tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762285420117464842024-02-21T05:23:43.326-06:00Lonestar Knits and Tedious Activitiestreasuring the little things while lovingly pursuing the adventure of life, motherhood, and all things wonderful and tediousDFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-38772260278068667252016-03-04T09:44:00.001-06:002016-03-04T10:01:41.870-06:00Easy homemade laraballs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk96DILRfGb31O5eAZZMtJnbmnAphVgFFIPBSHJ-ui-gKRAu2uIa7YxlOwsktcSTt1bAaxKz4jeiLXNiTbCjTdDvhvqt1Yap_Twv6f155x7veF5u9689JlTkiaik3Fn2tJ27OU8h0wIyy/s1600/laraballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk96DILRfGb31O5eAZZMtJnbmnAphVgFFIPBSHJ-ui-gKRAu2uIa7YxlOwsktcSTt1bAaxKz4jeiLXNiTbCjTdDvhvqt1Yap_Twv6f155x7veF5u9689JlTkiaik3Fn2tJ27OU8h0wIyy/s400/laraballs.jpg" title="Make your own laraballs" width="400" /></a><br />
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Do you love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007NMDY38/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007NMDY38&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=OMGLR7JDTWSIHNHD">LĂ„RABARS</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007NMDY38" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
?<br />
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There are tons of recipes out there for how to make your own larabars. I have tried several different combinations, but I prefer to just throw together whatever ingredients I have on hand, roll them into convenient bite size balls, and store them in the freezer for an easy snack.<br />
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Today I used dry roasted peanuts, dates, ground flaxseed, and chocolate - but there are lots of different combinations you can use within the "formula".<br />
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<b>Easy Homemade Laraball Formula</b><br />
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1. Gather your ingredients:<br />
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- Fruit: dates, dried cranberries, raisins... but mostly dates.<br />
- Nuts: peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans...<br />
- Hidden Healthy: flaxseed, hemp, sunflower seeds, chia seeds...<br />
- Tasty: Chocolate, vanilla extract, shredded coconut...<br />
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2. Combine:<br />
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- In a food processor, combine equal parts fruit and nuts - don't use ALL your available dried fruit (use 1/2 to 2/3), process until well chopped and grainy.<br />
- Remove about half to a large mixing bowl and add your remaining fruit to the other half in the food processor, also add in your "hidden healthy" ingredients - I usually use about 1/4 - 1/2 cup total. Process until sticky and remove to your mixing bowl.<br />
- Add your "tasty" ingredients. Extracts and shredded coconut can be mixed right in. I like to process chocolate into bits and crumbs before adding it to the mixing bowl.<br />
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3. Roll:<br />
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- Use your hands to combine all the the ingredients in the bowl. Roll into 1 inch balls. Store in freezer bags in the fridge or freezer for an easy sweet snack.<br />
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Enjoy - and share some with a friend!<br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-2390495904259422712016-02-29T14:44:00.001-06:002016-02-29T14:44:52.190-06:00Weekend in the garden<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/24952704809/in/dateposted/" title="IMG_20160227_175916"><img alt="IMG_20160227_175916" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/24952704809_bf4574cc5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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We are not gardeners. I definitely don't have a green thumb. However, I think gardening is one of those things you have to just keep doing until something works.<br />
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Last fall, we planted a little patch of salad greens - arugala, Swiss chard, kale, and spinach. The spinach was pretty sad and wimpy, the Swiss chard slow going, the arugala was OK, and the kale went crazy!<br />
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We have enjoyed such a mild winter, that most of this little patch is still working for us. We plan to plant some tomatoes, and perhaps some herbs. I love using fresh parsley in my homemade hummus!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/24689769024/in/dateposted/" title="IMG_20160227_173857"><img alt="IMG_20160227_173857" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1614/24689769024_5d6d4babc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This weekend we weeded and mulched our little salad garden. We planted two new Stuart pecan trees, and then watered and added compost around our other established fruit trees. We also pruned back our blackberry bushes so they are ready to grow for blackberry season!<br />
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Every season we find ourselves going back to the same books for garden reference:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603421386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1603421386&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=ROSDS46Y3IGPJ4UJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1603421386&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1603421386" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159186237X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159186237X&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=F4G7VWAYS7IW3B35"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=159186237X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=159186237X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609619838/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1609619838&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=XAPAK5XM7TFJSGHS"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1609619838&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1609619838" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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And now that we are incorporating the kids into the garden work more - and they are SO enthusiastic, I have a growing wishlist of resources for them as well:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761110569/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0761110569&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=MG6SFX2UJQJFV5K6"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0761110569&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0761110569" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1780190190/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1780190190&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=SOFJMJSWLD2GCDLR"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1780190190&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1780190190" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1938063422/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1938063422&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitand0e-20&linkId=US6LDQT3KOQQWNK3"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1938063422&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loneknitand0e-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitand0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1938063422" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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What are you working on in your garden?DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-21034168994590207322016-02-26T20:42:00.002-06:002016-02-26T20:42:23.554-06:00The best knitting podcasts for when you can't knit<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/25279261965/in/dateposted/" title="IMG_20150925_183830"><img alt="IMG_20150925_183830" height="400" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1546/25279261965_c1a5b6d2de_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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One of my favorite projects from last fall - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Lonestarknits/cozy-canuck-chullo" target="_blank">The Cozy Canuck Chullo</a>.<br />
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For the past year and a half my knitting (and spinning) has decreased.... I do continue to make what time in my day I can for a little bit, but a little something called "breastfeeding the baby" has made using my hands a little more challenging. However, being a fiber lover is something that you can't just ignore, so when I find myself holding my sweet boy and unable to knit I have been enjoying a few fabulous podcasts about my favorite topics!<br />
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Video Podcasts</h3>
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<a href="http://www.snappystitches.com/" target="_blank">Snappy Stitches</a> - This is Chrissie, she has two babies. She spins, and knits, and cooks enough to put the rest of us normal humans to shame. She is also amazingly sweet and has the most amazing eye for color and pattern! I really wish I could go yarn shopping with her.<br />
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<a href="http://roundthetwistwithcarin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Round the Twist with Carin</a> - Carin. She also has two <strike>babies</strike> toddlers - and they are twins! She knits what she wants to. I like that. She has also almost sold me on the <a href="http://www.thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.com/" target="_blank">Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a>... almost.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/deannarmartin113/videos" target="_blank">Skeins and School</a> - Deanna is new to podcasting, but she is not new to homeschooling. This is a delightful mix of knitting and teaching!<br />
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<a href="https://thepassioknitspinner.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Passioknit Spinner</a> - I JUST found Theresia. She has the longest Ravelry handle ever - and she is a wiz at spinning. The episode tutorial about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4TEZnO0tg">how to combine different braids of fiber</a> in order to have a sweater quantity is genius.<br />
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Audio Podcasts</h3>
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<a href="http://curioushandmade.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank">Curious Handmade</a> - First of all, Helen has a lovely accent, secondly, in January she encouraged us all to "love the yarn you've got". What's not to love?<br />
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<a href="http://edsnapshots.com/your-morning-basket-podcast/" target="_blank">Your Morning Basket</a> - No knitting here - but some amazing insight into choosing to make time for the most important little bits of your homeschool right away so that they don't get lost in the general chaos of life. Every episode has a guest and a specific topic to help you add Truth, Goodness, and Beauty to your homeschool day.<br />
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What podcasts do you always make time for?</h3>
DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-34730470453975730602016-02-25T21:46:00.000-06:002016-02-25T21:46:31.553-06:00New things - fresh thoughts<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/24893241489/in/album-72157664932846811/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Fossils"><img alt="Fossils" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/24893241489_e7a832b415_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />
Well, hello again.<br />
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Yes, this is that post to tell you that I have been gone.<br />
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We have been embarking on a grand adventure at our house - the adventure of homeschooling. And, it is quite the adventure. Mostly it has taken up every minute, every thought, every ounce of energy in my being for the past few (several) months. It has been so worth it - for us.<br />
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Now that the dust in our home is settling and our routine is taking hold - our habits and structures that make the days flow smoothly and with much less struggle... I find myself wanting to get back to cataloging.<br />
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There will be knitting.<br />
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There will be spinning.<br />
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There will be baking, and family, and chickens.<br />
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And there will be learning.<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-36862703501148934752015-04-19T08:59:00.002-05:002015-04-19T08:59:35.739-05:00Knitters Gotta EatI'm now blogging and video podcasting over at <a href="http://www.knittersgottaeat.blogspot.com/">www.knittersgottaeat.blogspot.com</a>!<br />
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<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-59908026991899311892014-10-23T10:26:00.000-05:002014-10-23T10:26:26.154-05:00Little Knit SocksToday I am reminiscing about these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Lonestarknits/most-basic-kids-sock">little knit socks</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15422578338" title="Helens rainbow socks by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Helens rainbow socks" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15422578338_de12349168_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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They are nothing special. Just basic kid socks. Just Patons Stretch Sock Yarn. Just stockinette.<br />
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Just wonderful, memory filled, smile inducing, little socks.<br />
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Why knit socks for kids? Won't they outgrow them, lose them, or worse ruin them? Yes. Maybe. One of these socks was lost, then it was found. They got dirty, and they were washed. They were outgrown (quickly), but passed on.<br />
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Helen loved them, but now so does Clare. Everytime she wears them she shows them off - these are the socks my mommy knit for me. I did. I knit them knowing that someday they would be for her... a second owner is still an owner.<br />
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Knit those kids socks. I know I will be knitting more.DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-81055535563490540442014-10-09T12:53:00.001-05:002014-10-09T12:53:09.473-05:00Texas Fall and French CrochetWe are enjoying some occasional cooler weather here lately. I say occasional because one day (or three days - or more) it is 100F and then the next it is somewhere in the upper 80s with a breeze. Gotta love those breezes.<br />
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Is it really October? It doesn't feel like it. The baby is in size 6 months clothes (he is 2 months old), and all the 6 month stuff has long sleeves. Poor baby. He wishes it would cool down as much as I do, or that his Momma would run out and buy him some more appropriate clothing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15302228917" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bouquet baby blanket by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Bouquet baby blanket" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15302228917_4b5b2bb5f1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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I have been working on a custom baby blanket for a friend. I am calling it the "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Lonestarknits/berce-par-les-vagues">Bouquet Baby Blanket</a>" because the pretty colors were inspired by this <a href="http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/inspiration/reception-ceremony/cakes-reception-ceremony/beautiful-bridal-bouquets/attachment/pink-peonies">bouquet inspiration</a> from The Knot.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15346245426" title="Bouquet baby blanket by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Bouquet baby blanket" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/15346245426_76575e70a0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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The pattern is a free pdf on Ravelry: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/berce-par-les-vagues">Berce par les Vagues</a>. It's a French crochet pattern, but there is a diagram of the stitch pattern and one of the other ravelers kindly put an English translation up in the comments section of her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/moorcroftmiss/berce-par-les-vagues">project page</a>.<br />
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This has been a fun, quick project, but I am ready to get back to some regularly scheduled knitting.DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-83622632563220093072014-10-04T18:13:00.001-05:002014-10-04T18:14:44.810-05:00Knitting through the newborn hazeIt's been a while. Hello again!<br />
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The blogging me ebbs and flows. The mommy me doesn't get to do that.<br />
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Say hello to Benedict. He's pretty special.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/14839725566" title="Twin hat #1 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Twin hat #1" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/14839725566_77020189b9_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15103924207" title="IMG_20140919_132848 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20140919_132848" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/15103924207_f6e86a7e39_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15103915608" title="IMG_20140917_143749 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20140917_143749" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/15103915608_f4a11f6ebb_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/15103777190" title="IMG_20140913_194937 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20140913_194937" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15103777190_69237488bb_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-49202457132710944312014-02-07T08:28:00.000-06:002014-02-07T08:34:08.905-06:00If you let your kids do stuff...If you let your kids do crafts, they will eventually start without you one morning.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363983144/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/12363983144_1034451a73_c.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br />
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If you let your kids use tools, like scissors and hole punches, they will learn to cut.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363536155/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/12363536155_e638c6ca1f_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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You will also sweep up a mess like this at least once or twice a day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363974814/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/12363974814_d9d09671b4_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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You will probably also end up eating breakfast mid-project.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363970044/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/12363970044_1f81ff42a9_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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But, they will ask you for playdoh instead of TV...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363693913/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/12363693913_2074897563_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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And they will amaze you with what they can do all on their own.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12363547555/" title="January 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="January 2014" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/12363547555_8c4da36032_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a>DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-35965072518217456882014-02-06T18:07:00.000-06:002014-02-06T18:07:10.450-06:00Ravellenic Games 2014Tonight is the night!<br />
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I've been carding wool, and tuning up my spinning wheel in preparation for the Ravellenic Games.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12351587055/" title="rav games 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="rav games 2014" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/12351587055_c3f733708a_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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This year I will be spinning (and then knitting!) approximately seven ounces of brown Corriedale wool from the fleece that I purchased last summer at the Iowa State Fair.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12352043174/" title="rav games 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="rav games 2014" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/12352043174_995a79bf01_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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Participating in the games is a low key and friendly opportunity to set yourself a goal and then accomplish it during the course of the Olympic Games. I am on team <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/daybreak-dyeworks">Daybreak Dyeworks</a> and team Coconut Two-Sters. The teams are mainly a place to discuss what you are working on and cheer for each other.<br />
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Last time I participated, the Summer Games I knit these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blomst-3">Blomst</a> mittens, my first colorwork project!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/7756130586/" title="Blomst Mittens 1.4 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Blomst Mittens 1.4" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7756130586_b2059a3c9f_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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Are you participating?DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-48314488386388481202014-02-03T08:09:00.003-06:002014-02-03T08:09:51.024-06:00How I make yogurt in my dehydratorI used to make yogurt<a href="http://lonestarknits.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-i-make-yogurt.html"> like this</a> because I didn't have a dehydrator, but then my whole world changed after my sweet husband found an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OKI8GG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008OKI8GG&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitandte-20">Excalibur Dehydrator</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitandte-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008OKI8GG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> at a Goodwill for a shocking price.<br />
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Now I make yogurt in the dehydrator! I follow the instructions at <a href="http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/making-yogurt-using-a-dehydrator/">Farm Bell Recipes</a>.<br />
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I start with a gallon of milk and a big pot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12287440213/" title="yogurt making 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="yogurt making 2014" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/12287440213_ce6f6c0a12_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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You also need some leftover yogurt (make sure it is the kind with active cultures) and 5 quart mason jars if you are using the whole gallon of milk.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12287284075/" title="yogurt making 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="yogurt making 2014" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/12287284075_d0915fa7db_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I heat the milk on the stove to 180-185F... this takes 30 minutes or so on medium. Then remove it from the heat and let it cool to 110F, which takes FOREVER, but you don't want to chance killing your yogurt making buddies with too hot milk.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12287428983/" title="yogurt making 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="yogurt making 2014" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/12287428983_376bfa8599_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I preheat my dehydrator to about 110F, Farm Bell says 105F the dehydrator says 115F - I pick the middle for no reason... The white lids are from Wal-Mart, are BPA free, and only cost a couple dollars... totally worth it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12287832556/" title="yogurt making 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="yogurt making 2014" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/12287832556_260157a4e3_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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The yogurt goes in, and we wait 8 to 10 hours before moving it to the fridge to cool.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12287266915/" title="yogurt making 2014 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="yogurt making 2014" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/12287266915_3b1dde5773_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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mmmm. smoothies. A gallon of organic whole milk yogurt for $5 or $6, and lasts at least a month or so in the fridge. A delicious budget friendly treat!<br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-52887838371849687772014-02-02T14:21:00.000-06:002014-02-02T14:21:53.746-06:00Rainy Day Blues and GraysSuper Bowl Sunday... to many around the US that means a great opportunity to knit and spin for HOURS. Today is also cold and sleeting, so even more reason to stay warm and snuggled up on the couch with some yarn and needles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12273010585/" title="Blue-Gray Ashland Bay Merino by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Blue-Gray Ashland Bay Merino" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/12273010585_8a7f0aa09d_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I am spinning, blue and gray... chosen at the DFW Fiber Fest last spring for my husband. It is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/butterflygirldesigns">Butterfly Girl Designs</a>, and is 100% Ashland Bay Multicolored Merino Top in the Granite colorway.<br />
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His birthday is coming up soon... so better get busy. Especially since the socks I am knitting him are nowhere close to being done. They are just not working out, and I am so tempted to rip back and try something different. Except, there is no time! argh!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12273454494/" title="David's Sneaky Argyle Socks by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="David's Sneaky Argyle Socks" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/12273454494_b6c1b6a98f_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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The main reason is I am running short of the main yarn color, and should have thought to knit the toe in the complimentary color in the first place... but I didn't. When projects get like this, I just don't want to work on them... and that is not good when you have a deadline. So, I guess I am feeling a little blue and gray today.<br />
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So I will spin instead, and maybe he will get a hat for his birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12273576986/" title="Blue-Gray Ashland Bay Merino by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Blue-Gray Ashland Bay Merino" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/12273576986_d905755eca_c.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-91338357514057358362014-02-01T20:11:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:11:00.600-06:00Back to the BlogHi.<br />
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It is February 1st and I really haven't "blogged" in a while, but that's ok. It happens.<br />
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We have been enjoying, and sometimes not enjoying, the ups and downs of the North Texas winter. 70's one day and 30's the next will drive anyone's nose to drip at an alarming rate. We have chickens. We love them. Really, they are awesome and you should get some too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10798705375/" title="Girl + Chicken by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Girl + Chicken" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/10798705375_1556667266_c.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br />
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Our girls love them. And they lay eggs... giant eggs. Did I mention that the girls love them?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10798728985/" title="They're Here! by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="They're Here!" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/10798728985_a3df4f2919_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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We made cards for Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10798877794/" title="2013 Thanksgiving Cards by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="2013 Thanksgiving Cards" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/10798877794_f1fd1744d5_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I spun some yarn... dyed by the lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks">Dawn of Daybreak Dyeworks</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10799012193/" title=""Steph's Perfect Fall" Daybreak Dyeworks BFL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt=""Steph's Perfect Fall" Daybreak Dyeworks BFL" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/10799012193_431994d8b3_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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The girls colored pictures of chickens.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10960136795/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10960136795_546423fbb1_c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10960214286/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10960214286_ff58ace231_c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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I spun some more.... <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks">Daybreak</a> :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11676191464/" title="Farmer's Market Peach by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Farmer's Market Peach" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/11676191464_cd86d8bd64_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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And I bought some fiber... from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks">Daybreak Dyeworks</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11676085983/" title="Frosted Petals and Desert Sky by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Frosted Petals and Desert Sky" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/11676085983_143e88a315_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I cut up a quilt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11966537343/" title="vintage quilt top by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="vintage quilt top" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/11966537343_ab155c21d1_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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The girls busted out their water colors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11967106126/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/11967106126_6bc655308d_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11967131876/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/11967131876_82d09c2931_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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And I spun more <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks">Daybreak</a> - surprise!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11966323795/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/11966323795_8309ef59c5_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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I washed a fleece.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12088322585/" title="brown fleece by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="brown fleece" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/12088322585_08c3c08e07_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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Crocheted <a href="http://dearestdebi.com/crochet-cabbage-patch-kid-newborn-beanie">one of these crazy hats</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12141566514/" title="cabbage hat by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="cabbage hat" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/12141566514_13a2cd8c19_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
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Made Helen cry by trying to take a picture of her new sweater... a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bulle">Bulle</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/12228589475/" title="bulle fof helen by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="bulle fof helen" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/12228589475_a58f54aeb7_c.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br />
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And some other stuff... including...<br />
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Starting to read a couple books.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PU7W6O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PU7W6O&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitandte-20">The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart of Eternity</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitandte-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001PU7W6O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Sally Clarkson<br />
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and </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385028695/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385028695&linkCode=as2&tag=loneknitandte-20">Our Lady of Fatima</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=loneknitandte-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0385028695" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by William T. Walsh</div>
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Ordering a bunch of seeds from <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/">Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds</a>, so that we can pretend to be real farmers.<br />
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I also roasted a pretty darn good chicken last week (from the store, not the backyard)!<br />
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That is about it, welcome February!DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-65666140637354676282013-12-31T19:15:00.002-06:002013-12-31T19:15:57.546-06:002013 Knitting Project Roll Call1. A Square<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8338554478/" title="Group Square 1 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Group Square 1" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8338554478_3e218677be_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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2. Another Square<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8409789340/" title="Group Square 3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Group Square 3" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8409789340_c0dea36e55_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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3. A Baby Sweater<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8408692763/" title="Cascade Baby Sweater 2.3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Cascade Baby Sweater 2.3" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8408692763_80267d9e8a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10635008085/" title="Don & Ola Baby Sweater 2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Don & Ola Baby Sweater 2" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/10635008085_3e53cc7375_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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4. Mordor Shawl<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8443967861/" title="Rusty Mordor 2.7 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Rusty Mordor 2.7" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8443967861_fc7bdc188a_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8447103089/" title="Rusty Mordor 3.5 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Rusty Mordor 3.5" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8447103089_09fbcaf897_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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5. Ceci's NICU hat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8483550966/" title="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.5 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.5" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8483550966_1582b6bed4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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6. David's Birthday Socks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8482458073/" title="David's Traveling Socks 4.2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="David's Traveling Socks 4.2" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8482458073_1d44f5e028_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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7. Ceci's Socks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8483543134/" title="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.3" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8483543134_82a0910f85_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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8. Ceci's Hat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8483542010/" title="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Pendragon Baby Sets 1.2" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8483542010_c85b2c7b3b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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9. Sunshine Socks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8549428851/" title="Sunshine Socks 3.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunshine Socks 3.0" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8549428851_3b9386d490_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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10, 11, 12. Family of Dawg Hats<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8512145957/" title="Dawg Family 1.3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Dawg Family 1.3" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8512145957_2e8b156cca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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13. And Another Square<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8375278914/" title="Group Square 2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Group Square 2" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8375278914_e55fb3d7d8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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14. Mom's Socks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8589437220/" title="March Pop Socks 2.3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="March Pop Socks 2.3" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8589437220_702c59523e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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15. Toddler Boy Sweater<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8693717522/" title="Stash Sweater 2.2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Stash Sweater 2.2" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8693717522_a5beed18d0_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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16. Helen's Shrug<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8693715336/" title="Snow White Shrug 3.6 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Snow White Shrug 3.6" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8693715336_95ac8ea140_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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17. Helen's Socks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8820433534/" title="Rainbow Socks 2.3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Rainbow Socks 2.3" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/8820433534_07ec9ff760_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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18. Dawn's Hat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8714571135/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8714571135_ab437f8826_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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19. Linen Stitch Bookmark<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8714577803/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8714577803_76e2d28d41_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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20. Lacy Bonnet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8758985822/" title="baptism bonnet by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="baptism bonnet" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/8758985822_dbb8134fb9_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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21. Hanna's Sweater<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8935958802/" title="hanna's thank you by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="hanna's thank you" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/8935958802_86b225c0c3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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22. My Sweater<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9133821323/" title="Grey Caramel 2 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Grey Caramel 2" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9133821323_77bfff9586_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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23. Baby Pants<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9188208066/" title="Little Boy Grey by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Little Boy Grey" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/9188208066_f82166aa29_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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24. Group Blanket, Seaming and Border<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9186573019/" title="Jena's Due in July Blanket by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Jena's Due in July Blanket" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9186573019_23a239b878_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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25. Nephew Socks #1<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9365091691/" title="Building Block Socks 2.5 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Building Block Socks 2.5" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/9365091691_8ff4bda100_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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26. Ceci's Paulette<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9694928994/" title="Teeny Tunic by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Teeny Tunic" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9694928994_eb16674065_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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27. Kelly's Cowl<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9694936736/" title="Neapolitan Cowl by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Neapolitan Cowl" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9694936736_4a942635f8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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28. Clare's Paulette<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004857134/" title="Clare's Paulette by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Clare's Paulette" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10004857134_e924dd1372_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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29. Jr's BSJ<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10018798096/" title="Rustic BSJ 2013 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Rustic BSJ 2013" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/10018798096_2a29295af2_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10018790935/" title="Rustic BSJ 2013 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Rustic BSJ 2013" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/10018790935_bf753b574b_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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30. Square, it's done... no finished pic!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10005043726/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/10005043726_ef002d26e3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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31 and 32. Helen's Pom Pom and Clare's Blue Hat (no pic!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10123051034/" title="Pink Pom Pom by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Pink Pom Pom" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/10123051034_eebc2e2190_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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33 and 34. Nephew Socks #2 and #3<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10798741245/" title="Nephew Socks 3 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Nephew Socks 3" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/10798741245_e560965e93_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11280734846/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/11280734846_6314f5f50b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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35. Ceci's Sweater<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11323724665/" title="Little Black Baby Sweater by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Little Black Baby Sweater" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/11323724665_cf7f181ba6_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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36. Nephew Socks #4<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11323816474/" title="Nephew Socks #4 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Nephew Socks #4" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/11323816474_89b464a556_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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37. Baby Boy Hat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11323826215/" title="Recess Baby Hat by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Recess Baby Hat" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/11323826215_0d290fe2fa_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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38 and 39. Sara's Stockings<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11323767715/" title="Sara's Stockings by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Sara's Stockings" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/11323767715_955ec16e6f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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40. Handspun Sitka Hat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11676174694/" title="Handspun Sitka by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Handspun Sitka" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/11676174694_6e8d2609ae_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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41 and 42. MIL Cowboys Slippers and FIL Barley Hat (no pic!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11675814995/" title="Cowboy Slippers by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Cowboy Slippers" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/11675814995_22efe8d259_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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43. Clare's Stocking<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11675856115/" title="Clare's Stocking by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Clare's Stocking" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/11675856115_0446b0660d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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44. Last Square!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/11677827244/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/11677827244_12f2576134_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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45. And HOW DID I FORGET: Handspun Multnomah Shawl<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9406396701/" title="ITW Multnomah 2.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="ITW Multnomah 2.0" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/9406396701_9a1172061f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-67602807050752314852013-09-30T11:04:00.001-05:002013-09-30T11:16:31.245-05:00September Garden & Chicken UpdateSeptember was all about our garden (though I knit quite a bit too!).<br />
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This month we did some major plantings, tended some seedlings, and started construction of our much anticipated chicken coop. Garden work is not cheap, but it is very rewarding!<br />
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I am attempting to cultivate my "green thumb" which for the most part has been pretty black in the past. I think I have had issues with a few of the realities of gardening...<br />
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1. you have to garden outside, it is dirty, there are bugs, and you can't knit while gardening.<br />
2. you have to actually water your plants... this is a big one for me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004955755/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/10004955755_a5ebc6ed8d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So, rather than tilling up a patch of soil, I am keeping it small and close to the backdoor where my little seedlings are easily watched and watered. This is a collection of purple pole beans, kale, and cabbage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004944325/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/10004944325_1a871f2ee9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We also planted Swiss chard in the flower bed! It is doing well :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004978146/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/10004978146_828340817c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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On a larger scale, we are adding to our "orchard" with three blackberry bushes and two fig trees.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10009716043/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/10009716043_7eb2bb3bf9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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This fig tree over looks the chicken coop, and the second fig tree is planted in the chicken yard. I hear chickens go crazy for figs :)<br />
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Here is a look at the progress on our coop. With the help of our next door neighboor we were able to get all this done in just a couple of hours!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004971146/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/10004971146_b7fa791bb7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10005031193/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/10005031193_7016732a05_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004956166/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/10004956166_8dd973dc22_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004884524/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/10004884524_4deb4c3fbd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/10004946286/" title="September 2013 Garden by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="September 2013 Garden" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/10004946286_6156cf0969_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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The coop is a "hoop-coop" style inspired by a lot of internet searches! Primarily this<a href="http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/egg-shaped-hoop-coop"> Egg Shaped Hoop Coop</a> and this very serious <a href="http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/permanent-hoop-coop-guide">Permanent Hoop Coop</a>. We chose this style because in the Texas Heat we knew our chickens would need a lot of ventilation, it is also a fairly reasonably priced coop for the number of chickens it can house comfortably. We plan to start our flock with twelve birds.<br />
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<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-33301202597585956662013-09-09T10:46:00.000-05:002013-09-09T10:46:33.106-05:00Playing at HomeThe school year is back at full swing and that means daddy is back to work and mommy has lots of time with her girls. We have been having a lot of fun with art, and games, and outside time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9708081143/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9708081143_ac6c5f511c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Helen has started showing an interest in family portraits in all kinds of mediums... from blocks to chalk! We found most of these blocks at garage sales this past summer. I have always wanted a HUGE wooden block collection!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9711312808/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9711312808_45da09c03d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Don't you just love the "dogs on leashes" detail!<br />
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Clare loves to paint, and so does Helen... right now Helen loves to draw a picture with a black marker before she starts to paint.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9711315862/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9711315862_4fa19e910e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9708076961/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/9708076961_b3bea55023_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Spiders!! I found these paint trays at Joann's. They come in packs of 10 or 12 for only a few dollars.<br />
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Today's adventure was all about sorting, charting, and counting. Helen liked lining up her beads and counting how many she had!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9711310642/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9711310642_5f694e7370_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9711309012/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9711309012_eced5b39a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-9361899561634352202013-09-05T10:16:00.001-05:002013-09-05T10:16:18.611-05:00The Handspun CowlEvery time I knit with my handspun yarn I think - wow. I love knitting with handspun. It is so fresh! so new! every yarn is unique!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9677130593/" title="DBDW Handspun Cowl by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="DBDW Handspun Cowl" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/9677130593_e4edbfb847_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Right now I am working on a simple diagonal rib cowl out of my Daybreak Dyeworks Tour de Fleece Team Braid. Remember this?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9205679738/" title="Neon + Neutral by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Neon + Neutral" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9205679738_49b1b8b71a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It is knitting up like this!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9680363098/" title="DBDW Handspun Cowl by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="DBDW Handspun Cowl" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/9680363098_126605f81c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I love the diagonal rib pattern, it adds a little movement to the cowl. I am also looking forward to seeing the color changes as I knit! Did I mention that handspun is SO FUN?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9677132049/" title="DBDW Handspun Cowl by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="DBDW Handspun Cowl" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9677132049_b9d7acf47e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Daybreak Dyeworks is hosting a "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/daybreak-dyeworks/2668944/">Back to School Handspun KAL</a>" and the <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/">Must Stash Podcast</a> is also hosting a handspun KAL right now... time to knit the handspun :)<br />
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Happy Knitting!DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-54252107003279593382013-08-26T13:11:00.001-05:002013-08-26T13:11:13.485-05:00Baking Day - Grainfree Style<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9598730537/" title="Flourless Cheese Crackers by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Flourless Cheese Crackers" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9598730537_961a6b42f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Grain-Free Cheese Crackers?? Yes, Please!<br />
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I began this morning seeing what everyone was up to on Facebook, and one of my friends had shared a link to a recipe for grain-free cheese cracker dough... It is a paid PDF recipe, but I had never seen anything like it, and I had to have it! I am on the look out for easy grain-free foods to send in my preschooler's lunchbox and this looked perfect, and after trying it out, I definitely recommend this <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1255378&c=ib&aff=256825&cl=252961" target="ejejcsingle">Primal Dough Recipe</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9601526688/" title="New Kitchen Scale by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="New Kitchen Scale" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9601526688_3abf3a122a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I tested the recipe today - with my new food scale from Wal-Mart (yep. I shop there). It was less than $20.00 and suits my needs.<br />
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I followed the directions for the "Primal Cheese Dough" which does contain dairy products, along with tapioca flour, and root vegetables. There is also a "Paleo" version provided with dairy substitutes. I have avoided Tapioca flour in the past, but decided that as a once in a while treat for lunches, car trips, etc I'm ok with it as an ingredient - and you use quite a bit of it for this recipe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9598736525/" title="Baking Day! by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Baking Day!" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9598736525_a220a3d020_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I rolled out and baked the crackers according to the instructions and they were moderately labor intensive, but not too difficult. It was fun to use my rolling pin again! (look - I baked a spaghetti squash too!) The baking takes longer than the recipe suggests as you have to break off the edge crackers and put the rest back in the oven repeatedly until they are all crisp. I found with my last batch that after I broke off the browned edge crackers, I turned off the oven and put the still slightly underdone center back in the warm oven to crisp up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9598732785/" title="Flourless Cheese Crackers by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Flourless Cheese Crackers" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9598732785_5d92b7a177_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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These turned out really delicious. It is difficult not to pop them in your mouth as you break them apart. Then the real test... would the picky 4 year old eat them? I gave her a small bowl to try... asked her what she thought and she said, "they're..... yummy!"<br />
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win! It's worth the $3.95: <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1255378&c=ib&aff=256825&cl=252961" target="ejejcsingle">Here's where you get the recipe.</a> :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9601530022/" title="Paleo Fudge by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Paleo Fudge" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/9601530022_e7e8e21611_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other Paleo recipe testing, I made this <a href="http://www.practicalpaleo.blogspot.com/2011/06/primal-fudge.html">Primal Fudge from Practical Paleo</a>. I substituted peanut butter for the almond butter, and I swear... I just made a pile of Reece's Peanut Butter Cups!! They are SO GOOD.<br />
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Happy Baking!<br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-53023663638404518672013-08-20T09:34:00.000-05:002013-08-20T09:34:15.232-05:00Paulette, Paulette, Paulette<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9553317335/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/9553317335_9d46d2b315_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I am knitting away on my size 2 US needles with my fingering weight <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-en/yarn-color/browns/palette-yarn.html">Knit Picks Palette</a> yarn on 3 little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulette">Paulette Tunics</a>. The 6 month size took only one ball of Palette in the "Rose Hip" colorway - this one is for my very sweet and tiny God-daughter. Clare's is the "Opal Heather" colorway, and Helen's will be out of the "Iris Heather" which we have renamed "Looks like a Unicorn" colorway. knit. knit. knit. And, I wonder... how are<a href="http://daybreakdyeworks.wordpress.com/"> Dawn's</a> Paulettes for her girls coming along?DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-86108259404040557472013-08-19T09:23:00.002-05:002013-08-19T09:23:58.879-05:00A Little HandspunYesterday I completed my Daybreak Dyeworks Eggplant on BFL. It is so soft! 4 oz, 299 yards, 2 ply. It is more purple than the photo shows. Love this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9544657223/" title="Daybreak Dyeworks Eggplant on BFL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Daybreak Dyeworks Eggplant on BFL" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/9544657223_974d3154cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next up for spinning? Learning to <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/KSFEATff10glossary.php">Navajo Ply</a>.DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-55186665270034193192013-08-17T20:14:00.001-05:002013-08-17T20:14:32.641-05:00Spinning and Dreaming<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9524277044/" title="Daybreak Dyeworks Eggplant on BFL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Daybreak Dyeworks Eggplant on BFL" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/9524277044_0a4287a86e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Spinning is a great time to just sit and dream. The other day I moved my wheel outdoors to watch the girls play and chase frogs. I can't believe we are having this cool weather in August... I just have to be outside!<br />
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The fiber above is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks?section_id=13036976">Daybreak Dyeworks</a> in Eggplant on BFL. It is a part of Dawn's Farmer's Market Series. Just lovely... a perfect dreaming fiber.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9264491548/" title="Daybreak Dyeworks Farmer's Market BFL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Daybreak Dyeworks Farmer's Market BFL" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9264491548_4faf376886_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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All this outside time must be going to my head because I am thinking about taking another crack at gardening (a hobby I love but feel I am not quite right for!). And, we are researching chickens! The girls are thrilled about all the visits to baby chicks and backyard chickens as we gather knowledge from our friends who already care for flocks of their own. Helen keeps telling me we need to hurry and build our chicken house, and she is right! Let's do this before we wimp out!<br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-37877630326522596812013-08-16T08:02:00.000-05:002013-08-16T08:02:33.018-05:00Spicy Baked Sweet Potato ChipsDid you ever wonder how to make delicious sweet potato chips in your oven? Well wonder no more! It's easy, quick, and yum yum yummy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9516987182/" title="Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Chips by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Chips" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9516987182_0b078199bb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Chips</span></b><br />
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Preheat Oven 450F<br />
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THINLY slice 2 long and narrow sweet potatoes (don't get the big fat potatoes and expect similar results). In a large bowl stir the slices with 1/4th cup melted coconut oil.<br />
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Sprinkle with the spices of your choice and mix well. I used approximately:<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp cumin<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
1/4 tsp red cayenne pepper<br />
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Lay potatoes in a single layer on cookie sheets and bake at 450F for 10 minutes. Flip the the slices, rotate the pans in the oven, and bake for another 10 minutes. Watch carefully and remove pans early if they are starting to darken. The thinner the slices the faster they will cook. Let slices cool on pans, gently remove, and enjoy! About 4 servings.DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-32247387738640437692013-08-14T07:00:00.000-05:002013-08-14T07:00:03.503-05:00Things to Love: August 2013Here are a few of the little things I am enjoying right now:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9504053543/" title="Things to Love August 2013 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Things to Love August 2013" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9504053543_9ab85fdba5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>My $0.75 Thrift Store Mug: </b>I am not quite sure what it is about this mug I love... maybe it is the juicy oranges, or the French, or maybe the way my hand fits the handle...<br />
<b>The Fall 2013 Interweave Knits: </b>I love the changes made by the newest editor of Interweave knits - though I do miss the photo glossary... but the photos are beautiful and the patterns are lovely. I especially love the cover pattern and Concord Jacket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9381113376/" title="Cow Girl Stitch Markers by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Cow Girl Stitch Markers" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/9381113376_0d99bbec44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Custom Cowgirl Stitch Markers: </b>I have shown these before, but this dear friend just started a knitting podcast! Check her out -<a href="http://intertwinedstitches.wordpress.com/"> Intertwined Stitches</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9504050563/" title="Things to Love August 2013 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Things to Love August 2013" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/9504050563_98880a1fcb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Knit Picks Palette Yarn: </b>Purchased some of this yarn for a little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulette">Paulette Tunic</a> knitting (3 of them!). I love it and it's beautiful colors, soft heathers, and gentle ply.<br />
<b>Vintage Seed Packet Postage Stamps:</b> love these... must hurry back to the post office and buy enough to last forever.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9506845830/" title="Things to Love August 2013 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Things to Love August 2013" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9506845830_1ac37d7250_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Living History Farms: </b><a href="http://www.lhf.org/">The neatest history of farming you will ever experience</a>. Go to Iowa. Take your children... you will love it!<br />
<b>The Princess Bride: </b>I do not have the patience for fiction that I had as a teen and young adult, but reading this is taking my back to a place that I remember.<br />
<b>My Book Light: </b>Actually my mother's book light... a friendly companion when you are trying to knit in the car at 4 am.<br />
<b>Reproduction Scissors: </b>best souvenir ever. From Living History Farms.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9378325875/" title="Daybreak Dyeworks "Internet Celebrity" by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Daybreak Dyeworks "Internet Celebrity"" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9378325875_75ea509fd0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Daybreak Dyeworks Fiber: </b>Awesome lady, awesome dyer, awesome friend... lots of fun things in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daybreakdyeworks">Etsy Shop</a> too!<br />
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Enjoy the little things! Happy Spinning and Knitting!DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-48478470309471993142013-07-31T09:22:00.002-05:002013-07-31T09:23:57.438-05:00Multnomah for LaviniaFrom the start....<br />
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Beautiful Into the Whirled Superwash Merino in the Lavinia Colorway, a spin a long with Knitabulls podcast.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8916309612/" title="ITWKnitabullsDowntonSAL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="ITWKnitabullsDowntonSAL" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/8916309612_d79c5a2fde_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8977032271/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8977032271_a412ae7138_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9093240205/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/9093240205_1c9db627b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9133816549/" title="ITW SAL by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="ITW SAL" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/9133816549_4750b09f94_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9260937079/" title="ITW Multnomah 1.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="ITW Multnomah 1.0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9260937079_b291b2fb9a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9381113376/" title="Cow Girl Stitch Markers by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Cow Girl Stitch Markers" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/9381113376_0d99bbec44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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To the finish...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9406396701/" title="ITW Multnomah 2.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="ITW Multnomah 2.0" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/9406396701_9a1172061f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Lonestarknits/multnomah">Multnomah</a>DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676228542011746484.post-6073926436646215402013-06-22T16:03:00.001-05:002013-06-22T16:03:42.795-05:00Stash Dash, Tour de Fleece, and other stuff.I like the knitting community. I like talking about knitting, reading about knitting, listening about knitting, participating in group knitting. I like it. a lot.<br />
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I don't usually talk about "what's going on" that I am a part of, but right now is an exciting time in the world of knitting so here is what I am up to....<br />
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<b>1. Stash Dash</b><br />
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This is with the <a href="http://www.theknitgirllls.com/wordpress/">Knit Girllls</a>. They are pretty awesome and one of the first major "knitting podcasts" that really went wild. Every summer they host "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-knit-girllls/2584152">Stash Dash</a>". It is a challenge to finish projects and use up stash yarn and fiber. The goal this year is to knit/spin/crochet four kilometers of yarn! That is 4,375 yards! I have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-knit-girllls/2584152/126-150#139">already spun/knit 1,354</a>! I like this challenge because you can work on any project you want, and if you finish an old work in progress you get to count all the yardage! And, there are prizes - I like prizes!<br />
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<b>2. June Sweater KAL/ Must Stash Sweater KAL</b><br />
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There are always different KALs (Knit-Alongs) going on out there and usually they line up nicely with things I am already doing. The Knit Girllls are also hosting an<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-knit-girllls/2560377/"> "adult sized" sweater KAL</a> for the month of June - hence why I am knitting away on my caramel sweater. The <a href="http://muststashpodcast.com/">Must Stash podcast</a> is also having a<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/must-stash-podcast/2564778/"> sweater KAL</a>... so I get to double dip!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/9000541985/" title="Gray Caramel 2.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Gray Caramel 2.0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/9000541985_36402e8697_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Still the old photo! 1.5 sleeves left to knit!<br />
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<b>3. Tour de Fleece</b><br />
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This one is REALLY exciting. Now that I am spinning I am really looking forward to the Tour de France and the opportunity to "Spin Along" at home! You make personal goals, join teams, and enter your finished spun yarns in prize drawings... and you know I love prizes :) You can read all about it in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-fleece">Tour de Fleece Ravelry group</a>.<br />
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I am super excited to be joining my friend<a href="http://daybreakdyeworks.wordpress.com/tag/tour-de-fleece/"> Dawn </a>on her Daybreak Dyeworks team and spin up the fabulous team braid!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8988886758/" title="Untitled by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8988886758_0fd488ed29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
"Neon & Neutral" by Dawn of<a href="http://daybreakdyeworks.etsy.com/"> Daybreak Dyeworks</a><br />
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<b>4. Curious Collective Shawl</b><br />
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I have also been enjoying this fun little project... Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade is holding weekly voting on her blog for a <a href="http://www.curioushandmade.com/curious-collective-shawl-project/">Curious Collective Shawl Project</a>. We all get a vote on each aspect of the shawl and I can't wait to see (and knit!) the final design. Now I just need to get my hands on some <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-berroco/webs-knitting-yarns-berroco-ultra-alpaca-fine/?gclid=CKf4wY7F-LcCFehr7AodT08AQw">Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine</a>...<br />
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<b>5. My Other Groups...</b><br />
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I am a part of several wonderful Ravelry groups! I love getting to know other knitters (and spinners) and having the chance to do projects along with them. One group is busy knitting baby blankets for new arrivals... and I volunteered to seam one this summer. It is so pretty - I can't wait to show you the final result!<br />
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Also, my buddies in the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/knit-while-they-nap"> Knit While They Nap</a> group will be having a Christmas in July knitting celebration... we are all pulling out our new (and unfinished from last year!) knitting projects to work on in July and cheer each other on. I am looking forward to knitting some ornaments for our Christmas tree and maybe finish poor Clare's Christmas stocking!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonestarknits/8276265332/" title="Clare's Stocking 1.0 by lonestar.knits, on Flickr"><img alt="Clare's Stocking 1.0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8276265332_a12cc7007d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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If you are a mom with little ones (and you knit/crochet/spin - a little!) you need to join this group. These are wonderful and supportive ladies and when you have kids you need a creative outlet and a support group! We would love to welcome you (and did I say there were prizes? lol).<br />
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Happy knitting and spinning!<br />
<br />DFWKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02525429127252619304noreply@blogger.com1