tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54282411159720478802024-03-05T20:40:12.698-06:00Studio D CraftsDianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-82272921302964852132010-04-07T16:28:00.000-05:002010-04-07T16:28:34.382-05:00March Floradunda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4471414868_ecb7b2cf4d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4471414868_ecb7b2cf4d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4471414868_ecb7b2cf4d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4471415218_42f9064efd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4471415218_42f9064efd_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-65507473176766258462010-04-02T21:33:00.002-05:002010-04-07T16:32:04.508-05:00Baltimore Bliss Number 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4451409185_c3c6c50f33_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4451409185_c3c6c50f33_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4451409185_c3c6c50f33_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4452182762_be3e2b8d0b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4452182762_be3e2b8d0b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-47180793954825423242010-03-27T15:00:00.001-05:002010-04-07T16:22:55.435-05:00A Pair of Cloth Cut outs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2799/4432168699_f8f1c7ddf8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2799/4432168699_f8f1c7ddf8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4432167393_0f18ae540f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4432167393_0f18ae540f_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-12108512535052170292010-03-02T00:17:00.001-06:002010-04-07T16:29:41.408-05:00February Florabunda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the second block of the Florabunda BOM. What do you think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here they both are together. This is going to be a very colorful quilt!!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-71708928045150952582010-02-20T16:25:00.001-06:002010-04-07T16:31:38.499-05:00Baltimore BlissI've been enjoying starting several BOM (Block of the Month) quilts during the last month. Here is the first block for the <a href="http://fatcatpatterns.com/baltimore_bliss.htm">Baltimore Bliss quilt</a> which started in February 2010 again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4373388759_e19155ea3b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4373388759_e19155ea3b_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-30784633218014163362010-02-11T14:42:00.004-06:002010-04-07T16:30:56.826-05:00Star Crazy BOM January & FebruaryA bit late, but better late than never they say!!<br />
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January:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">February:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4349616518_190e616479_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4349616518_190e616479_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The end product (hopefully!):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S3RrHl-OpSI/AAAAAAAABSU/PUnjWFCoUmw/s1600-h/tan+%26+Blue+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S3RrHl-OpSI/AAAAAAAABSU/PUnjWFCoUmw/s400/tan+%26+Blue+quilt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Credit this Block of the Month (BOM) to the Susan H. Garman for <a href="http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/bom2.php/bom_id/13">The Quilt Show</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I forgot, I also have alot of these!! LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4349872737_16eb1ec244_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4349872737_16eb1ec244_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-21927011468921763302010-02-09T09:00:00.002-06:002010-04-07T16:30:22.262-05:00January Florabunda is finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4338244038_717d9c22b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4338244038_717d9c22b9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, I've overcome all the errors of the first block and I finished up another January block and this one is a keeper. I've got to give a big shout out to <a href="http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/">Erin of One Piece at a Time</a> for her lovely design and all her help in getting solving the trouble I had on the first block.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4338248572_d63962e8be_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4338248572_d63962e8be_b.jpg" width="195" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4338246610_5317220dac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4338246610_5317220dac_b.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I'm off to get the January and February Block done on my other Block of the Month Project called <a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2010/01/star-crazy-block-of-month.html">Star Crazy</a>. They are really starting to look great and I'm very happy with the color I've chosen.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-39753235115534286332010-02-06T09:10:00.000-06:002010-02-06T09:10:32.885-06:00Remaking of January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've started a new Block of the Month project called Florabunda and this was my first attempt at January's block. I don't consider it successful at all, but I did learn a lot. Especially about color theory and technique.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S22EBiqu0RI/AAAAAAAABSE/_lcfY8zPixM/s1600-h/Florabunda-+Block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S22EBiqu0RI/AAAAAAAABSE/_lcfY8zPixM/s400/Florabunda-+Block+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So yesterday I began the rework of this block and here is how she looks all glue basted and ready for stitching. I still see two no-three errors. I think I'll start stitching and see how they work out before I start ripping out. I was so ready to start in a new color way but I wanted to see if I could still make this blue work out. I'm pretty sure this will set the tone for the rest of the quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S22DmMx5GWI/AAAAAAAABR8/0Me1VAfZPfA/s1600-h/Florabunda-+Block+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S22DmMx5GWI/AAAAAAAABR8/0Me1VAfZPfA/s400/Florabunda-+Block+1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-30947261778294755342010-01-31T12:10:00.001-06:002010-02-11T14:44:56.706-06:00Florabunda Block of the Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4319378948_49a7eef36f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4319378948_49a7eef36f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This will grow up to be the <a href="http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/block-of-the-month/">Florabunda Applique Quilt</a>. I am very excited about doing some applique again. Big, Bright, Bold and in your face yummy!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-767702079730100092010-01-30T14:00:00.000-06:002010-01-31T12:14:30.146-06:00Star Crazy Block of the Month<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4319378736_6940420128_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4319378736_6940420128_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 362px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S2W01ys3fgI/AAAAAAAABRw/Z9clRevAe2Q/s1600-h/tanblue+BOM.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432947361728396802" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/S2W01ys3fgI/AAAAAAAABRw/Z9clRevAe2Q/s200/tanblue+BOM.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
OK, fabric is washed, pressed and ready to go. I'm going for a scrappy Navy and Chocolate version with beige/putty color replacing the whites. I worked up an idea in EQ6 as to what I'm heading towards. What do you think? There will be tweaking as I go I'm sure. I'm not sure about the borders but I have a year to let them speak to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #663333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Diane</span></span></div><br />
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</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-86707971849192739892008-07-20T19:06:00.000-05:002008-07-20T19:07:46.745-05:00Dance, dance, wherever you go<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zlfKdbWwruY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I LOVED it. As I watched it, I wanted to BE Matt. I wanted to dance. I wanted to go to all those places and meet all those people, and dance with them. At the very least, I wanted to dance in my car.<br /><br />Watch. Enjoy your trip around the world. Dance a little every single day, won't you?Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-62089951998278148372008-07-19T13:56:00.000-05:002008-07-25T13:57:05.774-05:00<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9lmoPK-wCpU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9lmoPK-wCpU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-84111845065348530292008-04-17T14:28:00.005-05:002008-04-25T14:24:47.279-05:00Grandma's Got a Brand New Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2421737024_3863b688b3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2343/2421737024_3863b688b3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> During the month of April I'm knitting these <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/elisa-nest-tote/">market tote bags</a> with a <a href="http://elisanesttotekal.blogspot.com/">group of knitters</a> from Ravelry. I've got five done towards my goal of a grocery trip using only these bags and being plastic free and "Green". I'm really enjoying the knitting and how quickly they finish up compared to my normal sweaters. If I ever wanted to start a cottage industry these would be the choice I'd make. I'm having a hard time holding on to them, as everyone keeps suggesting I give them out!! So like the Little Red Hen, I offer to help them knit their own... but none have taken me up on the offer. As you can see, I've got several different sizes and have developed the pattern a bit further with each bag. I've knit them all in the round and four are closed with a three needle bind off. The nylon can tote was bound off with off the two knitting needles with a crochet hook because the fiber was a bit stiffer to work with. I've made two with <a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/blue-bottomed-bag.html">flat bottoms</a> and I think this is my preferred choice as it will keep any smaller items from falling through. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2420916937_064845cbc1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2420916937_064845cbc1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here is a look at the different yarns I've tried so far. They are all cotton except the top one which is nylon. I've enjoyed seeing how each behaved and tend to be drawn to a mercerized cotton over the more common sugar n' cream yarn. I really like the smooth finish and the slight sheen it provides. <br /><br /><br /><br />I've also <a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/jumbo-stripped-tote.html">altered how I do the iCord handles</a>. The original pattern calls for two handles, each knit across the entire width of one side. I did notice on most knitters blogs that they felt the handles left the top opening too small. So on the first three I adjusted the pattern to leave several stitches on each side of the tote outside of the iCord and this worked fine. It allowed me plenty of access into the bag without pulling the top to tight. Many who knit the bag flat solved this by leaving a few rows open along the side seam. One of the worst parts of the iCord handles is the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/kitchener-stitch-tutorial/2008/1/23/kitchener-stitch-tutorial.html">Kitchener Stitch closing</a>. Even after doing it eight times so far, it still ends up a bit bulky and doesn't look as finished as the rest of the bag. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2420913705_1a71e3ef46.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2420913705_1a71e3ef46.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I solved this by knitting the iCord handle in one piece. I start as instructed, with the cord attached to one side and then begin the detached cord as instructed. When the free portion is long enough to go around the edge of the bag, I then reconnect it to the back side of the bag (being sure not to twist it) and complete the the second side of attached cord. Then off to the other detached portion of the handle and finish by closing with just one set of kitchener stitches. I'm very happy with this change and will be doing it on the remainder of my totes. Here's a look at the two handles, side by side.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-2396578177308931312008-04-16T15:42:00.002-05:002008-04-25T14:24:47.280-05:00CAN you take another Tote??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2421723366_94022575fc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2421723366_94022575fc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I'm starting to get obsessed with this <a href="http://elisanesttotekal.blogspot.com/">tote</a>!! I'm half way through the month working with the Ravelry KAL and I've really started to 'get' <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/elisa-nest-tote/">this bag</a>. I've been knitting in the round, changed up the handles, and really like the<a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/jumbo-stripped-tote.html"> bottomed version</a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2421724174_87594ae7d9.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2421724174_87594ae7d9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>One thing I've noted is the tremendous stretch when you load these totes. My goal is to be able to use this at the grocery store at months end and it's was very obvious that something as heavy as canned goods just wouldn't work in any of my previous bags. They would definitely be big enough but I would never be able to expect them to lift the weight without dragging on the ground.<br /><br />I decided to switch up the yarn and tested this one in nylon. My local craft store stocks a yarn from Hilos called LaEspiga #18. It comes on a spool, is 100% nylon and states its for "fishing nets, bags, macrame & handicrafts". I'll be the first to admit, it's not the most pleasant to knit with. I thought cotton was stiff until I worked with this puppy. IT DOESN'T give at ALL!! But I figured that was the reason it might be able to carry canned goods and I was right! Yippee for the little people!! Truth be told, I wish I had about four more made with this stuff. If groceries are your intended target, I'd suggest giving it a try. I'm sure I'll use it again for this pattern.<br /><br />So, here's the facts: Knit in the round on 81 stitches with six repeats of the four row pattern. It looks funny when it's empty as it only measures 8 inches flat. I knew I wanted it shorter then the others as it was only holding short cans of food. When it's loaded though, it stretches out just right. When it came time to close the bottom, I laid the two needles side by side as if to do a three needle bind off. I then worked the crochet hook through front and back needle to bind them together with a single crochet. This is stiff stuff and it seemed a better choice than knitting the stitched together. I also made sure not to pull the stitches too thigh so that the bag wouldn't draw up at the bottom, I wanted it to have enough ease to be able to fit several cans inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/2421728478_0944642b31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/2421728478_0944642b31.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2421722220_1a11b9545f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2421722220_1a11b9545f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I worked the handles in one piece, as described <a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/jumbo-stripped-tote.html">here</a>. I totally love this handle alteration and you can see I also left 6 stitches open along each side seam, both front and back. Twelve stitches total between iCords. It lays open just right and can easily hold six cans and I'm guessing up to eight with no problem.<br /><br />Know off to solve the bread and eggs bag!! Any suggestions?Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-42252704214886613012008-04-14T15:13:00.006-05:002008-04-25T14:24:47.281-05:00Jumbo Stripped Tote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2414908204_6f45daca94.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2414908204_6f45daca94.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>OK, this is number four and my all time favorite tote so far. This one is knit with Crystal Palace's Biwa yarn. It's 100% Pearl Cotton Mercerized and it has a love tight twist. It comes in smaller balls of 93 yards with a recommended needle size of US 6-7. For this tote I knit on size US9 as the pattern recommends up sizing for a lacier feel. The bag took 5 balls: One for each color strip, one divided between the flat bottom and upper knit edge, and about half to do the handles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2404680992_ce5cd30803.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/2404680992_ce5cd30803.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This is knit in the round and started at the flat bottom following <a href="http://studiodknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/blue-bottomed-bag.html">this technique</a>. I wanted a bit larger bag this time with enough size to hold a few boxes, like cereal and pasta. So this started with 61 stitches across the bottom edge. The base is worked first in garter stitch and then stitches picked up on the remaining three sides. These are knit in the round in stockinette stitch before the pattern work begins. I knew I wanted this to be a striped bag so I allowed the height to be determined by each yarn ball. After the stripes I decided to add several rows of stockinette stitch to increase the turquoise color at the top. I really wanted the color to balance out a bit more than just using the blue for the iCord handle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2420915231_70a68bdea9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2420915231_70a68bdea9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2420916259_976203f16c.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2420916259_976203f16c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I also drafted a new way of working the handles. I really am not pleased with the way the Kitchener Stitch closing, as it keeps looking too bulky at the bags edge. So I worked the this as a one piece handle that caught up both edges, leaving enough floating iCord to allow the bag to lay wide open. I started as the pattern instructs, with the attached portion and then the free iCord. But instead of closing it off to the begin, I moved to the other edge and reattached it. I worked a second attached edge and another matching length of free iCord before finally meeting back up with the original cast one edge. This is a perfect handle now. I stores flat with the bag, allows plenty of room for loading and is long enough to swing over the shoulder. Now, if I could just get that darn kitchener to look nice! I'm thinking it might have something to do with it's location also.... there is alot of stress where it meets the bag. Off to try one more, this time something to hold heavy canned goods!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-37161074221060723182008-04-08T13:14:00.001-05:002008-04-08T13:14:56.418-05:00One Down, Two to FinishOK, I've got the Blue Bottom done and really liked the results. I read several comments on Ravelry about the top being too small so I ended my handles before the side sections (those that came from the squared off base). This one is knit with the smaller handles also, because I envisioned it being more of a carry bay for my knitting during the summer. The yarn was Sinfonia by Omega and was stranded (like embroidery floss). It was listed as sport weight calling for size US 4, but I knit it on size US 9 circulars with size US 4 DPN'S for the handles. I totally LOVE the bottom! It acts just as I hoped it would. This is also a Mercerized Cotton, so it has a slight sheen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2399109744_3a259d3d67.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2399109744_3a259d3d67.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I took the other yarns with me during this weekend's car trip and actually got two other bodies done. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2399110476_a193cb75f9.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2399110476_a193cb75f9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The pink is a yarn from Patons called Grace and is also a Mercerized Cotton. This I knit in the round and did a three needle bind off on the <span style="font-style:italic;">inside</span>. I ripped back the first bind off I did on the outside because I thought it looked a bit rough with this dainty yarn. I knit this until the end of the first skein (136 yards)on size US 8 and I needed to use magic loop, because the stitches didn't move across the cable smoothly. I thought I'd knit it a bit longer, but found the small yarn knit with a large needle actually stretched out to over 12 inches. This one is now awaiting its handles. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2399111910_b31ee6a8e4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2399111910_b31ee6a8e4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2399110990_031dfa66b4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2399110990_031dfa66b4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This is the Sugar N' Cream yarn and I have one handle on so far. This is by far my least favorite yarn. It's so heavy to work with after the two finer yarns and without the polish is feels a bit dull. It does do a great job of showing the stitch detail though. I did the same inside three needle bind off on this one and knit it on US 9. I also held off the side stitches to make the opening easier to enter. This is shown by the stitch markers in the photo. I just saved four stitches on each side from the side seams. Oh, on this one too, I did two iCord stitches in each open yarn over space to keep the front a bit bigger. I noticed on the blue bottom bag that the iCord really pulled the edge in tight.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-69930059454171365932008-04-02T09:30:00.003-05:002008-12-10T06:32:23.462-06:00I Think a Fairy Just Came By and ......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ21QfwgMsTO6LzM-ih-rrwhW9sLa3faRrFwGTUTYP-tRdZO3k65hprfb-q4uMaU0FceDS7Zqpz4j8PU2rhJk51WOHdy8je7f1bdsWMm4dQLfAG1QMdGovL4Qiap6YSjR6frlF2xtLwgQ/s1600-h/Fairy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ21QfwgMsTO6LzM-ih-rrwhW9sLa3faRrFwGTUTYP-tRdZO3k65hprfb-q4uMaU0FceDS7Zqpz4j8PU2rhJk51WOHdy8je7f1bdsWMm4dQLfAG1QMdGovL4Qiap6YSjR6frlF2xtLwgQ/s400/Fairy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184674708372064274" /></a><br />I think a fairy just came by and pricked me with a spinning needle!! Honestly I do and I think I will remember it's sweet sting for years to come. Wait, maybe I'd better give you a piece of the story just before this.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure this fairy thing has happened before in my life just with different tools. You might know what a dream catcher looks like - a circular hoop with a web in the center? I'm kind of like that but what seems to get caught in my web are new skills. I get ahold of an idea or something I want to learn and before you know it I own every tool and book required to master the thing. It has long been a part of my DNA and I'm putting the blame on those darn Fairies!! <br /><br />So, all that said, I've been eying with a bit too much interest the idea of spinning some wool into yarn. It's just so darn pretty and the idea of peacefully pulling fluffy roving into small straight lines and then plying it into yarn sounds like something I'd love to try. The one draw back is knowing that it will mean more tools and time. I'd love to just test my hand it first. So when a friend keeps adding all those lovely photos of her spinning I just stare and drool. I commented this morning on her work and I thought I'd share her response:<br /><br /><blockquote>That's how it starts, Diane. A gnawing need. Then every fair, museum, park you go to for about a year, you mysteriously stumble upon the one person spinning. Around the corner of an old farmhouse in Prospect Park, Brooklyn; in the early morning sun in an out of the way house at the Cooperstown Farmers Museum; under an awning at the NY State Fair between livestock and the midway; in a hithertofore devoid-of-spinning-materials yarn shop. In tracing your genealogy you learn one 17th c. someone paid his family's transport fare by weaving sails for the British navy and so you know someone in that family did a fair amount of spinning as a livelihood. It's in your genetic code, your blood; it's insidious. You buy a drop spindle and a little bit of roving. You pull and twist and experiment, and before you know it you're sending off to New Zealand for a brand new wheel. Folks you thought were your friends egg you on, damn the expense! ... Not that it's addictive at all. lol Chances are there's a spinner near you, closer than you think possible!<br /><br />I'd love to have you over. Nudge you on over to our side! :)</blockquote><br /><br />Did you feel it? That ever so sweet prick from the needle administered by a wee tiny Fairy? Yup, me too!! Who could resist? I'm thinking, Not I!!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-40562304535156123332008-04-02T09:03:00.000-05:002008-04-25T14:24:47.281-05:00Blue Bottomed BagOh, I’m so excited about this project. I have visions of finishing several of these useful bags. I bought two colors last week, got them photographed, read all the post on Ravelry and printed out the pattern (in duplicate – so I would have no excuses about it being at the other place!). Yup, I was P-r-e-p-a-r-e-d with a capital “P”. Until I got to work this morning and realized, as I pulled the calendar page off, that it was TODAY!!! Oh, man!! Everything was left at home except my camera (of course) and my extra copy of the pattern. After my lunch meeting I finally got around to looking through my office for an appropriate skein of cotton, hoping that I had something here that would work. Yup, she shoots and scores – Ultra marine blue cotton by Omega called Sinfonia bought before Christmas from the bargain bin. Four balls each with 218 yards gave me way more than I needed. A quick call to my daughter even brought me the loan of her needles for the day. So here is this afternoon’s work on my first bag, which you can see is a bit different. I decided to make the bottomed version I found on Ravelry and finished the base off before it was time to pack up and head home. I’m going to start the sides this evening with the regular pattern stitch and hope all will go well. I didn’t make a swatch of this piece because size didn’t seem to be an issue so I hope it continues going well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2380684797_4c20c2849f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2380684797_4c20c2849f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One comment I saw often in the Ravelry comments and blogs was about knowing what row you are working on when you lay the piece down and return. I wondered how others marked rows and tracked their pattern. With only four pattern row repeats I’m wondering if it’s that hard? How is everyone else doing? I saw that 18 had signed up!<br /><br />EDIT: The Ravelry project for the bottomed bag is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gershamabob/elisas-nest-tote">here</a>, and here is <a href="http://gershamabob.blogspot.com/2008/02/make-sure-al-gore-dont-cry.html">her blog post</a> for the project. She used the direction for the bottom of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/PATTeverlasting.html">this bag</a>. For my bag I cast on 41 stitches and knit in garter stitch for 3 1/2" before picking up stitches around the edge and working in stockinette stitch for 8 rows. I'm sorry not to have included this yesterday and didn't mean to make you search for it.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-17937943428894993252008-03-28T13:40:00.000-05:002008-04-25T14:24:47.282-05:00I picked up two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2368772959_897580924e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2368772959_897580924e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I stopped by the chain store yesterday to buy my new KAL yarns. Couldn't really find the colors I'd had in my head - I really wanted tangerine and a turquoise. So, unless I get a chance to head up to the yarn store, these will be what I'm going to start with. Both are Cotton and the Paton's is merchandised - fancy word for polished a bit!! Can't wait to see what everyone else choose.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-56627419618130730932008-02-09T09:27:00.001-06:002008-02-09T09:27:47.720-06:00Realy one of the coolest!!I found this on a friends blog, and thought it was the coolest thing. It's all knit and one of the best little movies I've ever seen!! MUST WATCH!!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="373"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NO0-1GKXZEA&rel=1&border=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NO0-1GKXZEA&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-71058150219037568412008-01-31T11:14:00.000-06:002008-01-31T11:44:15.414-06:00Tiur Sweater Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2212446501_0190393427.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2212446501_0190393427.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the new work on my needles. I'm really enjoying doing this sweater even after a bit of a slow start. Here's what I'm going toward:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2213239776_08abf18e65.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2213239776_08abf18e65.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I'm knitting both sleeves at the same time, in the round. That's why I had a slow start. I first began on just one sleeve, working on DPN's, but found I really didn't get a good and even back strand between needles. Some areas of the design have 6-7 stitches to carry across, and it really was causing some pulling. So, mid work, I knit that first sleeve onto a long cable needle. After several rows of magic loop, I still had the same problem.. the strand was either too long or to too tight. I finally went into Ravelry (spelled LOVE!) and into the Stranded Forum and searched for an experienced knitter who was on-line at the same time. Voila!! Two sets of messages, a confirmation I could steek them, and away I went. I set the first single sleeve aside, and cast on both sleeves, with a ten stitch steek on either edge. It worked like a charm, and here is the work, mid pattern.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/2232210884_59bfe76539.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2158/2232210884_59bfe76539.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>So here's where I am now. I've just finished the sleeve caps and bound off the top edge. If you look closely (at a bad photo... sorry), you can see the two steek edges on either side of the pattern area. This sleeve has a lovely picot edge that will be turned under at the hem. So now I'm off to start the body. I'll wait to block and cut these until I'm sure of the sleeve opening. So, it's off to storage for these little girls.<br /><br />Oh, one of the girls at Ravelry mentioned the hat box. It's actually a pin cushion/sewing organizer. I just love pretty things.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-68750197306815118582008-01-04T11:08:00.000-06:002008-01-04T11:31:37.216-06:00It's her Birthday .... and She's throwing a Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2166231100_a95fcacd04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2166231100_a95fcacd04.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />One of the great gals on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> is throwing a Birthday Party Contest and she's inviting us. Simply jump over to <a href="http://phoeknits.wordpress.com/2008/01/04/surprise-yarn-sparkles-and-a-birthday-bonanza-contest/">Phoe's blog</a> and follow the directions. Be sure and take time for read back thru her archives while you are there. Here is a bit I know about her: She's a California born knitter now living in England. You'll find that's she's loaded her blog with some wonderful knitting, recipes, and photos. She's got a great writing style and a good sense of humor also. Oh, and she's turning the big Three O = 30!!<br /><br />Head over there to register for the contest and stay long enough to make a new friend.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-55035604599246464242008-01-03T17:21:00.001-06:002008-12-10T06:32:23.509-06:00Knitting Acronyms & SKO'sWell, I've got one. As she's a doosy. My Significant Knitting Other, or SKO's as we like to say. I'm like one of those rotten and blessed people who have daughters that knit. Daughters who are yarn obsessed. Daughters who get "it". <br /><br />- They know that when I say I'm going to start a new project that it might be on needle for a while. <br />- That starting a project at 11:00 at night is meaningful. <br />- That buying an extra set of Addi's and another two balls of yarn is required when faced with a long, unexpected Doctor visit. <br />- They reward me when 'enough books' turns into a new "I've got to get this one" purchase.<br />- They aren't disappointed in me when I can't find something new at the LYS, and force them to pick something instead.<br />- We nearly agree that a project is finished, even it the buttons aren't sewn on yet.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/R0sCBpt1uPI/AAAAAAAAAoo/oJ3V_oC7yJc/s1600-h/photo-752803.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;"src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_obtRMT3BmuA/R0sCBpt1uPI/AAAAAAAAAoo/oJ3V_oC7yJc/s320/photo-752803.jpg" border="0" alt="Knit Like The Wind" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137202027347425522" /></a><br /><br />Yup they get it, and they are my SKO's. They are good things, even if you have to birth them.<br /><br />How about you? Who fills the role of Significant Knitting Other for you? Reward your SKO today (because tomorrow you may need an alibi to go shopping!)Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-87210755838254047272007-12-31T11:41:00.000-06:002008-01-03T17:42:33.800-06:002007 Comes to an EndSo here's a quick look at the end of '07. It's been a huge year of growing and starting new things.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2152509056_db695069ec.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2152509056_db695069ec.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One thing that really doesn't show up here is the growth in my book library, not to mention all the new supplies and growth in my stash.<br /><br />It's been a great year for sure!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428241115972047880.post-63194979691243145992007-12-27T14:27:00.000-06:002007-12-29T17:30:49.607-06:00Hats and Jogless Joins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2142042022_edc71e1102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;height: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2142042022_edc71e1102.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Fresh off the needles is the second hat using Purl Bee's great <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/whitneys-70s-ski-hat/">70's Ski Hat pattern</a>. I really enjoy this pattern and could continue knitting them well into the new year. They feature a soft half lining with a wool outer cap, are knit in the round in one piece. The use of a provisional cast-on, started on one edge of the lining, allows you to fold and connect the hem inside the hat. The white lining on this one is a Rowan cashmere blend, just right for the little grandbaby for which it's intended.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/2141250941_05457cb4f7_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/2141250941_05457cb4f7_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One feature worth learning is <a href="http://www.schoolhousepress.com/">Meg Swansen's</a> jogless join, which was introduced by Meg in her Knitters article (issue 45, Winter 1996). <br /><br /> <blockquote> Knit the first round of a new color as usual. Before you start the second round, find the old color stitch below the first stitch in the round and lift it up on the needle. Knit the old color stitch with the first new color stitch. </blockquote> <br /><br />It's really very easy and produces a smoother transition between color bands. Here's a look:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2141255295_5d45be9be3_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2141255295_5d45be9be3_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It virtually disappears at a distance. And that's "A Good Thing" to quote Martha!!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09050619172885004428noreply@blogger.com1