Home » Discussion Forums » Blog Post Discussion » Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows
| Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19722] |
Sat, 22 August 2009 19:24  |
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AJLR Messages: 2566 Registered: September 2008 Location: England, UK |
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Here's Jodi's Guest Blog
"Never let a computer know you're in a hurry."
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19730 is a reply to message #19722 ] |
Sat, 22 August 2009 20:14   |
GraceNotes Messages: 173 Registered: October 2008 |
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I, too, have been fascinated by the many things that can be made starting with one thread. I've done knitting, a little crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, some weaving macrame, and just a smidgen of tatting.
Very clear explanation here, gorgeous pictures and new information, I look forward to the next installment whenever it comes.
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19741 is a reply to message #19722 ] |
Sat, 22 August 2009 22:04   |
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HorsehairBraider Messages: 161 Registered: August 2009 Location: New Mexico |
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I can't believe this - I've really hit the jackpot here. Not only is this forum the Robin McKinley forum, and not only is Robin McKinley actually HERE, but there are people here who love fiber! Wow. Just, wow.
I taught spinning, knitting and weaving for years, raised many of the fiber animals and still knit whenever I have time. This is really exciting to read of others getting involved in the same things! And I agree about socks - I love knitting socks! Mine are made in a strange way, starting at the toe (so you can try them on as you go) and only using two needles - but the end result is the same, hours of entertainment and a pair of socks when you are done. Add some chocolate and life could not be better.
I can't wait for the next installment!
They say princes learn no art truly, save that of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom. Ben Jonson
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19746 is a reply to message #19743 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 07:01   |
Louiz Messages: 38 Registered: October 2008 Location: London, England |
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| blondviolinist wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 04:21 |
| Robin wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 20:43 | I'm hoping for a SERIES. Mwa ha ha ha ha.
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Oooo, yes! If you need help with Jodi-nagging, I will totally back you up. (Actually, I just want to see more pictures of her gorgeous fiber.)
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Mmmm that fibre was lovely... as was the spindle.
Louiz (currently knitting a pair of socks, a child's jumper and a lace shawl. Not at the same time. And spindle spinning for a jumper...)
Bibliovorous.
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19748 is a reply to message #19722 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 08:54   |
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Mrs Redboots Messages: 943 Registered: October 2008 Location: London, UK |
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I DO NOT LIKE knitting socks! I hate knitting with seriously thin yarn on tiny needles and you knit and knit for hours and hours and only have about 1/2 cm of progress to show for it.
I do, however, confess to knitting kilt socks on occasion - that's nice sensible double knitting yarn on 4 mm needles. And I have also adapted the double knitting sock pattern to make skating boot covers (keeps my feet warm when it's cold in the rink!).
| Jodi wrote: | I have no idea why they call these things notions, but all that means is knitting stuff. Stitch counters, stitch markers, little doodads to stick on the end of your needles so stitches don’t fall off. Stuff, as I said. You don’t need all of it, but sometimes it’s pretty. Too pretty to resist.
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Here it's called haberdashery. Or at least, it is sold in the haberdashery department of a department store. And although I'm mean and use contrast yarn for both stitch holders and stitch markers, I have passed on pretty beaded stitch markers to a friend of mine who does beading for her craft and suggested they would make useful pressies for her knitting friends!
I didn't know, until reading Jodi's blog, that one could buy wool all ready for spinning - my experience has only been with wool that came straight off a sheep's back. Wonderful stuff, but it took a lot of preparing to make it ready to spin.
Mrs Redboots
I love my computer because my friends live in it!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19749 is a reply to message #19722 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 09:19   |
Jeanne Marie Messages: 320 Registered: October 2008 Location: Kansas City |
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Envy, envy, envy...since I first saw some of Jodi's sock pics, I have YEARNED AND PINED for such lovely critters! I have long believe that socks are supposed to be comfortable and entertaining at the same time, but I rarely find such things in stores, you know? YEARN!! PINE!!
I, myself, am Fiber Challenged. A lovely woman who was something like 150 at the time taught me to crochet when I was about 10, but it didn't take. Another friend re-taught me the same crochet stitch in 1994, and I began what I for some years dubbed the "Never-Ending Afghan." I would crochet my one good stitch until the skein ran out, then get another one and start a new color - but, I did this only fitfully, over a period of more than a decade. Lengthwise, it was longer than a normal-sized couch (I think roughly 11 feet long). The width never made it past 4 ft. My problem is my thumb muscle, which cramps and seizes up after about 20 minutes of confined activity like crochet. So, I finally gave up on Afghan. It still sometimes adorns the couch back, though, and I can curl it creatively around my shoulders and legs!
Jodi Socks!! Yay!! YEARN!! PINE!!
Oh, and how coincidental that I just heard of Ravelry for the first time last night on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!!
Great post! Looking forward to more!
Smiles,
JM
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19784 is a reply to message #19730 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:28   |
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| GraceNotes wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 20:14 | I, too, have been fascinated by the many things that can be made starting with one thread. I've done knitting, a little crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, some weaving macrame, and just a smidgen of tatting.
Very clear explanation here, gorgeous pictures and new information, I look forward to the next installment whenever it comes.
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Thanks! I find it absolutely amazing all the things one can do with a stick and string. Why has this stopped being a normal thing for people to do? (Okay, mass production, and that's great and necessary, but...sticks and string.)
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19785 is a reply to message #19732 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:29   |
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| Robin wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 20:43 | I'm hoping for a SERIES. Mwa ha ha ha ha.
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I assume you know what you're asking for, because I *will* talk about it forever without taking a breath!
And thanks for bright pinking yourself. I did think about it, and then forgot once I'd finally managed to overcome the labyrinth of Wordpress.
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19786 is a reply to message #19735 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:31   |
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| librarykat wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 20:54 | Wow ...
My mother tried to teach me to knit and crochet when I was about 10. For some reason, I preferred sewing and embroidery and didn't take to the knitting or crocheting. I've tried several times over the past 4 decades, and still haven't quite got the knack yet. But someday ... before my arthritis cripples my hands and my eyesight goes ... I want to try again - and succeed!
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Hey, you've got something! I can't sew anything more complicated than a button, though my mom tried to teach me, and embroidery looks like magic to me.
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19788 is a reply to message #19738 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:35   |
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| ravenclawgirl wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 21:13 | I have been knitting for a little over a year now, but I haven't worked up the courage to try and knit socks yet. I have successfully knitted a sweater (twice), but I am a little nervous about using double pointed needles.
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If you can knit a sweater, you can knit socks. How did you knit the sleeves? If you don't like DPNs, you can use circular needles or try magic loop. Just remember, even on DPNs, you're still only using two needles at one time; the others are just holding yarn in place for you.
And if you mess up, you can always frog back. Try on something cheap if it makes you feel better! (I used Regia as my first socks. It's about $5 a 50g ball, so you'd need two.)
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19789 is a reply to message #19739 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:36   |
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| Melissa Mead wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 21:17 | I'm chronically envious of the fabric-competent. I learned how to crochet a chain once. Didn't know what to do beyond that, though.
The one time I tried to embroider something, I sewed it to my leg.
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Yipe! And hey, if you can crochet a chain, that's a start. Everything in crochet starts from chains. :)
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19790 is a reply to message #19741 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:38   |
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| HorsehairBraider wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 22:04 | Mine are made in a strange way, starting at the toe (so you can try them on as you go) and only using two needles - but the end result is the same, hours of entertainment and a pair of socks when you are done. :)
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I have heard of such a thing. I think Knitty has a pattern for a pair like that? I've never tried it, though. I actually *really* like DPNs. They're so great for knitting in public, because people gape. I'll have to try the two-needle way, too, though, because that seems very clever.
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19792 is a reply to message #19744 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:42   |
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| KitF wrote on Sat, 22 August 2009 23:51 | I agree that yarn is for socks. It is also, however, for lace shawls. The main difference, so far as I can see, is that other people understand that a lace shawl is complicated and takes a lot of work. The sock does not convey that impression. As a result last year at the holidays the following conversation took place after we'd opened all the gifts.
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Yeah, lace *does* look complicated. I haven't been brave enough to try it yet. But it's nice when other people *appreciate* our socks. They do take a lot of time and work!
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19793 is a reply to message #19746 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:43   |
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| Louiz wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 07:01 |
Mmmm that fibre was lovely... as was the spindle.
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There will be more fiber and spindles in the next one! Muahaha!
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19795 is a reply to message #19748 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:46   |
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| Mrs Redboots wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 08:54 | I DO NOT LIKE knitting socks! I hate knitting with seriously thin yarn on tiny needles and you knit and knit for hours and hours and only have about 1/2 cm of progress to show for it.
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That's okay. More sock yarn for the rest of us!
| Quote: | Here it's called haberdashery. Or at least, it is sold in the haberdashery department of a department store.
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Ooh, that's such a cute term!
| Quote: | I didn't know, until reading Jodi's blog, that one could buy wool all ready for spinning - my experience has only been with wool that came straight off a sheep's back. Wonderful stuff, but it took a lot of preparing to make it ready to spin.
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Prepping fleece does take a lot of work, from what I've seen. The tops I buy come from mills similar to those that make yarn; they yarn mills actually use the same stuff to spin!
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19796 is a reply to message #19749 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:50   |
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| Jeanne Marie wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 09:19 | Envy, envy, envy...since I first saw some of Jodi's sock pics, I have YEARNED AND PINED for such lovely critters! I have long believe that socks are supposed to be comfortable and entertaining at the same time, but I rarely find such things in stores, you know? YEARN!! PINE!!
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Get thee to a yarn store! You can probably take regular knitting lessons at a Michael's or something if you don't have a LYS (local yarn store - usually run by a lovely woman who's something like 150. *g* Mine, when I had one within striking distance, was run by a chick about my age. She was awesome.) Anyway, you can learn how to knit somewhere easy, and if you're intimidated by socks, LYSs usually have classes for that sort of thing. Doooooo it!
| Quote: | Oh, and how coincidental that I just heard of Ravelry for the first time last night on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!!
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There are no coincidences. We're trying to convert you.
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19797 is a reply to message #19758 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:52   |
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| baybelletrist wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 15:52 |
*is a craft supplies addict*
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They're very good things to collect, just in case of the apocalypse. ;)
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19799 is a reply to message #19759 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:53   |
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| AJLR wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 17:04 | That's fascinating, Jodi. I think I'm more of a crochet person than a knitter (ie, I can't knit!) but I can see the allure of yarn.
Er...how do you know when the stash has reached its maximum allowable size? :)
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You can crochet socks. If you want, I'll find you patterns. ;)
You know the stash has reached maximum allowable size when you have to buy a third house and fix the attic floor so it will bear the weight of all your yarn and fiber. ;)
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19800 is a reply to message #19760 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:54   |
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| b_twin_1 wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 17:16 |
Looking forward to the next installment! Mmmmm yarn..... *goes to pet her fledging stash*
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Dude, you can go pet a *sheep*. You can go pet baaaaby yarn. I am envious of you this much!
Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19804 is a reply to message #19802 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 22:59   |
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| blondviolinist wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 22:56 |
::dies laughing, and is forced to become a zombie in order to continue participating on the forum::
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Totally. I'm waiting for lightning to strike. PINK lightning.
[Updated on: Sun, 23 August 2009 23:00] Smooshes!
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| Re: Guest Blog by Jodi Meadows [message #19805 is a reply to message #19798 ] |
Sun, 23 August 2009 23:02   |
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| blondviolinist wrote on Sun, 23 August 2009 22:52 |
Oh, pshaw! If you can knit socks and sweaters and cables, you can do lace. Start with the Seascape stole or the Branching Out scarf. (Yes, I've just been looking through your notebook on Ravelry. *Love* the yarn you've picked for the owls sweater!)
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Awesome. I will! I'd been thinking about starting with the Swallowtail, since it looks smallish and doesn't require a lot in the way of yardage, but I trust your advice! Because I'm totally in love with the floatiness of all those lace things I keep seeing around. Mmm.
Smooshes!
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