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    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2008-09-02:/blog//1</id>
    <updated>2010-09-10T18:46:40Z</updated>
    
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<entry>
    <title>Fluerette Tatted Necklace</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/09/fluerette_tatted_necklace.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1052</id>

    <published>2010-09-10T18:15:57Z</published>
    <updated>2010-09-10T18:46:40Z</updated>

    <summary>More tatting, these are so quick! The Fluerette Tatted Necklace pattern from TotusMel This was a great beginner pattern as it&apos;s broken down step by step with lots of progress photos on Instructables. It also teaches some more advanced techniques...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Tatting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[More tatting, these are so quick!
<br /><br />
The <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Needle-Tatting-A-Necklace/" target="_blank">Fluerette Tatted Necklace pattern</a> from <a href="http://totusmel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TotusMel</a>
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/fluerette_necklace.jpg" alt="Necklace is actually longer, just have it up for photo" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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This was a great beginner pattern as it's broken down step by step with lots of progress photos on Instructables. It also teaches some more advanced techniques like the split rings and Josephine knot chains. <br />
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/fluerette_necklace2.jpg" alt="Fluerette detail" width="400" height="533" /><br />
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I love the look of this one. It was done in Crochet Cotton Size 10 with a # 5 needle. If I did it again I'd make sure my Josephine chains were gathered a bit tighter. Mine are a little loose and it makes the necklace a bit long. Though it's easy to pull it up a bit and it stays there, as with the first photo.<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Hat Habit</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/09/hat_habit.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1051</id>

    <published>2010-09-07T23:25:08Z</published>
    <updated>2010-09-07T23:24:38Z</updated>

    <summary>Lots o&apos; little hats, all waiting patiently for felting. It started out with the top hat, which had been on hold as I wasn&apos;t completely happy with the felting the first go around. But it feels like a waste to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Other crafting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<img alt="Little hats in a row" src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hats_tofelt.jpg" width="450" height="337" /><br /><br />Lots o' little hats, all waiting patiently for felting. It started out with the top hat, which had been on hold as I wasn't completely happy with the felting the first go around. But it feels like a waste to run a whole washing cycle just for one little piece. This was my justification for more hats. A little fedora, a slightly modified version of my <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2009/10/new_pattern_-_dose_felted.html">Dose</a> pattern and a mini bowler are also in the queue now.<br /><br />In other news, I&nbsp;mastered the square knot.<br /><br /><img alt="Mr. PieKnits new bracelet" src="http://www.pieknits.com/k_hempbracelet.jpg" width="450" height="337" /><br /><br />Another by-product of learning jewelry making techniques for my job. Mr. PieKnits now has a new black hemp braclet that he had been&nbsp;requesting. Now dare I dive into macrame? I'm such a sucker for the kitch.]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Tatted Earings, And a Little Info</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/09/tatted_earings_and_a_litt.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1050</id>

    <published>2010-09-01T18:05:46Z</published>
    <updated>2010-09-01T18:33:55Z</updated>

    <summary>Loving the tatting. I have a pretty new set of earrings! I probably should have elaborated more in my previous post on the tatting technique. Tatting is a form of lacemaking originating in the early 19th century that uses a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Tatting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[Loving the tatting. I have a pretty new set of earrings!
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/tat_bead_earrings.jpg" alt="new pretties" width="400" height="533" />
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I probably should have elaborated more in my <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/08/i_learned_something.html">previous post</a> on the tatting technique. Tatting is a form of lacemaking  originating in the early 19th century that uses a series of knots and loops. The traditional method is done with shuttles holding the threads. Another technique is to use a tatting needle. The needles in tatting are several inches long with an eye that's the same thickness as the needle and a blunt end. Via Wikipedia:
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<blockquote><em>The lace is formed by a pattern of rings and chains formed from a series of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_hitch" title="Cow hitch">cow hitch</a>, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-hitch" title="Half-hitch" class="mw-redirect">half-hitch</a> knots, called double stitches (ds), over a core thread. Gaps can be left between the stitches to form <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picot" title="Picot">picots</a>, which are used for practical construction as well as decorative effect</em>.</blockquote>

You can purchase a set of 4 needles online or locally for about $12 (or less with <a href="http://hobbylobby.com/weekly/weekly.cfm" target="_blank">weekly coupon</a>) at<a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/tatting-needle-set-739664/" target="_blank"> Hobby Lobby</a> if you're looking to pick up some.
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/tat_bead_earrings2.jpg" alt="Tatted earings" width="450" height="337" /><br />
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This pair was tatted with Size 10 crochet cotton on a size #5 needle. The free pattern is from <a href="http://free-tatting.com/?p=10">free-tatting.com</a>.<br /> More detailed info about the pattern in the extended entry for those interested in trying it out.<br />]]>
        <![CDATA[Since I simply dived in to tatting, the first one of these earrings I made turned more into "practice". After that first dry run I did some more reading and figured out a few things.<br /><br />First issue- knowing when to "reverse work" and when not to. I've found not all patterns specify this, including this one. Basically you'll want to reverse when switching directions (most ring to chain transitions). For this, rings 1-3 form a "clover" and you do not reverse until done with ring 3. You'll also not reverse between the chains.<br /><br />Oh and run your tail thread through ring 1 before starting ring 4. That's what the two little lines in the diagram are, that way it hangs balanced.<br /><br />As for adding the beads, at fist I just strung them all on my ball thread. You'll actually need 31 beads strung on the ball thread (although extra don't hurt). Then, don't add the beads on split ring 4. You'll add these with a <a href="http://www.thisntat.com/bead_lessons1.html" target="_blank">crochet hook while joining the chains</a>. Also, since ring 5 is a split ring, you'll need one bead threaded onto your tail end for that half of the ring.<br /><br />If you really want to get fancy and if I did these again, I'd use a "lock join" between the chains. (Join with the needle thread, there should only be the joining loop on the needle, now slide that loop off the needle all the way down as a chain, do not tie a knot before or after the Lj.)<br /><br />This really is a pretty simple pattern, but like most free ones it assumes a certain amount of previous knowledge. Hope this helps out any other newbies like me!<br />]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Getting my knitting groove back</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/08/getting_my_knitting_groov.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1049</id>

    <published>2010-08-26T22:11:07Z</published>
    <updated>2010-08-26T22:04:03Z</updated>

    <summary>I&apos;ve been flitting back and forth from this to that lately. Not feeling like I&apos;ve really sunk my teeth into anything of substance in a while. Just not feeling a real creative spark. The solution I found? Cast on for...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I've been flitting back and forth from this to that lately. Not feeling like I've really sunk my teeth into anything of substance in a while. Just not feeling a real creative spark. The solution I found? Cast on for something I've been wanting to for 4 years.
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<div align="center"><img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/rogue_start.jpg" alt="Finallly starting!" width="450" height="301" /></div>

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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/rogue_sketch.jpg" alt="Pattern sketch of Rogue Pullover" align="right" width="228" height="348" />I finally started my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rogue" target="_blank">Rogue</a>! I'm loving this so much already. I literally got the yarn more than 4 1/2 years ago (awesome deal on eBay for <a href="http://www.bartlettyarns.com/" target="_&quot;blank&quot;">Bartlett</a> Fisherman 2-ply in Garnet Heather). It had been waiting for the right time to start it. I figured if I start it now, it <i>may </i>be ready in time to wear for our brief Texas winter.<br /><br />I'm almost done with Chart A and have the front pocket completed. I didn't do the hem facing stitch instead casting-on 5% less stitches with smaller needles. I then increased to the correct number two rows before the turning row.<br /><br />Bring on the meaty knitting!<br /><br /><br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>I learned something new- Needle Tatting!</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/08/i_learned_something.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1048</id>

    <published>2010-08-18T22:02:39Z</published>
    <updated>2010-08-31T16:42:12Z</updated>

    <summary>I&apos;ve loved the look of tatting for awhile now after coming across some amazing pieces around the web and bookmarking several sites. After finding this great video tutorial from TotusMel and seeing the needle tatting technique (vs. the shuttle type)...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Other crafting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
        <category term="Tatting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I've loved the look of tatting for awhile now after coming across some amazing pieces around the web and bookmarking several sites. After finding this great <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73luorqg8v4" target="_blank">video tutorial</a> from <a href="http://totusmel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TotusMel</a> and seeing the needle tatting technique (vs. the shuttle type) I thought, "Hey I think I can actually do that! It looks a bit like working a backwards loop cast-on in knitting".
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/tat_flower.jpg" alt="First ever tatting" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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Also the needles are inexpensive and I already have several things of crochet cotton in the stash so minimal investment is always a plus for me. Sat down with the video and had this flower done in no time! I also had ribbon and some jump rings already so a quick new pendant necklace was made.
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/tat_flower2.jpg" alt="2nd attempt- little less wonky" width="450" height="338" /><br />
<br />This is a 2nd one I made and it's a bit less wonky than the first. <br /><br />
<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/tatting/tat_ring.jpg" alt="Tatted ring attempt" width="450" height="338" />
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<br />I also took a stab at making <a href="http://yarnplayertats.blogspot.com/2009/11/remembrance-tatted-ring.html" target="_blank">Yarnplayer's Tatted Ring</a>. But I didn't have fine enough yarn so mine is only half.
I've already started a few other pieces, I'm hooked.
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    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Ear Decoration</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/08/ear_decoration.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1047</id>

    <published>2010-08-14T01:20:31Z</published>
    <updated>2010-08-14T04:08:07Z</updated>

    <summary>Coincidentally, my regular work and crafting have come together of late. We have been developing some online courses for a major craft retailer and I got volunteered to be the &quot;hand model&quot; to demonstrate different jewelry making techniques. During some...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Other crafting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[Coincidentally, my regular work and crafting have come together of late. We have been developing some online courses for a major craft retailer and I got volunteered to be the "hand model" to demonstrate different jewelry making techniques. <br /><br />During some down time in a photo shoot I started playing with some scrap pieces of jewelry wire, and inspired from a piece online, I bent this little ear cuff into being. <br /><br /><img alt="<3 my new ear cuff" src="http://www.pieknits.com/ear_cuff.jpg" width="425" height="567" /> <br /><br />It was super fast to do too! I added some beads I had at home and it can be worn with or without the dangle piece. It's a simple zigzag pattern in the middle with the end pieces curled however you'd like. Yay for instant gratification.]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Fastest Bracelet in the West</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/08/fastest_bracelet_in_the_w.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1046</id>

    <published>2010-08-02T22:35:32Z</published>
    <updated>2010-08-02T21:34:33Z</updated>

    <summary>I think fastest knit ever. From cast-on to bind-off and sewing on the button while Mr. PieKnits was making dinner. I had just randomly felt like making a bracelet and came across this pattern - Button Bracelet by Allison Hogue...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Finished Items 2010" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I think fastest knit <i>ever</i>.
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/button_braclet.jpg" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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From cast-on to bind-off and sewing on the button while Mr. PieKnits was making dinner. I had just randomly felt like making a bracelet and came across this pattern - <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-bracelet" target="_blank">Button Bracelet</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32558001@N04" target="_blank">Allison Hogue</a> on Ravelry with it's nice free-floating cable look. Perfect instant gratification pattern for little bits of left over yarn. Plus I love an excuse to go through and use some of my vintage buttons.<br />
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/button_braclet2.jpg" alt="Buttony goodness" width="450" height="301" /><br />
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In some exciting news, my <a href="http://pieknits.com/blog/2007/10/celtic_tote_now_up_in_the.html">Celtic Tote</a> pattern has been included in Interweave's new "<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Top-Ten-Knitted-Accessories.html" target="_blank">Best of 2010: Top Ten Patterns for Knitted Accessories</a>" eBook as #5!
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<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Top-Ten-Knitted-Accessories.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.pieknits.com/best10_celtic.jpg" alt="Best of 2010: Top Ten Patterns for Knitted Accessories" border="0" width="400" height="517" /></a>
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You can purchase the eBook <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Top-Ten-Knitted-Accessories.html" target="_blank">here</a> for $14.99.
]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Blob o&apos; Lace</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/07/blob_o_lace.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1045</id>

    <published>2010-07-23T17:26:31Z</published>
    <updated>2010-07-23T17:16:10Z</updated>

    <summary>I&apos;ve been chipping away at the hip scarf; it&apos;s an easy pattern but somewhat monotonous for long stretches. Unfortunately, it&apos;s not very exciting to show in progress, lace being the tangled looking mess of string it is on the needles....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I've been chipping away at the <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/04/for_the_hips.html">hip scarf</a>; it's an easy pattern but somewhat monotonous for long stretches. Unfortunately, it's not very exciting to show in progress, lace being the tangled looking mess of string it is on the needles.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hip_scarf_prog.jpg" alt="Lace blob" width="400" height="598" /><br />
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I have an idea to try spraying it with sparkle fabric paint for a some extra glitz. Thinking it'll probably be best to test that idea on a swatch, anyone ever used the stuff before?
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And in completely unrelated other news- I got glasses!
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/glasses.jpg" alt="New specs" width="400" height="492" />
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Hopefully now I will not have to sweat it through my next eye test at the drivers license office, heh.]]>
        
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</entry>

<entry>
    <title>V. Important Cozy</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/07/v_important_cozy.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1044</id>

    <published>2010-07-20T22:18:57Z</published>
    <updated>2010-07-20T20:51:14Z</updated>

    <summary> Just a fun quickie for a friend. A little &quot;Thank you&quot; for coming over and teaching me bread making. Now I at least feel like I&apos;m not completely guesstimating about kneading.Only a camera phone shot here (I had just...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Finished Items 2010" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/beer_cozie.jpg" alt="Beer Sweater" align="right" width="200" height="267" hspace="5" /> Just a fun quickie for a friend. A little "Thank you" for coming over and teaching me bread making. Now I at least feel like I'm not <i>completely</i> guesstimating about kneading.<br /><br />Only a camera phone shot here (I had just finished this up while lake-side knitting, woo). The ever popular <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dg2n22w4_14bgv7f5" target="_blank">Beer Sweater</a>. As you must keep your beer nice and insulated and no one wants cold wet hands of course.<br /><br />Yes, there were mods- even on something like this I can't seem to help it. I used a DK weight yarn instead of the recommended sport weight and thus ended up adjusting the pattern to about 75%. <br />I worked the sleeves as double-knit tubes (at only 12 sts this was much easier).<br />Also I always use my <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/08/purl_long_tail_cast-on.html">alternating knit/purl long tail cast-on</a> method whenever starting in rib. <br /> ]]>
        
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<entry>
    <title>I&apos;m still alive</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/06/im_still_alive.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1043</id>

    <published>2010-06-30T23:15:29Z</published>
    <updated>2010-07-01T14:58:56Z</updated>

    <summary>I&apos;m still here, just been summer busy! I do have a few things finished, just yet to get to taking some photos. In the meantime I thought I&apos;d share a cake I made and decorated for a friends wedding shower....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I'm still here, just been summer busy! I do have a few things finished, just yet to get to taking some photos. In the meantime I thought I'd share a cake I made and decorated for a friends wedding shower. I love food decoration. I think I just never grew out of wanting to play with my food.<br />
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 <img src="http://www.pieknits.com/food/showerCake1.jpg" alt="Beach Wedding Shower Cake" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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The couple is having a destination wedding so my other friend and I who hosted went with a beach theme. I tinted the frosting (I'll admit it's from a can. Not being a huge icing person myself I rather dislike making it from scratch). Then I made the shells from melting white chocolate and pouring it into molds. I then dusted them with edible gold dust/luster, pretty!
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/food/showerCake2.jpg" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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The "sand" is crushed vanilla wafers with a bit of brown sugar. This was also my first layer cake. My Mother always considered layer cakes the enemy, having terrible luck with them. So I had yet to venture trying on until now. With some handy internet tips think it turned out ok!<br />
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<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/spring_bellydance.jpg" alt="Bellydance Class Performance" width="450" height="338" /><br />
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Also got a group shot of my bellydance class from our recent Spring recital. Shows us all wearing our handmade headbands I posted about <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/05/costuming_crafting.html">last time</a>. I had a great time and think we did pretty good! ]]>
        
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</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Costuming DIY</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/05/costuming_crafting.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1042</id>

    <published>2010-05-27T17:52:52Z</published>
    <updated>2010-05-27T17:58:00Z</updated>

    <summary>My bellydance class got together to make these head scarfs as part of our costumes for our upcoming performance. I will tell you, making lots of pom-poms is really something best done in a group- much less tedious. It is...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Other crafting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[My bellydance class got together to make these head scarfs as part of our costumes for our upcoming performance. I will tell you, making lots of pom-poms is really something best done in a group- much less tedious.<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/pom_headscarf.jpg" alt="colorful, no?" width="400" height="534" />
<br /><br />
It is rather incongruous with my street clothes, but you get the idea. We used&nbsp; Full o' Sheep by Stitch Nation yarn. I really love the great vibrant colors in this line. Nice to be able to grab a 100% wool yarn like this at a big box store too (I live in a No Yarn Store Zone unfortunately).
<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/pom_headscarf2.jpg" width="400" height="533" /><br /><br />
We just hand stitched a simple tube for the scarf from fabric scraps. I've inserted a clear headband in mine for extra stability. Excited for our performance next week when we'll be wearing these!<br /><br />ETA: Wow just realized I totally missed my 5 year blog anniversary! Probably because I can't believe it's been 5 years!<br />]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Wee Embroidery</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/05/wee_embroidery.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1041</id>

    <published>2010-05-21T22:10:13Z</published>
    <updated>2010-05-21T20:17:38Z</updated>

    <summary>I found this great vintage auto-body work shirt at a thrift store several years back for a whole $0.62. I recently decided it could use a little extra personalization however. Locating a free script style font I liked (dafont.com is...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Other crafting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[I found this great vintage auto-body work shirt at a thrift store several years back for a whole $0.62. I recently decided it could use a little extra personalization however.
<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pieknits.com/jen_embroidery.jpg" alt="Hello, my name is Jen" width="450" height="337" />
<br /><br />
Locating a free script style font I liked (<a href="http://www.dafont.com/" target="_blank">dafont.com</a> is a great sight), I printed out a sample in my name. I then pinned the print out to the inside of the shirt in the location I wanted and held both up to a sunny window. (A light box is ideal, I've also used a clear plastic clipboard over a lamp light in a pinch.) Using a dressmakers pencil I traced the text onto the front of the shirt. Then using that as my guide, worked a simple split stitch in red embroidery floss over it. I think it adds that little extra somthin'.
<br /><br />
<div align="center"> <img src="http://www.pieknits.com/jen_embroidery2.jpg" width="350" height="467" /></div><br />
View of the back and charmingly simple print.]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies, again...</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/05/recipe_chocolate_chip_coo.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1039</id>

    <published>2010-05-06T17:01:34Z</published>
    <updated>2010-05-06T16:19:09Z</updated>

    <summary>Yep, I did it again. Had to try another chocolate chip cookie recipe. As I&apos;m a chewy, deep flavor type of cc cookie type person, when I saw this recipe using browned butter my thought process pretty much went -...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Recipes" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[Yep, I did it again. Had to try another chocolate chip cookie recipe. As I'm a chewy, deep flavor type of cc cookie type person, when I saw this recipe using browned butter my thought process pretty much went - "Oh! I love browned butter, must try!".
<br /><br />
<img alt="Chocolate Chip Cookies with Browned Butter" src="http://www.pieknits.com/food/choco_brownbtr_cookies.jpg" width="300" height="399" /><br /><br /><br />While these were very tasty I did have a few comments. One, if you plan to chill the dough, because of the melted butter, it becomes very hard. If you like to snack on the dough as much as the finished baked good then this is a bit annoying, as well as difficult to portion out. I also tried lowering the baking temp as I usually like the softer cookie that produces but it will turn out wide flat cookies (again due to browned butter, cookie spreads fast before setting up). So def. stick with the 375 in the recipe. The brown butter taste does dissipate a bit in the baked good but still a very nice flavor. I may try my usual recipe next time with more a 1:1 ration of creamed butter and browned.<br /><br /><strong>Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies</strong><br />via <a href="http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/print/detail.asp?docid=19364" target="_blank" ?="">Cooks Illustrated</a><br /><br />
<ul>
<li>1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (8 3/4 ounces)</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)</li>
<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)</li>
<li>1 teaspoon table salt</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 large egg</li>
<li>1 large egg yolk</li>
<li>1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks</li>
<li>3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)<br /></li></ul>
<p>1.&nbsp; Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large (18- by 12-inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.</p>
<p>2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and, using heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.</p>
<p>3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using), giving dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.</p>
<p>4.&nbsp; Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons (or use #24 cookie scoop). Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet. (Smaller baking sheets can be used, but will require 3 batches.) I also sprinkled a little sea salt on top.</p>
<p>5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.<br /></p>
<p>Makes about 16 large&nbsp;cookies.<br /></p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>For the Hips</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/04/for_the_hips.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1040</id>

    <published>2010-04-22T22:03:21Z</published>
    <updated>2010-04-22T21:31:42Z</updated>

    <summary>Lately I seem to be spending more time with belly dance and thus less with knitting so I thought why not combine the two. Ok, so not knitting while dancing, but knitting a dance item to clarify. Here we have...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[Lately I seem to be spending more time with belly dance and thus less with knitting so I thought why not combine the two. Ok, so not knitting <em>while</em> dancing, but knitting a dance item to clarify.<br /><br />

 <img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hipscarf_progress.jpg" alt="Hip scarf in progress" width="450" height="544" /><br />
<br />
Here we have the beginnings of my new hip scarf! It's a bit further along now than this photo (I'm behind, re: above). The pattern is the<a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/?q=node/3036" target="_blank"> Faux Spanish Lace</a> shawl (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/faux-spanish-lace" target="_blank">Raverly download</a>) that I plan to knit to a size that ties around my waist. The edge will be finished off with beads and tassels as well. I love the color of this yarn, a great thrift store find. It's the same I used for my <a href="http://pieknits.com/blog/2009/08/lace_zill_mufflers.html">zill covers</a>, matchiness!

<br /><br />
<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/camera_bag.jpg" alt="The Bad-Ass Bowler Bag" width="400" height="597" />
<br /><br />
The weekend before last I was lucky enough to take a class at the <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/" target-="" _blank="">DFW Fiberfest</a> - "Photograph Finished Items &amp; Fiber" from the wonderful <a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Franklin Habit</a>. It was just what I needed as my Nikon D80 and I have had a slow start to our relationship. I feel we understand each other better now. Bonus was I got to use my lovely B-day gift (thanks Sis!) this awesome camera bag from <a href="http://photojojo.com/store/">Photojojo</a>. While my standard bag is great if I need to carry all my gear, not so much if I want to take it somewhere casual and <em>not </em>look like a wedding photographer.]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Pick Me Up Bow</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2010/04/pick_me_up_bow.html" />
    <id>tag:www.pieknits.com,2010:/blog//1.1037</id>

    <published>2010-04-06T18:03:32Z</published>
    <updated>2010-04-06T18:11:43Z</updated>

    <summary> Whipped up this little confection for my friend. I love hair accessories- instant gratification. I may just have to make one for me! Of course even this simple pattern I couldn&apos;t leave well enough alone. I made the bow...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>pieknits</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Finished Items 2010" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/">
        <![CDATA[ <img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hairbow1.jpg" alt="I &lt;3 bows" width="450" height="600" /><br />
<br />
Whipped up this little confection for my friend. I love hair accessories- instant gratification. I may just have to make one for me! 
<br />
<br />

<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hairbow2.jpg" alt="Moss Stitch Bow Headband" width="450" height="338" /><br />

<br />Of course even this simple pattern I couldn't leave well enough alone.

<br /><p>I made the bow a little smaller, casting on only 11 sts and working until it measured 5" for main 
section. The loop was therefore only 2.5" long. I also CO the bow alternating in 
pattern with my <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/08/purl_long_tail_cast-on.html">Purl
 Long Tail Cast-On</a> to match the bind-off in-pattern better.</p>

<p>For the Loop, to avoid sewing, I used a provisional cast-on and the three-needle bind-off to join the ends together.</p>

<p>Also I made two bands instead of three since it seemed sufficient for this 
size.</p><br />

<img src="http://www.pieknits.com/knit/hairbow_flat.jpg" alt="Just made 2 bands instead of 3" width="450" height="338" /><br /><br />
<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://blog.a-common-thread.com/2009/10/knit-pattern-moss-stitch-bow-headband.html" target="_blank">Moss Stitch Bow Headband</a> by Stefanie Fail of <a href="http://blog.a-common-thread.com/" target="_blank">A Common Thread</a> <br /><b>Needles:</b> US 7  / 4.5 mm<br /><b>Yarn:</b> Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Full o' Sheep, color: Aquamarina]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

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