will be a collection of socks. I am not sure if these will be a for sale sock or a free sock, but I </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">am thinking having them as a really inexpensive sock </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">pattern once it's been tested and I get the pattern written up properly.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Today I hope to make it to one of my LYS-es to find some yarn for the next sock in this</span></div><div><span > collection--<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/datenshi/mockingjay-socks">Mockingjay.</a> I also intend to design a lacy pair for Katniss' sister, Primrose, and something similarly delicate for Rue. Later I may also do one for Katniss that isn't mockingjay related. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><span>I am also currently thinking of designing a series of socks for the </span><a href="http://kimharrison.net/">Kim Harrison</a><span> Hallows Series.</span></span></div><div><span ><span> Al </span><span>definitely</span><span> needs a pair of socks, and I think Ivy, Jenks, and Rachel herself would also make great inspiration. We will see how the summer turns out and what I come home with from Stitches West this year.</span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >COOKIE A CLUB SPOILER ALERT!!!!</span></div><div><span >If you are in the Cookie A Club for 2012 and haven't yet received your yarn, you may want to stop reading here. I am about to post a picture of our latest yarn.</span></div><div><span >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGgyZ11ZmVrElCabM9aEMavSW0EmmlfU1A89rpI_2dvKXoDjSltJIU7qZBMBlpzR-vvHlRlZJbZLZ0ywCL5qXXN9LGjHsnxR1wl6caH41JlK0mxEqfJEyrcBibO-WTcFVz5i56JC_QCDB/s320/cookie+club+2012+02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710146793411910562" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><span >This is my second year as a member of the <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/club/">Cookie A Sock Club</a>, and this year, I'm a</span></div><div><span > moderator for her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/cookie-a-sock-club">Ravelry group</a>. Sadly, this doesn't mean I have any kind of special relationship with Cookie A</span></div><div><span ><span><u> </u></span><span> herself other than a working emailing one, but it's still pretty cool.</span></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Anyhoo, the first recipes and patterns and cookies didn't disappoint. I now have a fortune cookie recipe, how cool is that? Also, I have a wonderful deep choco cookie recipe spiced with cinnamon and chili peppers. With a strong cup of coffee and a bit of homemade whipped cream these cookies are absolutely divine.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigITmrdPWPRXF_cRxJRpYI_QUkLbOYUa0tLZcISbjCRy3tQkixZcd9pSpKfDOoy-mxPbb9Es5qcf_ur8rMOiXDqnTLNmDC2uHS7h5HTPzgQkVx9q85pklxC5AhMiYg8DJXm9RaAJNQWh8l/s320/garin92411.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710140840450116994" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >On the running front: I joined the LMJS women's racing</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >team and participated in their cross country events this past summer as part of their open team. I also reached new PR's in the Marathon(3hr 42min) and 12K (57min) distances. Yes, I am one speedy bunny. I am currently working for LMJS as a volunteer pacer for their Oakland Running Festival Training Program, training 1/2 marathoners for their even this March.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >The picture on the left is from September, the team celebrated my birthday (and two other team mates) with cake after our 4mi run in Hayward.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Well this is it for me today, stay tuned for more updates on my current obsessions.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><u><br /></u></span></div></div></div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-7072518763965243302011-01-17T11:17:00.000-08:002011-01-17T13:20:13.025-08:00My week in pictures--Cookie A, Ysolda Teague, new knitting and new running<div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;">January is turning into a banner month for me :D</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrvMmqbnRAUwXsn-ULWF9gS95HwDlE5ZOqpMzcgtt2ZkO2nVLfMGZZJh9TrGgLJlFMmkIPryCaSUUazD-4wmKY5MS0JgPOPAIk0Hx7jXYfOIQshu1EqQMDuh7CkTy_fkFGhRBd3dKiVlq/s1600/cookieandysolda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrvMmqbnRAUwXsn-ULWF9gS95HwDlE5ZOqpMzcgtt2ZkO2nVLfMGZZJh9TrGgLJlFMmkIPryCaSUUazD-4wmKY5MS0JgPOPAIk0Hx7jXYfOIQshu1EqQMDuh7CkTy_fkFGhRBd3dKiVlq/s400/cookieandysolda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563236989475905026" border="0" /></a><br />I got to meet one of my knitting goddesses: <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cookie-A./e/B002D63JCA/ref=sr_tc_2_rm?qid=1295292506&sr=8-2-ent">sock designer extraordinaire</a>, and the amazing <a href="http://ysolda.com/">Ysolda Teague</a>, designer of many super cute knits herself, including a new book set to come out soon:<a href="http://ysolda.com/littlered/"> Little Red in the City</a>. That's me in the center. I am trying not to geek out in this photo.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">To be fair,I would have gone to the event for Cookie A alone </span>(I own both of her books, adore her socks, and kinda worship her in a very unhealthy fangirl kind of way). In fact, if Ysolda wasn't visiting one of my favorite yarn stores (communknitty centers/fibertopias), A Verb for Keeping Warm, I might not have purchased my copy of <a href="http://ysolda.com/patterns/collections/whimsical-little-knits-2/">Whimsical Little Knits 2</a>--and that would have been a mistake because this little collection of patterns is full of real gems, like this one I'm knitting right now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S557vxEpPTV8YkHufAyJKObf5Ehngoxk06bbS-llEcGZbOnyoort2eP4FVHgViu73LDQXDtRxGGZ7rQ5DFLY0tQqxf34cFQ75B8wCoAVs54S0DRuCTPQDH3biQDbeuFnEEkWJzYj4L4d/s1600/damson01.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8S557vxEpPTV8YkHufAyJKObf5Ehngoxk06bbS-llEcGZbOnyoort2eP4FVHgViu73LDQXDtRxGGZ7rQ5DFLY0tQqxf34cFQ75B8wCoAVs54S0DRuCTPQDH3biQDbeuFnEEkWJzYj4L4d/s320/damson01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563261656654774034" border="0" /></a>:<br /><br />Here is 2 days worth of work on <a href="http://ysolda.com/patterns/accessories/damson/">Damson</a>. Ysolda knit hers out of Malabrigo Sock (always a good choice). Even though Verb had Malabrigo Sock in stock, I decided to go with something different:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.sanguinegryphon.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=18_79">The Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga handpainted sock yarn</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >(80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon)</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:85%;" > </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:85%;" >A luxuriously soft yarn with amazing hand and drape, it comes in beautiful handpainted colors with a lovely sheen. Its a real pleasure to knit, and at 450yrds a single skein is long enough to complete this pattern. </span><br /><br />This will be the first pattern I knit for myself since the baby buns was born (and since a bit before she was born as I was knitting baby stuff before that).<br /><br />In other news, I'm now officially signed up for the <a href="http://www.oaklandmarathon.com/site10.aspx">Oakland Running Festival's Half Marathon</a>. I'm now in Week 3 of my training with the <a href="http://www.lmjs.org/">Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders</a> (LMJS). This morning, for my 5 mile training run I hit the El Cerrito Hills for a challenging run up Cutting Blvd to The Arlington, through El Cerrito, through Kensignton, down into Berkeley at the Circle, down through the tunnel and out to Solano for coffee at Starbucks. I should have mapped it before leaving--it ended up being closer to 6 miles than 5, but I still managed to complete my run in 1hr (1hr 2min). My goal for the half marathon is to break 2hrs. In my marathons I've gotten close, reaching the halfway point at 2:04-7. I am hoping that a combination of speed and hill work on my short weekday runs will help me meet this goal on the mostly flat course on race day. We will see. I'll keep blogging my progress, and hopefully get some new running pictures up.<br /></div></div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-89113765928142019242010-07-16T16:30:00.000-07:002011-01-10T13:57:20.592-08:00Introducing Charlotte Rose--or the story of my hospital homebirth/almost c-section<blockquote><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This rose bloomed during the 4 days I was gone from the house laboring.<br />It was waiting, welcoming us home when we arrived.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjvD97IOG-fEr0iaoWqAaKG2CWU2hA6KK2bipESIUMyPhvAnEctHjIMtbjF47dXRsq-mgs20ievfoMLQWx1fPv93TpnRu1-kDaP3-HoTOXCugiXE4fBcPtV86YkkagwumEVP3k8LkEtaB/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjvD97IOG-fEr0iaoWqAaKG2CWU2hA6KK2bipESIUMyPhvAnEctHjIMtbjF47dXRsq-mgs20ievfoMLQWx1fPv93TpnRu1-kDaP3-HoTOXCugiXE4fBcPtV86YkkagwumEVP3k8LkEtaB/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494651587622438882" border="0" /></a></span></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There are two things that I had heard during my pregnancy, neither of them I really took all that seriously.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>1--A mother births when she is ready to birth.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">2--Childbirth is a state of mind. Visual</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ization is po</span><span style="font-size:130%;">werful. Mothers have an amazing amount of power when it comes to how their bodies birth. </span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><br />I spent so much of my energy during this pregnancy imagining worse case scenarios of what could happen during labor. Some of them were actually quite silly in retrospect (like thinking I'd have to birth in a van because there were no rooms left at the birth center). Others were quite serious...like having an invasive hospital birth where I'd end up attached to all sorts of wires and tubes and monitors, have no control over how the birth happens, have a c-section, and be separated from my baby.<br /><br />I never imagined that the one thing I didn't think of would be the actual <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GfkOJqhbrXImLG9_wijQ6ZH9ySqRfPADjftyDrEc4k_tEijln5vS8zHoNMVHgU7CMKaAixCSXE-gLuGb5yOVFMubcFR66v7sMGSAOmsMAaaWbC7FuSqLoCEFG4VqkCiFLZH41-VBPBMF/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GfkOJqhbrXImLG9_wijQ6ZH9ySqRfPADjftyDrEc4k_tEijln5vS8zHoNMVHgU7CMKaAixCSXE-gLuGb5yOVFMubcFR66v7sMGSAOmsMAaaWbC7FuSqLoCEFG4VqkCiFLZH41-VBPBMF/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494662278436922130" border="0" /></a>problem--that my labor might not actually start as it should. I'd have to face that truth, and almost everything on my birth plan before this baby was ready to be birthed.<br /><br />This picture on the right was taken on </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >7/4/10</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >. It is my last belly photo. I was 41wks. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >My wate</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >r had sprung a leak at 11:15pm the night before</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > and I was happy, thinking I'd have my little girl in my arms later that day. I had a few contractions, but none that were really all that strong, and none with any kind of rhythm.<br /><br />My midwife had me come to the birth center that night at around 10pm to be checked out. She confirmed that I was leaking amniotic fluid, but I hadn't actually started to truly "labor" yet. She gave me some black and blue cohosh and sent me home with the tincture, telling me to take another dose or two before going to bed, and to see how it goes the next morning. I had a few good contractions that night, but again no rhythm to those contractions. I went to bed, hoping the morning would bring something new.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Monday, July 5th</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >. I labored at home augmented with black and blue cohosh for the first 4 or 5 hours. I took a 1 hour uphill walk in my neighborhood, and did manage to have some good contractions that were 1-2 minutes long about 4-7 minutes apart. Unfortunately, whenever my activity stopped, the contractions would peter out. My midwife recommended taking goldenseal and stopping the cohosh. Again, I experienced the same kind of pattern, but finally I had some contractions on my own without activity involved. Good strong contractions on a regular rhythm, but too far apart (every 30 minutes).<br /><br />After dinner, it was time for the last resort--castor oil. At this point, I was becoming quite worried. I was hoping this labor would start on its own without needing this. Also, my water had been broken for almost two days. I showed no sign of infection, but it was starting to get a bit worrisome. In the back of my head I was already thinking "What if I have to go to the hospital?"<br /><br />We were called back to the birth center later that evening. They checked me out and saw that I was still only 2cm dilated, but I was about 80% effaced. My midwife reached inside of me and stretched my cervix open to 3cm. IT WAS THE MOST PAINFUL THING I HAD EVER FELT UP TO THAT POINT IN MY LIFE</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > (sadly I'd feel alot more pain before this baby made </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >her appearance...sigh).</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" > At this point my contractions started to pick up and I was told I could stay. My contractions continued to pick up that evening, and it looked like by morning I'd have my baby girl. So the midwife went to sleep, expecting a long morning while I labored with my hubby, my doula, and an assistant midwife through part of the early morning. The contractions were so hard and fast that I remember whining at one point "no more, please no more." I also remember whimpering "tub...." because they were having no success at filling the birth tub/jacuzzi with hot water. The plumber had turned off the hot water earlier that day when making an improvement to they system and had forgotten to turn it back on, so my doula was trying to fill it by hand by boiling water in a pot on a hot plate--a valiant but futile effort. Meanwhile, I threw up the castor oil and my body started to give up. I needed sleep, so I found a position where the contractions were less extreme and rested for a few hours.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >When I woke up the next morning on July 6th</span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">, my contractions had almost stopped completely. They checked me out--I had managed to make it to 4-5cm . They were still optimistic that later that day we'd have a baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZOdFEX5k5syNtTlUtTo4f3zQzspTfJBQ3rxqQUxJSDWFhARddiwK2sDEUeOhf_mkhM80ed7HlMpRq2oT6Vi0BX0jbAI3MhUxAVaOGJD-_uFaWzaH3gVUHfTYRE_dlABuvXI9w1iR3GsP/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZOdFEX5k5syNtTlUtTo4f3zQzspTfJBQ3rxqQUxJSDWFhARddiwK2sDEUeOhf_mkhM80ed7HlMpRq2oT6Vi0BX0jbAI3MhUxAVaOGJD-_uFaWzaH3gVUHfTYRE_dlABuvXI9w1iR3GsP/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494663155805553522" border="0" /></a>But I didn't progress. They determined I had a posterior baby (facing the wrong direction) and that must be why my labor was stalling. Using two midwives, one working on the inside, the other working on the outside, they very painfully turned the baby, and gave me more herbs (I do not which). I was having some good contractions, so they thought they'd let me try the birth tub. After a bit of time there, I tried laboring on the birth ball and also using a swing of fabric suspended from the ceiling. I could sense the midwives were getting worried because I we were approaching 60 hrs with my water broken and no real progress.<br /><br />They sent me out for a walk. I walked around Lake Merritt. I also did the large set of stairs in a mini park near the lake, a set of stairs I used for hill training when I was training for my marathons last year. I sure felt like I was in a marathon, but at this point, even with all of this exercise, the labor was getting nowhere.<br /><br />I was given one hour to turn it around. I tried everything...dancing through contractions, laboring on the toilet, more herbs, laboring on the ball... I was so optimistic that I had progressed. I was certain that she'd be born that evening.<br />But after all that, when the midwife checked me out, I was back to where I started. My body had closed up and I was only 2cm dilated.<br /><br />I was told it was time to go to the hospital. They said I would most likely need pitocin, and probably an epidural to help me sleep. All I heard in my mind was "c-section".<br /><br />That's when my midwife Selena said "we are going there for a vaginal birth. Don't give up!" Part of me listened, but part of me was too busy mourning. Even though I was told it was better I was going when it wasn't an emergency, that I still had options, in my mind I was so terrified of the hospital, always had been from the beginning, that I needed to cry for a couple of hours before I could bring myself to go to the hospital, despite the inevitability of it. I had begun to give up. My spirits were broken and I was resigned to a c-section if that was the only way I could ensure my baby would be born healthy and safe.<br /><br />If only my water hadn't broken when it did. If only it had waited until my body was and mind were ready to birth. I would have been sent home and told to come back when the contractions really started. I wouldn't have needed the induction.<br /><br />After being rejected due to overflow at our local Kaiser, we were transferred to Walnut Creek. What I didn't know at the time was that my midwife and doula fought to get me in. We quite literally got the last bed. They wanted us to go all the way to Vallejo or Hayward. That was outside of my midwife's range, as she had other expectant mothers in Oakland that she needed to be able to rush to if something were to happen. If we couldn't get in there, I would have had to go alone with just my husband, and no one to advocate for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpqBHZooJpTrEsCJVgxL8Hzq4P-yogLAwwRhfH7q2pNrZmGK7oghY0N8ox22Ngm0ixvx6AfQ23l6tjd6nsoQMg4bRESTmeE5XzcKOcZ7jmmSK8nm3R_NYg5WQfLZvkpQ-1woq9ue3ltTt/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpqBHZooJpTrEsCJVgxL8Hzq4P-yogLAwwRhfH7q2pNrZmGK7oghY0N8ox22Ngm0ixvx6AfQ23l6tjd6nsoQMg4bRESTmeE5XzcKOcZ7jmmSK8nm3R_NYg5WQfLZvkpQ-1woq9ue3ltTt/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494668225389383522" border="0" /></a>9pm, we arrived. 12pm I was hooked up to IVs, had my epidural inserted, and the pitocin had started. Now before I get started talking about this part of my labor, I want to say that the care I received from the CNM's and RN's in the Labor and Delivery at Kaiser Walnut Creek was top notch. I was treated well, my midwife was treated with respect, and my wishes were respected as much as was possible in that setting.<br /><br />The whole idea of coming to the hospital and getting the epidural was for me to rest. But after being hooked up to so many tubes (the catheter being the worst by far--it took them 4 times to insert it properly, and I could feel the discomfort of it through the epidural) the sound of the IV pushing water, antibiotics (because they lost the part of my chart that said I am GBS negative) and pitocin into my veins, and the feeling of that blasted blood pressure cuff going every 15 minutes (most of the time unsuccessfully gathering my blood pressure measurements, followed by an annoying grunt of a beep) I really didn't rest well. I was told I'd get the epidural, fall asleep, and then wake up ready to push. Instead I watched everyone else sleep around me and I felt very very alone.<br /><br />Not only was I not ready to push when I woke up, by the time they checked me at around 11pm, I had only progressed to 6cm. When I first came into the hospital, I had been at 5cm. This wasn't good. The midwife, who had given me extra time on the pitocin to labor, had to bring in the OB to talk about my options, which at this point pretty much meant prep me for surgery. As Selena, and my doula Gionna spoke to me about the inevitability of my situation, as I was coming to terms with the necessity of the c-section, apparently something was happening in my body that I wasn't noticing. The OB came and did her internal check to confirm what the nurse midwife had determined, only to find I was not 6cm at all. She brought the CNM back for a second opinion--and she was also shocked. She then tells us that she had said I was 6 before to make me feel a bit better (I was really closer to 5.5) but now, not only was I about 7.5, but one whole side of my cervix seemed to melt away as they touched it. They decided to turn me onto my other side, hoping that would help that side open up the rest of the way. They were going to let me continue to labor! I went from having the OB write me up in the system as having a baby "too big" to fit through my pelvis, to having another hour or two to get this baby out.<br /><br />The next two hours were better than I expected them to be. At some point my epidural stopped working as I entered transition. This was the second time the epidural had worn off--last time I had the dosage adjusted and my position changed to increase the effectiveness. This time, however, I decided to use the pain. I used breathed through the contractions which came rapidly on top of each other. During each contraction I visualized round things, thing that open, that are wide open. I envisioned wormholes and tunnels that end in waterfalls, bags with drawstrings opening, large silver rings, round rings of flesh that opened from the center. As I breathed out I vocalized "O" sometimes, and "open" other times, imagining my pelvis opening and my baby moving down. It was actually the most fun I had experienced the entire labor. I could almost smile through the contractions. I felt my breath and my voice generate a great energy that I could send downward to help the baby, to help me open the rest of the way.<br /><br />They checked on me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTfq1pz845AbmZU4H0eDJ5GH7wmxC3-ubRiEALQGuaHeuUlJrEvg9imD6s3K0rAD-S-dR7pX100y8n-I5X3th7OKeCYMrh7RPYMcFr_nrCIMyNsgQHhuOEuMLTeDR5v8r97ViuTDNP0mQ/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTfq1pz845AbmZU4H0eDJ5GH7wmxC3-ubRiEALQGuaHeuUlJrEvg9imD6s3K0rAD-S-dR7pX100y8n-I5X3th7OKeCYMrh7RPYMcFr_nrCIMyNsgQHhuOEuMLTeDR5v8r97ViuTDNP0mQ/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507237066675367106" border="0" /></a> an hour later and I had progressed to 9.5cm, the baby almost completely in position. An hour later I was confirmed to be "complete" with my baby ready for me to push (nevermind that we had already figured this out and had begun pushing before the CNM's had returned. We figured, if anything were to happen, with my midwife and doula in the room, there was nothing to worry about.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TkcTmrhQl8i_9ecA51yslA75pRH-xKiaAUKyMEIeILNU9nwmF_JnjXDM8AGKGCLevjv-CmAu5jkN-5fiyvcY_boXHj1WjCjZSXFNM1JTnfFDFMdy40r5cCq0rtjlk1WE3iQNrHu3ACXL/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TkcTmrhQl8i_9ecA51yslA75pRH-xKiaAUKyMEIeILNU9nwmF_JnjXDM8AGKGCLevjv-CmAu5jkN-5fiyvcY_boXHj1WjCjZSXFNM1JTnfFDFMdy40r5cCq0rtjlk1WE3iQNrHu3ACXL/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507282245263321042" border="0" /></a><br />1hour and 53 minutes later, my beautiful little rosebud was born.<br /><br />I am very grateful for the help of my midwife Selena, and my doula, Gionna. Without them I do not believe it would have all ended the same way. Selena knew exactly what to say to me to get me to concentrate on birthing my little one (especially important during the pushing phase--I found it hard to remember my breathing with the pain of her head crowning).<br /><br />Although I ended up going against just about everything in my birth plan, n the end, it was all worth it.<br /><br /><br />6MONTH UPDATE--Well, its taken me 6 months to post this. I'm not sure why. Life got in the way, perhaps? I needed to think about things a bit before I posted this.<br /><br />It's interesting how important certain things were to me at the time I started writing all of this and how my perspective has changed so much this half year. In the end, all that really mattered was that Charlotte arrived safely, and that both mama and baby are healthy and happy.<br /><br />If I were to do this again, I'm not sure I would approach this whole thing the same way. I only feel a little bit cheated in that I wasn't successful with my non-hospital </span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">birth.</span></span><span><span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span><span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J74ZVu4YDzpQn-aCR5VqoimDdq2qioxzk9WdeUufy2nv4KKpMu1ZKApVBLy0ya8CgH-CloAhFYd9IQcC5yZ29Ik2tYeK1V4NRYD37H1XDjHdoJUsm5xZqCKONVqidaIgiHtiWRZAX1VD/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J74ZVu4YDzpQn-aCR5VqoimDdq2qioxzk9WdeUufy2nv4KKpMu1ZKApVBLy0ya8CgH-CloAhFYd9IQcC5yZ29Ik2tYeK1V4NRYD37H1XDjHdoJUsm5xZqCKONVqidaIgiHtiWRZAX1VD/s320/IMG_0875.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560674036307355634" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"> Would I try for a homebirth? Maybe. Do I even really want to think about this right now? Not really. Right now its back to concentrating on my other two passions--running and textiles. More from me to come soon.</span><br /></span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;" ><span>Charlotte and Daddy at the Oakland Zoo for Charlotte's 6 mo celebration</span></span><br /></div></span></span></div></blockquote>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-80712950238233822452010-05-12T11:30:00.000-07:002010-05-12T11:41:18.921-07:00It's hard to feel gloomy on a day like today...The sun is shining, the birds are singing, baby geese are everywhere and so are all the wildflowers. I never knew that lilacs came in so many beautiful shades of pinks and purples. They looked so beautiful growing on the bay trail, mixed in with the licorice plants, mustard, golden poppies, thistle, and tall wheat-colored grass. So inspirational.<br /><br />I miss running. It's hard being so largely pregnant at the height of running season. I'm walking a sad 16min mile listening to my running music. On the inside, I don't feel pregnant. Its only when I try to do something outside of my current range of ability that the pregnancy makes itself felt. If I try to jog even for a 1/4 mile, my hips remind me that is a bad idea for a couple of days. I'd love to get a jog in, but between cooking, cleaning, shopping, packing up our condo and trying to get some basic cardio in, I just don't seem to have the energy.<br /><br />The non-pregnant spiritual me on the inside is running ahead of me on those walks. She remembers the freedom of running light (without the extra 30+ lbs I've gained so far) and the feel of the wind on her face. She remembers the runner's high at the midway point of a marathon and how good she felt after a nice fast 5k.<br /><br />Today I'm going shopping for a hat and some do-dahs to decorate the hat for my baby shower. It's an Alice in Wonderland themed baby shower. I need to get some ribbons in "Alice-Blue" for my hubby's hat and I need to pick up a nice red topper I saw at Hats of Berkeley yesterday. Then its off to Berkeley Bowl West for some light shopping and back home to work on my baby book.<br /><br />At some point I hope to get some knitting done between all of this and making dinner.<br /><br />Aya! So much to do! Pictures will be coming soon. I have so many things I am working on right now!Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-39568310714396222422010-02-11T11:35:00.000-08:002010-02-11T11:37:50.303-08:00So much has happened...where to begin?Hi there faithful blog readers.<div><br /></div><div>Some of you may have been wondering, where have I gone off to. Well...I've been busier with life than you'd expect.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't make my marathon goal--I completed it, but only 24 seconds faster.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's okay though, I had a good reason--I was 4 wks pregnant at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm now 21 wks along, and I realize it's time to update this. I'm still running, so of course I have plenty of running adventures to share. I'm also still pulling out the hooks and needles, so I'll have tons of lovely projects to share. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to have a much more adequate post soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Till then~</div>Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915788373379435645.post-15431669673703085192009-10-09T13:16:00.000-07:002009-10-09T13:26:47.291-07:00Running...a retrospectiveFor those of you keeping up with me and my life so far, you know that for the last year, running has been my obsession. All in preparation for next week...when I finally complete the <a href="http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/2009/10/06/nike-womens-marathon-final-reminders?promoID=usrun_NWMFINAL_05Oct09">Nike Women's Marathon</a> on October 18th. My goal...to beat the PR set this past July during the SF Marathon of 4hrs 38min marathon. I think I could break 4 hours (average 9:00 min/mile). At the very least, I think I can get a 9:30min/mi average (4 hour 9 min marathon). Crazy talk you say? Well, I'm starting to believe...Yavannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746964702685734664noreply@blogger.com0