tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72762668477293497452024-03-05T16:06:34.211+00:00Great Balls of WoolI love wool. I knit. I crochet. I sew a little. I blog about it.Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-5291886448982370532023-05-04T13:58:00.001+01:002023-05-04T13:58:08.301+01:00Dog finger puppet pattern: new version<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had requests for a version of my dog finger puppet knitting pattern that includes instructions for knitting flat on straight needles. So here it is:</div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PATTERN
FOR A KNITTED DOG FINGER PUPPET</span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj08PHWtJCESPh5sdd-390o-huOCTswJSG1mIYxfkvFwYYSO6r-hEelYQDGiEcnI9TRN_AdKMlX8A7YvffDxoSYMUx3wtQn-XDs2NzVE9FxY7Yj62iJtRFpLvbuWWvafbIOsTK9QHg8BM0YYdMCJPQDvfWcacBVaQf2Wr6UEQN8hy8SCyWDmMp3vqzo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2686" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj08PHWtJCESPh5sdd-390o-huOCTswJSG1mIYxfkvFwYYSO6r-hEelYQDGiEcnI9TRN_AdKMlX8A7YvffDxoSYMUx3wtQn-XDs2NzVE9FxY7Yj62iJtRFpLvbuWWvafbIOsTK9QHg8BM0YYdMCJPQDvfWcacBVaQf2Wr6UEQN8hy8SCyWDmMp3vqzo=w257-h313" width="257" /></a></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text2;">This is a
knitting pattern for a dog finger puppet that should fit most children and adults.
It can be knitted flat or “in the round”. I have included instructions for both
methods. The benefits of knitting “in the round” are a neater finish and
minimum seaming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">You will need<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">dk yarn in dog colours: brown, beige, grey
etc<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">dk yarn in bright colours for the scarf<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">3mm straight knitting needles if knitting
flat<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">black embroidery thread for facial features<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">soft toy filling for the head<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">3mm double pointed knitting needles if
knitting “in the round”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Body and head<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">With 3mm needles cast on 18 stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><a name="_Hlk131705619"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rows </span></a><a name="_Hlk133329219"></a><a name="_Hlk131704825"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">1 – 4</span></a><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">: </span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">knit every row. </span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">This
makes a garter stitch hem. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">If knitting flat:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rows 5 – 35: continue in stocking stitch
commencing with a purl row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">(If you want a different colour head,
change colours on row 26.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">If knitting “in the round”:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Change to 3mm double pointed knitting
needles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rounds 5 – 35: knit every round. This makes
a stocking stitch body and head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">(If you want a different colour head,
change colours on round 26.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Row or round 36: knit 2 together to end of
round.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Draw a thread through remaining 9 stitches.
Pull tight and sew firmly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">With right sides together, close the seam.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Turn right sides out and stuff the head
with soft toy filling. Draw a thread around the neck. Pull tight and sew very firmly
so that there is no access to the stuffing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Scarf<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast on 30 stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast off all stitches on next row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Sew scarf on to the puppet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><a name="_Hlk506667849"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Ears (make 2)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast
on 4 stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rows
1 – 7: knit every row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Row
8: knit 2 together to end of row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast
off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Sew
ears to either side of head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><a name="_Hlk131705988"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Face<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Embroider facial features.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-14401506048575231482023-04-06T21:55:00.000+01:002023-04-06T21:55:55.837+01:00Dog finger puppet<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PATTERN
FOR A KNITTED DOG FINGER PUPPET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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style='width:225pt;height:291.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/uomal/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="A picture containing stuffed, dressed, close, thread Description automatically generated"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU4WoEadQAQBtG3xhSZT8dsK6oiuhsiUbewUPlO4Wy7F3p_Xpm_BTbc8A2czXp3DzfQsl9WtGfsJo_xQHcX-EtrD_aZ7PdksdSdKS7ZHuZT6ft9GwMOt-EAiXreffCMYyO9P481SxAXQ9xyxNuIPPpgEodLjZhRq-4IlC70SnJ78yPXisYHDGLI7_8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="469" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU4WoEadQAQBtG3xhSZT8dsK6oiuhsiUbewUPlO4Wy7F3p_Xpm_BTbc8A2czXp3DzfQsl9WtGfsJo_xQHcX-EtrD_aZ7PdksdSdKS7ZHuZT6ft9GwMOt-EAiXreffCMYyO9P481SxAXQ9xyxNuIPPpgEodLjZhRq-4IlC70SnJ78yPXisYHDGLI7_8" width="185" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This</span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> is a
knitting pattern for a dog finger puppet. It makes a mostly seamless, “in the
round” finger puppet that should fit most children and adults.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">You will need<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">dk yarn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">3mm straight knitting needles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">3mm double pointed knitting needles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">embroidery thread for facial features<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">soft toy filling for the head<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Body and head<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">With 3mm straight needles cast on 18
stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk131705619"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rows </span></a><a name="_Hlk131704825"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">1 – 4</span></a><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">: knit every row. </span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">This
makes a garter stitch hem. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Change to 3mm double pointed knitting
needles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rounds 5 – 35: knit every round. This makes
a stocking stitch body and head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">(If you want a different colour head,
change colours on round 26.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Round 36: knit 2 together to end of round.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Draw a thread through remaining 9 stitches.
Pull tight and sew firmly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Stuff the head with soft toy filling. Draw
a thread around the neck. Pull tight and sew firmly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Scarf<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">With 3mm straight needles cast on 30
stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast off all stitches on next row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Sew scarf on to the puppet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk506667849"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Ears (make 2)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">With
3mm straight needles cast on 4 stitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Rows
1 – 7: knit every row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Row
8: knit 2 together to end of row.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Cast
off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Sew
ears to either side of head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><a name="_Hlk131705988"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Face<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Embroider facial features.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Making up<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text2;">Close the garter stitch hem with a mattress
stitch seam.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyO11Cbskhblx-3JNPpVgikLtbZ8Yz3ZGfmvuA4KJlvpCQ90rVrtX24K7WNTwyRHREdqsfpvBBLmmMUN3MSmtoK4cfmnSVq_4WRIzM843yWG3shfOiogLUbZmEG1w3qJVj_-bQ0SdmvrofhUZ3iBXNzqoJkshLsfInS5vabgj3Ds8jPLOitWJswufK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyO11Cbskhblx-3JNPpVgikLtbZ8Yz3ZGfmvuA4KJlvpCQ90rVrtX24K7WNTwyRHREdqsfpvBBLmmMUN3MSmtoK4cfmnSVq_4WRIzM843yWG3shfOiogLUbZmEG1w3qJVj_-bQ0SdmvrofhUZ3iBXNzqoJkshLsfInS5vabgj3Ds8jPLOitWJswufK" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-57337686465710444072021-01-19T15:36:00.002+00:002021-01-19T15:36:29.351+00:00Definitely the last masks...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouu-L_uyXxrJXG_g54-UQVz17PRvhOQgWXU5-ZJ9umUBg11k7L7Q3Ju6dGa2rr8rl-NyLuBdv5sSb_zezmrhNAxrbULnYJP2tmF6DScbtouIt_oS5bRBOLhHvq6jVwm81jg7lcqumoVQ/s483/Sewing+masks+Jan+2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouu-L_uyXxrJXG_g54-UQVz17PRvhOQgWXU5-ZJ9umUBg11k7L7Q3Ju6dGa2rr8rl-NyLuBdv5sSb_zezmrhNAxrbULnYJP2tmF6DScbtouIt_oS5bRBOLhHvq6jVwm81jg7lcqumoVQ/s320/Sewing+masks+Jan+2021.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Back in December, before our latest lockdown, I was volunteering in a charity shop. I decided it was high time to make some more masks, but this time in a plain, light colour. Because I wash my masks every day, they are starting to look past their prime. So I dug out my material scraps and made these two beauties. The material came from my wedding dress that I cut up for projects yonks ago. Waste not, want not. I never dreamed decades ago what that material would eventually be used for. Very sad. 😢</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Anyway, what is even sadder, is that my charity shop which was decorated and stocked up for Christmas, was closed at very short notice by the latest lockdown a few days before Christmas. It looks like being months before it is allowed to open again. Christmas will be a distant memory, which is just as well really as it was not what we were all looking forward to. </b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>The only silver lining is that, when we reopen, I will have two summery masks ready to wear. I'm expecting mask-wearing to continue for the rest of 2021 and maybe even longer on public transport. But I'm not going to make any more. I have a boxful now and that's enough.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I'm making very slow progress on the crochet blanket that I started months ago. Every time I sit down to work on it I suddenly find myself with a lapful of cat. She is 18 now, so how can I say no?!</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Hopefully, I will be able to show a photo of the blanket in progress in my next blog post. Watch this space...</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-70062791691238153572020-12-02T16:01:00.007+00:002020-12-02T16:01:50.284+00:00Another [collective noun] of masks...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxs-9pPbg7YN6g2hheeIeTtMVpceCzgJyJQvFNyMVFNa7-6KD9hyJ74BRbeCsdILu4zvQSNPyITS1QfPJ-kWvcGO1_vetsSbnm4i8UiY8bs3vKziuySpu1N0_KKmgfNG6S8hYZkRrYH4/s459/Sewing+monster+masks+November+2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxs-9pPbg7YN6g2hheeIeTtMVpceCzgJyJQvFNyMVFNa7-6KD9hyJ74BRbeCsdILu4zvQSNPyITS1QfPJ-kWvcGO1_vetsSbnm4i8UiY8bs3vKziuySpu1N0_KKmgfNG6S8hYZkRrYH4/s320/Sewing+monster+masks+November+2020.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Who can come up with the best collective noun for face masks? Oops, we're supposed to call them face coverings here in the UK, but very few people do. I happily wear them when I have to. But I don't in the slightest believe they protect me from anything. I read recently that the virus is so small that a tablespoon could hold all the virus in the world. If I can breathe air in and out of a mask, then the virus can find its way in as well. Oh well, so far so good. At least my face is warm.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I made another 14 masks for the worry monsters project run by <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>. They will be distributed to therapists and social workers throughout the UK. Apparently there is a very long waiting list for the monsters, so I know whatever I can make will be put to good use very quickly. I will be so happy when these are no longer needed; hopefully next year.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I should have said I made 15 masks. I did, but one of them was possessed. I made every mistake possible on that one mask: crooked seams, loose tension, broken elastic etc etc. Eventually I did something I very rarely do and aimed it at the bin. Bullseye! </b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I have knitted something possessed in the past. There were too many stitches, dropped stitches, purl instead of knit etc etc. That had to go in the bin as well because yarn can only survive so many rip outs and reknits. I haven't crocheted anything possessed yet. That is only because I crochet very slowly and carefully and only attempt easy projects. Having said that, I have probably just jinxed myself!</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Someone sent me some Christmas material and asked me to make her some Christmas masks. Here they are:</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwvfKa_xQRaZ8hg9A8k2cb-PHdxjnltCjmyVwwFYNZ0-09N544cKLegYdL8uQ56YLujVXeCmKka5gGu_qQLkoPryhY_b4RijEz_HP6Hc4GKxpwiNShffIreNfwmGcGd4ZNKZxeS_yU0/s619/Sewing+Christmas+masks+for+Sheila.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwvfKa_xQRaZ8hg9A8k2cb-PHdxjnltCjmyVwwFYNZ0-09N544cKLegYdL8uQ56YLujVXeCmKka5gGu_qQLkoPryhY_b4RijEz_HP6Hc4GKxpwiNShffIreNfwmGcGd4ZNKZxeS_yU0/s320/Sewing+Christmas+masks+for+Sheila.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I wouldn't wear one myself. But she was pleased with them and that's all that matters. I expect we'll see many more Christmas themed masks in the next few weeks.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I'm going to sign off now and catch up on reading my favourite blogs. Thanks for visiting and commenting throughout this strange year. I read and appreciate all the comments even though I can't always think of a reply. </b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><b>Wishing everyone a good Christmas and an even better 2021</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc_4jMIeHSMRy-82CXOCC9cB6WGdT0KUiaDTFkJu9fzLvTZWAp3m7Uy981VReZYe1LEHw4Nu37OPvO2jDUS-SU55e03T0ytD7cQvw40R3VmQLJs811on9zMe_5X1MfDTYjoBrrnSsEd8/s421/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc_4jMIeHSMRy-82CXOCC9cB6WGdT0KUiaDTFkJu9fzLvTZWAp3m7Uy981VReZYe1LEHw4Nu37OPvO2jDUS-SU55e03T0ytD7cQvw40R3VmQLJs811on9zMe_5X1MfDTYjoBrrnSsEd8/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-34509558187706876392020-10-18T15:12:00.002+01:002020-10-18T15:12:50.980+01:00All masked out...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ckxUTYo2DMDcPtlkbwhYBSFv8uI0zf3EUY2Bgb4jWlsZCGE727asFcl_5wzvB1EA02jpfEnIdoQVxKCa3w67AoQhhODUQH467WT6rMpMJF5Y_bieoO92zPlSnNJmRokudMCNOo4hIU/s637/Sewing+good+masks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2ckxUTYo2DMDcPtlkbwhYBSFv8uI0zf3EUY2Bgb4jWlsZCGE727asFcl_5wzvB1EA02jpfEnIdoQVxKCa3w67AoQhhODUQH467WT6rMpMJF5Y_bieoO92zPlSnNJmRokudMCNOo4hIU/s320/Sewing+good+masks.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I decided to make a couple of pretty masks...for myself this time. There was a bargain rail outside a charity shop. On it I found a little skirt for £1. The material was lovely. It was such a small skirt with seams in all the wrong places. So I just about managed to cut enough pieces to make two masks. </b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I use the fantastic pattern by <a href="https://dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial">Dhurata Davies.</a> It is so comfortable and stays in place without constant adjustments. There are three layers as recommended by the medical experts. So it was quite hot in the summer even though I use cotton material. But we are now coming up to the cold seasons and this is already keeping my face toasty warm.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>Talking of charity shops, I recently started volunteering in one on two mornings per week. It was for entirely selfish reasons. I was going stir crazy because I'm waiting until at least next year before braving the gym again, and my other voluntary work hasn't really restarted properly yet. So the charity shop gives me a good opportunity to get out and keep active.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>It's quite an eye-opener to see what goes on behind the scenes. We receive tons of donations and most are good quality. So far, I've managed to resist the urge to buy everything apart from one little jumper. It's lovely to see people buying the bargains. It's not so lovely dealing with customers asking for price reductions or even freebies. Luckily, I wear a mask and they can't see the disgusted look on my face. We are a charity shop for goodness sake! It's even less lovely when items are stolen. That is rare but extremely annoying. I suggested that maybe the thieves are really desperate. But the manager checks the CCTV and says you'd be shocked at the unexpected people who steal.😢</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I made some more masks for the Worry Monsters given out by <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt.</a> Clare, who runs the charity, asked for material in plain colours instead of my carefully sourced children's patterns. I can see how the patterns might have detracted from the amazing monsters that she receives. For these masks, below, I just used material from old t-shirts. All the masks I have made, patterned and plain, have been given out and were very well received according to Clare.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3zuYcrys22EX40Yz69MNgBeURNGfLrTvC7Rj9MjnSRjsIS6SHZ7U2V8rf368dpEGQW-dkM1OumrgRD_tcO21pX1dkCw4iozH-CW9VYhiVGDvUzEegYSloiUgeEPu6elPNZ_-SMxMG_Y/s609/Sewing+masks+Oct+2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3zuYcrys22EX40Yz69MNgBeURNGfLrTvC7Rj9MjnSRjsIS6SHZ7U2V8rf368dpEGQW-dkM1OumrgRD_tcO21pX1dkCw4iozH-CW9VYhiVGDvUzEegYSloiUgeEPu6elPNZ_-SMxMG_Y/s320/Sewing+masks+Oct+2020.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">It's worth looking at the Knit-for-Nowt website to see what marvels are sent in. The therapists who receive them are rightly delighted with them and Clare has a long waiting list of people who have requested the monsters. If anyone feels like knitting, sewing or crocheting even one monster she would be very grateful. She is based in the UK and gives out her address when requested by email.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><b>I've made dozens of masks recently. It's not something any of us thought we would be doing this year. I have to admit the novelty has well and truly worn off. Someone asked me to make her a mask using Christmas material. I agreed, but don't know when I will feel like doing it. Possibly at Easter 😀.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-1929079696726991382020-09-05T19:45:00.003+01:002020-09-05T19:48:10.782+01:00More worry monster masks...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0fsL8ciehIqmcLh5-m7bbhDvOXsSc87D2_nVGepIZVQLQ5LwmkcM99583241aCs6G5A-sM0omBsedoFcFA1_ugrHJwFW1TF9HLTYHyEo0D9uElohyUGrqmvQxT45hRrmWsYj3TzeiCE/s347/Capture+5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0fsL8ciehIqmcLh5-m7bbhDvOXsSc87D2_nVGepIZVQLQ5LwmkcM99583241aCs6G5A-sM0omBsedoFcFA1_ugrHJwFW1TF9HLTYHyEo0D9uElohyUGrqmvQxT45hRrmWsYj3TzeiCE/s320/Capture+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b>Crikey! I know it's been a while since I posted, but I wasn't expecting to have to learn a whole new Blogger. I expect there were good reasons for the changes, though I was very used to old Blogger. I know I can go back to it, but I'll see how I get on with the new, improved version before I do that.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b>Here are another 13 masks that I sewed and posted off to <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>. In July, I suggested it might be a good idea to add little face masks to the knitted worry monsters that go off to teachers and therapists. I didn't realise I was opening up a can of worms. This little batch is my third attempt to make something suitable! The first two batches fitted only the smaller monsters because the ribbon ties were too short and the mask shapes weren't quite right.</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b>For safety reasons, the ribbon ties can't be any longer. So this batch has elastic loops and elastic ties that will hopefully stretch to fit more of the monsters. I also had to bin my fancy, diamond shape design because it was apparently covering the monsters eyes. Having looked at the gallery of monsters on the Knit-for-Nowt website, I suspect these rectangular masks will do the same because a lot of the noses are in between the monsters' eyes. </b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b>I'll have to wait and see what Clare says about this attempt. </b></span><b style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;">My ultimate aim is to write a set of instructions for whichever mask fits most of the worry monsters. Then other people will be able to join in the mask sewing fun.</b></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: arial;"><b>Now, I really must catch up on all my favourite blogs. See you all soon...</b></span></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-3950707909435530602020-07-25T15:59:00.002+01:002020-07-25T16:02:54.961+01:00I spoke too soon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>When I said I was done with masks, I spoke too soon. As I was putting away my sewing machine, I had one of those Eureka moments. Why not make face masks for the worry monsters that <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a> gives to therapists who work with traumatised children? I contacted Clare who runs the group and she thought it was a great idea because a lot of these children will be coming across adults who have to wear face masks and some children are afraid of them. I think there will be more traumatised children than ever after this year's events. If I had had to miss so much school and stay at home for months as a child I know I would have been climbing the walls. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Clare gave me a few basic measurements and I sewed some masks in various shapes and sizes. She will try them against the worry monsters that are sent to her and let me know what works best. Then I will write some instructions for other people who might want to sew some. They are quite easy. In fact, the two white masks in the photo came from shirt cuffs donated to me by Hubby. These would be extremely easy for anyone with a serger machine to make. I don't have one of those and my old sewing machine can't cope with raw edges. So I won't be making any more. But I included them as an example of what can be made.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Clare requested cheerful material for the masks. I splashed out and bought some from Ebay. A little goes a long way especially if you use scrap material as a backing layer. I also recycled some material I have been holding onto for years. The orange hippo material in the centre of the photo originally covered a beanbag that we used to use to prop up Daughter when she was a baby. I've always l liked the material and knew it would come in useful for something. I was thinking of bags or cushion covers. Little did I know what it would eventually be used for.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope everyone is well. Stay safe....</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-43724572256525348272020-06-28T16:20:00.001+01:002020-06-28T16:20:42.401+01:00Done with masks....<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hopefully this will be my last post about masks. I am firmly on the same team as those who believe these homemade face coverings are almost useless as protection against anything, never mind against a deadly virus. They could be even worse than useless if they give anyone a false sense of security. But I am now required to wear one in certain places and at least they mean I can brave public transport.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here are some of the masks I made for my sister; I accidentally forgot to photograph the first two that I posted. I blame corona brain for that:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x2OgR0z0eREdwDgx5GimIecXSXw52ldEKe1DW5vp3SSMssanSHMR3O4H-C8d76iqBFi0MjmlW3gYupJN5L8StwBdU0rLDeafdYXeom3XF-XdsRdKfLIrkM9PHw2hp6H_xjkzLX-tH3s/s1600/Sheila+masks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="436" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x2OgR0z0eREdwDgx5GimIecXSXw52ldEKe1DW5vp3SSMssanSHMR3O4H-C8d76iqBFi0MjmlW3gYupJN5L8StwBdU0rLDeafdYXeom3XF-XdsRdKfLIrkM9PHw2hp6H_xjkzLX-tH3s/s320/Sheila+masks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The mauve masks are made from an old t-shirt and I was quite pleased with myself when I managed to incorporate an embroidered part on the right hand mask. My sister bought her own mauve and green elastic.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here are six masks I made for myself:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4qaRISj0JwmgvJysBq_9mwwjjk6QDBWCvJSRTbKqGcVfvCN83E_qpW5E1r1DOCRMMLGLyKi69MNEg5ECyZHSihuIuDfM4xK7I6bow8KFQnPq3MHcCHwT7cxdb2_hmymVguoOvwLlhWw/s1600/My+masks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4qaRISj0JwmgvJysBq_9mwwjjk6QDBWCvJSRTbKqGcVfvCN83E_qpW5E1r1DOCRMMLGLyKi69MNEg5ECyZHSihuIuDfM4xK7I6bow8KFQnPq3MHcCHwT7cxdb2_hmymVguoOvwLlhWw/s320/My+masks.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Again, these started life as t-shirts. I simply refuse to buy new material for these things. I did give in, though, and bought some blue elastic. I've noticed a wide variety of masks being worn in public. The homemade masks are generally very good and I wanted mine to cut the mustard with the best of them.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Apart from one mask, all of these follow the pattern by Dhurata Davies<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.49px;"> </span><a href="https://dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.49px;">https://dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial</a>. It is extremely well-written and I can recommend it for comfort and fit. I also like how the pattern involves both hand and machine sewing. There are quite a few steps to follow. But if you take your time, you will end up with a good mask. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I can't say the same for the rectangular mask at the bottom of my photo. It looked like it should have been super easy, and it was up to a point. That point came when I had to sew the two sides after folding them. My forty year old sewing machine didn't want to know and I ended up having to do it by hand which wasn't easy through all the layers. </b></span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This mask is ok to wear, but not as nice as the others. It will only have its debut if all the other masks are in the wash. Realistically that will be never.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I love how online videos show sewing machines stitching this type of pleated mask with ease. I have managed to keep my machine going for years and have no plans to buy another one. After all, I have never had to change the light bulb or needle. Yes, the needle is older than my daughter! I'm not going to jinx things by changing it for a modern one. I've found that modern hand sewing needles are not as strong as older ones. Is the same true of machine needles? I'll never know! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So this is the new normal we are all supposed to be getting used to. Maybe, if we are lucky, a good vaccine will be found and we will all look back in disbelief at 2020. That is quite possible as I read somewhere that social distancing and face coverings were used during the 1918 pandemic. That died out and has been almost forgotten. Let's hope history repeats itself.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have now made about 20 face masks for various people. I'm completely done with them. My new normal will involve knitting and crochet once again. Watch this space...</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-40544308341782090762020-06-06T13:07:00.000+01:002020-06-06T13:07:25.462+01:00Flattening the curve.....<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91ux1ClfKciQ0-KiskzJ2OnTjsLsjEQVLWIG6StwPJYz5QAtE4l-ChEyHxcGsggirdNsgdhccUITSAQnExywtJYFcED3zw90Adouw1Uz2ru40ifJQjVhAlySo49X4tzGxaXaGiqcuDcg/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="588" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91ux1ClfKciQ0-KiskzJ2OnTjsLsjEQVLWIG6StwPJYz5QAtE4l-ChEyHxcGsggirdNsgdhccUITSAQnExywtJYFcED3zw90Adouw1Uz2ru40ifJQjVhAlySo49X4tzGxaXaGiqcuDcg/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One day before the UK was put into lock down in March, I caught a bus to my local garden centre. I had a sense of impending doom and it felt like "now or never". It was a strange experience; for most of the journey it was just me and the bus driver. It was also the day before garden centres closed down for 2 months at the busiest time of the gardening year. I know I bought two shrubs and planted them that same day. But my brain has mercifully blocked out which shrubs they were. We have been revamping the garden since last year and a lot of the shrubs are new. It's easy to forget which were the last two. I won't have to forever look at my garden and link part of it to the pandemic.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Likewise, I planned to calm myself down by making a huge granny square blanket. I sorted out all my pinks and some contrasting cream. The photo just shows a sample. I have LOTS of these in my wool bag. The cream is in there because I have someone in mind as the eventual recipient and cream is more practical than white in her hectic household. (The dark maroon to the right of the photo did not make the final selection.) However, I could not bring myself to start crocheting while there was so much horror and depressing virus news every day. I did not want bad vibes and memories associated with the blanket. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One wonderful day we were judged to have reached the other side of the peak and to be in the "flattening the curve" stage. I celebrated by picking up my crochet hook. As usual, I had to go back to basics and remind myself how to crochet a square. Can you tell crochet doesn't come naturally to me?! I'm using a crochet technique that someone recommended for stopping the square twisting. You simply turn the square and crochet in the opposite direction at the end of each complete round. Simple, but it definitely makes a nice, flat square. It's crochet's version of "flattening the curve".</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The square has grown since this photo. I'm enjoying planning the sequence of colours and taking my time. Further photos will follow...</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-19657357195336736262020-05-16T14:26:00.003+01:002020-05-16T14:26:53.783+01:00What sad times....<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyDcSV3KcKlVk1YQHdBA3Z8ENEzY9pvAOM5fFs4rk9hpM0ZwhE5d8G0UfiBvu65iZhHY4G3wqRkWedzvcSLbxzPhOQ6qFAU07PR47ZLMJBB9JSVeLviu_L0ijz3swMxU0kaIIsUk4c8A/s1600/Mask+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyDcSV3KcKlVk1YQHdBA3Z8ENEzY9pvAOM5fFs4rk9hpM0ZwhE5d8G0UfiBvu65iZhHY4G3wqRkWedzvcSLbxzPhOQ6qFAU07PR47ZLMJBB9JSVeLviu_L0ijz3swMxU0kaIIsUk4c8A/s1600/Mask+me.JPG" /></a></div>
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Who would have thought I would ever publish a photo of myself auditioning as Hannibal Lecter's sister? But here it is. Here in the UK we have recently been advised to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops. We have specifically been told not to wear medical masks as there is a shortage in hospitals and care homes and it wouldn't be appropriate for the general public to compete for supplies.</div>
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Bearing in mind that even medical masks are not 100% effective at blocking bacteria, I am on the side of those that think face coverings are not only pretty useless, but also worse than useless if used incorrectly. I think though, if used correctly, they might be slightly better than nothing. Who really knows?</div>
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I made a couple of shopping trips this week wearing a very cheap imitation of a medical mask. It was gappy, sweaty and constantly riding up to poke out my eyes. That was the opposite of what I was expecting. I thought it would fall down, but no. So I spent hours trawling the internet for patterns. There are zillions out there that have been amended from a couple of basic designs. Then I found this more fitted pattern that comes in a range of sizes. I tested it out using a tatty old t-shirt. It took me a while. Some people claim to sew it in fifteen minutes. It took me a lot longer, but was worth it. The washed-out t-shirt actually made a very soft, comfortable mask.</div>
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Someone I know wanted to see a photo. I didn't have any suitable elastic. So I dug out some tiny ribbons that I always cut out of clothes. By sheer luck, they make ideal ear loops and are actually probably better than elastic. They keep the mask in place. It doesn't slip down the nose and doesn't need a metal nose piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HtETwCeuoaY-s97KeZSZjB6x7KK3vQj2aH2MwH6ZltzgDS1hyphenhyphenl6C4BZE4LewU-tvGjN8H1MJBrQmFQ7xBDaOHNMQguwbOVqpHB0p3HGqthMgL8ZpaJKAlkU-lbG9eI4X-ByT_jQc2tU/s1600/Mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HtETwCeuoaY-s97KeZSZjB6x7KK3vQj2aH2MwH6ZltzgDS1hyphenhyphenl6C4BZE4LewU-tvGjN8H1MJBrQmFQ7xBDaOHNMQguwbOVqpHB0p3HGqthMgL8ZpaJKAlkU-lbG9eI4X-ByT_jQc2tU/s320/Mask.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a link to the pattern by Dhurata Davies <a href="https://dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial">https://dhuratadavies.com/blogs/things-i-make-and-do/free-face-mask-pattern-and-tutorial</a>. It is an extremely well-written pattern for personal use, not for resale.</div>
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I hope everyone is well in these strange times. One day, I want to look back and laugh at myself wearing a mask.</div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-22684992276159055212020-04-21T16:50:00.000+01:002020-04-21T16:50:24.280+01:00Loosely related...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS8fF2UiV4fYuNnXknbnALVq8AZgPrgY0bijinn_bvqeetN2yhES9p_8VLJQ6vuSuDZAUoKeTenbD5WM9iz3OAdBZ80cL4LbwZVK3XV0j6hJfBjhmHTHJnUftvK_xsQbJ8T53dK_jfXg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS8fF2UiV4fYuNnXknbnALVq8AZgPrgY0bijinn_bvqeetN2yhES9p_8VLJQ6vuSuDZAUoKeTenbD5WM9iz3OAdBZ80cL4LbwZVK3XV0j6hJfBjhmHTHJnUftvK_xsQbJ8T53dK_jfXg/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Whilst under house arrest and going slightly crazy I am still knitting pants for <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>'s worry monsters. However, I can't keep writing about pants as this blog might start attracting some very strange viewers! So, today I am posting about a book that is helping to keep me sane at the moment; The Salt Path by Raynor Winn.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To say I am under house arrest is a slight exaggeration. My Government guidelines are that I can go out for exercise once a day for an hour. I spend that walking the same streets as I am also supposed to stay local. Sadly, my streets are urban grey. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is a knitting, sewing and crocheting blog. But this book qualifies for a mention because I am sure I saw it recommended on one of my favourite blogs. I cannot remember which one, but to whoever recommended it....thank you.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I actually started reading it months ago, but life took over and I put it down for a while. I remembered it recently and I now read a chapter every evening in the vain hope of getting some sleep that isn't filled with nightmares. It is the true story of a couple who decide to walk the coastal path along the south-western tip of England. They have to cope with homelessness, hunger and terminal illness. But they manage to see the funny side! The writing style is chatty and down-to-earth. This is a walk I want to do one day when the world returns to a new normal. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I hope everyone is well. The pink flowers in the photo were sent to me by a friend. They were a real surprise and cheered me up. So I'm sharing them here to "pass it on".</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-90078715489173319722020-03-29T18:07:00.001+01:002020-03-29T18:07:30.726+01:00Rainbow pants...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71B6sp2KXblWtNdIX0iS7LGlzbty2OdNe7Pd2eY7lKoDhh7I9Nvxgcyb_3slK-nX6U-hX_yBN6URN6KB_GHZ9GdOTEXwd5qBQZHR4fQE-RzmNEuKshznlj3BalzC-DghGw6PhgBkWN04/s1600/Capture+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="493" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71B6sp2KXblWtNdIX0iS7LGlzbty2OdNe7Pd2eY7lKoDhh7I9Nvxgcyb_3slK-nX6U-hX_yBN6URN6KB_GHZ9GdOTEXwd5qBQZHR4fQE-RzmNEuKshznlj3BalzC-DghGw6PhgBkWN04/s320/Capture+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I used to think of the world as:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>before and after 9/11,</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>and before and after Brexit. </b></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now I think of it as: </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>before and after Covid-19. </b></span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The "after" part(y) hasn't happened yet, but, for our sanity, we have to believe that it will.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My last blog post was in January. I envy those innocent days when we had no idea what was looming on the horizon. I think rumours had started to reach us about a virus thousands of miles away, but we were told we had nothing to worry about. Wrong! It's a small world.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Since then I have experienced every emotion, except happiness. That will come the day we hear the virus is under control. It will be thanks to the huge efforts of the medical profession, and to the sacrifices of the general population who are living under unthinkable conditions at the moment. Some are taking more care than others, but that's life...and death. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Personally, I only have to look at the marvellous new hospital that has appeared in London only a few miles from where I live. It has been converted from a large exhibition centre and will have 4000 beds. Impressive and a life saver. But going in there would be my idea of hell on earth. Luckily, my family and I tend to be healthy and fit. We avoid hospitals at the best of times, and that is one we definitely never want to visit. If I have to stay indoors for a few weeks, so be it. I have plenty to keep me busy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Meanwhile, people are coping as well as possible. There have been efforts to cheer us all up. One of them was to encourage children to paint rainbows and put them in their windows. I can't say I have seen any. But I am living under lock down, only allowed to go out once a day for a walk and essential shopping. If anyone has put rainbows in their windows, thank you.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I stopped knitting for a while when the shock of what is happening turned my world grey. I was waking up in the mornings and, for a few seconds, all was well with the world. Then I remembered what was happening and the dread returned. The tv was on too much playing a constant loop of tragic news.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But then I decided I had to stick to a routine and keep busy. I'm still knitting worry monster pants for <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>. As going shopping for wool is not essential and it would be impossible to find any shops selling wool, I'm using up what I have. The mauve wool is a bit boring. But I have been using up oddments and adding tiny splashes of colour. The rainbow on this pair of pants was a lucky accident.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I've been visiting all my favourite blogs and am happy to see everyone seems to be staying positive. Long may it continue.</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-10095590848682222462020-01-28T12:07:00.001+00:002020-01-28T12:12:24.395+00:00A [collective noun] of pants...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>If I haven't been writing many blog posts recently, at least they can be witty. Or so I thought. I've been trying to discover the collective noun for pants, as in a pride of lions or a swarm of bees. There doesn't seem to be one. All suggestions would be welcome!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Here are the latest pants knitted for </span><a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/" style="color: #444444;">Knit-for-Nowt's</a><span style="color: #444444;"> Worry Monster project. The therapists who use the monsters requested pants so that the children could dress and undress them. There are 18 here in different sizes. I've just found a 19th lurking at the </span><span style="color: magenta;">bottom</span><span style="color: #444444;"> of my knitting bag. That is a </span><span style="color: lime;">bummer</span><span style="color: #444444;"> as we say here. (Enough of the </span><span style="color: blue;">puns</span><span style="color: #444444;">!) But at least it can start my next collection.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>These are really very easy to knit. The smallest size uses just 4g of dk yarn and takes about an hour to knit and sew up. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.49px; text-align: left;">They are super simple to knit. There is a link to various pants patterns <a href="https://23037fec-f7ba-468d-90e2-4a42a62cc5af.filesusr.com/ugd/bde73b_a20b9af669ec475e95b03eb265563209.pdf" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; text-decoration-line: none;">HERE.</a> If that link doesn't work, click on <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/worry-puppet-patterns" style="background: transparent !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.knitfornowt.org/worry-puppet-patterns</a> and scroll down to "</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">If you'd like to knit some pants for your monster".</span></b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-21199667597305906002019-12-24T19:49:00.001+00:002019-12-24T20:19:20.262+00:00Crikey; absent for 2 months...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxfpj_lqw32AplYlxk8aRIF8puM_T4i-sr5VOCm262q_BojcPGX-pFYJYmSuOWGbRdLnmdJIFeHo8KAED9YFzikQXtGLiAnaNrLmZfaOEua53rboJdi2iVWykrw-1bMvmTvseQBC4l8s/s1600/25659399_10216118006091467_2392459611604408151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxfpj_lqw32AplYlxk8aRIF8puM_T4i-sr5VOCm262q_BojcPGX-pFYJYmSuOWGbRdLnmdJIFeHo8KAED9YFzikQXtGLiAnaNrLmZfaOEua53rboJdi2iVWykrw-1bMvmTvseQBC4l8s/s320/25659399_10216118006091467_2392459611604408151_n.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>As the title says, it has been nearly 2 months since I looked at my blog. The reason was good, I suppose. I decided to have a huge decluttering and tidying splurge. The house is now (probably unnaturally) pristine and minimalist, and the loft has only stuff we want to keep rather than stuff we don't know what to do with.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The local charity has had literally a vanful of donations. I know that because they sent a van to collect books, toys, ornaments, and clothes. I usually take the stuff in myself; but it would have taken months of trips to drop off what we gave away. I'm actually enjoying living in a tidy home and intend never to buy too much stuff ever again. That can be my next New Year's resolution.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>But what reward did I get for my hard work? A broken down boiler, no heating and no hot water for the past week which has been very cold here in the UK. I really sympathise with the homeless people who sleep out in the streets at this time of year. At least I was dry indoors.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The gas company that we have loyally paid a monthly fortune to for 3 decades in order to ensure speedy repairs let us down badly. They were quite happy to leave us freezing into 2020. By yesterday morning it had become unbearable. Hubby had man flu and I had a hubby with man flu. I had my first flu jab this year, so I was immune, thankfully.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I searched the phone book and found a local gas engineer who was happy to visit yesterday afternoon. What a lucky find. He was one of those people that you just know is honest and knowledgeable. He quickly diagnosed a burnt out motor which would not have happened if my contracted company had visited sooner and simply lubricated the boiler. (I have become an expert in boiler technology this week!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The replacement part would have cost £300. My boiler was 17 years old, had a low energy rating and was no longer worth spending big money on. We had already been thinking of replacing it for a more energy efficient one. But I was crestfallen at the thought of more days in a freezing house.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Then the engineer said he could fit a new A-rated boiler today for a really bargain £1300. A Christmas miracle! He was genuine and not lying about expensive parts just to sell a new boiler. I already knew about the rarity of parts for our model. I thought I had better be honest and say "you know it's Christmas Eve tomorrow?" He replied that he doesn't celebrate Christmas. It's easy to forget that not everybody does, until we meet one.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So that's how I spent Christmas Eve in a house without gas. It took the engineer and his friend all day to fit the new boiler. Some years that would have been a disaster. But I'm not cooking a big dinner this year. So it wasn't a problem, and I'm now sitting here in a beautifully warm house and very aware of how lucky I am.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>As this is a knitting blog, I should mention that I had started to wear hand knitted scarves indoors. I nearly put on gloves but decided to draw the line there.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Well done to anyone who has read this far. Needless to say I will be cancelling my contract with my former gas company whose name will be forever linked with chocolate teapots.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Now I must visit all my favourite blogs. I hope everyone is still well and firing on all cylinders, like my new boiler! Seasons greetings to everyone who celebrates Christmas.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Merry</span> <span style="color: red;">Christmas</span> <span style="color: orange;">and a</span> <span style="color: lime;">Happy New Year</span></b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-5990512193091363822019-10-27T13:07:00.000+00:002019-10-27T14:19:15.009+00:00Having a pants week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I never dreamed this time last week that I would spend the next few days knitting pants. I know that doesn't translate well around the world. When we say 'pants' in the UK we really mean underpants. That explains why our cousins from across the pond hear sniggers when mentioning pants in the UK. Completely different images are flitting through their minds and our minds!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Why would anyone want to knit pants? Cue: visions of horrific swimming costumes knitted by well-meaning mothers! Never fear; mine were for the worry monsters that I knit for <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>. We are supporting the NSPCC's Let's Talk PANTS campaign. There is more information <a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule/">HERE.</a> Therapists requested pants that the children could use to dress and undress the monsters. It seemed an obvious thing for us to help with.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>They are super simple to knit. There is a link to various pants patterns <a href="https://23037fec-f7ba-468d-90e2-4a42a62cc5af.filesusr.com/ugd/bde73b_a20b9af669ec475e95b03eb265563209.pdf">HERE.</a> If that link doesn't work, click on <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/worry-puppet-patterns">https://www.knitfornowt.org/worry-puppet-patterns</a> and scroll down to "</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">If you'd like to knit some pants for your monster".</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I wrote the pattern that produced the pants in the above photo. It wasn't easy! I took my lead from the pattern that was already on the website. But I wanted to knit the pants as one piece to reduce the number of seams to sew up. I knitted several versions before I was happy to release the pattern to other knitters. I now have a bag of prototype pants. They won't go to waste. I'll include them in my next parcel as monsters come in all shapes and sizes. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>My pattern is quite addictive and I can easily knit one or two per day. If any clever crocheters could translate the pants patterns into crochet patterns, I'm sure Clare who runs Knit-for-Nowt would love to hear from you.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>In a week in which I heard that one of my favourite knitting charities is closing down, it was cheering to receive the latest newsletter from the vibrant Knit-for-Nowt. It is full of requests for knitted, crocheted and sewn items. There is a waiting list of therapists who need monsters and puppets. The Knit-for-Nowt <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/gallery">GALLERY</a> has lots of inspiring photos. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So if you are up to making a monster or glove puppet, please consider Knit-for-Nowt. Even if you only have time for knitting pants, that would be wonderful.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-78999743153226112432019-10-06T14:31:00.000+01:002019-10-06T14:31:01.074+01:00Another Worry Monster....<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is my latest creation for <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a>, an organisation that donates worry monsters and similar items to therapists who work with traumatised children. As usual, my effort is more "worry" than "monster". I seem to be mentally and physically incapable of knitting anything more scary. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I've stopped fretting about it. I still think my monsters have enough detail to inspire a conversation between therapist and child. The blue pocket on the front is where children are invited to post written worries that they might have trouble talking about.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I managed to make the ears fairly even this time. I also added rudimentary hands and thumbs....not very clear in the photo. The eyes are a bit wonky, but nobody's perfect! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It's well worth looking at the <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a> website to see some amazingly scary monsters.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I think I have one more monster left in me for 2019, so I'm off now to rummage in my wool bag. Bye for now.....</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-27950922898011931872019-09-04T16:58:00.002+01:002019-09-04T16:58:41.981+01:00And off they go....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS1Gj1LOtpbG94zo1JETq9rjM0aq8iLkzH_xZygDl3bzBxwYX70ywyOdD9vgw3kqFtKtf-QSrpnRxKId-XAohyphenhyphenSUCQdC3CuoKhcosiDVv27gtvODBmukT3_-7ViL8SJTsTl7KlH4nuO4/s1600/Capture+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="359" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS1Gj1LOtpbG94zo1JETq9rjM0aq8iLkzH_xZygDl3bzBxwYX70ywyOdD9vgw3kqFtKtf-QSrpnRxKId-XAohyphenhyphenSUCQdC3CuoKhcosiDVv27gtvODBmukT3_-7ViL8SJTsTl7KlH4nuO4/s320/Capture+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This happy bunch of memory bears and little blanket squares is now in the post and on its way to <a href="https://www.simbacharity.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/knitting/">SiMBA</a> which is an organisation that donates memory boxes to bereaved parents.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There is a selection of knitting and crochet patterns that can be found on SiMBA's website. They are very easy. I soon learned the teddy pattern off by heart and could make one in a day, or two days if you count the sewing up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is a very fleeting blog visit. I just have to run and watch the tv. Anyone who has been following UK politics lately will know it is like watching a slow-motion car crash. Knitting is one of the things that usually takes my mind off the craziness.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'll be back!....</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-60132898552922934022019-08-22T16:01:00.001+01:002019-08-22T16:01:23.986+01:00A new charity to knit for...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPGHFjUsXfRrg4qAJhL_ki2D82xVY1tF7DmaoVhwhhyJYiRXnUlsoAGTe_FDNOzYP9sdLJkmOXZWDYp8ihh7wuHVDzpNWwiCgYvA-6SpuSV-z03YHRNaTkMRWr0oqPmLaho-I-d2c4_Y/s1600/Knitting+283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="592" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPGHFjUsXfRrg4qAJhL_ki2D82xVY1tF7DmaoVhwhhyJYiRXnUlsoAGTe_FDNOzYP9sdLJkmOXZWDYp8ihh7wuHVDzpNWwiCgYvA-6SpuSV-z03YHRNaTkMRWr0oqPmLaho-I-d2c4_Y/s320/Knitting+283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wow! Another month has gone by since my last post. I have no excuses. Summer is always really hectic chez moi.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I recently discovered a new (to me) charity to knit for. It is called <a href="https://www.simbacharity.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/knitting/">SiMBA</a> which is short for Simpson's Memory Box Appeal. They are based in Glasgow, Scotland, and provide support to parents who lose babies during pregnancy or at birth. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One of the things they do is to make memory boxes containing small teddies and blankets. The items are knitted in pairs because the idea is that one is given to the baby and one to the parents. Then they are swapped so that the parents can treasure something that was touched by their baby and something that the parents touched stays forever with their baby. It's a lovely idea. So how could I resist?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are patterns on the SiMBA website for the bears and blankets as there are specific colours and sizes needed. My two bears fit in the palm of a hand. They were super quick to knit and a great way to use up scraps of yarn. Twenty grams of dk was enough to knit the pair.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have a few more of these bears at various stages of completion. Then I might add a couple of blankets. But first I really have to visit all my favourite blogs again. Look out, here I come.....</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-33612249722956411332019-07-25T14:42:00.000+01:002019-07-25T14:42:03.508+01:00Impeccable timing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>With my usual impeccable timing, I have just finished a scarf to match the hat I knitted recently. The timing is impeccable because the temperature in London is hotter today than ever recorded. It's approximately 39 celsius which is probably nothing out of the ordinary to some of my blog readers. But the weather is coming up from North Africa and we are just not used to this type of heat here. Luckily, thunder storms are forecast for tonight. That is usually how heatwaves end here. Meanwhile, anyone who can stay indoors is doing just that.....but maybe not knitting scarves for the winter!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I used the same Aran yarn that I used for my hat; so I now have a matching set waiting for the colder weather. Even if I never wear the hat, I will definitely wear the scarf. I prefer scarves to be quite short and snug. My tried and tested method is to knit for 41 inches. I then turn down 6 inches at one end and sew it along the scarf to make a loop. The scarf then goes around my neck and the other end feeds through the loop. I can then pull it as tightly as necessary to fit my neck. Today, I couldn't bear the thought of wearing a scarf; so my glass head is modelling it for the photo. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is one of those occasions when making something beats searching the shops to buy it. This style is just not available to buy. It is easy for anyone to copy. Simply knit or crochet your favourite scarf pattern and sew one end into a loop. The only thing I would say is that, if your scarf is 7 inches wide the loop should also be 7 inches wide, and so on. That way the scarf will sit neatly around your neck without unsightly bunching up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My busy summer is in full swing and I have been absent from blogland. I am now going to spare some time to catch up on all my favourite blogs. See you soon....</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-28963452526834315832019-06-22T17:12:00.000+01:002019-06-22T17:24:47.607+01:00A hat for me...possibly!<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSV7XIYhRsIz60TpzgTvl_oCKzW9M3iRw9WvuDFtYFaUmmWoStxp1KD_uHtnNDUKldAkLtyPvhYX9gR7wKOb17kS3HB6yoPajyc-afob2AKqBV9VYqBsbq3NQitvsdIfy1gZITbUtR08/s1600/Knitting+281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSV7XIYhRsIz60TpzgTvl_oCKzW9M3iRw9WvuDFtYFaUmmWoStxp1KD_uHtnNDUKldAkLtyPvhYX9gR7wKOb17kS3HB6yoPajyc-afob2AKqBV9VYqBsbq3NQitvsdIfy1gZITbUtR08/s320/Knitting+281.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Well, I finally finished the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northmoor-watchcaps">Northmoor Watchcap</a>. Midsummer is a good time for knitting hats, don't you think? The link takes you to the pattern and I can definitely recommend it. There is even a good chance that I will wear it if we ever have a severe winter. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I really like the way it turned out. I ploughed on with the 120 stitches per round because nobody on Ravelry commented about that part of the pattern. It was monotonous; but sometimes that is just what I need. It also used up a lot of yarn; but that has made a very warm hat and means I am nearer my goal of using up all my Aran yarn. Win, win.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Some knitters, however, commented that they started the crown shaping one inch earlier than specified in the pattern. I tried it on (very carefully) when I reached that stage, and that was the right size for me as well. So I started the shaping. Like the brim, it was a little more complicated than some hat patterns. But it has made a very neat crown. It doesn't show up in the photo. But I like to think that whoever sits behind me on the bus will think "what a lovely hat"! In fact the whole hat looks quite professional.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>On a different topic, some bloggers occasionally tell me that they can't add comments to my blog. Never fear; I discovered some comments awaiting moderation yesterday. It seems that the comments are reaching me; but I don't always receive a notification. That is probably what is being blocked. I have no idea why. I have checked my Blogger settings and everything seems ok. It remains a mystery. But please keep commenting. I always see and read them eventually.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>PS: having written that, I just checked my settings again because I was no longer able to reply to comments. I have now changed one setting and that should make it easier for everyone. Phew!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-52366975659399411462019-06-01T19:17:00.000+01:002019-06-01T19:17:20.753+01:00Busy, busy, busy...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks to everyone who left comments on my last blog post and apologies that I haven't found time to answer them. But, rest assured that I read and appreciate every comment. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>However, only comments relating to my blog reach the publication stage. The increasing amount of spam that I receive about restaurants, cleaning materials and other highly irrelevant topics is deleted immediately. I don't even open the links (I'm not daft!!), so whoever is wasting their time sending spam really is wasting their time. Rant over!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I love this time of year. But it is really busy as I make the most of the good light. If I'm not in the garden, I'm up a ladder with a paint brush in my hand.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have just found time to start this hat:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0l3fShyphenhyphenMd8eBR9BiZJBKb02NM26_Eq_yMDC4gMfIFKuOSXwtPnlQ5At4ft8CBQ5qmqBvZkqKFAyGSzBZmXcY1TkBxTfKCNADUiU3uYG-4il3mGpMvIbXkQI2-tnYhBYTPLXga3iJvnc/s1600/Capture+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="369" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0l3fShyphenhyphenMd8eBR9BiZJBKb02NM26_Eq_yMDC4gMfIFKuOSXwtPnlQ5At4ft8CBQ5qmqBvZkqKFAyGSzBZmXcY1TkBxTfKCNADUiU3uYG-4il3mGpMvIbXkQI2-tnYhBYTPLXga3iJvnc/s400/Capture+%25282%2529.JPG" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The pattern is called Northmoor Watchcaps by Luise O'Neill and is available on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northmoor-watchcaps">Ravelry</a>. I love the way there is a choice of brims. I am knitting the fancy brim which you can just about see in the photo. It has a very clever cable effect that does not need fiddly cable needles. The whole hat is knit on a circular needle. Unusually for Aran yarn it uses a size 4mm needle. The advantage is a more professional finish. The disadvantage is the 120 stitches on each row!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>With impeccable timing, I am knitting this on our hottest day of the year so far. As this hat is for me, it will probably be the coldest day of the year before I actually wear it. I generally don't like hats. That's why I am knitting the cable brim for a bit of extra je ne sais quoi.</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-87779337188479188312019-05-15T17:50:00.001+01:002019-05-15T17:50:42.067+01:00Third worry monster...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsLFF1z-JCfMvUImjZW_xXBffZF1cedFyDt1KJdlA5aBWAy7yafLqwqY5-mm4x8LsWftlPZpIFeSEv80eerSV0DWgzSNpMqedk5wjG_vnrNRke1AAZ3xQklGbxc4sbNP-mzvpKkpZWY8/s1600/Capture+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsLFF1z-JCfMvUImjZW_xXBffZF1cedFyDt1KJdlA5aBWAy7yafLqwqY5-mm4x8LsWftlPZpIFeSEv80eerSV0DWgzSNpMqedk5wjG_vnrNRke1AAZ3xQklGbxc4sbNP-mzvpKkpZWY8/s320/Capture+3.JPG" width="181" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Good things come in threes, so here is my third worry monster. It is supposed to be a type of winged insect, though the wings don't show up very well against the wicker background. Oh well, there is no chance to take a better photo because all three monsters have now gone off to <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a> from where they will be distributed to therapists who work with traumatised children. The busy Clare has just received them and emailed me to say how much she likes them. You're welcome!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The therapists have requested lots of details and colour as these start conversations with the children. I have problems making my monsters scary, so I tend to use strong, clashing colours to add drama. Instead of my usual white eyes, I used green and edged them with black woolly eyelashes. They have ended up looking more like slices of kiwi fruit. Yummy; though that probably wasn't the look I was aiming for.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I learned a new skill. The hair is loopy knitting and here is a close-up:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS7_0l-YVt8HfCa8-qDbyukL2IsmEVFeZfRFLyAnflEVT0VFn6g3QokS4z-8J-KZJ2yw9HSbzWFIJ3qxFxxS4MYNYs8Tns-U9CzZ5SiTXn8ueJSI4r9x4U1rrB4HaxRV6n9lO4a3hKjw/s1600/Capture+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="336" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS7_0l-YVt8HfCa8-qDbyukL2IsmEVFeZfRFLyAnflEVT0VFn6g3QokS4z-8J-KZJ2yw9HSbzWFIJ3qxFxxS4MYNYs8Tns-U9CzZ5SiTXn8ueJSI4r9x4U1rrB4HaxRV6n9lO4a3hKjw/s320/Capture+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I was pleased with how the loops turned out and the fact that they don't unravel or pull apart, which is a consideration when young children might be playing with them. They are quite slow to knit, so I could never knit a whole loopy garment. But as a detail they are interesting enough.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The green pocket on the front is a little post box for the children's worries. You would never believe how long it took me to crochet this square. I have been knitting most of my life, but only learned to crochet a few years ago. I am still not a natural crocheter and have to read instructions every time I make something. Otherwise I go horrendously wrong, which I did twice with this square. This is actually my third-time-lucky attempt. I was starting to wonder how many times I could crochet with the same yarn before it disintegrated!</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-71333056121575789332019-05-06T21:48:00.000+01:002019-05-06T21:48:12.333+01:00Second worry monster...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBduR0wolsmcDAGDTZ4rWJR0U2GoyDEVc4U_YzdsGQ2870svXVQRJ3t5WWoeiMg9hHEb8Il4BTuwsh0w5pj8J__miahcOIyR66BkvqgOiwVHqMM9SHmg9str0QwCPUwqkDCzVKRfo8hF0/s1600/Knitting+279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBduR0wolsmcDAGDTZ4rWJR0U2GoyDEVc4U_YzdsGQ2870svXVQRJ3t5WWoeiMg9hHEb8Il4BTuwsh0w5pj8J__miahcOIyR66BkvqgOiwVHqMM9SHmg9str0QwCPUwqkDCzVKRfo8hF0/s320/Knitting+279.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here is my latest worry monster. I'm not sure what has happened to its right ear. It does match the left one, honestly. This will be going to <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a> and will eventually be part of a therapist's work with traumatised children. The pocket on the front is where the children post notes about their worries.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The therapists have requested lots of colour and details. I used some VERY bright variegated yarn, added a messy hairstyle and my trademark eyebrows to change the look from gormless to anxious. The eyes themselves came from my huge spare button collection. They are a mottled brown and look very life-like.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I've just noticed that the wide arms are almost inviting cuddles from the children. I think this is my favourite monster...... so far.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-32803614318336740162019-04-25T16:36:00.000+01:002019-04-25T16:36:27.642+01:00Another worry monster...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gx0kQXD_TX7bA4ealtJ2CrJHlSNHoTIOX3FoDYSD-HXAT6kDehhjX-LKWmRYuRRLvpfDbOvZWJ8Tox6EF4ebpLZTKULxmU9jxo70ydd9atJQzalVuCYGa5m_6T5sKbn-R_arqX4Gdsc/s1600/Knitting+278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gx0kQXD_TX7bA4ealtJ2CrJHlSNHoTIOX3FoDYSD-HXAT6kDehhjX-LKWmRYuRRLvpfDbOvZWJ8Tox6EF4ebpLZTKULxmU9jxo70ydd9atJQzalVuCYGa5m_6T5sKbn-R_arqX4Gdsc/s320/Knitting+278.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here is my latest worry monster. It will eventually go off to <a href="https://www.knitfornowt.org/">Knit-for-Nowt</a> from where it will join others on their way to social workers and therapists working with traumatised children.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Some of the monsters on the above website are amazing. Apparently, the social workers have asked for lots of details on the monsters as they encourage the children to talk. So this one has ears, messy hair and a pocket for the worries. Finally, inspired by a recent trip to the vet with my lazy cat, I added what I hope looks like a set of neatly trimmed claws. (Fleur, take note!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I thought I had finished this monster and I was working on the next one. But every time I caught sight of it, I couldn't help noticing its vacant expression. So I added a monobrow this morning, which I hope has made it look more worried than gormless.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4TojuqC1uT35OqcWcW2K5_WrBReU47cYtW03vDth-_Xot5v-bA6Vmz0zOd9gEII5n2KFp_7AEZ6sGjYQfELULZYuFu9-bACSg7Ns_6HMx3KTO3ZhmKsKlkBYJGHcIWdGo4DHmNk5y2E/s1600/Blogger+signature+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276266847729349745.post-30527932886467303912019-04-12T21:26:00.001+01:002019-04-12T21:26:33.793+01:00My new favourite hat pattern...<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhAs3ASxGLRoHSleXErsqs4OiKrfFrTe6jK48VzwAUFep_YVnsmeSwTNxvwwcjsKt1qlWdE_gKbJxcVlQ6ORdRGCI3L32NtOqf_W_zw6JjKWuZsM9jfnWHmF_6qxV0W-bX_-kKBWC_KY/s1600/Knitting+277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="524" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhAs3ASxGLRoHSleXErsqs4OiKrfFrTe6jK48VzwAUFep_YVnsmeSwTNxvwwcjsKt1qlWdE_gKbJxcVlQ6ORdRGCI3L32NtOqf_W_zw6JjKWuZsM9jfnWHmF_6qxV0W-bX_-kKBWC_KY/s320/Knitting+277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I promise this isn't the same hat photographed from different angles and blogged about several times! I have quite a lot of this Aran wool to use up. I loved it when I bought it and I still do. It's navy blue with a small beige fleck to give a bit of interest.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This time I followed a pattern that I can't remember knitting before. It's the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-fit-ribbed-hat">Easy-Fit Ribbed Hat</a> by Mary Jane Protus. It is almost identical to my previous favourite pattern. But this one has a much neater crown and for that reason is the pattern that I will use in future. It is knit "in the round" and very easy to do. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The ribbing helps it to fit any shape head. My hat will fit an older child and will eventually go off to <a href="https://www.operation-orphan.org/">Operation Orphan</a>. But I like the wool and pattern so much that I am planning to knit an adult size for myself. That is a big statement for someone who usually prefers to freeze than wear a hat. The beauty of this pattern is that you just use a slightly larger knitting needle if you want a larger size. There is no wading through rows of numbers with this pattern. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Presently, I am working on three different worry monsters and they are all at the ugly duckling stage. I will blog about them when they are a bit more presentable!</b></span></div>
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<br />Unahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03398380737025120541noreply@blogger.com5