tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37411856209029839282024-02-22T00:04:37.536-08:00The Consulting CrocheterChronicling my life in Yarnia surrounded by boys, books, Birkenstocks, kittens, and yarn.Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-10023243142924343242016-03-16T18:52:00.001-07:002016-03-16T18:52:56.406-07:00Some Small Projects and a Free PatternLast time I shared some of the larger projects that I completed in the last year or so today I thought I would share some of the smaller things that I have also completed. <br />
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Last Halloween, I crocheted part of my youngest son's costume. He wanted to be a knight so I made him a 'chain mail' hood and sleeves. He loved it, and I think it turned out great.<br />
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My bff gave me a Star Wars character crochet kit for Christmas. The designer is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/lucy-collin-2" target="_blank">Lucy Collin</a> and the characters are completely adorable! I made the Chewbacca first, and I have plans to make R2-D2 and Boba Fett next.<br />
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I also made an owl hat for a friend's daughter who is turning 3 soon. The pattern is from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-hat-31" target="_blank">Repeat Crafter Me</a>. I made a few small changes, and I love the way it turned out! So did my friend and her daughter. :)<br />
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My new little great-niece got a sweet hat too.<br />
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I also have four other WIPs sitting in my little sweater basket (another gift from by bff). One is a beautiful yellow mesh scarf that I haven't worked on in ages. The other is <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-project-just-for-me.html" target="_blank">my tunic</a>. You can't see it but it's buried down there. :) It's actually finished but I need to block it and sew it together (the parts of a project I dread doing - haha).<br />
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The last two WIPs are both <a href="http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/sophies-universe-cal-2015/sophies-universe-cal-2015-information/" target="_blank">Sophie's Universe by Dedri Uys</a> -- I'm making them both with <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-unforgettable" target="_blank">Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable</a>. I love how the color changes work so well with this pattern. The color pictured below is Sunrise. With just one skein, I made it almost all the way to the end of the 25th round (not bad!). I shouldn't refer to these as small projects, but they're small for now! :)<br />
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Speaking of small projects, I have this little shamrock pattern to share with you.<br />
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Shamrock Motif:<br />
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C hook<br />
Green Cotton Crochet Thread<br />
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Using 2 strands of crochet thread held together, ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to join and make loop.<br />
Round 1: Ch 1, 7 hdc in loop, sl st to 1st hdc to join.<br />
Round 2: Ch 1, *(2 dc, hdc, 2 dc) in next st, sl st in next st, rep from * 2 more times, sl st in next st, ch 3 (<i>this will make the stem</i>), sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, sl st to connect stem to bottom of shamrock.<br />
Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing if desired.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #8132ac; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 21.735px;">Please do not copy and redistribute my pattern as your own. Feel free to sell finished items -- please give me credit though for the original pattern by linking here. If you have any questions or problems with the patterns, please feel free to leave a comment here. Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span><br />
<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-16090101687330482402016-03-10T14:49:00.000-08:002016-03-14T07:49:12.447-07:00Updates on Life and BlanketsIn the last couple of years, I have really let this blog stagnate. Uhhhh. And it's not because nothing is going on, crochet-wise, but more like because so much is going on. Busy doesn't even seem to cover it, but that is what I have been. Busy with my family, busy with work, busy with projects, busy with ideas. Just, busy. And in the back of my mind, this blog silently nags at me...<br />
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I have come to a place where my crochet focus is changing. This has been simmering for awhile, in my head at least, if nowhere else. I am starting to see the fruits of this change start to take shape, and nothing is more exciting than that.<br />
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Stay tuned for some exciting new things that are percolating on the horizon. :)<br />
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In the meantime, I will share an update on my latest crochet projects. Last November, my second great-niece was born so of course, I had to make two blankets for her (just like I did for her sister)!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/be-unique-chevron-blanket" target="_blank"><i>(Be Unique Chevron Blanket by Mamachee)</i></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/happy-throw" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Happy Throw by Mamachee)</span></i></a></div>
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I also made a Happy Throw for my sister's boss who gave birth to a baby girl last year. This is such a great pattern and has become a go-to blanket design for me.<br />
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I also finished a huge blanket for my husband. He served in the US Navy, so I used gray, white, and blue in a nautical-inspired pattern. </div>
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I have three other blankets in various stages of completion. I'm trying to finish at least one before I start anything new, but...well, that might not happen. :)<br />
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These are just the big projects. As usual, I have also been working on plenty of smaller projects too. And in case you think I just have an encyclopedic memory, I don't (ha!). I use Ravelry to keep track of my bigger projects. This really comes in handy when I have put a project down for awhile, and when I pick it up again, I can't recall which hook I was using!<br />
<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-72281128003802865032015-10-14T19:13:00.003-07:002015-10-14T19:13:58.620-07:00Remembering Marinke (Wink of A Creative Being)I can't recall how I first heard of <a href="http://www.acreativebeing.com/" target="_blank">Wink's blog</a>, but once I discovered it, I followed it religiously. I was drawn in by her bright colors and patterns -- it was such a happy place! Only later did I realize that all the bright, happy colors were Wink's way of fighting off the insidious darkness of depression. Sadly, the darkness took over and Wink took her own life.<br />
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To honor and remember Wink, crocheters around the world are creating mandalas to raise awareness of depression. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2015/06/mandalasformarinke-crochet-project-in-memory-of-wink-from-a-creative-being/" target="_blank">Crochet Concupiscence</a>.<br />
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This is my contribution, The <a href="http://www.acreativebeing.com/2013/04/15/free-pattern-spoke-mandala/" target="_blank">pattern is Wink's</a>. I chose it to represent the light at the end of the tunnel that she could no longer see. The yarn is Scheepjeswol Cotton 8, from the <a href="http://www.acreativebeing.com/scheepjes-cal-2014/" target="_blank">Scheepjes 2014 CAL</a> that Wink designed.<br />
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Thank you, Marinke, for all the colorful and beautiful creations you gave to the world. I hope that your loved ones take comfort in knowing that you touched so many people.Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-65888919252891008922015-05-12T11:51:00.004-07:002016-03-09T11:43:06.547-08:00Serious Catching Up, SeriouslyI'm not really sure how it got to this point. Do the days just whiz by for everyone, or is it just me?<br />
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To recap the last few months:<br />
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My oldest son Morgan is doing great in his freshman year at college. I, however, still feel his absence strongly. Luckily, he texts me constantly, so it does make things easier. Plus he's almost finished with his second semester, so I am counting the days until he is home again. :)<br />
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My second son Tanner is about to graduate from high school, and he has been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas. Yikes! I have some pictures to order and announcements to address. Oh and a wreath to make for our front door, since <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/06/one-reveal.html" target="_blank">I made one last year</a> when Morgan graduated.<br />
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My third son Carson is about to become a high schooler. He was accepted into the Science & Engineering Academy (the same school Tanner will graduate from), so we continue with the tradition of attending magnet schools. I'm really proud of my boys. :)<br />
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My fourth son Connor is finishing up third grade. He once told me (when Morgan mentioned his dream to move to Europe after college) that he would never leave me. He is the sweetest boy, and he misses Morgan the most (after me, of course).<br />
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<i>(UH campus visit)</i></div>
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In crafty news, I have finished two blankets (and started another), made countless hats and scarves, and started cross-stitching again.<br />
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<i><span style="text-align: right;"> (</span><span style="text-align: right;">Nikki's bobble blanket) </span></i></div>
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<i> (Morgan's cozy dorm blanket)</i></div>
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<i>(Kevin's nautical-inspired blanket)</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I used to cross-stitch all the time. I hoarded DMC embroidery thread and contemporary patterns. I'm not really sure how my crafty life evolved from thread to yarn, except that after having my children, I found it much easier to put a yarn project down than a cross-stitch project. Cross-stitch after all requires a certain amount of concentration.</span></div>
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<i>(Birthday gift for my bestie's son. Pattern by <a href="http://weelittlestitches.etsy.com/" target="_blank">weelittlestitches</a>.)</i></div>
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I'll post some of the cross-stitch pieces I have framed around my house. Next time. :)</div>
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-11802291649892675112014-10-12T15:21:00.001-07:002016-03-15T05:57:14.647-07:00How Can It Be October Already?I just cannot believe how quickly this year is passing. It feels as if I just dropped off my oldest at college, but in reality it has been more than 7 weeks. Luckily, my son texts me all the time, so it doesn't feel much different from last year. He is adjusting well to living on his own, and we are all managing here without him. Although we certainly miss him.<br />
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We have been to Houston twice to visit him. While I have my own personal prejudices against the city (really long story), I do love the campus of the University of Houston. It has towering trees, beautiful art installations, and buildings of stature and distinction, plus all the amenities one could possibly want. Makes me wish I could go to college again. :)<br />
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The best part for me is how happy Morgan is:<br />
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And just in case you thought there would be no mention of yarn in this post, guess again! :)<br />
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This is another WIP that I work on now and again. I have been hoard, ummm... saving, this yarn for awhile, and I finally had to start using it. It's <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/boutique-treasure" target="_blank">Red Heart Boutique Treasure</a> in Watercolors. I just love all the shades -- it looks like several colors but it really is only the one colorway. I'm using the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-into-summer-blanket" target="_blank">Spring into Summer Blanket pattern by Felted Button</a> (the pattern calls for a different yarn but works up beautifully with this one).</div>
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I'm also working on seasonal items. I was playing around the other day with a little ghost applique that I just couldn't get out of my head. I made 2 versions: a 'standing' ghost and a 'floaty' ghost.</div>
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I posted them on Instagram and got some requests for a pattern, so I wrote them up and here they are:</div>
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Little Ghost Applique</div>
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WW yarn </div>
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G hook</div>
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Version 1:</div>
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Rnd 1: Magic Circle, 3 dc, 2 hdc, 3 dc, 2 hdc, all in circle, pull tight, join w/ sl st in first dc.</div>
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Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in next 4 sts, hdc, (ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc2tog, sc in last ch), sc in same st as hdc, (hdc, dc) in next st, 3 dc in next st, (dc, hdc) in next st, sc, (ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in next ch, sc in last ch), hdc in same st as sc, 2 hdc in next st, sl st to join. </div>
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Rnd 3: Ch 1, (hdc, dc), (dc, hdc), hdc in next 3 sts, (hdc, dc), (dc, hdc), sl st, finish off. Weave in ends. </div>
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Version 2:</div>
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Rnds 1 and 2 are the same as above.</div>
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Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc, 2 hdc, (hdc, dc), 2 dc in ea of next 2 sts, ch 4, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 2 hdc in next ch, 3 dc in last ch, sl st to ghost body to join, finish off. Weave in ends. </div>
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Face: Use black yarn or thread to embroider eyes and mouth.</div>
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Please do not copy and redistribute my pattern as your own. Feel free to sell finished items -- please give me credit though for the original pattern by linking here. If you have any questions or problems with the patterns, please feel free to leave a comment here. Enjoy!</div>
Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-34242566640209660062014-08-21T13:23:00.000-07:002014-10-28T16:52:40.630-07:00Summer HappeningsBusy -- that's the one word that describes this summer perfectly. Here we are in the last week before school starts, and as usual, I am wondering where the time went. We've made road trips to Houston (freshmen orientation for our oldest son)<br />
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<i>(selfie at orientation!)</i></div>
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and also to Dallas because we just had to visit my sweet great-niece Harper!<br />
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Of course, I had to take a new crocheted gift to Harper, a sweet little crab (she's a Cancer!).<br />
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<i>(Pattern by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AwkwardSoul?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Awkward Soul</a>)</i></div>
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My own little Cancer turned 8 this summer. He wants a crab, too. :)<br />
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While the zodiac sign Cancer reminds me of these two sweethearts and my dad, the disease cancer brings awful memories. Its insidious nature has impacted me in more ways than I can even begin to say, which I would guess is true for many people. This year I have already lost two incredible women to this dreaded disease, and four more women I know are fighting the good fight. I crocheted some caps in anticipation of hair loss for the two women who are currently getting chemotherapy treatments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh67WAt0eysTb0ZyC0g4fzEUvu3QIShAWez55zsDi2DXJDz3MKSnT5fHJyk47kW3DJIVHTctlgRD-o0FZWvaCHjH9gjp1uljYQcqwTtWRdMk7yi9U0oX7LKvkh9j4NW2IvIeaZQue16s/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh67WAt0eysTb0ZyC0g4fzEUvu3QIShAWez55zsDi2DXJDz3MKSnT5fHJyk47kW3DJIVHTctlgRD-o0FZWvaCHjH9gjp1uljYQcqwTtWRdMk7yi9U0oX7LKvkh9j4NW2IvIeaZQue16s/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Free pattern courtesy of <a href="http://www.oombawkadesigncrochet.com/2014/05/hope-soft-and-lightweight-womens-hat.html" target="_blank">Oombawka Design</a>)</i></div>
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The saddest part of cancer to me is the children. In 2011, a member of my extended family was diagnosed with leukemia and died just 6 months later. Sam was 8. The next year, his family started the <a href="http://www.samuelszabofoundation.org/" target="_blank">Samuel Szabo Foundation</a> with the goal of raising awareness of childhood cancers, funding childhood cancer research and supporting families faced with a diagnosis of cancer in northeast Ohio. </div>
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<a href="http://www.samuelszabofoundation.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe7lQasPfQ_yPnCl6DUjvzVBVTNMOhgBwPW7QxiwOSSvl8VOE6KFvYsVCXgreKmPNTWgv4WcHCUsuG0T9hoxUC3Lq_SVm52TJg_7wPYmmdKMWTJ8leGQhW_IiLanyv4agKijvySJ2bho/s1600/SSF.png" /></a></div>
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I have started crocheting hats and caps to donate to SSF and will be posting photos and patterns here. Please consider donating to SSF or a similar organization -- only 4% of federal funding for cancer research goes toward childhood cancers. That has to change. </div>
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-79072715197498064462014-07-10T15:30:00.001-07:002014-07-10T15:30:21.805-07:00New Market Bags and a New LookI recently added new market bags to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lavenderlizard" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lavenderlizard?section_id=6326255&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JYAxavtOGDrx95z27BWOHHW3_tv-Ovkj-j54YgtgD_YI0r4k_2pRW2c_A9uXqPiepGZh8q64JJL_WRivDSbfR4JNOrmopHu1Ww2Bhs4jPeT-zS_CvW60gX3jZKUYwXP8bZpOeRozlz4/s1600/069+(2).JPG" height="316" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of my goals this summer is to finish some of my UFOs and restock the shop. I have at least 3 more market bags that just need finishing and photographing.<br />
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I also plan on finishing <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2011/10/catching-up-part-ii.html" target="_blank">this chevron scarf</a> (true confession - I started it in 2011 - yikes!):<br />
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And I'm still working on <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/04/making-progress.html" target="_blank">the secret project</a>. And I haven't touched<a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-project-just-for-me.html" target="_blank"> my tunic project</a> in weeks. Sigh.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1601149892"></span>The shop also had a new look<span id="goog_1601149893"></span></a>, courtesy of my son's friend who is a talented digital graphic artist. She created a new shop banner and avatar for me. I figured a change was due after 7 years! I have also commissioned a portrait of my sons -- cannot wait to share that with you!<br />
<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-2652882884858774302014-06-16T20:12:00.000-07:002014-06-18T12:46:56.235-07:00New Cotton Yarn ColorsI came across some new colors in the Lily Sugar n Cream cotton yarn family, and of course they were too gorgeous to pass up. I tried though (haha, not really).<br />
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<i>(^clockwise from top left: ahoy ombre, anchors away ombre, nautical ombre, and sail away)</i></div>
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And I found these about three months ago:<br />
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<i>(^calico and kitchen breeze)</i></div>
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So of course I dropped everything to make more <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-yarn-old-obsession.html" target="_blank">african flower hexagons</a> to add to my growing collection of unique motifs! I think with these new additions, that the hexagon count is 120.<br />
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Someday I will join these together and make the best. blanket. ever. :)Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-34179114066261194702014-06-09T16:51:00.001-07:002014-06-17T05:26:04.180-07:00One RevealFinally, after crocheting for a month while trying to keep this project under wraps, I am able to reveal the big secret (well, one of them anyway):<br />
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Chevrons!</div>
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This blanket was made for my best friend's daughter, who is graduating from high school this week and has been accepted to the University of Texas at San Antonio! I used Loops and Threads Impeccable yarn in navy, pumpkin, and white (UTSA's school colors), and I adapted the chevron pattern from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/76710381/crochet-blanket-pattern-chevron-blanket?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Mamachee </a>(wider and longer and different color changes). Yay, Jaclynn!<br />
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And speaking of graduations, my oldest is also graduating from high school this week. I made a wreath to celebrate this milestone:<br />
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His high school colors are red and white, and he will be attending the University of Houston in the fall. Luckily I'll be able to 'recycle' this wreath in 4 years since UH has the same school colors!<br />
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Congrats to Morgan and Jaclynn and all the other seniors in the class of 2014!<br />
Go out and make your mark!</div>
Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-22402199862713137742014-05-31T21:53:00.003-07:002014-05-31T21:53:48.716-07:00More Washi!Just wanted to share some more washi craft ideas:<br />
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(glass candles; the labels from Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works candles come off easily)</div>
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(washi is perfect for attaching Lego Gandalf to my monitor!)</div>
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(a wooden letter C for my youngest son)</div>
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(a $1 picture frame transformed)</div>
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(a star-shaped chipboard box; patriotic and useful)</div>
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I also keep a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/i-3-washi/" target="_blank">washi board on Pinterest</a> to stay inspired by other crafters. I pinned a 4th of July washi wreath the other day that I just might have to make this year!</div>
Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-25307357172726343252014-05-25T20:00:00.001-07:002014-05-25T20:00:15.254-07:00Washi!Although yarn is first and foremost in my crafting heart, I also have a love of washi tape, the re-positionable decorative tape that originated in Japan. The fabulous colors, the whimsical designs, the versatility! Here's a few from my collection:<br />
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I have used washi tape to decorate countless things: frames, gift tags and cards, boxes, calendars, candles, and even phone cases! It is so easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and adds a little personality to your crafting. Here's a small sampling of my washi crafting:<br />
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(a chipboard box to hold my dry-erase markers, scrap paper, and tennis-ball-eraser-holder)</div>
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(one of the key holders at work; the vintage key washi design was perfect!)</div>
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(two versions of the same phone case)</div>
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(big wooden clothespins for me and my bestie)</div>
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(a plain glass candle holder -- love these colors!)</div>
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I hope that inspires you to try crafting with washi, if you haven't already. :)</div>
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And just in case you thought that washi was taking up all my crafting time, let me assure you it has not. I make time every day to play with yarn. I am still working on a couple of secret projects but will be able to share them with you within a month's time. So please be patient. :) </div>
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In the meantime, here is a little crochet star pentagon motif that I made one day recently. This is just a proto-type. I'm hoping to expand on this idea and use it for a blanket for my youngest. (On a side note, <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2011/05/another-wip-begun.html" target="_blank">I made him a blanket for his 5th birthday</a>. He doesn't like the 'holes' in the pattern :\ so this star blanket will be hole-free.)</div>
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-70189823102927924122014-04-28T14:18:00.000-07:002014-04-28T14:18:01.279-07:00Making Progress<div>
My <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-project-just-for-me.html" target="_blank">tunic project</a> is sloooooowly coming along. I always end up putting projects for me aside as I work on something else for someone else.<br />
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I did start a brand-new, very colorful project that for now, must remain secret. Stay tuned. I hope to share it within the next couple of months. But in the meantime, just know that it involves this box of yarn:<br />
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One thing I can share is a pattern for a shawl that I'm crocheting for a dear friend who is ill. I ripped it out three times before I was finally satisfied with it. Here's the beginning of the shawl (<a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/soft-yarn" target="_blank">Red Heart Soft</a> yarn in Watercolors):<br />
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My big news is that I finished the <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2014/04/wips-blankets.html" target="_blank">second blanket for my great-niece</a>! She will make her appearance in July, so I am way ahead of schedule on my projects for her. Yay!<br />
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-89593361464885288832014-04-09T18:45:00.002-07:002014-04-18T09:02:52.971-07:00A Project Just For MeEvery once in awhile (about once a year), I have an itching to crochet something just for me. When I saw the cover of the <a href="http://www.crochetme.com/blogs/interweavecrochet/default.aspx" target="_blank">Spring 2014 issue of Interweave Crochet</a>, I knew the top shown was going to be this year's project. I literally could not stop thinking about it!<br />
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The Convergence Top pattern calls for Noro Taiyo Sock yarn, a yarn I have never worked with before. It is a blend of cotton, wool, polyamide, and silk. Because it is pricey (around $20 per skein) and the pattern calls for 3 skeins, I shopped around until I found a shop that offered about 25% off and free shipping. Yay!<br />
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The yarn arrived, and I almost panicked that they had sent the wrong colors! The skeins all look so different! But I checked the labels, and all 3 skeins are the same color mix (color #39) and the same lot number.<br />
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I'm trying to adjust to the weight of the yarn. I usually work with worsted weight, and this sock yarn is rather fine. I have had to adjust the hook size from the pattern (which concerns me greatly) because the piece I'm working seems big. BUT it does match the gauge I'm supposed to use, so cross your fingers! The colors are gorgeous, and the more I crochet, the more shades of beige and green appear.<br />
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I can't wait to finish this and wear it! Stay tuned! :)</div>
Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-68911746498545880382014-04-04T21:46:00.000-07:002014-04-04T22:04:44.781-07:00WIPs - BlanketsI wanted to share some progress I'm making on some lovely blankets for my son and my great-niece who will arrive in July.<br />
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For my great-niece, I made this blanket (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180957649/instant-download-crochet-pattern-happy?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">Happy throw pattern from Mamachee</a>):<br />
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The yarn in <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/soft-yarn" target="_blank">Red Heart Soft yarn</a> in Off White, Pink, Guacamole, Lilac, and Honey.<br />
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I am working now on a Chevron blanket (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/76710381/instant-download-crochet-pattern-chevron?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">pattern by Mamachee</a>) in White, Light Grey Heather, and a surprise color (to be revealed later)!<br />
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For my son, who is about to turn 13, a variation of the Chevron blanket in three shades of his favorite color:<br />
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I really like the ombre effect. The yarn is <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/soft-yarn" target="_blank">Red Heart Soft yarn</a> in Seafoam, Deep Sea, and Teal.<br />
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Truth be told, two of these blankets are "completed", except for the dreaded weaving of the ends. Of course, you can't tell that from the pictures (creative editing, haha).<br />
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<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-35227962909600031072014-03-22T21:30:00.000-07:002014-03-22T21:30:07.454-07:00Yarnbombing...It's a Fiber Art Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard of Yarnbombing? It's a form of street or public art where every day items (stop signs, meters, gates, fences, statues, etc.) are covered in knitted or crocheted pieces. I found these examples on the internet:</div>
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<a href="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/street_art_yarn_crochet_21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/street_art_yarn_crochet_21.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/street_art_yarn_crochet_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://www.streetartutopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/street_art_yarn_crochet_1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB3YAMJNjU0IMdO8vohS16sgKPWwZ_M7872SNTgd9FH2fgI7yvcXuuZwh3W67OHNREiAjIzDkXHh4E-qWNZhZSXI1OK-JgULPlgMaJDCmuyM1NQBgRXgYBtA41kFbWnEevGbeZgi20A8/s1600/yarnbombing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB3YAMJNjU0IMdO8vohS16sgKPWwZ_M7872SNTgd9FH2fgI7yvcXuuZwh3W67OHNREiAjIzDkXHh4E-qWNZhZSXI1OK-JgULPlgMaJDCmuyM1NQBgRXgYBtA41kFbWnEevGbeZgi20A8/s400/yarnbombing2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One day on Instagram, I noticed another user named @yarnbombs so I checked him out. I recommend you do the same -- the Yarn Bomber has a <a href="http://www.yarnbomber.com/" target="_blank">website</a> -- and just reading about his previous yarn bombing installations and his future plans for a yarn bomb at Lizard's Mouth (no lie, that's the name!) made me want to contribute what little I could. So I dug around for a failed WIP (sadly there are many) and mailed it to him. You can see it and contributions from others around the world on <a href="http://instagram.com/yarnbombs" target="_blank">Instagram (@yarnbombs)</a> or on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/yarnbombs/" target="_blank">Pinterest (Yarn Bomber)</a>. If you'd like to contribute any kind of knitted or crocheted pieces, all of the links for the Yarn Bomber include an address to send contributions. And if you are in Santa Barbara, CA, the Yarn Bomber is also looking for local help for stitching together pieces and/or helping with the installation. Go on, make the world a beautiful yarn-y place!<br />
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PS I'm on Instagram too <a href="http://instagram.com/lavenderlizard" target="_blank">@lavenderlizard</a>! There I share pictures of WIPs and other fun stuff!Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-65002344618131130732014-02-09T18:22:00.000-08:002014-02-09T18:22:22.088-08:0028 Days28 Days. That is how long my no-new-yarn resolution lasted. Just. 28. Days.<br />
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In my defense ('cause you know I have one), I really, really, really needed new yarn. See, I was working on a custom order of a poncho and a beret in a variegated blue yarn for a little girl. Everything was working up just fine. But when I was finished, I realized that the pieces needed solid blue to break up the variegated and I had none. (Ok, in fairness, that is not entirely truthful -- I have solid blue yarn. Lots of solid blue yarn. Trust me when I say I have every color of blue cotton yarn in Sugar 'n Cream: light blue, cornflower, mod blue, stonewash, blue jeans, indigo, bright navy, blueberry, robin's egg, and hot blue. And none, none I tell you, matched or coordinated with the variegated blue.) So I absolutely <em>had</em> to buy more yarn. Not my fault, really.<br />
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The good news is I ran over to Hobby Lobby and found the perfect matching colors in I Love This Cotton called Pale Denim and Stonewash. See?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAxwpW5KppuCp_OS886HWMrG3u-5FsdbQ2NIevqJgMTFxLGIl233ATq3DnuOrrCiufoNcn_GTV5GdFo-rtW6sBc6RzgHCLD1wqoTYBugL2QUrH_lVVsHsYotQCiX5hgswYibGQx5eE-c/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAxwpW5KppuCp_OS886HWMrG3u-5FsdbQ2NIevqJgMTFxLGIl233ATq3DnuOrrCiufoNcn_GTV5GdFo-rtW6sBc6RzgHCLD1wqoTYBugL2QUrH_lVVsHsYotQCiX5hgswYibGQx5eE-c/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I finished the poncho and beret with the solid blues, added pom poms, fringe and a flower, and shipped them off to California. I think they worked out well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eyAcZRZNe0bUhDvz9YAIh74JD86_2T05FSRn6nXxAHWyj5ayB5TN7XRnnfAnOByg2YRpZZioShYvUJ30gJ9AqHSaqHcow5qs6xrcLd1MyKGEInjsP_tfAvvai-dfFZmG5tGhjc4isA8/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eyAcZRZNe0bUhDvz9YAIh74JD86_2T05FSRn6nXxAHWyj5ayB5TN7XRnnfAnOByg2YRpZZioShYvUJ30gJ9AqHSaqHcow5qs6xrcLd1MyKGEInjsP_tfAvvai-dfFZmG5tGhjc4isA8/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-77573495708204276022014-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:002014-01-27T10:59:00.428-08:00Hats! And Finally a Reason to Wear ThemDown here in South Texas, it rarely gets cold enough to really wear sweaters, coats, and other winter gear. However, that changed last Friday when we experienced a freeze with precipitation. That's right -- we got ice! Which means, of course, no school for the boys and the city pretty much shut down. Brrr.<br />
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When I did venture out, I wore one of the hats that I made for myself this winter. Usually I don't wear hats because it's a committment of sorts -- my naturally-curly hair does not recover well from being squished under a hat. But this year, I said to myself, 'Self, sometimes a cute hat is worth squished curls.' <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heartbeat-skully-hat" target="_blank"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtrq6StJnJolYzuN8HgcXLs6QEjXXaBu-AmKTJ2Z9xjj-rQnW6hUYtxl2J7Rf7z2OmdZwPaeidXqCpuapMQQsEc0ScpViaO0IQ9KEcy8qnyp2l79zLRqhoYzxmkP45jDPIXiaBbs_2_I/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heartbeat-skully-hat" target="_blank">(Heartbeat Skully by Gleeful Things)</a></div>
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I found some cute hat patterns from some of my favorite designers. (Luckily, my no-new-yarn resolution does not apply to patterns. After all, how will I ever get through the stash of yarn I have without new patterns for inspiration!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/johnny-slouch-beanie" target="_blank"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77Vhru0pqNB1RMcGFfsR0d_f3HsBizcGKGrSo2ugJYzr41nuLYTEhbtBM-YdateXAd30wk_YkizFLw8NiqScw7XYs1mysZd_aZv-dRkqGkr5wDM35jZNdZWoR_VT0BRR3xsJX4FBXV3E/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/johnny-slouch-beanie" target="_blank">(</a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/johnny-slouch-beanie" target="_blank">Johnny Slouch by Sincerely Pam)</a></div>
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Both of the patterns I used above are available on <a href="http://ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. </div>
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Speaking of hats, another favorite designer Crystalized Designs has updated her Ethan beanie and is having a giveaway of the pattern to celebrate! It's such a cute beanie! I really love that it is so boyish!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IakOVFm72-ZZGPz7nv9sJcV6hYPgMCc5b7dyvM2fkIYhiNJjykhwQ6PvIYR7baJDvtyJje1VQhIURlrNsKOXxUdnVyIS7uObc9xsiqB8C6IA_tfPLoArqygNuTVgz4kT6dV2_rgyHkg/s1600/ethanbeanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IakOVFm72-ZZGPz7nv9sJcV6hYPgMCc5b7dyvM2fkIYhiNJjykhwQ6PvIYR7baJDvtyJje1VQhIURlrNsKOXxUdnVyIS7uObc9xsiqB8C6IA_tfPLoArqygNuTVgz4kT6dV2_rgyHkg/s1600/ethanbeanie.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></div>
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Check out <a href="http://www.crystalized-designs.com/blog/2014/01/26/something-old-made-new/" target="_blank">her blog post</a> and enter to win! Good luck!</div>
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-77388113275499729332014-01-19T15:38:00.000-08:002014-01-19T15:39:16.397-08:00The Addiction That is Pinterest<a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. The reason I did not blog for 2 years.<br />
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Actually, I am pretty sure that is merely a coincidence. It is a fact though that in the last 2 years, I have been on Pinterest on nearly a daily basis. Why? It is an inspiring mix of food, crafts, ideas, locations, and products! And <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/sherlock-on-bbc-because-benedict-cumberbatch/" target="_blank">Benedict Cumberbatch</a>! What's not to love?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AveoMJ1ZQvVLdjqSVFfFcpze5xgNaXvxK_YtL7AYMrkvwsV639QLmalLGNnyT18YfDLqpBTUejai6o3NWn6ahS0PSkJnzIpO9RGwQW10iROAriWg6YOhazWcJQtMk2S5gJbNoOCxRs/s1600/bc+roles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AveoMJ1ZQvVLdjqSVFfFcpze5xgNaXvxK_YtL7AYMrkvwsV639QLmalLGNnyT18YfDLqpBTUejai6o3NWn6ahS0PSkJnzIpO9RGwQW10iROAriWg6YOhazWcJQtMk2S5gJbNoOCxRs/s1600/bc+roles.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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I started with a couple of boards, one of which was simply called Yarn! I pinned and pinned like crazy, and then realized my Yarn! board was so big that I could never find anything. So I created sub-category boards: <br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-accessories/" target="_blank">Yarn! Accessories</a> (hats, scarves, shawls, booties, slippers, jewelry)<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-afghans-blankets-throws/" target="_blank">Yarn! Afghans, Blankets, Throws</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-amigurumi/" target="_blank">Yarn! Amigurumi</a> (dolls, animals, any stuffed figures)<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-clothing/" target="_blank">Yarn! Clothing</a> (sweaters, tops)<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-housewares/" target="_blank">Yarn! Housewares</a> (pillows, rugs, baskets, kitchen items)<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-motifs-embellishments-appliques/" target="_blank">Yarn! Motifs, Embellishments, Appliques</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-purses-totes-bags/" target="_blank">Yarn! Purses, Totes, Bags</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-squares-circles-hexagons/" target="_blank">Yarn! Squares, Circles, Hexagons</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-tips-tricks-techniques-stitches/" target="_blank">Yarn! Tips, Tricks, Techniques, Stitches</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/yarn-wish-list/" target="_blank">Yarn! Wish List</a> (yarns I covet. This is what happens when you resolve not to purchase more yarn -- you start pinning it instead!)<br />
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I also have a yarn-related board called <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/things-i-make/" target="_blank">Things I Make</a>. Most of the items pinned there are available in <a href="http://lavenderlizard.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXHkJ58S1LOCtFOmfpZU74W3E4PIB6ZVJt88Za5pqZEzKCUeGtXHwGgS_b9C4oMaogm_i88YFqmOOvu4VFmGOtugCJbPAZ5cqvpvZgG21OBJbyRnF3uNewRjRQWwNWlovWRUiOwe6FB0/s1600/primoblanket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXHkJ58S1LOCtFOmfpZU74W3E4PIB6ZVJt88Za5pqZEzKCUeGtXHwGgS_b9C4oMaogm_i88YFqmOOvu4VFmGOtugCJbPAZ5cqvpvZgG21OBJbyRnF3uNewRjRQWwNWlovWRUiOwe6FB0/s1600/primoblanket1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(I would love if you followed any one or all of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/lavenderlizard/" target="_blank">my Pinterest boards</a>! Right now I have more than 850 yarn-related pins and more coming. These are all my personal boards. I will be creating specific business boards for The Lavender Lizard real soon!)<br />
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Back to Benedict Cumberbatch....today marks the start of season 3 of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/" target="_blank">Sherlock</a> (in the US), the super-awesome British television show of a modern Sherlock Holmes. (If you are already a fan of Sherlock, you may have noticed my reference to the show in this blog's title.) To celebrate, we are having Super-Size Sherlock Sunday, and we will be re-watching last season's The Reichenbach Fall (from January 2012!) and then tuning into the new episode on PBS. So I'll wrap this up by saying 'why do the Brits take so long between television seasons? And why only three episodes?' Tally-ho!Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-21245724284607887512014-01-12T11:26:00.002-08:002014-01-13T11:35:54.316-08:00New Yarn, Old Obsession 12 days into the new year, and my resolution to not purchase any yarn still holds. Although, truth be told, it has not been easy. At. All. Especially when I see yarn on sale.<br />
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One thing that has helped some was that I received a shipment of yarn (it was ordered on December 31, before my resolution began -- haha, so there!). Nothing like opening a box of yarn-y goodness to make your day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixixqk56Vm4o9Ef-0UF2p6GWuXiRurrCMW0X7fHD1fcC3kuQTnWpXv732kXxKdI9RPP8dQGb3r0gTdlMCSt503mmrPlSZACPwgz-dfNzKlUCytMXR02XUpDoEWApBao4xWOGjFUO5qVsA/s1600/IMG_2168+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixixqk56Vm4o9Ef-0UF2p6GWuXiRurrCMW0X7fHD1fcC3kuQTnWpXv732kXxKdI9RPP8dQGb3r0gTdlMCSt503mmrPlSZACPwgz-dfNzKlUCytMXR02XUpDoEWApBao4xWOGjFUO5qVsA/s1600/IMG_2168+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/soft-yarn" target="_blank">Red Heart Soft Yarn</a> in Lilac, Pink, Lavender, Guacamole and Honey (clockwise from top left):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RGUJ0uZQUq_6jpyRPpcu1190ktZtoFf9KDBhmk1LXJMEPywBzCvptr8A-x0PhzpVYjRcZOP9wzBLOlyxvvhIIm2bG9tJbBqCnZ6fvAx3tEuy7yknr5Trj6m51F-BdEPP3xiKMsa2MK0/s1600/babygirlyarns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RGUJ0uZQUq_6jpyRPpcu1190ktZtoFf9KDBhmk1LXJMEPywBzCvptr8A-x0PhzpVYjRcZOP9wzBLOlyxvvhIIm2bG9tJbBqCnZ6fvAx3tEuy7yknr5Trj6m51F-BdEPP3xiKMsa2MK0/s1600/babygirlyarns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also bought 3 skeins of a multi-colored shade called Plummy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpV5MVd2u2uMkfP72xG9wTQof7wHueeZkvSk3adJry9JLDNXcIyyP-I-Tw8A95r0pB1O-0E4opFqBdWmr9FMhgcV1D7ECO7tffi9wAe9Zi73xUrBsdo2CkgFFqqgB-cKdrLt0HWRphqE/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpV5MVd2u2uMkfP72xG9wTQof7wHueeZkvSk3adJry9JLDNXcIyyP-I-Tw8A95r0pB1O-0E4opFqBdWmr9FMhgcV1D7ECO7tffi9wAe9Zi73xUrBsdo2CkgFFqqgB-cKdrLt0HWRphqE/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I originally thought I would make a blanket of African flower hexagons with this new yarn for my great-niece, but now I'm not sure. I love the hexagonal flowers; in fact, it is an obsession of mine. Proof of my obsession:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs7BaTm23crRffctQuT8gADrhdDze4Vf11I74jTqvgbApUsccxuLGy3hkWcTdv-11gjQWHzCkV6KTtb61tcrf2mhdmDkGuFTwE8jeTQU_7pwudEURlKj5fvx9Ntv-fFZ0Zkk1FMNRH48/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs7BaTm23crRffctQuT8gADrhdDze4Vf11I74jTqvgbApUsccxuLGy3hkWcTdv-11gjQWHzCkV6KTtb61tcrf2mhdmDkGuFTwE8jeTQU_7pwudEURlKj5fvx9Ntv-fFZ0Zkk1FMNRH48/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are more than 100 motifs here. And they are all <i>different</i>! Which I guess speaks to my hoarding of cotton yarn as well as my obsession with African flower hexagons. Each hexagon begins with white yarn. For Rounds 2 and 3, I used an ombre (remember, they are all different), and Round 4 ends with a coordinating solid color. My plan is to complete Round 5 in white and then join all the hexagons into one mega-awesome, colorful, one-of-a-kind blanket!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XqPHNG-uX3LDdvy2r_oKBUTa00M0rEnLBY3JKOpd4QEPo0H51c55Q_Y2TDwjII0LKDHqilZYReCGEVz2fW5e6eFbSGFgJMVvPGlpymfCVel62NyHT3Ki08dcVgDuVqGdkUnEMS-wJ9w/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XqPHNG-uX3LDdvy2r_oKBUTa00M0rEnLBY3JKOpd4QEPo0H51c55Q_Y2TDwjII0LKDHqilZYReCGEVz2fW5e6eFbSGFgJMVvPGlpymfCVel62NyHT3Ki08dcVgDuVqGdkUnEMS-wJ9w/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So in the meantime, I am putting my obsession aside and I need to decide how to use my order of girly-girl yarn. Maybe stripes? Or maybe the obsession will continue. I still have some time to decide.<br />
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I also adore this sweater:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjvJDe7LgMO0TT80-F2kvmgT0J79MQN16K4oDlaevM9ptZJ5rz7chbJj8XBgMnrL2ZuKc831yx1hwCpkdJFTU1s8eCBPuyd4yatus4GGBGtSNPeAMlTHiaN331JGp1YpJ9oxd1Kx_DkE/s1600/CTJF09APPLIQUEBABY+01_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjvJDe7LgMO0TT80-F2kvmgT0J79MQN16K4oDlaevM9ptZJ5rz7chbJj8XBgMnrL2ZuKc831yx1hwCpkdJFTU1s8eCBPuyd4yatus4GGBGtSNPeAMlTHiaN331JGp1YpJ9oxd1Kx_DkE/s1600/CTJF09APPLIQUEBABY+01_0.jpg" width="256" /></a> </div>
It was published in the January/February 2009 issue of <a href="http://crochettoday.com/" target="_blank">Crochet Today</a>. The little moose applique is so darling! I just checked the pattern, and I am pretty sure I will need to order the yarn to complete this because I don't usually buy baby-weight yarn. And the yarn that was used in the sample is discontinued. I guess this means that when I finally do break my resolution, at least it will be for a good cause!<br />
<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-5087075185942177032014-01-05T15:41:00.001-08:002014-01-12T11:28:14.055-08:00Some Recent Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favorite holidays to stitch for are Halloween and Christmas. I love a handmade touch to Halloween costumes!<br />
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This past year, my youngest son wanted to be a ghost. Easy peasy! White shirt and sweatpants plus a large square of white tulle with the finishing touch of a crocheted ghosty hat!<br />
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My 12yo wanted to be Calvin from the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. The hardest part was figuring out how to make his hair yellow. The yellow hair paint did not change his dark hair color all that much, but we went with it. And to complete his costume, I crocheted a Hobbes tiger, courtesy of the <a href="http://sukigirl74.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-hobbes-crochet-pattern.html" target="_blank">free pattern by sukigirl</a>. He loved it!<br />
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Here are some work-in-progress photos of Hobbes:<br />
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For me, I made this adorable little skull with a bow which I sewed on to a lime green t-shirt.<br />
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The yarn I used was a limited-production glow-in-the-dark fiber from Bernat that I bought years ago. It was perfect for this project!<br />
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<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-24832913369818424982014-01-01T12:33:00.000-08:002014-01-12T11:29:59.521-08:002014 and Change is in the Air2014 is here, and the new year will bring us so many changes. First, and most obvious, I am recommitting myself to this here blog. Sad to say, it has been too long since I have posted. With that change, I have updated the look and name and template (more updates to come), and I have written a list of goals to include regular postings and updates of both my crafting life and personal life.<br />
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2014 also brings about the 18th birthday of our eldest son, which leads then to graduation from high school and then the transition to college. He seems ready, certainly more so than me. I keep telling myself that this is my ultimate goal for my sons -- a happy, successful, independent life. One of these days I might start believing it. :)<br />
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Here's a photograph of my sons that was taken by my cousin, Meri of <a href="http://meribellaphotography.com/photography/" target="_blank">MeriBella Photography</a>. She is uber-talented! We used this image in our Christmas cards.<br />
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2014 also marks the arrival of the newest addition to the family, my first great-niece! She is due to arrive in July, born to my oldest nephew and his beautiful bride. Finally! a little girl to crochet for! I already have a small list of items to make, and an order of yarn on the way!<br />
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And speaking of yarn, 2014 is the year of the stash-bust! That means I vow to purchase no more yarn until I use up a great deal of what I have already.<br />
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No, really, I'm not kidding...<br />
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Happy 2014 to all! May it be a prosperous, productive, and healthy New Year for you and your families!<br />
<br />Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-77354181132037120442011-10-31T20:21:00.000-07:002011-10-31T20:21:48.335-07:00The Difference $1.19 MakesAfter finally buckling down (and gluing for what seemed like days), I finished the Great Grey Owl costume. Just in time for the Halloween party last Saturday night. Well, actually, we were an hour late. We would have been even later, but I 'edited' the costume and saved myself loads of time and burnt fingers by cutting off the sleeves. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. :)<br />
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I probably would have had more time if I hadn't made the hat twice. Why twice? The first version was 'ok'....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1zwCuwpue4VSlnsAHSZfwx28sKyUvbgIMTDnzes0CvhzNtIF88vKttlRDw-53HL2bPOhHoSG3-zMYOS2ZENVrnID3E4c6hwZ5E6kD5JIkvA7GVZ7MVpoJnoPMlg66SXHe0ia91XYRSM/s1600/owlbeanie1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1zwCuwpue4VSlnsAHSZfwx28sKyUvbgIMTDnzes0CvhzNtIF88vKttlRDw-53HL2bPOhHoSG3-zMYOS2ZENVrnID3E4c6hwZ5E6kD5JIkvA7GVZ7MVpoJnoPMlg66SXHe0ia91XYRSM/s320/owlbeanie1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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but to me, it wasn't 'owly' enough. So I dug through my stash and discovered this lost treasure:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR1VlvkzYDXOKJud_x_MY2VTKcWCSAhXq-R9Nxxe_Mp2HEhUWV5PwR6M_dIz2q7KH1ggqakiYws0qHB2kv6vHtJHs66tIdcefsjxKrQSGV4Rxa9Y-_rX8N3nYXrlwlzad4LJcc453Huw/s1600/peachfuzzyarn1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR1VlvkzYDXOKJud_x_MY2VTKcWCSAhXq-R9Nxxe_Mp2HEhUWV5PwR6M_dIz2q7KH1ggqakiYws0qHB2kv6vHtJHs66tIdcefsjxKrQSGV4Rxa9Y-_rX8N3nYXrlwlzad4LJcc453Huw/s320/peachfuzzyarn1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a super-thin fuzzy yarn that added the perfect amount of texture to the original yarn. Not bad for $1.19!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzCcya38YEonstidx7lwabeiSLY903IenzUXG-QLsAKNA77L-dPfmmtuLX1o_-s45FgHDhBbaFsq4_p_KvMDceE5ULM67jOEKJuxTu65hhi_LtM9YP-uJfgUggOMX8myVCwlf0uBxc7s/s1600/owlbeanie1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzCcya38YEonstidx7lwabeiSLY903IenzUXG-QLsAKNA77L-dPfmmtuLX1o_-s45FgHDhBbaFsq4_p_KvMDceE5ULM67jOEKJuxTu65hhi_LtM9YP-uJfgUggOMX8myVCwlf0uBxc7s/s320/owlbeanie1b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the finished beanie with the owl's facial features:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZSOxwmj-2l3ty8pxyWDPjMeYwA36mUZRhqeer2DB7mnjLJD6rZM2jxSJzf3DT6ugSsDb474pHW0lG58evhEdujGa5j7RdEETeYDvD4wR0IsEczNavKqdkPGNx_vysI7qErtVBVqdZKc/s1600/owlbeanie1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZSOxwmj-2l3ty8pxyWDPjMeYwA36mUZRhqeer2DB7mnjLJD6rZM2jxSJzf3DT6ugSsDb474pHW0lG58evhEdujGa5j7RdEETeYDvD4wR0IsEczNavKqdkPGNx_vysI7qErtVBVqdZKc/s320/owlbeanie1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And my inspiration, a truly gorgeous creature:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PTF6iNHAF7DIgihpskYRqL3tEGAWNY7B9XQybmfrQhzl7lx5AtklFWrUW2or4tGJu2PWsPBzL67sBa1T40TEXfVof9nyG0HolXJP0WSpSfrskZmIgeNbOxjbC3vsTokDCaWzO1SSgY/s1600/greatgreyowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PTF6iNHAF7DIgihpskYRqL3tEGAWNY7B9XQybmfrQhzl7lx5AtklFWrUW2or4tGJu2PWsPBzL67sBa1T40TEXfVof9nyG0HolXJP0WSpSfrskZmIgeNbOxjbC3vsTokDCaWzO1SSgY/s320/greatgreyowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to reshoot photos of the entire costume. My model has already gone to bed.Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-4071981891192546252011-10-15T14:01:00.000-07:002011-10-15T14:03:03.955-07:00Catching Up, Part IILooking back at past posts, I have realized that I never shared the finished Domo hat in action. So here it is (as modeled by DS4):
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LC_w1QSBbblfjygEBqnOZLj-j-iF6pTOTz0PhoIuoVN6kVhtLyTnyykmnMgupMZrcmWIUBfsGBA64FDr0ock02YVdf-oYUoR-KnQLBKVuJgyvL1GvMHQmdz6NmqHGhFjfee_x8JcXyo/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LC_w1QSBbblfjygEBqnOZLj-j-iF6pTOTz0PhoIuoVN6kVhtLyTnyykmnMgupMZrcmWIUBfsGBA64FDr0ock02YVdf-oYUoR-KnQLBKVuJgyvL1GvMHQmdz6NmqHGhFjfee_x8JcXyo/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And who doesn't love Domo, anyway!</div>
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Right now I'm creating <a href="http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/2010/10/project-update.html">another sock monkey hat</a> -- this one for DS4's Halloween costume. If there's enough time, I'll make one for me also, since he has requested that I be his "sock monkey mama" and who can resist a request like that! Not me! </div>
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DS3 has challenged me to make him an owl costume for Halloween, and not just any ol' owl either, specifically a Great Grey Owl. I'm not exactly sure how I will pull this off, but here's the base for the owl hat (Vanna's Choice yarn in Grey Marble):</div>
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After the Halloween costumes, I hope to finish this scarf:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi-HiikNnohoKeSKM8lCHABLMUrnuckhdm1rrnYXFmMSh0FVdszNd2TjTYnt-_N486s3c2a8EY_bthyphenhyphenSOgynlJDjqRQp4hj9alHwO8IVasn7DeXtJA29CD00rpZUJkcpIQHX_Yp8xphc/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi-HiikNnohoKeSKM8lCHABLMUrnuckhdm1rrnYXFmMSh0FVdszNd2TjTYnt-_N486s3c2a8EY_bthyphenhyphenSOgynlJDjqRQp4hj9alHwO8IVasn7DeXtJA29CD00rpZUJkcpIQHX_Yp8xphc/s320/024.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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It's a Missoni-inspired long chevron scarf in many, many shades of blues and greens (Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn). I'm not positive but I think there are about a dozen different colors in this. </div>
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And just for fun, here's a little pennant flag banner in beautiful autumn colors (Heart & Sole yarn in Tequila Sunrise):</div>
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As soon as I block this, I'll use it to decorate a mirror in our entryway. I'm considering making another one in winter holiday colors for a tiny tree. If. There's. Time. :)<br />
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</div>Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-13072457499898710752011-10-03T19:10:00.001-07:002011-10-03T19:56:29.743-07:00Catching Up, Part I<div>
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I really can't believe how neglected my blog is. I'm pretty sure that earlier this year, time stomped on the gas pedal and is now hurling by at light speed.</div>
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It's October, and we've just begun the 7th week of school. DS4 has started kindergarten, which you think would mean that I have loads of extra time, but in fact, it seems the exact opposite is true. Our two youngest are both at the neighborhood elementary school, and our oldest two are in high school, but they attend different schools. They were both accepted into magnet schools, just not the same one. The sad realization came to me the other day that this is the last year that any of my boys will be at the same school at the same time. Next school year, I'll have 4 sons at 4 different campuses (and I'll be pulling my hair out, I'm sure!).</div>
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Here are my guys on the first day of school:</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659456940943818658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjITCxzgGr5_NpVRBwCD7thOwtZQckCIq8XtBSAkzPUpPXVJ8KUwBigrppHxvQHhyyWUkdLXLZG7iiU5o9fGeLpA-weSKAmSbFOve_a4R4tftejZC_71b_Ul4w2OtqkN_uXjKy1kgjIbc/s320/firstdayofschool2011.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></div>
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DS4 was beyond excited as we walked to school on the first day. (His backpack got heavy though, so Dad carried it most of the way.)</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659456939630527330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS48g0AGdqvcyeYMX6Etdq5gZJU-e-k-QOTBaySSjmWEcpETrNYUbxSfBzv7tjAk26EwtOc1KBBZLXd-IX25GNXO9kTwvV02gRrga0SLB7Hk7_PjhgtOiI7LKw1GBb6CELFtqeWBZU5Xg/s320/Connorwalkingtoschool2011.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 278px;" /></div>
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Now we're full swing into our school schedule. DS1 just finished a production of Arsenic and Old Lace with his high school theatre department. He also had theatre camp before school started that ended with a showcase featuring skits written and performed by the students. He has a thespian convention in December, and the theatre department has chosen the musical for the Spring performance with auditions coming this month. Oh yeah, and he's going to China for Spring Break.</div>
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DS2 is busy getting used to his new high school schedule. He's a freshman at the science/engineering magnet school in our district. The curriculum is rigorous to say the least.</div>
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DS3 has been keeping up with a crazy schedule. He's taking violin lessons twice a week before school, and he sings in the choir every Wednesday. Plus he and DS4 have started weekly gymnastics lessons. They love it! Me? I'm surrounded by lots of leotard-clad girls. It's a little bit of culture shock. :)</div>
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This ends part one of the update. Next time, I'll fill you in on the news of the crafty sort.</div>
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Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3741185620902983928.post-72699060113270709892011-07-18T13:12:00.001-07:002011-07-18T13:45:49.084-07:00Summer Happenings<em>Dear Summer, you are passing too quickly. Please slow down so I may enjoy more time with the boys before the hectic pace of school/activities/theatre/gymnastics? start again. Kthxbai. Love, Me.</em><br /><br />We've been so busy this summer. At least summer school is over. DS1 and DS2 are both happy about that. :)<br /><br />We try to go bowling at least once a week. The boys are all getting better, and I've managed to keep my form too. Ha.<br /><br />We've had lots of family visits. Cousins:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630793599073723026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsrN0IpTBYosunWOWD2NBpWOEcYYyu5xj2ndkTL1uhPS5ooUc0yjNpiUR9qOLHpZqS_oQHG3CVdufx1IkxNKqjc1tEuVcxmebIaWvOM9SKzVw-FmTwstIwvQuHJ-2WuP1OzT5NXrxVTg/s320/cousins2a.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630793600502328258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PhqQSotkvLaJNHF1rRAm00RVZbn5xSiHxxeenJKzwtJ83Pskr8le1RDyKDJIsHJiKxzDIJmaP5-EfMa1YT0LNE4WiixFYSUeE4RE2LWnGEQ2D6z40rugYIzXeXqiOFL9a4LIx0qp-FE/s320/cousins2b.jpg" /> <br />And we've been hanging out at the ranch:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630793973297629346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BG9KPjwBCBjBeYWVx5p1yTyhAJk5_4dm1_eXlxXCCU3_JrwGWmClSEfwfOiGc0fEaomqry7sJb6r3BGGgf_8qyQWMRjNYnm3yH81x2cv_0McT8UM50tvMmzK-oH5Rt5oKg0LWQZBHX4/s320/ranch1a.jpg" /><br /><br />And we celebrated DS4's 5th birthday with lots of friends:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630793975519589298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz39TdFA7Tb1Mc45nK2FFnWOd6636A2EOxweQ-QFH85ua5bMXudVE45FHqD6M9LG_G-opXjHTxf8VLLju29kWUmVW0W_SOVyCNcO8T3DQNRrCTbsi88PF2RKwL48K1px1Ud4t5VthzdQI/s320/party1a.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">(16 kids and everyone's eyes are open! Ha.)<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br />I have managed to finish a blanket that I made for my younger niece A. She loved the colors; like me, purple is her favorite! </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630793290874765522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgx0y0vEihkrPE8HzuWuec_kztywPjZ756wOIWg5vvkaejtXzqiHS_0mj4As-yMEBWz6iomml8f6zIRmm_73GNBXfM5TyOcKGG8Yj0R-6R5D3Da3BpHRbnb_FOU_9kJwKkxWSNuDkG1o/s320/afghan12c.jpg" /></p><br /><p>I have lots more plans for summer; just hope I don't run out of time!</p>Elizabeth Garcia Kalkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14851146162220550342noreply@blogger.com0