tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26374838169891811142024-03-04T23:43:40.600-08:00Poison GardenPoison Garden is a small business that specializes in Victorian, Steampunk, and whimsical jewelry, accessories, and decor. All items are handmade and custom ordering is available.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-33454750993776398062012-12-14T07:12:00.000-08:002012-12-14T07:12:08.930-08:00Elf Clothes on the Christmas TreeI save every left over scrap of yarn throughout the year. At Christmas I design and make elf clothes for the Christmas tree. The ordinary work clothes I string with miniature clothespins to kite string or twine and use as garlands. Because the elves are pure imagination I make their clothes smaller or larger, depending on the amount of yarn available and what the elves look like in my imagination at the time. Some elves are the size of Barbie dolls and they seem to get the bulk of the sparkly evening wear pieced together from glitter and sequin yarn that has gone into adult party wear. The rough pants and sweaters used in Santa's workshop come in some pretty wild color combinations. There are ponchos in shades of pink and blue; lavender seems to be a favorite color for elf socks. I promise to post photos when my son-in-law has time to take them.<br />
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This year I am sharing how I make wardrobes for Santa's helpers with the patrons of the Crawfordsville District Library. This sunday December 17th from 2 to 4 p.m. I shall be demonstrating and teaching the techniques for elf wear. There is a small display ofo an evening shrug, sweaters and trousers in the main room at the library. Sign up if you can. I would like to meet anyone in the Crawfordsville area who reds the blog.<br />
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Knitters are generous people and I love to meet with others who share my passion for taking a piece of string and creating a new piece of art or clothing.<br />
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I hope to meet and greet you this Sunday afternoon. Call the library and let them know you will be there. Bring your needles and your imagination. If you have any left over bits of string you wish to use for elf clothing, bring that, too. I shall bring my left over balls. Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-86034272763233855252012-12-13T14:12:00.003-08:002012-12-13T14:12:37.328-08:00Holiday Shipping DeadlinesIf you live in the United States, there is still time to shop at Poison Garden before Christmas! Here are the shipping deadlines for the United States Postal Service:<br />
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First-Class Mail December 20th</div>
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Priority Mail December 21st</div>
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Express Mail December 22nd</div>
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Our standard shipping method is First-Class, but if you would like to receive your package in time using Priority Mail or Express mail, please let us know and we will change the listing to reflect the shipping price.</div>
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Happy Holidays!</div>
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Crystal, Melissa and Suzette</div>
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-61343883408257933162012-12-12T06:36:00.004-08:002012-12-12T06:36:53.519-08:00Who is J.C. Horsley?In simple: the designer of the first Christmas card. <div>
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John Calcott Horsley (1817-1903) was an English painter, who attended the <a href="http://www.racollection.org.uk/ixbin/indexplus?_IXACTION_=file&_IXFILE_=templates/full/person.html&_IXTRAIL_=Academicians&person=5735" target="_blank">Royal Academy of Arts</a>. Most of his artwork featured historical scenes, such as this painting of Mary Queen of Scots: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Queen of Scots in Captivity, J.C. Horsley</td></tr>
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Then in 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, commissioned Horsley to design a card for him that he could mail out that Christmas. The card's main image depicts a family sitting down to a meal. But on the sides, scenes depict people providing food and clothes to the poor.</div>
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That year, approximately 1,000 of Horsley's cards were printed using a lithograph technique, and were hand-colored. However, they were expensive (1 shilling each) and it took quite a few years for the tradition to catch on. </div>
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Amazingly, a few of the original cards still exist:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/07/article-1336459-0C62003D000005DC-404_634x399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/12/07/article-1336459-0C62003D000005DC-404_634x399.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1336459/Worlds-Christmas-cards-London-1843-arrive-auction-NY.html" target="_blank">Horsley Christmas Card 1843, Auctioned in New York, 2010</a></td></tr>
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So, if you are thinking of carrying on a Victorian tradition this Christmas, remember J.C. Horsley and Henry Cole, and send a Christmas card! In fact, you may want to make or buy handmade cards:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmy5cVV-yNiPFbXMIQLmBoCFaaDS6Awn2_v9bZH5A3FxHeJvOreR_5UmpsiPnnj_OKfdbzTvYIQJvewIdPOafGM_9kF69W2uSrQLK_w4tUyaZz2N5WIDKTTJHlFLasxmUYtVQVPzqE5QE/s1600/Joyeux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmy5cVV-yNiPFbXMIQLmBoCFaaDS6Awn2_v9bZH5A3FxHeJvOreR_5UmpsiPnnj_OKfdbzTvYIQJvewIdPOafGM_9kF69W2uSrQLK_w4tUyaZz2N5WIDKTTJHlFLasxmUYtVQVPzqE5QE/s320/Joyeux.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/116946299/joyeux-noel-french-holiday-christmas" target="_blank">French Christmas Card by Darby Cards, Nasheville</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOphHf5nzshIpBKRbYxCRDqWoCuYxQ1DTzrIGhi0yecZzAEoN2AhhYzUM23ddLFSmgWfflxq2_NIhyphenhyphenw9zv6u-MwOMXVaUjWhXGQIJ5a_s9SPhuyk8YjpHe-vXiGJ8AxJEzZfI1IXDI-f5/s1600/Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOphHf5nzshIpBKRbYxCRDqWoCuYxQ1DTzrIGhi0yecZzAEoN2AhhYzUM23ddLFSmgWfflxq2_NIhyphenhyphenw9zv6u-MwOMXVaUjWhXGQIJ5a_s9SPhuyk8YjpHe-vXiGJ8AxJEzZfI1IXDI-f5/s320/Bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84403607/set-of-six-recycled-vintage-christmas" target="_blank">Vintage Cards by Claryce Design</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZhjYoKBfuOOYKdieanyCb7TY7LIhQapQ7f1kaXEhaImOpl7vSSYgP8mXDy-VP0Ni53X-EwbtasyXi0entVwnUMhovPpGN005EIb1rapRPTBG6wTcdxBLJWVhpHnT7PxDkHXHAgPM3HGM/s1600/Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZhjYoKBfuOOYKdieanyCb7TY7LIhQapQ7f1kaXEhaImOpl7vSSYgP8mXDy-VP0Ni53X-EwbtasyXi0entVwnUMhovPpGN005EIb1rapRPTBG6wTcdxBLJWVhpHnT7PxDkHXHAgPM3HGM/s320/Angel.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109352996/handmade-christmas-card-3d-tidings-of" target="_blank">Angel Card by NewCreatioNZ</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsyyg5l_4F-GGdnvgc_2Rz_qjPuVg5w7hBr_bWQNk5cv6SeZ0zpGv0ILLa8dh3oUb015acjKg4oBGYsD_R3Xaw13GA8n5m6Z3ByX-Y8ZzTcS9A9Arq_4GqdGQoMWQ9sMd82wSRZaYYHVi/s1600/Steampunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsyyg5l_4F-GGdnvgc_2Rz_qjPuVg5w7hBr_bWQNk5cv6SeZ0zpGv0ILLa8dh3oUb015acjKg4oBGYsD_R3Xaw13GA8n5m6Z3ByX-Y8ZzTcS9A9Arq_4GqdGQoMWQ9sMd82wSRZaYYHVi/s320/Steampunk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/115648039/steampunk-christmas-card-merry-christmas" target="_blank">Steampunk Card by Immortal Visions</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BFPyalKgRzu_ybUvHnHYBq4E8ulcWg_f7cN__KEs2QvTNDpwyYjq9zDH7TrKWATB4q3KxN2zpW7046h3cYoSnm7fcutcLVyIMiVEn7xqddbejPX0S-IXFMSy_tRsT0H9tkTN9PztL3G0/s1600/Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BFPyalKgRzu_ybUvHnHYBq4E8ulcWg_f7cN__KEs2QvTNDpwyYjq9zDH7TrKWATB4q3KxN2zpW7046h3cYoSnm7fcutcLVyIMiVEn7xqddbejPX0S-IXFMSy_tRsT0H9tkTN9PztL3G0/s320/Party.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110985075/holiday-card-blow-out-sale-vintage" target="_blank">Vintage Card by GoGoSnap</a></td></tr>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-48981386476448430652012-11-29T14:10:00.000-08:002012-11-29T14:10:44.968-08:00Riibbon Candy and Brioche KnitsOne of my favorite Christmas memories is sneaking an extra piece or two from the box of ribbon candy that appeared in our kitchen early in December. I loved the folds and wrinkles that made the candy sparkle. The intense flavors of the season--cinnamon, cloves, peppermint, and spearmint-- delighted me. I remember the sweet tang of spices and the sharp bite of the broken edges of the strips of candy. My mouth waters when I think of it.<br />
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Memories of that candy flooded in early this month as I put the finishing touches on a brioche scarf I made for a friend's birthday. It may have been the colors, pumpkin and clove, or it may have been the alternating light and dark rows, I'll never know. I do know that when I folded the scarf for mailing, I flashed on the s curves of ribbon candy.<br />
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What would happen, I wondered, if I took the colors of ribbon candy and knitted them in reversible knit?<br />
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I grabbed a skein of red and silver yarn and a second skein of green and gold fleck yarn. The result is a seven foot piece of knitted ribbon candy, ready to keep neck and head warm. I made a pair of wrist warmers to match. They are going on etsy tomorrow. I started a second set of knitted candy this evening. It is red and white, clove and peppermint, of course. I can almost smell the spices and sense them on my tongue. Best of all they are calorie free and do not impair my dental health.<br />
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I started my search for real ribbon candy Thanksgiving weekend and I shall keep searching until i find it Just as a precaution a box of ribbon candy is going on my list for Santa. this year. In the meantime I shall knit more ribbon candy scarves, hats and gloves in keeping with the season. <br />
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Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-85183508314251729002012-11-27T12:25:00.000-08:002012-11-27T12:26:46.689-08:00Socks by any other nameMost socks are utilitarian. They insulate your feet from cold and damp. They keep new shoes from rubbing blisters on heels and toes. Some men have only one color and kind of sock to end confusion and save time searching for a missing mate to a particular sock. Most of us do not give much thought to our socks. Some fashion mavens opt for a pair of socks or stockings to match every outfit. Some outdoorsmen have special socks for cold weather and other socks for wet weather. Homeless people always seem to have holes in their socks, or no socks at all.<br />
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I knit socks as an exercise in creativity. I included pictures of two of the socks I make. The red ones are in no way utilitarian. They are meant for the boudoir, to accent a peignoir or negligee, as a sexy turn on or to add the finishing touch to elegant lounging pajamas. They are private and intimate items of apparel. They are made of fingering weight lace in a combination of silk and the finest wool. The Victorian insistence on secrecy in the bedroom was a perfect venue for these small beauties. You can find them on etsy at Nona'sKnits.<br />
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The lavender socks are pedicure socks. They are designed to keep one's feet warm while applying color to the toenails. They also keep softening creams and lotions in contact with the skin and off the sheets. This pair is made of Turkish yarn that is a combination of nylon and acrylic so it holds its shape and is durable enough to go through the washer and dryer.<br />
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I have red socks for matchmakers and exercise socks for dancers and fitness buffs who need some warmth at the ankle but have to have their feet free for movement. One of the advantages of hand knit socks is that they can be made to measure. If your heel is deeper than the average heel, if your toes are longer than usual, wide feet, narrow feet, made to measure socks accommodate all of that. There is no end to the fun socks can be. <br />
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If you have never knitted a pair of socks for yourself, get a skein of Pattons sock yarn and give them a go. When you get hooked on making and wearing made to measure socks, branch out and make two at a time on round needles, toe up or cuff down. Experiment with casting on and kitchener stitches. Take a class in sock making at a local yarn store or corner your grandmother or aunt to show you how they kept their family in fitted footwear before mass produced socks.<br />
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One of my knitting friends wooed her first love in the sixth grade with argyle socks. She doesn't remember what he looked like, but she swears she would recognize the socks anywhere.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-5308334780813292802012-11-23T14:47:00.002-08:002012-11-23T14:48:28.115-08:00Black Friday - Cyber Monday SaleWe hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving this year! <br />
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Now I know most people have turned their attention to shopping... so we will start off the Holiday Season with a special coupon code. Now through Monday at midnight, save 20% off <a href="http://poisongarden.etsy.com/" target="_blank">ALL</a> items when you use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout. <br />
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Happy Shopping!<br />
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Crystal, Melissa and SuzetteCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-41495911657389192922012-11-23T04:38:00.002-08:002012-11-23T04:38:54.382-08:00Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-37793112936921497612012-11-23T04:36:00.002-08:002012-11-23T04:39:10.794-08:00Thanks to Knitters Past and PresentThis is the week we remember the people and places for which we are thankful. I remembered my family and friends and gave an extra "Thanks" to the universe that put me in the 21st century in a progressive democracy. It occurred to me early this morning as I worked on a scarf for Christmas on etsy that I had forgotten the generous, anonymous women who invented knitting. I began to wonder why a woman in the distant past put knotted loops on a stick of bone or wood and make more loops with a second stick until there was a piece of cloth to cover herself or a young child. Which genius woman with an enormous amount of spatial intelligence figured out how to make a reversible ribbed fabric for extra warmth? Who was the artist who saw the potential for twisting stitches into cables and knots?<br />
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I think they must have been incredibly generous. I envisioned them sitting around a fire, infants and children wandering about, showing other women and girls how to use their needles and thread to make cables and ribs for extra warmth.<br />
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Knitters are still generous with each other. I attended a knitting retreat in Pennsylvania this past October. I took classes in brioche knitting and lace making. Eleanor the teacher, was kind to us all and generous with her time and attention to details. She passed on hints and techniques that she had found helpful in her own career. Learning brioche was a challenge, but we did it with her help. During the breaks between classes other knitters shared their experiences and techniques with each other.<br />
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Next time you take up yarn and needles, give a quick nod to the woman who taught you to knit, and to the women who invented knitting. As you struggle to master a new technique or stitch, remember the unknown knitter who invented this challenge. Ask them for their help as you design your own patterns and create a sweater no one has worn before.<br />
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Be forever thankful for their work and for the opportunity we have today to find other outlets for our creativity, mathematical skills, and design talents. I suspect very woman architect, engineer, mathematician, product designer and patent lawyer has an ancestor who invented a new knit stitch or technique in the distant past. I am, however, aware of my own prejudice. Knitters rock!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-74375623688942136552012-11-22T15:34:00.002-08:002012-11-22T15:34:47.157-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!From everyone here at Poison Garden.... Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you have a wonderful holiday.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Crystal, Melissa and SuzetteCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-63479222621421254102012-10-20T18:39:00.003-07:002012-10-20T18:39:49.705-07:00Take Back HalloweenAny ideas what you will be for Halloween this? Or will you dress up at all? I love Halloween stores - but it seems like the costume selection is either 1) expensive or 2) sexy. Sexy is great... but it seems 75% or more of the costumes for women are low-cut, very short, or otherwise revealing. <br />
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For example, I dressed up as Wednesday Addams last year. Before putting my outfit together, Melissa and I made our yearly trek to the local Halloween store. Not surprisingly they had a Wednesday Addams costume...<br />
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Luckily you can find non-sexy versions of her outfit..... Although to be honest I just wore a black dress with white and black stockings, Mary Jane flats, and braided my hair:<br />
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Well all of this is leading up to the point of this article: <a href="http://takebackhalloween.org/" target="_blank">Take Back Halloween</a>. Take Back Halloween is a website by Suzanne Scoggins, who offers information and suggestions for making cheap and easy costumes. In fact, most of the costumes on the site can be created using items from around your home. She even provides instructions on how to make a variety of "sheet" costumes. I think the one of <a href="http://takebackhalloween.org/persephone/" target="_blank">Persephone</a> is particularly beautiful even though it is mostly a sheet.<br />
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In addition, Suzanne favors costumes depicting powerful historical women such as Joan of Arc,<br />
Hatshepsut, Boudicca, and Fu Hao, among others. When you click on one of these women, you are provided with a short bio on the figure and then a list of suggestions for crafting your costume. <br />
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Also, be sure to check out the <a href="http://takebackhalloween.org/category/Blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a> section for news, rants about "sexy" Joan of Arc costumes, and some social pieces on Halloween costumes and culture.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-28046315513433000922012-07-09T05:42:00.000-07:002012-07-09T05:42:02.694-07:00Pinterest Giveaway WinnerThank you to everyone who participated in our Pinterest Giveaway yesterday! We hope everyone had fun and are pleased to announce that Tatia Williams is the winner of this giveaway. Check back for the opportunity to participate in other giveaways and sales opportunities!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-63494923641565271032012-07-08T05:29:00.003-07:002012-07-08T05:29:50.186-07:00Our First Giveaway! TODAY<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/000/0/5900190/il_fullxfull.342058829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/000/0/5900190/il_fullxfull.342058829.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101203703/buy-1-get-1-free-10-ten-gardenia-scented" target="_blank">Giveaway: 10 Gardenia Candle Tarts</a></td></tr>
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I am so excited to finally host our first giveaway here at Poison Garden. If you've been keeping up with us on Facebook/Twitter, you can enter to win a 10 pack of our brand new Gardenia-scented candle tarts. I love this scent because it is sweet, yet warm and exotic. The tarts are made with 100% soy wax, and strongly scented. You can put them in a tart burner to melt them, or use them in your drawers to keep them fresh. Your pack of tarts will come in an organza bag, which you can later use for potpourri, jewelry or anything else!!<br />
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But remember, the Giveaway is only running TODAY over at Pinterest. Here are the instructions:<br />
1) Click on the Giveaway Picture Link below.<br />
2) Comment at the bottom of that picture AND leave me a way to contact you if you win (webpage, facebook, twitter account, email, etc.) <br />
3) Hit the "Repin" button and post the picture to your Pinterest account<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">That's it!! Very easy :) And don't forget, if you want to sample our other great new Candle Tarts - they are Buy 1 Get 1 Free this month as a part of our Christmas in July sale.</span><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoisonGarden" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">etsy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/katersacres/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">KatersAcres</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
</div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-48226565375523416762012-06-27T06:41:00.000-07:002012-06-27T06:42:15.824-07:00My GardenSo I always seem to make items/treasuries/post that mention gardening and my garden. I am so proud because this year my garden is actually full of flowers! Usually, it looks a little sad... maybe I'm getting the hang of it after all. So like any proud mother, I'm going to show them off a bit...<br />
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My favorite flower in the garden right now is the Dahlia. It has these great big red blooms, usually several at a time. When I bought it at the store, all of the Dahlias looked ready to croak, but now it is blooming happily. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WMwriAW2K0QtrWbOO603gqasEBfZHt9-w1WH3Ia9Vm7-zRV_camh7v3um8582rSm8cO7VQCWHmsC60ZYdvPsNTgcXddwkk1B07UTiu75zPc_ov_scNr0NmFC6J8Cpj-5hgePSimycDb5/s1600/Dahlia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WMwriAW2K0QtrWbOO603gqasEBfZHt9-w1WH3Ia9Vm7-zRV_camh7v3um8582rSm8cO7VQCWHmsC60ZYdvPsNTgcXddwkk1B07UTiu75zPc_ov_scNr0NmFC6J8Cpj-5hgePSimycDb5/s320/Dahlia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahlia</td></tr>
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I was very happy to find this Camelot Foxglove, which is a hybrid that can grow in direct sunlight (yay for me!). I thought I was going to succeed in killing it, but right now it is covered in soft lavender blooms.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camelot Foxglove</td></tr>
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I also got this quirky Dianthus plant. Everytime I look at them I think they look like ragamuffins, with their ruffled edges...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELP1ahTaVIKRyhWFXLWso4Sv1PezB-WxFmtWzzgVunUDSajW3qaBIFoWpJqqxFDk32r67zf6AuzxS_sAx46aDRkIkd1R2rNyceO6UAg24CXKR6OhEz2NHBsQpeFUs3rw9tGxAH9dAr1wT/s1600/Annual2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELP1ahTaVIKRyhWFXLWso4Sv1PezB-WxFmtWzzgVunUDSajW3qaBIFoWpJqqxFDk32r67zf6AuzxS_sAx46aDRkIkd1R2rNyceO6UAg24CXKR6OhEz2NHBsQpeFUs3rw9tGxAH9dAr1wT/s320/Annual2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dianthus</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">While they are gone for the season, I also had some pretty pale pink Asiatic Lilies that I loved to look at about a month ago. I hoped they would last longer but I guess I will see them next year...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg38HcmHzdT_wn22oZbyWN-EY_wajKjd1lDbeLcC9aAQx3qmCVK4V0O_oQkzvU3n_56_0xfdKP0QyxMZ5WAOYIlHFaJDjZ2XBB47_rZKC1SvcFbuCrxWhyYEsictXrX_ee0n77NNkbDJ5U/s1600/Asiatic+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg38HcmHzdT_wn22oZbyWN-EY_wajKjd1lDbeLcC9aAQx3qmCVK4V0O_oQkzvU3n_56_0xfdKP0QyxMZ5WAOYIlHFaJDjZ2XBB47_rZKC1SvcFbuCrxWhyYEsictXrX_ee0n77NNkbDJ5U/s320/Asiatic+Lily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asiatic Lily</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And finally, I got some Petunias and other annuals (yes, yes, I forgot their names already...). My only regret is that I spaced them out too far I think... but I shall learn from that next year!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Today, I'm staring at my Gladiolis because they look ready to bloom! When they do, they will be large purple flowers that tower over my pond. </span>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-77966389411668341622012-06-27T01:59:00.000-07:002012-06-27T01:59:26.558-07:00I Hate Boring Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am getting ready for Old Fashioned Days in Darlington, Indiana this coming September. That means I am knitting a fast as I can and coming up with new ideas for gloves, neck warmers, socks, and lace trims. These socks are item #1. These socks are a combination of a Turkish striped yarn and an American cotton tweed for the toes. They are ideal for keeping softening lotion or creme on your feet while you relax or while you are sleeping. The cotton toes allow our feet to breathe while they are softening. What I like about them is that they are a fashion statement in themselves that show off well in sandals or peeking above sneakers.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-22895963177354516472012-06-10T10:19:00.000-07:002012-06-10T10:24:56.018-07:00Newly Blooming in the Poison Garden... Lilac, Gardenia, and JasmineHappy weekend all! So a few years ago I learned how to make these little floral candle tarts which we have previously offered in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/57682037/10-ten-soy-candle-tarts-floral-rose-pink" target="_blank">Rose scent</a>. The tarts are made from 100% natural soy wax, strong fragrance oils and come in small organza bags. I love these little gifts because after you have used the candle tarts, you can use the organza bags to hold potpourri, jewelry, or other goodies. While Rose is a great scent, I decided to create some new tarts in different floral scents and colors for you to enjoy:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101203703/10-ten-gardenia-scented-soy-candle-tarts" target="_blank">Gardenia Candle Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<b>Gardenia</b>. The Gardenia shrub has large brilliant white (or sometimes yellow) blooms. Interestingly, this plant is actually part of the coffee family (gotta love it even more!), and most frequently grows in the subtropics of Africa, southern Asia, Australia, etc. You can grow Gardenia in the United States, but they do best in the humid, southern states. <br />
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While the Gardenia is sweet like the Rose tarts, our Gardenia scent is a lot richer fragrance than Rose. It is warm, with a more tropical flowery scent. When given as a gift, Gardenia can represent several emotions including joy, hospitality, grace and secret love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/100902215/6-six-jasmine-soy-candle-tarts-floral" target="_blank">Jasmine Candle Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<b>Jasmine</b>. Moving from the coffee family to the olive family, the Jasmine is a climbing plant. These flowers are also often white or pale yellow, but are a great deal smaller than the Gardenia. In fact, some varieties of Jasmine flowers look almost like little stars.<br />
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As with the Gardenia plant, Jasmine is another tropical flower but it is a sweeter scent. Jasmine means different things to different cultures. In Victorian tradition, Jasmine represented modesty and elegance, while in other cultures Jasmine is the flower of sensuality, romance and attachment. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DXip8Y_xm2KpZqs895u6IiaYbMFwH5hxrCHHgz1jV3xuCEZbWtppKGNcAb2rvUyMYVk4Tt2mzAoyNvr_IoQZhSRl96W17JpRYAnVpWGq5A361lLmbzKSxCfF-Yo2FscFhNtARxbGhipW/s1600/IMG-20120602-00176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DXip8Y_xm2KpZqs895u6IiaYbMFwH5hxrCHHgz1jV3xuCEZbWtppKGNcAb2rvUyMYVk4Tt2mzAoyNvr_IoQZhSRl96W17JpRYAnVpWGq5A361lLmbzKSxCfF-Yo2FscFhNtARxbGhipW/s320/IMG-20120602-00176.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101235177/4-four-lilac-scented-soy-candle-tarts?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank">Lilac Candle Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<b>Lilac</b>. Also a member of the olive family, Lilac flowers grow both in tree and shrub form and take the shape of cones or clusters of blooms. Most people associate Lilac with a particular shade of light purple, but this flower also blooms in pink and white. Today, the lilac symbolizes youthful innocence and first love.<br />
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While I decided to make these Lilac tarts in a springtime green color, you may also request the more traditional purple, pink and white colors. When it arrives, you will notice that our Lilac scent has a surprisingly fresh scent (almost citrus-like) at first sniff, intermingled with a spicy sweetness afterwards.<br />
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I plan to make some blue, purple and red tarts in the next few weeks - so keep an eye out for new scents and colors!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-82761214129073225702012-05-15T12:23:00.001-07:002012-05-15T12:23:20.567-07:00No Time for YarnI have not done any serious knitting for a month at least. I am seeding and planting my garden with Victorian plants and setting some aside to sell at the farmers' market in town. Gardening is as soothing to me as knitting. I love to see the seedlings emerge from the potting mix and nurturing them to garden readiness is its own reward. Many of the old plants lend themselves to patterns for knitted blankets or curtains. The ladies of the 19th century loved lace, and their favorite flowers have a lacy look and texture. The names are sentimental and romantic. I am especially fond of Love in the Mist and Cupid's Dart. Columbine requires more patience than many modern gardeners have time for. I plant the seeds this year, protect them during the winter and get my reward the second year when they start to bloom. For my less patient friends I plant extra seeds so that they can take plants home in the spring for blossoms later in the summer. I am already collecting old nylon stockings to store the bulbs that must be lifted in the fall and replanted in the spring. The catalogs for the fall bulbs have started to arrive and I am just now getting the last of the zinnias in their pots. The geraniums are almost ready to explode into bright red and scent the garden with lemon, chocolate, mint and other more subtle perfumes. I also try the Victorian practice of planting a new exotic or two every year to see how they do. This year I planted toad lilies (from Japan and they do not like Indiana very much) and Mexican shell flowers. The Mexican shell flowers are doing very well and I can't wait to see what their flowers are like. So far there is spiky green foliage and nothing else. The Siberian irises are struggling to come to maturity and my vanilla orchid is putting out an inch of growth a day. By this time next year I hope to have a vanilla blossom scent the greenhouse. Josephine Bonaparte was a great lover of exotic plants. It was she who noticed how beautiful dahlia flowers were. The plant was imported from south America for its edible roots. If it had not been for Napoleon's empress the breeding frenzy that has produced so many beautiful varieties might never have happened.<br />
By this time next month I hope to have my garden duties limited to cutting bouquets for the house and thinning the early plants to make room for the late summer and fall bloomers. This fall there will be asters and chrysanthemums and moss roses in the gardens ready to pave the way for the holly berries. I am potting the seedlings from my Japanese maple tree to root and give to friends at Christmas. I can sit in the warm September and October sun, knitting needles in hand and begin the sweaters and blankets for the long winter days inside. Of course I will spend as much time as possible in the sun room. My plumeria, the citrus trees and the avocado will have finished their vacation outside and keep me company while the storms and snows decorate the sleeping garden.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-22760215759194112392012-05-05T09:55:00.000-07:002012-05-05T10:14:44.612-07:00Greetings from Crystal, the Pumpkin Tender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nIYyWwvrzJfxrtUT0SpStmKRSDwyxgyi8zOKawlho73vMaWgihy3Oy8u0WRK9E4E2vEvarChfUGGc3-hc_OKcKDowuygTDL_zHpIOPDWgEzSeFTVl4Vi_VSKeGpNEzKB9SeylkCp-MkQ/s1600/White+Feathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nIYyWwvrzJfxrtUT0SpStmKRSDwyxgyi8zOKawlho73vMaWgihy3Oy8u0WRK9E4E2vEvarChfUGGc3-hc_OKcKDowuygTDL_zHpIOPDWgEzSeFTVl4Vi_VSKeGpNEzKB9SeylkCp-MkQ/s320/White+Feathers.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
So I have just realized that while we have all us her at Poison Garden have been introduced in general terms, only Nona from Nona's Knits has officially introduced herself. To rectify this gap, I shall go next! Since I am terrible at writing about myself, I'm going to reveal a part of my dorky nature and give myself interview questions....<br />
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<b>Where am I from?</b><br />
Well, I was born in Orange County, California but raised in Gloucester, Virginia. Gloucester is a relatively rural county that is located by Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg so I grew up in an area steeped in colonial history. In fact, I volunteered at the Yorktown Victory Center as a pre-teen and worked at Colonial Williamsburg while I was in college. <br />
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<b>Education? </b><br />
I am a Political Scientist in training, with an interest in terrorism, political violence and women's rights in the developing world. I got my Bachelor's degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va then went on to the Master's program at Purdue University in Indiana. I am currently working on my dissertation at Purdue.<br />
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<b>Children?</b> <br />
Nope, not unless you count my three dogs. Layla, the French Bulldog, Ty the Pitbull and Fiona the Pitador (Pitbull plus lab) - they are my babies! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ty and Layla</td></tr>
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<b>Interests?</b><br />
Books: I love to read. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and a recent convert to the Hunger Games Trilogy. I also use to read a lot of vampire novels before it was popular, especially the Anita Blake books, Sookie Stackhouse novels and Anne Rice. But I also like reading classic works like Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland, and Wuthering Heights. <br />
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TV: I alternate a lot on what I watch but right now my favorites are Once Upon a Time, Castle and Merlin.<br />
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Color: Green!<br />
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Music: I mostly listen to metal with some folk rock such as In Flames, Rasputina, Nine Inch Nails.<br />
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<b>How did I get involved in Poison Garden (aka PG)?</b><br />
Well, Melissa was one of the first people I met when I moved to Indiana. We actually met through the internet (gasp!), met in public to decide we weren't dangerous and slowly became best friends. I eventually met her grandmother Suzette. Melissa had worked on a couple of projects before PG and I actually bought a ribbon necklace from her. I started helping her make ribbon jewelry and then we decided to form our own group.<br />
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<b>Why am I the Pumpkin Tender?</b><br />
Anyone who has spent anytime with me from September through November knows that I am obsessed with pumpkins. Every time we drive past a pumpkin patch I squeal. I think they are adorable! And I love them.... I also love Octopi.<br />
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Well that is enough for now... hope you enjoyed!<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-9396149066458993352012-03-29T04:59:00.005-07:002012-03-29T05:56:55.906-07:00How to make a sock toe from a flat piece of knittingI have found a new way to start socks from the toe up. Try this method and let me know if my directions are understandable. I will make and post a video of this technique when I get the head camera.<br /><br />Here goes:<br /><br /> This technique requires a set of four or five double pointed needles. You will use only two needles until you finish turning the toe of the sock.<br />You will need a piece of scrap yarn in a color contrasting the color to your sock yarn. The scrap should be the same weight as the sock yarn.<br /><br />Use the scrap yarn to cast on 1/2 the number of stitches needed for the body of the sock. For example, if you are making a 48 stitch heavy weight sock, cast on 24 stitches in the scrap yarn. Pick up the stitches with the yarn you are using for the socks. Knit across the row with your sock yarn. Turn. Slip one stitch and purl to the end of the row. Turn. Slip one stitch as if to purl and knit to the stitch slipped on the previous row. Turn. Slip the fist stitch (two slipped stitches on the left needle and one slipped stitch on the right needle). Purl to the slipped stitch. Turn. Slip one stitch and knit to the slipped stitch at the end of the row. Turn. Continue until you have completed 20 rows. The last row is a purl row. You will have the same number of slipped stitches at both ends of the needle.<br /><br />Turn the toe, still using the two needles and working back and forth along the flat rows.<br />Slip one stitch and knit across to the most recently slipped stitch. (For a 24 stitch toe you will knit five stitches.) Slip the next stitch as if to knit. Pick up the loop at the base of the next stitch. Move the slipped stitch to the left hand needle and knit the slipped stitch and the loop together in the back stitch. Turn. Slip one stitch as if to purl. Purl the number of knit stitches plus one. For 24 stitches you will knit 6 stitches. Slip the next stitch as if to purl and pick up the loop at the base of the next stitch. Purl these two stitches together. Continue in this way until you have picked up all the stitches. (You will have the number of stitches on your needle that you originally cast on.)<br /><br />Using a third needle, knit across half the stitches. Using a fourth needle, knit across the second half of the stitches. This will give you the bottom of the sock.<br /><br />Using a third and a fourth (free) needle, knit across the cast on row. Remove the scrap yarn as you go, knitting in the loops of the sock yarn. This is your instep. Discard the scrap yarn and continue with the foot of your sock.<br /><br />This gives you a finished tow without having to make Kitchener stitches or working on the round with very few stitches. The resulting toe is smooth and the seams are tight and even.<br /><br />Have fun.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-22026258208539340372012-03-12T08:39:00.002-07:002012-03-12T08:42:18.154-07:00Poconos Knitting RetreatFor all those who love knitting and could use some time away from any distractions, check out the knitting retreat sponsored by Kraemer yarns. It is on their web site kraemeryarns.com. Maybe we can meet in the Poconos this fall. I love their yarns and it will be nice to have a chance to learn new skills and try my hand at dying and spinning. I hope to see you there.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-54536606846572493502012-03-11T06:29:00.004-07:002012-03-11T06:40:17.586-07:00LaceMy knitter's block is a memory, quickly fading as I make lace borders. They don't have to have a reason to be. They are beautiful on their own. I look at plain blouses or sweaters and see how much prettier they will look with a bit of lace at the collar and cuffs. Lace on top of the ribbed cuff of socks or gloves changes a utilitarian necessity into a charming fashion accessory.<br /><br />Every culture has unique knits. They can be made from wool, silk, cotton or angora and bamboo. Some people knit them; others make them by tatting or knotting thread-like lace weight yarn. My grandmother made crochet lace that was the envy of the women in her neighborhood.<br /><br />This fall I am attending a knitting retreat in the Poconos. I have listed the lace making class and the tatting class as my two most desired classes, although I am sure the hand dying and the learn-to-spin classes will challenge and invigorate me.<br /><br />What am I going to do with the knitted borders I make? I am posting them on etsy as a made to order product. Buy a plain cardigan or tee-shirt and I will make a lace trim for you in the fiber that suits you best. Buy a blouse or an antique brooch and I will fashion a set of lace cuffs for your blouse and a choker for the brooch.<br /><br />Squares of lace make a blouse beautiful. Look me up and try a bit of froth.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-51132614110559537812012-03-05T09:10:00.002-08:002012-03-05T09:23:39.394-08:00Knitter's BlockI have knitter's block. Knitter's block is the inability to see the garment or pattern in the yarns around you. I have heard of the condition but never suffered from it before. I tried to start four projects but nothing seemed to work. I reviewed the knitting books I have in my library--no inspiration from the lace or cable patterns. I held different weight yarns and tried to envision what a finished garment would look like if they became lace or a stockinette sweater or summer shawl. Nothing! No one I know is in need of a knitted or crocheted garment. I can usually think of a project that would appeal to someone on etsy. Not even a fleeting thought. Knitting needles feel heavy in my hands and the ideas I have for spring and summer colors seem tired and over used.<br /><br />I think it is time for something new. My son-in-law is helping me make videos of knitting techniques for me to share with all of you. The first one will be a segment on styles of casting on. I am also working on demonstrations of starting socks from the toe up and the from the cuff down. If there is a special technique you would like to see demonstrated, let me know. I will post directions and make a video when my son-in-law has time. <br /><br />In the meantime I will put my needles in their case and organize my yarn. The fiber will speak to me when the time is right. Sharing my experience will have to do in the meantime.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-20458902084881152392012-02-16T09:51:00.000-08:002012-02-16T10:25:36.689-08:00Warmth in the WinterMy son-in-law is restoring a Victorian Queen Anne house inn which I plan to open a B&B with a small gift shop on the ground floor. In keeping with the age of the house and the antique furnishings, I am using period patterns to make knitted and crocheted coverlets and bedspreads for the guest rooms and for sale in the shop. The floral patterns and intricate yarn over lace work pieces are lovely to look at. The patterns are not always easy to follow. Like period recipes the directions are sometimes idiosyncratic. I have yet to find the Mrs. Beaton of needlework to give a standard set of abbreviations and directions to these antique instructions.<br /><br />I envision a group of women sitting in a parlor or a country kitchen showing each other how to turn string into a blanket or coverlet to keep their children warm and beautify their homes. I imagine they show their young daughters how to make a doily that will one day be a piece of lace in a larger tablecloth or coverlet. What better way to prepare your child to make the scarves and sweaters her own children will need than to have her make the table runners and place mats with scraps of left over yarn? What a practical outlet for the creative spirit inside these craftswomen.<br /><br />I envy them. I am trying to develop patterns of my own, and I am finding the design of a pattern that fits the measurements I need is not as easy as deciphering the patterns of that long ago era.<br />So far I am a poor follower rather than an innovator, but I am getting closer to my own patterns with every row I copy from them. Even if I never devise a pattern of my own that meets their standard I shall have had the pleasure of their company through their work and their directions. It is a privilege to share a bit of their world while working towards my own goal of covering the tables and beds of my B&B.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-18412641747647467322012-02-10T10:27:00.001-08:002012-02-10T11:01:16.685-08:00Sanquhar Classic KnitsWhile doing research on two and three color knitting I discovered Sanquhar knitting. It is from the southern part of Scotland and looks very elvish. It is not quite Norwegian and not quite Fair Isle, but it is beautiful. The patterns are based on squares. Each square is outlined in a darker color and inside the individual squares are a set of geometric shapes in the dark color on a light background. The shapes compliment each other and there is usually a ten row repeat of the patterns. The odd number squares exchange patterns with the even numbered squares back and forth for the length of the piece. These patterns are not for the faint of heart or easily frustrated. Once you master the repeats you can let up your guard some, but it requires close attention for the patterns to be true. I strongly recommend you start them when it is quiet and you are at the top of your game mentally. Sanquhar knitting is a great warm-up for the NYT Sunday puzzle or a hidden object game. You definitely need a row counter and rings to separate the pattern repeats. It is as good as any meditation technique. When I am learning a pattern the whole world fades away and only the colors on the grid come into focus. After thirty minutes I have to take a break or the pattern becomes too hard to follow. <br /><br />I have a set of socks on the needles now and I shall post them on etsy as soon as they are finished. Sanquhar knits are also great for gloves and scarves. Be careful how tightly you carry the colors. If you pull them too tight the stretch will be gone from the knit. If you don't keep an even tension you will find the individual stitches are not even and that gives you an uneven pattern.<br /><br />So far the best wool for me has been Peruvian fingering weight wool, but I think it would be a good idea for a less experienced knitter to start on large needles with worsted weight yarn and make a Sanquhar lap robe or scarf. A triangle shawl might also be a good way to start.Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-59715374721019931972012-02-10T10:27:00.000-08:002012-02-10T10:27:45.209-08:00Poison Garden: Selecting yarn for winter socks.<a href="http://poison-garden.blogspot.com/2011/12/selecting-yarn-for-winter-socks.html?spref=bl">Poison Garden: Selecting yarn for winter socks.</a>: Take care when selecting yarn for winter socks. In addition to weight and color there are important decisions. Winter socks require extra w...Nona Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17856996841670371950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2637483816989181114.post-75107563691496398742012-01-14T16:19:00.000-08:002012-01-14T16:20:06.837-08:00BEST Featured Artists: ReflectionsHello all! It has been a few weeks since my last confession... uh feature. Now that the holidays are over and 2012 has officially started, I am looking for some time to relax and refresh... So it's time to do a little shopping!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79293008/tea-pot-copper-portugal-vintage" target="_blank">Vintage Portuguese Copper Tea Pot</a></td></tr>
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I really like this vintage copper tea pot discovered by Connie Haskell of Redemption Art. It was originally made in Portugal and features a ceramic handle. I can only imagine sitting next to the window on a cold snowy morning this winter and pouring a hot cup of tea out of this pot. Connie has lots of other vintage items she "found" in Hawaii including perfume bottles, garden decor, brass lights, and many more items. I envy her as she gets to go out shopping for these objects! Be sure to check her out elsewhere on the web including her <a href="http://www.islandbuzzy.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/islandbuzzy" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redemptionartetsycom/163890373630815" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.297601646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.297601646.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89093514/pearls-and-charms-key-heart-coin" target="_blank">Key Heart Coin Necklace</a></td></tr>
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And with Valentine's day coming up, how about this pretty charm necklace featuring pearls and silver charms? I particularly love the key and heart charms on either side of the necklace. The necklace also lays out very nicely so be sure to check out other pictures of the necklace on the website. CC, the artists at Blue White Wear, makes lovely jewelry inspired by her time in Asia and now Chile. She also works with the traditional blue and white ceramic beads from Asia. You can find out more about CC and her jewelry at her <a href="http://bluewhitewear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> and follow her on <a href="http://twitter.com/bluewhitewear" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.284961563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.284961563.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85774719/multicolored-drop-shell-crochet-jangle?ga_search_query=drop%2Bshell&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6240231" target="_blank">Drop Shell Crocheted Bracelet</a></td></tr>
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And last but not least, check out this shell bracelet made by Ellen Mackler of Gmaellen's store. This bracelet jumped out at me right away. It makes me think so much about the beach (and what I would not give to be on one right now!). The colors make me think of a sunset, while the draping shells on the crochet pattern remind me of a fishing net. So gorgeous! Be sure to check out Ellen's other pieces of jewelry, as well as her <a href="http://gmaellenscraftycorner.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/ellenmargaret2" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Crochet-and-more-by-GMaEllen/239770779407895" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages. <br />
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Well that is all for this week - be sure to check back with us for more great items!<br />
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If you are an Etsy artist and are interested in writing weekly blog
articles featuring other Etsy artists, while also gaining
exposure for your own store, then head over and check out the
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/5645/besteam-boosting-etsy-shops-team">BESTeam</a> for more information.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13776951595622048386noreply@blogger.com4