Rantings of a Rabid Knitter

A little bit of news.  It is hard to get back into the swing of work after a week off.
Sadie has stayed home for over a week.  Yeah!
I finish the story of how I got away with knitting in class in high school.
Thanks to Mike for asking the question in the first place.  I know I was long winded in answering it.  But you know, there was a story there.
If you have any questions about anything I have ever said, don’t hesitate to ask.   I will either answer you directly or maybe, there will be a story to tell in the answering.
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
Thanks.  Carry

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I continue talking about life in a small NV town and knitting adventures.
Here is a picture of the sweater that is discussed.

What can I say.  It was the 80′s after all.  What do you think?  I would love to hear from you.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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Some knitting updates.
A knitting hint.
A product review: Nancy’s Knit Knacks DP Wip Tubes
Story.  During my senior  year of high school, I had to take home ec.  I tell you how I coped.
Let me know what you think.  Was the tip helpful?  Will t[...]</itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:summary>Some knitting updates.
A knitting hint.
A product review: Nancy’s Knit Knacks DP Wip Tubes
Story.  During my senior  year of high school, I had to take home ec.  I tell you how I coped.
Let me know what you think.  Was the tip helpful?  Will the red sweater ever get done?  Have I lost my knitting way?  Does anyone actual read these notes?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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I share some of my experiences with speech therapy.
Please let me know what you think.  Do you find it annoying when I slow down to say a word?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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Today, I talk about the stories and history of silk.
Silk was discovered (unraveled) in 3000 BC by a Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi.  For centuries, China held a monopoly on silk.  Whenever there is something of value, theft  will occur.
In a future episode, I will discuss other aspects of silk.  Should I wait until episode 85 or should I do it next week?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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I am a problem solver.  I see a problem.  If I can fix it, I do.  If I can’t, then I let people who can fix it know about it.
I fix all kinds of problems but mostly I fix bathrooms.
Am I alone in this obsession?  Do you fix problems also?  Please let me know.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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Sadie is a sheepdog.

She is not a shepherding dog.  It seems that the distinction has been blurred or maybe it is only me that sees a difference.
I talk about what the differences are between sheepdogs and shepherds.  I also share some stories about shepherding dogs.
Did you ever own a sheepdog or a shepherd?  Do you have any stories to share?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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I talk about the incident that sparked my starting to spin.
This is not an easy story to tell.   Although this happened many years ago, the hurt is still there.
Spinning helped me through a very rough patch.
If you have any comments or questions, you can contact me at
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks.  Carry

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I was having a bad start to the day on Thursday.  I was trying to work from home but it seemed like everyone was against that idea from the Dog to the new computer.  When the new computer said it needed to update and reboot for the third time, I decided to go out and get lunch at my favorite eatery, Elmo’s Diner.
I went in in a foul mood and left feeling wonderful.  I tell you why in today’s story.
Thanks for coming by.
Please, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Personal news.

Computer is in transit.
Sadie is a bad girl
I play with new yarn TOFUtsies

I talk about man-made fibers.  Concentrating on the original man-made fiber, rayon.  I discuss its history and how it is made.  I hope you find the information interesting.
Please let me know what you think.  What are you experiences with these fibers?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Some updates.
Andy is out of the hospital and doing well.
Sadie is still being a problem
New computer was returned.  I have ordered a new new one.
Today’s story.
Traveling cross country with my family followed a set routine.  The time table was precise.  The division of labor was clear.  Expectations were known.
Some people just didn’t get it.  I don’t know why.
What do you think?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I am having computer problems with my brand new Gateway laptop. It keeps losing its drivers.  I have in fact written this blog entry twice.  It keeps disconnecting me from the internet mid-sentence.  Annoying.
Computer support is denying there is an issue with their computer and drivers.  Just how often do you have to install device drivers?
So instead of me wasting your time listening to me moan and groan, I play the Neel sisters’ stories I recorded at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festivals.
You can contact Lara at Math4Knitters.  I am sure she will forward messages to her sister, Lisa.
You can contact me at
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks. Carry

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I was away from home in training this week.  I really just wanted to be home.
Getting home was harder than it should have been.
I would love to know what you think.  Please leave me a comment or e-mail or give me a call.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I answer some questions from Shawn concerning linen and linseed oil.
Please, indulge me.  It has been a rough week.  I talk about my best boss ever.  He is going through a rough time.
I would love to hear from you.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Linen comes from the flax plant.  Flax was first cultivated in ancient Egypt.  It was widely cultivated in Europe in the middle ages.
Flax gives us flax seed and linseed oil as well as linen.
Getting linen out of flax is a time consuming and labor intensive activity.  You have to rot, dry, break, scrape, and comb the stalks to get the linen.
Linen is usually spun using a distaff, which really is just an extra hand.  Wet spinning produces a smoother yarn.  After spun, the yarn is boiled and blocked to set the twist.
Please let me know if you have any questions or know of any good stories concerning linen.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I have to admit I am a bit of a pack-rat.  When Wayne found my violin, which he never heard me play, he suggested I get rid of it.  But I can’t and I tell you the story of getting the violin.

So what do you think.  Should I keep it or give it to someone who will play it more than I do?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I had a great time at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival  and share many adventures  with you.
I am afraid that this is my longest show to date.  It is a bunch of stories all thrown together.  I thought about splitting it up but then it would drag on forever in the telling.  So here they all are.  I hope you don’t mind the length.
People mentioned and their links.

Barefoot Spinner
Handweavers Guild of America
Journey Wheels
Kid Hollow
Lara Math4Knitters
Liberty Ridge Farm
Lyle Wheeler
Mannings
Spinnery
Zeilingers

A big thank you to everyone who came up and said ‘Hey’.  I was worried that I would be wondering around with a big f* flower for absolutely no reason what so ever. You made all the strange looks well worthwhile.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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My allergies were really bad on Monday.  I don’t know why.  I must have gotten into something worse than usual.
It reminded me of a time, before I found an allergy medicine that worked.  Things were rough working as a contractor doing a difficult job in uncomfortable surroundings.
I would love to know what you think.  Comments make my day.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Thank you for your feedback on last weeks show.
MSW is next week.  I am looking forward to talking with you.  Please come by and say ‘Hey’.  I would love to hear which story is your favorite.

Tonya (trickel2 at cox dot net)  has let me know there is a fiber festival in Bellevue, Nebraska May 11-13.  E-mail her for more information.

Story:
I show my affection by rubbing bellies.  I have for years.  Some people don’t appreciate getting their bellies rubbed.  I don’t know why.
Let me know what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Thank you for all your suggestions on knitting topics.  I have started a list and will get to them.
I had a brain storm and thought it would be interesting to look at some of the stories and myths of some of the common fibers we use.  I will also ta[...]</itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:summary>Thank you for all your suggestions on knitting topics.  I have started a list and will get to them.
I had a brain storm and thought it would be interesting to look at some of the stories and myths of some of the common fibers we use.  I will also talk about spinning the fiber and what makes it different from other fibers.   In addition, a short discussion about what the fiber is good for making and what are its pros and cons.
Since it is Summer here (where did Spring go?) in North Carolina, I thought I would start with cotton.  I like cotton to wear and to knit with.  Cotton is a challenge to spin and I am still working on mastering it.
Here are the wheel and one of the spindles I use for spinning cotton.

The wheel is based on the original spinning wheel designed in India (500 – 1000 AD).  It is a hand cranked spindle wheel and is ideal for spinning cotton.
I learned how to spin cotton from the seed around 8 years ago.  It is how I imagine cotton was originally spun.

You can see the seed is still in there.  This will give you a yarn with more ‘character’ being more uneven.
Cotton has been around forever and ever.  Growing wild in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, it was spun for thousands of years.  Spinning has been around for over 10,000 years using a spindle.  Oldest cotton garment ever found was dated to be over 7,000 years old and was found in a cave in Mexico.
I talk about the history and controversy of cotton in the Americas.
Please let me know what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Next week is a knitting episode.  Do you have a topic, you want to hear my opinion on?  Send me an e-mail.
I will be going to Maryland Sheep and Wool.  I will be wearing a big flower.  If you are there, come by and say ‘Hey’.

Speaking of hay, I need to get some.  It is always an adventure when I go get hay.  I talk about the most resent expedition.
Let me know what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I am afraid I ramble on for quite a bit in this three part episode.
Part 1.  Update on red sweater.  It is going well.  I am down to the high hip adding set in pockets.
Part 2.  Easter present for you.  How I dye with Easter egg dyes.

Come play with color with me.
Part 3.  I get so annoyed at knitting stereotypes.  I just don’t fit the mold.  So many others I know don’t either.  Why do people insist on talking about the knitter type.
What do you think?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Very late thank you to my yarn swap person.  She sent me two ply wool blend and stitch markers.
I think we should all wear big fucking flowers if we go to Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  What do you think are you willing to help me start a new fashion trend?
Todays story.
Sheep got sheared.  I got a new toy.  I had to interview the sheep shearer. Just had to. You know.
Scott Bowdridge is a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech.  He has been shearing sheep for many years and shares a tale with us.  If you need some sheep sheared, give him a try.
Sheep are getting reacquainted.

I would love to know what you think about the show.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Amendment to last weeks show.  You need to calculate the sleeve and body separately if you are making a non-standard sweater.

See website for formulas.
I go on a bit of a rant about Daylight savings time and discuss the mental health issues of a couple of household members.
Is my household unique?  Do you have similar problems?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Totally knitting episode. I talk about how to calculate how much yarn is needed to knit a sweater.
It involves some work in that you will have to knit a swatch but you were going to do that anyway.  Right?
You will need access to a scale that weights very small amounts.  I use a postal scale.
Formula 1 :  TA = C * L * 3 / 2
where:

TA: total area of sweater
C: circumference of the sweater
L: length of the sweater

In words, the approximation of the total area of sweater is the circumference of your sweater times the length of your sweater time 3/2.
You need to relate the area to a weight.  So weight the swatch and calculate the area of your swatch length* width
Formula 2: SA = k ozs, SA: swatch area.
Formula 3: Y  =  TA * k / SA
where:

Y: weight of yarn needed
TA: total area of sweater
k: weight of swatch
SA: area of swatch

Yarn needed in oz is total area times weight of swatch divided by area of swatch.
I hope you find this information helpful and not overly technical.
If you have comments or questions please contact me:
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Another oldie.  This time a rant.

I can’t find the old blog for this but thought since the next show was part 2 I should put part 1 up.

Enjoy.

website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I start with some discussion of religion.  We are in the high holidays also known as March Madness.  It is not a good idea to get between me and watching my guys.
A couple of movie reviews.
Continuing the story of my first year in NC.
Thanks for listening.
Let me know what you think:
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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A big thank you for all your comments and notes of support.
Special thank you to Kori for resending her comment and Susie for sending us Miis.
I talk about that one special cat that was in my life, Abernathy.
I would love to hear what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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This show is completely about the needle biopsy experience.  It is quite long.

Thank you for your positive thoughts and well wishes.
Tell me what you think.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Feb Handspun yarn secret pal exchange yarn is spun.

Red sweater is progressing well.

Return visit to have my mammogram redone did not go well

Main Story.
People always ask us Why don’t you just get married?  There are lots of reasons.  The main is my political believes.   If you are conservative you may not want to listen.  I am a liberal.  I believe in equal rights.  Some marriage laws are unequal.
What do you think?
I welcome your comments.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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I got my yarn from my secret pal.  Check out previous post for pictures.
I want a red summer sweater.  Since you wanted to know more about my designing method, I invite you to join me on this journey.
First crucial steps are being taken.  Choice the yarn.  Choice the style.  Choice the needles.  Determine gauge. Take measurements.

I reveal my secret to knitting sweaters from my yarn choice in many styles.  Barbara Walker&#8217;s Knitting from the Top Down (http://www.schoolhousepress.com/) shows you how to knit a variety of styles in a seamless top down fashion.  I use this book all the time.  This is the most used book in my library beside stitch dictionaries.
Did you find this interesting?  Helpful?  Let me know.
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

Thanks.  Carry

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Update on last weeks story.  I have to go back and get more images done.
It snowed here in NC which reminded me of a snow story.
Please let me know what you think.  Is this the price of a good dead?   Is it really a good dead when you do it &#8217;c[...]</itunes:subtitle>
<itunes:summary>Update on last weeks story.  I have to go back and get more images done.
It snowed here in NC which reminded me of a snow story.
Please let me know what you think.  Is this the price of a good dead?   Is it really a good dead when you do it &#8217;cause they are annoying the hell out of you?
website: autumnbreezedesigns.com
email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com
Thanks. Carry

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I have located some of the old posts and will be putting them back up a few at a time.

Since I have my annual appointment with the vise next week, I thought this is a good place to start.

My hectic week included a visit from the Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Unit.  Work pays for us to get cancer screening.  I think this is a great thing.  Just not something I really look forward to.

I would love to hear from you.  I know things are still a little iffy with the blog but please come by and tell me what you think.

website: autumnbreezedesigns.com

email: carry.autumnbreeze@gmail.com

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I’ve really messed them up.  Please bear with me while I try to get it back to how it was and all the content back.

It really hasn’t been my day.

This is a re-load of my previous post.

My connection to iTunes is broken.  I have to change the name of my rssfeed to get it to work.  Since it is generated by WordPress, I don’t have a clue as how to do that.  I tried making WordPress put it some where else and that resulted in me losing my entire site…

So…

Any way, here is the show that I recorded earlier in the week.  I will try to get things working.  In the meantime I hope I don’t have to retype every thing all over again.

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