tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:05:14 +0000A Diary of My Adventures into the World of Fiber, Fabric, & Painthttp://qessentiak.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Sharon)Blogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-6729424110301588164Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:48:00 +00002009-08-21T13:57:21.157+02:00Desiree's Table ClothOuma's ClapotisI've been working away at the Clapotis for my gran, and as you can see by the progress bar on the side, I'm about 60% done with it. I'm quite pleased with the result so far, but definitely think some serious blocking would make it look absolutely perfect.Also, I was chugging away at the border for my friend's tablecloth, so I have a bit of that done too. I put it aside for the Clapotis though. http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/08/for-postings-sake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-2519066335105971988Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:31:00 +00002009-08-21T13:58:33.909+02:00MiscellaneousOuma's ClapotisWho?Today is a sad day. I got a missed call on my mobile this morning from my dad. I called back and got the sad news that Oupa Les (recipient of the Who? hat) had passed away yesterday afternoon. So, unfortunately, there go my plans of making a matching scarf to give to him for Christmas. I will soon be getting the picture from my dad of him wearing it a mere 3 weeks ago, so that's some consolation http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-7486022790528512713Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:00:00 +00002009-06-09T19:10:00.922+02:00Desiree's Table ClothGolden Compass HatI forgot to add:I finished the Not-So-Bulky Golden Compass Hood that I was knitting for my sister. LOL, I wasn't able to wait for Christmas for this one either before giving it to her...Knitted up using two strands of sock yarn, it wasn't as bulky as it should have been, but I think it worked pretty well... and the important thing is that she's very happy with the end result.Also, I've finally http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/06/and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-6078958516005787550Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +00002009-06-09T18:14:57.219+02:00MiscellaneousWho?Things have been super busy on my side of the world. I just wish that it was all knitting related and not necessarily work related, lol.On the plus side, I did manage to finish the Who? hat, but unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the finished item before taking it through to my dad. You see, the plan was originally to make it for Oupa Les (my paternal grandfather) for Christmas. But, since http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/06/catch-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-641087348606112913Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:21:00 +00002009-02-18T07:30:42.723+02:00Desiree's Table ClothMiscellaneousWho?Golden Compass HatThis have been really busy around here! And I mean besides all the knitting that's going on, LOL.First onto the knitting...I've nearly finished the Not-So-Bulky Golden Compass Hood for Michelle, but instead of keeping it for a Christmas present, I'll be giving it as a birthday present instead. Not a problem though since I've already got something else lined up to take it's place in the Christmas http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-happening.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-7333673323410989113Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:25:00 +00002009-02-07T15:57:36.321+02:00Desiree's Table ClothChristmas KnittingWho?I'm really enjoying working with this Sirdar Legend DK yarn. I'll be honest and say that I wasn't exactly sure how this pattern would out, but I'm really happy with the results so far!Tonight I'm going to be watching DVD's at my friend's house, and I'll be taking along that lacy tablecloth that I've been working on since forever. I'm hoping to get into a rhythm on the side that I've now got to http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/02/who.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-8147528332179125989Sun, 01 Feb 2009 10:47:00 +00002009-02-01T13:06:26.971+02:00Crochet Sampler AfghanMy previous post talked about a Crochet Sampler Afghan (pdf file), and I've joined a Crochet-Along on Ravelry for this pattern which is going to be starting this first week in February (so there's still time to sign up if you want to join us).Why I'm posting again though, is because the same TV show that brought us the above pattern has also got a Knit Sampler Afghan (pdf file)! I really like http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/02/so-many-choices.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-3435468744758245383Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:37:00 +00002009-02-01T13:07:56.749+02:00Christmas KnittingCrochetCrochet Sampler AfghanI've done a bit of cleaning up and organizing on here, so things should go swimmingly from now on.I'm a little overwhelmed with all the goodies that I want to make for Christmas 2009, but I figure if I get started with it now already then it shouldn't be too bad. Thank goodness we've still got a whole winter to go through! I definitely wouldn't be making too much of a dent in the list if I had a http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/01/up-to-date.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-399237801484685816Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:15:00 +00002009-01-27T22:48:19.909+02:00Knitting GiftsDye GamesToilet Seat CoverHaving taken a 'more than long enough' break from anything creative, it's time to once again pick up the needles and get going! I wanted a pretty easy and mindless project for my reintroduction and so whipped up this little strip of knitting in a short amount of time.I got the stitch pattern from the Spin-Off (Summer 2008) magazine, but I found a free online version here (Morning Surf Scarf) if http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2009/01/back-to-needles.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-232755956771682056Sat, 19 Jul 2008 05:09:00 +00002008-07-19T07:44:36.850+02:00Henry ScarfMaltese HatYep, the scarf named Henry is finished! I'd actually forgotten how quickly something can knit up when you use a thicker yarn, and I'm glad I used it with this item or I most certainly wouldn't have been finished in time.I had a bit of a hard time getting it back from the recipient to take a picture of it *winks* but that's what you want to have happen when you give a gift to someone! LOLKnitting http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/07/im-henry-8th-i-am.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-2736469858392119363Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:57:00 +00002008-06-22T16:22:45.669+02:00Henry ScarfThe starting shot has been fired and the race is underway! I started knitting on Henry at the end of last week, and already I've joined in the second skein of yarn. I started with the plain yarn and am currently working with the tweedy type yarn.As you can see, I've shortened the number of row repeats considerably since it would look silly if the arrows went on for as many rows as what the http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/06/for-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-2023552780541291407Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:58:00 +00002008-06-14T15:07:23.840+02:00Henry ScarfI actually did a proper gauge swatch last night! And, instead of just measuring immediately, I mustered up the courage to cut the yarn! Today, I threw it in the wash with the rest of my load. The result...This was the thicker of the two yarns (Pingouin Traditional Aran Knit) that I'm going to be combining for the scarf. I love how the yarn has bloomed after the wash! I think I'm really going to http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/06/gauge-done.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-354215879938165372Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +00002008-06-14T15:27:21.640+02:00Yarn ShoppingHenry ScarfI've got a new project that has finally been decided and the yarn has been purchased! The color doesn't really show up too well on these pictures, but both yarn choices are sort of a denim type color. First up, we have a soft and smooshy 50% wool yarn...... followed by a tweed effect yarn in the same color, but it's a completely different brand!I think it's going to look stunning together!The http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-project.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-2837727582822587658Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:11:00 +00002008-06-09T07:24:36.948+02:00Millicent SocksKnitting GiftsDye GamesFinally I've got a picture of the end result! I was trying to go for a brown, but it's more of a rust color. It's not bad, but it's not completely what I was going for. I now just need to untangle the second skein, and then I'll finally be able to start knitting on those Millicent Cookie A. socks.I'm hoping that my gauge will be right for it, and I'll be checking that out tonight. In other news, http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/06/dyeing-results.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-5927139865426173152Wed, 28 May 2008 17:18:00 +00002008-05-28T19:59:27.881+02:00Dye GamesRAK'sI'm being completely spoiled here on my side of the world again. Not one, but two darling angels decided to send along a rainbow of color to me.Ok, ok... so the amount in the picture isn't exactly the amount that was received, but I couldn't resist trying out two or three of the flavors... just to see what they tasted like, lol. And, Heather sent along the cutest little stitch markers. I am in http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/05/lets-play.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-1232154335864986712Tue, 20 May 2008 18:13:00 +00002008-05-20T20:27:23.593+02:00SpinningBruce Alpaca FibreWell, technically I've reached the half-way mark on this one. But, the yarn is finished!I'm a little concerned that I might not have enough of this for the tam that I'm planning on knitting with it, but I'm so proud of myself for making a yarn that I'm going to use!!The light wasn't the best today with it being all overcast, but I had a treat when it decided to start with the lightning and http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/05/finished-product.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-6639986352650330174Sun, 18 May 2008 19:55:00 +00002008-05-18T21:55:39.526+02:00SewingPajama PillowRAK'sThings have certainly been very busy on this side of the world. I'll be starting at my new job on the 26th (Yay me!) and in the meantime, I've been very busy with the sewing needle.I finally did the final finishing on my convertible mittens, so no more worrying about the ends coming out from their hiding spot anymore! I also changed buttons on a shirt, fixed hems and seams, and a whole lot of http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/05/busy-times.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-1352886677692929177Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:09:00 +00002008-04-14T21:00:54.987+02:00Oil PaintingSpinningOh my goodness it's been a long time! I guess I was going through a little bit of a funk there with all the goodies that have been going on in my life, but I'm finally getting back into my various arts and it's time to start sharing it with the world at large again!Firstly, I painted a picture for a friend of mine to say thank you for the generosity that she's shown me. She and her hubby came to http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/04/inspiration-rediscovered.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-7416798175405013965Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:17:00 +00002008-03-18T20:22:56.743+02:00MiscellaneousI'm sorry that I've been so quiet around here. Résumé preparations and job interviews has been keeping me very busy on this side, so I haven't been knitting at all... not even a single stitch!I need to get my creative side going again here soon!http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/03/tsk.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-5600820153441597436Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:43:00 +00002008-03-04T20:55:37.226+02:00MiscellaneousSince I'd decided to throw out the other sweater, I decided that it was time to take a closer look at my closet. My very first sweater...Not a bad design... 3/4 sleeves, wide neck, stunning color.Just a few little problems... acrylic chunky yarn (way to hot for a 3/4 sleeve and it pilled something awful), very badly done short rows (sure, I could have reknit it, but since I only learned that a http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/03/purging.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-3923495762576579125Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:38:00 +00002008-02-26T16:37:04.225+02:00Tweed VestMiscellaneousRAK'sOn Sunday, I settled in to take apart the sweater that I've threatened to recycle for ages already. Remember the previous picture of the hole in the sleeve? Yep, the beige cashmere sweater that has been a little too small for me and that I've wanted to knit into something more fabulous that would actually fit!So, while my man was watching the A1 GP, I settled in with stitch pick in one hand and http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/02/floored.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-7053054082317884797Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:18:00 +00002008-02-22T12:16:57.952+02:00Tweed VestSpinningShame on me for not keeping you all up to date!!! I have been busy though, so at least I've something to write about. LOL. Besides the knitting and spinning that I've been up to, I've also discovered LibriVox which is a great place to get free audio books of most of the great classics out there! I've already downloaded and listened to The Secret Garden and am currently listening to Little Women. http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/02/month-of-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-8731719774511766835Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:44:00 +00002008-02-07T09:34:42.663+02:00MiscellaneousRAK'swhile I have a heart attack!I had a pretty standard morning... overslept slightly, got dressed and had my morning coffee, gathered my things together to leave, and then I had the heart attack.Last night I had left my beige cashmere sweater on the couch instead of putting it away. This morning, as I was packing up my things, I happened to glanced at the sweater and noticed the following on the http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/02/please-excuse-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-4559038820748629934Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:01:00 +00002008-02-04T11:44:04.348+02:00Oil PaintingDesiree's Table ClothSpinningI'm so excited!I have finally reached the half-way point on the body of the table cloth that I'm making for my friend! And, I've also reached the end of the first ball of yarn!I'm particularly excited about how this has worked out because now the spot where I join the new ball is going to be neatly hidden in the corner of the table cloth. Plus, it also means that I'll only be using one ball for http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/02/getting-antsy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18197313.post-4430490876976340135Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:48:00 +00002008-01-29T21:04:53.038+02:00Desiree's Table ClothChristmas KnittingSpinningIt can seem to be a very nasty word sometimes... "Discipline"... especially to me since I like to think of myself as arty, creative, and inspired by things around me. But, I have found that bringing structure and routine into my life has been beneficial to my creativity! I'm not completely into a routine yet (or I would have blogged a bit earlier than today), but things are going along better. http://qessentiak.blogspot.com/2008/01/discipline.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sharon)2