tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59125995985675640922024-03-13T23:13:50.417-07:00Small Town Knit GuyRusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-35760192558734963512015-01-03T04:23:00.001-08:002015-01-03T04:23:47.857-08:00New Year, New Resolutions, New Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For my followers, this post details why it has been a while since I have blogged. I hope to continue this year about once a week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>So for the past couple of years, the knitting and crochet business has slowed down, but orders have snowballed. By that I mean that I haven't sold a great deal at craft shows, however, people have been keeping me busy with repairs, orders, and other things yarn related. I am not sure when I have completed something for myself. So I had to make some decisions, since I stopped taking requests/orders and have almost completed the items owed. <div><br></div><div>1. This year, 2015, is the year of knitting for me. I may still make something for friends, but it will be my choice of pattern, yarn, skillset. This way I can learn some things I want to learn and I don't feel obligated because I am on a deadline and getting paid. I also get to knit some things for myself that I have been hoarding for several years. (And find time to blog about what I am making.)</div><div><br></div><div>2. NO MORE ORDERS. Knitting is not as much fun when you feel the pressure to complete something because you are getting paid to make a beautiful shawl, but in department store acrylic yarn. (For those of you who are non knitters, to me it is like making a ball gown out of burlap.)</div><div><br></div><div>3. I also needed to make time in the mornings for myself. I wake up at least an hour before everyone else in my house. With all the orders and repairs, I had been using that hour to work on projects and fill orders. Now that I am (almost) done, I hope to return to my routine of exercising to get back in shape. It takes a lot less yarn to knit a medium size sweater, than a large or XL. </div><div><br></div><div>All this being said I want to leave you with my crowning achievement this year. It is called the Robin Hood Jacket and was my first seamed sweater. I learned a great deal while making this sweater. The biggest lesson was sometimes you have to rewrite the pattern to get each section pattern stitches from different pages. A chart for this sweater would have been invaluable, since the patter was made up of cable sections which were on 2-3 different pages of the pattern. All in all it was a great knit and I can't wait to make a grown up sized sweater.</div><div><br></div><div>Close up of cable details.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6EWJnatWDUA/VKffNCgiukI/AAAAAAAAEts/T770vgy5xsA/s640/blogger-image-1685542322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6EWJnatWDUA/VKffNCgiukI/AAAAAAAAEts/T770vgy5xsA/s640/blogger-image-1685542322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back of sweater.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6EWJnatWDUA/VKffNCgiukI/AAAAAAAAEts/T770vgy5xsA/s640/blogger-image-1685542322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6EWJnatWDUA/VKffNCgiukI/AAAAAAAAEts/T770vgy5xsA/s640/blogger-image-1685542322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfNGad5gDBc/VKffORqexAI/AAAAAAAAEt0/-CgQNpmTeG8/s640/blogger-image--2084712678.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Front of sweater.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6EWJnatWDUA/VKffNCgiukI/AAAAAAAAEts/T770vgy5xsA/s640/blogger-image-1685542322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-haGDvgaxePw/VKffMJQn2yI/AAAAAAAAEtk/rj8aPaCilN8/s640/blogger-image-1070123577.jpg"></a></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><br></font></div></div></div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-13075177735294645442013-10-24T03:56:00.000-07:002013-10-24T03:56:12.719-07:00Green Sheep<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently our library had a community night and invited people to come and share with those who came to visit. They had hot dogs, free school supplies, and lots of activities. I decided to go and spin because I have met many of my fiber friends at the library. <br />
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One lady was very inquisitive. "What are you doing?" she asked.<br />
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"Spinning yarn," I reply.<br />
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"Is that insulation?"<br />
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"No it is wool," I say."<br />
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"From sheep?"<br />
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"Yes"<br />
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"Where do they get green sheep?" she asks. <br />
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Trying not to laugh, I tell her,<br />
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"Uh, they dye the wool after they shear the sheep."<br />
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"OH," she exclaims.<br />
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She stood and watched a few more minutes and thanked me.<br />
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I am still looking for a green sheep.<br />
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-21702222508578528832013-09-03T01:54:00.000-07:002013-09-03T01:54:25.197-07:00A Labor (Day) of Love, My Spinning Through One Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it has been just over 4 years ago that I attended the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat in Seattle, WA. My wife won the trip for me and it was a life changing event. This past weekend was this years retreat for the West Coast and I one day wish to return. While there I learned to drop spindle spin. I practiced for several years, but it takes some time to get enough yarn to make something. I will say that I now own 3 drop spindles (2 for use and 1 for decoration). It is easy and portable and I love to take it places with me when I can. <br />
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About a year and a half ago I took my first spinning class, using a wheel at the Carolina Fiber Fest. The yarn I made was awful, but usable and I still have it in a hank, in a basket to use to show as my first. After taking the class a friend loaned me her grandmother's wheel and I practiced over last summer. This is what I got:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spun on 100 year old wheel.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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I bought a spinning wheel from Craig's list just over a year ago and began to practice. My wife and I went to Maryland Sheep and Wool. I bought some multicolor fiber with my daughter in mind:<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still has quite a few extra twists in it.</td></tr>
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<br />I had some Tunis wool that I continued to practice with and here is the result. I find the Tunis a little harder to spin, but is good for practice.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunis, less twist, but thick and thin. I think it is better.</td></tr>
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<br />Over this summer I think I have practiced well. This is the first result of this summer's spinning. It is Mountain Colors BFL plied with Pagewood Farms Pencil Roving:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was very proud and had some single left over:</div>
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Just this week I finished some Sweet Georgia Roving plied again with some Pagewood Farm pencil roving. I am thrilled at the results:</div>
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Orange is my favorite color and these are great fall colors. I love the results and it came out basically even so that I only had about 6 inches of the pencil roving left after plying.</div>
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So finally here is a comparison:</div>
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What a journey! In just over a year I have handspun yarn I am very proud to display. </div>
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I also completed my first project from my handspun. It is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fenced-in">Fenced In</a> hat and I loved making it. </div>
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Hope you enjoy my journey.</div>
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-43438645753148146362013-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:002013-08-09T14:33:46.734-07:00My Mountain Hat Contest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So about a month ago I noticed on Facebook that there was a contest for hats. I love to knit hats. So I asked for the yarn to be sent and this is what evolved. The idea is to knit a hat which will convey an idea about "Your Mountain" (something you have to overcome in life). Each hat has some meaning for me. I will tell you about each one.</div>
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This is the Spiral Cap. It reminds me of the times when I am running from Soccer to Volleyball to work to church to...</div>
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(you get the idea). To recenter myself and stop the spiral I just look at that cute face under the cap (my son Avery is </div>
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modeling).</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcI5S3BEuEw/UgVah1qmaVI/AAAAAAAACfQ/yjR3qn_g3yE/s1600/DSCF3021.JPG" height="240" width="320" />Next up is the Slalom Cap. The cable pattern of this hat symbolizes when I am dodging all that life is trying to throw at me at one time. Fortunately I have a loving an supportive family to help get to the bottom of the slope. My very crafty daughter, Eleanor is modelling.</div>
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This is the Super Stripey Slouch. It reminds me <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDmKl5sHtJs/UgVamZYRmuI/AAAAAAAACfY/nfprZAZyGtQ/s1600/DSCF3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDmKl5sHtJs/UgVamZYRmuI/AAAAAAAACfY/nfprZAZyGtQ/s1600/DSCF3022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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of those days when you just need to be lazy. I love a rainy, slouchy day when all I want to do is knit and get caught up on projects.</div>
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Finally we have the Life's Ups, Downs, and Rounds Hat. Just like my unconventional life, I constructed this hat in an unconventional way. The secret will be given away in the pattern (it is quite easy). It is my favorite of the 4 hats and I will enjoy wearing it this winter. <br />
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All the patterns for the hats will be coming soon. Wish me luck in the contest! </div>
Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-44218529442305228372013-06-18T04:01:00.001-07:002013-06-18T04:18:11.261-07:00World Wide Knit In Public<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past Saturday I had the great opportunity to organize and participate in a Knit in Public event. Andrea, owner of The Yarn Club, Inc. in Virginia Beach, VA, wanted to do something for this event, but would be dealing with her daughter's graduation that week. My wife did some investigating and found a great venue. Town Center in Virginia Beach would be having their monthly, Town Fair event on Saturday, June 15. I called the organizers and they offered us a spot without a fee because we were there for demonstrations and not profit. <br />
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When we arrived, we got center stage, literally.<br />
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We were given a spot right in front of the fountain to enjoy a cool breeze and an occasional spray from the fountain. Here we are just after set up. </div>
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Hazel and Heather enjoyed chatting as Hazel drafted some fiber for spinning and Heather worked on fingerless mitts for her sister.</div>
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Brittany worked on some fiber to spin on her drop spindle as well. As the time passed our group grew:</div>
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There were about 12 of us coming and going through the 3 hour period. It was great to connect with new fiber enthusiasts, friends we haven't seen in a while, and enjoy each other's company. </div>
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As you can see there was a nice breeze to keep us comfortable through the event. Hazel was drafting more fiber to spin. </div>
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Here I am, Mr. Organizer, beside the banner I made for the event. I did not add a date to the banner so I could use it in year's to com. We all had a great time and enjoyed our time to share fiber arts with the community. </div>
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1Virginia Beach, VA, USA36.8529263 -75.9779849999999936.4458893 -76.623432 37.2599633 -75.332537999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-23519679976668752092013-06-06T05:51:00.000-07:002013-06-06T05:51:09.426-07:00Almost 2 years in the makingWhen I started to do a blog post yesterday, I noticed that this was the last blog post that I had tried to do before life went spinning out of control. The picture below is of my Herbivore, made from Regia Hand Dye Effect. (It looks much better with my burnt orange henly shirt.) I started it over 2 years ago and decided that it would be my project for the Ravellenic Games last summer. I entered it in the Works in Progress Wrestling category. Since it is made with fingering weight yarn, and begins with a garter tab cast on technique, it seemed as though it was taking forever to knit this piece. After 3-4 days of knitting, I picked the pattern back up and read "knit until @ 12 inches deep from cast on." So I measured and had 13" from cast on. I knit the last 3 rows, bound off and have gotten tons of compliments every time I wear it. I probably could have sold it for a huge price at a yarn store event last fall to a woman who did not knit but was there with her friends. (She told the shop owner she wanted her to make one for her as a gift.) Since completing this scarf, I have started another Stephen West pattern for this fall season. It is the Boneyard Shawl, and I am knitting it in 100% alpaca that I got from a local farm. I hope to work on it this summer, so it will be blocked and ready when the cooler weather of fall is upon us. I am including another picture of my Herbivore, all spread out, below. Enjoy!<br />
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-85339556008288995762013-06-05T05:10:00.001-07:002013-06-05T09:34:03.329-07:00Spinning Out of ControlLast August, the day before teachers went back to school, I bought a spinning wheel for myself. I had wanted one for quite a while, done some research, and used my birthday money to get a steal of a deal on a Majacraft Saxonie. I was so excited to start using the wheel, then school started...This has been a particularly stressful year for me as a teacher. Between implementing the new Common Core curriculum, learning to do DIBELS reading assessments, a new math assessment, and taking care of my own family there has not been a great deal of time for knitting or spinning for myself. As the school year is winding down, I am trying to find time to do some of the things I really enjoy. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered some new tension springs for the wheel and installed one as soon as they arrived. (BTW The Woolery is a great place to order your fiber supplies. Prices are great and the shipping is very fast if the items are in stock.) <div><br></div><div>It took a little practice to get used to the new spring, but I got better over Memorial Day weekend. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8QfqkhVl7ac/Ua9oeLnpZfI/AAAAAAAACdQ/hfV-L3EOisM/s640/blogger-image--1408612032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8QfqkhVl7ac/Ua9oeLnpZfI/AAAAAAAACdQ/hfV-L3EOisM/s640/blogger-image--1408612032.jpg"></a></div>Here I am at Twin Lakes Campground with my family and parents. It was so nice to be sitting outside with beautiful weather, family that I love, and wool that I had been longing to spin for over a year. It is wool from Tunis sheep, the same kind of sheep that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson raised on their farms. I am hoping to continue to practice spinning it, dyeing it, and knitting something beautiful from it. Starting Monday I should have a lot more time to knit, spin, and even do a little crochet. </div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-65932403777388377462012-09-27T13:45:00.002-07:002012-09-27T13:47:30.704-07:00Men Who Knit on Dr. Oz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So a couple of weeks ago after a long, not so great day at work, I came home to an odd message on my answering machine. The long and short of the message was that the Dr. Oz show was doing a segment on Men Who Knit and they wanted to use some of my photos and information. I spent the evening emailing pictures and talking back and forth with Hali in NY, one of the shows producers. I sent her pics of the Southeast Men's Knitting Retreat, finished projects, and contacted a few friends to send pics as well. (The segment was taping on Friday and this was late Wednesday evening, so I could not get in touch with as many friends as I wanted.) <br />
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So today I get an email from Hali and the segment will air on Wednesday, October 3rd. Set your DVR and call your friends to see about the health benefits of knitting and to see a bunch of men who love to knit. Hope this gets the knitting world and the male knitters a lot of positive press!</div>
Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-9804082185041850562012-07-22T04:31:00.001-07:002012-07-22T04:37:49.854-07:00Going Back in Time...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I see that my last post was 3 months ago and I need to tell you that Heather and I have done quite a few things since then. I will begin with the wonderful Soxperience on Chincoteague Island. We spent a wonderful camping weekend on the island and had a great time learning new sock techniques with <a href="http://www.wendyknits.net/">Wendy Johnson.</a><br />
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I have often avoided socks due to the complexity of the heel, picking up stitches, and holes that always seem to show up at the joins. Well I can safely say now that I will be making more socks, am working on a pair currently (pics coming soon), and designed a pattern at the retreat (pattern coming soon). Thanks to Wendy for a wonderful weekend and thanks to Caroline, Dan, and Melissa with <a href="http://www.carodanfarm.com/">Carodan Farm Wool Shop</a> for hosting Soxperience.</div>
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While on the island the kids enjoyed lots of fun days with Heather's mom and dad. They earned their Ranger Badges, held whale bones, and got to see the cowboys round up po<span style="background-color: white;">nies for vet checks: </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB5tyL30BUo/UAvg63v8R3I/AAAAAAAAB7U/IMB1ldyHC74/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB5tyL30BUo/UAvg63v8R3I/AAAAAAAAB7U/IMB1ldyHC74/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wendy also indulged my "fan-ness" by allowing Eleanor to have her picture taken with her. </div>
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The hotel on the island had no recycling (which we thought was unusual). Wendy asked us to take her bottles home to recycle (we were collecting to take home with us as we discussed the islands commitment to renewal and clean living). Here are the bottles:</div>
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I wonder if there are any Wendy groupies who would buy these on ebay?</div>
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-29623924855067892302012-04-10T16:22:00.000-07:002013-06-06T08:01:53.860-07:00Trying to boost my popularity.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So a couple of sites that promote my free patterns are having a contest. All I have to do is post links to their site and they will promote my blog and site. So I am posting here and at my business site:<br />
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<a href="http://www.stitchingforewe.com/">www.stitchingforewe.com</a><br />
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I am also adding these sites to the favorites at the side because they truly are great sites to find patterns.<br />
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The first is:<br />
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<a href="http://www.allfreeknitting.com/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lu9EfdxmWcM/T4S_JpFj2QI/AAAAAAAABw0/K_Wnk9HIDXM/s1600/featured125X125.gif" /></a></div>
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They have featured several of my patterns and there are quite a few great patterns organized by type for you there.</div>
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The next site is:</div>
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-7n8Xsx01k/T4TAHpcWfDI/AAAAAAAABw8/QSEbbHSRp0A/s1600/featured-on-button.jpg" /></a></div>
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For those of you who don't knit, this site has plenty of other crafts for you to enjoy.</div>
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So if you are crafty, check out one or both of these sites. I'm sure you'll find something that you will enjoy!</div>
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Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-48981792630685053202012-04-04T11:22:00.000-07:002012-04-04T11:22:22.650-07:00Finally sharing South East Men's Knitting Retreat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So as I am trying to slow down just a bit I thought it would be nice to share the details of the first annual South East Men's Knitting Retreat. If you are unfamiliar with these retreats, please visit the site for <a href="http://www.mensknittingretreat.com/">Men's Knitting Retreats</a>. You will find lots of info, pics, and reasons why these wonderful retreats were started.<br />
I shall first start with the Venue. I searched the internet for a few months before deciding on <a href="http://www.asburyhills.org/">Asbury Hills Retreat Center</a>. I will give you a scenery sneak peak:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RcWaFjNRS8/T3tBtrjSeQI/AAAAAAAABi8/XIFYBQFEzZ4/s1600/DSCF1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RcWaFjNRS8/T3tBtrjSeQI/AAAAAAAABi8/XIFYBQFEzZ4/s320/DSCF1343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Center was just above Greenville, SC in the mountains. To say it was beautiful is an understatement. I have more pictures and I will put a link to the album at the end of this post.<br />
Many had arrived when I got to the center (I got stuck in traffic in Greenville) and were ready to check in. This is the view inside our "Cabins":<br />
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Some rooms were private, and others could accommodate up to 3. They were lovely well kept rooms.<br />
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Friday: <br />
The first evening, after a wonderful meal, I hosted the "I'm dyeing to meet you workshop." We all were given mini hanks of yarn to dye in crock pots courtesy of Sheila Trunzo at "<a href="http://www.wool2dye4.com/">Wool 2 Dye 4</a>." We used unsweetened drink mix to create lovely hanks of blue, green, orange, and red mini hanks. Doug even dyed his hank green and red variegated. After the workshop we retreated to some living quarters to knit and talk together.<br />
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Saturday: <br />
The center treated us to a wonderful breakfast buffet, after which we started class with Steve Tracewell. Steve took the morning to teach us toe up socks, magic loop style with a fleegle heel.<br />
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After lunch we loaded up in several cars and headed to <a href="http://www.northwoodsfarmyarnshop.com/">North Woods Farm and Yarn Shop</a>. The owners Teri and Larry Gabric treated us to a tour of their Mill, Farm, and Yarn Shop. They were very gracious hosts and I learned a great deal about fiber, spinning, machines and more. Even with the proper equipment, a great deal of work goes into the production of a great yarn. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N80pUpSeBQ4/T3tD-Y3HhrI/AAAAAAAABmc/o8TkIPnX9Fg/s1600/DSCF1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N80pUpSeBQ4/T3tD-Y3HhrI/AAAAAAAABmc/o8TkIPnX9Fg/s320/DSCF1370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We returned to the Retreat center for dinner and yet another class. This one was my foray into Fair Isle. We practiced knitting a swatch in Fair Isle and how to manage 2 yarns, trap the yarn, and carry it so it is not too tight. <br />
We then had show and tell. Here is a preview:<br />
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After class we enjoyed knitting and a movie in the "lodge". <br />
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Sunday:<br />
Such a short weekend! :( We had another great breakfast and then were treated to a lesson in Twined Knitting by Charles Gandy. I can safely say I need a lot of practice and maybe a few more lessons. The results are gorgeous. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDZwZUy-azs/T3tGVWDW11I/AAAAAAAABpk/Kt6u849tHhw/s1600/DSCF1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDZwZUy-azs/T3tGVWDW11I/AAAAAAAABpk/Kt6u849tHhw/s320/DSCF1396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We said our goodbyes and all headed back home just before lunch. I am very geared up for this year to be even more fun!<br />
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To see more pics click here: <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/118044554438141593662/albums/5727243604445960673">SEMKR 2012 Photo Album</a><br />
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My friend Joseph also took pics: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/gp/66056304@N03/i1gxee/">Joseph's Album</a><br />
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</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-34165802323695513012012-04-03T11:15:00.000-07:002012-04-03T11:15:46.382-07:00Way too long....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I know you are probably wondering where has Small Town Knit Guy been? <br />
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Why have his blog posts been so few and far between? <br />
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I am going to try to answer these questions and elaborate on the past 5 months over the next few blog posts. To start with here is a question for you:<br />
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Have you seen one of these?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR9RI2bYp30/T3s4DUD5nUI/AAAAAAAABiw/-ZaaeugUX8s/s1600/DSCF1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OR9RI2bYp30/T3s4DUD5nUI/AAAAAAAABiw/-ZaaeugUX8s/s320/DSCF1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>If you knit or crochet chances are you probably have. I have been "tangled up" in the latest scarf craze. On November 17, 2011, my wife and I took all our knit and crochet "wares" to the annual Bazaar at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie, NC.<br />
Since then we have had non-stop orders for scarves, baby buntings, baby sweaters, and more. Our "on the side" business has made us enough money to attend a weekend Knitting Retreat and purchase the kind of yarn with which we like to knit things for ourselves. We have also started our own website:<br />
<a href="http://www.stitchingforewe.com/">Stitching for Ewe</a> . We have been teaching regularly and I have not designed anything in months. (I still have several ideas in my head, I just have to get them down on paper.) There have also been several other things going on. <br />
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In November I coordinated the first ever South East Men's Knitting Retreat. I plan to write about those three wonderful days over the next week to let you all know what a wonderful time we had and to share pictures.<br />
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So between knitting orders for people, teaching, knitting very little for myself, and working my full time job, I almost forgot about this blog. I hope this will help me get back to my blogging.<br />
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Next week is Easter/Spring Break for those of us who chose to be teachers. I am hoping to get in a lot of knitting, blogging, and designing while I am resting and taking a week off. If you get some time off, I hope you enjoy it immensely and check out our new website above. <br />
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I'll return soon with an entry about the SEMKR (South East Men's Knitting Retreat).<br />
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Take some time to knit today.</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-65251420370493315702012-01-25T02:19:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:46:43.070-08:00I won! and 2 Free Patterns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
I was very excited to learn that I won Wendy Johnson's latest giveaway on her blog <a href="http://wendyknits.net/">Wendy Knits</a>. She gives away great things, but this one I really wanted because of its usefulness to me. What is it you ask? Wendy calls it the Knitter's Butler. You can see pics of it here:<br />
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<a href="http://jordanapaige.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=52">Jordana Paige Crafter's Butler</a><br />
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I can't wait for it to arrive in the mail next week!<br />
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Our business is really taking off. You can keep up with us on Facebook at "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stitching-for-Ewe/206444752780418">Stitching for Ewe</a>."<br />
We have several teaching gigs, workshops, and trips planned for the spring. <br />
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So my wife and I taught Beginning Knit and Beginning crochet at a local Craft Shop last weekend.<br />
Here are links to the patterns we taught:<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hMXu-O80KwnC7pyAAx7PknV2ZBZRImJQqdhwp5M_lsU/edit">Garter Stripes Scarf (Knit)</a> designed and knit by myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cp4_PJHAAtOQsBe9L-9SZXz9t5IbSdzw--tO2CtWi1kPJEI8XXlRQwXUiC7ViiZgREJpkYd-vPJ7lAo4CVVEwQjoMpMV2FpYcL8hJHeUeurH4HtSMQY" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.5698023374472588" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cp4_PJHAAtOQsBe9L-9SZXz9t5IbSdzw--tO2CtWi1kPJEI8XXlRQwXUiC7ViiZgREJpkYd-vPJ7lAo4CVVEwQjoMpMV2FpYcL8hJHeUeurH4HtSMQY" width="285px;" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/19pS5yNowb9w0cWqC7CJpQoagPmI9Qck_u3AgksgsK6w/edit">Perforation Scarf (Crochet)</a> designed and crocheted by my wife, the wonderful Heather Boyd.<br />
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Enjoy the patterns! More news coming soon!<br />
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</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-11222612626468714602012-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:32:07.030-08:00Buy One, Get One Free Wool Ease Thick and Quick at Michael's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://weeklyad.michaels.com/?storeId=4803&promotionCode=Michaels-120108">http://weeklyad.michaels.com/?storeId=4803&promotionCode=Michaels-120108</a></div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-17430138950016241192012-01-05T10:38:00.000-08:002012-01-05T10:38:00.088-08:00What a Year, What a Past Month, and Free Pattern!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I guess I am late with the great things that have happened to me this past year. I will try to be brief in mentioning them by the month for 2011. I will also include a link to my latest scarf pattern at the end of the post. Here we go:<br />
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January: Took it slow this month after a marathon of knitting to get my first design in the mail for publication. It is available now from Skacel Collection in a book form with other patterns called <a href="http://www.flyingfingers.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6893">Simplicity Volume 3: Men's</a>. It is a beanie, scarf, and fingerless mitts, all completely reversible and visible on the cover of the book. My wife and I enjoyed a weekend at a working horse farm in Tappahannock, VA. I designed the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clydesdale-cowl">Clydesdale Cowl</a> while we were there.<br />
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February and March: Knitting and Planning for the first Keeping You in Stitches retreat.<br />
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April: I participate in Alpaca Shearing at Beech Springs Alpacas. I learn a great deal and buy a share of the shearing. At the end of Easter Week, my wife and I, along with Claudia Morris, owner of <a href="http://southernpurls.com/">Southern Purls</a>, held the first ever Knitting Retreat in Murfreesboro, NC. We had 5 attendees and a great time.<br />
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May: The end of the school year/ Testing allowed us only knitting time. <br />
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June: Vacation arrives! One of my favorite shops had a fabulous sale and I went on a great yarn shopping excursion.<br />
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July: Family vacation and news that another pattern was to be published! The Shifting Sands Scarf and Mitts set was published in the Love of Knitting Winter issue and is available now!<br />
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August: Another pattern! Love of Knitting Magazine will publish the Rustic Herringbone belt in the first issue of 2012! Oh, and I officially became over the hill.<br />
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September: School is back in session. Knitting in the evening relaxes me. It is going to be a long school year.<br />
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October: I meet Sally Melville. For a belated birthday present I got to take 3 classes with Sally in Virginia Beach. I started my first Fair Isle project, a hat for myself.<br />
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November: A long six months of planning comes to fruition as the first ever South East Men's Knitting Retreat is held in Cleveland, SC. We had 16 men attend from Georgia, Virginia, SC, and NC. We are all looking forward to an even longer retreat next year.<br />
The week after the retreat My wife and I participated in an annual Bazaar. We made a nice chunk of money and decided to begin our own finished project business. <br />
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December: Since the Bazaar we have had non-stop orders for knitted and crocheted items. We have been able to start an account for our business and will be able to attend several fiber events in the new year! We are looking forward to a very successful 2012.<br />
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And here is the link to the free pattern!<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hMXu-O80KwnC7pyAAx7PknV2ZBZRImJQqdhwp5M_lsU/edit">Garter Stripes Scarf Pattern</a><br />
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Enjoy the free pattern and Happy 2012!<br />
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</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-63332995101811403262011-11-29T11:27:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:30:12.740-08:00Carolina Fiber Festival-Men's Fiber Meet Up and Shameless Promotion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out my newest published pattern in Love of Knitting Magazine's Winter 2011 issue. Here are some preview pics!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ-sGdY_kDw/TtUyTBhR5DI/AAAAAAAABX8/GJqTI3togKY/s320/mitts.jpg" width="240" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7iL_4CIBX0/TtUyXre7c4I/AAAAAAAABYE/0lQJH1xWCnE/s1600/scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7iL_4CIBX0/TtUyXre7c4I/AAAAAAAABYE/0lQJH1xWCnE/s320/scarf.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/?q=node%2F12396#.TtUyDdyfsUc.blogger">Carolina Fiber Festival-Men's Fiber Meet Up and Shameless Promotion</a></div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-52230680844955766292011-11-22T06:42:00.000-08:002011-11-22T08:32:52.273-08:00Wisdom from Whoopi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend with my in-laws so that I could take some classes with Sally Melville in the Virginia Beach area. On Saturday night after my second class, my mother-in-law was watching Sister Act 2. In one scene Whoopi tells the main teenage character, "When you wake up in the morning, if all you can think about is singing, you are a singer." I have decided that this was a great piece of wisdom and took it to heart. I AM A KNITTER! I wake up in the morning thinking about which project I am going to work on. I go to sleep at night thinking of yarns from my stash and what I can make with them. I knit in the car, in meetings, while watching TV, and sometimes at church. I have designed scarves, hats, fingerless mitts, and shawls. Thank you to my mom and Great Aunt Elsie for passing this tradition down to me and my family. Thank you to all those who acknowledge my work, publish my work, and wear my work. I am blessed to have a supportive family and hope to continue to knit for many years to come.<br />
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Stay tuned for 2 hat patterns coming soon. One will be listed here for free to match a recently published pattern of mine in Love of Knitting Magazine. The second will be a paid pattern available from Ravelry which I completed as a commission for a friend. Both are chunky, quick knits which will make great gifts for Christmas, Chanukah, or other special occasion. I hope to have them up by end of Thanksgiving weekend. <br />
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</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-21906207804519569462011-10-26T11:21:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:21:41.530-07:00Sally Melville, New Friends, Renewed Spirit<a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/?q=node%2F12304#.TqhPq1DvBfY.blogger">Sally Melville, New Friends, Renewed Spirit</a>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-78855440779556655672011-10-14T09:40:00.000-07:002011-10-14T09:40:51.644-07:00My Son the Fiber Scientist<a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/?q=node%2F12273#.TphmCVSjd3o.blogger">My Son the Fiber Scientist</a>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-51273745302093981952011-09-13T18:11:00.000-07:002011-09-13T18:11:26.732-07:00Mood Booster!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I checked my email tonight as I was watching my son take his very first Karate lesson and got a huge mood booster. (If you are wondering about my mood, let's just say it has been a hellacious start to the school year and I don't know if it is going to get any better....) <br />
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So back to the mood booster, I opened the email from Knit Picky Patterns (<a href="http://www.allfreeknitting.com/">All Free Knitting</a>) and scrolled through the patterns that were featured. None of the featured patterns were mine. So I checked the Featured Designer of the Week (I like to see other people's ideas and patterns too) and guess who's picture was there?<br />
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I was very happy indeed. They also showed my Peppermint Hot CoCowl which you can link to from this blog (check the free patterns at the side). I am hoping that this will help me stay on Cloud nine this week. Thanks Knit Picky Patterns. </div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-14717264086143562482011-08-24T18:31:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:31:11.148-07:00All shook up, first day, and IreneSo yesterday I experienced an earthquake for the first time in my life. It was only 15 seconds but a scary 15 seconds. There was no damage in my area, but some of my friends in the Fredericksberg, VA area had minor damage (Knicks knacks & pictures). There was enough damage to close some schools in that area on opening day. <br />
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So tomorrow is the first day of school for us in NC. I am returning to teaching Language Arts and Social Studies after spending 3 years teaching Saxon Math. Our school is also implementing the new common core standards which seems to be a nationwide movement. I have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks which means less knitting time. :(<br />
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Finally, after the stress of getting my classroom set up, returning to teaching a subject I haven't taught in a few years, and a minor earthquake, we are also preparing for a hurricane.<br />
Irene is scheduled to make landfall late Friday-early Saturday. School systems are already closing on the Carolina Coast. Wow! I think I am ready for Labor Day/long weekend and the kids are not back yet. <br />
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While we wait out the storm this weekend, I will post some pics of my latest knitting. (Lord willing, the creek don't rise, and the power stays on.) I finished my first Westknits pattern, a cowl, and a few more objects of late. Check back soon!<br />
Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-80670939318252132152011-08-09T04:23:00.000-07:002011-08-11T01:46:26.068-07:00Free Pattern as Promised<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As promised I have posted the pattern for the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/189V4KxAXo0a8AxjA8lodNm896rLk4TYrA-tN9M-tnrc/edit?hl=en_US">Fuzzy Braided Cable Scarf</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59zqQ8NkQuc/TkG5TbhYL1I/AAAAAAAABV4/FKa7tFJv8FA/s1600/DSCF1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59zqQ8NkQuc/TkG5TbhYL1I/AAAAAAAABV4/FKa7tFJv8FA/s320/DSCF1058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am going to update it soon to include a cowl version in gray. I got the yarn on Friday to complete this. I also have added a new link box to the side which includes my first two patterns for sale on Ravelry. The first is a pattern I wrote about in January, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clydesdale-cowl">Clydesdale Cowl</a>. I have included a picture of the finished project below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eBaLlYBzkk/TkEWJE20ElI/AAAAAAAABVw/0XF6qqiEX_g/s1600/2011-04-12+06.39.39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eBaLlYBzkk/TkEWJE20ElI/AAAAAAAABVw/0XF6qqiEX_g/s320/2011-04-12+06.39.39-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is a quick and easy knit and very dramatic worn with white as shown or a black coat. It is also large enough to wear loose around the neck with a little drape.<br />
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The next pattern for sale is a Stole I created for a friends retirement. She is hopefully going to get it today. It is called the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/walk-on-the-beach-stole">Walk on the Beach Stole</a>. It is also a quick and easy knit and makes great use of thick and thin yarn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYtSz728Dms/TkEXzBTXFBI/AAAAAAAABV0/mx96XYHMXfI/s1600/phpQTOxbsAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYtSz728Dms/TkEXzBTXFBI/AAAAAAAABV0/mx96XYHMXfI/s320/phpQTOxbsAM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I hope you enjoy all my patterns. I also have two being published this winter. Love Of Knitting magazine will be publishing a men's winter set in their winter issue. Their first issue of 2012 will feature a belt I created for spring inspired by the "distressed look" of things we consumers seem to be buying lately. Well more about my summer adventures coming soon. Thanks for reading.</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-31482865168693211292011-08-03T19:26:00.000-07:002011-08-11T01:51:11.541-07:00Where Have I Been?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CPzKg-r78o/Tjn3AhxwiCI/AAAAAAAABVk/EfQ-jyEXFDY/s1600/2011-06-20+15.18.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CPzKg-r78o/Tjn3AhxwiCI/AAAAAAAABVk/EfQ-jyEXFDY/s320/2011-06-20+15.18.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You may be asking yourself that question since it has almost been 2 months since my last post. The picture on the left will answer part of that question. This is our new "home away from home." It is not our first. We upgraded from a hybrid (part travel trailer-part fold out/pop up) to this 31 foot travel trailer. It takes less than half the time to set up as our old camper and is very nice. It has a slide out on the other side that contains the kitchen and sofa (not huge but adds a great deal of room). The nice thing is that I don't have to climb over the dinette to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We have taken it out on 2 trips and are planning a 3rd soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CI6M8KR5FY/Tjn1NBMIiHI/AAAAAAAABU4/c53q0ujJL84/s1600/DSCF1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CI6M8KR5FY/Tjn1NBMIiHI/AAAAAAAABU4/c53q0ujJL84/s320/DSCF1057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
A few months ago (March to be exact) I taught my first "learn to knit class" at the Crafting Stop in Franklin, VA. With the warm weather there has been a lull in knitting so I haven't had any more "gigs." Last week I got an email requesting my teaching services again at the Crafting Stop. In just one evening I created, wrote the pattern, and knit the scarf you see on the left. I call it the "Fuzzy, Braided Cable Scarf" and the pattern will be available soon. Check the blog again soon for the pattern. I will be teaching how to knit cables using this pattern. The yarn, <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/quickandcozy.html">Lion Brand Quick & Cozy</a>, is awesome for this type of pattern. It is soft, fluffy, and works up so quickly you will be done before you know it. On another note, the valet you see the scarf wrapped around is a new purchase for my photos and display. My wife found it at Goodwill for $7.50, a steal I think. This is the first time I have used it and it seems to work very well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fukgmZanRlA/Tjn2BxzPl6I/AAAAAAAABVA/p0vnLV2UfdE/s1600/DSCF1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fukgmZanRlA/Tjn2BxzPl6I/AAAAAAAABVA/p0vnLV2UfdE/s320/DSCF1059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To the left you see a stole I have been meaning to block for almost 2 months. It is a retirement gift for a friend and she will hopefully get it Tuesday. It is modeled after the "Scribble" shawl from Mason Dixon Knitting. I hate the idea of changing yarn every 2 - 4 rows so I created my version. The yarn is "Tides" from Universal (discontinued I think), but any thick and thin yarn would do for this shawl/stole. The pattern for this will also be coming soon. Please look for it on Ravelry. It is to be named "Evening Walk on the Beach Stole." It will be an inexpensive pattern and the drape is wonderful.<br />
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I have more to share, but will save for another day this week. Enjoy!</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-60319045317799802732011-06-11T07:02:00.000-07:002011-08-11T01:52:30.771-07:00Published Finally!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1QCVD0mNKs/TfNchLB5saI/AAAAAAAABTQ/FxZP3J836E8/s1600/DSCF0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1QCVD0mNKs/TfNchLB5saI/AAAAAAAABTQ/FxZP3J836E8/s320/DSCF0296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To have closure is a wonderful thing! Late Thursday evening I received word that the Simplicity Volume 3 Men's pattern book was back from the publisher. Skacel emailed each of the designers who had patterns published in the book. They also attached a copy of the cover (I wish I could post that but cannot) and my pieces made the cover! I was so excited I cried. My first design made the cover of a book! I have been awaiting word so I could post my pics of the pieces. So here they are. The set is completely reversible with a Wavy Rib on one side and a basket weave on the reverse side. I will include pics to show each side. You can check with your LYS to order the book and the yarn. There are also some great colorwork patterns and a couple of great sweaters by my friends Frank Wilmott and Kurt Fausset, both of whom I met at the Men's Fall Knitting Retreat in Seattle last September. So enough with the chit/chat, bring on the pics!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THwTUyc4iX4/TfNcpEJyJcI/AAAAAAAABTU/SnfJjWpi6No/s1600/DSCF0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THwTUyc4iX4/TfNcpEJyJcI/AAAAAAAABTU/SnfJjWpi6No/s320/DSCF0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wavy Rib side of mitts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNROkCehdR0/TfNcwB2d-nI/AAAAAAAABTY/7OymHUMQJKo/s1600/DSCF0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNROkCehdR0/TfNcwB2d-nI/AAAAAAAABTY/7OymHUMQJKo/s320/DSCF0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">palm side of wavy rib</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5w__uJ0CVo/TfNc3xYBcPI/AAAAAAAABTc/wM-J-2yAPZU/s1600/DSCF0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5w__uJ0CVo/TfNc3xYBcPI/AAAAAAAABTc/wM-J-2yAPZU/s320/DSCF0299.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wavy Rib Side of Scarf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5QXRAkVkW0/TfNdByYqAMI/AAAAAAAABTg/-RM-7WnoDuc/s1600/DSCF0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5QXRAkVkW0/TfNdByYqAMI/AAAAAAAABTg/-RM-7WnoDuc/s320/DSCF0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wavy Rib side of Beanie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eizqXLsWeQs/TfNdKXJMt-I/AAAAAAAABTk/y6ba3GfZLHg/s1600/DSCF0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eizqXLsWeQs/TfNdKXJMt-I/AAAAAAAABTk/y6ba3GfZLHg/s320/DSCF0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of wavy rib side of beanie</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDeJk-GxNEw/TfNefiKEV_I/AAAAAAAABUQ/Wo_fpMDdlGE/s1600/DSCF0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDeJk-GxNEw/TfNefiKEV_I/AAAAAAAABUQ/Wo_fpMDdlGE/s320/DSCF0312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-CfcjafX8g/TfNeXTcZhgI/AAAAAAAABUM/MDpGiz3gwMQ/s1600/DSCF0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-CfcjafX8g/TfNeXTcZhgI/AAAAAAAABUM/MDpGiz3gwMQ/s320/DSCF0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketweave side of beanie</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XbtGIp225A/TfNePpapk_I/AAAAAAAABUI/Q11r-nllD8g/s1600/DSCF0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XbtGIp225A/TfNePpapk_I/AAAAAAAABUI/Q11r-nllD8g/s320/DSCF0310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nn_nOn9fCM/TfNdxcb7vFI/AAAAAAAABT4/GRUQrxhI870/s1600/DSCF0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nn_nOn9fCM/TfNdxcb7vFI/AAAAAAAABT4/GRUQrxhI870/s320/DSCF0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketweave side of mitts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhERtiq1VPM/TfNd_jta-eI/AAAAAAAABUA/sq7tYGP7_R8/s1600/DSCF0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhERtiq1VPM/TfNd_jta-eI/AAAAAAAABUA/sq7tYGP7_R8/s320/DSCF0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">palm side of basketweave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxkrJKieOXA/TfNeHGFlPDI/AAAAAAAABUE/UQCOzwd5cd4/s1600/DSCF0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxkrJKieOXA/TfNeHGFlPDI/AAAAAAAABUE/UQCOzwd5cd4/s320/DSCF0309.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketweave side of scarf</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikGS_26mAFA/TfNdpu5BF8I/AAAAAAAABT0/0vMOG9iTWUU/s1600/DSCF0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikGS_26mAFA/TfNdpu5BF8I/AAAAAAAABT0/0vMOG9iTWUU/s320/DSCF0305.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bP0XsVoueE/TfNdiVTNy5I/AAAAAAAABTw/QFDsqOyk-GQ/s1600/DSCF0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bP0XsVoueE/TfNdiVTNy5I/AAAAAAAABTw/QFDsqOyk-GQ/s320/DSCF0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unyqGgXOjF8/TfNdZ-dxUMI/AAAAAAAABTs/VZtOXRdEN1Y/s1600/DSCF0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unyqGgXOjF8/TfNdZ-dxUMI/AAAAAAAABTs/VZtOXRdEN1Y/s320/DSCF0303.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket weave side of beanie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QftQOGtZ_Zc/TfNdR5TF-pI/AAAAAAAABTo/DWC96l9L8FI/s1600/DSCF0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QftQOGtZ_Zc/TfNdR5TF-pI/AAAAAAAABTo/DWC96l9L8FI/s320/DSCF0302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Basketweave beanie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> All of the pics are pre-blocking. I just did not want to try this after blocking. I can't wait to get the book. It should delivered this week. I will get my wife to take a pic of me holding the book so you can see the cover next week. Enjoy the pics!<br />
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</div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5912599598567564092.post-65199918221904683642011-06-01T06:42:00.000-07:002011-08-11T03:04:53.179-07:00Men's South East Knitting Retreat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After several months of hard work I have finally organized my planning and have recruited several men to join me in the first ever Men's South East Knitting Retreat. I have included a poster below with all the details. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BzFjUgNC2ezhZDAzN2QzZGItNDUzZC00NjBhLWE0M2ItODRmYzY4NzY0N2Jj&hl=en_US">South East Men's Knitting Retreat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please feel free to print and share with your LYS. I have lots of FOs that I will try to take pictures of this weekend to show off. I am very proud of these items.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the needles right now I have, a stole for a friend, a design that has to be finished and in the mail by Friday, the <a href="http://c2knits.com/miley.htm">Miley Tee</a> (for my daughter), and numerous other items that I hope to finish soon. School finishes for teachers (me) on Tuesday, June 14th. I am very excited to get some knitting done. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am also hosting a World Wide Knit in Public Day on June 18th at the Hertford/Northampton Farmer's Market. It is located just outside of Murfreesboro on HWY 158. I hope to have lots of knitters and crocheters to participate. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally I am going to rant a little. A certain magazine I submitted a design to has not contacted me. I sent the design in several months ago (March 15 to be exact) and still have not heard from them. I would love for them to accept the design, but if not just let me know. The pattern is already written and I could sell it on Ravelry. Maybe I will hear back from it soon. I keep hoping that because I have not heard from them it is good news and they want to use the design in something. I will keep holding out hope that they are going to accept the design. You keep hoping for me too! </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">More to come this weekend!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Rusty Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00927238484105528029noreply@blogger.com0