tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56609038124455592192024-03-22T00:21:02.070-05:00October House blog - quiet colors and gentle stitchesCelebrating quiet colors and gentle stitchesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-68025237184582022352018-08-01T07:00:00.000-05:002018-08-01T07:00:00.258-05:00Home base<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2gbD_tBuY5NdM4yNJiqxYrRZdT_Nupd53YzPahYiVVD48kkHFtFiGi4W1BAnkRMhCk4T0Hvasa_VhyphenhyphenIBXj_lNL583fbzVgYahbwU2L28ElUqTiU4nMOQ65L4-sROWkRqNyOUgtEhfVN1/s1600/quietcoloryarns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2gbD_tBuY5NdM4yNJiqxYrRZdT_Nupd53YzPahYiVVD48kkHFtFiGi4W1BAnkRMhCk4T0Hvasa_VhyphenhyphenIBXj_lNL583fbzVgYahbwU2L28ElUqTiU4nMOQ65L4-sROWkRqNyOUgtEhfVN1/s640/quietcoloryarns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm trying to simplify a few things on the back end of the business, especially as we keep growing and getting busier. (Yay!) The less time spent doing other things means more time spent dyeing yarn:)<br />
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To that end, I'm switching my blogging efforts over to our website. It just makes sense to have everything in one place. And it's one less thing my little scattered brain has to remember to do. So, please join me over here...<br />
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<a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/blogs/news" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">October House Fiber Arts Journal</span></a></h3>
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I'm also pretty consistent about posting to Instagram, so you can generally see what I'm up to, and what's been added to the shop over there...<br />
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I grew this business out of this little blog, and I'm eternally grateful for it and YOU, since there wouldn't be any October House without you! So let's keep making and creating....:)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-12559474501060984482018-05-21T07:00:00.000-05:002018-05-21T07:00:01.872-05:00quiet colorsSpring is in full swing, but I'm still loving the soft and quiet colors<br />
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One of these days, I'm going to knit a sweater out of Par Avion (shown above). I'd love to knit the Classic Cardigan by Sandi Prosser from Vogue Spring/Summer 2015, but it calls for a DK weight, and I'd like to knit it out of fingering. Maybe a little math in my future:)<br />
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Of course, there are a few colors I think would look great in a sweater:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind that Shakes the Barley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blithe Spirit</td></tr>
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But before I get ahead of myself, I'd better finish up the sweater on my needles.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-48122124401801190082018-05-03T07:00:00.000-05:002018-05-03T07:00:04.240-05:00may days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJd1i1Wd_58pmfLhyphenhyphenXBj0-u9vfceao0jhHAJejV-yhyqRyB1GnwbZ2lBKmQ4t-1_UKLBr6dm6dSU7SSeho2vi5gN-rhgnNEPJ2dKgfULfxNkjEejkz79BF8OdPHZiSLXnxhvm4pHzuHBV/s1600/honeysuckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJd1i1Wd_58pmfLhyphenhyphenXBj0-u9vfceao0jhHAJejV-yhyqRyB1GnwbZ2lBKmQ4t-1_UKLBr6dm6dSU7SSeho2vi5gN-rhgnNEPJ2dKgfULfxNkjEejkz79BF8OdPHZiSLXnxhvm4pHzuHBV/s640/honeysuckle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got the first whiff of honeysuckle today. Near the entrance to the park, there was some blooming...smelling sweet and just like summer.<br />
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We'll have tons of it blooming in the woods behind (and in front) of our house in the next week or so, and the entire neighborhood will smell heavenly! Of course, that usually means the heat and humidity are not far behind, but what are you gonna do?<br />
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I'm doing some projects around the house, as well as working on some new cross stitch designs. I hate to admit it, but the warmer weather is making me want to put my current knitting project aside. It's a sweater, and having it on my lap isn't exactly cool. Maybe I'll switch to a sock or some sadly neglected blanket squares:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UykxaZVtZ5cj-kYWlY6XZGPLrG6Cla3FSCnY2rJ4iwbxwC9lRlr87V0lr8AVMsEhN0DZ-wq7N6FrgKx5fxcf647d44tPhPlR531n284icfsQ0y3yggMQ_S1JI2mLrWTCoM100xq-YLEq/s1600/sockyarnblanketsquares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UykxaZVtZ5cj-kYWlY6XZGPLrG6Cla3FSCnY2rJ4iwbxwC9lRlr87V0lr8AVMsEhN0DZ-wq7N6FrgKx5fxcf647d44tPhPlR531n284icfsQ0y3yggMQ_S1JI2mLrWTCoM100xq-YLEq/s640/sockyarnblanketsquares.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've got 40 or so squares done, but I think I need 100 or more for a lap size blanket. I tend to work on them in spurts, instead of trying to do one or two a week. Maybe that would be a better approach. I'll have to give that some thought.<br />
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There's also the quilt project, which is coming right along. Lots and lots of "pancakes" for a cathedral windows quilt:<br />
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I had hoped to have this done by now, but as you see...not done. It's at the top of the list of things to finish, so hopefully, I'll press on (ha!) and get it completed by the end of this month.<br />
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Perfect projects for warm spring days!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-41847993299049267942018-04-19T07:00:00.000-05:002018-04-19T07:00:27.853-05:00myst shawl<br />
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I finished my Myst Shawl back in early March and then promptly forgot about it until we headed off to PLY Away and DFW Fiber Fest.<br />
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I've worn it a few times now, especially since we had all that cold weather last week (brrr!), and it really is very lovely.<br />
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I'm always a sucker for a beautiful triangle shawl, and this one is certainly that!<br />
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Details:<br />
Pattern - <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/myst-2" target="_blank">Myst Shawl</a> by Melody Hoffman of Mandarines<br />
Yarn - my own <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/october-house-fiber-arts-sojourn-sock" target="_blank">Sojourn Sock</a> Yarn<br />
Colorway - <a href="https://www.octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/yarn/products/sojourn-sock-yarn-blueberry-trifle" target="_blank">Blueberry Trifle</a><br />
Needles - US4 (3.5 mm)<br />
Yardage - I used 2 skeins (920 yards) and I used all but 20 or 30 yards of each skein, so I would say my final yardage was about 870.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-36477040272025967482018-03-02T13:04:00.002-06:002018-03-02T13:05:20.847-06:00weekending<div>
Sewing away on a new bed quilt....</div>
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Stitching away on a cross stitch project....</div>
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Knitting away on a shawl <i>and</i> a sweater....<br />
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And enjoying a weekend of sunshine! Something we haven't seen in <i>way</i> too long!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-32416062431454830982018-01-30T07:00:00.000-06:002018-01-30T07:00:15.986-06:00work in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_H4lg4P3kRliymTFa3kOMvPHbxdUE2nfrHqg94U8-qNfPMfalw5ScRZ0n9hV3N2Jf3QyVNucpJisKNiQGAc4qp1ZprIiv9RGEEo2bIN6gJV6SrnWn66f85P3axbfIXwRd4QZWzrUPNjf/s1600/yarnpile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_H4lg4P3kRliymTFa3kOMvPHbxdUE2nfrHqg94U8-qNfPMfalw5ScRZ0n9hV3N2Jf3QyVNucpJisKNiQGAc4qp1ZprIiv9RGEEo2bIN6gJV6SrnWn66f85P3axbfIXwRd4QZWzrUPNjf/s640/yarnpile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been a very nice start to the new year around here. I've been concentrating on establishing some new work routines that are in line with my goals (trying to look at the big picture here!) as well as build in more personal and home care time. So far, it's going well.<br />
<br />
But fiber show prep is starting to take place, and that can be a crazy busy time. Especially this year, since the two shows we are doing (PlyAway 3 and DFW Fiber Fest) are on consecutive weekends. That means we have to prep for both shows at the same time. Yikes!<br />
<br />
Things will be a little quiet around here for a couple of months while I dye up a mountain of yarn and fiber:)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-67040067949615560452018-01-12T12:21:00.001-06:002018-01-12T12:41:07.298-06:00crafty plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqkZILXevvlv9eo8ik-9_n8ecMz-EWsFt0OCQMnJH9s0Yc0E7O1Uq-IIMuTZQpf_2WYLAFbkdJ8D9ilb3LvjcSGTEGon0KthoQu_3dEopoRMdExTj4IXz72HSDN1xN4yMT6xwZ2L4X50Z/s1600/scraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqkZILXevvlv9eo8ik-9_n8ecMz-EWsFt0OCQMnJH9s0Yc0E7O1Uq-IIMuTZQpf_2WYLAFbkdJ8D9ilb3LvjcSGTEGon0KthoQu_3dEopoRMdExTj4IXz72HSDN1xN4yMT6xwZ2L4X50Z/s640/scraps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
January...how I love it! A fresh start, a whole new year ahead of you.<br />
<br />
The planner/list maker in me gets very giddy with all that blank canvas to fill up. Of course, I also love having a quiet month with no obligations. Just cozy and quiet evenings at home, with plenty of time to think and dream. And I've definitely done some planning and some dreaming!<br />
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</div>
I've got several exciting plans for October House, but you'll have to wait to hear about most of those later in the year.<br />
<br />
Right now, I'm thinking about what I want to make this coming year. Of course, that gets blended with what I plan to make for the business, but I've also got several purely personal goals in the making department. First up:<br />
<br />
KNITTING<br />
Namely, sweaters. I need/want more sweaters in my personal wardrobe. And so does Jimmy. So sweater knitting will be the big focus for this year. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach - so to speak - but these are the patterns I'm looking at:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/11-stitch-sampler-pullover" target="_blank">Stitch Sampler Sweater</a> by Holli Yeoh in the Fall 2016 issue of Vogue Knitting<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granito" target="_blank">Granito</a> by Joji Locatelli<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/21-classic-cardigan" target="_blank">Classic Cardigan</a> by Sandi Prosser in the Spring/Summer 2015 issue of Vogue Knitting<br />
<br />
a cardigan for Jimmy (still looking at patterns)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silver-leaf-cardi" target="_blank">Silver Leaf Cardi</a> by Hannah Fettig in the first issue of Making<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/16-v-neck-cardigan" target="_blank">V-Neck Cardigan</a> by Julie Wiesenberger in the Winter 16/17 issue of Vogue Knitting<br />
<br />
A couple of new hats and mittens for each of us would also be nice<br />
<br />
<br />
SEWING<br />
I can't get enough of sewing right now, so I'm running with it! Besides quilting and hand work, I'm eager to get back to garment sewing. I used to be quite the seamstress back in the day. I even made a lined blazer and slacks that I loved.<br />
<br />
Not much call for pantsuits in my wardrobe needs today, but I would love to make a couple of blouses, some tunics and see if I can remember how to make a decent pair of pants.<br />
<br />
This is an ambitious list, I admit, but here goes:<br />
<br />
2 blouses (I have ideas, but haven't found any specific patterns yet)<br />
<br />
2 pair of pants<br />
<br />
4 pairs of pajamas<br />
<br />
2 bed quilts<br />
<br />
2 lap quilts that can also be tablecloths<br />
<br />
2 tote bags (<a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/2017/07/riverside-tote-free-pdf-pattern.html" target="_blank">Riverside Tote</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176968060/townie-bag-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">The Townie Bag</a>)<br />
<br />
6 project bags<br />
<br />
6 pouches<br />
<br />
2 english paper pieced baskets<br />
<br />
a handmade collar and harness for Riley<br />
<br />
<br />
CROSS STITCH & EMBROIDERY<br />
Most of my cross stitch plans are for October House patterns, so they're kinda secret, but obviously I'm having a lot of fun with the knitting themed patterns, so that will continue.<br />
<br />
I also plan to introduce a few non-knitting things this year, including a couple of larger pieces.<br />
<br />
<br />
Whew! I think I'd best get busy.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-75696752080795878642018-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:002018-01-05T07:00:20.415-06:002017 recapHere's a little recap of most of my makes from last year:<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBifR5yvDqAFKfi6mUz1CmxhVnz7tCdJmcvxkvaqTVhGcS8OSnkLODh73WXeP2TTs3WfvrbePfyIksGzpSFJiYRw2d3bMyEUVJYRXZm3_vVMqc-7GqN_iltFKQJ8vz5wY1utRhmV6YxZe/s1600/2017recap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="836" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBifR5yvDqAFKfi6mUz1CmxhVnz7tCdJmcvxkvaqTVhGcS8OSnkLODh73WXeP2TTs3WfvrbePfyIksGzpSFJiYRw2d3bMyEUVJYRXZm3_vVMqc-7GqN_iltFKQJ8vz5wY1utRhmV6YxZe/s640/2017recap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can see that at some point, I stopped taking photos of finished socks. Because I finished several pairs with no picture of the sock or the WIP. I also haven't taken a photo of my finished <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/cinnamon-girl" target="_blank">Cloud Burst Cardigan</a>, even though I've worn it a couple of times already. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nor I have I gotten a shot of my finished <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/hollows" target="_blank">Hollows shawl</a>, which has become my favorite knit of 2017. I enjoyed knitting every stitch of it. The yarn felt wonderful, the pattern was perfect and the finished object is getting <i>a lot</i> of use right now. It's so big and squishy, I can wrap it around my neck 3 times...which I need during these 20 degree days! It never falls off, and it just feels so dreamy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm also wondering where my sewing projects are. I mean, I know where they are in real life, but they are missing from my photos. Basically, I haven't been great about photographing all my crafty projects. I tend to get the ones that relate to the business, but the purely personal projects don't get any screen time:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hopefully, I can change that, since I have a lot of sewing plans this year. Next time I'll talk about my making/creative plans for this year!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-57025680411676017882017-12-28T07:39:00.000-06:002017-12-28T07:39:05.859-06:00end of year saledon't miss our first annual <a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/sale-yarn-end-of-year-sale" target="_blank">Year-End Sale.</a>..happening now over on the website!<br />
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<a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/sale-yarn-end-of-year-sale" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieraV_J0azJO_e55C9Goz4a6JBhS4Uf6UhQIc-0w5AxYmjlPNXfLRMtvMzHqC80Q3ZT7gjGb4hia0oLjw1uI_m1Q1QPwoC2rKYOuYOSBxJT7Jss64w_5xSvoaKF5Via-X2p4ynDdZSb982/s640/EndofYearSaleBanner2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-14812012570039898242017-12-20T07:00:00.000-06:002017-12-20T07:00:38.316-06:00happy holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xME2yICYLSCB4jxwHARcI0h7IyDTHW9Nuo-hpOKCGh91FRbMK_2DmcGAcBhsaR32cgqOIM7mbEDX-D7IXnCYwj93Sm0LS6AgORsVMNc0NffCw8OkbJqGIJFKk-QwmfxIJVREaDLxJW8U/s1600/merrychristmastoyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xME2yICYLSCB4jxwHARcI0h7IyDTHW9Nuo-hpOKCGh91FRbMK_2DmcGAcBhsaR32cgqOIM7mbEDX-D7IXnCYwj93Sm0LS6AgORsVMNc0NffCw8OkbJqGIJFKk-QwmfxIJVREaDLxJW8U/s640/merrychristmastoyou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We're winding down the studio for the rest of the year, at least as far as dyeing goes. The rest of this week I'll be baking and making. In the kitchen mostly, but I'm also <i>really</i> enjoying sewing right now, so there will be some quilt making happening, along with stitching away on a couple of new cross stitch releases for next year.<br />
<br />
BUT there is news.<br />
<br />
We will be having our first ever Year-End Sale next week, beginning Thursday, December 28. I'm discontinuing a couple of yarns, so they will be in the sale. And just to clear the shelves, I'll be discounting every single skein in the shop! More details will be coming.<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful holiday!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-4858730510749253932017-12-06T07:00:00.000-06:002017-12-06T07:00:14.505-06:00seasonal sights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8zcxpWVeDB6plGRDF5Wn22YdIwMrvalA6TQqogekX4lVyj2mbJzt8Hi_q0j2xy53Ym3uEs0PhAy1FUeUR_HIAO_mbet3_7lCfyAROKlhUYVoXBjihqZ5JsgZ6l0le49jUuxN68xjbYy/s1600/deckthehalls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8zcxpWVeDB6plGRDF5Wn22YdIwMrvalA6TQqogekX4lVyj2mbJzt8Hi_q0j2xy53Ym3uEs0PhAy1FUeUR_HIAO_mbet3_7lCfyAROKlhUYVoXBjihqZ5JsgZ6l0le49jUuxN68xjbYy/s640/deckthehalls2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We've decked the halls around here, and we're enjoying plenty of holiday movies, Christmas music, tree watching and eggnog sipping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR_lOhMR0yBT1HxPcRg0fh8fOai_yT2veAy60CBd4AWoNAfr889UP7RROkYNm4lJR18BRBOb1wd31jztgDP3pfXZMqUYVYjPJtbHgXyiRNhYFJFMSxlgn7P5xLQXFguH2yUaFOSvzeHKS/s1600/fabriclove2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR_lOhMR0yBT1HxPcRg0fh8fOai_yT2veAy60CBd4AWoNAfr889UP7RROkYNm4lJR18BRBOb1wd31jztgDP3pfXZMqUYVYjPJtbHgXyiRNhYFJFMSxlgn7P5xLQXFguH2yUaFOSvzeHKS/s640/fabriclove2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EiYnjtFfPsEBvWCStZrqkT_V6xe1CinfRzLzrR-6EXSIacfuFynajUCIjuEAf3a_3oa5beS91tZ8o4L-4KbJGdQnT2Tc3gBHLbqTYYTnX3JeBCZw87fdXKncnhDi8uOMMrYZE91VvmLi/s1600/quilty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EiYnjtFfPsEBvWCStZrqkT_V6xe1CinfRzLzrR-6EXSIacfuFynajUCIjuEAf3a_3oa5beS91tZ8o4L-4KbJGdQnT2Tc3gBHLbqTYYTnX3JeBCZw87fdXKncnhDi8uOMMrYZE91VvmLi/s640/quilty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been bitten by a huge quilting bug, so I'm busy cutting fabrics, patching blocks and sewing. It feels good to visit my old friend, patchwork! I've even broken out the betweens needles and done some hand quilting!<br />
<br />
I've got a new cross stitch release coming up, but after that it will "Christmas break" all the way! The new year promises to be very busy, so I'd better enjoy some relaxing days while I can:)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-65754143030472259312017-11-21T07:00:00.000-06:002017-11-21T13:23:02.989-06:00happy thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPjBa8ySrKW1woolloWUOCUlaMPZIQkLHEGE8UNhLMlCxP7Zhtnp_JkYmNO2sXV8nnqDnClpASJfqV9GDtbC8tOz3xJVzHXEtXGdsppw6yHdoArZRcVrDhvO9Co2tZyi9HAdEDZvFS9ra/s1600/happythanksgiving2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1500" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPjBa8ySrKW1woolloWUOCUlaMPZIQkLHEGE8UNhLMlCxP7Zhtnp_JkYmNO2sXV8nnqDnClpASJfqV9GDtbC8tOz3xJVzHXEtXGdsppw6yHdoArZRcVrDhvO9Co2tZyi9HAdEDZvFS9ra/s640/happythanksgiving2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pie baking and bread making has commenced over here in our neck of the woods. So for everyone celebrating, Happy Thanksgiving!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-4227433444559981002017-11-13T07:00:00.000-06:002017-11-13T07:00:10.967-06:00a knitter's sampler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2mWnmSTfJSMGJRmai9OqIjWso0SOdf0VYk6B_1DZrc66JutEJFuihaNUodTDrXBiH9qld5TjRe_3HB9TNn796nP9XdB9AmcfuhxGiZ76y04r0r4NK8x6l-qGl-ilrJL4kEzblVtaMo8-/s1600/knitsampler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2mWnmSTfJSMGJRmai9OqIjWso0SOdf0VYk6B_1DZrc66JutEJFuihaNUodTDrXBiH9qld5TjRe_3HB9TNn796nP9XdB9AmcfuhxGiZ76y04r0r4NK8x6l-qGl-ilrJL4kEzblVtaMo8-/s640/knitsampler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you so much for the wonderful response to my newest cross stitch pattern! I had a lot of fun designing and stitching this piece, and it's so gratifying that you like it too. I think a lot of us spend our non-knitting time thinking about knitting...a lot. At least, I know I do. There's always some kind of woolly thought running through my head!<br />
<br />
We've got more knitting themed patterns coming in the months ahead! Here's a little sneak peak of what's coming up next:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZSzt77gUaFjOB8_L0hJhE9dW2pX-YUdAW8Cig1Izv1QKSMGzVvy072CtwtLy1cM8YXsfIrPkL1iOyuUEP4enCowUJX51RMYSXmc4wj3IYVexajYDd6oOCus-qUjiusYWQXhgAogRenTm/s1600/sneakpeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZSzt77gUaFjOB8_L0hJhE9dW2pX-YUdAW8Cig1Izv1QKSMGzVvy072CtwtLy1cM8YXsfIrPkL1iOyuUEP4enCowUJX51RMYSXmc4wj3IYVexajYDd6oOCus-qUjiusYWQXhgAogRenTm/s640/sneakpeak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I've got lots more ideas running around in my head, now the trick is to get them out and into some linen and thread:)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-45848657853737766892017-10-25T08:43:00.000-05:002017-10-25T08:43:19.309-05:00getting up to speed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz9qDsRUveLZtryk-b1RGu6jVhxvjVk7nt884JOp6EkTUurRlTakbv2aOKIOkoGSakkVKhErPdMzQOuU9CDpjVWr7P5HLf8-yXgJ751VDCdcx4kj__lSi2YV2TyYUWvEwSlKp6KB8aCQt/s1600/fenceline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz9qDsRUveLZtryk-b1RGu6jVhxvjVk7nt884JOp6EkTUurRlTakbv2aOKIOkoGSakkVKhErPdMzQOuU9CDpjVWr7P5HLf8-yXgJ751VDCdcx4kj__lSi2YV2TyYUWvEwSlKp6KB8aCQt/s640/fenceline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, October, I love you! It has finally turned crisp and very cool here, and I am loving it. It's amazing to me how just a turn in the weather can make me so happy.<br />
<br />
I'm knitting away on a few projects, including the never ending <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/cinnamon-girl" target="_blank">Cloud Burst Girl cardigan</a>. Yikes! Seed stitch sleeves! But I'm nearly there (whew), and I'll have a versatile cardigan just in time for cold weather.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLp_epjlvXem1eIYgdmEKYI-T6PGAjRJuTmzkHHCWvDdVAzujs6I1xhJP77_XXCgCjgDvl87fd1nEQroAsUHL9a3LwdlXtuABc0gu00Nnfv-6G_Z3GLEzY6iF9bmKbUx9uj0zxO5qLmPe/s1600/mystshawlwip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLp_epjlvXem1eIYgdmEKYI-T6PGAjRJuTmzkHHCWvDdVAzujs6I1xhJP77_XXCgCjgDvl87fd1nEQroAsUHL9a3LwdlXtuABc0gu00Nnfv-6G_Z3GLEzY6iF9bmKbUx9uj0zxO5qLmPe/s640/mystshawlwip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've also cast on the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/myst-2" target="_blank">Myst Shawl</a> by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/melody-hoffmann" target="_blank">Melody</a> of Mandarines, and I'm completely smitten with it at the moment. I'm using my Sojourn Sock in Blueberry Trifle. This was an exclusive color for Little Skein in the Big Wool's <a href="https://www.littleskein.com/pages/little-stitches-subscription-box" target="_blank">Little Stitches Box</a>. I'm really glad I held on to a couple of skeins for myself. It is just the perfect blue, even if I do say so myself:)<br />
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And now back to my regularly scheduled program. I've got a small backlog of dyeing to catch up on after my hospital stay. Because we all know the holidays will be here in a flash!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-50662372774335223292017-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:002017-10-12T07:00:21.867-05:00celebration mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO2lk6I14q7xfgyUvREaTKUpjzp3UufBxRlfH37hYZunn-dEgDwTtLs83ABOg5-46D5q-jzb9ItEydEJgxOPBSMIZbWO1F4X286l8r0LvHW1qw4zn6_zHORnYYf6ie5PvBzhGOOQ55tpD/s1600/4yearmosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO2lk6I14q7xfgyUvREaTKUpjzp3UufBxRlfH37hYZunn-dEgDwTtLs83ABOg5-46D5q-jzb9ItEydEJgxOPBSMIZbWO1F4X286l8r0LvHW1qw4zn6_zHORnYYf6ie5PvBzhGOOQ55tpD/s640/4yearmosaic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What a week it's been!<br />
<br />
We've done lots of celebrating around here...and not only for October House's anniversary. I had a very unexpected trip to the hospital and a short stay in ICU, thanks to a blood clot in my lungs. Can you say "big surprise!"<br />
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But, I'm on the mend, home from the hospital, and well on the road to recovery. We're celebrating lots of things now: life, health, October, yarn, autumn, knitters, nurses, sunshine, husbands...just to name a few. I'm feeling very blessed.<br />
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The little collage above is one I made of some of our most popular Instagram photos, as well as few of my own favorites. It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years that I've been working at this little biz!<br />
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Shoot, I'm ready for 24 more!<br />
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<br />
<i>P.S. If you're not a newsletter subscriber, now is a great time to sign up! We've got celebrations going this month, and that includes special discounts, free stuff and a giveaway. <a href="http://eepurl.com/bKvaOv" target="_blank">Click here to sign up!</a></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-36934366890309915662017-10-02T07:00:00.000-05:002017-10-02T07:00:07.863-05:00hello october!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZdlCJRFSPjqvD-ePzND7vPOVquHpNdQOJxOuUlRf4GtCGo0ByyrHbxWqcq9WT7vzlB_8jI_EphpJFMM2PVslJ1vkFl2_eqZO660n0QhiE_bb9jCmkpvktt1IjGI8n2JjSeH9Ka36Oqlo/s1600/octobers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZdlCJRFSPjqvD-ePzND7vPOVquHpNdQOJxOuUlRf4GtCGo0ByyrHbxWqcq9WT7vzlB_8jI_EphpJFMM2PVslJ1vkFl2_eqZO660n0QhiE_bb9jCmkpvktt1IjGI8n2JjSeH9Ka36Oqlo/s640/octobers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay! It's October! My favorite month of the year. It's also the anniversary month of October House...4 years!<br />
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I've got several things planned to celebrate our anniversary this month, including special discounts, free patterns and giveaways! I'll be doing all of these through our newsletter, so if you're not a subscriber, now is the time to join!<br />
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<a href="http://eepurl.com/bKvaOv" target="_blank"><img alt="click here to subscribe to our newsletter" border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmy3znrQQ7AEiXzIscXzarHBTCIJuDXJ9Sr0HyRQ23RpNi8f0g4maL3pIC1N23KSsYvJ3Lm5xp7TrIKEX2YllA4Shn1BOd40ILqmtOHcTDJ1ghqsEE-GSUBd6wpcOOzLoFHI8nQq0p4S0/s1600/NewsletterSubscribe.jpg" title="click here to subscribe to our newsletter" /></a></div>
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<br />
Click on the image above to subscribe, or <a href="http://eepurl.com/bKvaOv" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-53039210727255695802017-09-28T07:00:00.000-05:002017-09-28T07:00:01.191-05:00that's a lot of picots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vggIrb-9cluh0NA46OhbjH7bnRjbBkdssLxsGSqjRW3TQn2vG4JGfq8d6ajsTZZPp5LVbMv9gYTqohysDXqTUlXT30pgoOpwsxWO8khbiQjJsQJ2LnVOVK0Os0mLlVb14M9B8m6ObTUe/s1600/hollowsboundoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vggIrb-9cluh0NA46OhbjH7bnRjbBkdssLxsGSqjRW3TQn2vG4JGfq8d6ajsTZZPp5LVbMv9gYTqohysDXqTUlXT30pgoOpwsxWO8khbiQjJsQJ2LnVOVK0Os0mLlVb14M9B8m6ObTUe/s640/hollowsboundoff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I finished binding off my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/hollows" target="_blank">Hollows Shawl</a> - it took the better part of a week to get it completely bound off. Admittedly, I'm not the fastest knitter, and I'm not able to knit and knit for hours without a break for my squeaky arm. And let's face it, a picot bind off isn't quick - but it is definitely pretty.<br />
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And oh, I do love it. I can already tell that this shawl is going to get a <i>lot</i> of use this winter. For one thing, it feels fabulous. The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/october-house-fiber-arts-melody-dk" target="_blank">Melody</a> yarn is a luscious blend of alpaca, merino and silk. It feels soft and warm, and has a great drape to it.<br />
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This is also a big shawl. It's a big shawl when it's knit in fingering weight, as the pattern call for. I knit it in DK weight, so it's really roomy.<br />
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And I love the color. Pearl is a perfect neutral. Warmer than the natural undyed color of the yarn, but still a non-color, so it'll go with anything and everything.<br />
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Now to just find a spot in the house big enough to block it!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-68018251210599314672017-09-13T07:00:00.000-05:002017-09-13T07:00:23.378-05:00works in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRiRUKjnGbSr9qj4kgw3htCCt0N_M74ukrcfiCHG7Ereb_fI_Qg57VRmCTpdy7ZRmAeyoZEWo2a45yzQ09YK2KSjFy56JBzafxu3w4PepKdr1ph7lbK1wzw2v0Q_nsMYIkXFZPTo3wTmD/s1600/hollowsWIP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRiRUKjnGbSr9qj4kgw3htCCt0N_M74ukrcfiCHG7Ereb_fI_Qg57VRmCTpdy7ZRmAeyoZEWo2a45yzQ09YK2KSjFy56JBzafxu3w4PepKdr1ph7lbK1wzw2v0Q_nsMYIkXFZPTo3wTmD/s640/hollowsWIP1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm knitting away on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/hollows" target="_blank">Hollows Shawl</a>, and it should be done sometime in the next week. I've loved knitting every stitch of this project. The yarn is yummy, if I say so myself, and the pattern is an easy knit.<br />
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I'm going to end up with a sizeable shawl, since I'm knitting mine in DK weight yarn, while the pattern calls for fingering weight. I was surprised to look back and see that this is the heaviest weight shawl I've knit. I've done lots of laceweight and fingering weight shawls, but not one in Sport, DK or Worsted. I can definitely see the attraction in using a heavier weight yarn...this won't be my last.<br />
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I can hardly wait for cold weather, so I can snuggle up in it!<br />
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I'm also working away on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/cinnamon-girl" target="_blank">Cloud Burst Girl Cardigan</a>. After putting is aside for most of the summer, I picked it up a couple of weeks ago and finished the body. Now I'm slowly knitting the seed stitch sleeves. I love how seed stitch looks, but my right arm doesn't love how it feels, so I can only do a few rows per day and keep my arm happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHjDk2B47kMYM6PD5p7Fm5T-adBhCsk1a-Iyo2XY9C1nks7xZPrfP8eijD0tPPNLjhbVqjltFhw5q6jixIbueKnzVtLDUB93I5V_1nhFgmbm-kzh_Z9Izj1azRPjXBxmaZqfrCqTNlLq/s1600/seedstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHjDk2B47kMYM6PD5p7Fm5T-adBhCsk1a-Iyo2XY9C1nks7xZPrfP8eijD0tPPNLjhbVqjltFhw5q6jixIbueKnzVtLDUB93I5V_1nhFgmbm-kzh_Z9Izj1azRPjXBxmaZqfrCqTNlLq/s640/seedstitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But, it keeps slowly growing, so hopefully it'll be done by the end of the month. Just in time for sweater weather!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-88074343524744346402017-08-23T07:00:00.000-05:002017-08-23T07:00:08.447-05:00waiting for fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMyFasY_aBoa-xNK1T6nC_sh5wFJh67tMaquYn2A24XwzhpVf24I_Iz7RAXN1WGQ_lmj6DgiHHA5EBNYbIp__T4n7wESGJbi2kvF7DecIIAW_HET5WJQZ9f1rZVr_r6lVssKFo5hyphenhyphenK4Oy/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMyFasY_aBoa-xNK1T6nC_sh5wFJh67tMaquYn2A24XwzhpVf24I_Iz7RAXN1WGQ_lmj6DgiHHA5EBNYbIp__T4n7wESGJbi2kvF7DecIIAW_HET5WJQZ9f1rZVr_r6lVssKFo5hyphenhyphenK4Oy/s640/apples.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This has been one of the mildest summers I can <i>ever</i> remember in Arkansas. June and even July were much milder than normal, and the first week of August was still below normal temperatures - mid to high 80's. </div>
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Then it hit - the real summer temperatures, along with all the humidity. Sticky, buggy, muggy - you name it. That is how you usually describe summer in Arkansas. The fact that we had a very delayed start to the normal yucky weather means we "won" in my opinion. Even if we have a month of typical August days, we still got to enjoy milder temps for a couple of months.</div>
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That said, I'm still ready - and longing - for fall. I love it. I love everything about it. Cooler temps, crisp autumn air, apples, sweaters, leaves, shawls....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiR1oTbMlfJGi8UcIMm_ckrDsKM0czGi5byxlgn0sDqXDhPShbhS9ImMahduMkbw1zwRA9amTO_CkPFP_eADOfcFzv3Fhw9QIEOy_4gVwlRkYIz9eX8eV7Y0kLp9WadNzP9UFqetJhtDF/s1600/hollowsWIP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiR1oTbMlfJGi8UcIMm_ckrDsKM0czGi5byxlgn0sDqXDhPShbhS9ImMahduMkbw1zwRA9amTO_CkPFP_eADOfcFzv3Fhw9QIEOy_4gVwlRkYIz9eX8eV7Y0kLp9WadNzP9UFqetJhtDF/s640/hollowsWIP2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still on my needles in anticipation of fall shawl weather is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hollows" target="_blank">Hollows Shawl</a>. It's grown a good bit, I'm in the middle of the second short-row section, and I love every stitch. Perfect evening knitting. </div>
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I have a feeling this one will get a<i> lot </i>of use:)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-84065661779015966522017-08-09T07:00:00.000-05:002017-08-09T07:00:27.274-05:00one color shawls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVx1rwCmTxsCJ7suCi2fK2xw66AM7e_Z2k3fJmpe99Y163ceeHg9jXKZlmvifqJo_MWiO54eVg0UxIJ1oYQgLHanfjBZaPbsp0NAjqUUYyqjfiIxkuWY2Hx-2TVeqyDOagDjQ29JjUr__/s1600/intermezzoshawl5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVx1rwCmTxsCJ7suCi2fK2xw66AM7e_Z2k3fJmpe99Y163ceeHg9jXKZlmvifqJo_MWiO54eVg0UxIJ1oYQgLHanfjBZaPbsp0NAjqUUYyqjfiIxkuWY2Hx-2TVeqyDOagDjQ29JjUr__/s640/intermezzoshawl5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm most definitely against the trend with my love of one color shawls, but hey, that's what I love. I'm drawn to soft colors, simple shapes and repeated textures. Oh, I enjoy a striped shawl once in a while, but it's usually in analgous or low-contrast colors, like my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/octoberhouse/party-on-my-needles" target="_blank">Wintermint Party</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHZAcJT-TN9y0ddKi9TD3Dah2_6dBfPwNhFxT3G98_4qsWClWBQwoMTSIZlrWkWLO1ZyjeiVCARPqjO0lYuUNk98p7TWoIf8lSc2xtPN9cKpFjMDSuT15q7Ql2cxpfNXEkYU_nzqrH8Pe/s1600/partyWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHZAcJT-TN9y0ddKi9TD3Dah2_6dBfPwNhFxT3G98_4qsWClWBQwoMTSIZlrWkWLO1ZyjeiVCARPqjO0lYuUNk98p7TWoIf8lSc2xtPN9cKpFjMDSuT15q7Ql2cxpfNXEkYU_nzqrH8Pe/s640/partyWIP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, on my needles at the moment is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hollows" target="_blank">Hollows Shawl</a> by Melody of <a href="http://bmandarines.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Mandarines</a>. I've actually got about 6 of her patterns in my queue, since I instantly love everything she does.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZXveyrTSSbZcKTWesm4973e_WMRyOwtNsoGkQ4nFwEq4iM-leKdpnYn7sSpGG4FSI1o4-ao2HxCJfWmapQep4DXkzE3Hddv1-vh-4UVxufbCPUalMU3H4gczKDH01uQ6wXOzJlGWuYtO/s1600/pearlhollowsWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZXveyrTSSbZcKTWesm4973e_WMRyOwtNsoGkQ4nFwEq4iM-leKdpnYn7sSpGG4FSI1o4-ao2HxCJfWmapQep4DXkzE3Hddv1-vh-4UVxufbCPUalMU3H4gczKDH01uQ6wXOzJlGWuYtO/s640/pearlhollowsWIP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But back to the Hollows shawl...the pattern calls for fingering weight, but I had my heart set on using my <a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/yarn/products/melody-dk-petal" target="_blank">Melody DK</a> for it, so I just went for it! I dyed up 6 skeins of Pearl and cast on. I figure it will be big, soft and squishy for those cold winter nights. I'm about to start the first short-row section, so I'm a good bit further along than the picture above shows.<br />
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I'm loving the pattern so far, very simple and meditative, but not boring...in a word, perfect.<br />
This has been just the spark I needed to get my knitting mojo back!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-15962438136052777822017-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:002017-07-28T07:00:52.557-05:00sneak peekIn all honesty, I've spent most of July covered in paint and sanding dust as I've been working around chez October House on several projects. And I'm not nearly done. Why is it that painting takes twice as long as I think it will? Ah well, these walls, doors and furniture aren't going anywhere:)<div>
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I have, however, managed to get in some time designing a few new cross stitch patterns, one of which will be released next week:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow94ryPbVFLXLyiyaoDUVmDHTA0aWHQpmsp7067a2GVbpCbXQwtO4mqD6w4p1OiiL4lFNPyGeeQPwy5DGmY36AmKJornrhH711vVMBe-bDggguyvmRfl8Wl1WRi1z0Uv9VKP6A6-S-qNW/s1600/acountryday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow94ryPbVFLXLyiyaoDUVmDHTA0aWHQpmsp7067a2GVbpCbXQwtO4mqD6w4p1OiiL4lFNPyGeeQPwy5DGmY36AmKJornrhH711vVMBe-bDggguyvmRfl8Wl1WRi1z0Uv9VKP6A6-S-qNW/s640/acountryday3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
A Country Day - or - if you prefer, A Summer Day. The chart includes both versions. </div>
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I'm busy working away on a few more designs which won't be ready for a bit, but here's a sneak peek of one of them</div>
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You knew I had to design a pattern about my favorite craft!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-81092396531453949812017-07-13T07:00:00.000-05:002017-07-13T07:00:20.088-05:00my cross stitch designs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_jVVL8w7qTdFrtNHc6sHEKqtR_ocLPEBJDFnBv6TRkclWYX_6VIbx9q8FsmCiplndKhzFM0m-GUqzay4e4k7LR_5vf7awraotEFGgxaq13WT4Sr7Xj2ogt_bfmHn6UWN3GPz40WXi5S/s1600/intothegardensoftly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga_jVVL8w7qTdFrtNHc6sHEKqtR_ocLPEBJDFnBv6TRkclWYX_6VIbx9q8FsmCiplndKhzFM0m-GUqzay4e4k7LR_5vf7awraotEFGgxaq13WT4Sr7Xj2ogt_bfmHn6UWN3GPz40WXi5S/s640/intothegardensoftly4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've got a new thing in the shop...our own line of cross stitch designs!<br />
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I have really been enjoying my cross stitching time these days, and I had a blast getting these designs stitched, photographed and ready for you to stitch. We've got 4 designs to start us off, but there are more coming in the weeks and months ahead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnrTLo15A7tue_7A0o2_TBWUYNWHPpGjGF67o_QHqAuM3AgbPKENpWpzIWAjc78ILRF_vzxl41QQKaBuLeHJvaD_lz_z6KV88A9SeJkZQdMZ0anp8FFmjG0r68pffjgYHzJePbo2bOhsx/s1600/cross-stitch-designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="628" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnrTLo15A7tue_7A0o2_TBWUYNWHPpGjGF67o_QHqAuM3AgbPKENpWpzIWAjc78ILRF_vzxl41QQKaBuLeHJvaD_lz_z6KV88A9SeJkZQdMZ0anp8FFmjG0r68pffjgYHzJePbo2bOhsx/s640/cross-stitch-designs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are 2 ways to purchase our designs. You can buy an <a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/cross-stitch-all/pdf" target="_blank">instantly downloadable PDF pattern</a>, or you can have a <a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/collections/cross-stitch-all/paper-pattern" target="_blank">print pattern</a> mailed to you...you choose which you prefer.<br />
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Hop over to<a href="https://octoberhousefiberarts.com/pages/cross-stitch" target="_blank"> the shop </a>and see our newest designs!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-46868030617014214752017-06-21T07:00:00.000-05:002017-06-21T09:33:23.977-05:00holding my attentionHere are a few things that are holding my attention this week.<br />
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Knitting on this very calm and peaceful (yet addictive) sock makes me darn happy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikakhv8K5TUfRiufkKsFD92a_UmWkIOsYT5rb2BNAdBhNh5G3a0EJSCGNcLLow9R4IaiABLOv-ppGSv_D2Qhm9su002GURRLZtaZUGrweKNWXiVj4XEGFVPWjePLIMq30xTo6sT2prtshb/s1600/whisperingsSockWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikakhv8K5TUfRiufkKsFD92a_UmWkIOsYT5rb2BNAdBhNh5G3a0EJSCGNcLLow9R4IaiABLOv-ppGSv_D2Qhm9su002GURRLZtaZUGrweKNWXiVj4XEGFVPWjePLIMq30xTo6sT2prtshb/s640/whisperingsSockWIP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still stitching along on this WIP, Little House Neighborhood. Along with this little peek at one of my own designs:<br />
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There's even some quilting happening - just a little bit each day, it wears my arms out!<br />
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And doing some very summer-y yarn dyeing:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-73024266095737841532017-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:002017-06-15T07:00:21.702-05:00hard decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Being a small business owner, most of the business decisions I make are pretty easy, or at least they flow from where the business is going. And for the most part, it's usually about saying "yes" to something. Yes to adding a new yarn base, yes to doing a fiber festival, yes to wholesale accounts. <br /><br />But with success sometimes comes the need to make decisions you don't really want to make. I'm at that point right now with a couple of things. Since I value my sanity, I've decided to make a couple of changes that are hard, but necessary.<br /><br />First, I will be phasing out the Fiber Club this year. Everyone who has a current subscription will receive the club until their subscription is through. But I won't be renewing any Fiber Club subscriptions as they run out. <br /><br />Second, we will be producing no additional spinning fiber for the shop throughout the year, with the exception of the weeks surrounding Ply Away. Our fiber focus each year will be our attendance at Ply Away, and producing a good selection for that show. Anything left over will be in the shop in the weeks after the show.<br /><br />These were not easy decisions. Even though in one way, I already knew what I needed to do. Since October House Fiber Arts began, I've always made decisions based on what was in my heart, and what my gut instinct told me. And that's been pretty darn successful. <br /><br />So, my heart has been leading me in a couple of new directions. There will be some new things coming (yay!), but that also means that these things have to take a back seat. I should note that there are no changes to the yarn production or the Sock Club. Our yarns are the center of October House and they will continue to have the spotlight!<br /><br />I appreciate your understanding, and as always, I am so thankful for your support of our small business!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5660903812445559219.post-74594594094241671882017-06-07T07:00:00.000-05:002017-06-07T07:00:08.044-05:00stitching and stitching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm still working away on my Cloud Burst Cardigan that I showed back in March (It's further along than the picture shows). It doesn't get everyday love, but I do try to put in a few rows every other day or so. I would probably be a little farther along on it if it weren't for the siren call of the cross stitch, which has taken over my prime stitching time.<br />
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I am about to cast on a pair of socks with my Whisperings Mini-Skein set. I've wanted to make a pair of socks out of that since I came up with the colorway. I think it's going to be a vanilla type of striped sock, and I'll probably do a free pattern for it once they're done.<br />
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I've got a couple of other things coming up that I'm pretty excited about, but they are still in process in the background. But hopefully in a few weeks I'll have something to share:)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621003876811243139noreply@blogger.com0