tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119282652024-03-07T23:13:52.752-05:00Javajem'sKnitting, sewing, spinning, jewelry, crafts and photographyJodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.comBlogger462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-39958820277659877862013-06-28T20:54:00.001-05:002013-06-28T20:55:53.211-05:00Mystery ShawlI decided it would be fun to knit along with my friends and knit a mystery shawl. This shawl is designed by Kirsten Kapur of <a href="http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/">Through the Loops</a>.<br />
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My friends Jolene, <a href="http://bysarah.typepad.com/by_sarah/">Sarah</a> and I decided it would be fun to all use the same colors and make a friendship shawl.<br />
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The pattern called for three different colors. We used the same colors, but each put them in a different order for our A, B and C:<br />
The green and teal are hand dyed yarn by Sarah and I and the blue is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wullenstudio">Wullenstudio</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8913795945/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8913795945_4c9efedf4c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We cast on all together:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8915393220/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/8915393220_87701e7e86.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We each knit away on our clues and compared them once in a while when we got together:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/9002941928/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/9002941928_f27466a95b.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Now the shawls are done and I can't wait until they are all reunited for a group picture! Until then, here is mine:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/9163439810/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9163439810_d4e6dcc87e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/9163440122/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/9163440122_b5f4ecb7f7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/9163440524/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9163440524_f51ba832f7.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-8561297070670561012013-06-05T21:17:00.000-05:002013-06-05T21:17:05.523-05:00New Blog Reader<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1776306/?claim=utz2zxt8wzv">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
Looks like I'm switching blog readers again. Google reader is going away :(<br />
<br />
I'll be using Bloglovin now. <br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1776306/?claim=utz2zxt8wzv">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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You can follow me on there if you are losing your favorite reader too!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-80992795247997897322013-03-12T19:55:00.000-05:002013-03-12T19:55:12.379-05:00Tweet!One of my birdy paintings....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/2897849274/" title="Tweety Bird by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Tweety Bird" height="376" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3198/2897849274_4dcfeb918f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
...is being featured in an article about Twitter for Authors. You should check it out:<br />
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<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://portcitiesreview.com/twitter-for-authors-training/">Twitter for Authors Training</a></h1>
<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-17528030532618137792013-03-09T19:16:00.003-05:002013-03-09T19:16:30.834-05:00Antler CardiganI finished a darling sweater for my daughter's friend P. It was her second birthday so I wanted to do something special for one of her best friends.<br />
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I love how it looks on her!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8490688832/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8490688832_0fccb81906.jpg" width="270" /></a> <br />
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<b>Stats</b>:<br />
<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/antler-cardigan">Antler Cardigan</a>
by tincanknits
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<b>Yarn</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/lion-brand-wool-ease-solids-heathers-twists">Lion Brand Wool-Ease </a><br />
<b>Needles</b>: US 8, 5.0 mm<br />
<b>Alterations</b>:The sleeves seemed a bit snug so I increased to 38 stitches instead of 36 for size 2-4 sleeves.<br />
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Of course my little peanut had to try it on for size too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8480835962/" title="Antler sweater by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Antler sweater" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8480835962_623692edb5.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8480835658/" title="Antler sweater by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Antler sweater" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8480835658_c5d7b45053.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-71281684254810937972013-01-22T13:38:00.001-05:002013-01-22T13:38:23.570-05:00Beans, beans the magical fruit!No - there was no tooting but there were hours of joy!<br />
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I had seen many examples of kids playing in beans, but I was nervous to try it for my daughter. She has a tendency to put everything in her mouth and uncooked beans would be an interesting thing to fish out of her mouth!<br />
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But luckily she didn't eat any!<br />
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I just bought 5 bags of different kids of beans - all shapes sizes and colors - and dumped them into a plastic bin.<br />
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I think the dog was almost as fascinated as she was! He only ate about 3 or 4!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8406386936/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8406386936_8254101ab3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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She played in there for over two hours!<br />
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I highly recommend this for your toddler! And the best part - you can put the lid on it and store it away for another day!<br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-78634664779621231882013-01-17T21:45:00.000-05:002013-01-17T21:45:36.981-05:00FinishingI have been finishing some long overdue projects the last month or so. One project that I recently finished is perhaps my oldest as well! About 10 years ago I took a class called "Quilt in a Day." We learned how to cut and piece a quilt and miraculously I actually finished <i>piecing</i> a quilt top in that class. But finishing a quilt top is not a finished quilt! Time, fear and other interests got in my way and left that quilt unfinished. I made many more quilts after that but for some reason never got around to finishing that first one! Until now.<br />
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I decided it was about time to get that WIP off my list. <br />
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A little repair work on a seam that didn't quite seal and I was ready for the backing and the quilting. I kept it simple and just stitched in the ditch. Since the original fabric I used for this was long gone I found some maroon fabric that was a close match and made my binding. Then it was finally done! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8354963316/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8354963316_f133f49bd2.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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I'm so happy to have this quilt since it represents so many things for me. It was the beginning of my life of sewing and quilting and also introduced me to a friend who led me to knitting! I met my friend Margaret at that quilt class year ago and she mentioned she had a knitting group. I had just started knitting and had only made one or two projects. Meeting Margaret and going to my first knit night led me to a whole new world of friends and experiences. <br />
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So thank you quilt for opening new doors for me! I'm glad you are finally complete :)<br />
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I added a little decorative stitch for the binding too. I like how it repeats the little flower motif from the white fabric.<br />
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From my oldest to my newest quilt!<br />
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I also recently finished a circle quilt:<br />
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I fell in love with a circle quilt after seeing <a href="http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2011/05/baby-bedding-quilt.html">one on a little gray's blog.</a> I made a crib sized one for my girl out of fabrics I've had for a while - just waiting for the perfect project. <br />
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I applied the circles using a zig zag stitch. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8354923420/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8354923420_824523f5c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I changed up the back a little to add a little surprise design there as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8353861857/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8353861857_a2da020c63.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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I love how it came out and hope my little peanut eventually loves it as well!!<br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-87005947520204349122012-10-16T11:28:00.001-05:002012-10-16T11:28:45.500-05:00A day at the pumpkin patch!We went to a local pumpkin patch on Saturday - <a href="http://www.pickyourown.com/">Larriland</a>. My little peanut loved it! <br />
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First thing we did was go on a hayride!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8083684532/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8083684532_4d456df6c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My friend Coleen made a pumpkin hat for the girl. She didn't keep it on long, but I managed to get a few pictures of her modeling it!<br />
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Her favorite part of the ride was covering herself (and us) in hay!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8083686336/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="392" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8083686336_2aef602939.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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There were tons of pumpkins everywhere! I had to add my own little pumpkin girl to the mix:<br />
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We ran into some friends there too! <br />
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She loved the giant pumpkins!<br />
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But we couldn't just pick a pumpkin from the bins - of course we had to go to the fields and get our own!<br />
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There were acres and acres of pumpkins!<br />
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She even got to pick her very own pumpkin!<br />
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It was a great day!<br />
<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-57411230881937482672012-10-14T20:04:00.001-05:002012-10-14T20:04:19.159-05:00Quilted coastersA dear friend of mine turned 40 this past week and I wanted to make her something special. Unfortunately when you have a busy toddler - making something special can be a bit of a timing issue. <br />
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So I went for quick and pretty! I hope she thinks they are special :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8084380025/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8084380025_9ba7d6eccd_m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I was inspired by <a href="http://www.homemadeginger.com/2011/08/guest-post-quilted-coasters.html">these pretty green coasters from Homemade Ginger.</a><br />
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My friend loves Asian inspired fabrics - so I chose this lovely Alexander Henry fabric from the stash.<br />
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The tutorial was easy to follow and they came out great!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8084379375/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8084379375_f39f8e3943_m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One of my favorites is the one with this white crane:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/8084379807/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8084379807_630190a95d_m.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I also love the one with the geisha girl:<br />
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All they needed was a little bow and they were perfect for my friend.<br />
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I think I will be making more for Christmas gifts!<br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-44315708879417895232012-09-13T18:39:00.000-05:002012-09-13T18:39:02.849-05:00Baby Leggings TutorialFall is coming soon and I'm not ready to give up putting dresses on my little girl! The solution? Baby leggings!<br />
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These cute leggings are so easy to make you won't believe it. I've seen a few different ways to make these on the internet but here is how I did it.<br />
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 pair of women's knee high socks</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>sewing thread </li>
</ul>
I found some cute socks at Target that were on sale for $2.50 - so I grabbed a bunch and headed to my sewing table. I just love the Halloween ones!<br />
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Cut above the toe, and above and below the heel:<br />
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You can discard the toe and heel and keep the other parts to make your leggings.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983195734/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7983195734_6ce6ef7a90.jpg" width="327" /></a><br />
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Take the foot piece and fold the tube in half with the outside fabric on the outside. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983199088/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="402" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7983199088_7435b45680.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Put the top piece of the sock inside the foot piece that you folded in half. All the raw edges should be together at the end. Pin them in place. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983200629/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="379" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7983200629_bc1fa24541.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Now you're ready to sew! Take the sock to the sewing machine and put the needle on the inside of the sock. This is easier than sewing on the outside because you have less of a chance of catching the other side of the sock when you stitch around. Be careful not to pull on the fabric while sewing, otherwise it will get stretched out.<br />
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After sewing all the way around, trim the threads and flip the cuff down. You have a baby legging! Repeat for legging number two.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983209864/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7983209864_279c933ff8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Now you are ready to put them on a baby!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983180310/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/7983180310_471da8a553.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983185336/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7983185336_aa5671d9f8.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983183019/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/7983183019_ca900e4a7c.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Then go make some more!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983923291/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7983923291_8a90557bc3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983923069/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7983923069_cb2f199832.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7983922813/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7983922813_163709928a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-30038771907215866442012-08-25T19:18:00.001-05:002012-08-25T19:21:22.028-05:00Mittens for Amelia!I finished a pair of mittens for Amelia yesterday! I know it's still summer, but I wanted to start now because with my track record for knitting lately - I didn't know if I'd finish them before snow set it! It only took me about a month though I'm happy to say.<br />
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Even though it took me a month, I think I only got to knit on them about 4 days total. Life with a toddler isn't very knit friendly so they mostly sat and waited for me to have an evening off!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852938178/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7852938178_de2b0a1a00.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<b>Stats</b>:<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mittens-for-a-one-year-old">Mittens for a 1 year old</a> by by Kerry Higgins Wendt
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<b>Yarn</b>: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino<br />
<b>Needles</b>: Size 5<br />
<b>Mods</b>: I didn't use smaller needles for the cuff and knit the whole thing on 5s. I made the cuff a bit longer too and they came out to be about 3 inches total.<br />
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I was a bit worried about them fitting over her hands because the cuff came out a bit tight. If I make them again - I think I'll add a few more stitches. But overall - I'm pleased with how they turned out!<br />
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I think Amelia likes them too:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852937820/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7852937820_ebe5618fcc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852937220/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7852937220_61550383fe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852936644/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7852936644_34b35c5600.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852936264/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7852936264_972166ae93.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852935880/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7852935880_5ed0507757.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7852934744/" title="Mittens for Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Mittens for Amelia" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7852934744_2bcc1361af.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-23109850558609940052012-08-20T20:00:00.003-05:002012-08-20T20:00:27.283-05:00Bird is the word!I've been getting the painting bug lately. I used to paint all the time, but then other crafty hobbies took its place over the years. I am glad that painting made it's way back in!<br />
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Here are some birds I painted the other day:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7827557962/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="293" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7827557962_9d27d0b37c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I just had to do an Amelia bird - it had been mingling around in my head for a while asking to come out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7827558548/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="387" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7827558548_5d1851685e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This bluebird is also a favorite:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7827557412/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="378" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7827557412_0e5d6ddb53.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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I can't wait to get these cut, framed and hung up!<br />
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Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-63862343604876142022012-08-17T19:04:00.000-05:002012-08-17T19:04:51.073-05:00Cooking Filipino LumpiasWe had a traditional Filipino dinner tonight of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumpia">Lumpias</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804810930/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7804810930_67e47d8d9e.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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My husband's mom is from the Philippines and the last time we visited her I watched her making them and vowed that I would make them for Amelia when she was old enough to try them.
Her recipe was not really based on measuring anything (as most authentic recipes seem to be!) but I at least got the ingredients right even if I guessed on the amounts!<br />
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Ingredients (approximate amounts - I did not measure):<br />
<ul>
<li>About10 fingerling potatoes </li>
<li>1 pound ground veal, pork and beef mixture </li>
<li>1/2 cup minced onion </li>
<li>1/2 minced carrots </li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste </li>
<li>1 package lumpia or egg roll wrappers (I used a package of 60 won ton wrappers)
</li>
<li>vegetable oil for frying</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>rice wine vinegar</li>
</ul>
Prep:
I used my Cuisinart Mini prep to chop up the carrots and onions and potatoes. If you don't have a food processor - use a grater. I added the ground meat, salt and pepper and then used my hands to mix it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804808680/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7804808680_fcbed4820c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Separate the wrappers and add a small scoop of the meat mixture inside each one:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804808332/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7804808332_1384601fb0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Use about a tablespoon of rice wine vinegar and the egg whites from one egg to make the "glue" that holds your wrappers together. Use your finger (or a pastry brush) to dab on the vinegar and egg white mix on one edge of the wrapper and roll it up like a burrito.<br />
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After making your lumpias, you are ready for frying. Use about a cup of vegetable oil and heat it up to <span class="plaincharacterwrap break">365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Use a candy thermometer to make sure your oil is the right temperature.</span><br />
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<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804810634/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7804810634_10d0d4ba92.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In small batches - carefully drop the lumpias </span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">into the heated oil and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. </span><br />
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<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804809478/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="271" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7804809478_71cd2dcd6c.jpg" width="500" /></a> </span><br />
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<i>* One thing my mother in law always does is freeze some of them <b>uncooked</b> for later - because this makes a LOT! So I made about half and put the rest in a Tupperware container for later. Then you can have a few whenever the mood strikes you!</i><br />
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After frying up your lumpias - pick your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! We used Sweet and sour sauce and a sweet chili sauce:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804811534/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7804811534_d5a919c417.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804811138/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7804811138_78e10ab20b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In case you were wondering - Amelia loved them!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804811784/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7804811784_88fa4278bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Especially the sweet and sour sauce! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804812482/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7804812482_8596cbaebe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804812718/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7804812718_835f9bdcf8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7804812240/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7804812240_847d1e3023.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-35600702542217861402012-08-04T13:41:00.000-05:002012-08-04T13:41:57.510-05:00A year already!?My little girl is one! I can't believe a whole year has gone by already. It's been a year filled with fantastic firsts, sweet snuggles, amazing new friends and new adventures. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!
Here's a look at my girl over the year.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7711853714/" title="Amelia's first year by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7711853714_25808bb553.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Amelia's first year"></a>Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-21966771854711551062012-05-15T19:14:00.003-05:002012-05-15T19:15:08.171-05:00WilliamsburgI spent a wonderful week in Williamsburg with my parents and Amelia last week. The weather was gorgeous and the flowers were blooming - what more could you ask for?
I will leave you to enjoy the gorgeous pictures:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159547178/" title="Carriage in WIlliamsburg by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7159547178_b90d24b57a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Carriage in WIlliamsburg"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159654586/" title="Horses in WIlliamsburg by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7159654586_5863f3bf95.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Horses in WIlliamsburg"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159656256/" title="WIlliamsburg by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7159656256_55b21be145.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="WIlliamsburg"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159659074/" title="Pretty hats by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7159659074_ba0d87856f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pretty hats"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159528050/" title="Grandpa and Grammy with Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7159528050_f0e641b733.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Grandpa and Grammy with Amelia"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159568642/" title="WIlliamsburg by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7159568642_0c1c65a7c9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="WIlliamsburg"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159583062/" title="Pondering the flowers by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7159583062_ecfb7ae19e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pondering the flowers"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159602528/" title="Waiting at the gate by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/7159602528_00ff210fb0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Waiting at the gate"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159567634/" title="Foxgloves by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7159567634_7522cd48bd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Foxgloves"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159603524/" title="Grammy and Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7159603524_a75b8a3aeb.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Grammy and Amelia"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7159626878/" title="Grammy and Amelia enjoy the flowers by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7159626878_c9ea8575be.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Grammy and Amelia enjoy the flowers"></a>Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-59628095209659768542012-05-08T19:49:00.000-05:002012-05-08T19:49:17.967-05:00Sheep and Wool festivalLast weekend was the annual Sheep and Wool festival at the Howard County fairgrounds in MD. It was also the first time Amelia got to go (on the outside of me at least!)
We had our annual tail gate again this year and it was just Coleen and us but we still had a fun time eating bagels and drinking coffee outside the festival.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6999813862/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/6999813862_86de709bdd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
Amelia was sporting her hand knit sweater by her awesome Auntie <a href="http://bysarah.typepad.com/by_sarah/">Sarah</a>!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6999819366/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/6999819366_c1d5c6904b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
Believe it or not I didn't buy a single thing! I mostly enjoyed seeing friends and looking at the cute sheep. Amelia loved the sheep and had fun sitting on Daddy's shoulders.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/7145905979/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7145905979_322b84a94d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6999820246/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/6999820246_33d92bd0df.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6999825286/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/6999825286_d952c724b7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6999834064/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6999834064_0a26393d66.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Untitled"></a>
I haven't knit a stitch in a while so I was hoping to be inspired by something at the festival - alas there was no inspiration but it did get me thinking about knitting again. I will hopefully pick something up again soon!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-85892046707298598952012-02-27T20:07:00.000-05:002012-02-27T20:07:57.478-05:00Another sewing day with a friend brings a new pal for Amelia. We sewed these cute owls:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6936742141/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6936742141_b39b16d6e1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
We didn't really have a pattern and just kind of made it up as we went along. My friend had a new sewing machine with an embroidery function - so we got to play with adding a letter to our owls:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6936754869/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6936754869_9874f01cbe.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a>
I'm definitely having a bit of sewing machine envy there! The bright colors make me happy and I'm so glad Amelia seems to like it too!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6936756341/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6936756341_b4808eef59.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6790639772/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6790639772_1173b9510a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a>Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-82782630189425220812012-02-20T20:04:00.002-05:002012-02-20T20:16:56.404-05:00Baby dresses!I am forever seeing so many cute baby dresses to sew on sites like Pinterest. I decided I better take the plunge and try sewing a baby dress for my own little girl.<br /><br />My first try was the easy <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2010/03/baby-kid/diy-pillowcase-baby-dress-pattern-2/">Pillowcase Dress</a> from <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/">Prudent Baby</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6906688919/" title="Pillowcase dress by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6906688919_494fdab719.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Pillowcase dress"></a><br /><br />It was really was as easy as they said and I think it came out great! I will definitely making more of these. I added a contrasting binding instead of ric rac to the <a href="http://www.heatherbaileystore.com/category-s/21.htm">Freshcuts</a> fabric I used and I love how it sets off the flower print.<br /><br />My next attempt the <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/2012/01/infant-peasant-dress-free-pattern-and.html">Infant Peasant Dress</a> from <a href="http://www.sew-much-ado.com/">Sew Much Ado</a>. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6906245587/" title="Peasant dress by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6906245587_16f18fcca9.jpg" width="500" height="358" alt="Peasant dress"></a><br /><br />Amelia is wearing a 6-9 month size and the pattern was for a 0-3 month size - so I attempted to also make the pattern larger to fit her. I managed to succeed in making it larger but I will definitely make it a bit longer next time. It's more like a shirt than a dress - but still cute!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6906242167/" title="Infant peasant dress by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6906242167_ff62b333b3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Infant peasant dress"></a><br /><br />This was much harder than the pillowcase dress for this novice dressmaker. I definitely see a serger in my future one of these days if I continue to sew clothes! Having to run a zig zag seam over all the edges definitely got old :) I also had to install elastic and ric rac for the first time. Definitely a learning experience and I will try again now that I know where I went wrong. I only had to rip out the sleeves three times :)<br /><br />Amelia seems to like it thought - which makes it all worth it!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-24861724742841202002012-02-17T14:12:00.006-05:002012-08-20T20:08:09.725-05:00Tag Blanket TutorialI don't about your baby - but my baby loves tags. The best part of all of her toys right now is the tag! She likes to pull on them, suck on them and just generally keep them close at hand. <br />
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One of her other favorite things to play with is an empty wipes bag. She loves the crinkly sound it makes and it keeps her busy and entertained while I'm trying to change her diaper. <br />
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So with this in mind - I decided to create a blanket that had all of her favorite things!<br />
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A tag blanket with a crinkly inside!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892664539/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6892664539_5e0269d0b0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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It was fairly easy after all the pinning! Here is what I did:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tag Blanket Tutorial:<br /><br />Supplies:</span><br />
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- Fat quarters of 2 different fabrics <br />
- Decorations (Ribbons, tags, fabric, hair ties etc.)<br />
- Notions: Pins, Sewing thread<br />
- One empty bag of wipes<br />
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1. Cut out your fabrics to your desired size. Mine were about 14 inches square.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892667527/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="341" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6892667527_625498ed36.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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2. Grab your empty wipes container, <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892671187/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6892671187_f93350b71c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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and remove the plastic bits and open it up<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892672641/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6892672641_622200faa7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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3. Grab your ribbons stash... you can also use fabric, hair ties or anything at all that may be fun to chew for your baby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892675039/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="323" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6892675039_8123225f89.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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4. Cut your ribbon to the desired size, and start pinning them to the right side of one of your fabrics. Make sure the ribbon loops are laying toward the inside with the ends on the end of your fabric.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892659671/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6892659671_3052eea75a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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5. Put your second fabric on top of your ribbons right side down, and add the wipes package on top of that. So - the layers of your "sandwich" will be: fabric one, right side up with ribbons pinned on, second fabric right side down, and finally the wipes package on top.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892661567/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6892661567_5fd3818379.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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6. Bring everything to your sewing machine and sew around leaving a hole about 3 inches wide. Make sure to remove the pins as you go. To make neat corners, stop sewing at the corner and lift your pressure foot, turn your fabric 90 degrees and then replace your pressure foot and keep on sewing. BE SURE TO LEAVE A GAP SO YOU CAN TURN YOUR PIECE RIGHT SIDE OUT.<br />
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7. Trim your corners and any excess fabric and then turn your piece right side out through the hole you left in step 6.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892678781/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6892678781_16efcbf26c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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8. Fold the raw edges to the inside and re-pin any ribbons that were in the hole you left. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892664983/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6892664983_9a3c5a90cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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9. Top stitch all the way around to close the hole and you're done! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6892664539/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6892664539_5e0269d0b0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Hopefully it will keep your baby happy and entertained.<br />
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Good luck!!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-65230879410886173942012-02-15T14:46:00.001-05:002012-02-15T14:48:50.071-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day! I was lucky enough to have a babysitter (my mom) and my sweetie and I went out for a lovely dinner. <br /><br />I hope you had a great day too!<br /><br />Amelia wanted to wish you a Happy Valentines' day!<br /><br />Here she is with the beautiful flowers from my hubby...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6877166881/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6877166881_e29521e902.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6877172393/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6877172393_c21aa5abbd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6877172835/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6877172835_60d2e61dd3.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a>Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-60632665972410228032012-01-03T16:17:00.003-05:002012-01-03T16:44:41.246-05:00Burp cloth tutorialHappy new year everyone! I hope you all had a great start to 2012! I thought I'd share a sewing pattern that I whipped up for burp cloths. With a new baby in the house, you can never have enough of these! And, they make great gifts for new moms.<br /><br />This is a wondering first sewing project for beginners because it's all straight lines. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6630390413/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6630390413_0c03b9c389.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Materials Needed to make 2 burp cloths:<br /></span>- 1/2 yard of quilting cotton<br />- 1/2 yard of terry cloth<br />- Sewing thread to match fabric<br />- Rotary cutter<br />- Cutting mat<br />- Scissors<br />- Straight pins<br />- Iron<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />1. Cut out your fabrics using your rotary cutter and cutting mat – I cut 2 pieces 14 x 22 inches. I tend to cut out pieces two at a time to save time. If you fold your fabric in half you can get two pieces easily by cutting off the fold.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629988553/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6629988553_dbbb39bb67.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629989091/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6629989091_c54140e356.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />2. After cutting out your fabric – put one piece of cotton and one of terry cloth on top of each other with right sides facing. Pin around the outside to make sure it doesn’t move while you sew.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629989673/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6629989673_782aaff578.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />You are going to turn your sandwich inside out when you are done, so you have to leave about a 2 inch hole in order to do this. I like to put a green and red pin at the start and end of this hole so I know where I am. (sometimes I get carried away and forget to stop sewing at the hole! The red pin helps prevents this.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629990541/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6629990541_fa1487cd9d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br />3. Using your machine’s foot as a guide for the seam allowance, position your fabric on the machine so your foot is even with the edge. Start sewing at your green pin, but remember to remove the pins before you sew over them so you don't break a needle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629991671/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6629991671_46dcbab1dc.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />4. When you get to a corner, stop sewing with the needle in the fabric, lift the presser foot and rotate your fabric 90 degrees and put the presser foot back down. Continue sewing on the next side. This helps give you neat right angles at the corners. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629992235/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6629992235_0174733ce1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />5. Continue all the way around until you get to the red needle. At the red needle stop sewing and backstich a few stitches for extra strength since you will be turning your fabric at this point and putting extra stress on those stitches. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629992795/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6629992795_b627fca592.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />You are left with a two inch opening.<br /><br />6. Clip the corners of your burp cloth to remove extra bulk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629995273/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6629995273_d141e6eae5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />7. Turn your cloth inside out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629995835/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6629995835_2200492fd0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br />8. Find the hole you left and turn the ends of the open fabric under to make a neat seam and pin closed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6629998933/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6629998933_7e2ebab177.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />9. Iron your cloth to remove any bumps.<br /><br />10. Starting at one end of your hole, make a top stitch as close to the edge as you feel comfortable and stitch all the way around. Don’t forget to make your neat right angle corners by lifting the presser foot and turning your fabric before starting the next side.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6630001279/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6630001279_cee6b9178f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br />11. Once you are finished with the top stitching, I like to add a few rows of quilting to the top. I ran 3 straight lines down the length of my cloth. This helps the cloth keep it’s shape. You could even get fancy and add some decorative quilting!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6630003757/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6630003757_318f18b638.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br />12. Trim all your loose threads and you are done! Go find a drooling baby to mop up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6630390413/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6630390413_0c03b9c389.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This pattern is for personal use only.Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-75111970537661590332011-12-30T20:36:00.003-05:002011-12-30T20:45:46.403-05:00Happy holidays!!I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Hanukkah! It was a great first Christmas for me and my family! <br /><br />Amelia got to see Santa for the first time...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6347820205/" title="Amelia and Santa by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6347820205_8cb4f37809.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Amelia and Santa"></a><br /><br />It was great fun watching her tear open her gifts - well... we helped!! Here she is in her Christmas outfit:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6421926095/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6421926095_201b2cb18e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6566828265/" title="Merry Christmas Eve from reindeer Amelia! by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6566828265_2ca0b9e897.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Merry Christmas Eve from reindeer Amelia!"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6569589209/" title="Untitled by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6569589209_b47b5bcf00.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />We also did some crafting this holiday. We made this cute footprint reindeer!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6462499753/" title="194623_10150585224723362_694793361_11606298_1819372153_o by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6462499753_e44d73a080.jpg" width="500" height="392" alt="194623_10150585224723362_694793361_11606298_1819372153_o"></a><br /><br />I hope everyone had a great year - I know this has been a fabulous year for me! <br /><br />Happy New year!!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-48026409111926405462011-10-26T17:11:00.003-05:002011-10-26T17:18:04.485-05:00Baby February SweaterHappy Halloween week! I can't wait to dress up Amelia in her lady bug outfit later this week. She will be the cutest lady bug in town. <br /><br />Until then - I finally finished knitting her a sweater I started in July! My knitting time is definitely not what it used to be! I guess having a baby will do that! <br /><br />Here she is in her Baby February Sweater:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6283923859/" title="Baby February Sweater by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6283923859_c69f5ec558.jpg" width="448" height="500" alt="Baby February Sweater"></a><br /><br />And I was so surprised to see my other "baby" - Hurley jump up to sit next to her. He rarely allows us to put him next to the baby so this is a special picture!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6283923969/" title="Baby February Sweater by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6283923969_cd051d0ec1.jpg" width="493" height="500" alt="Baby February Sweater"></a><br /><br />It was a fun sweater to knit - I will definitely make this again if I ever find the time! hehe<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6283924207/" title="Baby February Sweater by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6283924207_ff08b34947.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="Baby February Sweater"></a><br /><br />Stats:<br /><br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sweater-on-two-needles-february">Baby February Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmerman</a><br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/classic-elite-yarns-four-seasons">Classic Elite Four Seasons</a><br />Alternations: none - except I forgot to add buttonholes! <br /><br />I can't wait to start my next knitting - I am getting the itch to knit a colorwork sweater, but at the rate I'm finishing projects it will be next year before it's done!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-50413033576467202662011-09-16T14:21:00.003-05:002011-09-16T14:37:12.259-05:00I've been busy!It's been a long time! But I'm back to say hello and give you a little update on me. <br /><br />Since I've last posted I've had some major changes in my life! I got married and had a little girl! 2011 has so far been the most wonderful year for me - I am very blessed. <br /><br />My little girl arrived early and was a petite little thing! She is growing up so fast! I can't believe how quickly she is changing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6153267819/" title="Amelia by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6153267819_4efd62b0cf.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Amelia"></a><br /><br />I've been knitting a bit, but not nearly as much as I'd like to. I made her a little hat to wear home from the hospital. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/6015176930/" title="DSC_0012 by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6015176930_e44e8fd79b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0012"></a><br /><br />It's made from handspun dyed by <a href="http://www.cloverhillyarn.com/">Cloverhill</a>. <br /><br />I will try to post more often and hopefully even have something I made to show you!<br />Thanks for all the kind words from those who wrote to me saying they missed my blog!!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-27726114879629601072010-09-13T13:24:00.003-05:002010-09-13T13:32:46.743-05:00A day at the beachI had the best weekend! The boys and I had a day at the beach. We went to Lewes DE and spent the day at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadkill_Beach,_Delaware">Broadkill </a>beach - a dog friendly beach that was mostly deserted and beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4987494790/" title="Broadkill beach by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4987494790_bb98670a2c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Broadkill beach" /></a><br /><br />Hurley especially loved the beach! He got to run after his ball and jump in the waves. He is still mama's boy though and wasn't happy until he was sitting on my lap!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4986891995/" title="Broadkill beach by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4986891995_fa39e8dd5b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Broadkill beach" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4987493268/" title="Broadkill beach by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4987493268_20483f8824.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Broadkill beach" /></a><br /><br />I guess it was the best vantage point to watch the people and dogs walk by.<br /><br />Bailey had the entire beach blanket to himself. Although he didn't like the water as much as Hurley he still enjoyed sniffing the shells, sand, crabs, water, rocks, seagulls, seaweed,....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4986893511/" title="Broadkill beach by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4986893511_595b04bc35.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Broadkill beach" /></a><br /><br /><br />After the beach - a quick drive over to Rehobeth for dinner was followed up by a sunset walk on the boardwalk. It was a beautiful evening.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4986894791/" title="Sunset in Rehobeth by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4986894791_33a911b456.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunset in Rehobeth" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4986894357/" title="Sunset in Rehobeth by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4986894357_eec78bd296.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunset in Rehobeth" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm so glad I got to go to the beach! I hope to make it back there again soon!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11928265.post-71348589701046705892010-08-26T14:54:00.004-05:002010-08-26T15:00:31.348-05:00Garter Love!I just finished a new shawl!<br /><br />It's the Multnomah shawl:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4928417870/" title="Garter Love Shawl by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4928417870_6a80dffacc.jpg" width="354" height="500" alt="Garter Love Shawl" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stats</span>:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://helloknitty.net/">Multnomah by Kate Flagg</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: fingering weight Louet base dyed by Sarah and I!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: Size US 6<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mods</span>: none<br /><br />This is a awesome mindless knit - especially the garter stitch part because there's absolutely no purling! You don't really have to look at what you're doing until you reach the feather and fan section. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4927822885/" title="Garter Love Shawl by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4927822885_24025079ca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Garter Love Shawl" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/javajem/4928418676/" title="Garter Love Shawl by javajem, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4928418676_d7bb983c85.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Garter Love Shawl" /></a><br /><br />This was such a quick and easy knit - I may have to knit another one!Jodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451023013278257731noreply@blogger.com16